//------------------------------// // Chapter Sixteen: Sonic Mood Boost // Story: A Journey Beyond Sanity // by Darkwing Dust //------------------------------// "You are dealing with the aftermath quite well, my friend. Despite almost facing your end." "It's not the first time it’s happened, trust me." I replied to the working zebra, who after quickly checking my state continued working on her cauldron. I dread to even ask what she brewing in there, but I had a different inquiry in mind. "How long again before Twilight arrives?" "Very soon, my stallion friend. Right before the rest of your patience bends." Zecora replied calmly. And how does she know that? Does her voodoo magic allow her to see into the future or something? Just what exactly is the difference between zebra magic and pony magic anyhow? I never presume to ask. At least her magic was more productive in healing my back. As the pain was no longer there after the zebra housed me for a few days to heal it completely. "Whatever you say Facilier. Though I'll have you know my patience is unmatched throughout all of Equestria." And that wasn't gloating. The among of impatience everyone has in Ponyville was just amusing to watch. It makes my brother's lack of patience look credible in comparison. Even Twilight expressed a lack of tolerance for waiting from time to time. "Really? You didn't seem patient enough when you threw me across a cliff." Hearing the deadpan words, I smirked and faced the arriving unicorn. "That was a life-and-death situation and you know it my dear." She raised a brow. "Throwing me across a cliff was a similar crisis as well?" "It worked didn't it?" Twilight shook her head and, without saying another word, glanced over her shoulder to the doorway; to which a familiar dark blue cloak floated into the hut. Oh beautiful. "You're an angel, Twilight." I said gratified, grabbing the offered fabric and putting it back on. Yep, fits like a glove. The purple mare shrugged at the compliment, but I imagine she was inwardly somewhat flattered. "I try. Though Rarity told me to inform you that she won't tolerate you getting that cape dirty again." "I imagine she was ranting the whole time?" "I would say she was more... displeased than anything." "So ranting then, got it." I then turned to the observing smiling zebra, bowing a little. "I thank you again for healing my back, alongside saving my life. You've been a gracious host, Zecora." Yes, I admittedly enjoyed being a temporary resident in this hut... food notwithstanding. Zecora bowed in turn. "It was my pleasure, Stardust. Saving one's life was an absolute must." She stood up and looked at the smiling unicorn. "Welcome my dear Twilight. I trust you are here to take back your reckless knight?" 'Knight'? "'Knight'?" Twilight echoed in question, clearly just as confused. In response the voodoo zebra merely chuckled and waved her hoof dismissively. "Never mind. Now, I have work to do so if you wouldn't mind." ...Alright, I'll let that slide, whatever it was she was insinuating. "O-Oh, of course. Come on then Stardust." Way ahead of you Twilight. I was already by the door when Zecora spoke out. "My friend who uses magic with ease, a moment of your time please." Evidently referring to the blinking unicorn. Regardless I shrugged and exited the hut as the two spoke... before walking towards an open window closest to them. I had a funny feeling I needed to hear this. I carefully peeked my head as Zecora spoke, adopting a more serious tone than earlier. "I have a peculiar feeling about your friend, my dear; he is not as he appears." So she suspects something off about me... I'll give credit to the zebra's perceptive. "Isn't that the truth?" Twilight sighed in full agreement. "There are a lot of things that don't add up about him. And whenever I ask about those things, well he doesn't give me promising results." So the unicorn was still curious about me, of course. Indeed? And why might that be?" "He's very defensive over this stuff." I was not! I almost slammed against the top window edge in shock. You're just incredibly obnoxious when you ask about these things Twilight! "But that might be due to my repetitive persistence." Oh... well I'll disregard my last thought then since she just admitted it. "To be honest, I don't really know that much about him... or if he even knows a lot about me." You'd be surprised my dear... "Hmm." I suspect Zecora, upon her rubbing her own chin thoughtfully, was about to give some sage advice to the rather downcast unicorn. "Perhaps you should get to know him from scratch; otherwise this friendship of yours might not very soon last." "You mean like the basics?" The zebra nodded. This time Twilight tapped her own chin in thought. "Hm... well a good friend is one who knows a lot about the other. You're right Zecora; I'll try to get to know Stardust better before asking any of those questions again. Thank you for the advice." I think I've heard enough. As the conversation continued, I lowered my head from the window and took a few steps