//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Sonic Rainboom (S1:E16) // Story: My Little Pony: Nine Elements Book 1 // by BlueBioWolf //------------------------------// My Little Pony: Nine Elements Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins Additional suggestions by Rachel Ravens Chapter 16: Sonic Rainboom It was six days after the “Pinkie Sense” debacle. In that time, Fluttershy had her 17th birthday on the second day after the debacle, followed by Applejack, who had her 19th three days later. On this particular day, the sixth day, Rainbow was coaching Fluttershy. “Now,” Rainbow said. “What did we learn?” “Loss of control,” Fluttershy said. “Good,” Rainbow nodded. “Screaming and hollering,” Fluttershy continued. “Yes,” Rainbow said. “And, most importantly…” She allowed for Fluttershy to finish the sentence. “Passion,” Fluttershy finished. “Right!” Rainbow excitedly exclaimed. “So, now that you know the elements of a good cheer, let’s hear one!” Fluttershy inhaled and said, barely above a whisper, “Yay!” Rainbow groaned and facehoofed herself lightly. “You’re going to cheer for me like that? Louder!” “Yay!” Fluttershy repeated in the same volume. “Louder!” “Yay!” “LOUDER!!!!” Fluttershy took a deep breath… and still said in the same volume, “Yay!” Rainbow groaned and fainted backwards. Fluttershy noticed. “Was I too loud?” she asked. “Not even remotely close,” Rainbow said. “You didn’t even attempt to be louder!” “I’m sorry,” Fluttershy said. “I’m not used to raising my voice. What if I do and it upsets or bothers somepony else?” “You’ll be surrounded by ponies doing that,” Rainbow insisted. “Nopony will care if one more voice is doing it. Besides, you’re bothering somepony right now by not doing it. Me.” “I am?” Fluttershy asked. “Well, if you’re sure, then I’m going to keep trying.” “The way you’ve been cheering,” Rainbow said. “I feel you haven’t been trying at all.” “Well,” Fluttershy said. “Everypony improves at different speeds, don’t they? We all try and we get better, even if we don't always see the signs.” Rainbow, brash as she was, couldn’t deny this. She sighed before saying, “Look, I’m going up to the clouds to try practicing the stunt. While I’m doing it, actually raise your voice this time. Trust me, there’s literally nopony else for you to bother by yelling. We’re the only two for like a mile.” “I’ll try,” Fluttershy said. “Good luck, Rainbow!” Rainbow flew up to the clouds. She didn’t want to say anything about it to Fluttershy, but, inside, she was nervous about being able to pull off her own routine. The fact that Fluttershy still wouldn’t raise her voice didn’t help. You’ve got to be bucking kidding me, Rainbow said internally. She decided to go forward with practicing her routine regardless. This might inspire her, she thought. She jumped off a cloud as if it were a diving board. She wove in between a line of trees as if they were pillars. There’s phase one of my routine, the cyan pegasus said internally. Though, her yellow friend still wouldn’t raise her voice. “Amazing~” Fluttershy cheered. The Critter Whisperer’s low volume further irritated the prismatic mare. “Ugh…” she groaned. “Now, onto phase two.” She began flying circles around three clouds until they started spinning. Fluttershy’s eyes spun with the rotation of the clouds and blinked for a second to concentrate on Rainbow. “Way to go~” Fluttershy cheered. Rainbow’s temper was starting to boil at that point. “Ugh~ She’s still not getting it!” Rainbow growled. “Well, if this won’t get her to cheer, nothing will. Phase three… the Sonic Rainboom!” She began flying loop-de-loops in the air before flying towards the ground with one forehoof extended as a vapor dome started to form. She flew further and further, hoping to break through the vapor dome as it became a mach cone. However, as if it was made of rubber, it sprung forward and propelled Rainbow in the air backwards. Fluttershy merely held a hoof to her mouth in surprise. Meanwhile, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie had finished reorganizing the library. “Thanks for the help, girls,” Twilight said. “Normally, I’d ask Spike to help, but, he hasn’t come back from his weekly session with Princess Luna yet.” “No problem, Twi,” Applejack smiled. “Glad we could lend a helpin’ hoof!” At that moment, Spike entered the library. “Guess who’s back,” he said. “Ooh! Ooh!” Pinkie said cheerfully as she bounced up and down. “It’s you, Spike! You’re the one who’s back!” “How was therapy?” Twilight asked. “It went well,” Spike smiled. Suddenly, Pinkie’s tail began twitching. “Uh, oh!” Twilight exclaimed, seeing Pinkie’s tail. “Something’s going to fall! Duck!” They all tried to take cover when they heard Rainbow’s voice getting closer. She crashed through the open window of the Golden Oak Library and right into the center of the library. The impact caused the books to tumble off of their shelves and piled all over the room. Spike and the other mares were buried in the various tomes. “I’m okay~” Pinkie said, her voice slightly muffled from the open book on her face. Twilight looked at Rainbow in disdain. “Do you know how long it took us to clean up this place?!” “No,” Rainbow said. “But, I’m sure it was a while. Sorry, guys.” Suddenly, Fluttershy entered through the open window. “Rainbow, you rocked~ Whoo-hoo~!” she cheered, but, she was surprised with the flurry of books scattered all over. “Oh my. I must be more powerful with cheering than I thought.” “It wasn’t your cheering,” Rainbow said. “It couldn’t possibly be.” “Oh,” Fluttershy said. “You’re not hurt, are you?” “Well,” Rainbow said bitterly. “I was catapulted by my own mach cone at 200 miles an hour, crashed face-first into the library, and wound up burying our friends in this mess, all after realizing how little I must really matter to you. Yeah, ‘hurt’ just about sums it up.” “Oh, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said. “You do matter to me. I’m sorry I don’t show it in the way you think I do.” “Could’ve fooled me,” Rainbow said. “I tried to be patient, I tried to be calm. Can you tell me what the trouble is?” She then got right in Fluttershy’s face. “Am I losing my mind?! I must be if I asked you to cheer me on. I didn’t ask for much, just one simple little thing. I didn’t ask you to move a mountain, I just wanted you to cheer for me. I stood up for you to those bullies all those years ago and this is how you repay me? By not even trying to cheer me on when I need it?!