//------------------------------// // 10 — Rainbow Has Her Fun // Story: No Heroes: Beyond the Everfree // by PaulAsaran //------------------------------// Rainbow didn’t like walking. It was boring, taxing and – worst of all – slow. But the thestrals were walking as a sign of “consideration” for her earthbound friends, and they had yet to show any sign of exhaustion. Rainbow, for need of any kind of challenge whatsoever, decided to challenge herself to walk with them. If they could take it, so could she. At least, that was what she kept telling herself. The fact was, flying did her little good in her current situation. The landscape had gone from rough little hills to more mountainous terrain, and still the jungle pressed in from every direction. The trees made fast flying reckless, and even if she could there would be no point in flying ahead since her ground-bound companions wouldn’t be able to keep up. There also existed the very real likelihood of getting lost. The tall hills and thick foliage meant she couldn’t possibly keep an eye on her friends from the air. So she kept to the soil, grumbling half the time and longing for air the other half. Going on a few trips with her friends was one thing, but after a couple of weeks being unable to stretch her wings, she had grown restless. Her feathers itched with the desire to fly, and she silently begged for something, anything to offer her a challenge. Rainbow found herself in the extremely rare position of being envious of Nye. Though he sweated more than a pig under Celestia’s sun, he seemed perfectly at ease. He’d already made friends with the thestrals when he’d explained his business. Their curiosity regarding ‘flare bartending’ alone kept him yammering for hours. Of course, Pinkie had him beat in every conceivable way. She’d already memorized the names of every thestral. It was entirely possible that she’d also learned the names of their husbands, wives, children, parents and friends while she was at it, along with all their hobbies, favorite foods and other basic facts. Really, Rainbow figured these thestrals weren’t so bad. Most of them seemed genuinely pleased with how things were going, aside from Fang, who kept all the ponies under a watchful gaze. Pinkie, Nye and even Fluttershy had tried to put her mind at ease, but thus far nothing had worked. Fang’s suspicion made Rainbow uncomfortable. She’d heard enough from Sera to worry that more of the tribe would think like her. “You alright?” It took a moment for her to realize the query had been aimed her way. She shook her head to clear it, then looked to find Fluttershy at her side. “Oh, hey Shy. I’m fine.” Fluttershy’s ear flicked as she observed Rainbow. “Are you sure? You seem… agitated.” Fluttershy trying to provide moral support? Wonders never ceased. Wait, this was good! Rainbow had been trying to motivate her into being more assertive, after all. Perhaps this was a step in that direction. Realizing she’d yet to provide an answer, Rainbow collected her moment of enthusiasm for later and offered a smile. “I’m good, really. I just want to do something other than walk. I know we’re in this for Discord and all, but a mare’s gotta stretch her wings every now and then.” “You mean you want to race,” Fluttershy replied with a knowing smile. “I mean I wanna race.” Rainbow grinned, but it faded quickly along with her spirits. “But these thestrals, they don’t seem all that interested, y’know? I boasted, I goaded, I teased, but they either aren’t getting the message or there’s not a competitive bone in their bodies.” “You could always fight.” The mares shared curious looks, then looked back to find Fang walking just behind them. Her muzzle was raised and her lips fell in a judging frown. “Thestrals take pride in their battle prowess over anything else. You challenge somepony to a duel, and then we’d be in business.” Fluttershy shot Rainbow a hard look, which Rainbow had to admit was pretty impressive. But it was unnecessary; Rainbow shook her head and said, “We want to make friends with you guys. I don’t think picking fights is the right way to do that.” Fang sniffed derisively. “A pity. I’d have respected you a bit more just for bothering to try.” “What, you mean you don’t—” Fluttershy cut her off. “Was the fight by the ponds not good enough for you?” Rainbow gaped at her friend. A moment of silence passed as Fang thought on the question. “I suppose that was pretty good. Still, I’d like to see how you fight when put on equal hooving. One-on-one, with no magic to back you up.” She gazed at Rainbow, who realized she’d been staring at Fluttershy. Shaking off her stupor, Rainbow said, “Normally I wouldn’t back down from a challenge, but I don’t think I’ll be fighting you anytime soon. Sorry, Fang, but that’s not my idea of a good time.” “Huh.” Fang turned away with a look of disinterest “And here I thought you’d like fighting. A pity. I guess you ponies are as soft as you look.” Only Fluttershy’s hoof to her shoulder prevented Rainbow from snapping a comeback. With a growl, she set her attention forward once more. “This from the bat pony who got her flank kicked by a unicorn.” “Now, now,” Fluttershy said, “I’m sure it’s just their culture. We’ll get used to it before long.” Rainbow tilted her head to study her friend’s confident expression. “You’ve really changed, Fluttershy. When did you get so assertive?” Fluttershy’s eyebrows jumped. “Me, assertive?” “Uh, yeah.” Rainbow grinned and gestured over her shoulder. “You handled Nibbler there—” “It’s Fang!” Flinching, Rainbow lowered her voice to something less easy to overhear. “You handled that like a boss. It was awesome.” With her trademark timid smile, Fluttershy averted her gaze. “I guess