Teaching was something Rainbow Dash would never consider she’d ever do. Other than being a Wonderbolt and teaching ponies how to fly are exceptions, but she never thought she’d be teaching at Twilight’s School of Friendship. Today she gave a massive loyalty lesson by letting others stick together through the thin and thick by asking questions and having all of her students go through an obstacle course as a team and to not get separated or abandon one another as to show their loyalty to one another. Most of them passed and Rainbow was impressed.
She had lectured a couple of ponies that failed and told them that loyalty is one of the most important things in the world and that they need to learn to be a lot more than what they were today. She gives them an extra assignment before her classes end for the day. Now, she was practicing her signature moves for an upcoming Wonderbolts’ show by loop-de-looping, zig-zagging, diving, and air flips. Being in the sky made her feel alive, free, and not pressured about her life. It was exciting, but even Rainbow needs some time to slow down. Which is why she got into going to the spa fairly recently. She’s tried to keep that a secret for so long until AJ and Rarity spotted her that one day, but now, she admits to liking the spa. Her friends accepted it. They were so cool.
As she completes the last part of her trick, she smiles broadly to herself, ready to face the crowds the day after tomorrow.
“This show’s going to be so awesome!” she said happily. All of her Wonderbolts shows were, every time they did one, they seem to learn a new move here and there, it’s like finding treasure to improve their acts.
Deciding to stretch for a bit and take in the sight of the school and Castle, she smiles, feeling at peace for being so high up. The world was so loud down below, but high up it seems peaceful. It’s hard to explain it. The sky. It’s freedom. She spotted the Young Six playing hoofball with one another, other students doing their homework, Mystic and...
Mystic.
She gazed back to the orange unicorn sitting under a tree reading a few books and writing down notes on a notepad. A feeling of dislike and unease came to Rainbow. Sure, she had accepted Mystic somewhat on better terms, but she still has suspicions about her. Yet, her friends wouldn’t want to hear them because they’ve been bonding with her. Still, she has issues with Mystic and doesn’t know exactly how to approach her. Maybe her dislike is somewhat because of her loyalty to her friends? Because she humiliated her in defeating her with an injured leg? Both? Rainbow had no answers or didn’t really think to pursue the answers.
Gliding down to the ground, Rainbow decided to try something. It probably wouldn’t work, but she decided it was worth a shot. She landed about fifty feet away from Mystic. The unicorn seemed too into her books to really pay attention. The pegasus lightly gulped before taking a few steps forward. She paused at about thirty feet away. She cleared her throat. No response. She did it again. No response. She cleared it loudly. This caused Mystic to blink and slowly look up from her book. She gave Rainbow a slightly annoyed look, meaning for RD to get to the point.
Rainbow tried speaking, but words died on her throat. Instead, she raised a hoof and lightly waved at Mystic, forcing an awkward smile. Quirking an eyebrow, Mystic shrugged and went back to reading.
Well, so much for that, Rainbow thought. She continued standing there, trying to think of something else.
“H-How’s your day?” Rainbow asked, Really Dash?
Annoyed, Mystic looked back up, “It’s a day full of classes and research. How do you think?”
“Eh heh heh,” Rainbow chuckled awkwardly, smiling sheepishly, “I can see that, but it’s not really that bad. I mean, I had to do a lot more...”
“What do you want, Dash?” Mystic interrupted, clearly growing a little impatient.
Feeling a little insulted, Rainbow held her tongue and tried to come up with an answer.
“I just...I...” she tried to say, Come on, Dash! You’re better than this!
“I just wanted to check on you and ask if you wanted to hang out,” she managed to say.
Mystic sighed, “You already checked on me by asking how my day was. And hang out with you?”
“Yeah,” replied Rainbow, feeling a little more confident, “We could go grab a bite to eat after school if you’re interested.”
Mystic looked back at her book, “No thanks.”
“What?”
“I said ‘no thanks.’”
Rainbow wanted to rebut Mystic for declining an invitation from her, however, she remembers the unicorn’s relationship with her, and that Fluttershy is still a little on her case in terms of lying. Biting her tongue and swallowing her pride, she spoke again.
“O-Okay Mystic...” she began turning away, “I just thought you’d like a day out.”
“Sure,” said Mystic, not looking up from her book.
Rainbow flapped her wings and began flying into the school to gather all of her remaining papers she has to hoof in to Twilight.
Rainbow gathered up all her papers that Twilight needed, cleaned up the equipment around her classroom that was also a gym, and ensured her notes for the class in a few days are in their place. She has some time off due to her Wonderbolts schedule. The team was performing a new stunt move that’ll shatter all kinds of lights and effects around the crowd. She and her team have been prepping for a long time now. Rainbow began getting excited again. Turning to the door, and flying to it, she was about to open it until...
Spike opened the door.
“Whoa!” they screamed in unison before they crashed into one another, sending the papers flying everywhere as the pegasus and drake lay in a heap.
“Oh, I’m sorry Rainbow!” said Spike as he picked himself up.
“Oh, it’s no biggie,” replied Rainbow as she sat up, “I should’ve been going a little slower.”
Spike chuckled, “You? Going slower? As if!”
Rainbow giggled, “Good point.”
She began picking up the papers, “What did you want?”
“Oh,” said Spike, remembering why he came in, “Twilight has called you into her office to discuss some matters.”
Rainbow paused before looking at Spike with a slightly annoyed look.
“Is it relating to something I did again? Because I...”
“No, she just wants to talk with you,” Spike assured her, “She thinks it could be a good teaching opportunity for you.”
“Me? Why a teaching opportunity for me?”
“She didn’t spill out the details to me, I saw her and Rarity talking and Twilight requested that I’d come get you.”
Great. More stuff she has to deal with because of that spontaneous egghead pumping out new things about every little thing. She held her tongue on that, though.
“And before you ask me anything else,” Spike spoke up, “Just head over to Twilight and see what she needs.”
Dang it, she and Spike can read her like an open book when it came to these sorts of things. Letting out a small sigh, Rainbow nodded.
“Fine. Let’s get this over with,” she said.
“Don’t worry about your papers, I got them,” said Spike, picking some up, “Head over to the office.”
With a nod, Rainbow left Spike in a flash, blowing some papers into the air, slightly annoying the drake.
The pegasus came to a stop in front of the Headmare’s door. This would probably be a lecture or more last-minute school stuff she has to take care of. Who can say? Taking in a breath, she knocked on the door a couple of times and waited.
“Come in!” Twilight’s voice called.
Rainbow opened the door to see her purple alicorn friend sitting at her desk with several paper stacks next to her.
