//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 – When in Doubt, Write it out // Story: Evenfall // by Yinglung //------------------------------// Twilight sighed. Although she and her friends were becoming influential members of the Ponyville citizenry, instead of just some mares who happened to defeat Nightmare Moon, her other plans weren’t going as smoothly as she wanted. She had planned to use the time after the Gala as an opportunity to preemptively restore Discord before he could wreck reality with his chaos magic. The Gala was a rare moment on which the six could be reasonably excused to go to Canterlot together and meet with the princesses. To Twilight, Discord was someone quite special, because he was someone who shared a similar fate with the ancient tome, who was also silently embedded in stone. In a sense, they were ‘fellow’ solitary prisoners. Whenever she thought of him, a welling of sympathy appeared in her heart. She was savvy to its irony, and she often wryly compared her own visceral reaction, to the other visceral but negative reaction the ‘alternate’ Twilight gave to the ‘alternate’ Discord. Despite so, she couldn’t wait until the day came. But before that, she could only wistfully gaze at the calendar. The changelings were still elusive. Whatever little news she gathered were vague at best and contradictory at worst. Some said there was suspected sighting in the Badlands, others said they were in Zebrica. Still there was even a report that claimed there were black bug swarms in the Frozen North. However, all of them were so unreliable and circumspect that it was impossible to individually verify. She did, however, find Starlight Glimmer’s old friend Sunburst in Canterlot through several layers of contact. But as expected, he had no idea where Starlight Glimmer was. She turned to the logbook she kept about the businesses she was involved in. Although the plans to expand Sweet Apple Acres were put on hold after some legal and monetary wrangling with the Blueblood estate and the subsequent need to find another piece of land to buy, the Apples did plant much more apples this season with the help of bits and new equipment. She herself was having a lot more bits to spend after her burgeoning enterprise started to take shape, and even though the size of her own operation was largely restricted to Ponyville and Canterlot proper, some of the resale organized by Filthy Rich reached as far as Manehattan. Now Zecora had a small residence in the town which also served as her second brewing manufactory, and she hired an earth mare called Junebug to help her out. Rarity also got in on the entrepreneurial spirit and started her gem mining operation. Technically, she was just renting the lands around the gem mine from the crown. That might prove to be troublesome if she wanted to build facilities around it and expand the operation. In reality, Celestia did not concern herself too much with production activities on crown lands, given that the tenants paid the crown the associated rents and taxes, but it would certainly raise her eyebrows if ponies, and even diamond dogs, suddenly gathered and formed a small town right next to Canterlot without royal charter. In fact, there were already several huts and cottages on site, built for and by the hired pony workers. The few workers there somehow came up with the name ‘Raritan’, which was cheerfully accepted by Rarity and now used in internal documents. Twilight and Rarity had discussed previously, and Twilight decided that the next time they have defeated another Kingdom-threatening villain, the granting of land near the mines and a provisional town charter was going to be one of the first boons they would ask for. Basically, they together held influences in agriculture, commerce, and production, therefore had a lot of say regarding matters of local economy. Still, there was one thing amiss, that is, social and political influence. Almost all town matters have to go through the hooves of the mayor. The mayoral position of Ponyville was, however, a royal appointment. Mayor Mare herself was born in Ponyville, but she was grown and pampered in the royal capital to become the appointed mayor. This was not to say she was not a diligent and duty-bound mayor, but she was unwilling to implement anything too radical in her eyes, the only exception being that time Pinkie Pie turned the bridge movable. To the concern of the purple mare, there were a glaring lack of political representation not only in Ponyville, but in the whole of Equestria. But for now, the feudal monarchical system meant, even as she and her friends grew in wealth and other sort of influences, much of the local matters were still out of her hooves. This not only caused troubles for her business operations, but also went against her long-term goal for equality and representation in Equestria. To deal with this, Twilight planned to establish a way to broadcast and promote her ideas. Twilight scratched her head. Freedom of press was inconsistent in Equestria as it was not codified in law. Princess Celestia, bless