back, sighing. Well great, now Twilight was going to ask even more questions about me. Starts from scratch? That implies she'll inquire about my likes and dislikes and such. Well she already knew I liked chocolate - a lot - and I hold no respect over her mentor; which I think she plainly ignores that detail. What else... huh, funny thinking about it now I'd say Spike knows more about me than Twilight does. Life's such a mess. Also, Zecora lives inside a tree and I didn't even notice until I gazed upwards. Who knew? "Again, thank you all so much for finishing cleaning up the library while I went out go get Stardust." Twilight addressed the other three mares who smiled at the praise of their best friend. They cleaned up? I'd bake some brownies for them in thanks right now if I wasn't in an anxious mood. "It's been a whole weekend of studying." Hang on... the purple mare wasn't looking as I casted her a suspicious glance. I swear if she used my absence as an opportunity to mess up the place... "It was our pleasure, Twilight." Rarity answered as I walked by, merely nodding to the females in greeting. I needed a drink- "Now wait a moment, Stardust. Is that all you're going to greet us with? With a simple nod like that I'd dare believe you weren't happy to see us." A snarky reply seemed fitting right now. "Well at least none of you here are Rainbow-" Speak of the devil and she comes crashing right in. One second everything was neat and tidy, just how I prefer libraries in general. Next thing I knew everything somehow became a mess. Books scattered everywhere from the pegasus landing straight into the tree-house from the library... which was impressive yet annoying. Now a day's worth of clean-up was the first gift bestowed upon me as soon as I returned to this temporary home. Rainbow Dash. You are a master - or mistress - of ruining my day further... but I suppose I should thank you; at least Twilight now can be more concentrated on tidying the library than 'getting to know me'. I pulled my hooves out of the piles of literature that landed everywhere around and one me, shrugging off a book on my back as I then heard the supportive quiet voice of Fluttershy. "Rainbow Dash; you rock!" 'Rock'? "Ooh! Did my cheering do that?" "Fluttershy, dear." I called out to the curious pegasus, whose expression then seemed happy upon seeing me. Honestly if that mare was sane she wouldn't be so positive to see me around. "Please don't ever say 'you rock' again for as long as I'm here." Fluttershy blinked then in confusion, before nodding. Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously. "Sorry about that ladies and stallion. That was a truly feeble performance." You mean crashing into the library? Feeble doesn't begin to cover it. "Actually, it wasn't all bad." Fluttershy said to the deadpan pegasus. "I particularly liked it when you made the clouds spin." "Tch! I'm not talking about my performance; I'm talking about yours!" I raised a brow at the disbelieving statement. "She wasn't the one who crashed into the library, Sonic." The blue mare proceeded to ignore me. Wise move. "That feeble cheering!" "What are you two arguing about?" Twilight inquired. Really, so I'm the only one here upset by the state of this library? "Were we arguing? I'm sorry." I couldn't help but smile a little at Fluttershy's adorable innocence. Where was this innocence back home? My species needed it. "Uh. I wish you guys could come with me to Cloudsdale to see me compete in the Best Young Flyer competition!" "What's that?" Twilight isn't aware of something? I'm more curious about that than some contest Rainbow Dash was apparently entering. Pinkie Pie answered enthusiastically. "It's where all the greatest pegasus flyers get together and show off their different flying styles. Some are fast!" Then she proceeded to- "Uh no, Pinkie, stop that, please." I was in evident protest as the pink mare ran around the library - I repeat a library - running all over the stacks of literature ponies of old have spent putting their hearts and souls into. And I winced at every one she walked upon. "And some are graceful!" The mare continued... before crashing into some more books. "Golly," I heard Applejack say while I glared in distaste at the disrespectful Pinkie Pie. "I'd love to see you strut your stuff at that competition." "Yeah, I wish you guys could be there; Fluttershy's a great support but her cheering isn't exactly inspirational." I bit back a rather snarky remark. "Oh! I'd love to see you make a Sonic Rainboom!