*” Fluttershy took in Rainbow’s words and she had a very hurt look on her face. Tears welled in her bluish-green eyes. “I’M SORRY, RAINBOW~!” Fluttershy sobbed surprisingly loudly. “I JUST WANTED TO BE A GOOD FRIEND~!” Spike suddenly blew into a whistle, breaking up the argument. “RAINBOW DASH!” Spike roared. “WHAT’S GOTTEN INTO YOU?!” Rainbow knew instantly that Spike was genuinely angry if he was already resorting to yelling. “I-” Rainbow started. “I-I was just trying to help Fluttershy with her cheering, that’s all.” “Explain,” Spike said, his tone calm, but, his expression still very much angry. “The Young Flyer’s Competition is coming up in Cloudsdale,” Rainbow said. “And I needed Fluttershy’s cheering to help me get through my routine.” She was about to harshly criticize Fluttershy’s cheering again, but, a glare from Spike made her stop herself. “I wanted her to cheer me on because she’s the only other one of us who could go to Cloudsdale.” “And you think her not having the right amount of volume makes you think she doesn’t care about you?” Spike hissed. “Well, if she didn’t care, she wouldn’t do this for you at all. She could have done something else, but, instead, she chose to be there for you, even if you aren’t being grateful towards her. Every bit of encouragement matters, even if it’s quiet or barely above a whisper.” “Well, not to say that you’re wrong,” Rainbow said. “But, I thrive on loud cheers. Especially if they come from close friends or my parents. They push me to perform at my best. If I can’t hear Fluttershy’s cheers over everypony else in the crowd, I feel like my performance will crash and burn.” “Well,” Pinkie said. “If there were bleachers that lead all the way up to Cloudsdale, you can bet your flank that we’d be cheering you on, Dashie! We’d love to see your routine, especially if the finale involved the super-duper amazing Sonic Rainboom!” Spike registered that last part and grew curious. “Sonic Rainboom?” “It’s amazing~” Pinkie explained eagerly. “When a pegasus like Rainbow goes fast enough, Boom! A sonic boom crossed with a rainbow happens! Hence, a Sonic Rainboom~!” “Rainbow here reckons she pulled it off,” Applejack said. “I keep telling you, AJ,” Rainbow insisted. “I did pull it off. Over ten years ago. The problem is that I did it by accident and I haven’t been able to figure out how I did it since. I keep trying to recreate it, but, nothing.**” “Well, I believe in you, Dashie,” Pinkie chirped, hugging Rainbow. “I know you’ll be able to do the best Sonic Rainboom ever!” “If I can ever figure out how I did it,” Rainbow said. “Too bad none of you can be there. I’ll just have to make due with Equestria’s only whispering cheerleader.” After the others gave Rainbow encouraging words, the sky blue pegasus flew out of the library window. Once she was out of earshot, Fluttershy confided in the others about Rainbow’s personal worries. “Rainbow’s been practicing that move 100 times and she hasn’t come close,” she explained. “I’m trying to cheer loud, but, I’m worried about upsetting or bothering somepony.” “Even though you’ll be surrounded by ponies yelling at the top of their lungs?” Spike pointed out. “That’s kind of the point of being in an audience.” “You’re right, Spike,” Fluttershy said. “Thank you for standing up for me before. Now, I’ve got to do some serious practicing of my own to do. I have to show that I do support Rainbow and her endeavors.” And with that, the yellow pegasus flew out of the window. “Well, looks like I’ll have to clean this mess up myself,” Spike said bitterly. “It wasn’t my fault, but, I have to be the one cleaning it up.” “We’ll help, too, Spike,” Applejack said. “Twilight needed our help cleanin’ here earlier n’ we can do it again.” “I’m going to start practicing what I preach,” Twilight said. “I’ve been making you clean up my own messes for too long.***” So, the friends put all of the books away. After they were finished, Rarity remembered Rainbow’s attitude and she motioned to Twilight. “Alright, go on,” Rarity said. “Go on.” “What?” Twilight asked. “Find a spell that allows for non-Pegasus ponies and wingless dragons to fly please,” Rarity said. “Didn’t you see how nervous she was?” “Yeah,” Spike said. “But, that’s pretty much standard Fluttershy.” “Not Fluttershy, Spike,” Rarity said. “I meant Rainbow. I’ve put on enough fashion shows to recognize stage fright when I see it. It’s clear that she needs our support just as much as she needs Fluttershy’s.” “I think I read about such a spell,” Spike said. “I think it was called the Daedalus Wing Spell.****” “Ooh!” Pinkie squeaked excitedly. She walked over to grab a particular book off of the shelf and opened it to a certain page. “It’s here on page twenty-seven.” “How did you—” Twilight began before Pinkie interrupted. “This book landed open on my face after Rainbow crashed in here.” She explained. Twilight studied the spell. “‘The Daedalus Wing Spell: This spell allows for a non-pegasus pony to fly for three days.’ Oh, my. It looks difficult.” “How difficult?” Spike asked. “To do this on one pony, it takes the same amount of effort it took for me to pacify the Ursa Minor,” Twilight explained. “But, who’ll volunteer?” “I shall volunteer,” Rarity said. “She may still owe me bits in order to repair the hole she caused in my roof, but, she is still my friend and she needs our support.” “Okay, here we go,” Twilight said. So, Twilight’s horn illuminated. Magical swirls of gossamer and morning dew surround Rarity as if she was being enveloped in a chrysalis state of a butterfly’s metamorphosis. Twilight began straining from the effort and her horn began to turn a reddish shade of purple. Spike quickly went to go look for an ice pack. Before long, the spell cleared and Twilight was about ready to topple over. Spike placed the ice pack against Twilight’s horn, causing it to hiss as it cooled down. “I… think it worked,” Twilight said, still slightly dizzy. “Whatever you do, don’t do that spell again,” Spike advised. “No worries,” Twilight said as her strength returned. Then, she remembered something Rainbow mentioned earlier. An enchantment to keep things from falling through the clouds. “Spike, we’ve got some spell-searching to do.” Some time later, Rainbow and Fluttershy made it to Cloudsdale. “Do your parents know you’re competing?” asked Fluttershy. “No,” Rainbow said. “I plan to keep it that way. You know how they are, cheering me on over literally everything. How do you compare who’s better or worse at hanging a towel?*****” “I thought you wanted ponies to cheer for you,” Fluttershy said. “I do,” Rainbow said. “But, they take it too far. They considered me finishing toilet training an accomplishment.******” Fluttershy sighed. “Maybe when you were a toddler that makes sense, but… not now.” Rainbow and Fluttershy were about to walk through the city when suddenly, they were met by three Pegasus stallions. One was a dark grayish brown with a light amberish gray mane. Another was a light gamboge coated stallion with a grayish tangelo mane overlapping his eyes. The third was a Persian bluish gray stallion with a reddish brownish gray mane also overlapping his eyes. Their names were Dumb-Bell, Hoops, and Score respectively. They were wearing white hardhats and matching coats as they had jobs in the Cloudsdale Weather Factory. Rainbow and Fluttershy knew them too well. “Well, well, well,” Dumb-bell said obnoxiously. “Look who’s here!” “It’s our old friend, Rainbow Crash!” Hoops said, also in an obnoxious tone. “Big talk coming from the chumps I out-flew ten years ago,” Rainbow retorted. “Get kicked out of any flight schools lately?” Dumb-bell snorted, ignoring Rainbow’s retort. “That depends,” Rainbow said. “Did you three grow a spine since I last saw you?” “Fuh!” Hoops sorted. “Yeah, we did!” “So, you stopped picking on ponies who can’t fight back?” Rainbow said snidely. “Yeah,” Dumb-bell snorted. “We’re focusing on picking on you! If ya don’t like it, why don’t ya fly away on a Sonic Rainboom~? Oh, wait, that’s right. You can’t, because the Sonic Rainboom isn’t real~!” “Now, wait just a minute!” Fluttershy snapped at the three. “Rainbow is more than capable enough to do a Sonic Rainboom and she will do it, too!” “That’s a complete load,” Dumb-bell said. “She couldn’t do it ten years ago, she can’t do it now.” Score raised his hoof to comment, but, Dumb-bell, without even turning to face him, said, “Put your hoof down, Score.” Score did as he was told.******* “If you’re so sure she can’t,” Fluttershy said assertively. “Why don’t you see her routine during the Young Flyer’s Competition this afternoon? She’ll do her Sonic Rainboom and the Wonderbolts will be amazed!” “What do you say, boys?” Dumb-bell said. “You up for seeing Rainbow Crash crash and burn?” “Yeah!” Hoops snorted. “Can’t wait to see how she screws up this time.” The two former ponies laughed obnoxiously as they flew off elsewhere. Score shook his head with annoyance and followed behind them. “Are you okay, Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked kindly. “What if Dumb-bell’s right?” Rainbow said. “Rainbow, where is this coming from?” Fluttershy asked. “Just because you haven’t been able to do the Sonic Rainboom in practice doesn’t mean you won’t be able to perform it during the real thing.” “Let’s face it, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said. “I can’t thrive on your cheering. I can kiss the prize money goodbye and I’ll never impress the Wonderbolts.” Fluttershy suddenly noticed something. “Rarity?” she asked. “Thanks for reminding me of the pony who will be upset with me that I can’t pay her back with this!” Rainbow said, upset. Fluttershy pointed behind Rainbow to show what she was referring to. Her expression changed from one of sorrow to one of surprise. She saw Rarity with butterfly-like wings. “Rarity?! You’re… flying?!” “I sure am,” Rarity said, sounding slightly woozy, but still comprehensible. “Oh dear,” Fluttershy said, noticing the situation. “You may have wings, but, you don’t have the heightened lung capacity. I can get you a breathing pack if you need it.” Rarity shook her head and spoke more normally. “I’m fine, darling,” she said. “Twilight made me these fabulous wings.” “This is awesome!” Rainbow said excitedly. “Did you come to cheer me on, too?” “Yes, we did,” Rarity smiled with a wink. At that moment, Twilight, Spike, Applejack, and Pinkie rose up in a purple hot-air balloon. “This was stored under the library,” Spike said. “It’s beautiful~” Fluttershy said, clearly amazed. “I never knew Miss Novel had this.” “Neither did I,” Twilight said. “Until Spike and I came across it one day.” Pinkie