ponies like you and Fine are finally rubbing off on me. I’m not so scared to voice my opinion anymore.” Another flinch at Fine’s name. Still, Rainbow wouldn’t begrudge Fluttershy her small victory, even if she had to share it with him, so she wrapped a leg around Fluttershy’s shoulders. “I’m proud of you, Shy. Really. It’s good to know you’re starting to stand up to others.” Fluttershy’s smile broadened even as her legs buckled under the weight Rainbow had applied. “Thanks, Rainbow. It does feel good.” With a chuckle, Rainbow pulled back, letting her friend relax. “Y’know, I came here to look after you, but I’m starting to think you’d have been just fine without me. Not that I wouldn’t have come anyway, of course.” “Well, one way or another, I’m glad you’re—” “There!” Rainbow jumped back as pink assaulted her vision. Fluttershy responded with a squeak and nearly leapt into the nearby bushes, though she caught herself at the last second. “Pinkie Pie,” she cried, as much as her quiet voice could offer. “You startled me.” “Look, lookity look look!” Pinkie pointed ahead, her expression one of awe, even as her free hoof reached down to help Fluttershy up. Rainbow rolled her eyes and looked forward, only for her eyes to grow wide. It easily took the title as the biggest tree she’d ever laid eyes on. It was wide enough at the base for at least six Big McIntosh-sized ponies to stand nose-to-tail in the space it took up. The trunk towered into the canopy, offering no sign of branches. A circle of barren dirt surrounded it, putting at least thirty feet of distance between it and the nearest patch of green. As they came closer, Rainbow noted that the light brown bark possessed a number of thin, hair-like strings of wood that gave it a furry appearance. Sera stood beside the tree, Fine Crime and Nye on either side of her. The thestrals were milling about and looking impatient. The Elder noted the mares’ approach and grinned. “Hello, ladies. As I was just explaining to your friends here, this is a tyrant tree.” Rainbow whistled, craning her neck to look as high up as she could. “I can see why. That thing reach the clouds?” A chuckle announced Polar’s arrival at her side. “Rarely, yes, but the clouds have to be pretty low for that. This one we call the ‘Eastern Watch,’ and it’s been around since before the exile of the Mother of All Night.” “That’s amazing.” Fluttershy stepped up to rub her hoof on the tree. “Cedar? Or one of its relatives?” “I thought the bark was actually hair when I saw it from a distance,” Nye said with a lopsided smile. Sera grinned and joined Fluttershy in touching the tree. “There are myths and legends about why the tree has ‘hair.’ As toothlings, we like to refer to them as treebeards.” “So how high is the watchhouse?” All eyes turned to Fine. Excepting Sera, every thestral responded with gasps, wide eyes or some other showing of surprise. Fang came forward with a stomp of her hooves. “How do you know about that?” Fine raised an eyebrow. “It’s called the ‘East Watch,’ and it’s the first one we’ve come upon. It only makes sense to use it as an early warning post of some sort.” Sera raised her head to briefly pinch her niece’s ear between her fangs, eliciting a startled yelp from the younger thestral. “And that would have only been conjecture had you not said anything! Really, Nibbler, you must learn to control yourself.” She cast a glare at the thestrals surrounding them. “Not that any of your reactions were any better.” Fang glared at her hooves, pink coloring her dark cheeks, while the other thestrals averted their gazes with sheepish looks. Rainbow was tempted to taunt them, but managed to hold back. Instead, she examined where the trunk disappeared in the canopy. “So… how high is it?” The question lingered in the air for a moment, but at last Polar answered. “We never bothered to measure it, but it’s easily one of the highest structures in the Wilds.” He leaned back when Fang shot him a dark look. “What? They already know it exists, might as well be upfront about it.” An idea hit Rainbow, roiling around in her brain in much the way delicious apple cider would roll around on her tongue. She eyed the canopy, looking for the places with the fewest limbs. Nye noted her behavior. “Rainbow? What are you thinking?” “Huh? Oh, nothing.” She gave him a wry grin, to which he replied only with a deadpan frown. “Okay, maybe it’s not nothing. Hey, Polar, would we be allowed up there?” Polar cocked his head, one ear flicking. He cast a glance at Sera, then at Fang. “No, I wouldn’t think so.” She grinned. “That’s what I thought.” Fine’s voice had a hard edge. “Rainbow…” An edge she happily ignored as she dropped low and spread her wings wide. “Catch me if you can, bat pony!” She launched, wings flapping hard as she made for the part of the canopy that appeared to have the fewest branches. Anger defined Fang’s shout. “Polar, stop her!” Pinkie’s was… Pinkie’s. “Yay, race! Go, Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow didn’t check to see if she was followed. Her attention was set upon her wings and her destination, and not just because she wanted to win at this, her first ‘race’ in what felt like ages. She knew deep down that Polar already had her at a huge disadvantage. The terrain was unfamiliar to her, and the air refused to obey her whims. She’d always prided herself on being the fastest, most skilled flier in Equestria. This was not Equestria. Wings beating hard and heavy, Rainbow managed to reach the canopy without incident. Getting through the thick limbs and leaves, on the other hoof, gave her a hard time. Even though the path had appeared relatively open, it was still far too tight to fly through, and she often found herself