//------------------------------//
// Remembering The Rainbow 
// Story: Remembering The Rainbow 
// by LordOfTape 
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Remembering The Rainbow
High above the skies of Ponyville, outlying the beautiful city of Cloudsdale, lies a magnificent house of cloud and color. The rainbow laden establishment is truly one of the most intricate buildings ever built in Equestria’s skies. It floats with extreme precision, never leaving a ten foot radius of its original position, holding steady to its own home. The white balls of fluff that structure it stay in constant form and shape, never fading or falling. Truly a work of pure genius, brimming with artistic flair. 
And the pony who lives there? She is an equal mare of beauty and grace, strength and bravery. Faster than the speed of sound, she claims the all encompassing airways of Equestria as her own. Nopony can contend with her skill, her speed and her prowess. The best young flier of her generation and the second bearer of the Element of Loyalty. In the past she was known as a bit of a trouble maker, and although that part of her hasn’t changed much, she has become far more respected in the eyes of others. Especially those of her friends. 
No, she hasn’t changed much at all, but those around her have. It’s not that she needed to change, not that she was a bad pony, no. Really, it was only that nopony ever understood her the way I did. Nopony else ever saw the same wondrous mare that I did. Bursting with hope and dripping with dreams, she never stopped shooting for her dream of being in the Wonderbolts. In fact, she never would stop until she made it in, and even then she’d keep going. The rainbow-maned mare wouldn’t stop, couldn’t stop, and shouldn’t stop getting better at what she does best. She’s too good to be anything but the best.
But I lose myself. 
“You’ve lost me too.” 
Ah, she heard me.
“Crazy voice, I wish you’d just go away. I’ve got enough to think about already.”
The cyan mare with the flowing rainbow mane shut the door behind her with a rough kick. She wasn’t angry or anything, just strong. She began walking groggily towards her bathroom. Opening the door, she sleepily took her place in front of the grand mirror. She stared at herself for quite some time, blinking blankly at her own reflection. Fed up with her nonresponsive friend ahead of her, she wiped her eyes rapidly, trying to get the sleep dust out from underneath.
After succeeding in escaping sleep’s enticing grasp, she began brushing her teeth. Just doing her normal everyday routine. The wishy-washy cycles of the brush soothed her ears, never brushing too fast or too slow. After brushing her teeth, she started off towards the door. A large blue hairbrush lay on the counter of her sink, unused.
Don’t forget your mane.
“What’s it to you?”
You know me, I’ve always really liked you mane.
“Well stop, it’s creepy. You’re just a voice.”
*Sigh* That’s what I used to think, just voices. Ah well, she’ll figure it out soon enough. Regardless, she did turn back and pick up the brush, softly brushing her multicolored mane. Her mane was a mess from sleeping, orange hairs crossing with green, red and blue intertwined. It took her several minutes before she put the brush down and settled with relatively normal hair.
She had stairs in the house, but they were merely for aesthetic purposes. Flaring her enormous blue wings, letting a few feathers from last night fall to the floor, she proceeded with her decent downstairs. Slow and steady for the morning, she simply did not have the energy to go any faster this early. Landing softly at the bottom, she tucked her wings back to her sides and proceeded walking over to her kitchen. It was the largest kitchen in the sky, equipped with a multitude of appliances and a stockpile of food. 
Everything in her house was top quality. The best of the best for the best of the best. The few ponies who had ever been inside of her house, actually, the few ponies who ever saw her house, wondered how a mare like her could ever pay for such a piece of work. After all, she wasn’t in the Wonderbolts yet, and worked as a mere weather control worker. But those ponies would never receive an answer, and of course, forget about it soon enough.