her, was in general tolerant and laid-back towards personal satire. But she was less tolerant of ponies arguing back and forth regarding her tens of hundreds of edicts and laws, which she saw as a breach of communal harmony. With the return of her little royal sister and the associated gossips, she would likely not be too pleased with a too free press. And of course, nobles and other influential ponies have reasons of their own to either promote or suppress certain types of news. The only national newspaper in Equestria is the Canterlot Times, though some regional newspapers and specialist magazines existed in bigger cities like Manehattan. Canterlot Times had strong royal ties, had myriads of below-desk relations, and restricted its sources of information heavily, so she couldn’t hope to rely on it to advertise her ideas. Ponyville had only one local newspaper of its own, the Ponyville Express. It was less of a newspaper and more of an official gazette for events held by the town council and weather schedules. The mares all agreed that it was extremely boring and uninformative. School newspaper also existed, but it was just for banal news and gossips. Twilight planned to establish a newspaper herself, both to shape local opinions and as a stepping stone for a larger media enterprise. However, besides having to tread carefully on editorial balance, Twilight was way overstretched with her maintaining the library, teaching Spike and running the brewing business at the same time. She had to find some helpers in order to start her plan, but who could she rely on? Applejack, with her firm sense for honesty, was the prime candidate. Unfortunately, she had dedicated her entire attention towards her farm. Pinkie Pie ran the bakery. Rarity had designing work and her gem mind to tend to. Trixie helped Rarity with her work. This left her with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash had been dreaming about joining the Wonderbolts ever since she was a little filly. But Twilight seldom heard her talk about it in recent days. She still cleared clouds for the town, and occasionally came into the library to read Daring Do. Twilight had heard from her friends that Rainbow Dash practiced her flying less and less, and only performed tricks when Scootaloo asked her to. Was it because she’s already confident enough? Twilight had no idea. In any case… Newspaper and Rainbow Dash? Twilight was having a difficult time picturing the impulsive and action-loving cyan mare as some gruff editor-in-chief sitting behind a desk and handling delicate matters of what to publish and what not to. Fluttershy continued as the town’s animal caretaker. She sometimes modelled for Rarity and went on short trips to Canterlot as freelance fashion model. There she met Photo Finish as well, who had always wanted to net Fluttershy into some long-term contract, but the yellow mare always firmly refused. Could Fluttershy, a kind and soft-spoken mare, be somepony who was willing to stand her ground and report what needed to report though? “Aaaaorgh!” Twilight let out a desperate growl, which startled the purple dragon reading nearby. “Wow!” Spike exclaimed. “What’s up, Twilight?” “Um, sorry Spike.” Twilight sheepishly said. “I’m just toiling over a really difficult decision.” “Can I know? Maybe I can help you out a bit.” Spike offered. Twilight looked at Spike for a bit, then nodded in defeat. “Thanks Spike. Well you see, I’d always wanted to establish a local newspaper, but I can’t tend to it with me also running the brewing merchandise. I’m thinking about finding my friends to help. They knew about my plan and they would probably help if I ask, but I don’t know who to ask! As far as I know though, probably only Rainbow and Fluttershy had enough time for this.” “Hmm.” Spike thoughtfully said. “Why don’t you ask themselves then? What they themselves think might not be the same as what you think about them.” Spike’s words were like a mire-splitting thunder in Twilight’s head. “You got a point in there, Spike. Let me gather both of them right now!” Twilight bolted out of the door before Spike could even respond. “Wow, Twi surely is anxious about this newspaper thingy. I wonder why?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After some moment, Twilight brought both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash into the tree library. Spike watched them trotting upwards with uncertain looks, but decided to simply concentrate on his current assignment, the fancy but troublesome tongue of Prance. Twilight lightly closed the door to her room, and turned to the two pegasi, “Rainbow, Fluttershy, sorry to gather you girls in such a hurry, but this thing is eating at my mind for too long.” “Shoot away, Twi, I’ve got time. It’s not like I’ve got anything meaningful to do.” Rainbow shrugged. “Twilight, you say you have, um, something troubling you? I’d try my best to help within my ability.” Fluttershy lightly nodded. “Thanks girls. Let’s cut to the chase then. I want to hire an editor-in-chief for my new newspaper. Which one of you can help?” Fluttershy covered