I bit my lip as continued working on Rainbow’s battered wing.  I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous and scared in my life.  I’ve helped little birds preen their feathers and mend their wings…but that was small birds…this is a Pegasi’s wing…the feathers are aligned different, not to mention longer and bigger than a normal bird’s wing.  I could mend my wing whenever it got hurt but that’s because I rarely got hurt and I know my wings better than any other pony.  

This was Rainbow Dash’s wings…her prides and joys…the sole things she loved quite possibly above everything else…without her wings she feels she’s nothing…and if I mess up she’s going to hate me for the rest of time!  I really shouldn’t be doing this!  Oh if only there were somepony more qualified than me to do this!  I moved my hooves up from her secondary feathers to her marginal coverts which is where her joints and muscles where.  I started to gently rub them with my hoof since they looked sore and beat up from when she broke those chains.  I’m amazed she managed to break them…at the cost of her wings though.  I felt an especially stiff muscle and applied a bit more pressure in hopes of smoothing it out.

“Mmmmm…yeah…” I heard Rainbow utter in delight which surprised me as I continued rubbing the stiff muscle on her wing and looked up at her in surprise.

“R-Rainbow?”  I called with a stutter as I looked at her stunned.   Even though her face was looking away, that didn’t stop me from widening my eyes

“Y-Yeah Fluttershy…it’s…mmm…really working…I feel better already…” She responded a bit nervously as she moaned slightly…I must’ve hit another sore spot when she was talking…She…she’s really liking this…and I’m not doing a horrible job…I…I’m…

“I-I’m glad…”  I simply replied as a cheerful smile quickly worked its way on my face.  I’m so happy I’m doing a good job…or at least a decent enough job to please Rainbow…knowing that she’s happy with me preening and fixing her wings is…overjoying…

I walked away and went over to the countertops.  I got out two wash clothes and poured some cool water on one of them from the nearby sink.  I then opened my wing out and set them both on top so I could hold them there as I grabbed some bandages with my mouth.  I walked back over to where Rainbow was laying and put the bandages down next to her.  I then grabbed the wet wash cloth off my wing and then started to gently clean the wounds on her wings.  They weren’t that bad or deep…but still needed to be cleaned and bandaged.

Dash flinched and jerked slightly at the feeling of a cool rag against the cuts and wounds but gritted her teeth and bared it.  The wounds thankfully didn’t open up or bleed anymore as I cleaned them.  As expected after I was down washing the wounds her wings were now dripping water.  I set aside the wet rag and grabbed the dry one that was still on my wing.  I began to try and by extension clean the rest of her wings…admiring the cyan tinted color and beauty of them and how elegantly they looked and despite still being slightly ruffled out of place…I could definitely tell she took great care of her wings as my wings never looked this good…well I don’t really preen my wings that often since I don’t use them as much as Rainbow does…

“You really take good care of your wings…” I complimented with a smile as I moved the cloth around them and the sensitive complex nerve layout…a Pegasi’s wings are easily the most sensitive parts of their bodies since it has to keep them airborne and the way I delicately moved my hooves around  the primaries and primary coverts of her right wing made Rainbow start to shiver in response to my actions…well I had to be slow and meticulous I didn’t want to damage anything…plus this way I could make her feel good and admire her wings all at once…i-is that wrong of me?

“Y-Yeah…o-of course…what kind of ohhhhh…flyer would I-mmmm…be if my wings weren’t in top quality just like ahhhh….m-me…” Rainbow replied…or at least try to as she was constantly interrupted by cute sounding moans of delight complete with tensing up and slight panting…I looked up and even though I couldn’t see the front of her face I could see the side was completely red…I giggled at that as I moved down to her secondaries and secondary coverts.

“If only you thought about that before you broke out of those chains…” I then teased slightly as I moved over from her right wing and began to dry off her left wing, which had started to naturally dry on its own and wouldn’t take long to dry at all.

