//------------------------------// // Go For It // Story: Spike's Rainbow Dash // by FamousLastWords //------------------------------// How could one possibly hope to expose the personal sentiments reserved by the subjects of this account? The many characters retained mixed emotions throughout the course of the game, and in the end confrontations broke out? That’s just too modest of a retelling! Because certain desires had been brought to light. In the time it took to realize these passions, the red string of fate had already been plucked by the cosmic overseers of the universe. Thus, the simple acceptance of these longings initiated behaviors influential to the result of the bet. And when everything finally came together in a clash, a spectacular piece of history was recorded. Of course, I could just tell you all how this story ended. I could probably do so with a short anecdote. I’d feel satisfied, because as I now recall, describing the copious accounts of frustrations, antagonisms and quixotic ventures embedded in the core of this tale would have my mood swinging vigorously. And in all actuality I’d like to avoid such an emotional rollercoaster. However, such an act of disrespect would just tarnish the beauty apparent in the plot. The truth is in the details, a wise individual once said. How could I reject the opportunity to narrate? The exploration of an entirely new world had just begun for a few personalities. The adventure of a lifetime was at their very doorstep, knocking and asking to come into their hearts and minds. To disregard an encounter with an omnipotent experience is just foolish, if you ask me. Though it seemed a young dragon, a pegasus and a unicorn were not so brash to ignore the calling… Spike's Rainbow Dash Spike and Rainbow Dash soared through the expanse of the bright blue sky. The dragon and the pegasus had just narrowly escaped the ravenous assaults of a rampaging mob. How it had come to that point, the two could not fathom. To their relief, neither pony, griffon, nor any denizen in Equestria for that matter, was hot on their tails any longer. Rainbow Dash must have been too fast for them, Spike concluded. There was no way they could catch the fastest flier in all of Equestria. As the pegasus’s wings spread open to provide for majestic flight, Spike and Rainbow Dash glided flittingly to an unknown destination. Rainbow Dash did not particularly plan to arrive at any one setting. Partaking in a voyage of speed and wind was not on the pony’s agenda for her date with Spike, though it was not such a bad turn of events either. In fact, rocketing away from the source of chaos at the picnic grounds was absolutely exhilarating for the audacious pony. Bringing her mind back to the moment of liftoff, Rainbow Dash was reminded of the numerous exploits of her favorite fictional heroine. She was just like Daring Do, she thought joyously. Shooting out into the sun at the very last second, leaving maniacal enemies in the dust was just awesome! Smiling widely to the sense of self-accomplishment, the mare began flapping her wings rapidly to gain more thrust. She was excited, and all she desired was that precious wall of wind brushing against her face. Interestingly enough, the young, energetic pegasus completely paid no mind to the frantic dragon hanging onto her mane for dear life. Bulleting forward with tremendous might, Rainbow Dash’s total concentration centered solely on what was ahead. Only Spike wished she could remember who was on top. Because as the rate of their ascension gradually reached near-improbable limits, Spike’s grip on the pegasus loosened in synchronicity. If she were to keep at her irrational impulsiveness, Spike’s safety was no longer a viable dependency. He had never been so high in the sky before. But instead of being able to take in the scenic environs, Spike found himself crying in deep-seated fear for salvation. “Dash!” Spike choked as a gust of air hit his throat. “Slow down!” Unfortunately for the dragon, nothing but the sound of rushing winds resounded in the pony's eardrums. She wasn’t able to hear a single syllable coming from Spike’s mouth, and as she finally entered a state of swiftness possible through her monstrous abilities, her displeased passenger contemplated dropping the rainbow-colored box he had been holding onto for their expense. Why was he still carrying the box, anyway? He needed to forget the contents and just focus on surviving by having both hands on the reigns. If he didn't, then bidding farewell to the world was the only other option. Just as Spike wisely decided to release his grip on the rainbow-colored box, Rainbow Dash suddenly broke into a hard halt. Although Rainbow Dash’s talents for ceasing motion after collecting so much momentum were top par, Spike’s skills for such a feat were seemingly not so great. His chance to show the pegasus how to truly fly immediately presented itself. For he was forcefully pulled off of Rainbow Dash’s back like a rag doll, crashing into a cold surface of