Chapter 1
Bugaboo Flu
by marley
Rainbow Dash woke in her cloud home above Ponyville. The light entering her window was golden but dimmer than normal. She looked out and was shocked to find that she was surrounded by clouds. It was beautiful up here, she thought, but she knew that Ponyville was under a dark blanket of clouds that shouldn't be there.
Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched. “Looks like there's a lot of clouds to be cleared today,” she said to herself. I'll grab some breakfast at the market and get to it.”
As she flew down to Ponyville, she wondered where the rest of the weather ponies were. As much work as there was to do, Dash supposed they could be working somewhere around town. As she passed over the town all she saw were empty streets.
“Where is everypony?” said Dash. She was worried now.
“Rainbow Dash! Come here quick!” came a voice from below.
“Hi Spike,” said Dash, relieved to see a friendly face, “what's going on?”
“It's terrible,” said Spike, “almost everypony is sick with the Bugaboo flu. There's a cure but you'll have to fly to Canterlot to get it. You'll need to find somepony to go with you. We need enough for everypony.”
“No problem,” replied Rainbow Dash, “I'll get some ponies from the weather crew to go along.”
“They're all sick!” said Spike, who was close to panic, “I just came from the horsepital and there's hardly any pony that can walk. It's not just here either, it's all over Equestria.”
“If it's that bad walking won't help,” said Dash. “We need to fly! Maybe if I make two trips?”
“That's a lot of flying,” said the dragon. “I have a list of what you need and this bracelet will help you find your way back through the clouds. It glows when you're heading the right way. Twilight was pretty sick when she made it so she's not sure how long it will last.”
“Twilight is sick too?” said Dash.
“Yeah and Rarity and Pinky Pie and Applejack..” Spike ticked them off on his claws.
“What about Fluttershy?” asked Dash.
“No pony's seen her” said Spike, “I was going to her place just now.”
“I'll check on her and then fly to Canterlot as fast as I can” said Dash.
“You won't have to, there she is,” said Spike.
Fluttershy was flying along slowly a few feet off the ground. She looked terrified.
“Rainbow Dash! Spike!” called Fluttershy, “Where is everypony?”
“Fluttershy, you're alright!” said Spike.
“I'm fine,” said the yellow pegasus, “what's going on?”
“I'll explain on the way,” said Dash. “We have to fly to Canterlot right now. Come on!”
Rainbow Dash took off with a confused Fluttershy behind her.
“Good luck!” yelled Spike. “I'll send a message to Canterlot and tell them you're on the way.”
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were flying blind through the clouds. Rainbow Dash was climbing slowly but steadily upwards.
“Try to keep up Fluttershy,” said Dash. “We have to hurry.”
“I'll try,” said Fluttershy. “Just remember, I'm not as fast as you.”
“No pony is,” said Dash. “I'll take it a little easy on ya. We have to save some energy so we can make it back anyway.”
“It's such a long way,” said Fluttershy, “I hope we make it in time.”
“We will,” said Dash. “Once we get above these clouds we can really stretch our wings.”
“I'll do it but I don't like it up there,” said Fluttershy.
“I don't get it Fluttershy,” said Dash. “You're a pegasus. You're made to fly. It's not like you can fall or something. Wait until we get up there. The sun will be shinning and clouds will be as bright as a field of snow. Nothing beats flying.”
Fluttershy was dubious. “You make it sound wonderful but I like it...lower.”
As they were talking the clouds were getting brighter and they finally broke free into a sunlit sky with thick white clouds below.
“Oh my!” gasped Fluttershy. It had been a long time since she had been above the clouds and neither she nor Rainbow Dash had ever seen such a wide field of clouds. They covered everthing except the tallest mountains. In the distance, a few spires poked through denoting the location of Canterlot.
“See? Canterlot is that way. Come on! You can do it Fluttershy!” said Rainbow Dash. “Just watch me and use your wings the way I do. Remember; everypony is depending on us.”
The pair took a bead on the city and accelerated.
Spike ran around Ponyville tending to the sick. It was foggy and dim. At times Spike almost became lost as he went from building to building.
“Good thing dragons are immune to Bugaboo Flu,” thought Spike as he entered the library to check on Twilight Sparkle.
“How are you feeling Twilight?” asked the worried dragon.
“Ooh not so good Spike,” groaned Twilight. “I think I'm getting worse. How are the others?”
“It's bad,” admitted Spike. “Even some of the doctors and nurses have it. Pretty soon I'll be the only one who isn't sick.”
“Did you find anypony to go to Canterlot?” asked Twilight.
“Yes! Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are on their way,” he was glad he could give Twilight some good news. “It will be dark by the time they get back. Good thing you gave them that bracelet.”
“I hope it lasts long enough,” said the sick unicorn. “Just in case, I want you to get some firewood and pile it on the road at the edge of town. Light it when you think they are getting close.”
“You can count on me!” said Spike. “Can I get you anything before I go? Twilight? Twilight?!”