“Hey Twilight,” Rainbow greeted, “Great, is there more paperwork that needs to be done?”
“No, no,” said Twilight, “I just graded these.”
“You got Spike to come and get me,” said Rainbow as she sat down in a chair in front of the desk.
“Yes, I did,” said Twilight, levitating her graded papers off her desk, “And I think you could use this.”
“What is it?” Rainbow asked, “I’ve got the next few days off, some to do with my Wonderbolts schedule.”
“I know you have a few days off, which is why I wanted to talk to you,” said Twilight, “And no, this isn’t work for you to do in your time off.”
“Then what is it?” Rainbow asked.
“I would like for you, to the best of your ability, to bond with Mystic,” said Twilight. Rainbow’s eyes flew wide open, but before she could say anything, Twilight held up a hoof. “I know you and her haven’t gotten along and hardly speak with each other, but that’s something that needs to be fixed.”
“Twilight, I don’t know about her, you know what I’m concerned she is,” said Rainbow.
“What you might think of her doesn’t matter when it comes to making friends and helping ponies be better,” said Twilight. “She’s formed a bond with Starlight, has gotten to talk more to her than to us, and been learning a lot and I believe it’s time for you two to make amends and bond.”
“I still think this might not be a good idea,” said Rainbow, “She wants nothing to do with me.”
“Rainbow,” Twilight said firmly, “Throughout the years you have proven yourself a loyal, strong, and determined friend.”
“Twilight, I know where you’re going with--”
“Good,” Twilight cut in, “We all love you, Rainbow for who you are and how loyal you’ve shown yourself to be, as well as to others.” She stood up from her desk and walked up to Rainbow, “You’re a teacher and an Element of Harmony, Rainbow. That means you’re an example.” Rainbow sighed, lowering her head. “Just set a good example for Mystic and ponies around you, and be the best you can be.” She placed a foreleg around Rainbow’s shoulders, “Even if you do make mistakes.”
Rainbow felt as if she had no choice, so she reluctantly nodded. “I’ll try, Twilight.”
“Good,” said Twilight, “I’ve got to go to several meetings and catch up with my parents so I expect to hear good things from you when it’s over.”
“When should I start?” Rainbow asked.
“I’d like for you to get started as soon as possible,” said Twilight. “Oh, and don’t forget to let Mystic make her own friends when she can.”
“All right,” Rainbow muttered.
The next morning, Rainbow flew above Ponyville, looking for her target. After planning and thinking of what she could do yesterday, Rainbow felt as if she was ready to ask Mystic to join her for a trip. Rainbow realized she could’ve talked to her yesterday, but she looked busy with studying, hanging out with the Crusaders, and the Apple family. She thought about talking, but she backed out for Mystic’s sake. Or, she tried to convince herself of that.
With a proud smile on her face, Rainbow found out she’d gone to the hardware store to pick up some tools. After flying for a bit, she spotted Mystic walking out of the hardware store levitating a toolbox in her magic. Relaxing a bit, she flew down and landed fifteen feet away from Mystic.
“Hey,” she said, causing Mystic to look at her.
“Yes?” Mystic asked, clearly not interested.
“Weelllll, today, and the day after are my days off from the school, and I’d been thinking about things.”
“About what?”
“Thing is,” Rainbow straightened herself up, rubbing her foreleg sheepishly, “I... I planned on having somepony accompany me, and all my friends aren’t available at the moment.”
“Fluttershy is free after her work on the animal shelter this morning.”
Rainbow slightly cringed, but quickly answered, “I can’t ask her because I kinda need to get going, and I wanted to ask the closest pony I could find.”
“Dash, there are a bunch more ponies that were in the general direction you approached me from. You could’ve asked one of them.”
Dang it! Rainbow laughed awkwardly.
“I meant those I knew and had a personal conversation with!”
“Uh huh. And how many did you have with all those ponies beforehoof?” Mystic pointed to behind Rainbow.
Rainbow looked and bit her bottom lip when she spotted Maud, Derpy, Thunderlane, and Scootaloo, who waved at Rainbow. Rainbow sheepishly waved back. She turned back at Mystic, visibly sweating now, “Well, I, I... I just thought I’d...” She paused and smacked her forehead, Way to go, Rainbow Dash...
“I’ve got to get back to the farm,” said Mystic, walking away.
“Wait!” Rainbow cried, flying off after her. She hovered next to the unicorn as she held a neutral look.
“I... I just think we should... hang out?” Rainbow managed to get out.
“Hang out?”
“Because I thought it’d be very beneficial for our time and since we don’t know each other very well, I thought...”
“Rainbow,” Mystic said, annoyed, “What are you trying to say?”
Deciding to get to the point and not wanting to lose this opportunity, she sighed and spoke.
“Twilight thought you and I should hang out and bond together,” she said.
Mystic quit walking and turned to face her, “What?”
“Yeah, she did tell me that,” Rainbow spoke honestly, “She thought it’d be a good time for us both to learn from one another and share one another’s interests.”
“And?”
“I’ve got a line of stuff for us to do today and tomorrow,” Rainbow explained, feeling a little more confident, but still had her guard up, “I think you’d like it.”
“So... you want to hang out with me on your day off?”
Despite wanting to say “No, I’d rather not” Rainbow swallowed her pride.
“Yes. I do.”
Mystic just stood there with a quirked eyebrow. As time passed, Rainbow began to feel trepidation approaching.
“I was wondering when you were going to come out and say it,” Mystic finally said.
Rainbow furrowed her brows “Huh?”
“Twilight told me yesterday that you were going to come and offer me time with you,” Mystic explained, “I was wanting you to come out and say it.”
“You’re serious?” Rainbow’s eyes widened.
“I am. She told me to have a good time and give you the benefit of the doubt for the trip, and to make some new friends if possible.”
Rainbow nodded, not fully listening, and wanting to get going on the experience.
“So... when shall we get started?” she asked, “I-I mean when seems appropriate to you!”
“We can start as soon as I get these tools back,” said Mystic, walking ahead, “I’ll let Applejack know. See you later.”
Rainbow stood there for a minute, watching her partner for the next couple of days depart from her.
“Wait...” Rainbow whispered and then shouted, “She knew this whole time?!”
The trip to this “Cloudsdale” was mostly silent. A pony named Cherry Berry navigated the hot air balloon Mystic stood in. Having never flown before, she was amazed at seeing the land of Equestria’s rolling fields, forests, rivers, and lakes.
It’s beautiful, Mystic thought, a small smile breaking out onto her face.
“This is what we pegasi see every day,” Rainbow said. Mystic looked up at her, believing she caught her smile. “Isn’t it awesome to see things from our perspective?”
