Fluttershy woke up from her troubled sleep for the third time. She looked at her clock and saw that it was only 2 AM. She sighed, wiping the fresh tears forming in her eyes. She pet her small rabbit that hadn’t left her side. She looked to the other side of the bed, hoping beyond hope that this pain was all a bad dream and she still had her Rainbow Dash sleeping beside her. It was empty, save for some bundled up tissues.

She quietly got out of her bed so as not to wake her snoring bunny and snuck down the stairs. A small smile graced her face as she appreciated how much everyone helped her fix her home up. It wasn’t all done, but it was a great improvement, looking at it didn’t
fill her with anxiety like it had when she first returned home. She was thankful for her friends, who really came through for her. They were all so worried, so caring and careful. They did everything they could to make her smile and laugh, make her comfortable and feel safe. And with the help of her animals too, they all got the place nearly fixed up. They still needed to fix the door, and she would have to buy a new coffee table and fix the rips in her sofa.

She stopped at the end of her stairs and felt her heart swell at seeing her peaceful animals sleep. She was proud they handled themselves so well when her mare friend had lost control, and was thankful beyond belief that no one got hurt physically. She felt her eyes grow tired, and she stumbled into the kitchen to get herself a cup of water. She coughed into her hoof and rubbed at her temples, the head ache brought by all the crying coming back.

She served her glass and let silent tears fall as she sipped from it. She even managed to nibble on a cracker. She placed her hooves on the table, feeling so hurt and cheated by her life. She felt her hooves and the table shake as she tried to regain control, feeling like she might throw up. She took deep breathes before letting her head fall on the table with an audible thump. She tried to quiet her crying so as not to wake any of her animals up. She hugged herself as she sniffled and chocked on her own voice, her face still pressed against the table.

“I should just give up.” She mumbled to herself as she rubbed her arms. She gasped as she felt something hug her leg. She looked down to see Angel Bunny holding her hind hoof tight, face buried in her fur. She could feel the wetness that she knew were his tears, and every so often felt his body shake in a quiet sob. She suddenly felt ridden with guilt, knowing she had almost fell back into her old self.

She pet his face and held out her hoof in her warm manner as he let her pick him up. She cuddled him to her face as she rested his body and her head on the table. His soft whiskers tickled her face, bringing a small chuckle. She thought back to how much her friends cared for her, trying to comfort her, while reminding her that she is strong, and that she isn’t wrong. She rubbed noses with her little critter and thought to how much they all loved her, and how she loved them. She even thought to her parents, and how her mother always said she was her most precious treasure.

She sighed, feeling better, even though Rainbow Dash was always on her mind, she knew she couldn’t let this bad circumstance end her or ruin her. She deserved better than that, and she could only hope that Rainbow Dash could let go of these insecurities and just focus on their love, a tactic which had been working for the yellow pegasus.

She let out a huge sigh as she made eye contact with her most trusted animal friend. She could see her sad reflection in his stare, feeling her lip quiver. “I think it’s time to head to bed. Come on Angel.” She spoke with a flat tone, not caring to put her cup in the sink. She stood at the table, waiting to feel for Angel to hop on her back. She felt him cuddle into her mane for warmth.

The sad yellow pony sighed as she forced one leg in front of the other back up the stairs. She silently wished that maybe this time, sleep would come and stay for a few hours.

Rainbow Dash was out cold, the crying and drinking wearing her out. She shivered on her little cloud that was almost about to burst from tears. She grumbled some as she hid her face from the rising sun. As she dug her face and hooves deeper into the cloud trying to shield herself from the stinging breeze of fall, the little cloud finally popped, releasing all the water trapped inside.

The feeling of falling was enough to wake her from her hang over as she desperately flapped her wings to slow her decent. She screamed, her eyes bulging out as she managed to hover a few feet from the ground. She shook her head some to better her senses when she heard the distinct angry mumbling of a mare she knew.

Rainbow Dash felt her head pound from the rude awakening and bright sun, while her stomach tied in knots from the little free fall. She blushed and gave a weak nervous smile at seeing who she unintentionally burst the cloud over. “Mayor Mare, uh, fancy meeting you here!” the cyan mare tried to speak clearly without any slurs as the vision of two ponies became one and she was able to recognize who she was talking to.

The mayor did not looked amused as one of her flashy hats was ruined by the sudden down pour, the accessory and her mane sticking to her head. “Yes Rainbow Dash. Bumping into you seems to be starting my day off just right.” She stated with complete sarcasm. “I don’t remember rain being scheduled for today?” she questioned, gritting her teeth.

Rainbow Dash landed and sat on the ground, starting to feel weak. She scuffed at the ground, afraid to look the angry mare in the eye, she could have sworn she saw steam coming off of the elected official. She cleared her throat, “It was an accident ma’am. I’m sorry about that Mayor.” She apologized, already feeling like a nuisance.

Mayor Mare rolled her eyes, trying to keep her anger in check. She was used to having these little accidents with Rainbow Dash around. “Well, you honestly look like you have seen better days Rainbow Dash, so I’ll let this slide. But try not to bring any more mayhem on our quiet little town.” She requested as she shook the salty water from her mane and proceeded to wring out her hat.

Rainbow Dash nodded, not feeling in the mood to hold a conversation or even give any wise cracks.

Mayor Mare didn’t seem to notice her obvious sadness, and seemed to attribute the whole thing to a bad night of drinking as she put back on her now wrinkled headwear. “I suggest that you stay out of the air and sober up Rainbow. You should go to Fluttershy’s, she could probably make you something to eat and fly you home.”

Rainbow Dash winced at the name of her mare friend, the memories of how she behaved and hurt her fresh in her mind. She felt a new wave of tears close to pouring out as she started feeling sick all over again. She let out a raspy breath to try to assure the Mayor she will be out of the skies.

The older earth pony was already facing the other way, too busy to notice the distress of a drunk, “Stay out of trouble Rainbow Dash, and try and stay warm!” she said as she waved her hoof and quickly trotted back toward town.

The fast flier tried to control her quivering lips as she sat on the road, alone and depressed. She shivered again at another cold breeze, not having felt this bad since the last time she yelled at Fluttershy. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold down what little was in her stomach that was trying to get back out.

All she wanted was to go back to sleep. “I wish I were in bed with Shy right now.” She mumbled to herself, her headache getting worse at the thought of her special somepony. Her breathing became more labored as she shivered in the cold. “I can’t go to my place, it’s too depressing now. It’s not home anymore. I definitely can’t go see her, she won’t want anything to do with me. Why am I such an idiot!?” she berated herself as she pulled at her mane.

She felt her heart ache as she remembered yelling at all her friends, and crushing Fluttershy’s feelings. “The barn, that’s where it happened. They were throwing me a surprise party. Celestia, how could I be so stupid?” she groaned as she stood up on shaky legs, all the drinking catching up to her.

She started toward Sweet Apple Acres with her head held low. “I really should apologize to all of them, I bucked up big time. I just hope they can forgive me.” She whispered to herself as she slowly walked toward the farm. “If anypony can help me sort all this out it’s AJ. And if she decides I need a good chewing out, so be it.” She tried to encourage herself as she picked up her pace slightly.

AJ yawned as she loaded the last barrel in the cart with her brother. Big Mac agreed to do the selling today in town, seeing as she barely had any sleep after the fiasco that was last night. “Thanks again big brother for helping me out.” She smiled his way as she made sure the harness was secure on him.

He lifted his head proudly and smiled back at his younger sibling, “No problem AJ. You’re always doing it anywho. Besides, Cheerilee says I need to work on my pony skills.” The red giant joked, making the orange farmer laugh.

Applejack felt her heart falter for a moment, when her brother smiled and joked the way he did just now, he was the spitting image of their father. Usually she kept the loss of her parents under control, happy she got a few great years learning from them and being loved by them. She had eventually learned to go on, as hard as it was for many years. She had the love and guidance of Granny Smith and Big Mac there to show her the way around the farm and in life. After losing two very important ponies in your life, she truly learned to appreciate and love the ones she had left.

She did feel immense guilt for Applebloom though. Her little sister barely even knew their mom and dad, having been just a baby when they died. They all felt the strain of having to raise her without them, especially since her and Big Mac were just kids themselves. She learned quick though that Applebloom needed a mother and father figure, and the two older siblings were the best she was going to get.

It would be an understatement that her family was important to her. And it extended to her honorary family too, which is why last night’s events took a toll on her. And though she hated to admit it, just like she hated to admit when she needed help, sometimes she couldn’t help herself when Big Mac looked just like their father, and that inside, she wondered how different life would be if their parents were still here.

Big Mac seemed to notice the look on her face. He frowned, he was trying to lighten her mood, not dampen it. He raised her face with his hoof so he could look past her hat and in her eyes. He could see how they glistened slightly. “Hey AJ, don’t be sad. Remember, I’m always here to help you fix things up. You don’t always have to be the strong one you know.”

The orange farmer chuckled at his choice of words, since he was by far stronger in a lot of ways. But she sighed. It was ok for her to be hurting for her friends, it was ok for her to not feel sociable enough to sell. That’s what family is for, to be strong for you when you’re not. Most ponies poked fun at her brother, saying he was a pony of few words. And although that may be true, what little he did say held so much wisdom. She grew up with him after all, and she knew how to read every detail of his words and body language. “Thanks big brother. Now ya go on and feed those hungry ponies in town, I best go clean up the mess in the barn.” She answered back, feeling better than she had all day.

“Eeyup.” Was his usual response. He smiled and nodded as he pulled the cart out of their land and into town. She sat for a moment and watched him become a speck in the distance. Eventually she felt enough energy in her to start on Rainbow’s mess from last night. For the first time today she had a real smile on her face as she pushed open the heavy doors.