giggled and leaped out of the balloon. “Wait!” Rainbow shouted. To her and Fluttershy’s surprise, Pinkie landed safely on the cloud without falling through. “Oh my,” gasped Fluttershy. “How did you do that? I thought only winged creatures could walk on clouds.” “Well, after Pinkie found the Daedalus Wing Spell,” said Twilight, “I remembered the cloud walking enchantment Rainbow mentioned a while ago. The Icarus Cloudwalking Spell. It was much easier to cast.” Spike stepped onto the cloud. “Whoa,” he cried. “It feels solid, but, soft at the same time. I didn’t think it’d feel that way, being made of water and all.” “My dad works in the weather factory,” said Fluttershy. “He shows me cloud samples all the time. That is what they feel like.” “With this spell, you guys can visit my cloudo one day,” Rainbow grinned. “Oh, speaking of visiting, you will have to get a tour of Cloudsdale. Got to take a chance while you can since there’s time before the competition.” “Sounds great,” Spike said. “Hey, does it feel a bit chilly to anypony else?” “A little,” Applejack admitted. “But, ah’m alright.” “Same here,” Pinkie said. Spike started hugging himself. “I’m starting to feel colder.” Fluttershy readied a blanket for Spike. “It’s because of the air pressure being thinner,” she said. “Flying creatures like me and Rainbow can handle it, but, you’re cold-blooded.” “Thank you, Fluttershy,” he said, wrapping the blanket around himself. “Note to self, get Cloudsdale to make baby-dragon sized warm clothes,” Rainbow said quietly. “Alright, Spike, ladies, follow Fluttershy and me.” “You can ride on my back if you want, Spike,” Fluttershy offered. “I don’t want you to catch a cold.” Spike gratefully did so as the ponies walked off. Rarity flew rather clumsily. “Pardon,” Rarity said with a light blush. “Still getting used to this whole flying aspect.” Spike noticed that her speech was getting a little slurred. “Uh, Twilight,” he said. “Does Rarity seem a little different to you?” “Besides her brightly-colored butterfly wings?” Twilight asked. “Yeah,” Spike said. “She’s acting a little… loopy.” “That’s the Icarus Effect******** for you,” Rainbow said. “I think I read about that before,” Twilight said. “From what I read, the Icarus Effect is when a creature flying using artificial wings flies too high and doesn’t get enough oxygen, resulting in a mild delirium.” “I have the breathing pack available in my first aid kit just in case,” Fluttershy said. “I hope Rarity will be okay,” winced Spike. “Claws crossed…” “She should be fine as long as she doesn’t fly too close to the sun,” Rainbow said. “That’s when the Icarus Effect is at its worst.” “We’ll look after her,” Applejack said. “Now, ya were givin’ us a tour.” “Right,” Rainbow said. “This way.” During the tour, Rainbow decided to give her friends a view of the Weather Factory. They were equipped with the same work uniforms that the three stallions were wearing earlier. “This is where they make the snowflakes,” Rainbow said. “They’re hoofmade and super delicate.” “They look beautiful up close,” said Twilight. Rarity was about to fly, but, Rainbow stopped her. “This is a no-wing zone, Rarity,” she said. “Unless you want to ruin winter and cause a drought, I’d rethink trying to fly.” Rarity couldn’t help but groan at this. Rainbow then led them to a different part of the factory. This one had a waterfall system of a technicolor liquid. “This is where they make the rainbows,” Rainbow said. “Wow,” gasped Twilight. “I always assumed they were made from water and sunlight. I guess not.” “Oh, they are,” Rainbow said. “How do you think these ones look like liquid?” “Fair point,” Twilight admitted. Pinkie curiously took a step toward it. “I… wouldn’t try that if I were you,” Fluttershy cautioned. “When Zephyr and I were foals and dad took us to work on take your foal to work day, he tried eating it and got a spicy mouth.*********” “I remember that,” Rainbow laughed. “It took him weeks for that mouth sunburn to heal.” “Ooh, thanks for telling me,” said Pinkie. “I do not need a sunburnt tongue.” “I’m guessing it was the sunlight in the rainbow that burnt his mouth,**********” Twilight surmised. “Yep,” Rainbow said. “Some ponies started a petition to stop the production of rainbows. Well, I say that if you’re stupid enough to put something with sunlight in it in your mouth, you deserve what you get.” Just then, the group looked over to see the three pegasus stallions near Rarity. “What’s she doing with those idiots?” Rainbow asked. “Oh, where’d you get those amazing wings?” asked Dumb-bell. “I want a pair!” “It helps to be friends with a gifted unicorn,” Rarity said, sounding increasingly dazed. “Rarity~” Rainbow said through her teeth, annoyed that her bullies are giving her unwarranted attention. “Oh, hey, look, it’s Rainbow Crash again!” Said Dumb-bell. Hoops laughed. “Yeah! Rainbow…um… Crash!” “Rarity,” growled Rainbow. “What are you doing with these guys?” “Oh, they were just admiring my wings, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity explained. “Look at how I swoop around.” She started dizzily flying around. “Yeah,” said Dumb-bell. “You should forget the Sonic Rainboom and just get yourself some wings like these!” “Uh, you know she’s under the Icarus Effect, right?” Score said. “Shut up, Score,” Dumb-bell said. “Icarus Effect or not, she’s flying better than Rainbow Crash.” “Pathetic,” Spike said aloud. “What’s that?” Dumb-bell asked. “You saying we’re pathetic?” “No,” Spike said sarcastically. “I’m saying that you’re not pegasi, you’re overgrown chickens.” Hoops at that moment was helping himself to some popcorn before registering the insult. “Hey!” he said. “We’re not chickens!” In his proclamation, he dropped his popcorn, which spilled out on the cloud. He gasped. “My popcorn!” He then proceeded to eat the individual pieces the same way a chicken pecks the ground for seeds.