rock. Hugging the brightly decorated package to his chest, Spike tumbled onto a face of pebbles and grain. He prayed that he came out alive and well, because then he would wring Rainbow Dash's neck. Rainbow Dash had arrived at the edge of a rock-strewn platform glued to the side of a towering mountain. The cliff appeared isolated and barren of any life forms, which confirmed her judgment that nopony would be able to discover any escapees taking refuge. She believed this little cliff in the middle of a large foothill could be the perfect hideout for the two runaways. As she attempted to relish in her success at finding a sanctuary, she was shocked to see Spike rolling onto the precipice like tumbleweed through a deserted land. And then it dawned on her. Spike had been on her back the whole time, hadn't he? In the heat of everything, the athletic pegasus had forgotten his company. It was no wonder Rainbow Dash felt a bit heavier than usual; she had had a foreign load latched onto her rear. Spike could have spoken up, Rainbow Dash thought to herself. She could have decelerated more easily for him. “Oops. Sorry about that, Spike.” Rainbow Dash descended onto the cliff, noticing Spike stop in the fetal position. “It was your fault for being careless, though.” “One day, Rainbow Dash…” Spike muttered pathetically, picking his head up. “One day…” “Come on, it was an accident.” Rainbow Dash waved off Spike’s simple declaration. “We were being chased, remember? You can’t blame me for flying so fast.” “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Spike responded in irritation, brushing off the sandy remains stuck to his scales. “What, are you mad?” Rainbow Dash giggled, motioning to her surroundings. “I brought us here, didn’t I? We’re safe for now. You could at least thank me.” Spike scanned the new environment, slowly gathering what little there was of the remote cliff. A few rocks the size of his fist lied scattered atop the stony exterior. The only means of entrance to the cliff was by climb or flight, and he knew Rainbow Dash was correct in presuming it to be a secure area for camping out. Spike looked back to a grinning Rainbow Dash, who turned to take in the view of the lands below. Well, she did save them from the angry gang, Spike reflected. It must have taken a lot of strength considering he was probably weighing her down. Spike sighed, setting down the rainbow-colored box onto the graveled floor. “You’re right, Dash. Thanks for getting us out in time.” Rainbow Dash twisted back to Spike. “See? That wasn’t so hard, right?” “Harder than you think. Trust me.” Spike stepped cautiously towards the edge of the cliff. “But don’t you think staying here is bit unnecessary? It’s really high.” Rainbow Dash patted Spike’s back, causing him to yelp and wobble uneasily. “What are you, scared?” She couldn't help but snicker as Spike scrambled back to the wall of the cliff’s boundaries, panting heavily in fright. “Hey, I was just kidding! I wasn’t going to push you off!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, following Spike. “Don’t do that! I was seriously about to fall off!” Spike retorted, clutching at his respiring chest. “Don’t worry, bud. If you fall, I’ll just catch you.” Rainbow Dash dismissed Spike’s state of panic. “Joking like that doesn't help at all.” Spike said, calming down to address the real issue. “Anyway, what was up with everypony down there? They suddenly went crazy for some reason.” “I know! They just freaked!” Rainbow Dash said animatedly. “It was kind of exciting, wasn’t it? Just escaping in the nick of time!” “More like nerve-racking,” Spike replied blankly. “When do you think it’s safe to go back?” “I don’t think it will ever be safe. We might have to face the fire when the time comes,” Rainbow Dash pondered, putting a hoof to her chin. “There’s a lot riding on this bet for everypony.” “I can’t believe this ridiculous game has escalated so quickly.” Spike placed a palm to his forehead in disbelief. “What were they planning to do with us if we were caught?” “Heh. They would have never caught me.” Rainbow Dash snorted confidently. “I’m just too fast.” “We got lucky, Dash. What if a unicorn uses magic to stop you from flying the next time we run into some trouble? What do you do then?” Spike made note in concern. Rainbow Dash’s face dropped as she pictured the hypothetical situation. “Uh, yeah, I guess I never thought of that.” Rainbow Dash shook her head, standing up straight. “They still wouldn’t be able to catch me! I’d just keep going no matter what obstacles came my way!” “We should end this whole thing once and for all, Dash.” Spike continued, peeling off the red bow tagged onto the rainbow-colored box. “That way we wouldn’t have to be in this situation ever again.” Rainbow Dash noticed Spike prying open the rainbow-colored box that she had, once again, ignored. Her curiosity growing, she moved closer towards the dragon, stretching her head forward to take a peek inside the square container. She had been speculating what