//------------------------------// // A New Life // Story: After so long... // by Orfearus //------------------------------// You never forget the first morning after your life changes. Years can come and pass, but those few hours will remain imprisoned in your memory. The few hours when you see the rest of your life laid before your eyes. Rainbow Dash woke from a dream-less sleep. Then again, what did she have to dream about anymore? She was living it! Rolling out of bed, she glanced around the bare room. It was larger than her old home, and already more furnished. There was a cloud-bed, cloud-coaches, and even a wooden table, enchanted to stand on the clouds. Her uniform was neatly laid out, and she excitedly put it on. She walked over to the window, moving the dense thunderhead that had kept the light out. From her vantage point, she could look out over the training field. Pegasi had already started for the day, while a small congregation of Wonderbolts was waiting around Spitfire. It was time to get going. Flying out the front door, she soared close along the base of the clouds, enjoying the feeling of damp air rushing over her feathers. I can't believe this is actually real! she thought. After having dreamt of this day for so long, it somehow felt distant. "Hey, Dash is up!" shouted Soarin, upon seeing her arrival. "And late." criticized Spitfire. "It's my first day, can't you give me a break?" she said, jokingly. She felt at ease around them, already welcomed to the family. "We could've, if we weren't waiting around since day-break to meet you." The reply came from Fleetfoot, having rushed up to her side in a blur as white as the clouds. "The sun's barely above the horizon!" "So, everypony. What do you think of our newest member?" Spitfire gave her a light pat on the back. "It was only a matter of time before you made it." said Soarin. "I look forward to performing together." With that, he was gone. "The Wonderbolts are going to go miles with you at our wing." Fleetfoot also sped off and around the track, leaving Spitfire and Dash alone. "Why don't we get you some breakfast, and I'll show you around?" "Gladly. I'm not used to getting up so early." "Well, you better start." Of all the buildings scattered around the complex, it turns out that the restaurant was not one of them. In fact, every single building in the arena was built for a single purpose. Training. Helping a pegasus become the best flyer in existence. They had to soar down to a nearby cloud to grab breakfast, returning with haste to avoid media. When Dash asked why, all Spitfire would reply was "Your not ready. Not yet at least." They slowly circled the arena devouring a quick meal. "As you can see, we have the largest tracks, the longest racecourses, the most intricate obstacle courses, and the highest free-fall zone in all of Equestria. Nothing but the best." Spitfire look over at Dash, satisfied she had shown the entire complex. "Ready to train?" she asked, speeding off without waiting for an answer. "I've been ready my whole life." Dash raced off, trying to catch up. ......... "I was gliding through the clouds, Fleetfoot off my left wing, Rapidfire off my right. The wind picked up so we banked into a turn and I remembered something. It's best if you flap when going into a turn. Don't just guide yourself, but force yourself around that turn. It's harder, but opens up a world of possibilities. Spitfire told me that. Spitfire! And so I did. It was extremely hard, but nothings too hard for Rainbow Dash! And I turned, sharper than I've ever done before! Fleetfoot and Rapidfire joined in too, but I wasn't expecting the turbulence a turn like that created. But don't worry, I'm fine. Clouds are nice and soft to land on. Or crash on." "Ah still can't believe tha' you're in the Wonderbolts" said Applejack, patting her friend on the back. "You didn't think I could do it?" Dash challenged. "No, no, i's not that. Jus' with everythin tha's happened, ah'm surprised it took so long." she joked. The six mares were lying in a field of daffodils just outside of Ponyville, their light color covering the ground and gentle scent drifting through the skies. Rainbow Dash had both of her wings extended, letting the warm sunlight shine down upon them. It was her first real relaxation since she got the letter. "But life's hard now" she said, enjoying the chance to idly talk to her friends. "No more care-free mornings with the cloud patrol, no more days of simply relaxing in the sun. Even though I'm up for 16 hours a day, they go fast. Spitfires pushing me hard, and when she's busy I'm pushing myself even harder. But it's all worth it. I get to fly, every day, as one of the greatest fliers in Equestria! The pure joy and exhilaration of every flap, of every breeze under my wings. I've got to be the luckiest pegasus in the entire world!" "Wait, wait. You get SPITFIRE as your own personal trainer?" Rarity said, unable to believe such a thing. "I know, can you believe it! But it's just for now. She says pretty soon I'll be the only pegasus that can push myself hard enough." "Oh