Mystic lightly nodded. “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”
Rainbow beamed. She looked out in front of her. “And we’re here!”
Mystic turned and watched as a large cloud came into view. But it wasn’t just a large cloud, it looked like a city made completely out of the white material. Rainbow liquid dripped from various places on the base of the city, pegasi flew in and out of it and there were a couple of hot air balloons departing.
Soon, the balloon she was traveling in landed on the cloudy surface. Rainbow hovered nearby as Mystic looked at the streets ahead.
There were multiple houses lined on the streets heading to a four-way crossway. There were streetlights on a sidewalk and even a fire hydrant that was made out of the substance.
“Come on, let’s step out and get moving!” Rainbow said in a chipper tone.
Hesitantly, Mystic opened the door to the basket. Hooves slightly shaking, she stepped out onto the clouds.
Just when she was about to pull back her hoof touched the cloud as if it were solid.
Wow, that spell Twilight cast on me does work! she thought, amazed as she fully stepped out of the balloon’s basket.
“Here we are, Mystic!” Rainbow said, holding her forelegs out as if presenting the sight before her. “The coolest place in the sky! Cloudsdale!”
“It is impressive,” replied Mystic. She looked down at her hooves. They were able to stand and even walk on clouds. “I’ve never stood on clouds. They’re like standing on cotton.”
Rainbow chuckled. “Yeah, ponies say that a lot.” She wrapped a foreleg around Mystic’s neck, “Anyway! We’ve got some time to kill before the show later today! Why don’t I show you around?”
That sounded interesting. What would it be like living up here? “Sure. I think I might like seeing this place.”
“Oh, you’re gonna love it!” Rainbow went to the air, doing a loop-de-loop until landing on the other side of the street. Mystic just followed saying nothing. “There are all kinds of great restaurants and places to get some snacks if you want some. As well as aerial tours all around Equestria!”
“That sounds cool,” said Mystic.
“It sounds awesome!” Rainbow said happily.
Both ponies went silent for a few seconds, as Mystic watched several pegasi fly all around her.
“You teach loyalty, don’t you?” Mystic asked.
“You know it!” Rainbow said, proudly. “Can you tell me what you know about loyalty?”
“Thing is, Rainbow,” said Mystic, “I was part of a group where the only thing that mattered to them was loyalty.”
“Really?”
Mystic nodded. “Yes. I think I might know plenty about loyalty.”
“That’s awesome! That means you’re ahead in my class! Nailed it!” Rainbow posed in victory.
“That’s not entirely what I meant...” Mystic murmured, but Rainbow didn’t seem to pick up on it.
For the next hour, Mystic took in the sights of Cloudsdale from the weather factory, the Cloudosseum, and how the rainbow rivers flow through the streets.
While the city was impressive, Mystic wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as Rainbow was. She barely registered how Rainbow talked about how “awesome” it was as well as her team, the Wonderbolts, were.
Mystic just tried to find any potential friends she could probably make if Rainbow would allow her. But hardly any pegasi were around to...
“Agh, I need a break,” said a nearby voice, “My wings are cramping.” Mystic turned to see two lilac pegasi that looked like twins. The second pegasus, who had a smooth mane and tail, began rubbing the first one’s back.
Remember your lessons, Mystic thought, Just try and talk, and maybe you’ll find common ground.
She hesitantly began walking over to them, trying to push aside all of her doubts. The first pegasus, who had a spiky mane, saw her. Mystic gently waved at her.
“Hello,” said the pegasus, causing her presumed sister to look at Mystic too.
“Hi there,” said Mystic, “I’m Mystic. What’re your names?”
“I’m Cloudchaser,” said the first pegasus pointing at herself, “And this is my sister, Flitter.”
“Wonderful to meet you,” said Flitter, smiling. “You’re visiting Cloudsdale, huh?”
“What gave it away? The horn?” Mystic asked with a small grin, which caused the pegasi to giggle.
“Maybe,” said Cloudchaser.
“I also got a recommendation for you,” said Mystic, walking up to her and rubbing the base of Cloudchaser’s wings, “You might want to get to a spa. Ponyville has the best one I know of.”
“I keep telling her that,” said Flitter, rolling her eyes.
“No, you only said it in the last week,” Cloudchaser said with a grin.
“I wonder what could have caused your wings to cramp,” said Mystic.
“Oh, we’ve been on a flight around Equestria,” said Flitter.
Mystic suddenly thought of what they could talk about. “How much do you two like traveling?”
Not knowing that Mystic had departed from her, Rainbow was hovering as she continually kept talking about the cloud city.
“And that’s Cloudsdale’s best bookstore!” said Rainbow, “We’ve got to go by there soon.” She turned to look at Mystic, only to not find her there. “Mystic?!”
She looked around at the cloudy streets, but she didn’t see her. She began to panic as she flew back the way she came from. “Oh, Twilight’s gonna kill me!” Suddenly, at the corner of a building, she saw Mystic speaking with her old flight school friends, Flitter and Cloudchaser.
She grimaced.
Rainbow remembered while she had a great time at flight school, While Rainbow had a great time at flight school, there were certain moments she wasn’t proud of and some she wanted ponies to not even mention. Hesitantly, Rainbow descended close by.
“--and we consider Ponyville our home away from home,” said Flitter.
“We pay rent on one of the homes there,” added Cloudchaser.
Flitter turned her head to see Rainbow, “Hey, Rainbow Dash! Nice to run into you here!”
“Likewise, Flitter,” Rainbow said with a sheepish grin as Mystic and Cloudchaser looked in her direction.
“We were just getting to know this pony here, do you know her?” Cloudchaser asked.
“She’s with me,” said Rainbow, looking at Mystic, “Why did you run off?”
“I didn’t run off, I just quit walking and started talking to these ponies,” said Mystic.
Rainbow paused for a beat. “Fair enough. Sorry I didn’t notice you were gone.”
Mystic shrugged and looked back at the two sisters, “Can you tell me more about what you two do for a living?” Flitter and Cloudchaser beamed as Rainbow went quiet and watched the three ponies.
About ten minutes must’ve passed. Rainbow bit her hoof as Mystic continued talking to Cloudchaser and Flitter.
This isn’t working as I thought! she thought, We’re supposed to be exploring the city and finding common ground!
“-and that’s the last time I had ever flown in a storm,” said Cloudchaser.
“Wow,” said Mystic, “That was quite a tale.”
“It’s fun being with you, Mystic,” said Flitter.
“I think it’s fun being with you too, Flitter,” Mystic smiled, “And you too, Cloudchaser.”