This mysterious mare began stretching her legs, cracking her neck and flexing her wings. When she was finally ready she took out a bowl from one of the many cabinets and threw it over to the table. With her extreme speed and agility she flew to the next cabinet, grabbing a box of cereal and throwing that too. Next, she zoomed over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of milk, opening and then throwing that as well. Finally, she bolted to the table, catching the bowl first, then the cereal. She opened the cereal and poured it into the bowl with one hoof, as her other hoof caught the open bottle of milk, she poured it over the cereal.
“And that’s how you make breakfast.”
Satisfied with her morning preparation, she happily ate her cereal, taking large, crunchy bites of the flaky pieces. When she had finished, she slurped up the remaining milk in the bowl and tossed over the wet dish. Nonchalantly getting off her chair, she bolted once again to the sink. She caught the flying bowl with ease, placing it neatly inside to be cleaned later. 
With a smirk, she set off to her foyer, ready to head outside. She was about to step outside and fly off, but a quick glance at her calendar on the wall changed that. The date wasn’t all that important to the mare, but the day made the difference instead. It was Sunday.
“Hmm, Sunday already? Wow. Ah well, more time to chill for me.”
The colorful pony smiled to herself, happy to be able to relax. After all, she had Sundays off from work. Turning from the door, she flew back up the stairs into her bedroom. Pushing the fluffy cloud door aside, she jumped lazily into her bed. It was soft and cushioning. Each of the miniature clouds used to make the bed conformed to the pony’s body and allowed her to sink deep into the soothing mattress. 
The work-free pony sighed happily, laying her head back with her hooves behind it to relax. She kept her eyes closed for a few passing minutes, letting her mind wander and body relax. When she finally opened her eyes, she was met with the all too familiar image of an old Wonderbolts poster.
The mare took this poster with varying emotions. First she was ecstatic, her love for the showponies boundless and exuberant. But then her elated smile flipped itself as she remembered why she kept this poster there in the first place. Unlike the other posters and memorabilia that lined her walls and shelves, this poster was different, special even. It was dated over a decade ago, and had different ponies than today’s Wonderbolts. 
The premier pony in the foreground was a dashing stallion, sleek black hair and fitting Wonderbolts attire. The mask was off, and his face was clearly visible. He had rather hard features, defined jaw and strong piercing eyes. The mare in the bed gazed deep into these eyes, remembering their owner and reminiscing in the past. When she was finally able to take her eyes to other places, she didn’t put nearly as much attention into them.
Behind the robust stallion leader was the young Spitfire on his left. She was far more brazen now. More skilled and confident. It was a morale booster for the cyan mare to see one of her idols evolve into something so great. To the left was the young Soarin. He looked the same as he does now, but softer on his facial features. Sorain reminded her of the stallion in front, even more so now. He was relaxed, but talented and always ready for a challenge. Plus, the two of them both loved pie. They just couldn’t get enough of the stuff. Next to him was the even younger Fleetfoot. She wore her mask, so any of features other than size were indiscernible. 
They weren’t her focus though. Instead, it was the mare flying above them that drew her in. Wings spread wide, the mare at the top shone a rainbow colored light down upon the floor other Wonderbolts. Her mask was also off, revealing a gorgeous flowing mane of the brightest reds, blues, oranges, greens, yellows, and purples. The mare in bed shed a tear at the sight of the poster’s center piece, taking only a moment to read the words she knew so well.
The poster read:

Come See The Wonderbolts Perform At The Canterlot Gardens
Spitfire      Prism       Sonic Skydive       Soarin       Fleetfoot


The distraught mare rolled off of her bed, emotions battling inside of her. She trotted over to a tiny wooden chest places atop a small night stand. Tapping the top twice, the box opened and she lifted up the top. Inside were more papers. The types of papers varied within the box, some being paper clippings, some plans for costume designs, still others were letters.
Beside the papers were two dolls, both wearing Wonderbolt costumes. One of them was meant to be the stallion in the poster that she admired so much, the other was the mare flying above him. The cyan pegasus pulled the two dolls from the box, hugging them close to her.
Do you want to talk about it?