She took a deep breath as the scene from yesterday overwhelmed her for a moment. All the party decorations were still up, the Happy Birthday Dashie banner causing a twinge of pain in her heart. She snorted as she remembered how bad Fluttershy felt last night, for everything that her mare friend said. They all felt her pain, her embarrassment. Fluttershy practically begged to come over and clean up the mess they left in the barn, but AJ being the good friend she was wouldn’t have it.

She shook her head, this all would have been too much for the yellow pegasus, probably bringing her to tears since the wounds to her heart were still fresh. So she was glad she didn’t take her offer. But the rest also offered to help, and she turned them down too. “Y’all don’t worry none, I can handle it ma self! I said, puh. Golly, I thought I learned when to take somepony’s help. ” she scolded out loud as she picked up all the trash off the floor.

Her famous hat nearly flew off her head with how fast she turned at the loud crash she heard from behind her. Her green eyes went to wide and shocked to narrowed and angry as she noticed the stumbling and shamed figure of her fast flying friend. “Rainbow Dash! What in tarnation are you doing here? And crash landing like that!” she yelled, still very upset from the way she behaved herself last night.

Dash coughed into her hoof, a few stray streamers meshing perfectly with the colorful mane. She tried for a sheepish smile, which was swiftly wiped off her face at the look of disdain on the earth pony’s face. “Heh, good morning to you too AJ. Sorry about the loud entrance, I was finally feeling up to flying again, but I guess I wasn’t quite that up to it.” She tried to explain with a hoof. She saw as her farming friend’s eye twitched with agitation, so she hunched over. She then proceeded to shake the streamers and dirt from her fur.

Applejack felt her fur and blood pressure rise as she snarled slightly before turning her back on her friend. She fixed her hat as she tried her best to control her anger by not looking at the insulting pegasus, “Whatcha want Rainbow, can’t y’all see I’m busy cleanin up the mess ya made here last night?” she said, obvious annoyance in her voice, her accent coming out stronger when mad.

Dash’s ears flattened against her head as she felt knots tie in her stomach again. She knew today would not be an easy day, on her birthday no less. She figured Applejack would be the most approachable and most likely to help her after what she had done, but it was still filling her with dread. Her gutsy side finally came through as she decided to stop beating around the bush.

“Look AJ, I know I messed up big time last night, I mean really bucked things up between me and Shy. And I know you in particular warned me about the trouble I caused. But I came back because…” Rainbow Dash had to clear her throat as she felt her nose get runny and her eyes water.

Applejack heard the strain in her voice, and for a moment forgot how upset she was and looked concerned. She turned her head to look at her friend and hear her out.

Rainbow Dash gave a big snort and coughed, “I came back because I hurt the ponies I care for so much, and I hurt the one I love the most again. I’m trying to say…” She looked down as she scuffed her hoof on the ground, “What I mean is… look, I’m a big dumb stupid jerk.” Dash grunted, having trouble apologizing.

Applejack scoffed while raising a brow, “Y’all can do better than that Dash.” She nagged, fully facing the cyan mare now.

Rainbow rolled her eyes while lowering her head, “No point in being prideful, I’m the worst mare friend ever.” She berated herself inwardly. “I’m a real asshole and a hot headed moron ok!” she yelled before covering her mouth. “And I really have to work on my temper and trust issues if I want my relationships to work.” She said much calmer.

Applejack held a smug look that said continue.

Dash growled her frustrations feeling lower than dirt. “And I’m really sorry for being so awful to all of you last night when you were all trying to be good friends.” She finally admitted, tears threatening to break out again. Rainbow walked forward and threw her arms around her rival and friend, “And I really mean it. It hurts so much inside knowing what I did to you all. You guys certainly didn’t deserve that.” She whispered.

Applejack felt moved. And although Rainbow Dash wasn’t off the hook in her eyes just yet, this was a start and at least made her hope they could salvage everypony’s friendship with her. “Dash has some serious issues to deal with. And she may need some help with her trust and drinking. And what better way then to talk to a friend. Maybe even Shy can find a way to forgive her.” Applejack pondered as she held her saddened friend.

“Shoot RD, now apologizin ain’t that hard now is it? I find myself sayin sorry to Rarity all the time lately.” She joked as they pulled apart.

“I didn’t think you guys hung out all that often, being such different ponies and all.” Dash wondered aloud, rubbing her nose with a hoof.

AJ rolled her eyes and covered her gaze with her hat, a blush showing on her cheeks. “Well, I wouldn’t think that if I were you.” Dash gave her a quizzical look that begged her to explain. The orange pony took a deep breath. “We were gonna tell ya girls last night. Me and Rarity, uh, excuse me, Rarity and I have been dating for a month now!” AJ finally told her well kept secret with a smile, feeling a weight being lifted from her chest.

For a moment Dash forgot her problems and perked up. “Really? You and Rarity have been seeing each other? How did I not notice?” she asked aloud as she ran her hooves through her prismatic mane, excited.

AJ chuckled, “Well, I’m ashamed to say I’ve been doing my darndest to hide what we’ve been up to. Rarity wanted to parade it all out that she ain’t single no more, but I was kinda nervous of what my family would think.”

A confused look crossed the blue face as she tilted her head, “I thought you said you guys were fine with that sort of thing?”

AJ had a pained look on her face, “I am. I really don’t care. And my family doesn’t give ponies of that nature trouble. But I always felt like they didn’t want me doin that. I was pretty terrified when Rarity finally got me to confess to ‘em. I mean sweatin bullets scared! Rarity had to fan me down. She was pretty patient about it all when I finally came out last week.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe her ears. “Am I really that oblivious to everything? I can’t see that two of my best pals are dating?” Dash wondered. She was smiling though, seeing how proud Applejack was of herself. She was an honest pony after all, so hiding such a thing must have been hard.

“Eeyup, the only one who seemed to know was Pinkie.” Applejack said nonchalant, leaning against the barn wall and crossing her front legs.

Rainbow giggled at the words, knowing full well how that goes. She gave a playful punch to her friend, “Way to go there AJ, you go out there and show everypony in town you got yourself quite the fabulous mare!” She said the last few words in a pretty good impression of Rarity.

They smiled for a minute until Fluttershy popped back into her rainbow head. AJ could see her visibly shrink and cringe. Dash looked all the more depressed as she took in the destruction on the barn.

She shut her eyes and hated herself again, cursing herself at just the thought of how wasted she got, and what a fool she made of herself. Most of all despising the strain she put on her friends, and how much she must have hurt Fluttershy.

She let herself fall to the floor, covering her aching head, “AJ, I have a problem, and I messed up big time.” She said, defeated. She couldn’t stop these tears from coming, as she struggled to breathe. She hid her face in her arms, trying to stop the tears as she sobbed loudly.

AJ felt a weight on her heart seeing her friend so down. She sat beside her and put a hoof to her. “I know ya do sugarcube. But hey, admitting you got one is the first step in fixin it. Ya just work on makin yourself a better pony, Shy will sure appreciate it.” AJ continued to rub her back as Rainbow Dash cried for a few minutes.

Soon Applejack’s soothing humming settled the sad pegasus enough to stop the tears and sit up. She still kept her eyes glued to the barn floor, “Thanks AJ, I needed that.”

Applejack gave her friend a pat on the back and went back to cleaning. “No need to thank me, what are friends for? But you could help clean up this mess ya made.”

Rainbow Dash winced at the words, but didn’t argue. She walked toward the other end and stepped into wet hay. “Why is it so mushy here?” she asked the farmer.

Applejack looked at the area before turning back to clearing the streamers off the floor. “Oh that. Fluttershy kicked the bucket, she was so upset.”

Rainbow Dash gasped as she felt her soul shatter, everything coming to a still. Her heart stopped as she looked to her friend, new tears forming in her eyes. She tried to force words as her legs gave out and she fell to the ground. “Wh-wha!?!? My Fluttershy died!”

AJ turned, looking confused. She realized then how she sounded. “No no. She accidently kicked over the bucket of water I had there for Winona when she took off runnin. She was pretty upset, so nopony seemed to notice at the time.” The blonde pony explained, patting here friend on the back.

Dash’s eyes rolled to the back of her head as she rolled to her back. She took some deep breaths, putting a hoof to her chest. She stared down her frantically smiling friend, “DON’T SCARE ME LIKE THAT AJ! I’M FREAKING HUNG OVER!” she yelled, still on her back.

AJ had to hold back her laughter with a hoof, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound like that!” she started laughing as she rolled on the floor.

Rainbow finally sat up and gave her a dirty look while she dumped the drinks on the table and put all the cups together. AJ took care of throwing out the food, and the rainbow mare noticed how Applejack and Fluttershy had prepared a feast, with a melted tripled layered ice cream cake that had Pinkie Pie written all over it.

Her tummy growled at the sight of food. Even still being slightly hung over, and the food old and stale, it still looked good to her, and made her feel bad for ruining what could have been a good time.

Dash trotted over to a shattered table with smashed broken looking presents on the floor. The sight brought a painful memory back to her head.

“Look, presents! Dashie, it’s your birthday tomorrow. We were throwing you a surprise party.” Fluttershy tried to explain, pain in her voice and worry on her face as she rested a hoof on a table that was blurred with presents.

Rainbow Dash felt so angry at being fooled. All she saw were deceit and tricks. She didn’t even know how she had the energy to jump in the air the way she did, all she knew was that she wanted to destroy anything that was trying to come between her and her mare friend.

“Stop LYING TO ME!”

She landed in front of the table and gave it a sturdy kick. She stood, feeling ready to fight as she heard it shatter. She looked to her friends, waiting for a challenge. She glared at Fluttershy for a moment. Then she heard words that would break her heart.

“You’re a monster!”

Her mare friend’s hurtful words screamed at her brought her drunk mind from offensive to defensive. For a split second, she wanted to hit her. But even in her state she knew this was Fluttershy, gentle and kind. So she reacted the only way she saw fit. She used to have quite the wicked tongue back in flight school.