her mouth and slightly gasped, while Rainbow just stared at Twilight with an inscrutable look. They both seemed to deliberate for a while as a nervous Twilight looked on, then they both said. “I can... Eh?” “I can... Eh?” They immediately looked at each other in surprise. Twilight had not expected that not only they would both agree, they would also agree so quickly. “Whoa, I mean, thanks. But um, you both think it through, right?” “I guess. I mean it’s not like I’ve got tons of things to do. I kick clouds, yeah, occasionally. Hanging out with Scoots also isn’t a super time killer. And practicing…” She trailed off. “Anyway! I can do this for you, I’m the Element of Loyalty after all, ha! Just, uh, you have to give me some pointers, I’m not exactly the most eloquent pony around here.” Rainbow lightly chuckled. “And um, I just want to help you and some other ponies out,” Fluttershy said, “I met some former staff members of the Canterlot Times when I was working with Photo Finish. Some of them… got fired for views that are not in line with the main editor. I might be able to bring them over if you want. Besides, writing might be a good way for me to express myself.” Twilight’s eyes lit up, “That’s excellent!” Rainbow Dash wryly grinned. “Yeah great. How about we both join in on Twi’s little project then, Fluttershy?” “I have no objection.” Fluttershy smiled. Twilight felt as if a dark cloud had been lifted from her mind. She excitedly said, “Behold, the birth of… Wait a moment, I haven’t even thought of a name yet!” Fluttershy pondered for a while. “… Um, Twilight’s Ponyville Gazette?” “Uh, sounds too much like Twi’s personal journal. I mean, Twi sure won’t object to it,” Rainbow grinned at the gulping purple mare. “But we should be more discreet. What about the Daily Ponyville?” “Sounds fine. But we aren’t making it a daily publication yet, at least in the beginning.” Twilight said. “Just not enough news and market in this rural town.” “Well.” Fluttershy smiled. “How about the Ponyville Mirror? Mirror, as in a way for ponies to reflect upon their lives and themselves.” “Excellent!” Twilight exclaimed. She chuckled and added. “Such a meaningful name. I almost thought we should just give up and call the paper the Ponyville Times.” “To be fair, it isn’t a bad name. But ponies would probably just think that it’s a Canterlot Times knock-off.” Rainbow commented. “And that’s not what I wanted to see,” Twilight shook her head. “Anyway, I’d better go to finish up my work here. Fluttershy, I’ll accompany you to talk with those ex-Canterlot Times staff in person. Rainbow, do you want to stay or come with us?” “I don’t mind coming… but I gotta apply for leave with the weather team first.” Rainbow Dash said. “And I guess Angel’s now a good enough bunny to look after the other animals.” Fluttershy muttered. Twilight’s eyebrows knitted, “Angel Bunny? Uhh…” Fluttershy frowned at the purple mare and said firmly, “I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time, Twilight. Angel is not a bad bunny, he is just assertive and very protective of me. And I have been firmly teaching him not to be overbearing in his assertiveness. Now he’s perfectly able to help me take care of the animals. You see, that’s also why I haven’t asked Spike to help looking after them.” “I see, I apologize for my unfounded preconception, Fluttershy.” Twilight sheepishly said. “No need to apologize, Twilight. I know you’re just concerned with Spike.” Fluttershy smiled. “Okay, that’s enough tangent to go off in a day.” Rainbow huffed. “Oh my, I just realize something. We haven’t decided on who’s going to be in which position in this new newspaper yet.” Fluttershy said. “Oh, right.” Rainbow Dash said, a bit absent-mindedly. “Do you want to be the editor-in-chief, Rainbow?” Twilight asked. “Nah, not if Fluttershy also want to.” Rainbow shook her head. “Oh, Rainbow. I’m content just to be a writer.” Fluttershy sheepishly said. “How about this.” Twilight suggested. “I would be the chair of the Ponyville Mirror Trust, who oversee the bit flow and general operation. Rainbow, you can be the editor-in-chief. Your job is to delegate tasks to staff members and manage them.” Rainbow nodded, but she then slightly frowned, “But Twilight, I’m not as good at organizing stuffs as you.” “Don’t underestimate your own ability, Rainbow! That’s unlike you.” Twilight chuckled. “Don’t worry in any case, I’ll help you out in the beginning. Remember, a good editor-in-chief must also be independent-minded. That’s why I think you’re more than suitable.” Rainbow slowly smiled. “Well then, Twilight. I’ll do my best.” Twilight shot a smile at the cyan mare, then turned to Fluttershy. “Well Fluttershy, you can be the executive editor. You report to Rainbow, ensure the team complete their work and report any problem that you find.” “I see.” Fluttershy said. “Three mares are far from enough to run a good newspaper. We need to go on a pony-hunt.” Twilight said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two days later, the three mares finally finished up the work on their hooves, and departed