//------------------------------//
// Practice makes Perfect? 
// Story: The Drift Never Ends 
// by KenDoStudios 
//------------------------------//

Rainbow Dash walked out the door of her cloud house and into her cloud backyard, surrounded by fluffy cloud hedges and beautiful cloud flowers. She was on a mission to practice drifting, inspired by the story she had read about Denny Walls.

Rainbow Dash had always been a fan of speed and precision, but after reading about Denny's love for drifting, she was eager to try it out for herself. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused on the feeling of the wind rushing past her.

that was until a familiar voice interrupted  her beginning stretches to prepare for flight.

"Rainbow Dash! What are you up to?" it asked.

Rainbow Dash turned to see her friend Twilight Sparkle, the studious unicorn, approaching her.

"Hey Twilight! uh... I'm uh just practicing moves for tonight's show... you know the usual " Rainbow began obviously hiding the fact that his stunt was made by Denny who he kept as a fan in her heart a deep secret."

Twilight, a look of suspicion still in her eyes.

"Well, I just wanted to try something new and see how it goes," Rainbow Dash said, trying to play it off as no big deal.

"I see," Twilight said, still not fully convinced. "Well if you could hold off on that for a moment I have a favor that I might ask"


"Sure, what do you need, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked, hovering in the air wings flapping as she waited for her friend's request.

"Well," Twilight began, looking a little sheepish. "I was hoping you could help me with some research for a project I'm working on. It's been a bit overwhelming and I could use a hand."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Really, Twilight? You want my help with some egghead stuff?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I couldn't care less about science. What makes you think I would be even remotely helpful in your little research project?"

Twilight frowned, a look of disappointment on her face. "I know it's not exactly your cup of tea, Rainbow Dash," 

Rainbow Dash took a swig of her NRG drink, wiping her mouth with the back of her hoof. "I don't even like tea," she said with a smirk.

Twilight gazed at her friend, a look of determination on her face. "But Rainbow, I really could use your help. I've been working on this project for days now and as a new alicorn, I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to flight. You, on the other hand, are a natural."

Rainbow Dash let out a soft chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll help you out, Twilight," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. The thought of teaching Twilight about flight and acrobatics was exciting to her, as she loved nothing more than showing off her skills and proving just how good of a flyer she was.

"I'm ready when you are," Rainbow Dash added, spreading her wings and preparing to take flight. She couldn't wait to start this new adventure and share her expertise with her friend.

Twilight smiled, grateful for Rainbow Dash's help. She knew that with Rainbow Dash by her side, she was sure to make progress in her research. But before they left Rainbow Dash glanced at a nearby clock and saw that she had four hours until her show time. She figured she would have enough time to squeeze in some practice later. With that in mind, she turned her attention back to Twilight and asked, "So, what's this research about?"

"Well," Twilight said, a hint of excitement with uncertainty creeping into her voice, "I'm trying to figure out the best way to increase a Pegasus's speed and agility while in the air. I've been reading up on the latest studies and theories, but I really need a particular Pegasus's expertise to help me test my hypothesis."

Rainbow Dash peered over at Twilight, intrigued by what she could possibly need help with. "So, what exactly do you need my assistance with?" she asked, eager to learn more. Although Rainbow Dash was a skilled flyer, her understanding of flight was mostly instinctual and would probably struggle to explain it in scientific terms. She was curious to see what Twilight wanted to explore and test in the field of flight.

Twilight beamed, grateful for Rainbow Dash's willingness to help. "It's about aerodynamics and how air resistance affects different objects in flight. I want to see if we can use this information to improve flight performance and make our flight patterns even more efficient," she explained excitedly.

Rainbow Dash cocked her head to the side, a confused expression on her face. "Sorry, could you repeat that?" she asked, not fully comprehending what Twilight was trying to explain. She was eager to help, but she needed more information in order to understand what it was that Twilight needed her assistance with.