“Bite me! Before you go and bite yourself again…”

The flash of pain she saw in her lover’s eyes was enough to snap her out of her anger. She realized what just came out of her mouth. “How could I pick on her wings?” she nervously thought as everything moved in slow motion for her. She couldn’t believe how easy it was to say it, and how nasty and cruel her voice sounded.

She saw as tears ran down Fluttershy’s face, looking as if Rainbow Dash had slapped her. She heard her sniffle. She witnessed her lover’s heart break. Everything else seem drowned out as she reach out a hoof to wipe a tear, “Oh dear Celestia no!”

Her own heart broke at seeing the yellow pegasus flinch away, turning her back on her. She kicked at the ground, sending dirt and hay into her eyes. Dash coughed as she saw the pink trail exiting the barn.

“Fluttershy! Wait!”

AJ sat next to her friend, looking worried at her almost zombie like state. “RD, Equestia to Rainbow! Dash! Can ya hear me girl!” the earth pony called out as she poked the back of her friend’s head.

Rainbow Dash finally snapped out of it and looked silently to her friend. Here eyes to the brim with tears, her mouth held open, “What did I do to her?” she managed to say.

Applejack frowned, letting Rainbow Dash rest her head on her shoulders. “Don’t ya remember?”

The cyan mare nodded, her tears staining the orange fur of her friend. “I didn’t remember until I saw the presents.” She slid her head off her friend, wiping away the tears that fell freely. “I can’t believe I brought up biting her wings. How could I have bucked up so bad?”

Applejack sighed. She was torn between two good friends. On one hoof, they all knew Fluttershy was wrongly attacked, and that she was innocent. The kind mare only trying to make her lover happy. On the other hoof, Dash was a victim in her own way. She had a drinking problem, and obviously trust and control issues. She wouldn’t feel good about these two getting back together if Dash didn’t get help. She did want to see Rainbow Dash suffer the consequences, but seeing her in tears was almost too much.

“I ain’t gonna lie RD. The way you acted last night, the things you did and said, to Shy the most, well, they are just despicable. But I also see the love and devotion in your eyes.” Rainbow Dash wouldn’t look at the Element of Honesty, so she lifted up her chin and made her look.

“I see that same love and devotion in Fluttershy’s eyes. You need to let her know how sorry you are for using such a low blow. And try and get some help. If it were meant to be, she will take ya back.”

After AJ’s little speech, Rainbow Dash felt a new vigor in her. She held herself up. She may have two instances involving the yellow pegasus she can’t forgive herself for, but she had to make it up to her somehow.

The apple expert gave her downed friend a smile of encouragement, “Ya gotta put your pride and doubts behind ya and just get help. From one stubborn know it all to another.” She said this as she rested a hoof on her shoulder again.

Dash put her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder as well. “I promise to do my best to make it up to all you girls, especially Flutters.” She promised aloud to her friend. She looked down to the one wrapped in blue paper with a simple red ribbon. The tag said Your Fluttershy.

Dash smiled as she opened it up. It was broken from her kick, but she could tell what it was. It was a record player/ radio/ cd player, something the weather pony had been asking about to replace the dying record player. She even saw a little disc in a clear case. Somehow a picture of them together was on the disc, with the writing, Your Love Songs on the disc.

Dash held the broken parts. It wasn’t easy getting songs on a cd, one would usually turn to a unicorn of a DJ variety for that. “She must have worked hard on this gift.” Dash thought, unable to open the rest of her busted gifts. “Happy birthday… to me.” She weakly sang. She felt a slap on her back, looking back to her farming friend.

“Quit your moping missy. Ya ain’t gonna win her back like that.” Applejack quickly said as she picked up the broken pieces.

Rainbow Dash gave her a smirk. Leave it to Applejack to tell it like it is. She focused on her road to redemption by starting with cleaning up the barn. She was feeling pretty worn out. She laid down on a soft pile of hay meant for the dog, feeling weak.

Applejack trotted to her friend quickly. “You sure did a whole lotta drinkin last night. How’s about you wait here and I grab you some grub and a fresh cup of juice?” She tossed a blanket on the cyan mare and rushed to her home.

Rainbow Dash lay there, moaning. She couldn’t think of her relationship problems with her head spinning the way it was. She felt a burning sensation coming up her esophagus. She tried to walk off the bed of hay to the empty bucket. She made it just in time to hurl the remainder of alcohol in her system.

AJ came in a moment after, balancing a tray of toast, hash browns, and apple juice on her back. She could smell the Bucket de Dash. She placed the tray on the floor, “I’m sure ya feel better after gettin’ all that out. How’s about you rinse off your mouth with the tap over there? And when you’re up to it, get to eatin’.” She offered as she unwillingly got a rag and picked up the bucket by the handle.

They finally finished the barn and Dash’s breakfast. She was feeling much better physically, leaving her to feel more miserable emotionally. AJ casually ate an apple, trying to figure out a way to help both friends.

“Applejack, what am I going to do? I can’t face her after what I did. She probably hates me now. I’m so scared.” Dash complained.

“Now enough of that Negative Nancy talk RD. I can see how she’s been hurt by ya, even as mad as a wet hen at ya, but she don’t hate ya.” She slapped her back for support, “I’m sure if you put that noggin to work, you can get her to at least talk.”

Rainbow Dash kept her head low and ears flat, full of worry. “Help me AJ, please!” she begged with her hooves together.

AJ looked up to the heavens, she wasn’t sure of what she could do to help. But she knew she needed to give her friend courage to face her hurt lover. She noticed how somehow they forgot to toss out the tube of wasabi paste Pinkie had left here. She figured Rainbow Dash needed to do a little something to prove to her she was serious about getting help and getting Fluttershy back.

“Remember that time we got drunk from cider, and I dared you to snort some wasabi?” AJ questioned with a smirk.

Rainbow reared her head back, confused. “Buck yeah I remember, how can I forget? That was some of the worst head pain I have ever felt! What’s that got to do with my problem?”

AJ balanced the tube on her nose, wanting to teach the addictive pegasus a lesson. “Well, how do I know you’re serious about fixin these problems so I never have to see you make our quiet friend cry no more?”

Dash was almost offended, “Of course I’m bucking serious about it. I would do anything to take back what I did yesterday. To make it so I never hurt her!” Rainbow defended.

The earth pony tossed the tube to land in front of the pegasus. “Then prove it to me! If ya really want my help to get Fluttershy back, I dare ya to take a nice healthy snort of the green stuff!”

The flyer looked to her apple bucking friend in disbelief. “Is she serious?” she thought to herself. AJ’s green eyes kept contact with her magenta ones. She took a deep gulp. Never a pony to turn down a dare, she couldn’t say she didn’t deserve the pain, after what she did. And if it meant getting the orange pony on her side completely, well, she needed all the help she could get. She needed to get Fluttershy back.

“Maybe Flutters will find out about this, and see it as punishment enough!” she thought in her mind, memories of immense pain coming back, and that was when she was drunk! She unscrewed the tube and slowly edged it to her nose. She shut her eyes tight, heart pounding. “This is gonna bucking hurt!” She made a gasp of surprised relief when she felt the tube smacked from her hooves. She looked up to see AJ all smug.

“Where’s your sense RD? Ya know I ain’t gonna dare ya to do that after all the hollering ya did last time. I just wanted to see if ya had the guts to do it.”

“Of course I have the guts, this is Fluttershy we’re talking about! I’d do anything to win her back.” She growled, feeling the fool. She relaxed when she felt a hoof on her shoulder, snarl turning into a small smile and eyes growing soft.

“Well I knew that, the problem was ya had trouble believing in yourself. Ya need to follow that great heart, and learn to deal with your faults. Ya were willin to put yourself through a doozey of a head ache to get her back. There ain’t no need to be as scared as ya are.”

Rainbow took a deep breath as she gave the words thought. She wanted to retort on how she wasn’t afraid, but knew her prideful self was part of the problem. And her friend made a good point, if that didn’t show her devotion, she didn’t know what would. She figured the best way was to regain her broken friendships with the rest and get their help, as impossible as it seemed.

“Alright then AJ! Let’s race on over to Pinkie’s place so I can patch things up!”

AJ chuckled, “I’m down. But first, let’s brush those teeth of yours before ya knock anypony off their hooves with a hello!” Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but laugh at that.

Soon the two iron pony candidates were standing in front of Sugar Cube Corner. Dash had lost some of her nerve, not knowing how mad Pinkie could be at her. She was a scary force to deal with the few times she was serious and hurt, especially since she yelled at all of them. The rainbow flier gulped and looked to her grounded friend. “So, what are my chances of this being easy?”

AJ tipped her hat, “To be honest, pretty slim.” She turned to walk the other way. “I best check on my sweet little diva.”

Magenta eyes almost fell out of a blue head as Dash reached for her friend. “Where do you think you’re going? You can’t leave me to face Pinkie alone!”

AJ turned, a smirk on her face. “I thought ya were the bravest pony around RD?” she joked, an eyebrow raised.

“I am! I mean, you know what I mean! I need a friend by my side! Please?” The proud pegasus put her guard down, eyes sad and helpless.

AJ frowned, trying to give her confidence. “C’mon Rainbow. I know ya got this by the horns sugarcube. Asides, I best talk to Rar for ya, she was steamin like a tea kettle. I swear I could hear her ears whistlin on the way back home.” She placed her hoof on Rainbow’s chest, “Talk from here, Pinkie is a good friend. True blue, uh, pink. She may feel hurt, but she will listen. It may be crazy, but win her over. She always has a way of makin things work out just fine.”

Rainbow Dash sighed for the thousandth time that morning. She looked to the cheery bakery which somehow harbored a horror themed feel to it, little fillies and colts frolicking outside. She puffed her chest out, a serious look in her eye. “Yeah, I do got this! I betcha I will have Pinks singing a song on my behalf yet!”