my, Rainbow Dash. You must introduce me to her some day. I have this idea for a dress that would fit perfectly with the colors of her mane." "Rarity." "Oh, yes. It is your choice, of course. It would just be such a shame to let such an idea go to waste." Feeling the conversation start to deteriorate, Rainbow Dash decided now would be an ideal time to excuse herself. "Well, I've got a lot of work to do today. If you don't mind, I'm gonna head off." "Dash, wait!" It was Twilight that held her back. "Again, I'm really sorry for almost making you miss the most important day of your life." "Give it a rest, Twilight. I forgive you already. No harm done, right?" "Right." "Bye Dashie!" shouted Pinkie. "Oh, Oh, Don't forget about the party tomorrow!" "Wouldn't miss it for the world!" she said, taking to the skies in a blur of colors. It's nice I can still sit and talk to my friends she thought to herself. At first I was worried about the change, but it's not so bad. She landed inside her old house. Everything was just as she had left it. Almost everything. Tank was gone, a note from Fluttershy replacing him. Rainbow Dash, I heard about the Wonderbolts. Congratulations! Since you'll be too busy training to look after Tank, I've made a special home for him at my place. Don't worry, you can visit every day if you want to. Best of luck training! Fluttershy. It was sweet of her to go to such lengths for a friend. Making a mental note to thank her before leaving, and say goodbye to Tank, she glanced around to decide upon the few items she would need. She could pack her Young Fliers awards and Flight School graduate certificate, but they were only mementos of events that lead up to this day. She could bring her books, but knew she wouldn’t have time to touch while training. She sighed, placing her empty saddlebag on her back and leaving everything else behind. I'm going to miss this place during the week she thought. But I'll visit every weekend. My books, my house, and especially my friends. Nothing will tear us apart! ......... A Wonderbolt could only avoid the media for so long. On her way back from Ponyville, Rainbow Dash got ambushed. Out of nowhere appeared a swarm of pegasi "Rainbow Dash, you're the new Wonderbolt." FLASH A bright camera almost blinded her "How do you feel?" FLASH Questions came from the other side, surrounding her in noise "How long have you trained?" FLASH Attention was one thing FLASH "What have you..." But this "Where did you..." This was something else entirely FLASH "What will happen..." FLASH She couldn't take it. For the first time in her entire life, Rainbow Dash fled. ......... "14.6 seconds. You're really speeding up around the track!" said Spitfire, during one of their infrequent breaks. "You've cut a lot of time going around the corners, much better than the beginning of the week. Great job!" "Ya, thanks." replied Rainbow Dash, disinterested. Her mind just wasn't set on flying. "What's troubling you Dash?" "I'm just angry at myself. I ran into a group of reporters on my way back from Ponyville, and I just couldn't handle them. I normally love the attention, but I was overwhelmed. I caved, I fled. And now I can't even look myself in the eye and call myself brave." "Ah, the first run in with the media. Don't beat yourself up over it, the exact same thing happened my first time to. Except instead of fleeing, I stuttered and said some really stupid things. I wished I had fled, had the sense to just turn my tail on them. You'll get use to it soon enough." "Spitfire, come quick!" A call came across the field, as Soarin shouted over to them. "There's a letter, from the princess." "What could Celestia need? Dash, it would be best if you came as well. Learn that we do a lot more than just putting on shows." The two pegasi flew, at near sonic speeds, to where Soarin was waiting for them. He handed the letter to the captain, who quickly scanned it over. Dear Wonderbolts, I am sorry to inconvenience you at a time like this, but Equestria requires your flying abilities once more. A fire has broken out near Fillydelphia, and none of the pegasi are capable of handling it. We require a few of your strongest fliers to help contain the situation. As always, Equestria thanks you. Princess Celestia. "What are we going to do Spitfire? Controlling a blaze like that takes talented pegasi, and we can't cancel the show in Manehatten tomorrow." "I think it's time for the initiation." "So soon?" "She's ready." Spitfire turned to where Rainbow Dash was standing, intent on their conversation. "It's time for your true initiation into the Wonderbolts. Every member must pass to prove themselves capable. Do you feel ready?" Rainbow Dash hesitated for only a split second, before stepping up to the challenge. "I'm ready." "Alright. A fire has broken out of control near Fillydelphia. It is your job to lead an expedition of Wonderbolts to contain the blaze. Soarin here will be your right-wing man. Me, Fleetfoot, and Skystorm have a show tomorrow, but anypony else can help you." "I would suggest Rapidfire" Soarin broke in. "He's got strong