“Hey, Rainbow,” said Flitter, “Do you want us to tell Mystic about the Noodle incident at flight school?”
“I had nothing to do with that!” Rainbow shouted, causing everypony’s eyes to widen. She smiled, blushing lightly. “Sorry.”
“What was that incident?” Mystic asked with a smirk, causing Rainbow to fear her mocking and sly looks.
Flitter giggled, “Oh, it was a huge incident that--”
“Oh! Hey!” Rainbow flew right in between the two sisters and Mystic, “It’s getting rather late and Mystic and I need to get going!”
“Huh?” Mystic asked. “Don’t we have an hour or--”
“See ya Flitter and Clouds!” Rainbow began pushing Mystic along the streets, “Gotta go but catch up with you later!”
Rainbow continued pushing Mystic down the streets until they rounded a couple of corners until Rainbow was sure they wouldn’t be seen by them again.
“Goodness, rude much?” Mystic scoffed.
“Sorry,” Rainbow said, “I almost forgot we needed to do a couple of errands before we head to the show.”
“You never mentioned this to me before,” said Mystic.
“Got to get some snacks and drinks for the Wonderbolts,” Rainbow hastily said, “And run something by my folks’ house.”
“Oh?” Mystic asked.
“Yeah,” said Rainbow, looking for where they could get the snacks, “In the meantime, we could keep bonding and finding common ground.”
“The only common ground we have is being daredevils I guess,” Mystic muttered.
“Great! That’s a good starting place!” Rainbow beamed.
Mystic facehoofed.
Later that day, Mystic was in the Cloudosseum’s lobby. She walked upstairs to an upper level and looked at a hoof-written map Rainbow had given her. It marked a particular room about ten doors down the left corridor. Mystic made sure the badge she received from the pegasus was clipped on her outfit well enough before she got on her way. The unicorn was a little disgruntled at Rainbow’s lack of effort to bond properly. However, she decided to play it cool when she came upon the door Rainbow had marked on the map. She saw it was marked “VIP room.”
I guess I’m meeting her team, Mystic assumed. She raised a hoof, entering the room to find herself with a bunch of ponies wearing blue jumpsuits that covered their bodies from head to hoof, one of the stallions was sitting on the floor eating to what looked like an apple pie. On the far end of the room, Mystic saw a couple of tables that had some appetizers as well as bottles of water. Deciding she was thirsty, Mystic walked over, grabbed a bottle with her magic, and began drinking it.
“There you are!” said a familiar raspy voice. Mystic turned to see Rainbow dressed in the same blue outfit.
“I’ve also got you some friends here you could get to know!” Rainbow said happily. Mystic inclined her head, and behind the ecstatic pegasus were three more pegasi. One with a fiery mane, a light blue stallion with a deep blue mane, and a rose-eyed pegasus with a white mane. “This here is Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot.”
“Hello ma’am,” the pony known as Spitfire saluted, “Pleased to meet you.”
“Hi there!” said Soarin, wiping his muzzle from pie crumbs.
“Any friend of Rainbow Dash is a friend of mine!” said Fleetfoot.
Not sure if we’re totally friends, Mystic thought, “Nice to meet all of you, too. Rainbow talked all about you on the way here.”
“That doesn’t surprise us one bit,” Soarin chuckled.
“The Wonderbolts are the best aerial team in all of Equestria,” said Rainbow, which caused Mystic to bite her tongue to keep herself from saying anything. “And you’re going to see an amazing show today!”
“Oh, Rainbow, didn’t you get the memo?” Fleetfoot asked.
“Memo?” Rainbow asked. The three Wonderbolts looked at each other with slight confusion. “What’s going on?”
“We sent a message out that the show has been changed,” said Soarin.
“What?” Rainbow’s eyes widened, “What has changed? Do we have a new routine I didn’t know about?”
“You really don’t know?” Fleetfoot gasped.
“What is it?!” Rainbow asked in a panicked tone.
“We’re going to be doing a contest against the ever-growing in popularity, the Washouts,” Spitfire sighed.
Rainbow gasped, “What?! Why wasn’t I informed of this?”
“We sent the message to you three days ago,” said Spitfire, “You didn’t get it?”
“I-I’ve been busy!” Rainbow stammered.
“That’s a no then,” Spitfire sighed, “Look, just do your best and remember your training.” Rainbow began to trot in panic. Mystic had just been standing there, interested at this turn of events.
“I may not know much about them,” said Mystic, causing the four ponies to look at her, “But I look forward to the friendly competition.” She finished her water and walked out of the VIP room. As she headed to the bleachers to find a seat, Mystic began thinking of the other team.
Washouts, Washouts, she tapped her chin. I might need to get a brochure of them and the Wonderbolts before the show starts.
Rainbow had to get out of the Cloudosseum to get some air. She gulped down her second bottle of water and tried to enjoy the light breeze flowing.
An obstacle course, doing aerial tricks, and finally a grand race between all members of either team, Rainbow thought, beginning to hyperventilate. Keep it together, Rainbow! You’ve handled worse than this before! Rainbow tried to calm her breathing. It was already enough trouble having to put up with Mystic being here, but now having to do a competition with the infamous Washouts? The pegasus’ anger burned against the recklessness and foolishness of Lightning Dust and how she nearly...
She tensed when she saw a familiar green-coated pegasus standing nearby, dressed in her black and green suit.
“Lightning Dust!” Rainbow seethed.
“Hey, wingpony!” Lightning greeted with a snarky grin, “Long time no see.”
“I thought I’d never have to see your face again,” Rainbow growled.
“Ouch,” Lightning said in a mocking tone, “And here I was hoping to have a happy reunion with an old friend.”
“Last time I recall that we were no such thing,” Rainbow snarled.
Lightning shrugged, “Regardless if we are or not, I’ve just been dying to see your looks at how huge the Washouts have become! We’re rivaling the Wonderbolts, and--”
“You seem to forget the fact that you nearly severely injured or killed Scootaloo!” Rainbow shouted.
“I was wrong in that incident, sure,” said Lightning, not even phased, “But I’ve learned from it and I take some precautions before such stunts.”
“Yeah, right!” Rainbow scoffed, “You’re all about not following safety protocols.”
“Have it your way, Dash,” Lightning waved her off, “But my team has grown and I have become more dependable on some safety rules.”
Rainbow shook her head, “Whatever. We all know I’m the best flier! I’ll leave you in the dust, Dust!”
Rainbow was surprised when Lightning laughed.
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that!” said Lightning, wiping a tear away, “I’m feeling extra good today so you might want to watch your flank.”