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly. "It's like the most coolest thing ever, though I've never actually seen it but I mean come on it's a Sonic Rainboom! How not cool could it possibly not be?" Not very- Wait, slow down, rewind; did she just say she never saw the famous 'Sonic Rainboom' before? "What's a 'Sonic Rainboom'?" The puzzled Twilight asked. "You really need to get out more." Hey, she gets out more than I do Pinkie. The pink Earth Pony proceeded to hop onto a window edge to explain. "The Sonic Rainboom is legendary. When a pegasus like Rainbow Dash gets going so fast-" I flinched as the mare then jumped into the pile of books. "- Boom! A sonic boom of rainbow tails all at once!" Sonic Boom. Sonic Boom. Sonic Boom. The classic song played in my head from Pinkie's words. More evidence over how much of a ripoff the blue pegasus was. Still, legendary? Well that implied there were others before Rainbow Dash who utilized the skill. I was led to believe she not only perfected it but created it also. I guess not. But if that's the case how come- aw [BEEP] it. "And Rainbow Dash here is the only pony that ever pulled it off." Oh wait, I stand corrected. So Rainbow Dash DID create the skill. Then why is it classed as 'legendary'? And why have I never seen the pegasus use it before? I mean we don't hang out... at all, but you'd think others would be talking about it whenever she used it. "It was a long time ago..." Oh... oh! "I-I was just a filly." "Hold on, you used the Sonic Rainboom when you were only an infant?" I inquired curiously, and when she nodded rather nervously I raised a brow. Well, I can't deny how I truly feel here. "Well, colour me impressed Rainbow Dash." ...What? What are these mares looking at me like that for? Because I flattered Rainbow Dash so? I can give credit where it's due. "You're gonna do it again right, Rainbow?" Pinkie Pie asked excitedly. Hesitation. "...Are you kidding? I'm the greatest flyer to ever come out of Cloudsdale." Normally I would sneer at such arrogance, but in this case I'll let it slide, because even I can detect the traces of nervousness in her tone. "I can do Sonic Rainbooms in my sleep." This time I smirked. "Even though you just said you only managed to only do those as a filly." "Y-Yeah well I've been... saving them, for the competition." I'm sure you have my dear. "So if you pull that off, you'll win the crown for sure." Crown? What crown? There was never a crown prize mentioned. What did Twilight quickly read a book about the contest during this conversation? "The crown prize is spending an entire day with the Wonderbolts!" Oh that kind of crown. Fair enough. Wonderbolts... that's the second time I've heard of them now. But I don't even know who they are. A pony equivalent of a sports team? "A full day of flying with my life-long heroes... It'll be a dream come true!" "Yay!" At that quiet cheering I couldn't help but burst out some laughter, clapping at the yellow smiling pegasus. Oh Fluttershy you can be a riot at times. "I-I'm gonna go rest up; don't wanna over-prepare myself you know." Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously while my laughter subsided. Then my mood changed from humoured to annoyed as she pointed rudely at Fluttershy. "You on the other hand better keep practicing! I need a cheering section to match my spectacular performance." And now she was gone. Good. The yellow pegasus proceeded to call her absent friend out. "She's practiced that move a hundred times and she's never come close to even doing it; I don't know if I can cheer loud enough to help her." "If it helps; I think you're doing just fine." I ignored the sent looks of annoyance my way from the others while Fluttershy smiled in appreciation before flying off after the blue mare. "Welp, guess we better clean up... again." I sighed in agreement, just now remembering the state of the interior around us. Fantastic, because I just love cleaning up a whole library as soon as I get back. Should've stayed at Zecora's longer and feign more pain on my healed backside. The Rarity... jabbed Twilight in the posterior with her horn. "Go on, go on!" "Go on what?" How does that not hurt? "Find a spell that will get us wingless ponies into Cloudsdale. Didn't you see how nervous she was?" Glad to know I wasn't the only one who noticed. Meanwhile as the four mares discussed how to get to that I imagine flying tournament, I carefully walked over the books towards the kitchen to get myself a glass of water. I'm gonna need a fully-functioning brain before I even begin cleaning up this mess, in addition to washing out the remaining tastes of whatever Zecora had fed me. "Thought I'd find you in here." "What gave you that idea?" A rhetorical question of course, as I drank the fresh water from the glass while Twilight entered the kitchen. "Lucky guess." I imagined she shrugged. "Listen, you're coming with us to Cloudsdale, right?" I put the glass down before replying with an instant firm answer. "Incorrect." "May I ask why?" I glanced at the unicorn, who doesn't really seem all that surprised with my answer. "Rainbow Dash desires support, yes?" She nodded and I scoffed. "Well, there you go. I'm not a cheerleader, Twilight, plus I think you and the others are enough support as it is." There were already enough ponies to feed her ego as there were. Plus the idea alone of me helping in any way to indulge that pegasus gave me a rather sick feeling in my stomach. Rainbow Dash will obviously win the competition; she doesn't need an excessive amount of