Ponyville for the royal capital. After Twilight gave Spike his new share of Français assignments, they left in the early morning on the Royal Chariot. They soared through the cool morning air, and briskly arrived before the main gate to the hill capital. Twilight insisted that they should not just enter Canterlot in a chariot, to avoid disturbing the peace of the city. “Sky Stream.” Twilight asked as she gave the Royal Guards her customary gift. “I heard that you and your wife had a foal! Congratulations! I’ve also included some baby goods vouchers this time.” She winked. “You’re always so understanding, Missus Twilight. I thank you for your kind giving.” Sky Stream lightly smiled. He and Fast Winds then departed for the chariot depot near the royal castle. “Twi, you always shower gifts and goodies at these ponies,” Rainbow Dash smirked. “Are you sure you haven’t become the Element of Generosity somehow?” Fluttershy merely frowned. “Twilight, are you sure you’ve got enough bit to spread around?” Twilight offered an awkward smile, “Well, for now yes. But when we get the newspaper running, I might need to find some extra sources of income. The newspaper business isn’t going to earn us bits. In fact, it’d likely be a bit-devourer.” The mares continued to talk about additional sources of income, but the discussion was largely fruitless. Fluttershy noticed that Rainbow seemed to be preoccupied with something all day, but she didn’t have the heart to ask. They eventually arrived at the studio of Photo Finish. It was a glossy, modern building with large transparent windows. The building blocks were grey, but its outline was adorned with blue and yellow beams. It contrasted strongly with the white, gold and purple spires nearby. Fluttershy gestured the other two mares, and they trotted into the building. It was a busy scene, models and photographers streamed from room to room. They could see flashing lights from studios, inside which ponies with drastically different styles eagerly posed. They walked straight along the brightly-lit and well decorated corridor, and arrived at an office. Fluttershy did not hesitate this time, and promptly raised her voice, “Um, Madame Finish, I’m Fluttershy, I came for an important business.” Some rumbling was heard from the room. Then Photo Finish was heard through the door. “Come in, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy lead Twilight and Rainbow Dash into the office. There they saw the aloof fashion photographer sitting behind her desk, shuffling several photos. “Ah Fluttershy. You come at a good time. I, Photo Finish, am in a conundrum. See these photos?” Fluttershy took the photos from Photo Finish’s hoof. They were three photos of Sapphire Shores, the famous pop star, striking slightly different poses. “Normally, I, Photo Finish, am quick to spot the best of the best shots. But all those angles seemed to capture different aspects of the gorgeous Sapphire Shores. So I, Photo Finish, ask of you, which one do you think is the best to put on her record cover?” Fluttershy narrowed her eyes, these shots were similar in composition. The first one showed Sapphire with a cavalier gaze, the second one with an enticing expression, and the last one with a warm smile. Twilight and Rainbow leaned in to see the photos. They looked at one another, and then whispered something into the yellow mare’s ears. Fluttershy then nodded and said. “Madame Finish, the first one is the best.” Photo Finish raised her eyebrow. “Oh? Why, pray tell?” “This photo.” Fluttershy held up the photo. “showed Sapphire Shores in a way that her fans most adore her for, a mare that independent, skilled and beautiful at the same time.” “Also as I recall.” Twilight interjected. “There’re few photos that show her with such a detached and yet beguiling look. This one would surely go down well with her younger fans.” “Perfect! That’s what I, Photo Finish, thought as well.” Photo Finish nodded in affirmation, “Thank you Fluttershy. And your equally eagle-eyed friends too.” “Greetings, Madame Finish, I’m Twilight Sparkle. She’s Rainbow Dash. We’re Fluttershy’s friends.” “Ah ha. I hear your accent, Twilight Sparkle. You sound like you come from Canterlot, yes?” Photo Finish asked. “You have an owl’s hearing as well, Madame Finish.” Twilight sheepishly grinned. “So, what matter brings you to my office?” Photo Finish asked. “Madame Finish, I’d like to look for the former Canterlot Times ponies that were with us the last time.” Fluttershy said. “Indeed. We may be able to arrange it, so that they’d be able to get back to their old profession.” Twilight added. Photo Finish lightly huffed, and leaned back in her seat. “You know why we turned them away, do you Fluttershy?” “Um, because you have no need for so many writing staffs?” Fluttershy suggested. “No, no, Fluttershy. We have much need for writing talents for our press pieces,” Photo Finish shook her head. “Let me tell you. They wanted to report on the deals between the magistrates and rich magnates. These ponies are our patrons. We could not afford to lose them.” Twilight’s face turned