*Sniff* “No. I won’t be caught talking to myself like a crazy pony.”
Isn’t that what you’re doing now?
“Shut up! Why do you even care?”
Just thought you might want to tell someone.
She ignored my offer, as usual. Ah well, not much can be done of that. Still, she careful placed the dolls atop her bed, lying nicely on the pillow made of cloud. Then she went back to the box, picking up each piece of paper individually. The first she pulled out was a newspaper piece about the Wonderbolts.  ‘First pony ever to break the sound barrier joins Wonderbolt legends Twister and Zephyr Star’ was its title. 
The article went on to talk about a pony by the name of Sonic Skydive performing his signature Sonic Blackboom. He was interviewed and quickly accepted into the Wonderbolts with ease. It had a picture next to the text that showed a proud young stallion with his hair shot back from the intense speed. The same stallion in the poster. The next piece in the box was the diagram of a full-body suit for ponies. It had notes all over it detailing its aerodynamic abilities and form fitting cloth. The signature at the bottom of the prints read ‘Prism’. 
She skimmed through the next few papers, barely bothering with them. They varied from subject to subject. The Wonderbolt’s new costumes, a new member, a wedding, a few successful shows, some awards ceremonies, and a birth even. Pictures followed, but they too were flipped through hastily. Finally, the light blue mare reached the last few remaining papers in the small box. They were all letters.
‘Dear Dashie,
Your father and I are very sorry that we have to miss another family day today. There was an unexpected photo shoot and the Bolts need us there. We’ve left a few cookies for you in the kitchen and some dinner in the fridge. We hope you still enjoy your day.
Love, Mom and Dad’
‘Dear Dashie,
There’s another show today. I wish I could take you out flying like I promised, but I swear I’ll make it up to you. Your mother said she might be able to make it to you before the show starts, so look out for her. If we get this show perfect, The Princess hinted in a pay raise, so you can see why this is so important. See you when we get home.
Love, Daddy’
‘Dear Rainbow Danger Dash,
You have been happily accepted into The Pegasus Flight School for Gifted Fillies. We expect you to attend orientation on Sunday, August 5th of this year. We patiently await your response and do so hope you will join us for a riveting four years of flight training.
Sincerely, Headmaster Fleetfoot'
‘Dear Dashie,
Your father and I would love to hear about your progress in flight school. Please do respond dear. We haven’t heard anything from you in ages. We miss you honey. I know we’ve been a bit ‘busy’ in the past, but we truly do love you, and we hope you know that. Your father and I will be stopping by to see you in a few weeks just in case.
Love, Mom’
“They never came.” She said, breaking the silence.
Busy again?
At this remark, the troubled pegasus mare ran out of the room. Behind her was the last paper in the box. It was wrinkled, and had stains on it. They appeared to be water stains. The edges were crumples and the words well read.
‘Miss Dash,
We regret to inform you that a terrible accident has left both of your parents gravely injured. Both Prism and Sonic Skydive bravely fought to stop an incoming twister storm on Canterlot and were unfortunately caught in the swirling winds. They died moments ago from excessive hemorrhaging. I am sorry for your loss, truly I am. If it is any consolation, your mother, Prism, talked only of you in her last breath. She told me: 
‘Tell my daughter, Rainbow Dash, that both I and her father love her very much. Perhaps we never got to show it, but I hope she will remember the good times and not the bad. I wish we could say goodbye face to face, but there are things that are not always in our hooves. We have great hopes for her; she is a talented filly and bright hearted pony. We love our Dashie, so very much. Always reach for the stars dearest, you’re already too good for the sky.’
I hope this provides some closure, although I know I cannot do much more. Please contact me and I will see you about their will and your living arrangements. 
Sincerely, Princess Celestia’
“They could never make it. They never even made it home. I lost my parents, I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
The saddened pony walked slowly to the stairs, walking down them instead of flying. She walked right out the door, not stopping to check anything else. Once outside, she spread her wings and left for the furthest cloud.