support. The best I can do is just providing dry and dull commentary. "Stardust?" A change of tone from her. Curious. "Hm?" "Why do you hate Rainbow Dash?" I almost dropped the glass of half-water in surprise at the question, similar to Fluttershy's inquiry a while back. "'Hate'?" I fully turned to the curious mare who pretending as though nothing happened. "My dear, I don't hate Rainbow Dash. That's a rather strong word. I just don't like her." Twilight nodded. "Alright, but why?" The dreaded why question. Oh boy. I thought for a moment before replying. "Well... I'm just not fond of her attitude; that ego of hers. Anyone who has that kind of personality gets on my nerves quite easily." Never mind the fact she was basically the pony version of another great blue character. Sonic The Hedgehog was cocky as well, true, but unlike that pegasus he wasn't too arrogant. Plus I grew up with Sonic, so sue me. "She isn't that arrogant, Stardust. Okay she can be a little exaggeratedly fond of herself from time to time, but with someone with those kind of skills, who wouldn't be?" "...Twilight, you're the sole student of Celestia, and you are well-versed in various spells and knowledge. Do you ever boast about those facts?" "Well no but-" Twilight paused before sighing. "I see your point. But Rainbow Dash isn't that bad; she's a really loyal and brave friend. Surely you've noticed that." "Oh I have. But that can't make me ignore the clear flaws about her." I sighed. I have no intention of beginning another argument with Twilight right now, especially with the subject being that blue pegasus. "Truth be told, I only tolerate her presence because... my sister's her biggest fan." At the honest statement the unicorn blinked in surprise. "Wait, Rainbow Dash is known where you're from?" I chuckled. "Indeed, but don't tell her that. God forbid I ever indulge that mare's ego." "Fair enough." Twilight lightly smiled. "So, you're still not coming then?" Was that disappointment in her tone, or was my brain not fully awake yet? Regardless I shook my head, putting on a voice of finality. "Afraid not, my dear. Tell you what, why don't you all go now? I'll clean up the place while you're out." "Oh, you don't have to do that! It would be wrong of me to request you such after you've just came back." "I insist Twilight." I said determinedly against her protesting. "You should all go and support your friend, not clean up the mess she made. I'm sure it'll be a blast there." "...Are you sure?" I smiled at the hesitation. "Don't worry, I'll put everything in order just the way you want it my dear. Just go, you and the others, and have fun. As soon as I finish this water I'll tidy up the library." After a moment, she finally nodded. "Okay; just let me wake up Spike to come help you-" I held up a hoof, interjecting. "No need. I am thoroughly capable of cleaning up the place Spike have his rest. Tell Rainbow Dash she has my support." Getting assistance from a baby be damned. I wasn't that helpless. Plus I may as well make myself useful while I'm here. Twilight smiled, whether at my thoughtfulness of her pet or my willingness to tidy up her house I was uncertain. "Very well. So, would you like to see the new wings I've given to Rarity before we- wait... what did you just say... about Rainbow Dash?" I blinked at her slow question, replying evenly. "To send my vocal support...?" "Oh... I thought you didn't like her." Ah. I snorted. "It's not out of affection, Twilight; I just know she's going to win. That's a fact." "Well... I'm sure she'll appreciate it." The purple mare coughed before changing the subject, thankfully. "Anyway, would you like to see Rarity's new temporary wings before we go?" New wings... you know, why not? I nodded while finishing the contest of the liquid, putting the glass down before following the mare outside the kitchen to the whole mess and- "...How?" Let's see; these three books evidently belong to the 'Y' section. This one belongs to the 'H' shelf; surprised I even missed this one... ah, one that goes in 'E' and this one to 'B' right... up there. There we go. Now let's see if I can finally find any from the 'V' section... Cleaning up the place was a lot less exhausting than I originally anticipated. I kept my word and immediately went to work after Twilight and the others departed to that competition in the sky... after I was done inquiring about the biology behind Rarity's new temporary butterfly wings. And after Twilight's brief explanation over how she did it gave me more questions; such as how exactly did the bone structure function with the new additions to the body, and if any Earth Pony or unicorn can have those wings for three days, then why isn't that spell used more often in Equestria? Imagine how much it would help this world's society if almost anyone can fly. Huh. Wrong order on the middle 'D' shelf. Remedied. How long has it been anyway- goodness; two hours and fifteen minutes already, according to the nearby clock. No wonder my hooves already felt slightly tired from all the