climbing to get through small spaces. Polar’s voice, muffled from the foliage, rose up behind her. “Rainbow! What do you think you’re doing?” After squeezing through a particularly thin hole between limbs, she called back, “Flying.” “That doesn’t look like any flying I’ve ever seen.” “Everyone’s a critic.” She jumped from one branch to another, making her way to the roof of the jungle as fast as she could. A glance back failed to give her an indication of her lead, the foliage blocking her view of Polar. Another jump, a short flight and sunshine at last made itself known. “Rainbow, you’re not supposed to go up there!” A few more branches. “Why not?” “Because… Because… I don’t know, you’re just not!” Leaves and sticks were tangled in her mane and fur. She had to jerk her tail out of a particularly stubborn set of branches. The rough wood scratched her leg as she squeezed through another tight opening. “If you don’t know why, it must not be a good reason.” “Blood and fangs, stop! Don’t make me drag you back.” The foliage thinned. With one more hop, she had enough space to open her wings. Grinning from ear to ear, she looked back to see him moving after her. His progress was slow, but still a lot faster than hers had been. He’d be on her in seconds. He didn’t have seconds. “You’ve gotta catch me first!” She launched out of the treetops— —and immediately wobbled. It took some work to get herself into a proper flight, an unexpected crosswind hitting her and making her struggle. With no small effort, she turned herself along the wind’s path and began to ride the current. The tyrant tree towered to her left, and she could only gape at its height. The thing had to have been six times as tall as those around it, its massive branches reaching wide over the jungle below. Other such trees rose up in the distance, great sentinels lording over the jungle like pillars to some gargantuan monument that had been abandoned mid-construction. And everything was green. Not the soft greens of the hills of Ponyville, or the dull greens of the Everfree, nor the eye-catching shimmery green that made up the Whitetail Wood. No, this was a dark, heavy green that pressed against the sky as if in defiance. It rooted out all other colors, demanding attention and dominance. A flash of blue – Polar! Realizing she’d lost her concentration, Rainbow returned her attention to the task at hoof. With a few quick flaps, she set herself up to begin circling the great tree. “Rainbow, get back here. This is nonsense!” “Nonsense?” With a grin that reached her ears, Rainbow pounded her wings against the wind. “This is a race, and races are never nonsense! Come on, show me what those thestral wings can do.” Flying above Equestria was one thing, but this was an entirely different beast. Wild winds pushed her around, forcing her to constantly adjust. Where she’d once been able to rely on her innate pegasus magic to command the air, now it fought against her every wingbeat. Her attention was divided between her direction and keeping careful control of the magic in her wings, broadening it when the air cooperated, pulling it back in when it shifted against her. It felt like a constant battle, and she knew she couldn’t keep this kind of effort up forever. For the first time, Rainbow wished she’d asked Lightning to teach her about flying in the wilds. Higher and higher she climbed. Though her circling of the tree was fast, her ascent wasn’t. She glanced back and yelped as she saw Polar divert from the tree and abruptly shoot into the sky. He had to have found an updraft! Heart pounding, Rainbow tried flapping her wings to gain altitude. It worked, but nowhere near fast enough. Polar circled the tree; he’d be over her in seconds. “Crap, crap, crap.” She scoured the air around her, trying to see what he had. How was she supposed to detect an updraft? “Darn it, this is not good.” A glance up and behind revealed Polar coming around the tree’s vast limbs. Soon he was above her. With no other options available, Rainbow prepped as he readied for a dive. He came down fast, but not fast enough. Rainbow thrust her wings with a cry, dodging sideways at the last second, and he darted past. He opened his wings and swooped into a long arch, quickly regaining lost altitude and ending up higher than her again. “You can’t dodge me forever!” “Watch me!” Her bravado disguised the worry she felt as she realized she wasn’t even a fourth of the way up the tree. But Goddess, was she high! It gave her an appreciation of just how monumental the tree was. Frustration lined Polar’s tone as he slowed his flight for another dive. “What do you hope to gain from this, pony?” “Getting you to lighten up would be a start!” She soared closer to the tree, hoping the winds wouldn’t be so strong. That proved a mistake. Her ears folded back against the howling vortex and her flight path grew unsteady. As quick as she could, she moved away once more. When she looked up, Polar was flying at her in a fast, shallow dive! “Whoa!” She tucked her wings and tried to veer right. The maneuver wasn’t fast enough, and Polar slammed into her flanks. She had at least made it hard for him to grasp her, his forelegs scrambling for purchase on her hindquarters. One hoof, struggling to hold on, slid slowly around the curve of her flank and over her cutie mark. “Hey!” She glared back at him. “Hooves off the goods! Only Nye touches me there, perv.” Polar’s orange eyes snapped wide open and his hooves retreated as if they’d touched hot coals. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—” “Hah!” Rainbow was beyond reach in an instant. “See you at the top, tailchaser!” By the time Polar had come to his senses enough to realize what had happened, the wind muffled his “Blood and bloody fangs!” to a mere whisper. Fine heaved a long sigh. “Fang, calm down.” The thestral spun about, wings whipping up wind, to aim her bared fangs at Fine. “You shut up! I knew you ponies were nothing but bad news. Why don’t you admit it, you’re out to learn our secrets!” He shrugged before casually eyeing the canopy. “Rainbow’s just trying to let off some energy. Poor mare hasn’t had a race or anything since we started this quest, it’s no wonder she jumped at the opportunity.” “I’m not buying your lies, bone head.” She turned away and spread her wings. Sera’s voice cracked like a whip. “Nibbling Fang, you will fold those wings right now, or so help me I will be sending for my brother the minute we get back to Tidal.” A wave of pink ran across Fang’s face. She slowly turned her head to face the Elder. “You wouldn’t.” “Oh, yes I would, and when he learns that I had to call him away from negotiations with the Cleartree and Whitestone tribes because you were throwing a hissy fit, I’ll let you be the one who has to explain it to him.” Sera jutted a hoof at her wings. “Folded. Now.” Fang gave a quiet hiss, but complied. Once her wings were neatly at her side she stomped off, mumbling and growling at nothing. Fine sat and shifted his attention to Sera. “I’m sorry Rainbow is causing so much trouble. She means well.” “And she will achieve good things. Secrets, she says! What secrets?” Sera kept her eyes on Fang’s back, but her tone shifted to something kinder. “Polar has always been hard on himself, it’s one of the reasons he and Fang work so well together. With any luck, your friend’s antics will loosen him up.” Fine smiled at the thought, then turned his gaze upon the remaining thestrals. They stood as a group by the tyrant tree, appearing to be in good spirits. Nye and Pinkie was with them. “Looks like this distraction has them amused, at least.” Fluttershy, who had been standing just outside the group, walked over to them. She offered a small smile. “They’re placing bets on who will get to the watchhouse first.” “Ah.” A thought occurred to Fine, who looked to Sera with a curious eye. “What kind of currency do you use?” “Moon eyes.” At their puzzled expressions, she reached into a pouch and pulled out what appeared to be a marble. She rotated it until a small groove in the stone appeared, shaped not unlike her own iris. The iris was black. “This is a black eye, the least valuable. They also come in green, purple, red, brown and two shades of blue. The color indicates value.” She placed the marble in Fine’s hoof, and he inspected it with a peering gaze. “Fascinating. I wonder where this idea came from.” “Or how you make them,” Fluttershy added. “Can any tribe create moon eyes?” “I’m not entirely clear on the process,” Sera admitted, accepting the marble back and dropping it into her pouch. “The inside consists of a gemstone, which gives the moon eye its color, but the outer layer is a regular stone melted and cast around the gem. There are six tribes that produce them, all located in the Whitewing Range.” She gestured to the rocky, sloped area around them. “We’re currently in the foothills of those mountains.” Fine looked at the dirt beneath his hooves, wondering what Rarity would think of this story. A pony like her could spark a major shift in power amongst the tribes. Better not to mention that. “So are those six tribes particularly prestigious?” Sera waved a dismissive hoof. “Oh, hardly. They mostly rely on trade with the other tribes for building materials and food. It’s not even close to balanced. We lose them, we find something else worth using as currency – wouldn’t be the first time. They lose us, they starve.” “Oh, dear!” Fluttershy responded about as Fine anticipated, with hooves over her mouth and eyes big as saucers. “Those poor things, it sounds harsh.” If her reaction affected Sera in any way, it didn’t show on her face. She aimed a solemn frown Fluttershy’s way. “For thestrals, life is hard. We have not thrived, Miss Darrow. The tribes are constantly struggling for resources, and that often means competition.” Fluttershy’s ears folded back. “But why do you fight for such things? Why can’t you coexist and share the responsibilities?” Fine used the lingering pause in Sera’s response to study the Elder’s face. The mare appeared tired and concerned. She pondered over her answer, brow furrowed and wings fidgeting. He realized that she wasn’t thinking about Fluttershy’s suggestion. No, it seemed more like she was seeking a way to explain a familiar concept to somepony who’d never known of it, and couldn’t find the words. At last, she replied, “It’s not that simple.” Apprehension marring her features, Fluttershy turned to Fine. “Maybe we came here at just the right time.” “Maybe.” Fine raised his head, studious eyes shifting between her and Sera. “We’ll definitely have to talk to Luna about this.” His attention settled upon Sera. “And Celestia.” Sera’s frown stiffened, as if she were trying to swallow something foul. Her eyes met his. He could read the message in them like an open book. He decided to act on his instincts. “You want to ask about it.” She nodded. “Can I trust you to give me an honest answer?” Fine couldn’t help it; he laughed. The mares cocked their heads in unison, Sera’s firm frown shifting to uncertainty. He stifled his humor enough to give her a grin. “Elder, if I said ‘yes’ to that question, I’d have already ruined any chance we might have had at ‘trust’ between us. I have made a career out of knowing when to lie and when to be honest.” He raised a hoof to stop her before she could speak. “My point is, you can’t trust me to give an honest answer to every question. However, I can promise