was inside the mysterious box. Its vivid décor made itself conspicuous at the picnic, and she knew the moment she saw it something interesting was inside. “What’s in the box?” Rainbow Dash asked, her inquisitiveness developing exponentially. Spike smirked, reaching into the open box. “Oh, you want to know? I thought you weren’t interested.” “I never said that. Stop playing around. What is it?” Rainbow Dash’s yearning for knowledge was overwhelming. “I want to know.” “A little present for my date.” Spike stalled, amused by Rainbow Dash’s peeved expression. “Something special for a very special somepony.” “Yeah, okay, so what is it?” Rainbow Dash’s interest was piqued to its peak. “This little thing?” Spike chuckled darkly, a distinct twinkling in his emerald eyes. “Just the answer to our problems.” Spike lifted his hand from inside the rainbow-colored box. In his claw was a large, silver tin thermos, cylindrical in shape. Its long, slender form rested comfortably in the dragon’s clasp. Light reflected softly from the surface of the canister, increasingly drawing in Rainbow Dash. “What is that? A drink?” Rainbow Dash asked, slightly confused. “Oh, not just any drink. It’s ‘the’ drink.” Spike responded, carefully twisting open the thermos. “Check it out, Dash.” Spike tipped the thermos at an angle for Rainbow Dash to see the insides. The tin flask was filled with a golden brown liquid that seemed as interesting as a tree in a forest. To Rainbow Dash, the contents of the silvery container came off as a bit disappointing. She had been imagining a liquescent concoction of a blood red color, or maybe even that of a rainbow. Its opaqueness was boring. How this little beverage could be the solution to anything was beyond her. “I don’t get it. What’s so special about that?” Rainbow Dash questioned the validity of Spike’s proclamations. “It looks like cider.” “Exactly. It’s cider.” Spike produced a toothy grin, pausing for dramatic effect. “The Apple Family’s famous cider, in fact.” “Huh?” Rainbow Dash froze, her brain functioning riotously to register Spike’s words. “But… cider season’s over already.” “It’s been specially preserved using some magic,” Spike explained. “I had this idea to drink it for a celebratory event or something. Twilight ended up helping me out. It’s been in my drawer for months, nice and cold with all its goodness, as if freshly spouted from the trees themselves.” “H-how do I know you’re not lying?” Rainbow Dash gulped, her mouth salivating. “How do I know it’s the real deal?” “You don’t believe me? Why don’t you smell it then?” Spike said, placing the thermos under Rainbow Dash’s nose. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and sniffed the beverage. Even though she doubted Spike’s statement, she actually sought for it to be the truth. She wanted nothing more but for the drink to be the Apple Family’s coveted brew. And as she allowed the fragrance to enter her flared nostrils, Dash was exposed to a great familiarity. The scent of the thirst-quencher was the discrete aroma of apples. Memories flashed through her mind in prompt frequency, allowing her to enjoy the sensations and joys of autumn. Leaves falling, charred wood, ponies laughing, music playing and family brought Rainbow Dash into a singular space filled with relaxation and utter happiness. It was the cider that everypony lined up for each year. To have just a drop of such a masterful luxury of taste and tang was a blessing to all. Rainbow Dash inhaled deeply, basking in the treasures of the cider’s redolence. “It’s true. It’s the cider of my dreams.” “And it’s all for you, Dash.” Spike pulled back the thermos to his chest, watching Rainbow Dash stick her tongue out in desperation. “Gimme!” Rainbow Dash reached out for the apple cider. “Whoa, whoa. Hold your horses!” Spike reflexively dodged Rainbow Dash’s extended hooves. “There’s a condition you must abide by if you want this.” “What? But you said it was a present for your date!” Rainbow Dash encroached upon Spike, her breathing patterns becoming more erratic. “I’m your date, so gimme!” Rainbow Dash pounced for Spike like a tiger on its prey. Spike, however, was able to evade her attack with at a scale’s breadth. Unfulfilled and exasperated, Rainbow Dash began agilely skipping around Spike, rendering the dragon a spinning mess. The apple cider was in her sight, and it was hers! Spike had said so! In a second she would have that heavenly beverage against her lips, tasting that wonderful ambrosia. She wanted it. She needed it. She couldn’t live without it! “You’re not getting a taste if you don’t listen!” Spike twisted the cap back onto the thermos. “If not, I might as well drink it for myself!” Rainbow Dash stopped in place, glaring at Spike intently. “You wouldn’t dare.” “Try me.” Spike wrapped both his claws firmly around the thermos. Rainbow Dash clicked her tongue, frustrated. “Fine. What’s the condition?” “Stop this. All of this. This game, bet or whatever you want to call it. Just call it quits and you can have this