Twilight Sparkle's eyes lit up with excitement. "I think I've figured out a way to make your rainbooms even cooler, Rainbow Dash," she said eagerly. She knew how much Rainbow Dash prided herself on her signature move and she was hoping that her newfound knowledge would be just the thing to help her friend take her skills to the next level.

On any other day, Rainbow Dash would have jumped at the opportunity to learn something that could make her look even cooler. But at that moment, her mind was still fixated on the thrill of drifting through the sky. The idea of mastering the art of drifting was like an adrenaline rush she couldn't shake off. It played in her head like a catchy tune.  but it was four hours before her showtime, and who knows? maybe if she implemented twilights idea, she might actually pull it off first try.

Rainbow Dash must have been lost in thought for quite a while, as Twilight was now waving a hoof in front of his eyes. "Hello? Equss to Rainbow?" she said, her voice tinged with amusement.

Rainbow Dash blinked a few times before shaking her head slightly to clear her thoughts. "Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry, Twilight. I got a bit carried away with thinking about the dr... er the cool Rainboom."

Rainbow Dash couldn't shake the feeling that she wanted to keep her secret aspiration hidden. The memory of Denny Walls, a legendary figure in her eyes, was deeply personal to her. His unique drift across the pages of history had always been her inspiration. She didn't want to give anyone the impression that she was emulating him too closely or revealing her hidden desire to emulate his signature stunt.

"Twilight," she began, a hint of urgency in her voice, "where exactly are we heading for these experiments? My stunt show is coming up, and I don't want to miss it. It's just four hours from now, and I need to make sure I'm there on time."

Twilight understood Rainbow Dash's concern and quickly provided the location details. "Don't worry, Rainbow. We're not far from your show location, and we'll wrap up here with plenty of time for you to prepare.

Rainbow Dash couldn't completely shake off her anxiety about the impending show, but her loyalty to her friends always took precedence. She put on a determined grin and said, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going and make the most of our time."

With that, Rainbow Dash and Twilight took to the skies, their wings beating in harmony as they headed towards the location for their experiments.

As Rainbow Dash and Twilight flew, they found that the location for their experiments was indeed not far from where they had started. In just about seven minutes, they arrived at their destination. It was a picturesque open field surrounded by rolling hills, the perfect spot for their research.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but appreciate the beautiful landscape around her, even with the clock ticking towards her upcoming stunt show. She was ready to dive into their experiments with enthusiasm and dedication, knowing that this experience would not only help her improve her skills but also contribute to Twilight's scientific endeavors.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight landed in the open field, and Twilight's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Alright, Rainbow Dash, let's delve into the specifics of your first Sonic Rainboom," she said, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Rainbow Dash nodded, recalling that unforgettable moment when she had achieved her first Sonic Rainboom. "Sure thing, Twilight. My first one was a total game-changer."

Twilight eagerly leaned in, her horn glowing as she summoned a whiteboard and marker to take notes. "Tell me everything. What led up to it? How did it feel? What happened next?"

As Rainbow Dash began to recount the story of her first Sonic Rainboom, she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. It was a memory that defined her as a flyer and a moment she cherished deeply.

Rainbow Dash began to recount her tale with fervor, transported back to the moment that had defined her flying career. "It all unfolded during the race at Flight Camp," she began, her voice filled with nostalgia.

Her eyes sparkled as she continued, "I found myself in a challenging situation, determined to stand up for Fluttershy. She needed someone to be there for her, and I couldn't let her down."

Rainbow Dash's excitement was palpable as she described the flight. "I'd never experienced flight quite like that! The sensation of pure freedom was indescribable. The velocity, the exhilaration, the breeze rustling through my mane... I was enamored by it all!"

She leaned in, emphasizing her next point. "But as amazing as the flight was, there was something I cherished even more than flying at breakneck speeds... and that was emerging victorious!"

Rainbow Dash's eyes gleamed with pride as she recalled her most significant achievement. "While many considered the idea of a sonic burst in the sky to be mere folklore, on that particular day, during the race, I demonstrated that the legends held a grain of truth. I accomplished the seemingly impossible!"