you this: whatever you want to know about the state of Equestria and its leaders, I can tell you. I share Fluttershy’s feelings… to an extent.” Sera stared at him for a few seconds, her lips slightly parted in a dazed expression. “So I can trust you… except I can’t trust you?” With a sigh, Fluttershy pushed Fine aside and offered an apologetic smile. “You can trust me, Sera. Dealing with truths with Fine is a tricky dance that I promise you don’t want to get involved in.” Fine cringed at the little needle in his heart. He couldn’t be sure, but it sounded like she considered his manner more of a burden than anything. Didn’t she know he would never lie to her? “Well, perhaps I should address the question to you anyway, since you’re the official ‘leader’ of your group.” Sera turned her full attention to Fluttershy, her expression serious. “I have concerns regarding Celestia.” Although he wanted to speak up, Fine decided to step back and give Fluttershy the reins. He still stung from her subtle accusation, and she probably could use a little more experience before they hit the tribe. Sera stood solid before Fluttershy. “Now that we’re so close to Tidal – and it seems Rainbow and Polar will be a while – it’s time we addressed a few issues that will be coming up. I take it from our previous conversations that Celestia still rules Equestria?” To her credit, Fluttershy didn’t seem bothered by Sera’s firm tone. “Co-rules. Princess Luna has reclaimed dominion of the night.” Fine smiled, silently approving of her word choice. If only she would look to him so she could tell. Sera furrowed her brow. “What is their relationship like? Are they… amicable? Are they equal rulers?” Fluttershy paused, her manner uncertain. “I… couldn’t speak to their personal relationship. I’m not well versed on the details of their rule, either.” She looked to Fine. “Do you know?” First he can’t be trusted, and now she needs his help. It took a little extra willpower not to smirk as he answered, “Celestia and Luna have their differences, as always, but they are as friendly towards one another as can be expected of any two sisters. I’m sure you can imagine that there’s still a little bad blood regarding the whole Nightmare Moon incident, but they’ve been dealing with it. Steadily.” Peering, Sera studied him. “You speak as if you have witnessed them in action.” “But of course. I’m a leading government official. I speak to both of them regularly.” Her doubt was as plain as her fangs. She cast an eye towards Fluttershy, who nodded and said, “It’s true.” Still appearing unconvinced, Sera asked, “And their powers?” Fine’s tone grew more serious, for he knew the potential touchiness of this subject. “Celestia is still the primary ruler of Equestria, but the balance has shifted recently to make them much more equal. Celestia has finally come to understand how vital her sister’s role is for Equestria.” A lone eyebrow rose on Sera’s head. “Even after a thousand years of ruling alone?” “Especially after a thousand years of ruling alone.” Fine’s smile returned. “I know you thestrals tend to think of her as the ‘Sun Tyrant,’ but she’s not as bad as all that.” “That remains to be seen.” Sera closed her eyes and released a long, slow breath. When next she spoke, her tone had calmed. “Please understand, for generations we have been taught of the cruelty of the Sun Tyrant. I am willing to give this a chance, but it is not easy.” Fluttershy took a step closer, one leg raised anxiously. “I understand. When Princess Luna came back to Equestria, most ponies reacted the same way. She intimidated me when I first met her.” Fine’s smile became a smirk once more. “Wasn’t that on Nightmare Night? I heard stories.” The pegasus responded with only a blush, her face half hidden by her mane. Sera’s face betrayed no amusement or curiosity. In comparison, her tone made her worry very clear. “The tribes will not be easily convinced of Celestia’s peaceful intentions. If we are to begin a peaceful coexistence, that is the second issue that will have to be addressed. But first, they must be convinced that the Mother of All Night has returned. When we reach Tidal tonight, you will all have to tread carefully.” Fluttershy bowed her head. “We will trust in your guidance, Elder. We will convince them, one way or another.” The Elder turned her gaze to the crowd of thestrals. They were laughing and talking amongst themselves, seeming to be completely at ease. “I hope so, Miss Darrow.” Gathering that the conversation was over, Fine smiled to Fluttershy. He wanted to congratulate her; she handled herself quite well, in his opinion. He’d not anticipated that she’d learn so quickly. Perhaps her skill came from her regular conversations with animals? Who knew what kind of hurdles that little gift of hers had put her through. “Uh, guys?” They turned as one to Nye, who approached with a worried expression. Fine waved him closer. “What’s up?” Nye looked around, his tail flicking the air. “I can’t find Pinkie anywhere.” Fluttershy tilted her head to one side. “But she was right there with all of you a moment ago.” “Yeah, well now she’s gone, and… what are you smiling at?” All eyes turned to Fine, who grinned at them. With a chuckle, he leaned his head back to gaze at where the tyrant tree met the canopy. “Don’t you worry about Pinkie. She’ll be back soon.” Rainbow’s wings ached. It was a good ache, the kind that came from a long and hard exercise routine. It swam through her joints, filling her insides about as well as the sweat covered her outsides. Under normal circumstances, she’d be looking forward to the coming relaxation – a mug of cold cider from her private stock, a comfy couch to lie down on, and maybe a nice, chubby