When all bets are off, Rainbow Dash is at the ready for both friends and strangers alike. Whether it’s saving Equestria from the claws of tyranny for the sixteenth time or making a long errand in stormy weather, she’s your mare to get the job done no matter the danger. Though she may even take some licks in the process, Dash is one to come back stronger and faster each time.
But what is a pony whose reputation is built on tackling problems supposed to do when encountering one which requires a softer and more self-reflective approach? It turns out good friends will help you diversify your skill set and teach you a bit about yourself along the way. Whether you’re expecting it or not.
Inspired by cover image by Glitterstar2000.
Chapters (2)
Missing end quotes.
Good start, eager to see where it goes.
Lets goo
thats some cool stuff right there
10214496
Ugh, dunno how I missed that. Thanks for the heads up!
Thanks a lot, glad you’re liking it.
10214534
Ha, thanks!
Next capter pls! !!
I already gave my follow, for this story it is interesting how this will progress, keep it up
10216044
Thanks, will do!
THIS IS BRILLIANT I LOVE THIS SO MUCH
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Glad you like it!
Aw, you’re too kind.
i love this story already
10216724
Appreciate it!
I'm waiting for the second part❤️
10225140
Glad you’re enjoying it, though!
Well I can hopefully get it get it written soon, once I have the time.
wow this is beautifully written, can't wait for the next chapter! :))
10237435
Mighty kind of you, thanks! Look forward to getting it out too.
I need more! ...but no pressure.
Wonderfully written, and just amazing all 'round. Thanks for writing it!
10242051
Thanks for taking the time to read it and I hope you enjoy the next chapter just as much when it’s out. 
Haha, glad you enjoyed it!
This is such a good story so far. I mean, you perfectly captured each character’s personality so beautifully, especially Rainbow’s. I like that you didn’t just make her say something like “ok, ya got me, I have a crush on him” which is usually the norm. It was quite refreshing! And the slow transition into the “crush talk” was PERFECT! Stellar job! 👏
10243820
Wow, thanks a lot for the detail! I’m glad to hear you think I got the characterization down well; I’m trying to go about this setup in a way that isn’t too conventional but makes sense for the characters as well, so I’m pleased that you think it’s an enjoyable read thus far.
Amazing start!! I love this story already! Can't wait for more
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Thanks a lot!
The whole part with Dash talking about Soarin, both internally and vocally to her friends, that was really well put together. Eager to see the next chapter.
10280464
Appreciate it, man! Glad you’re enjoying it so far.
Continue?
I love this story please update it. It’s so good.
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Thanks a lot! I should have the next chapter out pretty soon, sorry it’s been so long.
omg yaay an update, finally
poor soarin. is he going to be okay ?
Oh my gosh! i can't believe it updated even after reading the chapter! it felt like i was waiting for an update since forever!
)
).
As I like this story, I can't wait for the next chapter!
Poor Soarin, I'm sure this is not an allergy. He'll be fine? Rainbow needs to take care of him! (Oh, I like that idea
I feel like I can read this fic a thousand times without getting tired (it's a shame that I take a while to read without the translator
I loved!
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You’ll find out then. 
Yeah, hopefully you won’t have to wait as long for the next one.
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I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much, thank you! That must be tedious trying to read without the translator. I wouldn’t be able to manage that with anything personally since all I speak besides English is a bit of French.
Man, this was a wonderful read, i had a grin on my face the entire time, keep up the wonderful work!!
Mmm, I really enjoy the internal workings of Rainbow that you are playing out. She's one of those characters that is difficult to really figure out, and so we get a lot of variations in the fandom. You're showing some weak points, and allowing her to over come them herself.
There were a few errors. And some odd word choices, as well as once or twice you could tell a word got left out of a sentence. I didn't notice if you have a pre reader or not. If no, I'd look into finding one. They should help grab those few glaring mistakes.
A slow start, only 2 chapters, but they feel like they belong that way. I'm enjoying it so far, and eagerly await the next. As you said, stuff comes up, but taking your time can pay off.
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Thanks, will do!
Well if it made you feel that strongly, I guess I did my job.
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If you wouldn’t mind, could you give a couple of examples of odd word choices which stuck out to you? I’m hoping by considering these I can pinpoint why and how I might be going for wording that throws off the reader.
You would be correct; I don’t currently have a pre-reader but could really use one. Proofreading has never been my strong suit and this chapter was no exception based on the mistakes I made despite checking over it before posting.
