High above Equestria was the cloud city where the Pegasus ponies dwelt, Cloudsdale. Many of the Pegasi were working hard to create the upcoming weather for Ponyville, while others were helping with the orientation of the new Pegasi for the summer flight camp. Always living with the spirit of an athlete, Rainbow Dash volunteered to help with the camp in hopes to inspire would-be future Wonderbolts.
“Alright everypony, stand back!” Rainbow Dash cleared the flight-deck area filled with young Pegasi, who were utterly rapt with attention over their instructor. These ponies had heard that the year before Rainbow Dash had made a Sonic Rainboom – for the second time. Many in the crowd hoped that she would create one again. In their eyes, Rainbow Dash was proof that the impossible could be possible.
“Watch carefully! Here…we…go!” With a mighty kick from her hind legs, Rainbow Dash rocketed from where she was standing and made a double-helix trail of a rainbow. The young Pegasi’s eyes tried to keep up with her speed.
Not too far away from the flight-deck was the Snowflake factory, where Fluttershy had volunteered to spend her day. She had finished her work for the day and decided to check on Rainbow Dash. Upon seeing a blazing rainbow trail above a crowd of giddy Pegasi made Fluttershy smile. “Oh Rainbow Dash, you certainly know how to make a pony’s day,” she said to herself. After watching several loops and other aerial demonstrations, Fluttershy saw Rainbow Dash return down to the crowd of young Pegasi.
“Wow! You were amazing!” one filly said.
“I hope I can fly as well as you someday!” said another colt.
Rainbow Dash was never one to refuse a compliment. “Thank you, thank you. It takes a lot of practice everypony! The important thing to remember is focusing on where you’re going instead of how fast you’re flying. If you think too much about speed, you might wind up smashing into a tree.” Rainbow Dash recalled an incident from her youth where she did, in fact, focus too much on speed and not where she was going; thus, earning her the nickname Rainbow Crash from her Pegasi peers. Years later she when she performed her second Sonic Rainboom she put the naysayers in their place.
One of the officials for the summer flight camp flew over to the students. “New Pegasi please follow me for a tour of the other flight deck facilities. Single-file line please!” All the young Pegasi lined up and waved goodbye to their favorite teacher. As the students were walking away, Fluttershy joined up with Rainbow Dash.
“You sure are popular with the new students,” she said.
“Eeyup! Always a good time hanging out with little squirts. I just love their energy!” said Rainbow Dash.
“Well let’s hurry up and get ready to meet everyone at Sweet Apple Acres. I can’t wait to try out Granny Smith’s new apple cider!” Fluttershy leapt into the air with a smile upon finishing her sentence.
“Oh yeah, that’s right! I can’t wait to try it out. If it’s anything like their regular cider, it’s going to be awesooome.” Rainbow Dash joined Fluttershy in the air.
The two ponies flew their way to the front gates of Cloudsdale and set off to Sweet Apple Acres. All their friends waited for them, and one young Cutie Mark Crusader in particular was brimming with excitement for their arrival.