Rainbow wanted to retort, but she was so flustered she just turned and flew off. She could practically hear Lightning’s giggles ringing in her ears.
Keep calm, Rainbow Dash! Don’t let her get to your head! she thought as steam poured from her nostrils.
It was a few minutes before the show would begin and Mystic had picked out a seat to give her a good view of the action. She finished looking at the booklets and brochures about the event and teams.
“Wow, these flight teams seem to be quite amazing,” she said to herself, “Rainbow seems to be right about the Wonderbolts.”
However, she was more interested in the other team, the Washouts. She grinned.
Fireproof suits? The Crushinator Jaws of Smashalot? Mystic’s grin grew. They sound incredible!
Mystic looked out onto the wide, circular space of the Cloudosseum. Scattered throughout the space below, were arrows and flags that marked a flight pattern, but there were hoops attached to clouds, weather machines that would spew out wind and rain, cloud pillars, and bars that Mystic assumed the teams would fly around, and other obstacles. Beyond them, she could see where pegasi were sitting in about every seat, but there were some unicorns and earth ponies as well.
I say I’m in for one heck of a show, Mystic thought.
“Good afternoon fillies and gentlecolts!” the speaker announced, causing Mystic to smirk, proud of her timing. “Today marks the first competition between two rival teams! The original, the flight team of Equestria, the Wonderbolts!”
The crowd cheered as Mystic watched as the entire herd of ponies she’d met flew out into the opening, doing several loop-de-loops before landing on a platform on a far-left platform.
“And now, the newest, ever-growing in popularity, and most bold and audacious team out there, the Washouts!” the speaker announced.
Mystic got a sense of excitement flowing through her system as a team of ponies dressed in black and green with helmets on flew out into the open. They did several loop-de-loops but added spinning through the air as they made their way over to their platforms next to the Wonderbolts. Mystic was very impressed that they all landed firmly and in formation without any mistakes.
“Whoa,” Mystic marveled.
Rainbow stood on her platform with her teammates, doing some final stretches before cracking her neck and forming a look of determination on the obstacle course below.
She was told that she and the best of her team would go last, which caused her to hope that Lightning wouldn’t be one of the ponies she was up against.
Rainbow saw her parents sitting on one of the top bleachers. They were waving and letting out cheers. A sense of guilt washed over the pegasus. She never got to go to see her mom for her birthday and had forgotten to get her a present. Yet, they were there just cheering for their daughter. But she had to brush the thoughts aside and focus.
Soon, it was Rainbow, Spitfire, and Soarin all doing the obstacle course along with Lightning, Rolling Thunder, and Short Fuse. Rainbow shot a glare at Lightning as she smirked at the angered pegasus. The pegasus on a nearby cloud waved a checkered flag and all of them were off.
Rainbow did her best to clear her mind and focus on the obstacles ahead of her, not daring to think of the opposing team. Rainbow pushed herself, swerving around cloud pillars, doing a corkscrew in between two bars close together, all while keeping her speed up.
She flew through all of the electrified hoops in a spiral before turning around and avoiding swinging columns. She dived into the rain and wind created by the weather machines. She was pushed up against them, but she kept her balance and focus.
However, her focus would be interrupted as Lightning was right next to her. Rainbow saw several thunderclouds with lightning emitting from them. She smirked, turned sharply to the right, swerved around, and loop-de-looped around the last one. She caught up with Lightning Dust.
“Impressed, LD?” Rainbow asked with a proud smirk.
“I’ve seen better moves from a one-winged pegasus!” Lightning mocked.
Rainbow let out a cry of rage and determination, pushing herself harder until she and Lightning reached their platform at the same time.
Meanwhile, Mystic was watching the show. Her eyes were wide and she couldn’t take her eyes off it.
This is amazing! Everypony does so well at these tricks! She thought.
But there was one particular pegasus that was not only the fastest, and even durable, but the most impressive to her. She looked at the leader of the Washouts, Lightning Dust as she high hoofed her teammates.
After the aerial trick session of the competition, all that was left was a race. Rainbow was stretching at the starting line along with her teammates that remained. Unfortunately, Lightning was still standing tall with her fellow members as well. There were four Washouts and four Wonderbolts but Rainbow was feeling very agitated.
“Keep a clear mind, Crash,” said Spitfire. “We want to win this.” Rainbow looked over at her captain as they both stretched their wings. “We’re ahead by a little bit, but if we win this race, we’ll be number one. Got it?”
“I’ll do my best, ma’am,” said Rainbow.
“What was that?”
“I mean, yes ma’am!” Rainbow said quickly.
She noticed most of her teammates had stopped stretching and were crouched down, ready to take off. Rainbow quit her stretching and got in the same position, trying to ignore looking at Lightning Dust.
Rainbow focused on the pegasus stallion holding the checkered flag. With a mighty wave, Rainbow took off along with her teammates.
She could feel Lightning right next to her, so Rainbow pushed herself as hard as she was able to. Rainbow was doing all she could to keep her mind clear and focus. Lightning slightly pulled ahead as they came upon their turn. Rainbow made the turn, which was able to push her in front of her rival, much to her delight.
The race went on for three more laps and the teams were on their final lap with Rainbow and Spitfire at the front. However, Rainbow looked and saw her rival and another member of her teammates was right behind her.
When Rainbow made the final turn, Lightning suddenly was in front of her and heading to the finish line fast.
“No!” Rainbow cried, trying to pick up speed, but her rival was too fast and Rainbow watched in horror as Lightning Dust crossed the finish line. Unable to believe it, Rainbow thought she might’ve stopped flapping her wings because Rolling Thunder crossed after Lightning with Rainbow right behind the blue pegasus.
Rainbow screeched to a stop, unblinking, eyes wide and jaw agape.
“And the winner of the competition are the Washouts!” the speaker announced.
The crowd loudly cheered, some were standing up and flailing their forelegs at the Washouts’ victory. She gaped at Lightning who was waving at the crowd before her.
How could I have lost?! she asked, feeling her cheeks flush.
Rainbow didn’t dare look at the crowd or where her best supporters were. It would be even worse to look at Spitfire and her fellow teammates.
Thank Celestia Scootaloo isn’t here... she thought, hiding her face and began flying back to where she took off from.
In all of her career, this was the most humiliating defeat and she lost to her biggest rival.
Suddenly, she growled and flew right up to Lightning Dust.
“You cheated!” Rainbow shouted.
“I did no such thing, Dash,” Lightning said with a grin. “I was just doing it by the book as some ponies would say.”
Lightning flew off before Rainbow could say any more.
Mystic stomped her hooves on the seats, very impressed and proud of Lightning Dust.