a bit sour. Photo Finish continued. “If you decide to take them on, you take the risk of offending these important Canterlot ponies.” Rainbow Dash said plainly. “We will operate out of Ponyville. They should be out of the eye of the storm.” “Indeed. We also have some… background of our own.” Twilight added. “Very well. You mares seem to know what you’re doing. But don’t say, I, Photo Finish, haven’t warned you.” Photo Finish sighed. “Those ponies have formed a literary club at the east side of the city. They seemed to want to publish something else but don’t have to bits or permit to do so. They would probably appreciate your help.” “Thank you, Madame Finish!” Twilight smiled as the mares curtsied. “By the way, Fluttershy, since you’re here, I, Photo Finish, want you to join me in an outdoor photo-shoot,” Photo Finish said. “It’s for a new company selling bath mixes, called L'Aurore.” The mares tried to conceal their snickers, as they stumbled upon the photo-shoot for their own company. “Hey, Fluttershy, go ahead and do your best! We can deal with the newspaper stuffs on our own.” Rainbow Dash laughed. Fluttershy sheepishly smiled. “If you say so.” Photo Finish waited and then raised her eyebrow. “What are you all still waiting for? Is there something else?” “Actually, we still want to ask you a few questions.” Twilight said. “We greatly admire your photography skills, Madame Finish, would you happen to know anypony who would be able to join us as our press photographer?” Photo Finish gazed at the purple mare, then made a rare smile. “Why, yes. My cousin, Photo Instant, wanted to join my work for a long time. But I, Photo Finish, always think his photos were bereft of imagination. He might be useful for you though.” She then gave a card with his information on it to Twilight. Twilight took the card, “Thanks. One last question, Madame Finish. Would you be open to the idea of supplying content to our newspaper? Ponyville, in our opinion, will soon experience a boom and develop into a pulsing city. We desperately need your valuable artistic input to enrich the cultural scene of Ponyville.” Photo Finish slightly scowled. “While I, Photo Finish, am not averse to help you in my private capacity, a formal deal might still be...” “Please?” Fluttershy pled with watery eyes. Photo Finish looked at the yellow pegasus, and sighed. “Your innocent gaze is simply too much. Very well, I can provide content for your newspaper, but only on a deal-to-deal basis.” “Yay.” Fluttershy quietly cheered. “Madame Finish, I’m ready for your photo-shoot of today.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Twilight and Rainbow Dash gradually trotted from the west side of Canterlot, where rich and influential ponies reside, to the east side, where less affluent ponies make a living in the narrow streets and alleys. The sky had darkened by rain clouds, as the scheduled rain came on. Eventually, they arrived at a slightly dilapidated warehouse at the very periphery of the city. “Should be here, Rainbow.” Twilight said. “Huh? Oh, right.” Rainbow Dash nodded. Twilight trotted forth and banged on the iron rolling door with her hooves. They waited for quite a while, but nopony responded. Just as they wanted to leave and checked whether they had come to the wrong place, the voice of a young stallion boomed through the door. “Who’s there?” Twilight Sparkle looked at the cyan mare, who nodded at her. This was a time to be honest and frank. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, from the town of Ponyville. I have a proposal… regarding your work.” Sounds of some rushed steps were heard, then the closed door rolled up. A grey stallion with roughly cut blue mane was seen with a suspecting look. “Come with me, Twilight Sparkle. Fair Balance wants to see you.” The duo walked through piles of paper and some machine parts, then saw two ponies in the distance. One of them was a mare with milky white coat and reddish brown mane. The others one was a green stallion with very light yellow mane. They sat around a make-shift table made of wooden planks. “Well met, Twilight Sparkle.” The green stallion said. He was visibly older than all others, and had both a gruff look and gruff voice. “Fair Balance, I’d assume?” Twilight asked. “Also, you know me?” “Of course. Who in journalism don’t know the royal student who defeated Nightmare Moon?” The white mare commented. Rainbow Dash impatiently huffed. “And Rainbow Dash as well. She and my other friends together defeated Nightmare Moon,” Twilight added. “May we have the pleasure of knowing all of you?” “Of course, I’m indeed Fair Balance, former news editor of Canterlot Times.” He pointed to the white mare and the grey stallion. “She’s Honest Heart, and he’s Steady Creed. They were both associate editors in my team. So, what does the Princess’s student want from three luckless ponies?” “Are you trying to starting your own paper from this warehouse?” Rainbow Dash asked. “What are you asking this for?” Steady Creed lowly growled, “Are you two sent by them?” “Quiet, Steady Creed. If they’re sent by our enemies, they