AJ chuckled as she stood up, “Ya go and do that. I will try an ease up Rarity for ya.” She gave a wink as she walked away.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her friend, which turned into a frown once she looked back to the bakery. There was an eerie shadow cast over the candied shop. The frolicking children were soon replaced with slow motion fillies playing jump rope. She swore she could hear a creepy tune playing in the background, almost like she was in a dream.

“Now or never Dash. Time for another trip into crazy town.” She tried to pump herself up. She entered the store, which for some reason, was empty and kept dark. She left the door open, but it made a horrid screech as it slammed shut on its own accord.

“I swear there wasn’t much of a breeze out there!” she said to herself. Her eyes had to adjust to the dark as she slowly walked deeper, each hoof steep making the floor creak. Rainbow Dash unknowingly grit her teeth as she entered the kitchen. “Pinkie Pie!” she called out in a hushed town, sweat forming on her brow from the eerie feel, flipping a switch only for it to shine for a second and blow out.

“You in here?” she yelped as she heard a thud, opening her wings aggressively and bracing herself for anything. “Pinkie, it’s Dash! I need to talk to you! Please! I gotta apologize!” she called out loudly.

Her fur stood on end as she heard the sound of machinery. She had to shut her eyes and cover her face behind a wing as a bright light blinded her. She blinked a few times only to scream as a pair of blue eyes were right in her face. “Gah!”

She grasped at her pounding chest, breathing heavily as she recognized the pink body. “Pinkie! Thank goodness, I was starting to freak out here!” she breathed out. She frowned as she noticed her friend wasn’t wearing her trademark smile, her eyes dead instead of full of life, her wild, poofy, bright pink cotton candy mane dull and straight. She remembered the last time Pinkie reverted to Pinkamena, and this time there was no easy fix. It was her fault she was sad, she had to fix it.

“Hello Rainbow Dash. What brings you here? Come to bring another pony to tears?” Pinkie asked, no emotion in her voice. She held a stare which was enough to knock the wind out of you like a punch to the gut.

“Way to hit me where it hurts Pinks.” Dash thought. “Pinkie, I know I’m probably the last pony you wanted over here. I mean, I even hate me right now. But I needed to see each of you to try and explain-”

She was cut off by a nasty glare, rage unfurling from blue eyes. “Explain what Dashie? That you are a big jerk! That you hurt other ponies! That you hate me, the rest of us girls, even Fluttershy!” she barked. The more the pink baker dwelt on what happened at the party last night, the more she felt the downward spiral of despair, ever the empathetic pony. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t make her yellow friend happy. This alone was enough to damper the happy spirits of the Element of Laughter.

Rainbow felt it harder to breathe at the words. She roughly took hold of Pinkie and covered her mouth. “Please Pinkie, don’t say that. I can’t bear to hear it!”

Pinkie slapped her hoof away, “It’s true. You said all those terrible things! You attacked each of us. And what you did to Fluttershy, I couldn’t even stand it!” Tears started falling from blue eyes. It broke the ever loving heart of the pony who’s sole purpose was to fill others with joy to feel these feeling, speak this way. But it was what she felt, and the truth was hurting her deeply. Knowing that Rainbow Dash held no trust in them, knowing she thought of her so low, was spinning her world out of control.

Rainbow felt tears threaten to spill again at hearing the sorrow come from such a happy pony. “Please listen! I never wanted to hurt you guys. I was stupid, I was scared, I was wrong! I never should have treated any of you girls like that! I love you all so much, like family Pinkie!”

Dash pulled at her face, showing the redness from all the crying she had done. “And what I did was wrong. I’m so sorry, so so sorry! I have issues Pinkie. And I was always too much of a blow hard to accept that, but now I’ve hurt the ponies closest to me. And I swore I would never hurt Shy again, but I broke that vow.” She started sniffling more as she hugged her prankster friend. “Please believe me Pinkie, I didn’t mean to be like this. I’m so sorry! I want to change!”

A change happened in the pink pony’s heart. She could feel the truth behind her friend’s words, all the good times flashing before her eyes. Her color returned, her mane and tail poofed, and there was a huge smile on her face. A few tears were there, but they were of hope and joy. “You really mean that Dashie? You’re sorry? You’re going to stop being a meanie pants?” she asked hopeful, holding her pegasus friend.

Dash was getting the air squeezed out of her. She started tapping out, Pinkie releasing her hold. “Yes I… Yes I mean that. I, ah! I’m gonna do whatever it takes to fix my problems! But I really need your guys’ help in getting Fluttershy to talk to me.” She eventually recovered from the over powered hug.

Pinkie sat back, rubbing her chin questionably. “And how do I know if you will keep your promise not to hurt Fluttershy?”

Rainbow Dash continued to lie on the floor, looking up, strain on her face. “What do I got to do to get you to believe I’m serious about this?” she asked, already feeling she needed to do something to prove she was sorry to each of her friends.

Pinkie smiled a crazed smile as a curtain Dash hadn’t noticed before was behind them. “Well, there is one thing!” Pinkie announced as she pulled the string, opening the curtain fast.

Dash’s eyes shown with amazement as a pile of perfect donuts of all varieties twice the size of her were perfectly piled in front of them. Her mouth hung open, and her tummy fought between being queasy and hungry.

Pinkie Pie bounced between the pile of sweetness and the pegasus. “If you want my help getting our dear Flutters to talk to you, you first need to show me that you will stop being mean, and instead be sweet, sweet, SWEET! As sweet to her as this pile of treats are to a tongue!” the town prankster started licking her lips.

Dash looked to the pile, unsure of what exactly she was expected to do. “Be sweet to her? Of course I want to be sweet to her. But how will these donuts help me with that?”

Pinkie Pie stood proudly in front of her tongue teasing treats. “One sure fire way I know how to cheer a grumpy gus and make them into a sweetie patootie is to give them some sweets. And after last night, you need all the sweetness you can get! So just gobble them all up! You are sure to learn a thing or two after that! Do I have to sing a song to explain it more for you?”

Dash shook her head, her tummy and head already aching from just the thought of the task. She was a pony who liked her sweets, especially from Sugar Cube Corner, but this was ridiculous! Not to mention all the cardio she would have to do to burn the obscene amount of calories she was going to digest.

“Any amount of tummy aches or tooth aches is totally worth it to get Shy back. And if it means earning Pinkie’s respect and help, even better. Oh boy, I sure hope I don’t barf all this out, two times in one day is too much!” she thought as she stood on shaky legs in front of the tall pile.

“If that’s what you want Pinkie. I just hope this does add some sweetness to my mean streak.” She whined. She gulped, and started stuffing her face with the good stuff. It was at least tasty, but she was barely a quarter in and felt like she wanted to hurl. She shut her eyes, feeling her tummy expand beyond her limits as she pushed through.

“This is harder than doing a Sonic Rainboom!” she dizzily thought as she forced the last donut down her throat. She belched, trying to keep the stuff down as she collapsed. She was proud she was a pony who never knew the meaning of quitting. She forced her heavy eyes open to see Pinkie bouncing excitedly. She tried to speak, a gargle managing to come out.

“I am so proud of you Dashie!” Pinkie managed to pick up the heavy pony and spin her around, to Dash’s dismay. “You are on your first step to being as sweet as can be for our sweet little Flutterbutter!”

Dash tried to keep it down as she was spun, “Don’t mention sweet to me. Or any food!” she fought with all her might to keep it in.

Pinkie saw this and placed her head to the trash can, giving her one firm slap on the back. This was enough to send the donuts hurling at speeds Rainbow Dash herself would have trouble keeping up with. “I’m going to throw you two the BIGGEST PARTY when you get back together! The WE LOVE EACH OTHER NO MATTER WHAT PARTY! Wee!” Pinkie started dancing around, ecstatic at the plans forming in her mind.

Dash fell back on her flank, feeling worse than she had this morning. She looked in the mirror and groaned, “I look as big as Mooriella! Oh my stomach!” Rainbow complained. Pinkie Pie kept going on and on how she could win back her heart. “Pinkie, get me some mouth wash, and roll me to Rarity’s!” Dash begged.

After some time to have her tummy adjust, she was able to stop rolling and instead walk the short distance to Rarity’s Boutique. Pinkie knocked on the door as Rainbow Dash focused on her breathing.

The white unicorn answered, Applejack sitting behind her. The fashionista had a look of contempt for the pegasus, raising her nose at her in disgust. “Hello Pinkie Pie. Hello Rainbow Trash. Whatever may I help you with?”

Dash snorted as AJ started giving the purple maned designer a massage to calm her down. “Now Rarity, there ain’t no need to stoop to name callin! Be nice, RD just wants to talk is all.”

Rarity huffed and puffed as she couldn’t even look at the rainbow mare. “I don’t understand why I have to waste any time on that no good ruffian! And to think you are on her side Applejack, how horrid!”

AJ rolled her eyes, “That no good ruffian is our friend, and she needs our help!” AJ argued.

Pinkie sat by and ate popcorn.

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to talk only to get a look from Applejack.

“No, she is a rude brute. She made it perfectly clear last night what she thinks of all of us! And the only friend who needs our help right now is Fluttershy! This degenerate ripped her heart out and stomped it to dust!”

Rainbow’s face was turning red now. She did not like being talked to like that, but couldn’t find the words to argue. After all, this was the way she behaved last night.

“Come on Rar, you are being unreasonable. We all make mistakes. Rainbow Dash needs help with her drinkin and jealousy issues. We as her friends need to at least give her a chance! And Fluttershy deserves to hear an apology!” Applejack had to put her hoof down at her mare friend’s unreasonableness.

Rarity started going hysterical, “I’m unreasonable! I waited ages for YOU to have the nerve to tell YOUR family, and YOU spill our secret to a pony who has hurt us all, not the way I wanted to tell everypony mind you, and now YOU want ME to forgive HER like it never happened! I dare say, she is rubbing off on you Applejack!”