white earth pony to massage her back. Unfortunately, only one of those things were likely in her future, and that assumed Nye didn’t decide to kill her for putting herself at risk like this. She’d never been one to fear heights, but she’d also never anticipated a flight to the top of a tree to wear her out, and it was a startlingly long drop to the jungle below. Where the tyrant tree met the canopy, the trunk appeared no larger than a pencil. “Are you okay?” She looked over her shoulder. Polar soared behind and to her right. He didn’t even appear winded, and he didn’t flap his wings half as much as she did. The annoyance that he’d had at the beginning of this flight was long gone, replaced by an expression of concern. She looked forward, grimacing. “I’ll be fine. I’m almost there.” Which was true, she could see the watchhouse. It perched atop two of the trees large limbs, roughly three dozen yards from the top. The structure was small, perhaps only a room or two, with a deck that ran around the entire tree. It was crafted of wood and struck her as flimsy. “You don’t look fine. You realize that if this were a real race, you’d have lost ages ago, right?” Despite her weariness, Rainbow smiled. “It was never about the race. I just needed to do something.” “Even if that something is pointless?” Rainbow felt her hackles rising. Though the soreness bit into her joints, she forced a few extra hard flaps out of her wings. “It’s not pointless! I’m going to make it, and when I do I’ll be proud.” An updraft hit her wings, but she’d grown used to them by now. She let it carry her higher, taking the opportunity to relax a little before the wind died. To her consternation, Polar cut inside of her helix and was soon a little ahead of her. He called back, “Look, I won’t try to stop you anymore—” “I noticed.” “—so why don’t you let me help? I can get you there faster.” She spoke through gritted teeth. “No way. I’m doing this on my own. Don’t even try!” He waved a hoof at her. “Rainbow, you’re tired! I don’t want you to fall.” “I won’t fall. I know what my limits are. I don’t want your help, Polar.” Pulling back so he was flying alongside her, he rubbed his face with both hooves. “You don’t need to impress us.” Though it made her lungs ache, Rainbow burst out laughing. Her flight path wobbled as she struggled to keep up her flapping and gain control of her breathing. Once done, she smirked at his dumbfounded expression. “You think I’m doing this to impress you? Yeah, right! I’ve already got one stallion wrapped around my hoof, I don’t need another.” His face turned red and his eyes went wide. “I didn’t mean it like that.” “I know, but you’re easy to tease.” She banked once more, climbing a little closer to her destination. Another two circles and she’d be high enough. “Look, Polar, I’m a sportspony. I need to test myself. None of my friends on this trip are athletes, they don’t get it, and they couldn’t possibly challenge me.” She peered forward, determination set upon her face. “I’m doing this because it’s the first real test of my abilities I’ve had in weeks, and I am not going to pass it up.” She waited for his response, expecting criticism. What she got instead was a prolonged silence. When she looked, she found him studying her with a curious expression. Maybe even understanding. At last, he spoke. “Are you sure you can make it the rest of the way safely?” She cocked her head, then nodded. It seemed like an odd question considering how close they were. “Alright, then.” And so the conversation ended, much to her confusion. Rainbow decided to take what blessings she could and focused on the last circle. With every beat of her wings, she felt the tingling burn of tired muscles. The winds at this dramatic height buffeted her almost endlessly, but the long flight had taught her how to react and adjust to them. The effort required took a lot out of her, and she longed to sit down and rest. She knew that, if necessary, she could keep this up for hours yet… but the idea wasn’t a pleasant one. “May I offer a little advice?” Rainbow glanced at Polar, considered, then nodded. Relief washed over his features. “Go in tight on the structure, land on the deck on the right side. The trunk and the watchhouse block the worst of the winds from there.” She eyed the tree. The part of the deck he’d spoken off was on the opposite side of the watchhouse, but she’d seen it enough to know what he intended. It would be a tight turn, but well within her abilities. As she altered the angle of her helix, she called back a “Thanks.” True to his word, getting close on this side of the tree didn’t result in a powerful wind. The branches were far more sparse this high up, making the approach a simple matter. A quick turn into the wind and she was over the deck… but too fast! She realized her error instantly and closed her wings, letting herself drop and half expecting the wood to crack from impact. She hit the deck with enough force to shake the watchhouse, but managed to stay on her hooves. Which was a good thing, because if she’d stumbled at all she would have gone forward over the edge of the deck and been forced to try again. Her aching wings wouldn’t have appreciated that. The clack of hooves on wood announced Polar’s landing behind her. She turned to him before plopping her rump on the floor and letting her wings sag. “You coulda told me about the speed boost.” “I thought you’d prefer to best it yourself.” He took a step closer, neck extending as he looked her over. “Are you okay?” “Just tired.” Very tired. She stretched her back, her legs, then her wings. The latter popped loud enough that he almost certainly heard it. “Geeze, this wild weather flying is a whole different animal compared