Twilight listened with rapt attention, scribbling down every word as Rainbow Dash's story unfolded. It was a tale of courage, determination, and the pursuit of the extraordinary that defined Rainbow Dash's character.

Twilight nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, I recall you mentioning that it was often considered an old mare's tale, something many ponies didn't take seriously. But you proved them wrong, Rainbow Dash. Your first Sonic Rainboom not only made history, but it also shattered the skepticism surrounding it."

Rainbow Dash grinned, a sense of pride swelling within her. "Exactly! It felt amazing to prove that legends could become reality."

Twilight's curiosity extended to the origins of the Sonic Rainboom. She asked, "So, Rainbow Dash, if it's considered an old mare's tale, do you know who was the first pony to ever accomplish it? And why do you think you were the one to do it?"

Rainbow Dash scratched her head, contemplating the question. "You know, Twilight, I'm not entirely sure who the first pony to achieve it was. It's been talked about in legends for as long as I can remember, but no one ever had any concrete proof. As for why I was the one to do it..." She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I guess it all comes down to determination and pushing the limits," Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight nodded, her eyes filled with excitement as she added, "Well, I, for one, believe that the first Sonic Rainboom might have been a very unstable one. After all, it did lead you, the other ponies, and me to get our cutie marks, and I think I might have a better understanding of why now!"

Rainbow Dash's ears perked up at Twilight's words. "Really, Twilight? What's your theory?"

Twilight flipped the nearby whiteboard, her horn glowing as she began to draw equations and diagrams. "Actually," she explained, "it was sound waves that helped me piece this together."

"As an object, like an airplane or even you during a Sonic Rainboom, approaches the speed of sound, it generates pressure waves. These waves bunch up in front of the object, creating a shockwave. When the object finally breaks through the sound barrier and travels faster than the speed of sound, all those pressure waves combine into a single, intense shockwave. This shockwave is what we perceive as a sonic boom."

Twilight tapped the whiteboard to emphasize her point. "It's essentially a wave of compressed air and energy that radiates outward in all directions from the object, creating a loud noise as it passes through the atmosphere."

Rainbow Dash watched with interest, her eyes fixed on the diagram. "So, you're saying that the Sonic Rainboom generates a powerful shockwave of sound and energy?"

Twilight nodded. "Exactly! That's why it's not just a visual spectacle; it's also a sonic event. And I believe it's this unique combination of magical energy and sound waves that might have triggered the cutie marks for all of us."

Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed in thought as she recalled a specific memory. "But wait, Twilight, you were in the castle, and you were about to take that dragon egg test. You weren't even going to do it until I did the Sonic Rainboom.

Twilight nodded in agreement, her eyes widening with realization. "You're right, Rainbow Dash. It was your Sonic Rainboom that created a massive magic pressure wave, doubling all magic within its shockwave. Thus how i got to hatch the egg and turn my parents into plants.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That's incredible!"

Twilight nodded, her excitement evident. "Yes, exactly!

"So, Twilight, if the Sonic Rainboom helped you hatch that dragon egg and perform advanced magic, does that mean you cheated?"

Twilight's eyes twitched slightly, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement on her face. "Well, I suppose you could look at it that way, but I prefer to think of it as a unique magical opportunity presented by your amazing Sonic Rainboom!"

Rainbow Dash's curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "Hey, Twilight, does Princess Celestia know that the magic that day with the dragon egg wasn't entirely your own?"

Twilight shifted uncomfortably, contemplating her response. "Well, I did tell her about the Sonic Rainboom. but other then that..." Twilight bit her lower lip, realizing that she hadn't been completely transparent with Princess Celestia. "I guess I didn't go into all the details. 

Rainbow Dash considered Twilight's dilemma and offered a different perspective. "You know, Twilight, maybe you don't need to tell Princess Celestia everything. You're already one of the most talented unicorns I know, and your magic studies have always been impressive. Besides, you're not under false pretenses; you're just making the most of the opportunities presented by the Sonic Rainboom."

