Stricken with grief, Rainbow Dash becomes a recluse in the days following the funeral of her best friend and dear wife Fluttershy. Her very life seems to fall apart at the seams without Fluttershy. As she wallows alone in her home, Rainbow is confused to find a large package left in her living room. What disturbs her the most, however, is what's inside it.

Somepony has mailed Rainbow Dash a manufactured copy of Fluttershy. It talks and behaves like her, too. What's more, everypony else thinks it's really her. They even act like Fluttershy was never buried in the first place.

Cover art by Grey Gold on DeviantArt. Will remove if the artist requests so.

The Pegasi race is descended from an ancient tribe of warriors. For centuries, they've held a grand tournament to test the mettle of their young. Every Pegasus at the age of 10 participates in the annual Solstice Run. Those who pass, survive. Those who fail, expire.

Rainbow Dash is not a failure. Rainbow Dash is a winner. And there is only one winner in the Solstice Run. Regardless of whether you achieve success or sacrifice, only one will triumph.

So what does that mean if one of your competitors is your best friend? What does that mean if she can't fend for herself? What does it mean if she loses?

It's Christmas time. Well golly gee, who wouldn't be excited? I may not look it, but that's just because I'm a bit tired. Can you blame me? I woke up every day for the past 25 days to something along the lines of,

"It's December now! Can we play Christmas music now?"

"...Fine."