‘Preciate the constructive feedback and compliments! I feel fortunate that Dash’s character has apparently been handled fairly well so far; I was worried going in that I’d end up straying too far away from it to be believable as the same Dash we know, or the opposite, exaggerating certain aspects of her character so she became a parody. Eager to get to the next chapter as well and hope to continue making stuff you and others enjoy reading.
Wow. I've been patiently (not really) waiting for an update. Looks like it was worth it. I absolutely love how you're writing Dash's character and all her emotions. The interactions between Soarin and Dash were really well written. I can't wait to see how the story progresses.
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Writing the banter between those two was definitely the most fun part, haha! Glad the wait was worthwhile!
pretty sure soarin got the corona
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That’d make Dash pretty godawful at social distancing.
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If you don't mind waiting a few days sure. I can PM you later on.
Hell I want more xd, I loved the interaction of these, it feels like they are true friends and that they can trust each other, I hope the next part.
Stunningly good job, Astrum. Seriously, this installment is just as enjoyable to read as the first, if not even more so. The pictures you paint with words are so colorful and so beautifully crafted- I feel like I’m there, walking in the utter darkness of the building, seeing the lightning across the sky, and hearing the rain pelt the windows. Ah it was so good!!
haha, I had a lot i wanted to say about this chapter, but I think I’m almost done. 
Of it wasn’t already obvious i rlly like this fic. 
Your writing style is golden - I adore how you allow things to happen gradually; you don’t rush to the good part if you know what I mean. You could’ve left out most of it and cut to the part where she meets Soarin, but you let it flow their naturally instead. That, I can definitely appreciate, and I definitely prefer in a story like this. In my opinion, romance needs to be taken slow and steady or else or it’ll feel rushed and inorganic, but, haha, I guess you already know that. In short, you’re doing an amazing job.
I really like that you’re building on Rainbow and Soarin’s friendship, as opposed to making them blushy and weak in the knees all at once. Besides, I’m very much enjoying their friendship dynamic! It’s fun and free and hilarious( seriously, I lost it at “Darling Done”) they have a connection without it being romantic, and I think that’s an important thing to have. Plus, the fact that Dash is still a little star struck was really nice, and fitting for her. They’re both very in - character (honestly, I think you’ve even enhanced Soarin’s character, like, now his personality is even more him)
Still going
Someone else mighta said it already, but Rainbow’s inner voice was done really well. Like, we know she’s awesome, but even she has to pep talk herself through some stuff, which I thought was a detail done very well.
Loved that we didn’t immediately know Soarin was sick either - there were hints, but the realization doesn’t hit right away, and I really liked that. It made for a really good, nail biting cliffhanger too.
Ok, that was long
We’ll be patient for the next chapter; I’m certain it will be worth it!!
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Alright, that’ll work, thanks.
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Glad to hear it! Next one’ll be on the way soon hopefully, haha!
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I actually really enjoy reading detailed comments, so don’t feel self-conscious about the length at all. I appreciate you taking the time to write it. Feel free to express any feedback you might wish, positive or negative.
Wow, thank you so much for the extensive feedback!
I’m honestly overjoyed that so much struck a good chord with you, including the imagery I tried to convey. Along with dialogue, that’s one of my favorite things to write and think about how to get creative with, so hearing that it managed to fully immerse a reader in the world I was trying to make is very exciting indeed! And as I said to someone else, I’m pleased that you enjoyed the banter and dynamic currently displayed between the two. Definitely eager to make more of that to enjoy.
Again, thanks for the kind words and I’m glad you’re enjoying it so much!
updateee please I really love the story
10382016
Glad you’re enjoying!
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I’m happy to hear that, thank you! Sorry, school’s been basically consuming my life as of late, so it’s taking a long time to roll the next chapter out.
I love it so far! Will you be continuing it?
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I’ve made some more progress on the next chapter in the past few days thanks to my schedule clearing up, haha! It’ll be out eventually.
Thanks, glad ya like it!
10682653
Glad to hear that!
omgg i love the way you write 🥺
10714416
Thanks!
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Thanks very much!
Haha, yeah I plan on it eventually; the next chapter is still being worked on snippets at a time every once in a while, things have just really been limiting my time and I have to prioritize tasks. That’s unfortunately led to the next one not being completed for far far longer than expected and I’m sorry for that. Need to not set deadlines unless I’m sure I’ll meet them.
But sometimes life gets in the way of things.
Nonetheless, happy to hear you’re enjoying it and hope you like what’s coming up next!