//------------------------------// // Advice // Story: Dash jets on: RotE Episode 2 // by Dream Volt //------------------------------// I smiled. It was as forced as could be. The main problem with hanging with Rarity is if you caught her while inspired, it was super likely you'd end up a dress. In my case it was with two exceptions a dress I hated. I liked both gala dresses, even if the second was more armor than a dress, and was more like 32% less cool. I could tell a few of them were good dresses. Most of the time Rarity makes Fluttershy a dress for her birthday, and to keep it a surprise I model it even though our builds are different. Fluttershy sure loves all of them so clearly at least one pony thinks loves them. This time I had been in quite a few way too frilly things, but just briefly, and she didn't mess with my hair. It always bothered me when she complained about how she had to fix it. Sure it's not as fancy as hers, or even Twilight's, but it's not like it looks bad. It's plenty good enough. Rarity then teleported the dress off me, back to where ever it came from. After she didn't add anything new I smiled. "So we're done?" "Yes, thank you every so much for your help Rainbow." She fluttered her eyelashes at me like I was some stallion who cared. "Now, what where you saying when you arrived. I think you said you wanted something." "I said I wanted to talk." She gave a little titter. "Then why ever didn't you?" "Because when you're in the zone I can't get a word in edgewise." I had leaned in, glaring at her. She just smiled gently. I sighed. Rarity was such a drama queen, but if she didn't over react, she probably didn't react at all. It was cool in a way, even if it could be really annoying sometimes. "Okay, see lately I've been having this issue…" "Ah, that. Yes, Twilight already told me about it during our lesson." I blinked. "Lesson?" "Rainbow, I have one of the greatest mages of our generation not only living in this town, but as a close personal friend." "But why all of a sudden?" "Actually I first asked not long after that horrible show mare gave me that absolutely awful hairdo. Surely I don't need to explain to you of all ponies about the joy of self improvement and knowing you're the best at what you do." "But didn't you just say Twilight…" "Fashion Rainbow. I cannot best Twilight at magic in general, but I can certainly attempt to learn a few more fashion related spells." I blinked. "Huh? I thought other than Twilight unicorns only know a few spells and…" "Oh there are most certainly limits, and most unicorns only learn a hoofful, but if a spell is related to fabulousness, then there is absolutely no reason I can't learn it." I then took to the air. My wings felt a little cramped and it always feels good to stretch them. Rarity glared at me. "How is flying rude?" "That in itself is not, but you are not really looking me in they eyes, which is. Also elevating yourself to a greater height is somewhat rude, even if it is a viable business strategy, and a helpful one at that." "Uh, yea, whatever. Okay, so you guys talk about me a lot?" Rarity rolled her eyes. "Hardly. I have made some attempts to gossip, but Twilight is not very receptive. Normally she just lectures on and on about some detail regarding the magic she's attempting to teach me." "Yea, I know what you mean. I mean she didn't even go into that much detail about what was going on with me and it felt like it lasted forever." "Really Rainbow, she was trying to help." I crossed my front legs. "Duh, I know that. It's not like I said anything. I maybe even succeeded in not looking bored." "I see. Moving on, I understand all that. Now, what does this have to do with your problem, and why aren't you talking to Fluttershy about it? Are you really that desperate to talk to me?" "Uh kinda." I then shook my head. "But no, after thinking about it a little I realized you're the best pony to talk to. Flutter would have listened without a word, but she wouldn't have said much, and Twilight, AJ, and Pinkie have their own problems." "I see. Well that sounds unusually perceptive of you. So go on Rainbow, tell Lady Rarity your problem. I'm sure she will be able to help you." I groaned. Rarity brought up Trixie by far the most of any of my friends, and even though they're all buddy buddy now still griped about the third pony thing. I thought about pointing out the hypocrisy of that but decided it so wasn't worth the drama it would cause. Then I realized I did know what hypocrisy meant and owe mom ten bits because she was so totally right. I might even use it one day and owe her another ten. I landed again. I should probably keep resting my wings, that way I can really push myself in my next practice. "I feel like I'm cheating." "How prey tell?" "This new super charged me. It's too easy. I mean it doesn't even feel like I'm going faster but I am. It's cool but no one else…" "Ah. Well that's just nonsense." "Huh?" "You wish to perform with the Wonderbolts correct?" I rolled my eyes. "Geee Rare, what do you think?" "I mean as opposed to merely beating them in a race or some other task that mere speed would be enough for. Also it is your talent." "I'm fast yea, but this is different this magic…" "Is, unless I misunderstand, still your magic. It is unique to you, just as many unicorn talents. You have an advantage because you love it. Thus you thrive and love it even more. This is the way of cutie marks." I blinked. I think I sort of knew all that separately, but not all together. Even if I did it was only right then I got it. Rarity didn’t even blink or have to stop to think about it. I smiled. I already felt a lot better. I then laughed. "So it's not really cheating, I'm just that awesome. Yea, I really am, aren't I?" Then I frowned. "But still. I mean…" "You alone can do the sonic rainbooom, and most likely because of this magic that allows you to go faster to some degree. I see no harm in it as long as you don't coast. Push yourself as hard as you can. Strive to be the best that you can possibly be, what does it really matter how much more amazing you are than everypony else?" "I don't know, it still feels wrong somehow." "Why do you say that exactly? What is there left to feel wrong about?" I wasn't sure. I wasn't sure there even was anything anymore. Yet it still felt like there was somehow. Like somehow this was a cheat. I sighed. "It just does somehow, okay." "Hmmm, I'm not really sure what else to say. Really Rainbow, this is a bunch of silliness. As I said, strive to be the best. I know no matter how famous I become there will always be more to do. New styles to pioneer, an even more perfect dress to create." "But it's just…" Then I sighed. "Did I tell you I'm a Wonderbolt?" She of course fainted. I really should have seen that coming. I also should have been slightly more clear about exactly what I meant to begin with.