picking up and putting away. Luckily the majority of literature were more lightweight than others. I'm rather impressed with myself with how progressive I was being right now, keeping my word to Twilight about cleaning up the library and placing everything in accurate order. For some reason, I can't seem to bear the image of disappointment aimed towards me by that purple mare. Honestly, why do I even care...? Did I... Did I honestly think of Twilight as a friend? Someone to... rely upon? No. No completely ludicrous. It wasn't implausible, I'll grant that, but the concept of genuine heartfelt friendship was purely alien to me. I have only one true friend, and he lives all the way in Scotland. I wonder how he's doing right now... Anyway, perhaps I'm only concerned with what Twilight thinks of me because... well because she's been but kind and friendly to me since my arrival here... than again so have the others, save Rainbow Dash and on occasions Applejack, so what makes that intelligent studious mare any different from them? Because she's my favourite pony? Perhaps... I can't really pretend to justify myself or my actions. I'm an enigma even to myself. But the best scientific explanation behind my caring for how Twilight sees me, I suppose, was due to favouritism on my part for the clever unicorn. Yes, that could be it. However, that didn't imply I didn't care for her in turn. Oh hell no; I meant what I said to Twilight back at Zecora's place after the hydra incident. I was fond of her, more fond than I would like to admit. When you're living under the same roof as someone else, you're bound to care about them eventually. These three - no hang on, two - belong over here... this one to that stack. I must be about halfway now, after briefly surveying the large room. Where was I? Ah yes. Twilight. I held the mare in high regard, and I care a great deal about her, that much was true. But I never intended for this... affection for lack of a better term, to reach the level of friendship. Companionship wasn't something I was use to; I can receive help from others, but trust was a different matter altogether. I'm not afraid to admit to myself I care for that pony; it's how exactly how to that extent I cared I was more concerned over. I certainly felt nothing but pure fear when that hydra neared her... This complicated possible revelation caused me to sigh as I placed another book back back. Twilight as my friend... huh; those two words in the same sentence don't really sound as bad- "Stardust? You're back?" The unexpected interruption to my train of thoughts had me snap my head around to the surprised dragon, who just arrived from atop the second floor staircase. Ow... I rubbed my neck as Spike walked towards me, carefully steeping over any remaining lying books and smiling in joy for whatever reason. "Oh yeah, I forgot you were coming back today. Welcome home!" "Thank you Spike, it's good to be ba-" Then I fully processed what he just said. 'Welcome home'... He... actually thinks I belong here, in this household. Was that his insinuation? If so I felt rather incredibly, incredibly flattered right now... "...How have you been?" The dragon asked rather timidly, and I snapped out of it upon realizing I was staring at him and it must have been unnerving. I cleared my throat. "I've been well. Zecora was a very polite and friendly host, though the meals we had together were... unusual." And that was just me being kind. Spike seemed to take the implication, winking. "Ah, gotcha. I bet you missed the food here then huh?" "...Honestly my friend, food was the last thing on my mind right now." "Alright," He proceeded to gesture around the entire room. "So, what happened here then? I though Twilight was going to clean up this morning. Plus I don't remember it being so messy before I took my nap." I shrugged. "Rainbow Dash happened." The small lizard blinked. "Rainbow Dash tried to help clean up?" "Not exactly, no. Apparently there's some competition she's entering and during her training she screwed up and flew through the small library window... somehow." I clarified. "Oh, okay... what competition? I was still sleeping a little when Twilight told me she was going out earlier, but I thunk she mentioned something like that..." "...In all honestly I've forgotten what it's even called." I admitted while turning around to continue tidying up. "But I can recall the details; basically every supposed best pegasus in Equestria is attending in a place called Clouds...ville I think." "Oh! You mean Cloudsdale?" "Yes, that was it; thank you my friend. As I was saying: there's some contest going on there where the winner, I believe, spends the rest of the day with some special group known as the Wonder...men. Or was it that, I can't remember-" "Hold on, you mean the winner gets to spend an entire day with the Wonderbolts?!" Well you seem excited about the prospect my reptilian friend. I nodded as he displayed outwardly joy. "That's fantastic! I hope Rainbow Dash wins; meeting the Wonderbolts has always