to flying in Equestria.” He sat before her, expression solemn. “We have legends that the air in Equestria is always still unless commanded by pegasi. Of clouds that cannot move on their own, of seasons that come when the ponies will it. It sounds like a fairy tale.” “Your fairy tale is a daily reality for us.” She extended a wing to examine her feathers. They needed a good preening after today. Perhaps she would ask Nye to do it. She’d never let him handle her wings before. “In fact, weather management is my job back home.” “Fascinating.” Polar shifted from hoof to hoof, his fangs rubbing against the outside of his lower lip. “And… Well… That was impressive.” Rainbow raised her head to stare at him. “Impressive? What, flying up here? I thought you thestrals did it all the time.” He shook his head. “Only a few select thestrals can get up here, and they require a month or so of training before their wings can take it. That you pulled it off in one try is something else, and you learned to handle the high altitude winds with surprising speed.” Chuckling, she leaned back and rubbed her chest with a self-appreciative grin. “I am pretty awesome, right? You should see what I can do in normal weather! I’d be the one flying circles around you.” His eyes widened, hope shining in them. “Do you really think I could go to Equestria?” Rainbow sobered quickly, realizing that what she’d just said probably amounted to a mythical dream to somepony in his world. She pondered the thought, then offered a grin. “Sure! I bet you’ll be welcome in Equestria.” “That would be nice.” He turned to stare beyond the deck, his manner calm. “I’m sorry. I took you for a braggart, but today I see your ability. You might not be used to… well, our version of ‘normal’ weather, but what I saw today is all I need to know you’re a truly gifted flier. Perhaps, if we have time later, I could show you how to improve your flying here.” “I’d like that.” Rainbow thought on the things she might have to do here – and the potential for entirely new aviation challenges – and suddenly her aches didn’t seem so bad. “In fact, I’d love it! The next time I tell you I’m racing you to the top, you can expect it to be a real race.” Only then did she turn away… and got her first good look at the view. “Whoa.” It was as if she were looking at a sea of dark green. Hills made waves all around them, the trees so far down that they were indistinguishable from one another as anything but a carpet of color. Tyrant trees dotted the landscape, each surrounded by a small circle of barren land that made the giants look like pillars rising out of holes. In the near distance were mountains, most of them just as green as their surroundings, although she noted a few brown and grey peaks on the tallest ones. A mist rolled down their emerald sides, gradually creeping towards them and giving the land a soft, dreamy appearance. Polar smiled at her slack face. “So, was it worth it?” “Heck, yes.” With a chuckle, he guided her around the deck to the back of the watchhouse. “That’s not all. Take a look at this.” The deck followed the watchhouse until it reached the tree trunk, then proceeded to curve around the trunk itself. Ignoring the creaking boards beneath her hooves, Rainbow raised a wing to her eyes as the sun hit them through the branches. The sky was just beginning to turn orange from the coming sunset when she looked to the west. Her eyes immediately caught sight of something in the distance, a large scattering of grey dots on the side of one of the hills. “What’s that?” “That is Tidal,” he answered with pride. “My home. It used to be a great city. It may be a ruin now, but we made good use of it.” “Huh. It looks kinda far.” “It just looks it. We’ll get there tonight… maybe. The elder might decide to have us camp for another night and arrive in the morning.” He raised his hoof, directing her eyes to something on the hill. “Do you see it? The shape near the peak?” She had to block the sun with a hoof and peer, but she thought she could just make out a pair of triangular shapes. “I think so.” “The Temple of Tides. That, Miss Dash, is your destination.” She repeated the name in her head a few times. It felt so good to finally have a destination she could see. An image of Discord frozen in stone came to mind. At long last, she’d be able to repay him for his help in Nildia. The poor guy had been stuck in stone for far too long as it was. “Hang on a little longer, Discord.” “What was that?” “Huh?” She shook her head and offered a sheepish smile. “Sorry. Just glad to finally be here.” His eyes were on her. A glance showed no confusion or anger, not even acceptance. In his gaze was something more akin to wonder. The staring made her nervous, but she tried not to look back. All she could think of was Nye and his fear of someday being replaced by a Wonderbolt. Polar was no Wonderbolt, but he was certainly no slouch. The sun was starting to set, and as it did she felt a clear and unmistakable fear. She turned away from what probably would have been a spectacular sunset; the last thing she wanted was for Nye to think that she intentionally spent private time with a more athletic stallion. If only said stallion would stop gazing. “Do you really know Discord?” Rainbow nearly faceplanted. Then she burst out laughing. Polar’s ears folded back and his shoulders drooped. “What’s so funny?” He sounded hurt, the poor guy. It took time for her to recover her breath enough to speak. “I’m sorry! It’s just, I thought… never mind. I promise, I’m not laughing at you.” With one long intake, she recovered and managed to stand properly. “Yeah, I know Discord. Used to hate his guts, but we’re cool now. We’ll be even cooler once we’ve got