wings to fight the updrafts." "Me, you, and Rapidfire? Who else?" "Nopony else, it's easier to control that way. But you're in charge so it's up to you." Rainbow Dash surveyed the situation. She wasn't experienced as a leader. If anything, she was the kind of pony a leader hated, because she slacked off. Just another one of the first-time experiences she would have as a Wonderbolt. "It's easier to lead a smaller group, we'll stick to three" she said. "I know you can do it, Dash." It was Spitfire's turn to give her encouragement. "You've shown a lot of promise over the past few weeks, now it's your turn to shine. Even though you should have the fire out by tonight, the clean up and after-math will probably take all weekend. Sorry if that messes with your plans." A jolt of pain shot through her heart, at the thought of another week away from her beloved friends. But this was a one-of-a-kind opportunity. They would understand. "Don't worry. Equestria needs me, right? I can't be worried about missing a single weekend. There will be more." "That's the spirit! Now you best be going. A fire isn't going to put itself out, and the fillydelphians sure need your help." ......... Flames Roaring high into the sky. Burning, lighting the night, heating the air. "We need more rain" came a shout, piercing the night. The few drops that fell evaporated before they could do much to the fire. "Soarin, get us another thunderhead." "Alright Captain." Captain. She liked the idea. "Watch it, the flames are jumping crowns again." "Not on my watch." A rainbow blur streaked across the burning sky, enough wind trailing behind it to force the flames back upon themselves. Heat. Fire. Smoke. Strain. That's all she knew. Her wingtips mere inches from the flames, feathers mere seconds from igniting themselves. A quick plunge into a cloud coated her with raindrops for another pass. CRACK. Tree's fell as she whipped by, falling inwards, crushing themselves. She passed close to the other pegasus, stopping to rest. "A bit bigger fire than first anticipated?" he asked. "That's an understatement. When Spitfire said 3 would be enough, I figured it was only a small patch of fields, not an acre of forest." "Well, don't fret. We can do this." "CLOUD INCOMING" came the shout, piercing the sky. The smoke hung thick in the air, blocking their vision, but they knew what they would see. A blue blur racing back to the raging inferno, a thunderhead as dark as the nights sky trailing behind him. "Get that over the edge of the fire. We need to contain this before it spreads any further." She dashed off, riding the thermals for a bit of height, to help position the cloud. This was going to be a long night. ......... The sun rose over the charred remains of the forest. Rainbow Dash still led the containment efforts, putting out small flames that sprung up from the embers. To be honest, all she wanted was sleep. There were plenty of pegasi to take care of the clean up efforts. Perhaps she could rest, just for a minute? NO. She had to be strong. She flew over the forest, surveying the remaining work when. FLASH The spark came from a distance, but was headed her way. No, not now. FLASH The pegasus with the camera was coming straight for her. She closed her eyes "Rainbow..." "I'm sorry, there is far to much to be done right now to entertain questions." The voice was Soarin's. She peaked through her eyelids to see Soarin pushing the pegasus away. "Thanks Soarin" she said. "Don't worry. I've got your back. Now head home and rest, you've done everything you can." "I want to help." "Then head back to Cloudsdale. Spitfire needs a report." Knowing that there was no way Soarin would let her stay, she gladly took her reprise from the hard life of a Wonderbolt. ......... My Dear Friends, I am sorry that this is the only thing you'll hear from me this week. I regret not being able to make it down to Ponyville, but an emergency arose. There was a massive wild fire near Fillydelphia, and the Wonderbolts chose ME to lead the expedition to bring it under control. I got to lead the Wonderbolts! If it was anything less, I would not have put it above our friendship. Other than that, training continues. Flying with my idols every day, having the time of my life, and performing dangerous moves I could only have dreamt of months ago. But I am really looking forward to this weekend, where I can once again return to Ponyville, and just be Rainbow Dash, where I can just lie in the field of daffodils once more and relax. I'll see you all there this weekend. Sincerely -Rainbow Dash Wonderbolt. She stared down at the page, a sorrow tugging at hear heart. This was all she could give to her friends that week, a small letter. A tear almost welled up in her eyes, as she thought of how inseparable they were. Almost. The knowledge that they would meet again in just a short week gave her the courage to move forwards. Courage she would need, because of what today held in store. She sealed the white envelope with the special Wonderbolts Seal, and flew it to her mailbox, lingering for only a second before soaring