been her dream!" I scoffed. "Of course she's going to win." Evidently that blue pegasus would be the victor; who else? Because the plot demanded it. "The magi-chlorians will make her win..." I muttered jokingly. This resulted in an expression of earnest confusion. "Huh? What are magi-... what you said?" ...Idea. Very, very crude idea. Kneeling down a little - I needed a short break from cleaning up the place anyhow - I did my best to maintain a straight face before beginning. "Magichlorians are microscopic organisms that reside within all living cells; a conduit which binds us to magic itself and allows us to use its power." Should I place a hoof on his tiny shoulder for further re-enactment of that legendary fanbase-splitting scene I was currently mocking? Nah, I wasn't a very touchy person. "So they're... inside us?" "Well, ponies mainly. Hence why many are gifted with the ability of magic." Must. Refrain. From. Smiling. "Oh." Hook, line and sinker. But that triumph quickly diminished when Spike then frowned in thought. "Wait, you said once magic wasn't really something that existed on your world. So how do know so much about these 'magichlorians'?" That did it. The dragon blinked and took a step back as I reeled my head back in full laughter, applauding myself for making this joke. Oh how naive these inhabitants were, it was almost rather pitiful to behold. But this - this was a riot. "...There's no such thing, is there?" "No [BEEP] Spike!" I yelled during my moment of hilarity, honestly glad I still maintained some sense of humour apart from the dry sarcastic tone I usually gave to those ponies and this dragon. "Magichlorians, hah! If that were true my friend I would be laughing harder than I am now." Thankfully, unlike that era's Lucas, Faust knew what she was doing... until Equestria Girls came out. Or maybe that was just Hasbro's fault. Either all. After wiping away an invisible tear, I shrugged at the unimpressed expression, this time another idea popping up. "I suppose, since you were resting while everyone else was downstairs, you would like to know what happened with Rarity?" At that question his mood uplifted dramatically. "Rarity?" I nodded before something seemed to click in his mind, the dragon snapping his fingers. "Oh! Before you continue, would you like me to help you with the rest of this mess?" I blinked. Huh for a moment there I thought he'd be entirely interested about his waifu. "You don't have to my friend-" But the lizard was already picking up some of the remaining piles of literature. "I'd hate to see Twilight's face if she found out I wasn't helping you while I was awake Stardust. So, you were saying about Rarity?" "...Very well." I sighed in defeat. No point really to spawn an argument out of it. Plus right then a though occurred to me. "But before I proceed with telling you, there is one thing I would like to know myself." "What's that?" "Who exactly are the Wonderbolts?" "Wow..." "Indeed..." I concurred with the awed dragon as we observed the lightning-fast display before us. Even without rings to help boost her, the blue egocentric pegasus was putting on a show to me and Spike; having both not witnessed what was being discussed by the entire town this evening. At least Spike's massive disappointment over not seeing Rarity's temporary absurd butterfly wings, that downcast mood quickly evaporated by the display Rainbow Dash presented to us, flying at such a high speed my eyes were literally having difficult following her. It was all a huge blur, but what else should I expect from usage of the one and only 'Sonic Rainboom'? We were there to greet Twilight and the others - save the blue mare who was occupied spending the day with her dream team - upon their return via hot air balloon - which begged the question of why they even bothered attempting to get wings in the first place - where they then proceeded to explain in great detail what transpired during the competition; after Twilight was done inspecting the library thoroughly and congratulating Spike and I on a job well done. Rainbow Dash won - big shock - and saved Rarity's life during it - to which Spike immediately approached the white unicorn inquiring about her health - by utilizing the Rainboom, and the latter learnt a lesson afterwards which she clarified to a present Celestia. And, despite all the multiple questions I had at the end of their story, only one came out of my puzzled mouth: "Doesn't Celestia have a kingdom to run?" In my defence, it's an honest question. Speaking of the monarch, the bemused Twilight then informed me the princess was hoping to have seen me at the contest. Yeah, I bet she did. But because everyone was in such a good mood I refrained from expressing any nasty comment to her beloved ruler. All in all, it sounded like an eventful day for them all. As the blue pegasus was finally satisfied in showing off, I quickly covered my features as she landed right in front of us with a cloud of dust on impact, waving the stuff away with my raised while Rainbow Dash looked