him de-stone-ified.” Though he still appeared put off, Polar turned to follow her around the deck. “You heard the story. He’s got something akin to hero status around here. If you’re really here to help Discord out, a lot of thestrals will want to assist, myself included.” “Glad to hear it. From the way Fang acts, I keep wondering if your ponies are going to help us or attack us.” “You’ve got me on your side,” Polar reassured her. “If that counts for anything. I’m happy to fly with somepony as good as you.” Rainbow couldn’t resist strutting, her head held high and her tail flicking. “Flatterer. I’ve got a coltfriend, you know.” “That’s not—” He caught himself, then muttered, “You really like doing that, don’t you?” She shot him a grin over her shoulder. “You make it so easy.” His eyes narrowed as they reached the front of the watchhouse. “And if Nye knew you were teasing other stallions?” Rainbow winced, her moment of confidence fading swiftly. She had just moved to avoid a certain appearance, and now Polar had caught her… She’d spent so much time teasing Nye, she’d forgotten how it might seem if she started doing it to other guys. Had she done that when Nye was around? She couldn’t recall, but she hoped not. “Hold on.” Polar stepped past her, the deck just barely big enough for the two of them to stand side-by-side. With the thoughts running through her head, she found herself leaning as far from him as she could. She still felt the skin of his wing brush against her feathers. Why was her face so hot, and why couldn’t she stop seeing Nye in her mind’s eye? “W-what?” “We’ve been stomping around on these creaky boards for what, ten minutes? And nopony’s come to interrogate us. Some sentries are sleeping on the job.” Polar stepped ahead, making for the entrance to the watchhouse. Judging by the hard look on his face, she suspected some thestrals were about to get a firm talking to. She followed behind him, and quickly realized just how small the watchhouse was when her head barely missed the ceiling. Windows lit the room from three sides, but the lighting was dim since none of them faced the setting sun. Candles burned in a handful of locations, most on holders set in the walls. The place looked a lot sturdier from within, with solid wooden walls crafted around the natural shape of the tree. The room was also smaller than expected. The corner featured a small table, on top of which were sacs made of thin ropes that held assorted fruits and vegetables, two spyglasses and a few other items she couldn’t identify. Two ugly brown sacs – cushions, perhaps? – sat in opposite corners by windows. The back wall was little more than a couple steps away and featured an opening to another room, although Rainbow couldn’t imagine it being any bigger than this one. Polar looked about the small space with a scowl, then made for the back. “This won’t take—” “Congratulations!” Both pony and thestral cried out as confetti exploded in their faces. A pink explosion erupted from the opening, knocking Polar aside and slamming into Rainbow. She fell on her back and found herself staring into the shining blue eyes of none other than Pinkie. “You made it all the way up here I knew you would because you’re so awesome but it just wasn’t right for you to win and not have a celebration and that made me sad but I figured if anypony could do it then I could and that’s exactly what I did because I’m so proud of my super best friend who managed to fly all the way up here on her own and did I surprise you huh huh did I did I huh huh?” “Very surprised.” Rainbow, her fight-or-flight senses fading, could only laugh. She pushed Pinkie off and stood with a grin. “You are so random, Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie responded with mad giggling. Polar’s head whipped between the two of them over and over again, moving so fast his dumbfounded gape could barely be seen for the blur. “But… you… we… wings… how?” “H-hey, Polar.” They turned to find a brown thestral standing in the opening with a sheepish smile and a big red clown’s nose on his muzzle. Another, this one light pink, peeked out from around him, cupcake crumbs still on her lips. “She, uh, overpowered us?” Rainbow chuckled and exchanged hoofbumps with Pinkie. “Looks more like she bribed you to me.” “What in the name of the Moon?” Polar stomped with enough force to shake the watchhouse. “You two are supposed to be on watch! You didn’t try to investigate who we were, you didn’t come to greet us on landing, and how – how – could a pony who doesn’t even have wings get up here without you noticing?” The stallion had his ears down and his head low. “Well she, uh, caught us by surprise?” The pink one, still cowering behind her partner, nodded frantically. “She's a pony! We had no idea what to make of it. And she talks so fast, and before we knew it she’d given us these delicious things she called—” “Cupcakes!” Pinkie appeared before Polar, raised his hoof and shoved one of the mentioned treats into it. Then she hurried to give one to Rainbow, who wasted no time taking a bite. Pinkie herself promptly chowed down on two of them. Polar rocked on his hooves. He pointed at the sentries— “You don’t…” —waved at Rainbow— “I’m not…” —gaped at the cupcake in his hoof— “This doesn’t…” —took a half-step towards Pinkie— “How did she…” Pinkie, manner entirely serious, stepped up to him, took his hoof, and raised it so the cupcake was before his muzzle. “Just eat. You’ll feel better.” He stared slack-jawed at her for a second or two, then fell to his haunches with a thump. He nursed his cupcake like an alcoholic nursed his bottle. Rainbow, her cupcake devoured, tapped him on the shoulder to no effect. “I think you broke him, Pinkie.”