“Y-Yeah…I-I know…” The shaking cyan Pegasus agreed in a re with a few stutters as I moved down from the primaries to the secondaries…as I was drying them off I looked down and spotted a slightly different curved and shaped feather next to her body that was actually a much brighter shade of cyan than the rest of her feathers…oh that’s her source feather…it looks exactly like mine…except for the different color of course…and it looked perfectly fine…if it wasn’t her flying would be seriously impaired and at worst impossible if it was damaged enough…thankfully that wasn’t the case.

“You’re lucky your source feather didn’t take any damage whatsoever…” I informed her happily as I raised my hoof and gently touched it just to double check that was alright.  When I did it flinched away unlike the other feathers that stayed still then seemed to slowly move towards my hoof and brush against it….a-as it started…started to…

“O-Oh my…Ra-Rainbow…” I called in shock as I backed away from her, my eyes as wide as they can be and my mouth dangling open…feeling m wings open up and extend against my will most likely from shock as I felt them tingle slightly.

“Yeah?” She responded as she turned around to look at me, before noticing what it was that surprised me, “Wh-What the hell?” She then immediately shouted as her cerise colored irises shrunk as dots and as she abruptly jumped up of the table, looking down at her source feather.

“Y-Your source feather….it…it’s g-glowing…” I pointed out as I raised my hoof to my muzzle in horror looking at the feather glowing a bright blue to almost the point where it’s blinding…s-she’s not going to explode is she?  Rainbow looked frantic as she looked at it and then looked to the other side of her body.

“They both are!” She then shouted as she looked at her other wing, then looking back at me in fear…before instantly changing to a look of complete shock, “What the….y-yours are glowing too!” She exclaimed as she lifted up her hoof and pointed it at me.

“Wh-What!?” I shouted as I looked down at my right wing to see it glowing a bright yellow, then I looked to my other wing to see it doing the same thing, “O-Oh my goodness th-they are!” I screamed as I lay down on my stomach and put my hooves over my eyes in fear.

“W-What’s happening?” I then shouted as I felt myself shaking uncontrollably out of panic, fearing that something extremely bad was going to happen.  I peeked out from under my hooves and looked at my wing again and noticed my feather’s sudden glow was now dimming until it thankfully returned to normal.  I looked over at my other wing to see that it returned to normal as well…before it started to tingle slightly and then feel…good…like…really good…I felt like they had be refreshed after a long days flight but…I…what does it mean?

“Ok…what the hell just happened?” I heard Rainbow ask in confusion as I looked over to see her checking her wings as well and that her feathers had returned to normal as well.  Then looked at me with complete astonishment on her face wondering what happened…I don’t know what happened but…I do know what caused it…

“I…I don’t know…but…but it happened when I touched your source feather…t-that…that it happened…” I replied, admitting that it was my doing as I pressed my face against the ground and covered my head up with my hooves again. “It was my fault…I-I’m sorry…” I then apologized in a soft whisper as I felt my eyes start to well up from knowing that what I did caused that to happen…and it could’ve been disastrous and possibly even fatal…that was so stupid of me to do…I shouldn’t touch other Pegasus’ source feathers…ever!  That was a harsh reminder for me to keep my hooves to myself!

“Don’t be…there’s no way you could’ve seen that happening just by tapping my feather…” Rainbow pointed out in a serious tone as I looked up to see her trotting up to me with a stern look on her face…she looked very disturbed but not by me but from what happened,  “Besides…that shouldn’t have happened period…that was just straight messed up!” She then practically yelled as she reached down and helped me back up to my hooves.

“I-Is something going to happening to us?” I then asked concerned, wondering if she’s still feeling anything or if she feels bad at all…

“I-I don’t know…” She replied with a sigh and a slight as she backed up away from me with a concerned look on her face as she looked down at the ground.  Before I could open my mouth to say anything to her we both heard the door open suddenly.

“Hello Fluttershy…Rainbow Dash…” A voice called gently as we looked over at the door to see a smiling white Alicorn that is our princess.

“Princess Celestia!” Both Rainbow and I shouted as she walked into the room with two white royal guard ponies behind her, both with trays of food on their backs.