would have wrecked the place long ago.” Honest Heart snapped at the impulsive stallion. “We’re sorry. We’re just a bit frustrated and paranoid.” “Okay, I will just state our purpose plainly.” Twilight said. “We want to start a paper in Ponyville, and we were looking for journalistic talent. You all seem to be the best candidates out there. You are veteran journalists, but also not afraid to speak out against the status quo.” The three ponies was at different levels of surprise. “Are you sure about this?” Fair Balance asked suspiciously. “We aren’t exactly without ponies who want to shut us up with one mean or another.” “And what about our plan to start our own paper?” Steady Creed asked his two companions. Honest Heart rolled her eyes. “Does it look like to you that we have anywhere close to enough bits? Why did we need to go around and beg for jobs if so? Besides, we still couldn’t get a license from the ministry.” Twilight waited until the discussion had ceased. “Yes, I mean it. I will use all my connections and resources to my best extent to ensure that you can speak your mind without the threat of unlawful persecution.” “And we are based in Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash added. “Although this means we will focus on local matters rather than Canterlot, this also means you will be farther from ponies who don’t like the sight of you.” Steady Creed was not convinced. “Why would you, two young mares strongly connected to the royal crown, want to help us out? I thought the crown frown on voices of contention?” Fair Balance added. “Also, I heard that you have business ties to rich ponies in Ponyville and other cities. We reported on nobles that colluded with rich ponies and got kicked out. There is no reason for you to support ponies like us.” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Well yeah, we are in some way connected to royals and rich ponies. I don’t know about them, but we ourselves try our best to run decent businesses, and we also want Equestria to become more true and open.” “Indeed. To tell you the truth, I disagree with the princess on how she handle the press.” Twilight said, to the surprise of the three ponies. “I aim to find ways to change it. One way to do so is through patronage of free minds like you. We eventually want to see an Equestria with an open and free press.” “I appreciate your honesty, Twilight Sparkle. You must trust us a great deal to express your discontent at the princess’s policy.” Fair Balance grinned. “Aren’t you worried that we would take that to the press?” Twilight smiled and shook her head. “Well, go ahead if you want. I might as well lose the favor from the princess. But remember, nary a pony with influence in Equestria think so peculiarly like me.” “You’re be shooting your own hooves there, buddy.” Rainbow Dash reminded. “Hahaha! But of course, I’m not stupid.” Fair Balance laughed. “I’m going to throw in my lot with you, Twilight Sparkle, I have nothing to lose now. What about you two?” The two ponies looked at Fair Balance, eventually hardened their resolve and slowly nodded. “I’m grateful for the trust from all of you.” Twilight said. “Mind you, I’m still a small potato in terms of influence, so we can’t do relatively controversial pieces of investigative journalism at first.” Steady Creed frowned while Fair Balance raised an eyebrow. Twilight then immediately added. “As I said, we are a local paper anyway, and we should rightly focus on local matters. I also regret deeply at any implied self-censorship. But I promise you, within a year or two, I will be able to grant you much more freedom.” “If Twi can’t deliver her promise, you’ll be free to leave. By then you’ve enjoyed two years of protection and wages, so what can you lose?” Rainbow Dash said. Fair Balance sighed. “I suppose. So what are we going to do?” “You could just start from your old positions. Rainbow is to be the editor-in-chief for the moment, and the executive editor is another mare called Fluttershy. I will not directly involve myself in the running of the paper.” The three ponies seemed quite unsure about working under ponies that was clearly much less experienced than them. “Don’t worry, that’s just a temporary arrangement. We would review the editorial structure when the paper’s up and running.” Twilight said. “If you three made your preparations, go meet me in the Golden Oak Library in Ponyville.