at us both expectantly. Spike, of course, was the first to express his sheer elation. "That. Was. AWESOME!" Indoor voices Spike, please, despite us being currently rest of the mares cheered while he continued displaying how happy he was right then. "You went fast, and then very fast, and then super fast, and then ultra mega fast! Wasn't that just amazing?!" "It certainly was Spike." Twilight answered before the pegasus could... before I felt all eyes on myself. Oh... "Well...?" Rainbow Dash then asked hesitantly, and as I looked around I noticed how their features were rather tense, as though expecting me to make a dry remark about her rediscovered skill. How's this for a reaction? Applejack snorted. "Nah, forget it Rainbow; Stardust here will jus'... what the...?" Everyone blinked in surprise as my front clapping hoofs increased in volume, aimed at the blue pegasus who looked genuinely surprised of the fact I was applauding her. I shrugged after I was done, replying with all honestly. "I give credit where it's due, Son- err, Rainbow. That was quite an impressive skill, plus that feat of yours reawakened when Rarity was in danger. Kudos to you my friend." Look and behold: I was applauding Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, of all ponies. Someone must have put something in my drink, because right now I felt like I was in a genuine good mood right now. Just because I disliked the shocked equine before me didn't mean I had to be a [BEEP] to her... all the time that is. "W-Wow... gee thanks, Stardust." She then frowned, as though pondering something. "And thanks again for cheering me on; even though you weren't there." Ah, Twilight must have told her. "But... I don't get it... I thought you hated me. You always sneer whenever I'm in the same place as you, and you even laughed at me when I was competing against Applejack." Oh her too? I sighed, clearing my throat - ignoring Rarity's whispered shocked voice of "Wait, he cheered her on from the start?!" - as I felt a short speech being instantly written up from my mind. "Rainbow Dash, I don't hate you. I will be blunt; your over-confidence can be quite grating to me at times. Plus your arrogant attitude can be idiotic in my eyes." I held up a hoof as she opened her muzzle to speak. "Let me finish, despite all that; you are not a bad pony. You're extremely loyal to your friends, and you sacrificed showing off today to save Rarity's life. So while I won't always enjoy your personality, and we will find ourselves at disagreements at times - just like Twilight and I, it seems - that doesn't mean... we can't get along, I suppose." I smiled crookedly as a pit of anticipation rose in my stomach. "Just don't crash into the library and we won't have a problem, deal?" She nodded positively, offering a blue hoof to which I shook. "Deal. I knew we'd get along sooner or later." I was honestly hoping for 'never'. "Indeed. Plus your coat is my favourite colour. So that helps." By not much, but it helps all the same. "Perhaps, one day, you could tell me how exactly pegasi control the weather." Because that continues to boggle me to no end. "Still, congratulations on winning the tournament; I fully knew you would be the victor." And not because of faith. Though I was then asking myself; why was I acting so friendly to Rainbow Dash, of all ponies? Maybe patching things up with Twilight and living away from the town for a few days gave me refreshed positive energy. That might be it. I was more than certain tomorrow I was to return to my usual sour attitude. I feigned ignorance towards Spike's mutter of: "I guess two miracles can happen on the same day..." Was it really that hard to believe? I wasn't that much of an arse. As four of the mares moved closer to chat with Rainbow Dash and discuss about her returned gift, I took a few steps back before glancing at the approaching Twilight, who was smiling at me happily. "Thank you for being so nice to Rainbow Dash, Stardust." I shrugged again, smiling a little. "Just don't expect me to make a habit out of it." She laughed lightly. "Don't worry, I won't; though it'd be a vast more healthier activity than, shall we say, fighting monsters and getting injured as the result." I chuckled alongside her, before the purple unicorn tilted her head a little. "Though I'm curious, what brought about this sudden change of attitude towards Rainbow?" "...Seriously? I have no idea whatsoever." Twilight nodded, seeming to accept that puzzling fact while glancing at beaming pegasus who was receiving a lot of praise. "Still, I wonder how she managed to pull off such an incredible feat; maybe there's some kind of magic within her that allows her this unique gift." "I know how." We both looked at the confident voice, both of us lifting a brow in surprise. "You do Spike?" The observing lizard nodded with a straight-face expression, clarifying with four simple words to Twilight's puzzlement. "The magiclorians let her." It was a world record of how many times I've laughed in the same day since I've arrived here.