*********** Dumb-bell and Score could only facehoof in response. “They remind me o’ the chickens on mah farm,” chuckled Applejack. “Maybe ah’d better corral ‘em inta the balloon n’ take ‘em home.” “Wait, how did three non-winged ponies get up here?!” Score exclaimed. Applejack did not reply, but, she charged at the bullies. “Let’s get out of here!” said Dumb-bell. He grabbed Hoops’ hoof as they and Score shot up into the sky. “Thanks for standing up to them, Spike,” Fluttershy said as she nuzzled him. “And trying to corral them into the balloon because you claimed they were lost chickens?” Pinkie giggled. “Good one, AJ.” Applejack just chuckled and winked at her friends. “No problem,” Spike said. “Hey, you said your dad works around here, Fluttershy?” “He does,” said Fluttershy. “He’ll be in the cloud-making factory. Come on, everyone.” The ponies and Spike all headed into the cloud making factory. Fluttershy glanced around and it wasn’t long before she spotted an older stallion who was pale, light grayish malachite green with a light amaranthish gray mane and tail. His cutie mark was three puffy clouds. “Daddy!” she cried happily. “Hmm… oh, there’s my precious Critter Whispering girl,” he smiled. “Come for a hug.” She eagerly rushed toward him and they embraced. However, in Fluttershy’s excitement, she forgot Spike was still on her back and being hugged by the stallion as well. “Hmm?” The stallion checked his daughter’s back and saw Spike. “Is that… a baby dragon on your back?” “Oh, yes,” she gasped. “Daddy, this is Spike. He moved to Ponyville right before the Summer Sun Celebration last year.” “Why, hello there, Spike,” he replied. “My name is Cloud Wisp.************” He then whispered to his daughter, “Can he understand Ponish?” “And speak it,” Spike said. “Twilight taught me the language from birth. She’s over there with the rest of our friends.” Cloud Wisp’s eyes widened in surprise as he glanced over. “Unicorns and earth ponies in Cloudsdale?” “You can thank the Icarus Cloudwalking Spell and the Daedalus Wing Spell,” Twilight said. “Daedalus and Icarus?” Cloud Wisp said. “As in Daedalus, the unicorn who magically made functioning artificial wings, and Icarus, his son who flew too close to the actual sun?” Twilight nodded. “You are certainly a gifted unicorn, young one,” said Cloud Wisp. “Does everypony in Cloudsdale know about Daedalus and Icarus?” Spike asked. “Around here, that story’s used as a cautionary tale,” Cloud Wisp explained. Spike then realized something. “Wait, doesn’t me being a dragon bother you?” “Speaking personally, no,” Cloud Wisp said honestly. “If my daughter can carry you on her back without any sign of fear, that’s all I need to know you’re not dangerous.” “Thank you, Mr. Cloud Wisp,” Spike said warmly. “I’m a little surprised, though,” admitted Cloud Wisp. “Considering my daughter’s afraid of dragons.” “I’m actually trying to get over that,” Fluttershy admitted before nuzzling Spike. “For his sake.” “You’ve certainly come a long way, Fluttershy,” Cloud Wisp said with modest pride. It was at that point Fluttershy remembered the others. “Oh, daddy, that purple unicorn is Twilight, the pink earth pony is Pinkie Pie, the orange earth pony is Applejack, and the white unicorn is Rarity. And you know Rainbow Dash already,” Fluttershy said. “Ah, hello everypony,” he greeted. “Ah, Rainbow, how are you feeling about today?” “A bit better knowing my friends came to cheer me on,” Rainbow said.  “That’s good to hear,” Cloud Wisp smiled. “You have mine and Posey’s************* support all the way, even if we’re busy working.” He added, thinking of Fluttershy’s mother. “Hey, where’d Rarity go,” Spike asked when he noticed Rarity wasn’t there. “She was here a minute ago,” said Applejack. They all looked to see Rarity’s wings being admired by the other cloud makers. “They are beautiful,” said one of the younger workers. “You’re too kind,” Rarity said drunkenly. Twilight, Spike, and Applejack were less than thrilled. “We’re supposed to be helping Rainbow relax,” Spike said. “Not show off like Trixie.” “Yeah,” Twilight said a bit sternly. “We may have to take you to the medical ward here so you can recuperate.” “Oh, I’m doing just fine, darlings,” Rarity said as she flew higher. She eclipsed the sun, which shone through her wings. “Whoa!” cried Pinkie. “What is that?!” “Because Rarity’s wings are transparent,” Twilight explained. “They’re creating a stained glass effect from the beams of sunlight. Ergo, pretty cascading beams of color.” “I’m getting kind of worried,” Spike said. “Rarity’s Icarus Effect is getting worse.” “Yeah!” Rainbow exclaimed. “We have to take her to the medical ward. Otherwise, she might get the idea to compete in the Young Flyer’s Competition, too!” “Now, there’s an idea,” Rainbowshine said. “Yeah,” said an old Pegasus mare who looked like a white version of Granny Smith. “I could watch those pretty wings all day.” “Hmm,” Rarity said woozily, thinking about the idea. “There isn’t anypony who uses their wings like mine. Perhaps I should compete!” “Foggy Fleece**************,” Rainbow said to the white old mare. “Can’t you see she’s under the Icarus Effect?” “It’s fine as long as she doesn’t get any closer to the sun than this,” the elderly mare brushed off. Rainbow became more worried. “What am I going to do? I’ll never win the competition now!” Later, the contestants were getting ready. A turquoise Pegasus mare named Sprinkle Medley knocked on a dressing room door to see if there was an accessory she needed inside. But, Rarity, from