“No need for insults Rarity! Just give her a chance to speak! This pony saved your life when you fell from Cloudsdale!” AJ’s voice rose, as she obviously tried to keep her cool.

Rainbow grit her teeth, everything becoming too much for her at once. Now she was causing a fight between her friends who were dating and being like her was an insult now to them. “Rarity, let me at least explain myself before you decide to never talk to me again!” she managed to say politely.

Rarity gave her a sneer before rolling her eyes. “I suppose I could allow that, since you got Applejack and Pinkie Pie to be on your side. Very well, you may enter, try not to buck any tables to pieces or verbally assault anypony while you are in my home please!” she retorted, making Dash growl. Rarity raised a brow to her mare friend, making the apple bucker give a nervous smile, “Now you owe me love, you better model that southern belle dress for me this week!” She stomped a hoof and walked deeper in her house, mad as ever.

Applejack made a face of annoyance as she eyeballed Dash, “Thanks Rainbow. I hate those froo froo dresses.” She sneered, making the pony in question slump over. They all walked inside to Rarity’s living room.

After a moment of Dash complaining about her stomach and Pinkie telling the two lovers the amount Dash had eaten, Rarity only saw it as good manners to prepare some tea to settle the rude pegasus’ stomach.

Dash did the same old song and dance, admitting all the insecurities she felt about herself, making her feel like she would lose the mare she loved. “Please hear me out Rarity, haven’t you ever been afraid of losing Applejack? Wouldn’t it drive you crazy?” Rainbow asked, eyes watery again.

Rarity took a deep sigh. She thought to just before a week ago, when she was worried that Applejack would never come clean about them to anypony, and worried that they would never go anywhere. And as silly as it seemed, she felt like because one of them wasn’t a stallion, that Applejack would soon break it off. The thought alone terrified her, made her ill. She couldn’t even focus on her designing.

Now knowing what a tough upbringing Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had, and all they did to overcome the hurdles thrown their way, it was easy to see Dash’s distress. And with her drinking that she had been prone to do, only added fuel to the fire. It didn’t excuse what she did, or even make it seem like they should get back together, but that was for Fluttershy to decide, was it not? But maybe if Rainbow Dash did get counseling, they could salvage their love. Love was most important after all.

“She at least deserves the chance to say sorry. I can’t deny her that. I can even learn to forgive her if she gets help like she promised.” Rarity looked to the beautiful green eyes she had fallen for when she felt a hoof on hers. She saw the charming smile of Applejack, and returned one equally with love.

She faced the down trodden pegasus who hurt them all the night before, “I suppose I do know how that feels. If you promise not to ever get that nasty again, and get some help-” she placed a kind hoof on Dash’s shoulder, “I suppose I can find the kindness in my heart that our dear Fluttershy is so famous for to forgive you, and give you the chance to talk with her.” She ended with a smile.

If this had been yesterday, Dash would be fuming hearing her use the words our and dear with Fluttershy. But she finally realized that these were her friends, ponies she could trust to respect her and Fluttershy’s love. “Well, that is if there is anything between us after yesterday.” She thought with a heavy heart. Dash returned the smile, “Thank you Rarity. I swear on the love I have for Fluttershy, I will get the help I need to be the better pony she deserves. No more lying, no more hiding.”

Pinkie pulled a handkerchief out of nowhere, and blew her nose. “So… sniff… romantic!”

Rarity nuzzled up to the farming pony as she cleared her throat, “There is one more thing I ask, to prove how serious you are about this.” She said with an airy tone.

Rainbow recoiled inwardly at the words, prove how serious. “With each one of you I have come to apologize to, I have cried and begged. As long as I don’t toss my cookies this time, I’m really tired of that!” Dash spoke truthfully, making Applejack crack up.

Rarity made a face of disgust. “Ugh, how appalling! No, no Rainbow, this is more a test of emotions rather than physical attributes. Something I am sure you aren’t accustomed to!”

Rainbow wasn’t sure if she was just insulted or not, but wanted this over with so she could talk with Twilight and then get to her Fluttershy, which both filled her with hope and dread. “Anything to show you girls how sorry I am, and how much I want to make it up to Fluttershy.”

Rarity gave a big smile as she pulled out a novel she had hidden under the coffee table. Rainbow Dash had a bad feeling about this.

Rainbow had just finished the hardest 200 pages of her life! She wanted to throw up from how cheesy it was, it left a bad taste in her mouth. And here she thought she was corny with Fluttershy! “You can’t really expect me to believe Fluttershy would want me to be as stupid and sappy as that!”

Rarity lifted her nose, insulted, “Well, we two have had plenty of girl talk on our spa dates! She is enraptured when you do the cheesy romantic stuff, she goes on and on all day!”

Rainbow smiled at the words, feeling better.

“But I honestly think it’s going to get old. You don’t want her to feel bored, do you?” Rarity questioned in her passive aggressive tone.

Rainbow’s ears flattened. “Of course not!”

“Good! Then it’s time for you to, what’s that tacky way you say it? Ah yes, step up your game. Now I know going as far as this book is a bit much, but I want you to keep an open mind. Don’t focus so much on your conceptions of cool, but instead on love. I’m sure if you let go of that foolish pride long ago, you wouldn’t have been the fool yesterday.”

Rainbow hated to admit it, but she was right. And she really hated to admit it. “I promise I will girls. Anything to get Shy to forgive me.”

Applejack sprang to life, “Yee haw! Now let’s go grab Twilight! She will have the best way to go about this!” she turned and gave her mare friend a peck on the lips, something obviously she was new to doing in public. “Ya comin too, right dear?” AJ smiled nervously, rubbing Rarity’s leg softly.

Rarity was blushing wildly, a huge smile on her face as she bat her eyes toward her almost polar opposite. “Anything in the name of LOVE!” she over dramatically called out, running past her lover, making sure to brush her tail across her face.

“Aw, young love!” Pinkie said gleefully as she bounced after them, Rainbow Dash smiling herself at the cute sight. Even in this depressing time where her and Fluttershy were apart, feeling unloved, the sight of innocent love was still able to put a smile on her face.

Rainbow Dash found herself in the library in the tree that Twilight Sparkle had so happily called home. Twilight looked like she hadn’t slept, clearly worried this rift Rainbow had caused would ruin their friendships, and disrupt the balance the Elements of Harmony had created.

Rainbow Dash had felt awful to see how sad her unicorn friend had looked. She didn’t see much of anything but despair when she first entered, standing behind the rest of her friends. And she felt her heart overflow with happiness when she saw compassion on the mage pony’s face and was placed in a warm hug.

“Rainbow Dash! I was so worried that you died or something with how drunk you were!” Twilight rejoiced.

Dash had to hold her reserves, somehow, seeing her friend so depressed was worse than seeing her mad. She almost wished she was mad and hating her instead. To think her paranoia and careless drinking had hurt so many.

“I’m sorry Twilight. I shouldn’t have gotten so out of control the way I did yesterday. I wasn’t a good friend.” Rainbow apologized, letting her go.

The lavender unicorn smiled as she held a pen and paper in her magic. “Maybe you can write a letter to Princess Celestia.” She offered.

The other four ponies chuckled at Twilight’s eagerness to send a lesson to the alicorn who rose and set the sun. She politely waved the materials off with a hoof, “Maybe after I get a chance to talk to Fluttershy. I could write a letter, something along the lines of being a horrible pony could cause you to lose the greatest thing in your life.” She admitted, defeated.

AJ nuzzled her mare friend, “And to think we thought you were over dramatic!” she joked, earning herself a dirty look from both Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

They all took a seat on the sofas where ponies would come to read. “I don’t know if I can face her just yet girls. I hate to admit it, but I’m shaking in my horseshoes!” Dash complained after sipping some ginger ale that the librarian had given her to settle her tummy.

AJ gave her a playful nudge, “Do I really need to bring out the wasabi again?” she joked, only Rainbow Dash understanding.

Twilight gave Dash her don’t you dare look. “Rainbow Dash, it is imperative that you talk to Fluttershy! The balance of Harmony counts on it! Our friendship counts on it! The heart of Fluttershy herself hangs in the balance!” Twilight exclaimed, making Rainbow worry. “If you don’t, oh don’t you dare Rainbow Danger Dash! I will break every hydrogen bond in your DNA!”

Rainbow Dash blinked, not understanding that last statement. “Twilight, don’t threaten me with things I don’t understand! It’s not as easy as you all think!” she tried to explain. She curled into herself on the sofa, looking as scared as she did during the young fliers’ competition. “How can I face her, she probably can’t bear the sight of me after what I did.”

Her friends looked sad, not knowing what to say. “I hurt her so bad before girls. And she forgave me, I don’t know why. And she worked so hard, suffered so much.” She raised her head to look at the circle of ponies, “You don’t know how painful an injury like that is, how debilitating. Imagine losing your legs! Or breaking your horn! That’s what it would feel like!”

They all grimaced at the thought. “And it wasn’t just physical, she wanted to die guys! She was so depressed, and none of us noticed. I didn’t notice! I knew her for all those years, and couldn’t see the signs.” She looked at her hooves, fiddling with a pillow she held between them.

“But she pushed through. She got help, she learned to face her fears and let go of her pain. She did that for us. All of us.” She started sniffling again, finding it harder to speak. She shut her eyes tight, feeling another head ache coming. “And for what! For me, her special somepony, to tear her down! To practically spit in her face about her problems and accomplishments!” her voice cracked worse than usual, “You guys, I swore to myself I wouldn’t hurt her like that again. I gave her father my word not to let her get hurt. And I did it again, damn it all! My head got too big, I got too comfortable, and I bucked things up. Just like in flight school! Just like everything I do in my life!”

She growled as she bit down on the pillow and threw it as far as she could, feeling contempt and anger spewing from every pore. “I don’t deserve her! I’m just not smart enough to be with anypony. All I ever do is make a mess. I should have been named Rainbow Crash. All I do is break things.” She said defeated.