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the two came out of the warehouse, the rain was at its heaviest. The few ponies wandering near this relatively desolate part of the capital have scampered towards where they could avoid the pouring rain. Twilight used a magic that shielded both mares from the elements, as they trotted slowly back to the city center. “What’s wrong? Rainbow, you seem unhappy since we came out of the warehouse,” Twilight asked with deep concern. “Are you upset with their lack of confidence in you? That’s nothing to worry about, because I have confidence in you.” Rainbow was silent for a long time. Then she turned to Twilight. “I’m not sure what I’m doing, Twilight.” Twilight was shocked by the cyan mare’s words. “What makes you say that, Rainbow?” “I’m happy that my work here helps you out. Since to an extent, it’s our shared dream.” Rainbow Dash lowered her head. “It’s been sometimes since my last Sonic Rainboom, isn’t it?” Twilight offered a sad smile, “Yes, Rainbow, we’re all indebted to you.” “… Ever since we met, I couldn’t help but keep thinking about the little vision you showed me, the one I completely fumbled up in the Wonderbolts shows.” Rainbow said. Rainbow’s revelations were like a forceful punch to Twilight’s face. She was dizzy and for once, she completely knew not what to do. She didn’t seriously considered the possibility that Rainbow was still plagued by those horrible imageries about her crushing humiliation at the job of her dream, but she always felt very guilty. Her magic fizzled, tears started to form at the corner of her eyes, mixed with drops of rain. “It—I…” Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight. She seemed not to notice the falling rain on her own face and smiled weakly. “Don’t be, Twi,” She leaned in on Twilight’s shoulder and muttered. “I’m simply an over-confident pegasus who don’t know when to stop. It’s not your fault.” “Ra—Rainbow, it’s j—just an illusion, something I made up!” Twilight cried. “Is it? I don’t even know anymore,” Rainbow laughed wryly. “Somehow, seeing how things could have been, both in your little illusion and your vision of the once-future, seemed to have made my resolve to pursue my dream… How should I put it, futile.” Twilight opened her mouth but no words came out. It seemed that her selfishness had hurt her friend more than she had ever thought. “It seemed, though, I can still vicariously live through you and your new dreams. I’m Loyalty, after all.” Rainbow Dash said. “That thought at least warms my heart.” Twilight hated herself immensely, she seemed to have unknowingly forced Rainbow Dash into this position with their camaraderie, and failed to notice signs of Rainbow’s emptiness and sadness. She opened her mouth again, but Rainbow Dash stopped her. “I’m sorry for my useless blabbering, Twi. I should just be preparing for my editorship. But I guess I did momentarily doubt how I can use my talent for this job, so I’ve prattled these nonsenses. Just leave me be and I’ll be fine, Twi.” “How can I possibly leave you be?!” Twilight yelled. “I’ve failed you as someone who is your friend, as someone who forced you into this, and as someone who shares a common fate with you!” Rainbow Dash frowned. “Twilight…” Twilight wanted to continue on, but she just found it to be too much for her emotionally. She dropped onto the ground, cried and thought about how she detested her cowardice. “Stop, Rainbow Dash.” A familiar and determined voice was heard from behind the mares. “Perhaps, you haven’t thought it through after all?” Rainbow and a teary Twilight turned. A severe-looking Fluttershy was glaring at them. “Don’t worry, Twilight. Unlike Rainbow, I want to be part of your media operation,” Fluttershy said firmly. “I may be soft-speaking, but I can’t stand the culture of smear and slander, and the disregard for hapless ponies here in Canterlot. I simply witnessed too much of those when I was working with Photo Finish. What’s more suitable for a mare like me to rely on writing, in order to champion for ponies in need?” “What do you mean, are you saying that I don’t want to help Twilight out?” Rainbow Dash protested. “No.” Fluttershy was not at all deterred. “The problem is, it’s the only reason you came into this.” “W—What?” Rainbow Dash was stunned. “You’ve lost yourself in your self-doubt, masked by a quest to unendingly please your friends, Rainbow. Of course, Twilight’s partly responsible,” Fluttershy said, which caused the purple mare to lower her head in shame. “Twilight’s encounter with the ancient tome… was a very special case. We five were also once connected with Twilight, and in a certain sense, we still are.” Fluttershy looked at the speechless mares, and slowly continued. “But you’re your own mare, just like all of us. We all love our friends, but we can’t live their lives for them.” She trotted up to the shaking cyan mare, and held Rainbow’s head in her hooves. “And you, Rainbow, if you continued to disregard your own feelings, you will just end up as an empty presence that only adhered on others. I would not allow that to happen.” Fluttershy took out a small poster from her saddlebag. It was yellow and wet, and some of the ink had already been rendered unclear. “I’ve kept this since a few months ago. I didn’t know whether it’s right to show you it, I was afraid that I might be too pushy. But I now know you have to see.” Rainbow took the poster from Fluttershy’s hoof. It was a cheerfully drawn poster for the upcoming Best Flyer Competition. “Do you remember why you took flight?” Fluttershy gently asked. Rainbow looked up to the yellow mare. She had loved… no, still loved the rush of adrenaline as she soared under the indigo sky. Speed excited her, so did the thought of racing against the fastest in