“I thought that because of the commotion this morning you two didn’t have a chance to eat…so…” She responded as she turned around to face her guards, then lifting the trays of food off their backs with her golden magic. “I asked the cooks to quickly whip something up for you.” She then said as she turned around and floated the food over to us…oh that’s so nice of her…though I’m not really that hungry to be honest…for obvious reasons.

“Thank you your highness for the food and all…but…” Dash thanked generously before stopping and looking at me still with a slightly worried expression.

“I think I can safely say that feeding our bellies is the least of our concerns…” She then said as she took the tray of food and put it on the table she was laying on before…that happened.  I took the tray and put it on the countertops right behind me.  The tray just held a simple sandwich…something quick and easy that the Princess must’ve ordered for us just for that purpose.

“Oh, did something happen?” Celestia asked curiously as she raised an eyebrow at her, still smiling though.  Rainbow looked back at her and then looked down as she rubbed the back of her prismatic mane…finding it difficult to explain how our feathers just glowed…it’s not like it’s a common occurrence…I don’t even think the Princess would know what we were talking about if we told her our feathers glowed for seemingly no reason.

“I-I don’t think you’d believe us, so I’ll just say it was very surprising…”  I replied instead of Rainbow Dash, looking at the Princess with an unsure smile as I tapped my fore hooves together in uncertainty.  The princess looked at me and blinked a few times at my unusual answer.

“Yeah…no kidding…I don’t think anypony would believe us if we said our feathers were shining like freaking Hearts Warming lights!” Rainbow added, agreeing with me as she poked her source feather slightly as if trying to make it glow again…and unknowingly telling her the unbelievable thing that happened.

“Oh so what I felt earlier definitely was a pair of resonating source feathers…” The white eternal maned mare said in what sounded like a pleasantly surprised tone as her eyes slightly widened at what Rainbow said…w-what?

“R-Resonating source feathers?” I simply repeated in confusion as I looked up at her and raised an eyebrow slightly…I’ve never heard of that before…is that what happened to us…

“Yes it’s a very rare occurrence when one strong pair of source feathers comes in contact with another pony with an equally strong pair of source feathers…causing them to resonate together and glow.” The Princess explained with a nod and a smile.  So that’s what happened…or dear is that a bad thing?  

“That’s freaking weird…I’ve never heard of source feathers glowing…” The cyan speedster commented in loud tone and bit insultingly as she shook her head with her mouth dangling open slightly in disbelief.

“As I’ve said it’s a rare occurrence…I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt something like that…but it’s true…your powerful source feather coming in contract with Fluttershy’s equally powerful source feather caused them to resonate together…” The royal mare further elaborated as she pointed at Rainbow and then pointed at me….I…my feather is as strong as Rainbow’s?

“Fluttershy has a source feather that’s equally as good as mine?” The mare next to me asked, almost shouting as both her eyes went wide, honestly looking more surprised about this than our feathers glowing.

“I...I…no…that’s not right…” I denied, stuttering and stammering as I was taking deep breaths...there’s no way…that’s impossible!

“It’s true Fluttershy…the moment I met you I knew you had incredible if untapped source feathers…” The Princess insisted in a gentle tone as she walked up to me and extended a wing out to rub the side of my face in order to calm me down.  It worked as my breathing returned to normal and I did relax somewhat from her gentle touch.

“I guess I can see that…I mean Fluttershy always did display some flight talent when she needed to…”  The cerise eyed Pegasus said eventually agreeing as she put a hoof to her chin and nodded after thinking it over, “Though…what exactly makes you the source feather expert?” She then questioned in a doubtful tone as she moved her hoof away from her chin and pointed it at Celestia as she raised her eyebrow slightly.   I don’t think you should doubt the Princess, Rainbow…

“Trust me…in all my years I have experienced this many times before…” The Alicorn ruler answered with a chuckle as she backed up slightly away from me and gave a wink at Rainbow…

“Alright alright…I guess that makes sense…” Rainbow replied in an accepting manner as she nodded her head a few times before looking down at the ground and putting the hoof back at her muzzle, “But there’s one thing I don’t get…why now…she’s touched my wings before and this never happened…” She then asked bringing up a bigger point as she looked back up and at me.  I looked up at the Princess because I really wanted to know the answer to this as well…Dash and I have had contact numerous times in the past for differing reasons and not once has this happened before.