upwards. Spitfire was waiting for her. The sun was just rising as Rainbow Dash ascended. Beads of water formed on her wings, glistening orange in the first rays of the new day, making her rainbow mane glow in the soft light. The warmth those rays brought was the only heat to keep her flying at such altitudes. She saw Spitfire and headed straight for the pegasus. The morning light shining up at her gave her a surreal atmosphere, like she could challenge the whole world and succeed. If there was one pony in the entire world that Rainbow Dash admired, it was that pony. "Are you ready Dash?" "Ready to challenge the world? Always!" Spitfire chuckled at the enthusiasm of her flying partner. "We're just trying out a new move. No world challenging today." Both pegasi looked down, as if anticipating what was to come next. "It's a simple spiral downwards." Spitfire said, explaining the trick one last time. "Except on the descent, I've got to slowly open my wings, extend the radius of our spin, control it so that you can join in, and manipulate the sonic cone. Piece of cake, right?" "Uh right. Simple." Another round of nervous chuckles. "No point waiting around. I'll see you mid flight." Spitfire dove headfirst towards the ground, Dash ghosting a few feet behind in her wake. It was the most turbulent air, but the only place that the trick could be executed from. As they dove, Spitfire brought her wings in close to her body, barrel rolling at an incredible speed. Dash followed, and the world transformed into a blur of colors. The only thing she could make out was the pegasus in front of her, adjusting her spin velocity to match her flying partner's. Slowly but surely, Spitfire extended her wings mere millimeters from her body, transforming the barrel roll into a controlled spiral. The faster they flew, the longer the colored trails behind them grew. Dash spun, rainbow trail spiraling behind her, while remaining inside the flaming trail behind Spitfire. Sonic cones were already forming around them. "Are you sure you're ready?" came the shout through the air. "No. But let's go for it anyway." Spitfire snapped the back of her wings open, catching the air and slowing her descent, while throwing the sonic cone around her wide open. Dash simultaneously snapped the front of her wings open, and extended them to beside her body, breaking her own sonic cone and synchronizing her spiral with Spitfire's. In a split second, the two free-falling pegasi combined into a single, spiraling entity under the same sonic cone. Something that before now had only been dreamed of. The world was spiraling around them, but Spitfire remained fixed in her vision. Their color trails seemed to combined, a mixture of flames and rainbows following behing them. And at that moment, they were all that mattered in the world. "Now bring your wings further out. We need to expand the spiral together." In unison, they extended their wings from their body. The spiral grew another few feet in diameter, the sonic cone expanding with it. In unison, they brought their wings in and shrunk the spiral. She knew that every second they spent was another second closer to the ground, but she simply wanted that moment to last forever. Much too soon for her liking, Spitfire decided to end the trick, and they started to break the spiral. Just like they practiced, first Dash slowed her speed, separating from the main spiral. Once clear, she extended her wings to pull up and out of the way. The now larger-than-normal sonic cone forced Spitfire wings to her side. In a single swift move, she launched them outwards. However, the cone did not shatter as expected. Instead of simply breaking up, the sonic cone folded in on itself, blasting a wall of air directly into Spitfire's wings. There was a cry of pain as Spitfire's wings were blasted up, and pinned to her back by the force of the wind. Immobilized, she plummeted towards the ground. "SPITFIRE!" Rainbow Dash plummeted towards the falling pony, knowing full well that the most likely outcome of such an attempted would be death for both of them. But as long as there was a chance for success, she would throw her entire soul at it. "I can slow myself down enough, I'll be fine. Don't risk yourself for me" shouted Spitfire. "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't risk it all?" "You've got a bright future. I would hate to see you break your wings for my sake. I could never forgive myself." Rainbow Dash closed the last few meters between them and wrapped her hooves around Spitfire. "I won't let you fall." "No, but you'll bring yourself down with me." A sonic cone enveloped the two pegasi, pressing them closer together as the ground rushed up to meet them. "There's not enough time for a slow descent, the cones already formed." yelled Spitfire, now terrified for their lives. "I can do it." "You can't break the cone apart, you'll just end up like me." "Sometimes the only solution, is to keep pressing forwards." With a single flap of her wings, the sonic cone exploded outwards in a Rainboom. The sky and ground were alight with every