These Washouts are amazing! she thought. I might be a fan of them.
Mystic made her way back into the corridors, pulled out her map, and saw that the Washouts’ were hosting an autograph session a few rooms down from her.
I need to meet them, she thought, walking down the corridor. She inwardly hoped she could become their friend. It might be a long shot but there’s nothing wrong with trying.
Eventually, Mystic came across a line that was already significantly long. She could see the Washouts had a table set up in a room on the far end of the hall, but there had to be at least fifty or so ponies ahead of her.
“Ponies, getting in line long before the celebs arrive, right?” Mystic asked the pony in front of her.
“You’re telling me,” the mare agreed as she held a plushie of Lightning Dust in her hooves.
It must’ve been an hour since she stood in this line. It felt like two, but at least there were ten ponies left. She saw a mare and a stallion getting a picture with Lightning and a pony named Rolling Thunder as Short Fuse signed autographs.
These ponies are bold and audacious, Mystic thought, growing impatient. Maybe it’s time for me to act that way.
She saw Lightning had gotten back into her seat. In a bold move, Mystic shoved past the ponies in line, ignoring their complaints until she was right up at Lightning, who looked up at her with an astounded look.
“Why do you think you’re just shoving ahead of these ponies?” Lightning asked, pointing to the line behind Mystic.
“The way I see it, I came to see you, Lightning Dust,” replied Mystic. “Leader of the Washouts!” She placed a hoof on the table. “Leap before you look!”
“Is that so?” Lightning asked and gave a challenging grin.
Mystic returned the grin. “Yeah, you’re full of surprises, you and your team.”
“Yes, yes we are,,” said Lightning, “We’re big and all, but I just don’t think you’ve got what it takes like we do.”
“I think you're underestimating me,”
“Oh, there's more of us and only one of you.”
“Am I too tough for you by yourself?” Mystic challenged with a smirk.
Lightning’s eyes widened. “No!” Her looked hardened. “Who do you think you are to speak to me that way?”
“A pony who demands that her heroes take notice of a real capable pony,” Mystic flexed her muscles.
“Even without my wings, you couldn’t keep up with me if I had two legs tied behind my flank!”
“You wanna bet, sister? I think I could run a race faster than you could in twenty years!”
Mystic noticed a spark within Lightning’s eyes as the pegasus’ look hardened.
“Oh, you think you’ve got guts, don’t you, unicorn?” Lightning asked, “You couldn’t keep up with a speedster like me!”
“Want to bet?” Mystic asked.
“Yeah!” Lightning said, the spark in her eyes got bigger. Mystic accepted the internal challenge.
“Yeah, I bet you’re just a weakling!” Lightning taunted.
“You have a misjudgment of character!”
“You’re hiding behind that attitude of yours!”
“You’re just an ego-soaked baby!” Mystic finished.
Everypony around her gasped. Lightning Dust’s eyes widened even wider than before. Mystic held her ground, keeping her hard look on the pegasus.
“So...” Lightning spoke in a low tone, “You plunder ahead of everypony else, confront me, try to trash talk me, and you’re acting like you’re so high and mighty in front of my presence?!” Her nose was almost touching Mystic’s.
Mystic leaned forward to where her nose was touching Lightning’s. “I prefer that I’m being bold and audacious.” Lightning didn’t reply. Both ponies didn’t back down.
Then, Lightning pulled back, a chuckle escaped her throat as a smile broke out on her face. “I love you.” Suddenly, she got up, went around the table, roughly hugged Mystic, and wrapped a foreleg around her, facing her teammates. “This pony’s got guts! Just like all of us!” She patted Mystic’s back, “Get her into the VIP room! I believe we’ve got to get to know her!”
Mystic’s heart swelled as she roughly patted Lightning’s back. “That is if you can handle me.”
“Ha!” Lightning laughed. “Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse! Get off your flanks and move her into the VIP room now!”
“Right away, boss!” Short Fuse saluted. He flew up to Mystic and began pushing her. “Get moving! Don’t make me tell you twice!”
Mystic laughed and trotted onwards as Rolling Thunder led her down the corridor.
An hour or so later, after meeting more of the teammates, Mystic couldn’t help but smile as she sat in a Washouts themed chair. Around her were posters, fliers, a couch, refreshments on a nearby table, and an electric guitar leaning up against the wall. All of them are in the signature black and green. Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse were drinking sodas, having recently come in from the autograph table.
Then, the door flew open, revealing Lightning Dust and several more members of her Washout team.
“Where’s the pony of the hour?” she called out.
“Right here!” Mystic cried, a sense of excitement overcoming her.
“There you are!” Lightning flew over to her and sat down in a chair next to her. “I’ve got to say, I’m very impressed, not many ponies can approach me the way you did.” Her smile grew bigger, “Let alone in front of that many fans? That was sick!”
“Well, they’re just chickens,” replied Mystic, smugly, “They should become bolder like you.”
“Hah!” Lightning laughed. “I love this pony! Why didn’t we meet her sooner?”
“Too fast, boss! Gotta keep rolling the shows out!” said Rolling Thunder, taking a sip of her soda.
“True.” Lightning turned to Mystic. “So, unicorn, what’s your name?”
“Mystic,” replied Mystic, outstretching a hoof. Lightning took it.
“Nice to finally meet you, Mystic!” said Lightning, “Did you enjoy the show?”
“Oh, definitely!” Mystic’s smile grew wide. “It was incredible! I’ve never seen such dangerous and exciting tricks before!”
Lightning laughed again. “You should see us in our solo shows! We really crank up the craziness whenever we can.”
“I was hoping that I might someday.”
“Well, we can give you a schedule, some merch, and autographs!” Lightning shot up from her seat, flew to the opposite of the room, and brought some posters, plushies of herself, and a schedule.
“How much?” Mystic asked.
“How much?!” Lightning’s eyes widened. “For my guest? These are yours!” She shoved all of them into Mystic’s bag.
“Oh, my, thank you,” Mystic chuckled.
“You’re lucky, unicorn,” said Rolling Thunder.
“Lightning Dust doesn’t take most ponies in!” Short Fuse shouted.
“Well, I’m honored,” Mystic gave a bow to the Washouts.
“So, Mystic, what the hay do you do for a living? And how did you hear about us?” Lightning reclined in her chair.
“I get into dangerous situations,” replied Mystic. “I travel, I fight creatures, and want to learn more about the world.”
“Did you travel across the globe?” Lightning’s eyes lit up with interest.
“Most of it.”
“Wow!”
“And how I got here is a long story, but I did come here with somepony.”
“Were you with that Rainbow Dash?” Lightning asked.