“Something must have changed or happened between you two to give it cause to happen…like one of you viewing the other differently in a new light…” The magenta eyed Princess replied, giving a somewhat vague answer though Rainbow Dash seemed to understand as her irises shrunk at what she said.

“I-I get it…I think I know why it happened now…” She then said as her ears flattened against her head and she looked away with her face starting to look a little flushed.  It seemed to embarrass Rainbow…how does she seem me differently?  Wait…she did confess yesterday that she does think of me as her best friend…more than any other pony…that sounds right…and that newfound trust and closeness must’ve caused her feather to resonate with mine…ok that solves that but I still want to know one thing.

“Bu-But what does that mean…what happens when they resonate?” I then asked in a stutter hoping it didn’t mean anything bad like we’re going to die in a few hours or something.  The Princess looked at me and warmly smiled at which reassured me that it wasn’t bad.

“It means they can now be removed at will whenever you like without pain or discomfort…” She answered as she revealed the purpose of it…r-really?  That’s it….whew that doesn’t sound bad…it actually sounds very confusing…so they shined because we can now take them out…but…why would we do that?

“Well that’s stupid…why would we remove our source feathers?” Rainbow pointed out in annoyance as she turned back around and scoffed at her…her cheeks still a light shade of pink…her point remained however…there’s no reason to take our source feathers…if we do we’ll no longer be able to fly, or stand on clouds, and pretty much not be a Pegasus anymore…so it’s odd phenomenon…no wonder it’s a rare occurrence…

“Why indeed Rainbow Dash…” The bigger mare asked back with a grin as she looked at us both…I-I don’t get it…  “Anyways…how is your wing treatment coming along?”  She then asked curiously as she looked at cyan mare and raised her left fore hoof slightly.  Rainbow’s appearance instantly changed from irritation to delight as her scowl turned into a bright smile.

“It’s coming along awesomely!” She replied with a smirk as her normal demeanor returned, “At least I hope it is…is it Fluttershy?” She then asked a bit concerned as she looked over at me hoping that she didn’t assume that everything was fine and that something wasn’t actually horribly wrong with her or prevent her from flying with her idols…thankfully I can confirm that she’ll be able to fly after I’m done patching her up.

“Oh-Oh yes…just some bandages and a few other things and you’ll be fine Rainbow…” I replied reassuringly with a smile as I nodded at her a few times…which caused her delight to spring back up tenfold.

“Awesome!” She shouted excitedly as she hoped back on the table, extending her wings out to the max, “Well…get back to it Fluttershy!  I want to get out there with the Wonderbolts on our flight home!” She then practically ordered as she turned around and looked at me seriously.

“I…uhh…y-yes…of course Rainbow…” I agreed reluctantly and nervously as I trotted back to the table, I picked up the bandages that fell on the floor and began to bandage up her right wing where it was hurt.

“Our ship will be departing shortly…so hopefully you’ll be ready by then and not forget anything.” Celestia informed us with a smile…which also subtly reminding us not to forget anything…oh that’s right we did leave some stuff behind!

“Oh!  Our stuff is our hotel!” I shouted in realization as I remembered that during our little scuffle with left our saddlebags and things in our room.  Oh no…the dresses I got for Rarity and the item that she’s going to give to Applejack!  They’ll be left behind!

“Ah crap…so is the rest of my team…” Rainbow then added in disappointment as she put a hoof to her face.  That’s right…Rainbow is their flight leader…without her they won’t be able to get home!  Oh no…

“Not to worry…I’ll send somepony down there to retrieve your things and bring your fellow flyers here for the flight back.” Celestia informed gently as she turned her head around and nodded to one of her guards.  The white guard nodded and then quickly left the room to carry out the task the Princess had assigned him.  Oh thank goodness…

“Thank you your majesty!” I thanked gratefully as I smiled at her, then going back to mend Rainbow’s wing up.

“Yeah you rock Princess!” Rainbow added, thanking her in her own kind of Rainbow-y way with a smirk and a nod.