color imaginable, as she banked herself into the sharpest turn she had ever flown. The ground rushed past them, an immense field of green bathed under the sky. The grass whipped like blades against her hooves. Turning skywards, she flew through the rainbow she had created, the sonic cone re-forming around her as gravity slowed them to sub-sonic speeds, and then disappearing entirely. She glided over to the nearest cloud and placed Spitfire on the soft cushion. "Are you hurt?" Spitfire asked, as Rainbow Dash landed beside her. "Am I hurt? Your the one who's hurt, the only question is how badly." She looked Spitfires injuries over. Her wings were still awkwardly laid against her back, and from the look on Spitfire's face, she couldn't move them. "Wings are dislocated" she said, matter-of-factly. "I can't feel them, can't move them, and won't be able to fly for a week. I've dealt with it all before, so I knew what happened the moment it did." "If you couldn't move them, then you wouldn't have been able to do anything to save yourself." "Nope. Would've fallen like a rock if not for you. I just didn't think that it was possible to do what you just did. You pushed yourself really hard today. Bringing me back to my first question; are you hurt?" For the first time, Rainbow Dash inspected the extent of her own injuries. She stretched her wings and was astonished to see they were bruised, and rather badly too. Along with that, millions of tiny cuts made her hooves hurt whenever the wind blew, and even the clouds did nothing to sooth them. However, there were no major injuries. "I'm fine. Really. Nothing a bit of rest can't heal." "Do you think you'll be able to fly well by the weekend?" "I think I'll be back to flying tomorrow." Spitfire chuckled. "I like your attitude. That's good, because Cloudsdale is expecting to see a new trick this weekend, and I want you to lead it." "M...M...ME!" Dash shouted, in disbelief. "Yes, you" Spitfire said, calmly. "You've been training for it with me, you're the only other pony knows how to lead the spiral, and you are capable of breaking the color barrier." "I...I" She almost fainted from excitement. "Easy there Dash. If you don't think you're ready, you don't have to." "I've been dreaming of this day for my entire life. I'm ready for it." "That's just what I was hoping to hear." The sun had barely risen in the sky, but both ponies knew they weren't going to be training that day. Lying back on the soft cloud they rested on, Spitfire and Dash rested their injured bodies and even found themselves able to relax. They could get medical attention later, but for now they wanted rest. Rest, and each others company. ......... Spitfire watched the rainbow maned pegasus lead her first air-show from her vantage point on the ground. They had re-developed the trick to make better use of the Sonic Rainboom that it required. The entire trick was now centered around Rainbow Dash, an effective way for her to make her Wonderbolt's debut. She watched as Fleetfoot's white trail and Soarin's blue one joined into the spiral, accentuating the colors of the rainbow rather than covering them. As more and more Wonderbolts joined in, the colors became more vivid, overlapping in their spiral, augmenting the rainbow trail that still lead the pack. Spitfire leaned back against the stands and watched as they descended towards the stadium at a breakneck speed. She thought it was fitting that they returned to the stadium where she won the 'Young Fliers' contest for her first performance. The Wonderbolts spiraling around Rainbow Dash all pulled up at the same time, aiming to come low over the stadium. The sonic cone around Dash was massive, due to having recently housed six other pegasi. Spitfire knew what came next. 3. 2. 1. As she passed through the stadium, Rainbow Dash broke the color barrier again, covering the sky in a Sonic Rainboom. The crowd went wild, as the brilliant colors flew across the sky. They had spent hours crafting it and deciding the final paths of each of the pegasi involved. And it was more spectacular than she had hoped. The Wonderbolts returned to circle the stadium, lead by Rainbow Dash. That pony is going to be famous some day she thought. After a pass, Dash landed beside Spitfire. "Did I time it right?" she asked, excited to hear the results. "Even better than in practice." A grin a mile wide appeared on her face. FLASH The grin disappeared. FLASH FLASH Spitfire turned around to face the cameras, already lined up to take photo's of the newest member. Spitfire put her wing around Rainbow Dash. We'll face this together. The message was conveyed through that simple gesture. "Everyone give a cheer for the newest member of the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash!" She shouted out loud. Best to break her fear all at once. FLASH FLASH FLASH The crowd erupted in applause. FLASH Spitfire looked over to Dash. While still tentative, she was facing the cameras, and doing it well. FLASH But there were a lot more things like that to face as a Wonderbolt. FLASH Perhaps she would be able to handle