Twilight smiled at her friend's supportive words. "You're right, Rainbow Dash. Maybe I'll just keep some of the magical effects between us, as a reminder of our unique experiences."

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but feel a bit impatient as she asked, "So, where are you going with this anyway? I mean, I made a magic pressure wave. So what?

Twilight, her eyes gleaming with intrigue, turned to Rainbow Dash and said, "I want you to do it again."

Rainbow Dash, always up for a challenge, didn't hesitate. "Alright," she said with a determined grin, and in an instant, she speed out of the field unleashing the awe-inspiring Sonic Rainboom, a burst of color and sound that left a trail of amazement in its wake.

As the echoes of the Rainboom faded, Rainbow Dash flew back and stared  at Twilight, a hint of pride in her eyes. "There you go! One rainboom! Are we done now?"

But Twilight's expression held a mix of surprise and fascination. "No, Rainbow," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement, "We're not done. You see, it seems that your Rainbooms have evolved. They no longer emanate the same magic they once did. Which is what I expected from previous times."

Rainbow Dash, always the adventurous spirit, shrugged nonchalantly. "So what? I found a way to go faster and still make it go boom. Isn't that the cool part?"

Twilight smiled warmly, her admiration for Rainbow Dash evident in her words. "For you, Rainbow Dash, it was always about pushing the boundaries and finding new ways to excel. You're a true pioneer in the world of flight." She paused, her expression growing thoughtful. "But ... that first time was a bit different—more prominent and, well, maybe even a little bit sloppy."

Rainbow Dash grinned, appreciating Twilight's honesty. "Yeah, it wasn't the most controlled thing I've ever done. But it was still an incredible moment."

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash with a thoughtful expression. "Rainbow, I want you to try something. Instead of going faster, I want you to go slower this time."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Slower? But I thought speed was the key to the Sonic Rainboom."

Twilight's curiosity was piqued as she continued, "It is, but I have a theory. And if I'm right, well, it means you are more special than you know. Alright, try this time to do the Rainboom, but accelerate gradually."

Rainbow Dash was intrigued by the prospect of uncovering more about her unique abilities. With determination in her eyes, she nodded in agreement. "Alright, Twilight, let's give it a shot. Gradual acceleration it is."

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, her focus sharpening as she prepared to execute the Sonic Rainboom with a different approach. As she ascended into the sky, the first thing that became apparent was the sheer speed at which she traveled. The air around her shimmered with the intensity of her velocity, and the familiar rainbow trail began to form behind her.

As she continued her ascent, Rainbow Dash could feel the energy building within her, a potent mixture of magic and pure determination. The sky seemed to crackle with anticipation, and the clouds below were stirred by the turbulence of her ascent.

Then, as she reached a higher altitude, Rainbow Dash started to gradually accelerate. It was a delicate balance, one that required immense control over her flight. Her wings sliced through the air with precision, and the colors of her mane and tail began to blur as she gained momentum.

Suddenly, with a burst of radiant light and an ear-splitting sonic boom, the transformation was complete. The sky exploded into a breathtaking display of colors as the Sonic Rainboom arced gracefully through the heavens. It was a symphony of magic, sound, and speed, a phenomenon that defied the laws of nature.

Rainbow Dash's heart raced as she continued to control the Rainboom's path, ensuring that the gradual acceleration was maintained. The trail of colors stretched out behind her, leaving a brilliant streak across the sky. It was a sight to behold, a testament to the mastery of flight and magic that only Rainbow Dash could achieve.

As the Sonic Rainboom gradually dissipated, leaving behind a trail of fading colors, Rainbow Dash descended back to the ground, her heart still pounding with the exhilaration of the experience. She had successfully executed the Rainbow with gradual acceleration, a feat that not only showcased her remarkable abilities but also opened the door to new possibilities and discoveries in the world of magic and flight.

Twilight watched the display of the Sonic Rainboom with a discerning eye, her expression growing increasingly annoyed. Rainbow Dash had certainly executed the maneuver, but it was still too fast for Twilight's current experiment. She raised her hoof and shouted, "Slower, please!"