“It’s really not a problem!” The Princess merely said as she shrugged off our gratitude, raising a hoof and waving it at us.  The guard pony returned to the room and ran up to the other guard pony.  He whispered into his ear and once he was done he quickly turned around and left again.  The royal guard still in the room then trotted up to Celestia and whispered something into her ear.  He was most likely telling her the thing the other guard told him and relaying a message.  The Princess didn’t say anything to him and just nodded at him before looking back at us.

“Oh and if you excuse me…I have to go greet one of our special passengers…” The white angelic Alicorn informed us sounding very reluctant as she turned around to head to the door to leave.  We have other passengers?

“Special passengers?” I repeated as I wanted to look over at the princess, but couldn’t as I had to focus on bandaging her wing.  

“Yes…we’re privileged to be escorting some V.I.P.s back to Equestria…isn’t it exciting?” The Princess in question then elaborated in eagerness as she reached the door.  V.I.P.s?  

“No…you couldn’t mean…” Rainbow asked in disbelief as I looked up and saw her eyes widening as she watched the Princess open the door with her magic.  W-Who is Rainbow Dash thinking of?  She seems really distressed over whoever it is…

“I really have to go now…but I’ll meet up with you later after the formalities are done…” She said before she left the room with her guard pony in tow.  

“Fluttershy hurry up!  I want to see this V.I.P. for myself!” Rainbow demanded as she looked back at me seriously and intensely, as she was gritting her teeth in anger…I moved back from her a bit in surprise and afraid.

“R-Right!” I then said with a nod as I went back up to bandage more wounds on her right wing.  I noticed the try with the sandwich next to her and didn’t want it to go to waste…plus she kind of needs the strength if she wants to fly back.

“Y-You should really eat this…you want to have as much strength as possible…not just to heal those wounds but to help you fly all the way back with the Wonderbolts…” I advised in a slight stutter as I moved the try in front of her so she could see it.

“Yeah you’re right…” She agreed with a slight sigh before picking up the sandwich with her hooves and taking a bite of it. “Thanks Fluttershy…” She then thanked gratefully and muffled since her mouth was full of food…spewing a few chunks.  That made me giggle slight and feel bad for whoever has to clean that up.

“A-Anytime…” I simply said with a smile as I finished bandaging up the cuts and wounds on her right wing…there were a lot but it didn’t wrap it up nor did it hinder it in any shape or form…which meant it was still airworthy thankfully.  I sighed in relief as I moved over to the left wing.

Her left wing was pretty cut up as well; though not as bad as her right wing though.  The chains she broke from did a number on them but nothing that bandages couldn’t fix.  I started to place bandages on her cuts and wounds along with straightening out a few feathers I saw misplaced and removing a few ones that had to be pulled out.  In the meanwhile Rainbow was busy eating her sandwich and wasn’t paying attention to me working on her wings.  I’m glad for that because if she was I think she would wince a few times in pain.  Thankfully, though, it didn’t take me that long and eventually I found myself done with mending her wing.

“A-Alright done!” I informed her as I backed away from her, she leapt off the table and looked back at her bandaged wings and started to flap them.  She easily got in the air and thankfully didn’t look like she was even in pain…I’m not a real Doctor but I think she looks well enough to fly back to Equestria on her own.

“They’re not awesome looking but at least they’re airworthy!” Rainbow declared in satisfaction as she looked at me and nodded, “Thanks Fluttershy! I owe you one!” She then thanked gratefully and excitedly as she flew to the door to leave.

“N-Not a problem!” I replied as I watch her fly to the door.   I went over to the countertops and grabbed the sandwich that was on the tray…I needed to eat something as well or else I would be starving on the flight home.  I put the tray on my back and then trotted up to the door where Rainbow was waiting for me.  She opened the door and I walked out, with her following right behind me.

We were out in the hall from earlier which was fancy looking and I saw Rainbow head to the right.  I trotted after her as she turned the corner and managed to find a stair case with a sign on the wall that said level two.  We went up it and found ourselves on another level of the ship…with the halls looking exactly the same…though the sigh on the wall now said level one.   We went around and up another stair case and found ourselves on the deck of the ship.  