Equestria. She, though, had gradually lost touch with her dream in a downward spiral of self-deceit, and in an ill-fated attempt to be a devoted and dutiful friend. “Remember, Rainbow. There’re ponies out there that looked up to you for your talent. We five, the ponies in Ponyville, and what’s more, your Scoots.” Rainbow Dash’s heart both warmed and ached at the thought of Scootaloo. The little pegasus always seemed to look up to her as some sort of idol. But she seemed to have also caught on with her gradual decline of motivation, and tried to cheer her up to no avail. Her disappointed and utterly sad face was still clear in her mind. “So, are you going to give your dream a chance?” Fluttershy embraced the cyan mare and asked. Rainbow Dash suddenly stood up. “Twilight, I… I have decided. I must at least try before I give up. I can’t help you with running the newspaper for now, I—” “Please Rainbow, don’t apologize.” Twilight quickly hugged Rainbow Dash. “We– I owe you too much.” “Rainbow, perhaps you should be quick. The registration for the competition is going to close shortly.” Fluttershy smiled. “See you in Ponyville then. I hope by then you’ll meet us with your brightest, most confident grin.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rainbow Dash had immediately acted upon her words, and flew towards Cloudsdale on her own. Twilight, with Fluttershy’s help, tidied her frazzled mane up. They trotted back to the ponies at the warehouse and explained that Rainbow had an urgent and private matter to deal with, hence could not assume the position of editor-in-chief. Fluttershy and Fair Balance would co-chair the editorial team until a better solution was found. As they walked back out, the rain had not ceased, but it had become much lighter. “I could not offer you enough thanks, Fluttershy.” Twilight said. “I am not afraid of world-threatening evils, but I am too cowardly to acknowledge my own mistakes and to blind to see the bad fruits that I’ve sowed.” “You were cowardly and blind.” Fluttershy said. “But not now you’re not.” “Why? I’m still the same disgraceful mare that I was.” Twilight lowered her head. “Twilight.” Fluttershy shook her head disapprovingly. “You yourself taught Spike that admitting your mistake is the first step forward.” “Fluttershy.” Twilight suddenly smiled. “I really think that you’re the strongest-willed pony out of six of us. You’re so determined when you’re serious. Why’d they call you Fluttershy anyway?” Fluttershy blushed lightly, then chuckled. “I notice that you can now joke. So be a dear and be well, hmm?” “Alright, Fluttershy.” Twilight sheepishly nodded. “By the way, how did you arrive at such a right time? Wasn’t you modelling for Photo Finish anyway?” “When you two left, we immediately departed for the location. But Photo Finish seemed to have misremembered the weather schedule, or the weather ponies made some mistakes. Either way, it started raining and the photo-shoot had to be postponed.” Fluttershy said. “That’s some coincidence right there.” Twilight said. “Though, does it mean we can only get our Fluttershy endorsement later?” “Please don’t laugh at me, Twilight.” Fluttershy’s face reddened. “Anyway, I just went to the house of Photo Instant. The young stallion was quick to agree to help out. Then I went to see if I could catch you two, but then I saw you two arguing on the streets. So I hid behind the corner and eavesdropped.” “Fluttershy, whatever can we do without you?” Twilight smiled and shook her head, “You’re a year older than us, right? That makes you our reliable big sis.” Fluttershy awkwardly coughed, which caused Twilight to grin. Perhaps this was not all bad, as it helped Rainbow to take back her dream, and also helped her to face her cavalier mistake squarely. “Hey look!” Twilight pointed upwards. The sun had finally appeared behind the thick cloud. Its white rays drew a colorful rainbow above the golden city of Equestria. The mares smiled, as they hoped that Rainbow would soon be able to make a rainbow in her life as well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Dear Princess Celestia, Today I’ve learnt that being a loyal friend is not the same as being someone that simply bent her own wills towards her friends. She must stand up for herself, her morals and her own dreams as well. And when her friend makes mistakes, being loyal is to point it out and makes her correct it, not appeasing her by joining in her wayward schemes. Only that way, we can grow in our character and become better ponies. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle” “So Rainbow has registered in time for the Best Young Flyer Competition, right?” Spike asked. “Yes, she just dropped by briefly to tell her that. I was a bad friend for not realizing me and my demands are limiting her potential. But fortunately, Fluttershy made me see the light.” Twilight turned to the dragon. “If there’s anything I do that you think may be a terrible mistake, promise me you will tell me so, Spike.” “Dontcha worry, Twi. I’ll pester you like no end if I see anything like that!” Spike heartily chuckled.