Twilight had enough of this talk. She walked to her friend’s side and hugged her tightly, “Stop it Rainbow Dash! This isn’t you! Listen to yourself!” Twilight demanded.

Rainbow Dash frowned, unable to look into the purple eyes. “Twilight, please, give it a rest.” She weakly pushed her away. She started sniffling when all her friends laid their hooves on her shoulders.

“Come on dear. I know you may have made a nasty mess here, but I know you can’t just walk away. You never quit! You can at least try and salvage some of this relationship. I know for a fact Fluttershy will listen.” Rarity tried to soothe.

“Yeah, Rar is right. This ain’t the RD we all know and love. The real Rainbow Dash would tackle her problem head on. She would find what was wrong and fix it toot sweet! Ya can’t just leave poor Shy stranded and heart broken like that! I believe in ya.” AJ reassured.

Pinkie was ruffling the rainbow mane now, “Put on your big girl goggles and make this right by telling her how wrong you were! If anypony’s got this, it’s you Dashie!” Pinkie cheered.

Rainbow listened to her friends, still in shock of how they believed in her and had her back, even when she was in the wrong. She looked up to the unicorn who brought them all together those years ago in the quest to stop Nightmare Moon.

“I know in my heart that you will do the right thing Dash. Just really listen to what your heart saying, it will give you the wisdom to find the right words and do the right thing. If you and Fluttershy are meant to be, she will take you back. But I know she will at least listen, and can even look past this enough to talk with you, maybe even forgive you and be friends.” Twilight Sparkle spoke honestly.

Rainbow Dash sighed again and looked deep within herself. She couldn’t be a coward, she couldn’t just run away. She couldn’t be prideful anymore, she can’t always have things her way. She needed to try and talk with her hurt lover, and hopefully salvage what was left of them. She needed to make this right. She looked at her friends with new vigor.

“If you girls really believe in me, I’ll do it. Somehow, I’ll make this up to her.” She smiled sweetly to her pals as they grouped hug, filling the cyan mare with hope and courage. “Can you girls walk me to her cottage? I could really use the back up.”

They all smiled as Twilight nodded, “I’m sure we can all do that.” She winked.

Rainbow Dash fussed in front of the mirror, trying to fix her wild mane. AJ looked on curiously. “What are ya doin RD?”

“If I’m going to see Fluttershy I need to try and look a little presentable. She probably can’t stand to look at me, I may as well make it as easy as possible. I don’t want to look like a train wreck.” Rainbow tried to explain as she did a quick preen on her feathers.

AJ and Pinkie shrugged as Twilight finished putting away her books. Rarity stepped in quickly once she heard what her flying friend was up to. “Probably the smartest thing you have said all day darling!” A brush appeared from out of no where as the fashionista went to work on her mane and tail.

“Rarity, I got this. You’re going to make me look all stupid!” Dash complained as she tried to avoid mane spray and a curling iron. Rarity managed to catch her by surprise and curl her eye lashes, making her yelp.

“I’m just trying to make you look a little more pleasing to the eye! For Fluttershy! Celestia knows how long you have needed a make over!” Rarity tried to sweet talk while insult as Dash pushed the make up away.

Twilight came back, ready to go, “Alright girls, ready when you are?” she was confused to see a big bow in Rainbow’s mane as said pegasus fought away powder. She looked to Rarity, the obvious culprit. “Uh Rarity, what’s going on?”

Rarity skillfully followed her friend’s face with her magic to try and style her some. “I’m just trying to hide the bags under her eyes so she doesn’t look so horrid and scare our shy pegasus!”

Rainbow made a grunt scream as she smacked the foundation enough to send it away, “I appreciate the help Rarity, but no means no! And I am not wearing this stupid bow!” Her friends all giggled at how silly she looked with it on. Her face flushed red with embarrassment as she pouted, deciding this is good practice to learn to control her anger again. She looked back in the mirror and did notice the bags in her eyes. She sighed, “Ugh, I guess you can get a little under the eyes Rarity, thanks.” She said grumpily.

Rarity was quite happy.

Rainbow Dash was feeling the tell tale signs of nervousness once the friendly little cottage came into view. She started sweating as what was left of the donuts and breakfast were fighting inside her. Her friends noticed the discomfort on her face as her pace slowed down.

Applejack was too quick and got behind her blue friend to push her forward, “Don’t sweat it Rainbow! Ya just got to go in there and talk to Fluttershy is all. No big deal!”

Rainbow Dash was getting slightly annoyed with their optimism, but was grateful she had a cheering squad rooting for her. Her chest was heaving by the time she got to the steps. She noticed how the animals who had grown to consider her a playmate and bringer of food wouldn’t even acknowledge her presence on the property. “I really hope I don’t bump into the bear today, he might really be mad.”

The Cloudsdale native was taking shaky breaths as she sat in front of the door. She grimaced as she looked at the state it was in. Her hoof print in the door and head sized hole as it barely held onto its hinges was a good sign of just how wasted she was the day before.

Applejack was rubbing her chin with a hoof, “I bet I could get my brother to help me make a new one for her tomorrow. And maybe ya can help me put it up?” AJ asked aloud as she sat to the left of Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah, of course. Just give me the bill, I’ll pay you guys for the trouble.” The weather pony answered back as she felt the damage she did to the door. Now she wasn’t sure if the animals were mad at her or scared of her. “How much damage did I do to her?” she asked her friends, feeling even worse than before.

Twilight nudged her from the right, “It’s better than what it was in there yesterday. First, worry about the things you said before you worry about messing her place up.”

“How do I start this Twilight? I don’t even know how to begin to tell her how sorry I am.” She asked her studious friend, looking for any help. She felt her hoof on her shoulder.

“First thing you have to do is knock. Then just speak from your heart Rainbow Dash. We all know you can do this.” Twilight tried to reassure her friend.

Rainbow Dash focused on talking with Fluttershy after getting some smiles from her friends. She felt her imprint on the door before giving it a few good knocks. Her ears flattened against her head as she heard some shuffling behind the door.

She stood as still as a statue as she heard the sound of fumbling with the locks. “She hadn’t had to use all the locks since before we started dating.” Dash casually thought to herself as she waited, almost dreading the opening of the door.

Said piece of damaged wood that hung loosely to the wall slowly creaked open. Rainbow Dash stood up taller as her muscles tensed up. At first she saw the familiar yellow hoof lightly holding the door as it was pulled open. She made a small moan as her heart both exploded with joy and withered in pain at seeing the all too familiar face.

It was apparent that Fluttershy had been crying. She hid most of her face behind her mane, Dash barely being able to make out one of the blue eyes. Tear stains streaked all the way down to her neck. What little Rainbow could see of her eye was red and puffy. What struck the cyan mare the hardest was the apparent and full frown of despair and woe was on the yellow face, such a contrast to the happy smile she usually saw.

Fluttershy gasped a little as she ducked even more behind her mane and started shutting the door. Her mare friend’s reflexes too quick, as a blue hoof held it from being shut. “Ra-rainbow Dash?” was the question said in a shaky voice. It sounded hoarse and raw to all their ears. The yellow pegasus hadn’t even noticed her other friends, just the rainbow pony that stopped her from hiding in her cottage.

Rainbow Dash was still for a moment, keeping the door from closing until she finally found her voice. “Yes Fluttershy, it’s me. I-” she looked down to her hooves, feeling queasy again, “I needed to talk to you. About yesterday.”

Fluttershy visibly flinched at the mere thought, the pain still fresh. Tears started welling up in her blue eyes again. She screwed them shut and her head tilted downward, “W-what is t-t-there to say about, about YESTERDAY?” she stuttered out angrily.

Rainbow Dash finally let go of the door, moaning to herself in discomfort. She just wanted to hold the pink maned beauty in front of her until all memories of what she had done went away. But she knew she wasn’t so lucky. She wasn’t even sure if her presence was wanted right now, let alone her touch. “Look Fluttershy, I said and did a lot of things I didn’t mean to, things I’m not proud of. And you have every right to be mad-” Rainbow Dash was cut off when suddenly Fluttershy forced herself out of her cottage to stand hoof to hoof with the fastest pegasus around.

“Mad? I’m not mad, I’m infuriated! A-and embarrassed, and h-hurt! I swear Rainbow Dash, I have never hurt so bad except when it’s because of y-you!” She spoke with a louder voice, whole body trembling. Something snapped within the kind mare, something Pinkie and Rarity were both afraid to see unleashed again. Fluttershy had to rub at her head once she noticed her stare had slipped, freezing her mare friend in fear.

Rainbow Dash finally shook her head clear from the dominating stare, never feeling so helpless before. She felt every emotion she put her lover through, filling her with shame. She took a seat, not fully trusting her legs. “Fluttershy, I’m sorry!” she blurted out, tears of her own spilling as she tried to reach for a hoof.

Fluttershy pulled her hoof away, finally in control of her anger. “What you did can’t be fixed with a simple apology Rainbow Dash.” She sniffed out. She finally noticed her friends standing silently behind her bitter lover. She looked back with hurt eyes at Rainbow Dash “Did you have to b-bring everypony along to embarrass me aga-again.” She stuttered out as she wiped at her eyes. She pushed back her mane, revealing the bags and worn look the day before had caused.

Rainbow Dash felt heart broken that she had gotten such a sweet and loving mare to be so hostile now. “Fluttershy.” Was all she could say.

Twilight appeared in between the two pegasi. “Fluttershy, we came here to support both of you. We were all there last night, we were all hurt by Rainbow’s actions. But she came and talked to each one of us. Won’t you please give her a chance to explain herself?” Twilight practically begged her flying friend.

Fluttershy continued to silently sob as she flapped her wings in frustration. Rainbow was glad to see there were no physical injuries this time. All though the emotional injuries looked extensive.