Rainbow Dash, hovering in the air, immediately understood the request. She nodded and took a deep breath, this time focusing on even greater control over her speed. With painstaking precision, she began to decelerate, causing the colors of her mane and tail to regain clarity as she slowed down.

As the Rainbow's dazzling arc continued, it now moved at a pace that allowed Twilight to closely observe the magical energies at play. The radiant display of colors lingered in the sky for a longer duration.

and then.



CRACK!



As Rainbow Dash executed the slowed Sonic Rainboom, Twilight's sharp magical senses were in tune with the subtle shifts and changes in the atmosphere. The build-up of magic within the Rainboom felt familiar, as if it were a distant memory resurfacing from long ago.

Twilight's eyes widened with recognition as she realized that the sensation she was experiencing now was reminiscent of the magic she had encountered during her early adventures in Ponyville. It was the same kind of magic that had brought her and her friends together, bound by the magic of friendship.

Her mind raced with thoughts and theories as she continued to observe the Rainboom. Could this be the key to understanding the true nature of the Sonic Rainboom's magic? Could it hold the secrets to the unexplained phenomena that had surrounded their friendship from the very beginning?

As Twilight observed the slowed Sonic Rainboom and felt the familiar magical energy, another theory began to surface in her mind. What if the magic, any magic, had been there all along, hidden beneath the surface of Equestria and waiting to be tapped into?

The idea intrigued her. It was as if the world itself held an untapped reservoir of magical energy, and the Sonic Rainboom was merely a conduit that allowed them to glimpse it. Perhaps the magic of friendship, the most powerful magic of all, was an inherent part of their world, always present but rarely seen in its pure form.

After the slowed Sonic Rainboom had dissipated, Rainbow Dash landed gracefully but clearly out of breath. The controlled execution of the maneuver had required a tremendous amount of focus and energy, and it left her feeling drained.

Twilight, concerned for her friend, rushed over to Rainbow Dash. "Are you alright, Rainbow Dash? That was incredible, but it looked like it took a lot out of you."

Rainbow Dash managed a weak grin despite her exhaustion. "Yeah, Twilight, I'm okay. Just needed a moment to catch my breath. Slowing down a Rainboom is no easy feat.

Twilight contemplated the day's events and the insights they had gained about the Sonic Rainboom's magic. "Well, Rainbow Dash, my original theory was that a Rainboom increases magic, but I no longer think that's the case." She paused for a moment, organizing her thoughts.

"See, when you do a slow Rainboom, as I mentioned earlier, the air gets stacked up," Twilight continued. "This buildup of air pressure somehow interacts with the magic you generate, creating the dazzling display we've observed. It's not so much about increasing magic but rather about the unique combination of magic and air pressure that makes the Rainboom possible."

Rainbow Dash absorbed Twilight's explanation, intrigued by the newfound understanding. "So, it's like a harmonious blend of magic and physics that creates the Rainboom?"

Rainbow Dash considered Twilight's explanation, and a thought crossed her mind. "So, you're saying that none of the magic we wield is truly our own, but rather a manipulation of the natural forces around us?"

Twilight nodded thoughtfully. "It's an intriguing possibility, Rainbow Dash. Magic in our world has always been closely intertwined with nature and the physical laws that govern it. I-I cant recall a better proof then queen Chrysalis's hive, as their throne was an anti magic sending the magic away. Perhaps what we call 'our' magic is, in reality, a harnessing and channeling of the inherent magical energies that exist all around us."

Rainbow Dash found herself pondering the implications of the idea that magic was a manipulation of natural forces. It raised questions about the source and potential of their abilities. "Well, what about Tirek?" she asked, referring to the powerful centaur who had once tried to steal Equestria's magic. "How did he manage to absorb all that magic?"

Twilight furrowed her brow in thought, considering Rainbow Dash's question carefully. "Perhaps," she began, "Tirek didn't actually suck up the magic itself, but rather the knowledge and understanding of how to use that magic effectively."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Twilight's theory. "So, you're saying that he gained the magical power through knowledge, not just raw magic itself?"