precious apple cider.” Spike demanded, maintaining a stern countenance. “Ha! You think I’ll give up so easily?” Rainbow Dash smiled wryly. “It won’t work, Spike. So just hand over the goods and we can move on.” “Don’t you understand? I’m trying to move on from this!” Spike countered, inching closer to Rainbow Dash for emphasis. “You’re my close friend, and you know who I have a crush on. You know… I like Rarity.” “So this was your last resort, huh? Using the cider against me?” “Dash! Listen to me for once! Can’t you see how stupid this whole thing has become? This isn’t a joke anymore!” Spike yelled, tears welling in his eyes. At that, Rainbow Dash was rendered immobilized. She couldn’t believe it. Spike was… about to cry. She could see the young dragon trying to fight off the tears, standing fixed and dominating. After such a sight, Rainbow Dash reflected on her own actions up until this instance. Why was Spike crying? Had she done something wrong? Was she already doing something hurtful? Her mind flashed back over to recent events. What she recollected was a game between two companions. A simple competition that evoked strong emotions and engagements both exciting and oddly comedic. It was just the fun of the battle, right? But as Rainbow Dash stood before a sniffling dragon, she wondered whether it really was all that she cracked it up to be. Spike did have a crush on somepony else, and she had decided it didn’t matter? She took it upon herself to neglect her friend’s romantic fantasies and become the object of his desires? Was doing so sensible? Was it sane? Although she constantly told herself that what she had done was fine—that it was to become the victor of an important bet—the pegasus kept arriving to the same conclusion. Spike was right: this game was childish and stupid. She hated to admit it, but he was dead-on. But did that mean she had to give up? She never gave up on anything! “Spike…” Rainbow Dash said, attempting to place a hoof on Spike’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean to—“ “We can fix this. Just stop all this craziness.” Spike moved away slowly from Rainbow Dash. “Please.” Rainbow Dash bit her lower lip. Spike didn’t let her console him. He blatantly sidestepped away from Rainbow Dash’s hoof and wiped away his shame. Dash soon realized what the game was doing to her friend. She was marking a dent in his heart. She was placing a gap between their own relationship. Their friendship, an extraordinary slice of her life that conveyed cheers and entertainment. Was she really going to break it apart like this? How could she go on after that kind of catastrophe? Rainbow Dash finally decided. It was probably the best course of action, anyway. Rainbow Dash brought her head down in defeat, exhaling. “O-oka—“ No, no, no. Did you think it was over just like that? This is an epic, remember? Coincidentally, the very millisecond Rainbow Dash was to surrender to Spike, a previously acquainted-with yellow aura shrouded the cylindrical thermos. Before Spike or Rainbow Dash could react, the thermos was weightily pulled to the edge of the cliff. And as it fell straight down over the brink, Spike, who had been tightly holding onto the canister, was flung as an added bonus. It took Rainbow Dash a few seconds to fully realize the severity of the situation. Spike was pulled over the cliff by somepony’s magic. “SPIKE!” Rainbow Dash screamed, diving over the cliff. Spike had released the thermos by the time Rainbow Dash had flown close enough to extend a helping hoof. But facing against the force of gravity was a difficult task. Spike’s tiny body gyrated uncontrollably as he plummeted down the side of the rocky precipice. His intestines churned and protested, and he was getting a major headache. If he were to continue spinning so wildly he was sure to barf up his breakfast. Now was one of those moments he truly wished for sprouted wings. If only he could fly like the rest of the dragons, he wondered. Yet the fleeting image of a nearing Rainbow Dash gave the dragon some peace. She was coming to save the day, Spike smiled humbly. His friend was coming to his aid. Rainbow Dash pushed the limits of her acceleration, finally reaching a point in which she could grab the flailing dragon. And right when she was about to fly off with Spike in her hooves, the speeding pegasus noticed something enticing. A prize so brilliant and dazzling that she could not pass up. Spike was going to be safe, Rainbow Dash persuaded herself. He’ll be glad she decided to do this. This was the right thing to do, after all. It would be devastating to both Rainbow Dash and Spike if she were to let it go to waste. Of course, Rainbow Dash was referring to the apple cider within the silver thermos. She felt the cider was the victim, trapped inside the confines of a tin enclosure. She needed to save both Spike and the cider. He had been preserving it for months. Leaving it to plunge into the abyss below was horrifyingly defiant. She couldn’t have that on her conscience! Rainbow Dash whizzed pass the dumbfounded dragon, setting her sights onto the yellow-cloaked cylinder. Nopony was going to mess with Rainbow Dash! Even with magic involved, she was to beat whoever was trying to steal her priceless cider! Her wings were the only armaments she required to make her statement. “DASH!” Spike cried at the top of his lungs at a descending Rainbow Dash. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” “I can do this.” Rainbow Dash grunted, aggressively pushing herself forward. Spike had already reached his terminal velocity and could not fall any faster than he already was. On the other hoof, Rainbow Dash could see the thermos falling downward much more quickly than should have been possible. It was purposefully being dragged by the will of magic, and it was heading straight for the foot of the mountain. Rainbow Dash held a rock concert in her mind as she drew from its motivation to continue the spirited rhythm of flapping her wings. The music playing came from the soul of the daring pegasus, and as her wings clawed against the wind resistance, Rainbow Dash could feel the air solidifying at the front of her hooves and snout. “RAINBOW DASH!” Spike shrieked in horror. “DON’T DO IT!” She wasn’t going to allow a wall of air slow her down. She sped up until the wall became a rubber-band, stretching along the surface of her frame. The rubber-band was just asking her to snap it. Mocking her! She had to overcome the barrier! She had to break the sound barrier! The thermos was only demonstrating the same hustle as she was! She needed to keep it up! Rainbow Dash ignored the heat emanating from the friction against her forehooves and face. She gritted her teeth as her lips were blown back, latching onto her cheeks. Her wings were now on fire, threatening to be torn off by the sheer force of the barrier. The pegasus squinted, her tears blown out faster than her eyes could generate them. She could feel the barrier bending and stretching further along the base of her hooves. She needed to go faster! The thermos was so close! She could almost touch it! Rainbow Dash laid her ears back, flattening her body like a lean board. She lowered her snout, placing it right between and behind her forehooves. She then tilted her entire body forward, angling it towards the airstream as if she were diving into the sea, causing for a deeper cut into wind resistance. The air became so hot that the Pegasus imagined her wings melting. She felt her eyes sinking into her sockets. “RAINBOW DASH! STOP IT!” Rainbow Dash punctually opened her mouth. After much practice, she’d established an easier route to absolute freedom. The force of fresh air rushed inside the her burning lungs and bronchioli, circulating endlessly and bestowing upon her wing muscles a quick burst of oxygen. The pegasus then tucked in her stomach and placed her tail in between her rearhooves, streamlining herself expertly. The thermos was getting closer! She could almost taste the cider! As the ground surface seemed to climb faster and faster, an electrical cackle of air encased itself over the pegasus. The barrier generated so much static it seared. Then came the drum solo! Faster! Then came the bass solo! Faster! Then came the electric piano solo! Faster! Then came the electric guitar solo! Faster! Then came the vocals! “YEAH, BABY! SONIC RAINBOOM!” Rainbow Dash hollered on cue, grabbing onto the thermos devoid a magical aura. BOOM! The air had exploded behind the pegasus and was now yielding to her speed. Because Rainbow Dash was bulleting faster than the speed of sound, she couldn’t actually hear the ‘boom’ of her outstanding Sonic Rainboom. But Spike heard it, and most of Equestria did as well. And after bouncing off a trajectory meters away from the ground, Rainbow Dash skillfully snagged onto the dragon midair and ascended elegantly into the heavens. Spike watched as a magnificent polychromatic trail was produced and extended. It was gloriously exotic. Rainbows have been described as the most remarkable light shows in existence. Sunlight spreading out into its spectrum and diverted to the eye of the observer. A wide array of excitements and sentiments overwhelmed the him. He was angry at Rainbow Dash for her recklessness, but he was also enthralled by her prosperous endeavors. Each color of the Sonic Rainboom impressed upon his eyes charmingly. Red characterized his fury towards the pegasus, and the love and passion he felt for his friendship. Orange represented Rainbow Dash’s outrageous, wacky nature. Yellow exemplified her joyful and delighted smiles. Green signified the outdoors, and he imagined the two sitting on the grass and laughing together. Blue reminded him of a time to meditate and calm. Rainbow Dash always seemed to do so when sleeping among the clouds. And purple. Oh, purple. The lucid hue embodied Spike’s very own romanticism. He didn’t quite know exactly what to feel. It was mysterious yet regal. “YES! YES! I DID IT!” Rainbow Dash hooted, a forehoof protracted at her front. Spike