With a last look at he unconscious unicorn, Spike reluctantly left to carry out her order.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy arrived in Canterlot. The city was dim even though the sun was still shining in the west. Canterlot was also rather quiet though some ponys could be seen making their way through the gloom. The pair landed at the horsepital and entered.
A doctor met them as they entered. Upon finding out who they were he directed them to another doctor near the lobby. A few other pegasi were picking up their own supplies of medicine for other towns.
“Hey there, I'm Rainbow Dash and this is Fluttershy. We're here to get the flu medicine for Ponyville.”
The doctor was stunned. “They only sent two ponies? The medicine is ready but you're going to need help.” The pony looked towards a stack of pony packs full of medicine labeled 'Ponyville'. It would take a dozen ponies to carry that much.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stared in disbelief.
“Can't somepony help us?” asked Fluttershy.
“Not until tomorrow or the day after,” said the doctor. “The flu hit us too and our fliers are all down. We sent a messenger to Cloudsdale but there's no word yet.”
“We'll just have to carry as much as we can,” said Rainbow Dash. “At least they'll be able to treat the worst cases.”
“Officially, all night flying is canceled because of the weather,” said the doctor. “If you want to leave, we'd better get you loaded up.”
As other ponies helped load Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy with the medicine, they discussed what to do next.
“What are we going to do Dashie?” asked Fluttershy. “We can't carry nearly enough.”
“I'm going to try to carry a double load,” said Dash. “See if you can take one extra pack. We'll fly to Ponyville, drop off the medicine and fly back for more.”
“Rainbow Dash, we can't just keep flying back and forth,” said Fluttershy. “Even your wings will give out.”
“I know but I can make one more trip,” replied Dash stubbornly. “How about you?”
Fluttershy hesitated. “Yes, I'll do it. I'll fly as long as you will.”
Rainbow Dash smiled at her friend. “I didn't know you had it in you, Fluttershy.”
“Me neither,” said Fluttershy.
Fluttershy walked over to the Doctor while Rainbow Dash was still loading up.
“Doctor, before we leave, could you get Princess Celestia to send another message?” asked Fluttershy.
“Certainly,” said the doctor, “but please wait until morning. It's getting too dangerous. You'll get lost and you're already tired.”
“Thank you for your concern but Ponyville needs us,” said Fluttershy. “We'll be alright. Rainbow Dash is the best pegasus in Equestria and my friend. She believed in me and if she says we can do it then I believe her. Now here's the message...”
Spike was piling up wood when a sick looking Applejack walked up. “Any sign of them yet?” she asked.
“Applejack!” said Spike in surprise. “What are you doing out of bed?”
“Zecora mixed up some brew that makes a body feel a might better,” said Applejack. “It's not a cure but it helps.”
“It does help, said Rarity as she appeared out of the fog. “But I hope Rainbow Dash gets back soon. It's getting dark.” She wore a robe and what appeared to be fuzzy slippers.
“That's what the fire is for,” said Spike. “Twilight hopes it will guide them home.”
“Them?” said Rarity.
“Fluttershy went along too,” said Spike. “There's was too much medicine for one pony. I don't know if two is even enough.”
“I didn't know that,” sighed Rarity. “That must be why her creatures are helping me otherwise I'd have never walked all the way out here.” She looked down. Her 'slippers' were actually live badgers.
“Ya know, there's sure a lot of trees here,” said Applejack. “We should do something to make sure they land on the road and not crash into the trees.”
Rarity sneezed. “I have an idea. Home boys!” she ordered. The badgers circled and headed back to town carrying Rarity.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were flying back to Ponyville. The sun had nearly set and the clouds were red. Fluttershy was easily keeping up with the overburdened Rainbow Dash.
“The sunset is beautiful but I wish the sun would stay up until we get home,” said Fluttershy.
“It will be bright enough up here,” said Rainbow Dash. “See, the moon is rising. But you're right, landing through these clouds in the dark is going to be tough.” She coughed.
“Are you alright?” asked Fluttershy.
“I don't know Fluttershy. I haven't had anything to eat today but I'm not hungry. I really don't feel well at all.” She coughed again.
“You must be coming down with the flu!” said Fluttershy. “You must have caught it from the bracelet Twilight gave you.”
“Great!” muttered Dash. “As if the clouds and the dark isn't enough.”
“And your bracelet is starting to fade,” said Fluttershy. “What are we going to do?”
“Try to fly faster,” said Dash. “Ponyville is about halfway between those two peaks. Fly that way if the bracelet stops working.”
They flew on through the moonlight.
Applejack and Spike stood by the enormous pile of wood on the road to Ponyville.
“What ya think Spike, time to light it yet?” said Applejack.
“I don't know,” said Dash. “If we light it too soon, it'll go out before they see it and if we light it too late they might fly past and miss it completely.”
“Go ahead and light it,” said Applejack. “Some of us can get some more wood to keep it going longer.”
Spike blew fire into the wood and it lit up.
“Sure hope you're right Applejack,” said Spike.
