//------------------------------// // In Which the Loop Closes (April Foals) // Story: Filly Fantasy VI - The Return of Magic // by The Wyld Stallynz //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle gave a content sigh as the credits for Pony Fantasy VI played out on her monitor. Joyous and triumphant music came out of the speakers as though reaching out and patting her on the back for a job well done. Once the final THE END screen came up, she trotted over and switched off the Super Fillycom Entertainment System console. With practiced ease, she took out the game cartridge, slipped it into its box, and placed it on the shelf with her other games. “Finally!” Twilight’s wings flared out and she spun around to see Rainbow Dash waltz into her room. “Rainbow! Stop barging in like that!” “Sorry,” Rainbow Dash said in a way that made it clear she wasn’t sorry. “But seriously, it’s about time you finished.” Shaking her head, Twilight put the rest of the SFES away. “Look, I just don’t have the time to play these things now that I’m a princess. I have a lot more responsibilities to take care of now. I’m just glad I was able to salvage my system at all when the library exploded.” Rainbow Dash threw up her hooves. “But you did save it and you’re still so far behind! You’ve taken so long, the remake to the sequel is out!” “Well, at least I’ll have something to look forward to once I get to it.” Closing up her drawer with the SFES console contained within, Twilight regarded Rainbow Dash fully. “Was that all you came here for, or was there something else?” Rainbow Dash scrunched up her face and began tracing circles in the carpet. “Well… now that you’re done, I was kinda hoping you’d chip in for the newest Pony Pegastation.” Giving her friend a curious stare, Twilight said, “But you’re a Wonderbolt now. Surely they pay enough for you to buy your own stuff.” “It’s not the bits that’s the problem. It’s… well… kinda hard to come by, what with the recent outbreak of the feather flu and all. It’s slowed down production and nopony can get one.” “And what makes you think coming to me will help?” Rainbow Dash raised her forearms, taking in the opulent room surrounding them. “You said it yourself! You’re a princess now, so surely you can order Pony to get you one.” “RAINBOW DASH!” The pegasus flinched back from receiving the full force of the Royal Canterlot Voice. Twilight Sparkle advanced on her friend, her eyes creased with anger. “I am not going to use my position to force others to give me things!” Her ugly visage wavered as she saw Rainbow Dash cowering on the floor like Fluttershy taking center stage at a Ponytones concert. Taking a deep, calm breath, Twilight let it out slowly and sat down next to her. “But… I wouldn’t mind going out to help you find one.” Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up. “Really?” Twilight nodded. “Really.” Launching herself up like the last few seconds hadn’t happened, Rainbow Dash grabbed Twilight and gave her a great hug. “Thanks best buddy! You won’t regret this!” “I… kinda… already… am…” Twilight gasped out. Rainbow Dash let go and ran to the door. “Come on, daylight’s a wastin’!” She bolted out, her trademark rainbow contrail trailing behind. Sighing and picking herself off the floor where Rainbow Dash had dumped her, Twilight headed after her. “You’d think with being a Wonderbolt she wouldn’t have time to play either.”