After any amount of thought filled minutes later, she finally found the perfect cloud. She halted her fast paced flapping and lowered herself atop the puffy structure.
*Sigh*”That’s the reason, if you hadn’t guessed. All of that…”
I find that very admirable, Rainbow Dash.
“Who cares, you’re just a voice. A really annoying voice.”
You’re honoring them, just by trying as hard as you are.
“Shut up. I dropped out of flight school after that incident. My parents left me the house, and I lived by myself, practicing every day. You don’t even know how hard I’ve tried. I even got a job, just to keep some money coming in, and it’s not exactly the most interesting job. You don’t even know what it’s like.”
“Not even a response? Good. I mean, I know they weren’t the best parents. But they were ‘my’ parents. Ever since then…I did everything I could to be the best. In fact, I haven’t stopped. I can’t stop. Not until I’ve made it into the Wonderbolts.”
“Oh come on! Now you decide to keep quiet? Ugh. I’m sorry ok. I’m sorry for not being good enough. I’m sorry I’ve let you down. I’m sorry I let them down.”
Rainbow, you didn’t let anyone down, especially not them.
“I know, I know. Sometimes I just don’t feel like the best.”
They thought you were the best, I think you’re the best, why shouldn’t you?
“Because I just…I don’t know.”
She paused for a long time before continuing, “I was really reserved after they died. I didn’t want to see anypony. But one thing did stay true, I never forgot. I will always remain loyal to their memory. I already made it up to my dad. I preformed a Sonic Rainboom. He would’ve been so proud. But, my mom always wanted to see me in a Wonderbolt’s costume. I’ve still got to do that. I’ve got to earn it.”
Dange.
“Wh-what did you just call me?”
I think it’s time you realize just how far you’ve come.
She was still struck with the realization of who the voice in her head was. She simply sat there on her cloud, so far away from everypony else, wondering what was going on.
“Do you really think I’ve come that far?” she asked of me.
Of course you have. Look at everything you’ve done.
She thought of her past. Meeting her friends, defeating Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis, all those other villains and every other crazy adventure she had. She recalled every encounter with the elements and how she and her friends always made it through, stronger than ever.
“Looking back, I guess I have done quite a lot.”
And don’t you forget it.
She laughed, “I won’t.”
See? That wasn’t that hard was it?
“Oh shut up DR.” she chided me playfully.
Hey, sometimes all it takes is a friend to nudge you a little in the right direction.
“Yeah.” She paused. “A really good friend.”
Smiling, the now happy mare floated from her fluffy thought bubble. With each flap of her wings, she soared closer and closer back to home. Sometimes she would spin or loop about, dancing in the air with a grace that would shame even a phoenix. Inside she thought to herself of everything she had said that day. Looking back, she laughed at herself for being so blunt and unthinking. She always felt as if she was brooding over the loss of her parents, but never really realized how foalish she was being.
Her parents wanted the best for her, they really did; and the best way for her to show them she was doing her best was to be happy. She would keep on trying, keep at her goal, HER goal of getting into the Wonderbolts. That would never change, no matter what. After all, she was ‘The’ Rainbow Dash. Fastest flier in all of Equestria, and daughter of two of the greatest pegasi to ever have lived.
“Drumroll, I hate that you’re right, but I’m really glad about it too.” She said to herself.
When she finally reached home after the long flight, she dashed straight up the stairs. Bursting through the door to her room, she raced towards the bed. The dolls of her parents were still there, waiting for her return. For once, they had waited for her instead of the other way around. Still smiling like a fool, she placed the two of them upon an empty cloud shelf. Then, she took all of the old papers and placed them in the box once more, locking it tight. She didn’t need such sad memories anymore.
Rainbow Dash had no reason to mourn any longer. She was a new mare, brimming with a new hope and old dream. She would keep her parent’s spirit alive, and let hers burn in its own gloriously multicolored light forever.