stared at the trailing rainbow as he clutched to Rainbow Dash’s chest. “You sure did, Dash," he whispered. Rainbow Dash arrived at the jutting platform once again, swiftly landing onto the stony cliff. Amazingly, the two immediately hugged each other, guffawing in unison. Only contentment could be felt at this particular occasion, for they were thriving and healthy. It was a perk of youth, I declare. The spontaneity of a near-death experience brought those involved together, and the bond of their rapport was at its strongest. “That was so incredibly stupid!” Spike laughed, his heart thudding erratically in his chest as he held onto Rainbow Dash tightly. “I cannot believe we’re still alive!” “Hehe. I told you I’d catch you if you fell off the cliff!” Rainbow Dash snickered, squeezing Spike back. “You’re seriously crazy, you know that?” Spike chuckled, shaking his head. “Eh, I take that as a compliment.” Rainbow Dash beamed jubilantly. Spike and Rainbow Dash gazed warmly into each other’s eyes. A new respect for one another was created, and as a result, a longing to be even closer, physically and emotionally. Their hearts palpitated unreservedly. It is interesting to note that they their gazes did not break until a shadow from the mountain’s exterior washed over them. And when they detected the ambience had become something unrecognizable, they instantly separated just as hastily as they hugged. “W-why don’t we crack open that cider, huh?” Spike scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Let’s celebrate.” “You’re… giving it to me?” Rainbow Dash blushed embarrassedly. Spike nodded. “Dash, you saved me," he breathed. "You deserve it.” The two sat atop the cliff and finally took a gander at relaxing. Since the morning at the Farmer’s Market, neither pegasus nor dragon had had an opportunity to soothe and relax. They had been so preoccupied with their bet that by the end of the day exhaustion took over and rendered their physiques spent. Rainbow Dash and Spike assembled onto the stony backing, staring out into the setting sky. A pink shade gradually enveloped the blueness of the firmament, and with each passing minute the sun ahead lowered towards the horizon. The edge of the lands burned with the last light of day. The golden sun draped slowly over a canvas of pinks and reds, lighting up the sky as if lit by fire. The haze was so crisp and clear. The enormous, grandeur fireball in the distance was partially cloaked by the hanging clouds, which were all splashed with random tints of purples and blues. The sun was so large that both Spike and Rainbow Dash felt they could almost touch it. Valleys and all the pits of expansive hillsides swallowed the sun at a steady pace. Lakes and water reserves below reflected streaks of orange and mirrored the budding stars radiating from the darkening sky. Luna’s night was coming, and it was being painted as superbly as ever. As a response to the grand exhibition, Spike and Rainbow Dash exhaled all their stress and worries simultaneously. Rainbow Dash popped open the thermos and lifted it to her lips, ready to taste the wondrous trophy. Though, in the back of her mind, a tug brought her to a standstill. Looking to her left, she noticed Spike had a simple, gentle smile on his face. To the mare, Spike suddenly appeared attractive. It might have been the glisten of his scales or the glamorized sunset overpowering her senses. Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but offer the thermos to her friend. “What’s wrong?” Spike asked, taken aback by Rainbow Dash’s offering. “You’re not going to drink it?” “You take the first swig, champ.” Rainbow Dash placed the thermos into Spike’s hand. “You deserve it more than me.” Spike hesitantly held the thermos up to his face. “Are you sure? You can have it all if you want.” Rainbow Dash answered, whispering. “Go for it.” Spike sniffed the apple cider’s wafting fragrance. “Thanks,” he said softly. “Wait.” Rainbow Dash alerted Spike before he consumed the apple cider. “What about the bet, Spike? And that yellow magic that pulled you?” “Later,” Spike said, waving away the suggestion. “Let’s just enjoy this.” Rainbow Dash was able to understand Spike's adopted apathy. She, too, believed there were certain times when one needed to just let go. And now was one of those times. “To apple cider!” Rainbow Dash cheered, giggling. “To our friendship,” Spike said, bringing the apple cider to his lips. The pegasus and the dragon rested atop the mountain cliff that evening. While sharing the scrumptious apple cider, Rainbow Dash and Spike silently watched as the pearly white moon rose from under the horizon. The added brilliance of the moon and stars only served to accentuate the ethereal fields of the atmosphere. An eternal flutter defined this valuable portion of Spike and Rainbow Dash’s young lives. Unbeknownst to the two, a rose bloomed on that seemingly barren precipice. Because, subconsciously, Rainbow Dash scooted ever closer, centimeter by centimeter, to her draconian pal.