Twilight nodded in agreement. "Exactly. It's possible that Tirek's ability to absorb magic was a result of his deep understanding of how it worked. By acquiring the knowledge of harnessing and controlling magic, he could tap into the vast reserves of power that existed."

Rainbow Dash considered this explanation but then countered, "But he did physically grow stronger when he absorbed magic. How does that fit in?"

Twilight paused, thinking for a moment. "Well," she began, "when he absorbed magic, it might have enhanced his physical strength and abilities, similar to how ponies gain strength through training. The magic he absorbed could have acted as an energy source, fueling his growth and amplifying his abilities."

Rainbow Dash chuckled at Twilight's penchant for intellectual exploration. "My head hurts from all your eggheading. Are we done?"

Twilight laughed as well, realizing that their discussion had ventured deep into complex topics. "Alright, Rainbow Dash, we can take a break from the heavy thinking for now.

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash with a knowing smile. "Maybe you can tell me about you and Applejack?"

Rainbow Dash's cheeks turned slightly pink, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, what do you mean? There's nothing special between me and Applejack. We're just good friends, you know?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow, her playful tone evident. "Oh, come on, Rainbow Dash. I've seen the way you two look at each other sometimes. There's got to be more to it than just friendship."

Rainbow Dash, feeling a bit flustered by the conversation about her and Applejack, decided to change the subject abruptly. "Nope!" Without waiting for further discussion, she took to the skies and headed straight for her home in Ponyville, leaving Twilight behind for the time being.

Twilight watched her friend's swift departure with a bemused expression, knowing that Rainbow Dash often preferred action to conversation when it came to matters of the heart. She made a mental note to revisit the topic at a more opportune moment, respecting Rainbow Dash's need for space and time to process her feelings.

As Rainbow Dash soared through the sky, the wind rushing past her, she couldn't help but think about her courtship with Applejack and the complexities of their relationship. It was a topic she often found herself pondering, even if she wasn't quite ready to discuss it openly.

She had always been the one to brush off any suggestion that her bond with Applejack was anything more than friendship. After all, she didn't want to be called weird or make things awkward between them. But lately, she couldn't deny the truth to herself. She had developed deeper feelings for her friend, feelings that went beyond friendship.

As Rainbow Dash performed aerial maneuvers, she let out a frustrated sigh. She knew that addressing these feelings was inevitable, but it was also a bit intimidating. She cared about Applejack deeply, and the thought of potentially changing their relationship made her nervous.

Despite the swirl of emotions and thoughts about her feelings for Applejack, Rainbow Dash couldn't resist the pull of her other passion – practicing Denny Walls' drift technique. It was a skill she was determined to master, and it provided her with a sense of exhilaration and focus that helped clear her mind.

When Rainbow Dash finally arrived back home, she was surprised to find an unmarked box waiting for her on her doorstep. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the distinctive shape and size of the package. She knew exactly what it was.

Rainbow Dash's excitement turned into sheer delight as she opened the box and discovered a brand new magazine inside. It was titled "Denny Flies Higher." and featured a stunning image of Denny Walls on the cover, performing one of his iconic stunts. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her eyes.

She squealed with joy as she flipped through the first page of the magazine, Rainbow Dash couldn't contain her excitement as she eagerly flipped through the first pages of the magazine. The breathtaking photo of Denny Walls in action filled her with anticipation, and she couldn't wait to dive into the thrilling stories and details of his daring stunts.

The clock on her wall reminded her that she had only about three hours left before her own stunt show, but Rainbow Dash was utterly captivated by the magazine. The combination of stunning visuals and the promise of adventure within its pages was too irresistible to resist.

Rainbow Dash tore into the words on the magazine with eager anticipation, her wings instinctively sticking out in excitement. She had been looking forward to reading about Denny Walls and his thrilling stunts, expecting to be inspired once again by the legendary flyer. However, to her shock and dismay, the words that met her eyes were far from what she had anticipated.

"Denny Walls dies in a moving accident."