“Well, I’m glad she made it up to you all. I’m just not sure I’m ready to talk without losing it so soon.” Fluttershy replied after a moment to stop the tears. She felt her lips quiver once she made eye contact with her lover. She wasn’t sure herself if she could even get over this. Everything had happened so fast, feelings of depression to anger and contempt recycling in one day numerous times.

Rainbow Dash cautiously scooted closer to the emotional pegasus, trying to maintain eye contact. “Fluttershy, I honestly don’t know where to begin with telling you how sorry I am. I behaved so poorly yesterday.” She reached out and took her hoof, this time Fluttershy letting her. She pulled the dainty yellow hoof closer to her heart as she caressed her arm. “I’m so sorry I was so weak, I took to drinking because I was so torn apart. I never should have said the things I said.”

Fluttershy started sobbing harder as she looked back down, hiding her face behind her mane. “I’ve heard this before. Why would this time be any different?” Fluttershy whispered so only her lover could hear.

Rainbow Dash groaned inwardly, not sure how to tackle this argument. “I know this isn’t the first time I lost my cool, and to lose it with you is inexcusable. I was stupid and insecure and selfish. I swear if I could I would give up my wings if yesterday never happened, that’s how bad I feel.” She took a deep breath as she brought her face closer to her little yellow pony, “Can you please look me in the eye Fluttershy?” she begged as she tugged lightly on her hoof.

Fluttershy brought her gaze upward, tears falling freely again, shimmering in the light. “Why couldn’t you trust me?” Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow Dash had to find her voice after choking on her sobs, still feeling awful. “Fluttershy, I’m just so sorry! I know I have problems. I haven’t gotten that drunk in a while, and I shouldn’t have when I was so upset. I know I got issues, I should know to trust you. You have never done anything to say otherwise, and especially with our best friends. You wouldn’t cheat on me! I promise I will work on these problems, I don’t care if I gotta spend all my bits on a therapist, I will do anything to make myself good enough for you again Shy. I promise.”

Fluttershy shut her eyes again, unable to look at her lover. She felt dizzy, finding it harder to breathe. She pulled her hoof away. She wished she could just forget about yesterday, just put it behind her. That’s what she did last time Rainbow Dash was so mean to her, and for so long it was nothing but amazing. For almost a year now, every day since they professed their love had been like walking on cloud nine for her, at least when it was just the two of them. But these little signs that Dash needed help were ignored, even when Fluttershy tried to address them. And now it felt like everything she worked for was ground into dust. Her heart was dust, and blew away with the wind. “And do you really t-think so, so li-little of me Dashie? Was it really the alcohol that made you make fun of my w-wing b-biting?” she accused, a clear frown on her face.

Rainbow Dash looked like she was just bucked in the chest, her mouth hung open at the accusation that she really meant that. She wanted desperately to yell her defense, the words were a slap to her face, although a deserved one. “Fluttershy! Of course I didn’t mean that!” She choked again and had to turn away for a moment as she wiped her face clean of tears. She opened her eyes to see her friends watching sadly, not sure of when they should cut in.

She looked back to see that the accusation hurt Fluttershy just as much as it hurt her. She did the only thing she could think of. She got on her knees, not caring of how pathetic she looked. She reached her front hooves to grab Fluttershy’s, shocking her mare friend a bit. “Fluttershy, please don’t ever think those thoughts! Please! I swear on my mother’s grave I could never think that about you! I-its just, it’s just. I was so drunk and mad, and I felt cornered, I say stupid things when I feel like that, things that don’t even make sense! Please forgive me Fluttershy. I know I’m asking too much, just know I’m so sorry, I was so wrong.”

Fluttershy looked like she was going to break down there. She hated seeing her Rainbow Dash fall so low. But she was overwhelmed by the events of yesterday and today. She didn’t know what to do. She deserved her dignity, didn’t she? But she didn’t want to lose her one and only love either. She needed time, time to think about what was best for both of them, and what she really wanted and needed. And Rainbow Dash needed to see she was serious about what she had done, and she needed time to go help herself.

She started breathing heavily as she pulled her hooves out of her lover’s. “Rainbow Dash, I just don’t know what to think right now. If you really mean that, go and start getting that help. And if you really love me, give me time to see if I still want to be with you.” She spoke as softly as she could.

Rainbow couldn’t believe everything was falling apart right in front of her eyes. Everything she ever wanted was in the pony right in hooves’ reach, and because of her failures, she might be out of reach forever. She felt like she could faint, she was overwhelmed with despair. But what could she do, if Fluttershy didn’t want to be with her, she couldn’t blame her. She would be lucky if they could save their friendship, like she had done with everypony else. She was praying for a happy fairy tale ending, hoping her apologies would be enough to reunite them, but that wasn’t the case. A piece of her was proud of Fluttershy to see how much she had grown emotionally. She knew what she wanted, and wasn’t afraid to ask for it anymore.

She finally found her voice as she looked into the eyes she swore she could see her future in, her heaven in. With a sorrowful sigh she began to speak, “I understand Fluttershy. I understand if you never wanted to see me again after what I did. Can you just-” she trailed off with a mumble.

Fluttershy looked confused, feeling equally as sad as her other half. “What was that Rainbow?” she felt heart aching more the more she looked at her rainbow pegasus. She hated to see her Rainbow Dash looking so low.

“Just give me a reason, g-give me some hope that there’s still room for me in your heart. Just a glimmer of hope that we can learn to love again?” she begged, completely on the floor now.

Fluttershy felt her chest tighten, feeling trapped. She didn’t want to give her false hope, if she decided to end this. But she couldn’t lie, she was still in love with her best friend. She decided she might try for something innocent and in between. She bent her head closer and planted a soft kiss on the top of her mane. “I can’t promise this will end happy for us Rainbow. But you will always be my first true love, and there will always be a piece of my heart that belongs to the Rainbow.” She admitted, trying to hold back tears.

Rainbow Dash looked like she was going to fall apart and cry loudly. But she also smiled at the little bit of kindness shown by her true love. “I will always love you Shy.” She whispered.

“I need to get back to my animals. Maybe we can see each other next week. I will have somepony bring your stuff to your cloud home.” She looked to her saddened friends, happy they could stand behind both of them, “Bye girls.” She looked back down to the train wreck that was her mare friend, “Good bye Dashie.” She unwillingly turned around and forced herself back in her home. Once in she was greeted by concerned little eyes as she flew to her sofa and openly wept. What she had just done was perhaps the hardest thing she had ever done. She just hoped she made the right choice.

Rainbow Dash lay there for a moment, the gravity of the situation setting in her sad mind. She heard the hoof steps of her friends come closer. She stood up quickly, unable to look at them. “I’m sorry girls. I-I got to go!” she took off as fast as she could, flying south, flying as far away from Ponyville as she could.

Rainbow Dash had been sprint flying for hours. She felt like she was going to crash soon. She decided she needed to rest or risk crashing, so she landed in the clearing below her. She hadn’t stopped crying her entire flight, hoping the faster she flew, the faster her mind could forget. She let herself land on the soft cool grass as her body was rocked by each sob. Her wings ached, her eyes stung, she could barely breathe. Even with all the physical stress on her body the only thing in her mind was that she might have lost everything with Fluttershy because of one night.

She hid her face in her arms and wept there for a while longer until she couldn’t feel any more tears. “I didn’t think a pony could cry this much.” She whimpered in a dry voice as she kept her eyes closed. Her lack of food was apparent when her stomach growled. “Ugh, I better find something to eat.”

She looked around to notice she was very far from Ponyville or its neighboring towns. She gulped, realizing it was getting dark. She tried to move her wings only to have them stiff on her, bringing pain to her whole back. She looked around, worried. She gave a small smile as she noticed a small lodge not too far down the ways. “I’m sure they got some grub and drinks. Celestia knows I could use a nice cold beer.”

She frowned at herself, she just promised everypony she would stop her bad habit right there, and she was already craving to wet her whistle to try and get over such a terrible day. “Well, it’s not like I will be having a mare friend for much longer. Nopony’s around.” She hated to convince herself as she forced herself to her hooves and began a slow trot toward the lodge.

She was glad she was inside before it was sun down and it would get really cold. She regretted not just going back to her cloud home, although the thought of doing that was killing her, after viewing the cottage as home for some time now. “I probably could have crashed at AJ’s or something.” She said as she walked into the place.

She instantly felt warmer by the fire, deciding to take a moment to warm her hooves and wings. She shivered for a bit, wishing she had a scarf or jacket. She noticed a few ponies resting in the lobby, all enjoying the huge fire place, some sipping hot cocoa, others just sitting alone. She decided to walk to the front desk and talk to the clerk.

It was a gruff looking stallion who didn’t seem to be having a good day. Rainbow Dash cleared her throat, getting his attention. He seemed a little shocked to see her at first, only to return to his grumpy demeanor, annoyed at having to help another pony this afternoon. “What is it?” he asked, uncaring.

Rainbow was put off by this, but not having energy to fight with anypony, let it go. “I need a place to stay the night.” She didn’t bother with manners.

“It’s 20 bits for a single for one night. Sorry, no credit here.” He said as he glanced back down to the paper he was reading.

Rainbow’s eyes popped out as she realized she hadn’t brought anything when she took off, let alone money. She gave a nervous chuckle as she tried to think of something.

The stallion still wasn’t looking at her. “Well? You want a room or not?” he asked, more annoyance in his voice.

Rainbow Dash shifted on her hooves, not wanting to seem broke so he wouldn’t kick her out. “Do you guys have a diner or bar or something?” she asked, obviously trying to avoid the question.

The stallion was too busy to even look at her as he pointed down the hall. Rainbow smirked, not bothering with a thank you as she went down that way, her nose catching the scent. Her stomach growled again as she hurried into the place. There were more ponies, all eating, keeping to themselves. None of them looked very friendly.