The deck had silver metal flooring and above us was a huge golden balloon that kept the ship airborne.  There were crew ponies aimlessly working around keeping the ship in top condition.  I looked around and saw Rainbow Dash flying to the edge of the ship.  She looked down desperately and when she did her jaw dropped at what she saw.  I trotted up and looked down to see what it was that surprised her…and to my slight shock I saw Princess Celestia down by a bridge that led to the ship surrounded by news ponies and paparazzi…and right next to her was the black Pegasus disguised as an Alicorn…Signal Fire…

“Well well well…if it isn’t our friend Ms. Fake Fight…” Rainbow commented with a low groan as she looked down at the happy looking black mare, waving and smiling at the cameras “Look at her soaking all that media attention trying to make headlines…yeah take off that horn and see what the headlines say tomorrow you fake…” She then said in a low growl as she shook her head.  Oh it’s not bad Rainbow…I looked up as I noticed a white pony flying in from the sky.  I narrowed my eyes and focused on the pony and discovered that it was…was…

“Well…on the brighter side at least that complete flank isn’t there…” Rainbow then commented as the pony flew around and then up to the ship.  Rainbow didn’t notice him as she was still focused on the black Pegasus below us…though he noticed us and with a smile he flew down and landed right next to us.

“Well well…funny meeting you here…” He said is low slightly graveled voice startling Rainbow who didn’t notice he was standing next to her.

“Ahhh!  It’s you!” She shouted as she jumped into the air and flew in the air, pointing at the smirking Alicorn in disguise who was wearing a hat now while his wings stuck out from his trench coat.

“No it’s not you it’s me…we’re two totally different ponies…” He replied pleasantly and with a wink…which caused Rainbow to look back at him appalled and even I looked at him with an eyebrow raised….was…was that supposed to be a joke?  He looked at us both and then sighed and shook his head as he raised his hoof to his head to take off his hat.

“Yeah…I know…that was bad…I was never good with entrances…I’m working on them though…” He said in a slightly regretful tone as he moved his wings as his trenchcoat magically made an opening for them to slip through and hide under.  The openings magically closed up as he shoot his brown hat in his hoof with his unicorn horn to make it disappear.

“Don’t tell me you’re the V.I.P. that’s coming along with us!” The angry cyan mare declared as she narrowed her eyes at him and folded her for legs.

“Technically I’m not…I’m just a normal passenger accommodating Princess Fire Fight to Equestria.” He answered as he raised both his eyebrows and titled his head a bit before turning to face the edge of the deck. “Once we get there though…our roles might reverse…”  He then said explained as he raised both his fore hooves and leaned on the railing, looking down at the mare in question, who was still getting her pictures taken and even interviewed by a few reporters.

“Why the hell are you hiding your Alicorn status?” The prismatic maned mare then inquired as she raised an eyebrow at him, “Do you hate publicity or do you enjoy lying to everypony you meet?” She then theorized with a smirk clearly trying to insult him or upset him…oh don’t do anything that would cause for another fight…but I doubt that’s going to happen…Rainbow wouldn’t try that again and is just trying to rile him up.  I sighed as there was no point to try and stop her and I should just let her get it out of her system.  I reached behind me and pulled the sandwich off my back and began to eat it…at least I would be able to do something instead of Rainbow try to exact verbal vengeance on slate for her defeat earlier…she would feel better later which is good…

“It’s not like that at all…” H denied softly as he looked back up at her with his green eyes, “The war council that plans and decides what to do in our wartime situation decided it would be best if my status be kept secret in order to protect me against spies and assassin’s…” He then clarified as his moved his wings under his trench coat as if trying to illustrate a point.  Dash looked at him for a few seconds soaking in what he said before she started to laugh.

“Oh…Oh I get it now…” She said in between laughs as she leaned back in the air as she grabbed her sides, “You’re…You’re a coward…that….that has to hide behind a fake…” She then declared with a smile as tears of joy started to well up in her eyes from her constant laughing as she pointed at him with one her hoofs.  I sighed at this and took another bite of my sandwich because I know that’s most likely not the case if he was willing to fight you one on one to stop Fire from fighting and to prevent more damage from spreading.