Mystic sighed, frowning, “Yeah.”
“Not going so good? Full of herself?”
“Yeah,” replied Mystic.
“I might be myself,” Lightning proudly smiled. “But I like to think about others’ behalf and try to show off.”
“That’s noble,” Mystic briefly smiled. “But Rainbow just wants to build herself up at others’ expense.”
Lightning rolled her eyes. “Please, I know what that’s like.”
“Do you?”
“She and I had our differences too!” Lightning said.
“She and I can’t ever get along, even when she half-heartedly tries!” said Mystic.
“I was a lot better flier than her back in my academy days!”
“You proved that today! And I call her Skittle Head!”
Lightning flew backward in her chair, howling in laughter. The rest of the Washouts joined in and Mystic began laughing along with them.
“Skittle Head?!” Lightning howled. “Now, that’s a classic I’ve got to remember!”
“I agree!” Short Fuse said.
“Want more?” Mystic asked. “She thinks she’s better than everypony and has to always one-up me.”
“She just cares for herself and does not want to take the blame for her actions,” said Lightning.
“Rainbow thinks she can do whatever the hay she wants!”
“What else is new?”
“She framed me for a crime and I had to repay a debt!” Mystic shouted.
Lightning’s eyes widened. “Whoa. That’s low.”
Mystic nodded. “I even fought her and I won.”
Lightning clapped, “Amazing!”
Mystic smirked, presenting her right foreleg. “I only had to work with only three limbs, too.”
“Seriously?” one of the Washouts said as Lightning’s jaw dropped.
“Yeah,” replied Mystic.
Lightning brightly smiled. “I knew you had something in you, but now, I’ve heard it all!” She looked to her teammates. “Bring out the drinks! They’re all on me.”
“Right away, boss!” said Rolling Thunder.
Mystic couldn’t take her eyes off Lightning Dust. She could see underneath this pegasus, aside from the ego and brashness, she saw a pony full of life, optimism, and energy. She looked totally content and happy with her squad. As if they were family.
Family...
Mystic frowned, remembering her time with the Liberators and how much they meant to her. She sighed, frowning, wishing that they could see this moment.
“Why so downcast?” came Lightning’s voice.
Mystic froze. “Uh...”
“This is a time for happiness and bonding,” Lightning smiled.
“Yeah,” replied Mystic. She almost tensed when Lightning got up and wrapped a foreleg around her.
“Wanna spill?”
“Oh, it...” Mystic’s sighed. “I... just... had a group I was in and they all ended up leaving me...”
Lightning blinked. “Oh. Ouch.”
“Yeah. Ouch.”
“Well,” Lightning smiled. “You’ve got a new group right here.”
Mystic smiled. “That sounds wonderful.” She dropped it. “But I can’t hang out much longer, I have to get back to Ponyville.”
“Wait,” said Lightning, “The Princess of Friendship? Is that why you were with Rainbow?”
Mystic nodded. “It’s complicated.”
“Well, let’s have you cut loose a little bit by having some drinks!” Lightning smiled again. “Speaking of which...” She turned Mystic around to see Rolling Thunder handing out bottles of booze. Mystic’s eyes widened.
Then, Rolling Thunder gave Lightning and Mystic each a bottle. The unicorn gazed at it, she might've drunk alcohol before but reminded herself to drink it in moderation, unlike that one time.
“Well, Washouts, I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you!” Lightning announced as Mystic looked up at the team, “We finally managed to outshine the Wonderbolts today! If we keep this up, we’ll be the next elite squad in all of Equestria! But the most important thing,” She patted Mystic’s head. “Is that we gained a new loyal follower and friend of the Washouts, Mystic! Let’s all drink and enjoy a new relationship for years to come!” She raised her bottle, and Mystic did likewise, “To the Washouts and Mystic!”
“To the Washouts and Mystic!” the Washouts cried and began drinking.
Mystic popped the top off her bottle and took a sip. Her taste buds danced from the taste of the booze. Then, she began gulping it down.
Rainbow hadn’t touched her food. She didn’t look around at the Wonderbolts in the mess hall as they ate. The defeated pegasus just wanted to be alone.
I’ve never been so humiliated in all of my life! Rainbow thought, squeezing her eyes shut and clenching her jaw. That was our first ever show against the Washouts and I lost, me of all ponies, to Lightning Dust!
Rainbow growled, baring her teeth, and shoved her tray away from her. She heard it crash against the floor but she just sulked, face planting onto the table.
“Crash!” came a feminine voice.
Great... Rainbow looked up to see Spitfire looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
“Stop your bellyaching and clean up your mess,” said Spitfire. “We’ll be heading back to HQ in about half an hour.”
“Oh, right,” Rainbow sighed, straightening herself up. “Sorry, ma’am.”
“I’m ticked we lost, too, Crash,” said Spitfire, “But we Bolts need to pull our act together and do better next time! Understood?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Good. One more thing.”
“Yes ma’am?”
“What’s become of the pony you were with?” Spitfire asked, “The orange unicorn?”
Rainbow’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten about Mystic. “Where is she?”
“Some of the Bolts said they saw somepony like her heading over to see the Washouts.”
Rainbow froze. “Oh no...”
This is bad! This is bad! This is bad! Rainbow thought as she flew down the corridor, swerving around annoyed employees and surprised fans. How could I have forgotten all about her?!
Rainbow flew through what seemed like a maze of corridors until she finally found what she was looking for. Two security guards stood in front of the double doors where it was labeled “The Washouts.” Rainbow tried to make her way past them, but they blocked her path.
“My friend is in there!” said Rainbow, “Please let me speak with her.”
“Do you have an invitation from the leader?” one of the security guards asked firmly.
Screw this! Rainbow thought, doing a leg sweep, knocking the guards off their hooves and Rainbow burst into the Washouts’ room. Every member of the Washouts looked at her in surprise followed by Mystic and Lightning Dust who sat across from one another.
“What’s going on in here?!” Rainbow shouted as Mystic’s eyes widened.
“What do you want...” Lightning paused, a devious smile on her face. “Skittle Head?”
Rainbow gasped, blushing furiously. “Who... what?!”
Lightning laughed. “I’m totally calling you that from now on!”
Rainbow glared at a certain orange unicorn. “Mystic!”
Mystic shrugged. “She’s my new friend I made, Dash. Looks like I’m on a roll.”
Rainbow nearly fainted. “Say whaaaaaaat?” How could this have happened?!
“Wow, she’s so taken aback she can’t speak,” Lightning chuckled.
“Only because she’s stumped by how hard you schooled her,” said Rolling Thunder.