inside, opened the door. “I’ll be a little COOKIES!!!” Rarity said. This left Sprinkle with a confused look on her face. Rarity shut the door. In the bleachers of the Cloudeseum, Twilight, Fulttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, and Spike were seated. Pinkie was waving around a foam finger she was wearing on her left forehoof and Spike was being held against Twilight’s warm body. Many pegasi all stared in wonderment of non-winged creatures in Cloudsdale. “Ah wonder when Rarity n’ Rainbow’ll be on,” said Applejack. “The numbers are based on order of admission,” said Fluttershy. “Rarity did sign up last minute with Rainbow signing up a week in advance, so, she’ll probably be among the first ones with Rarity being last.” At that moment, the Young Flyer’s Competition began. An announcer pegasus stallion named Madden started the show. “Fillies and gentlecolts!” Madden spoke. “Please rise and join me in welcoming our beloved Princess Celestia!” Princess Celestia flew into view, causing the audience to cheer with amazement and appreciation. The alicorn waved to the audience members gratefully. “Where’s Princess Luna?” Twilight asked. “Oh, she’s not quite ready for public appearances yet,” Spike said. “She’s still learning about modern society. After this session, she finally figured out how to use soap.” The others raised confused eyebrows. “She said that soap didn’t exist before she was banished,” Spike said. “Best not tell Rarity that,” Fluttershy noted. “Please welcome our celebrity judges for the Best Young Flyer Competition: the Wonderbolts!” Madden went on. Six pegasi all swooped in, leaving blue streaks in their wake. Spike made an impressed whistle at the display. “No wonder Rainbow wants to join them,” he said. “Did you just whistle, Spike?!” Pinkie asked excitedly. Spike was incredulous. “You’ve seen me send and receive letters through my fire breath,” he said. “Are you really that surprised I can whistle?” Pinkie gave a sheepish expression. “And now, let’s find out who will take the prize as this year’s best young flyer!” Back with the contestants, a mare named Lucy Packard was cueing them. “Okay, contestant number one, you’re up!” Rainbow looked at her number and realized she’d be up next after one. Swiftly, she switched numbers with another contestant. The one she swapped with was a stallion with a brilliant gamboge coat, a mane and tail in two tones of moderate sapphire blue, vivid cornflower blue eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting a two-toned blue shield behind a yellow lightning bolt. “Okay, contestant number two, let’s go,” Lucy Packard said. “Come on, come on. We ain’t got all day!” “Uh, she means you,” Rainbow said quickly. The stallion blinked in surprise. “Whoa! I can’t be late!” The stallion raced off. “And here comes contestant number 2!” Madden announced. The stallion entered the arena, which surprised Madden. “Flash Sentry? Hmm. Must’ve been a mixup. Ah well, the crowd doesn’t seem to mind.” “Who… who is that?” Twilight’s eyes widened. “I don’t recall seeing him before.” “Flash Sentry was a colt who was at Summer Flight Camp,” Fluttershy replied. “He said his dream is to join the Royal Guard.” “Oh, yeah,” Spike said. “Shining Armor told me about how he enrolled at the academy after last year’s Summer Sun Celebration. Said he’s one of the best cadets this year.” “Ah thought fer sure Rainbow would be on about now,” Applejack said. “She must be more nervous ‘n we thought.” “Rarity’s showboating didn’t help at all,” Spike said. Some time later, after nearly all of the contestants performed, it was soon time for Rainbow and Rarity to perform their routines. By then, Rainbow had made herself number 15. Lucy walked up to Rainbow, who was trembling with nervousness. “Number 15, let’s go!” Lucy said impatiently. Suddenly, Rarity stepped out of her dressing room. “Rarity is A CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW!!!” “Look, ladies,” Lucy said uncaringly. “There’s only time for one more performance, so ya just have to perform together.” “Well, MOO-COW,” said Rarity. “Shall we PAINT A FENCE?!?” Rainbow was confused, but, still worried. There was no turning back now. She just had to go out there and put on a show. “Maybe you should fly down a bit,” Rainbow suggested. “Flibbertigibbet, Dash,” Rarity rambled. “I’m as juxtaposed as the next hayburger.” Rainbow groaned and flew out to the center of the Cloudeseum. “And here’s contestant number 15,” Madden said. “And apparently, a delirious number 16.” Rainbow and Rarity’s friends cheered for them, but, they were still presently worried about Rarity’s delirium. The white unicorn spouting gibberish did nothing to alleviate their worries. “Good lunch, Rainbow,” Rarity said in slurred speech while her eyes grew and shrank in an alternating pattern. “Just do your vest. I did change the murals a bit.” “You’re losing it, Rarity,” Rainbow said. “Neigh way~!” Rarity said with a goofy chuckle. “Now, lezz go~!” Rainbow looked around and swallowed a lump in her throat. “Guess we’re really doing this. Okay, Dash. Concentrate. This is what I’ve been training for.” She saw clouds organized like the trees earlier. She weaved in between each one, only bumping into the last one. “Oof!” Unfortunately for her, the bullies were watching. “Nice one, Rainbow Crash!” jeered Dumb-bell. Rainbow took a deep inhale and focused upwards on a trio of clouds. “Focus, Rainbow. Phase two.” She began flying circles around the clouds just as before. These clouds began to spin. “Look,” Fluttershy said happily. “Phase two is working!” However, Fluttershy spoke too soon as a stray cloud hit Rainbow in the face. “Oof!” Rainbow interjected. Meanwhile, Rarity was finishing