She walked up to the bar, her tongue hanging out at all the taps and different drinks. A flash appeared before her eyes as Fluttershy’s tear stained face was brought to her attention again. “If you really mean that, go and start getting that help.” She heard the angelic yet pained voice of her mare friend.

She gave a sigh, a war raging in her heart. “I promised her I would stop this. I said I would get help. But look at me, I’m dying for a drink.” She started rubbing at her face, her mane covering her gaze, “I’m the one that isn’t trustworthy.”

She jumped when she felt a tap at her shoulder. She saw a tall stallion, who looked a lot like the one at the front desk, except he had darker fur color and a pencil thin mustache. He showed her a friendly smile as he used his magic to clean a cup. “Hey there miss, you alright?”

Rainbow Dash tried to avoid eye contact. She wanted to be left alone, but she didn’t want to be cold and hungry. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.” She lied flatly. She groaned as she could hear that he was still cleaning the cup right in front of her, the squeaky cleanness of the cup making her eye twitch.

“I just asked, because, no offense, you look like you’ve seen better days. Have you had those cuts looked at yet?” he asked her.

Rainbow Dash cocked her head confused, looking at her hooves. She hadn’t noticed before, but there were some nasty scratches on them, she guessed from when she was drunk and kicking things. She hid her hooves, always a pony not liking others touching them. She blushed as she gave a small smile to the observant bar tender. “Sorry about that. I don’t think I bled on the counter.”

He gave a quick nod as he worked on the next cup, still standing in front of her seat. Rainbow Dash tried to look anywhere else, only to see unfriendly ponies. She gave a sideways glance to the bar tender, starting to feel uncomfortable. He gave her a good look over until he put a shot glass in front of her and filled it up with some whiskey. Rainbow Dash eyed it with thirsty eyes as she saw the liquid pour. “You look like you could you a drink friend.” He offered.

Rainbow Dash licked her lips as she felt a bead of sweat go down her face. “I-I don’t have any bits for it. Thanks.” She refused sadly.

The stallion gave her another smile as he pushed it closer with a hoof. “Well, that’s no good. Well, you look like you could use a drink. Tell you what, it’s on the house.” He said as he wiggled his moustache.

Rainbow Dash took another gulp, feeling her throat dry and ache for the soothing drink that could help her forget the day. “If I do this, it just shows what a weak mess up I am. It can help me forget everything. I could spend the rest of my days drinking to forget Shy if she doesn’t want me.” The stallion stared, confused as Rainbow Dash weighed things out in her mind.

Rainbow Dash brought her muzzle closer, smelling the strong scent of the alcohol. She shut her eyes as she saw the yellow beauty sitting sadly alone. “I could refuse this free, delicious, cool drink- I mean, plain old drink!” she started breathing heavier, “I could turn it down, and keep my promise to Shy. And to myself, show everypony I do mean to change for her, I’m not some weakling addict who hides her pain behind a bottle.”

Her eyes shifted back and fourth from the shot glass to the stallion. She rested her head on the bar table, her body at total disagreement with her heart. “This is as good a place as any to start. This is for you Fluttershy.” She decided in her mind as something in her eyes changed, making the stallion give her a curious look. “No thanks sir. I appreciate it, but drinking is what gave me this bad day. I better not repeat my mistakes if I want another chance with my girl.”

A knowing look came over the stallion as he took the drink in his hoof. “I see miss. Well, a bar isn’t exactly the best place to start sobering up. But if you insist, one for the bar tender!” he took the shot in a quick go.

Rainbow Dash frowned and looked sad as she saw him place the empty shot glass back in front of her. She sat up as he placed a tall glass in front of her and filled it with water with a squeeze of lemon. “You’re still allowed water I’m hoping?” he said in a smooth voice as he smiled.

Rainbow Dash licked her lips as she eagerly nodded her head yes and grabbed the cup in both hooves, chugging it messily. The unicorn chuckled to himself as he leaned against the table. “I take it I was right. So, may I ask who is this spry young pegasus who has seen better days?” he tried with small talk, always happy to meet ponies and trying to lend a helping hoof.

Rainbow Dash finished her glass, wiping her mouth clean with a hoof. He served her another water as she felt better about talking with another. “The name’s Rainbow Dash.”

His eyes widened as he cut her off, “Rainbow Dash! Like The Rainbow Dash, one of bearer of the Elements of Harmony, one of Celestia’s go to girls, Sonic Rainboom Rainbow Dash?” he asked, excited.

Dash smiled slightly, stroking her ego a good way of picking her up. But thinking of the bearer of kindness turned the smile to a frown as she looked into her water. “Yes sir. That’s me. I flew here from Ponyville, to clear my head. I may have over done it though.” She admitted.

He pulled a stool over to sit in front of her, “Ponyville! I just moved there, not even a week ago! I was bombarded by the sweetest pink pony who turned out being The Pinkie Pie, party extraordinaire and laughter element bearer! She greeted me with this big old welcome wagon!” Rainbow Dash chuckled and smiled, Pinkie really was the friendliest pony around. She looked caught off guard when he held his hoof out to her. “Name’s Tristan! I run this lodge with my brother and cousins and uncle. I get the weekend shifts working the bar. Welcome, and pleased to meet you Miss Rainbow Dash!”

She smiled some more as she shook his hoof, right now she really needed a friend to talk to. “Please to meet you Tristan. Friends call me Dash, or Rainbow. No need for a boring old Miss.” Stated Dash, thinking the stallion seemed nice and outgoing.

“Thank you Dash. So if you don’t mind me asking, why are you having a bad day?” he asked cautiously, concerned at the sad looking pegasus.

What little good mood was zapped out of Rainbow Dash as she thought of the events of today again. “Well Tristan, I bucked up big time pal. I may have ruined things with my mare friend for good. Drinking was part of it, but it was really because I was treating her more like a possession than a pony, and not having faith in her, or us.” She said sadly.

They chatted about what happened to her, Rainbow Dash trying to leave the more private details of Fluttershy’s injuries out while still venting. The stallion listened with sympathy as he served her a hot plate of rice and veggies when he heard her stomach give a big growl, which she was grateful for. An hour passed when the mean stallion from before took over for his shift. “Hey Trent bro! Try and have a good week!” he greeted his brother as Trent only grumbled to himself.

Rainbow Dash left the stool and followed the only pony in the lodge who took to liking her. He smiled at her, “So, you broke huh? I don’t think I can sneak a room for you unfortunately.”

Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly, “Don’t worry about it. If I could stretch these wings, maybe run them under hot water, I can probably spend the night in a cloud or something.” She explained, feeling the fool for taking off without a single bit.

The stallion looked appalled at the idea of a young mare spending the night in the wilderness by herself. “That’s not happening Rainbow. How about I give you a lift into town. I have a little wagon I’m pulling filled with some junk for my new place. How about I just pull you into town? We probably won’t make it back until around midnight, and it’s not very comfortable, but you can rest up your body and save time.” He offered.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t believe her luck. A stallion she barely made small talk with was being a real friend and helping her out. “You are a life saver, a real good guy Tristan! Thanks! I feel bad though, maybe I can help you pull it for a few miles or something?”

He waved her offer off with a hoof as a pre packed wagon was pulled out from behind the lodge. “No thanks filly! Take it as a thank you for saving Equeastria so many times from certain doom. You know, I was there when the changeling attack happened in Canterlot.”

They spent the next hour talking about the scary day the changelings tried to take over the capitol until Rainbow Dash dozed off on top of some pots and pans, her only comfort a small blanket she wrapped around her. The unicorn let her rest until he could see the town in sight. “Hey, hey Dash. We’re almost there!” he called out trying to wake her up.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes to feel both relief and worry at seeing the town she called home. She was happy she wasn’t going to spend the night in a tree or cold cloud, but she still felt like she couldn’t return to her home, afraid the temptation to drink would be too strong. She smiled at her new friend as she stretched out her cramped body.

“Hey Tristan. Would you mind dropping me off at Sweet Apple Acres? It’s right by the edge of town.” She asked.

He nodded happily as he picked up the pace, happy to do a good deed for a good pony. When they arrived, Rainbow Dash hopped out of the wagon and shook his hoof again. “Thanks again Tristan, I really appreciate everything you did for me, and for listening to me vent. Stop by Sugar Cube Corner and order yourself whatever you want, just put it on my tab.”

He chuckled as he ruffled her mane, “I think I will take you up on that. I got one monster of a sweet tooth. Maybe a dozen donuts.” Rainbow Dash had to hold back her gag at the mention of donuts. He bent his head lower to look her straight in the eye, “Listen Dash, I know you’re a good pony. We all make mistakes. Just keep trying to get better, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and keep that chin up. Try staying positive, I’m sure things will work out in the end.”

He finished his words with a bro hoof as they waved good bye. Rainbow Dash shivered in the cold fall night air as she galloped to the home in the center of the farm. If there was one pony who was serious enough to keep her from drinking but a good enough friend to pick her up and help sort things out it was Applejack. Plus she had a big enough home for her to spend the night and not be a hassle. She knocked on the door to have it opened by the orange earth pony herself. They stared at each other as Dash smiled, hoping she wouldn’t be too mad about her flying off and waking her in the middle of the night.

Author's Notes:

Alright, there was chapter 22. It was another tough one to write. I wanted to pick up the mood with some comedy while still maintaining the serious theme from the past few chapters. I also wanted Rainbow Dash’s redemption to feel real, to each of her friends, trying to make her reasoning understandable enough for them to forgive her and help her out a bit. Also the scene with Fluttershy was to show that the shy little pegasus has enough dignity to not cave in to her immediate wants when the real need is to fix Dash’s problems. And the reason for Dash’s flight to the lodge was to give her a choice/temptation with the drink. Hope the chapter didn’t seem like it was too long, I wanted it to be good since it took so long to update. Please leave a review/comment to tell me what you think. Hope you all liked it, thank you for reading!