As the Washouts laughed, Rainbow could just see Mystic only smiling. But she was looking more at Lightning than her. Rainbow saw this and her jealousy along with boiling anger in her chest built.
“Do tell me how much traveling over mountains and savannas you did,” Lightning bumped Mystic’s shoulder.
“Maybe I’ll tell you about the lava lands instead,” said Mystic.
“No! No! No!” Rainbow cried. “That’s enough!”
“Rainbow,” Mystic said in a firm tone, “Why haven’t you been bonding with me when a member who’s opposing your team, does want to bond with me?”
“Only for her personal gain,” Rainbow pointed at Lightning.
“Ouch again, Dash,” Lightning mocked, “You need to get your temper under control.”
“You put Scootaloo in danger!” Rainbow cried.
“She put herself in that position!” Lightning bellowed.
“You did what?” Mystic asked, surprised.
“A die-hard fan wanted to be in one of my shows, so I said she could, but Dash here poisoned her mind to bail on me,” said Lightning, pointed at her.
“The only poison here is you, Dust!” Rainbow pointed at her. “You’re impulsive! Reckless! And self-centered!”
“Oh, and you’re one to talk, Dash.”
Rainbow looked at Mystic. “Just listen to me, please, Mystic. Lightning may act all cool but she’s full of bad morale and can be a bad influence!”
“And you haven’t been any better to Mystic?” Lightning asked. “I’ve heard how you framed her.”
“That’s because I thought she was a threat. She’s--”
“What am I to you, Dash?” Mystic’s look hardened. “Am I just something to cross off your to-do list?”
“What? No! I’m trying to keep my friend from being corrupted by Dust!”
Mystic stood up and Rainbow could see pain building up in her eyes. “I’ve been corrupted my whole life, Rainbow.”
“Then let me help you, let Twilight and the others help!”
Mystic snarled, baring her teeth. “I will. You won’t be a part of it.”
“Why not?”
“Because you shattered the mood...” Mystic looked back at Lightning, whose grin faltered some when she locked eyes with the unicorn. Mystic shook her head and walked out of the room without another word.
“Mystic! Where’re you going?” Rainbow called.
“Back to Ponyville!”
“Wait for me!”
Rainbow finally emerged outside the Cloudosseum as Mystic trotted down the street.
“Mystic! Wait up!” Rainbow called.
“Not in a million years, bub!” Mystic answered.
Rainbow flew right in front of Mystic with a desperate look, “Mystic, Lightning Dust is...”
“Is a pegasus full of life and wanting to have the best out of it,” said Mystic.
“What?” Rainbow shouted, surprised to hear that pegasus described that way. “She’s...”
“She’s been nothing but kind to me,” said Mystic, “She might be bold and audacious, but at least she tried to get to know me.”
“You should’ve seen her at the academy and how she endangered our classmates then!” Rainbow insisted. “Especially my friends!”
“Whether if she did that or not, doesn’t matter,” said Mystic, “I’ve been trying to have a good time but you have been nothing but a hindrance and a nuisance the whole time we've begun to hang out!” Rainbow noticed ponies in the streets began looking over at them, she blushed as Mystic continued on. “Not to mention how much of a darn fool you made yourself out to be.”
“Okay!” said Rainbow, “You’re right, I did screw up.”
“Darn right you did,” Mystic snarled, her nose making contact with Rainbow’s.
Rainbow spoke up again, “How about we go out to eat? Or just forget what happened before...”
“Not going to happen,” Mystic pulled back and walked around Rainbow.
“Come on, Mystic!” Rainbow pleaded, “I’m trying to be a good friend! I want to make it up to you!”
“Make it up to me?” Mystic whirled around with a glare, “You want to make it up to me after all that?!”
“Yes! Please, Mystic!”
“You sure you want to make it up to me?”
“Yes!”
“Then leave!” Mystic bellowed, catching Rainbow off guard “You haven’t spent much time with me, dragged me away from your flight school friends, and wouldn’t let me attempt to make a friend!”
“She is...”
“I don’t care what she is! I can’t just take your word for it, Dash! Not after today. You thought you could just boost your own ego and take me on a ‘bonding experience’ when there was hardly any bonding?” Rainbow stood there slack-jawed, processing what Mystic is saying. “Don’t give me that look! It was obvious!”
Rainbow snapped out of it, “Then why did you continue on?”
“Because I was giving you the benefit of the doubt on behalf of Twilight and the others, I had the slightest bit of hope it wasn’t as it seemed. Instead, I was right about you!”
At this, Rainbow growled, “So, were you holding back from bonding with me out of dislike?!”
“You’re one to talk!” Mystic bellowed, “How hypocritical, Dash! I was enjoying my time as best as I could and because of your inability to bond with me, I enjoyed more time with your flight school friends and Lightning!”
“What?! This...”
“Can it!” Mystic demanded, prodding Dash in the chest, “I want you to leave and just go back where your ego takes you!”
“But...!”
“I’m going back to Ponyville, and don’t worry, I can take care of myself, Skittle Head. Take your ego, pack up, and go back to that team of yours!”
Mystic began huffing angrily, Rainbow standing agape at Mystic. How could things have gone so wrong? She had everything planned out for Mystic, she personally convinced Spitfire to let her come. She tried bonding with her on the way here as showing her Cloudsdale.
“I... I just thought you’d like this trip...” Rainbow droned sadly, “I did so much...”
“I did enjoy seeing the city, but there wasn’t much of any kind of bonding. I don’t think I need to say anymore, Dash. I think you should just go,” Mystic looked away.
Devastated, defeated, and crushed, Rainbow hung her head low to the ground before muttering a brief apology and flying off into the air. How was she going to tell Twilight about this? She wanted her to bond, yet she failed to do so.
I just don't get it!
She flew towards the opposite end of the Cloudosseum and sulked.
To add to her embarrassment, she saw Lightning Dust hovering nearby and smugly smirking at her. “Wow. If this is how your best is, I’d definitely like to see you at your worst.”
Rainbow wanted to speak up, but she just turned away, not looking at her anymore. She heard Lightning chuckle and fly off.
Mystic trotted off down Cloudsdale’s streets to find a hot air balloon back to the surface. As she did so, she felt tears threatening to break loose and it took a little bit of effort to fight them back.
Stupid, stupid pegasus! Mystic thought, sniffling, she thought back to what she'd said about Lightning and wondered if it was true, but she couldn't take just one pegasus' side over what happened. It felt like another potential friend was taken from her by Rainbow. But all that happened today... a lone tear rolled down her face.
This situation seemed to hurt more than the arguments and the battle across Ponyville.