Rarity arrived via badgers. She had some poles with gems mounted on the top.
“I used some gems to make these,” said Rarity. “We can set them up so they shine down the road.”
“Great idea Rarity!” said Spike. “This should help a lot.”
They set up the 'beacons' which lit up the clouds with colored flickering light.
“Now we just have to wait,” said Applejack.
“That's the hard part,” said Spike.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew towards Ponyville, struggling under the weight of their packs. Rainbow Dash bravely soldiered on but was shivering and obviously feeling worse. Fluttershy was very concerned.
“Do you think you can make it Dashie?” asked Fluttershy.
“I have to. Can't let you out fly me, heh. And we have to get the medicine to town.” Rainbow Dash began coughing again.
“I hope we're getting close. I'm getting tired too.” Fluttershy looked at her friend with concern.
“It can't be that much further,” said Dash. “But it's so hard to tell without seeing the ground. I'm not even sure how fast we've been going.” She sniffed.
“Oh my! The bracelet isn't lit anymore,” said Fluttershy. “What are we going to do?”
“It quit working a little while ago,” said Dash. “I'm pretty sure we're still flying straight though. Remember to keep an eye on those peaks in case I drift off course, or if I go down.”
“I won't leave you,”said Fluttershy.
“Yes, you will,” said Dash. “You'll go on to Ponyville and come back for me latter to get the my load of medicine. It's what you have to do.”
They flew on silently for a while. Rainbow Dash spoke again. “I have to concentrate on staying airborne, Fluttershy. You're going to have to lead. Keep an eye on me and I'll try to follow you.”
Fluttershy reluctantly agreed. She took the lead position and Dash tried to follow her closely. The moon shone down on the peaks that Rainbow Dash had pointed out. Minutes passed and the peaks drew closer. Suddenly Fluttershy recognized one of the peaks. It was where a dragon had once decided to take a nap and she had convinced him to leave. She knew where she was.
Fluttershy looked down at the clouds below to try and find a landmark. They were impenetrable but suddenly they began to glow.
“Look! Look over there!” shouted Fluttershy. “The clouds are red. They must have lit a fire for us! We're going to make it.” She started to put on speed.
“Yeah, we're going to make it,” said Dash. “Fluttershy! Wait! Be careful!” She tried to accelerate but couldn't go much faster.
As they got closer to the fire and started to descend, Rarity's 'beacons' become visible and they were able to land safely. Spike, Applejack and Rarity awaited them.
“Help us unload,” said Dash. “Quick!” Cough cough “We have to go back for the rest.”
“Are you alright there Rainbow Dash?” asked Applejack. “You don't sound too good.”
“No she's not alright,” said Fluttershy. “She has the flu and she hasn't eaten all day.”
“You do look dreadful dear,” said Rarity. “Come, take some of the medicine and get some rest. You've done all you can.”
“I can make it. C'mon Fluttershy, one more trip,” said Dash.
“I don't think this is a good idea,” said Fluttershy, but she followed Rainbow Dash anyway.
Ignoring the protests of her friends, Rainbow Dash started to take off and abruptly crashed to earth. She lay there shaking with her eyes closed.
Rainbow Dash slowly awoke. She was in bed in the Ponyville Horsepital. Her friends were all around her.
“She's awake! she's awake! she's awake!” cried Pinky Pie.
She was bouncing so fast that Rainbow Dash couldn't focus on her. She shut her eyes to stop the dizziness.
“Welcome back Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight Sparkle. “You gave us a scare.”
“I feel a lot better,” said Dash. “Is everyone all right? Did Fluttershy get the rest of the medicine?”
“I didn't have to,” said Fluttershy as she stepped forward. “The Wonderbolts brought it later that day.”
“The Wonderbolts!?” said Dash in amazement. “How... why?! What happened?”
“It seems someone had Princess Celestia send a message to Cloudsdale saying that Rainbow Dash needed help from the Wonderbolts,” said Rarity.
“I figured they owed you a favor after you saved three of them at the competition last year,” said Fluttershy.
“And they were pretty impressed that you flew all that way with that much weight as fast as you did,” said Pinky Pie.
“Not to mention while you were sick,” added Applejack.
“And having me to slow you down,” said Fluttershy.
“You didn't slow me down Fluttershy,” said Dash. “You did great.”
“I never thought I could fly like that,” said Fluttershy. “Thanks for having faith in me.”
“I think Rainbow Dash will have a little more trust in you now,” said Twilight.
“You bet,” agreed Rainbow Dash, “I think we make a pretty good team.”
“Well I'm just glad you're feeling better,” said Rarity. “Rainbow Dash is boastful..”
“and pigheaded,” said Applejack.
“and impatient,” said Pinky Pie.
“and right here,” muttered Rainbow Dash.
“And doesn't know when to quit,” said Twilight Sparkle, “but she's our friend and it wouldn't be the same around here without you.”
“Besides,” said Pinky Pie, “the sky isn't as pretty without a rainbow in it.”