them. FLASH Perhaps. Just perhaps. FLASH Perhaps she had found the next captain of the Wonderbolts. FLASH FLASH ......... "Cummon Spits, do I need to go?" pleaded Rainbow Dash, as her captain led her to another formal party in Canterlot Gardens. "Being a Wonderbolt is about a lot more than just flying." "But three weekends in a row? I hardly get any time off." "It's only by attending formal events like this that we get as many shows as we do. You need to make an appearance, to get the type of commissions we get. Every performance in the sky started as a performance on the ground." "But Canterlot again?" she groaned. "The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up, and this year the princesses are thinking of moving the whole thing indoors. Indoors means no Wonderbolts performance, so I've been dropping hints about it for the past few weeks. Tonight's the night I go straight out and talk to them, and I have a good feeling about it. Now put on that refined face, watch the master at work, and learn." The two of them landed near the center of the Canterlot Gardens, and Spitfire made an immediate beeline for where the princesses were standing. "Hey, Luna! Beautiful night!" could be heard as she approached. What was she even watching for? To learn how to charm ponies into giving the Wonderbolts important performances? She looked around the party. High class, refined. Every pony just wanting to hear what the famous Wonderbolts would say, what she would say. All hanging to her words and looks. Something that other ponies would like, but not her. She longed for a simple, down to earth, small town party. Where she could just be 'Rainbow Dash' rather than 'Rainbow Dash the Wonderbolt'. As she looked around the area, she felt a hole in her soul. Something that just wasn't there. But what didn't she have? Every pony dreamt of being her, she was the fastest flier in Equestria, and she got to spend most days with her idol, Spitfire. They had become good companions from their time together. What was missing? She idly looked around the party, not wanting to be a part of it, but with no explanation as to why. It just felt like it was missing ... something. Something she couldn't describe or put her hoof on. Relief swept through her as Spitfire returned. "We fly at the Gala in 2 week." Two week, two days, two hours. It all felt the same to her. "And that my friend" said Spitfire, leading them out of the party "is how you get a commission." She prepared to take of, but turned her head back to Dash. "Have you ever flown with lights before?" ......... Two weeks, Two days, Two hours. It all felt the same to her. ......... "Are you ready?" It was the night of the Gala, and Soarin fitted her with her special night harness. Every Wonderbolt wore a special suit, carrying orbs of light that streaked across the sky. She looked out over the castle, the floodgates of memories opening before her. "Last year when I was here, the only thing I cared about was trying to talk to you. Finding a way into the Wonderbolts VIP lounge. Just trying to talk to my idols, to you. But I didn't get anywhere with it, and the gala was going to be a bore. Until I was back with..." the words choked in her throat "until I was with my friends." What happened between them? Where did they go? It was then that she realized her friends never left, they never went anywhere. They were all still back in Ponyville; it was her that had left. Why had she left? It wasn't a conscious decision, they just sort of, drifted apart. "My friends" she said aloud. "After all we've been through, I've neglected them, for the performances, for leading the expeditions, for dedicating myself to my dream. They've left a hole in my heart, a hole where their love used to be." "It's alright Dash" said Soarin, obviously concerned. "I'm sure they understand just how hard you work, and try to understand what you're doing. Being a Wonderbolt is the hardest job in Equestria. My entire life is dedicated to it, and even that isn't always enough. But we'll always be there for each other. No matter what happens, you can count on your fellow Wonderbolts." "Thanks Soarin" she said, though her heart wasn't in it. She looked around at the other pegasi suiting up for their flight, and only saw companions. Ponies she could trust, help, and count on, but not ponies she could love and share her soul with. A pang of guilt went through her heart for her forgotten friends. "We're on in 30 seconds." The shout traveled through the assembled pegasi. "Dash, are you alright for flying?" Spitfire asked, making the last rounds as she took her place at the front. "I'm fine. Just some long forgotten memories." "We've all had to give our past up for this job. I know how you feel." But have you had to give up your frends? she thought. "On in 10." "Ready?" Spitfire asked, on last time. "No. But let's do this anyway." The Wonderbolts launched themselves into the air, a blur of color and light, as the sky around them lit up with their suits. They first split to two groups of six, lead by Dash and Spitfire, and than dispersed