After visiting the Crystal Kingdom, we decided to head back to Ponyville. Trixie took her leave of us, but Gilda decided to head back to Ponyville to meet up with an old friend.
This time we took a train to get back, which was much more relaxing. We had just missed Twilight and the others and figured we could exchange stories back at the library. By the time we got their a party was in full swing.
We all sat in the library and compared our stories. Rainbow Dash and Gilda seemed to forgive each other, especially as she recounted her fight with a dragon. Gilda seemed to not be snapping as much at the other ponies but I could still tell how different our species were.
Lyra and I sat next to each other, recounting the story of how I got displaced from time to Twilight, who was furiously taking notes. Zecora was recounting the entire tale to the Cutie Mark Crusaders in rhyme, I don't know how she can do it.
Big Mac was over with his sister Appljack and the waitress Daisy from the restaurant. I couldn't help but notice how Daisy seemed to hang on every word of his story about how he had saved the day.
As the party began to thin out I walked out with Lyra and told her what was on my mind over this past week. "So Lyra, it's a bit early but would you be my special somepony for Hearts and Hooves day? I've been so happy spending time with you--" Lyra interrupted me with a kiss, and I felt as if my hollow bones were filled with helium. "Yes, I'd like that" Lyra said giggling.
"So hotshot, I heard from Gilda you remembered how to use your wings!" Rainbow Dash taunted.
"Yeah, I don't suppose the weather team still has openings? I used to be a meteorologist you know" I told her with a smirk.
"Well I can't just let anypony on the weather team, how do I know you've got what it takes?" Dash said.
"Are you just saying that because you don't want to be known as the 'second fastest flier' in Equestria from now on?" I taunted her back, getting the reaction I hoped for.
"WHAT! Why... No way, get up here right now and race me! I'll show you who is the fastest!" Rainbow was livid and I could see Applejack laughing fiercely. Apparently she enjoyed pushing Rainbow's buttons too.
"Alright, but I won't go easy on you just because your a mare" I said, feigning disinterest.
"OH IT'S ON PUNK! Last one to Canterlot has to clear the skies of clouds for the next 2 weeks!" Rainbow dash landed over by Pinkie Pie who had already drawn a start line and pulled out a hot air balloon to comment on the race.
"Be careful now sugarcube, Rainbow hates to lose" Applejack warned.
"This is going to be fun" I replied to her. I had something now that I didn't have back when King Sombra ruled the Empire. I had friends, a town full of nice neighbors, and a special somepony.
3!
2!
1!
GO!
Rainbow and I took off towards Canterlot, and I got the feeling I wasn't going to live this one down after all the boasting I just did. I tried to catch up but she always stayed just ahead of me. Pretty soon the spectators saw a mach cone and 2 pegasai vanish in the distance heading for Canterlot.
I wouldn't trade my new life for anything, even if I ended up clearing out all the clouds for years.