up a sloppy dance flight. While most of the ponies in the audience were enamored with her wings, her friends looked on with growing concern. “This isn’t going well for Rarity,” Pinkie said. “I’ll say,” Spike said. “If she weren’t under the Icarus Effect, she’d never dance so sloppily.” At that moment, Rarity had an idea, a half baked idea at that. “Rarity fly to big yellow ball and spread wingies,” she jabbered. “They talk it long time.” Rarity then began to fly high above the Cloudeseum. Rainbow was about ready for her next phase. “Looks like this is my last chance to turn things around,” Rainbow said to herself nervously. “Phase three, the Sonic… (gulp) Rainboom.” She looked back at her own flapping wings. “Wings, don't fail me now.” She and Rarity flew higher with the pegasus having her eyes closed. Rarity got as close as she could to the sun and began sweating. “Look!” Rarity shouted, panting a bit. “I, Rarity!” As before, Rarity’s wings made a stained glass effect. Unfortunately, the heat caused the gossamer to start burning while the morning dew evaporated. In the blink of an eye, Rarity’s wings were no more. “Uh oh…” trailed Rarity. “Wingies go bye-bye.” Gravity took hold of Rarity and she began to fall from a tremendous height. Rarity screamed with terror with her rapid descent. Her scream alerted three of the Wonderbolts, who dove into action. They zoomed down to rescue Rarity, but, with Rarity screaming with terror, her legs were all flailing. She unintentionally knocked out each of the three with her legs. The other three Wonderbolts leapt into action and at that moment, Rainbow Dash caught sight of what was literally going down. “Hold on, Rarity!” She cried. “I’m coming!” The rainbow-maned pegasus shot down faster and faster, to the point of overtaking the other Wonderbolts. She held both her front hooves in front of her as a vapor dome started to form before her. “I can’t look!” cried Spike as he buried his face in Twilight’s chest fur. Rainbow kept going as the vapor dome became a technicolor mach cone. Suddenly, a loud boom was heard and a streak of color streamed through the air. The boom made Spike look and become absolutely bewildered. “A SONIC RAINBOOM!” a loud voice cheered. “She did it! She did it! Whoo!” Everypony glanced up in surprise. That voice had come from none other than… “Fluttershy!” a pegasus exclaimed as she saw Fluttershy cheering at the top of her lungs while her friends simply stared in disbelief. “I wouldn’t have expected that from you.” “You sounded more like me than I do,” Pinkie remarked after coming to her senses briefly. “I’ll go back to staring in disbelief now.” Fluttershy was too giddy and excited to care. Rainbow managed to catch Rarity and the three unconscious Wonderbolts at the same time before they hit the ground. Rarity allowed oxygen to fill her lungs again. She was truly amazed with Rainbow’s Sonic Rainboom and her rescue. As she went back to Cloudsdale, Rainbow finally realized what happened. “So, that’s how I did it!” Rainbow managed to safely slow down a bit, allowing for the rainbow streak to wear off. Various other pegasi were able to help Rarity and the unconscious Wonderbolts. Rainbow set her hooves on the cloud surface. She turned her attention to the cheering crowd and was especially amazed with the loud cheering coming from Fluttershy. “Fluttershy actually cheering right?!” “She was amazed, alright,” Twilight commented. “You were phenomenal,” Fluttershy flew over to her friend and hugged her. Rainbow just smiled back and reciprocated the hug. “Did that Sonic Rainboom feel familiar to anypony else?**************” Pinkie asked. “Now that ya mention it,” Applejack said. “It did feel familiar. Ah can’t explain why, though.” “That sounded like the explosion I heard seconds before Spike hatched,” Twilight said. Fluttershy was about to say her piece, but, then she caught sight of Rarity. “Are you okay?” “Well, I’m having a bit of a migraine and shortness of breath,” Rarity admitted. “Hold still a moment,” said Twilight. She quickly casted the cloud walking spell on the white unicorn. Rarity began breathing like normal again and was gently set on the clouds. “I can breathe! Thank you, Twilight,” she glanced over at Rainbow. “And you, Rainbow… thank you for saving me. Especially after I was so rude… at least I think I was. Everything between the weather factory and my plummet is a blank, honestly.” “Well, I kind of need you alive to pay you those bits I owe,” Rainbow said. “Besides, I would never leave somepony hanging, especially one of my best friends.” “What was that about bits?” Spike asked. “I didn’t tell you?” Rainbow asked. “The grand prize is not only a day with the Wonderbolts, but, also 20,000 gold bits. I was participating so I could pay Rarity back tenfold.***************” Rarity began to get tears in her eyes. “Oh, Rainbow, you didn’t need to use your prize money for that, and that’s assuming you do win.” Rainbow sighed. “When you signed up, it felt like I trained for nothing.” “Wait,” Rarity said. “I signed up?” “Wow,” Twilight said. “The Icarus Effect really did a number on you, Rarity.” “The what?” Rarity asked. It took a lot of explaining, but, eventually, Rarity got the message and she was very embarrassed by her actions. Even more so when she became aware of the garish ensemble she was wearing. “I am so sorry, Rainbow Dash,” sighed Rarity. “Is it possible to drop out of running if I… uh… performed, already?” “Considering we were the last act,” Rainbow said. “It’s kind of a moot point.” “Still, if I can–” Rarity started before Rainbow cut her off. “Rarity,” Rainbow said. “You don’t owe me anything. I’m the one who owes you.” The two friends hugged it out. “The Wonderbolts