into a flying formation. Streams of light filed the sky, a beautiful sight, except she could not appreciate the beauty. It was no longer the joyful exhilaration of flying with the Wonderbolts, but the emptyness of doing her job. And doing it well. She passed Spitfire mid-flight, and didn't even give her a sideways glance. She had always looked over at Spitfire, but tonight greater things were on her mind. No. She had to focus. Focus on what? Her friends? She pulled into a sharply banked turn. Focus on what her life was, now that she had reached her dream? She carved the wind, providing slip-streams for the pegasi to join formation behind her. Focus on everything she no longer had? She was flying straight towards Spitfire, and the identical formation behind her. She couldn't hold it anymore. But she had to. They wouldn't want to see her fail. With a tremendous force, she wrapped her wings close in on herself and dove into a synchronous spiral with Spitfire. The other pegasi followed close behind. Breaking the wind with her wings, she and Spitfire slowed down while the others pealed away, banking around for a final hundred and eighty degree turn. She and Spitfire launched themselves upwards, the final goal in sight. Every single Wonderbolt crossed mere inches away from each other at the exact same time. The sky exploded in light as the orbs on their suits shattered, releasing their power. "Great job Dash." Spitfire was always the first to complement her. "You to, Spits." "Head to the princesses?" "Alright." What was waiting for her down in the crowd? Empty faces and lost friends? They swooped low to the crowed, taking in the applause. She had heard it all before. "RAIN-BOW-DASH!" "GO RAINBOW DASH!" "YAY DASHIE!" The last shout froze her still. She hadn't heard the name in a long time. She turned around to see where it had come from. "Dashie, over here!" "P--P--P--Pinkie? T-Twi-Twilight?" she said, disbelief at seeing her long-ago friends. "Wow Dashie, you've gotten fast since the last time I've seen you" said the pink pony, as hyperactive as ever. "You certainly have grown. How long has it been?" asked Twilight, taking a step forward. She couldn't believe her eyes. The ponies she had been missing for so long were there, still waiting for her. For the weekend visit that never came. "Too long" she said, pulling her friends into an embrace. "DASH!" Three more pairs of hooves joined into the group, and for the first time in... too long a time, she felt complete. As if the world was right, and there was nothing to worry about anymore. She had her friends with her; that was all that mattered. "I'm so sorry I never came" she said, struggling to hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes. "It OK Dash. We understand." Fluttershy who had always been there to comfort her in the past, and it was Fluttershy that was there to comfort her now. "You don't know how much I've missed you. My life just wasn't the same." "We've missed ya to, sugarcube" said Applejack. They welcomed her back as if it was only yesterday she had left. If only it was yesterday, perhaps she wouldn't have felt so guilty about leaving them all. "Dash, we've got to get to the princesses. Their waiting for us." Spitfire was urging them onwards. "Oh dear heavens, is that Spitfire there? By Celestia, Rainbow Dash, it would be ever so lovely if you could introduce us sometime!" Rarity, acting as if nothing had changed. And perhaps that would be best. If nothing had changed between them, if they were still the unbreakable friends that traveled the world and fought back dragons. "I'll make sure to introduce you this weekend. Nothing can stand between me and returning to Ponyville. But she's right, I do need to go to the princesses." "Rainbow Dash! Spitfire! That was a magnificent show!" Celestia had take the opportunity to walk over to where they had stopped, standing right beside Twilight. "Celestia, I am pleased you enjoyed it." Spitfire responded. "How could I not when it was led by such talented pegasi? And Rainbow Dash, how you've grown! Congratulations on making it this far in the Wonderbolts." "You know me. Once my mind is set on something, I'll give anything to make it there. Unfortunately, that became a little too literal." "And while I'm here, I haven't heard any reports on Friendship from you lately. Surely you've learnt much from you flights and travels." "I certainly have. I learnt that there is no way I can live without them. And now I need to pursue those friendships with all my heart." "A hard lesson to learn, but one that every pony must one day. Once again, congratulations." The princess left, leaving Spitfire and Rainbow Dash alone with her friends. "Dash, we better head back. There's still a lot of work to do before we can take the night off." Spitfire was trying to bring Dash back to focus. "It's alright Dash. We're not going anywhere. See you this weekend?" Twilight said. "This weekend. Wouldn't miss it for the world." Spitfire disappeared into the night sky, followed by Rainbow Dash, having finally rediscovered the magic of Friendship.