Rainbow Dash wondered whether she was dreaming when she was standing next to Princess Celestia in an ethereal plane. It all seemed like some crazy nonsensical dream. The landscape faded in and out of existence, wisps of blue magic dancing around like electricity, even though there wasn’t a single cloud in the magical sky.

“You’re not dreaming, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia said softly, seemingly reading her mind. “I assure you that everything you see here is very real.”

“I don’t get it. Where are we? What’re we doing here?”

She searched around her for any clues. One moment she had been stood in Canterlot with her friends, and the next she was here. Wherever ‘here’ was.

“Through your actions that you have shown Equestria today, you have demonstrated that you truly are the embodiment of the Element of Loyalty. Although you may not possess your element any longer, I know that it still exists—” Celestia walked over and placed a hoof over Rainbow Dash’s heart. “—in here.”

“Er, I’m honored and all, princess, but what does this have to do with me?” Dash asked, looking to the alicorn for answers.

Celestia simply smiled and motioned for Dash to follow her. As the two of them walked, a magical path formed beneath their hooves. Dash’s eyes widened as her past endeavours zoomed past them. There were so many memories in each one. Rainbow Dash could recall them all.

“Although you may not realize it just yet, what you did today was far greater than anyone could have ever asked of anypony. Even when faced with the choice sacrifice or furthering your own gain, you gave up everything you had to save Equestria.” Celestia stopped walking and looked straight at her. “And of course if you had not made that choice, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.”

“Heh. Thanks,” Dash said with a grin. “I still don’t get why I’m here, though. How come it’s just me?”

“You’re here,” Celestia replied, “because you’re ready, Rainbow Dash. It’s finally time for you to fulfil your destiny.”

Rainbow Dash took a moment to swallow the princess’ words. Did this mean she was finally going to become a Wonderbolt? It seemed a little over the top to do that in some weird magic land.

“My destiny?” she asked. “What is my destiny?”

Celestia smiled again and lowered her head, her horn producing a single tiny spark that floated towards her. “Let me show you.”

Rainbow Dash took a hesitant step back, but watched as the golden spark of magic floated over to her like a feather blowing in the breeze. When it made contact with her fur, she was suddenly engulfed in golden magic.

Rainbow Dash felt herself being lifted up, the golden magic swirling rapidly around her like a vortex. It was too bright to see what was going on, however, and Rainbow Dash was forced to close her eyes.

“Princess? What’s happening?” Dash called loudly, trying not to voice the panic that was bubbling up her throat.

“Do not be afraid, Rainbow Dash.” Celestia’s voice floated in from all directions. “My magic will not harm you.”

“I don’t understand!” she called again.

“Soon all of the bearers of harmony will discover their element inside of them, just like you did today. And then you will ready to become a princess.”

A princess?