really will be amazed to meet you,” Rarity said with a kind smile. “And this year’s winner,” Madden’s voice echoed. “Rainbow Dash!” The audience cheered happily. Rainbow was surprised, but, still pleased to hear the results. “I won?!” “You certainly did,” said a familiar voice. It was Princess Celestia. “You have shown incredible bravery, you flew into action when a friend was in danger, and that Sonic Rainboom is one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever seen. It’s as spectacular now as it was all those years ago. For this, you’ve more than earned the victory.” The three Wonderbolts Rainbow saved came to and were briefed by the other three. They then walked over to meet their hero. Rainbow gasped with amazement. She could not keep her composure even if she tried. “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!” Rainbow said with incredible speed. “Looks like after ten years,” said the mare with a vivid orange mane and tail with amber highlights resembling fire. “We found the filly who made the impossible happen.” “Y-you were looking for me?!” Rainbow gasped with giddiness. “My mom was,” she said. “She was the Wonderbolts sergeant before me. Name’s–” “I know who you are,” Rainbow said. “You’re Spitfire.” The mare, whose name was Spitfire, chuckled good-naturedly. “Sounds like you know a lot about us. Anyway, we wanted to meet up with you and say thanks for rescuing us.” “The Wonderbolts are thanking me?!” Rainbow said, unable to stop her fanfillying****************. “I can’t believe it! I collected Wonderbolts trading cards as a filly and was so stoked to finally meet you at the Grand Galloping Gala!” “Uh, sarge,” whispered a stallion with a dark grayish-blue mane and tail to Spitfire. “Should we tell her–” “Let the fan dream, Soarin’,” Spitfire said. “So,” Princess Celestia said to Twilight and her friends. “Did you learn anything from this venture?” “I think Rarity’s the one who learned something today,” Spike said. “Since you’re here, I assume an oral report will do?” “Yes indeed,” Princess Celestia said. “I learned that it’s important to have a level head,” Rarity said. “And that it’s important to be there for your friends when they need it.” She then rubbed her left temple with her hoof. “I also learned that the Icarus Effect is NOT a pleasant experience.” “Count your blessings that you didn’t meet the final fate of Icarus himself,” the princess said. “Oh, I certainly am,” Rarity said. “Dare I ask what that fate was?” “He fell into the sea and drowned,” the princess said. Hearing that statement made Rarity shudder uncomfortably. She then looked down to see the ground beneath the clouds. “I might well have been far worse off if not for Rainbow,” Rarity said. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but, did you know Icarus?” “And his father,” the princess nodded. “Daedalus was a brilliant unicorn stallion. He named the Icarus Cloudwalking Spell, a spell of his own invention, in tribute to his dearly departed son.” The friends and princess took a moment of silence to pay respect for Daedalus and Icarus. After that, Princess Celestia looked at Twilight’s usually earth-bound friends. “I see you used that spell on your friends.” “Yep,” Twilight said. “Including Spike.” “Oh, you needn’t have bothered with Spike,” the princess said. Twilight was confused. “Why not?” “Because,” the princess explained. “Creatures that either have the ability to fly naturally or are destined to gain such an ability are immune to it. Spike falls into the latter category.” “Wait,” Spike said. “You mean I’ll be able to fly on my own?!” “Indeed you are, Spike,” the princess said. “Some dragons are born without wings, but, gain them later in life. Somewhat similar to a caterpillar gaining wings upon becoming a butterfly.*****************” “When will my wings grow in?” Spike asked. “All in due time, young drake,” the princess said, gently rubbing the top of Spike’s head. “All in due time.” Afterwards, Dumb-bell, Hoops, and Score walked up to Rainbow. From the looks on their faces, they were much more humble than before. Though, Rainbow wasn’t any happier. “What do you three want?” she asked bluntly. “Listen, Rainbow Crash-” Dumb-bell began before Hoops elbowed him in the chest. “Dash!” he grunted. “Uh, Rainbow Dash,” Dumb-bell corrected himself. “We came over to apologize to you for giving you such a hard time before. You don’t have to forgive us, but, we wanted you to know that’s how we feel.” “Don’t think I didn’t see what you did,” Rainbow said. “You purposely fed into Rarity’s delirious ego as a sick joke.” “For the record,” Score said. “I was against that from the start.” “Yeah,” Rainbow said. “But, you didn’t do anything to stop them and that’s just as bad. You can’t undo years of bullying with a single apology.” “Yeah, we understand,” Dumb-bell said. “Well, we’ll do whatever it takes to make things right, especially since we were proven wrong about you.” “That Sonic Rainboom was awesome!” Hoops said with an amazed rev. “Don’t expect me to teach it,” Rainbow said firmly. “Especially not to you.” “Fair enough,” Dumb-bell said. “It probably wouldn’t work the same with our mane colors anyway. And besides, you did it while helping your friend.” “And don’t even think about joking about her being the Icarus who lived,” Rainbow said. “Believe us,” Hoops said. “After you proved us wrong, we’re never going to tease or pick on anypony ever again, especially not you or Fluttershy.” “You better get going though, Dash,” Dumb-bell said. “You do have a day to spend with the Wonderbolts after all.” On that, Rainbow could agree. She flew over and met with the Wonderbolts and that day, they spent a wonderful time together. End of chapter.