“If you listened to me you would’ve heard that I said that it was their decision…not mine…” He then pointed out in a gentle tone as he smiled and shook his head, “I was against it but Fire insisted on it and insisted that she be the one to pose in my place…” He then further elaborated as he turned back and looked down to see the black mare shaking hooves with Celestia in front of the cameras...which caused them all to shuffle in excitement and take more pictures frantically…after he said that Rainbow stopped laughing and then looked at him doubtfully as she moved her head back and raised an eyebrow at him, not sure if he was telling the truth.

“That was what the council wanted in the first place...a propaganda tool…even though I’ve proven myself in battle numerous times they still prefer to have an figure here for the citizens to idolize…” He then said in a slightly lower tone as he looked down in disappointment, not sounding too thrilled about saying that…wait she’s an idol?

“Idolize?” I repeated softly after I swallowed the bite of food that was in my mouth, looking at him curiously.  He smiled and looked at me, slowly nodding after a second confirming my curiosity.

“She has one wing with one source feather…she was born like the founder of our city long ago…as such the ponies look up to her as she’s a one winged fighter protecting them and fighting for what they believe is right…she’s practically the symbol of the city…” The Alicorn Prince explained as I was reminded of the tale of Gentle Breeze…and how she was born with only one useable wing…I guess that makes sense…ponies love a hero and especially if the hero is tied with the city and its foundation somewhat…I can now see why she’s an idol and pretends to be a princess.

“Even though she’s a complete and utter fake…” Rainbow added with a huff as she rolled her eyes and folded her fore legs again.  He blinked before he changed his gaze back to her, still not looking angered or upset by her words.

“Don’t let your initial encounter with her fool you…she’s a very competent fighter if a little rough around the edges and prone to anger…” The Prince replied a bit seriously but not sounding affected by her words and sounding calm before turning and looking down off the deck.

“I should know…because we’ve been together since the start…she was with me at the Siege of Candera, the Battle of Altantia, and the Fall of Stalliongrad…and without her help I don’t think I would be standing here right now…” He then softly as a smile started to appear on his face, most likely remembers back to that moment he shared with her.  It sounds like these two have been through a lot together…they must have a pretty strong bond and I wonder if it’s romantic or platonic…well I didn’t see any kind of advances or suggestive looks towards each other so maybe it is strictly platonic.

“Too bad I didn’t see that skill this morning…” Rainbow replied in a scornful tone as she smirked at him and briefly raised her eyebrow for a second.  He didn’t look at her and almost seemed like he didn’t hear her words as he continued to look down at the Princess and Fire as they turned around and started to head up the ramp towards the deck being escorted by a few royal guards from both Equestria and Rio.  Since Princess Celestia was coming up I quickly finished off my sandwich with a few quick bites and swallowed what was left.

“As I said…rough around the edges and headstrong…but there’s still nopony else I would have fighting next to me if I was in severe danger…” He reminded as he got off the edge and backed away, most likely so ponies glancing up at the decoy Princess wouldn’t notice him.   I backed away as well as leaning off the edge and watching the Princess walk up would be a bit rude.

“So in the end everypony wins…the council gets their promotional figure…I’m safe and inconspicuous and Fire feels useful like she’s protecting me…” The multi-colored maned Prince then continued as his voice started to get softer. “I’m still not entirely for the idea but in the end its political nonsense and I would like to avoid that as much as possible…” He then finished in what sounded like a regretful whisper as both Princess Celestia and Signal Fire walked onto deck.  When Signal got on the deck her face lit up and ran towards Slate.

“Commander!” The black mare happily shouted as her one wing extended, rushing up to meet slate who was smiling back.

“Hey Fire…have another rousing time with the media?” He teasingly asked as he raised a hoof up, to which she happily bumped before calming down and standing right in front of him…maybe they do have a sort of romantic relationship…I don’t know…I’m not very good at telling the difference between platonic and romantic….

“Ugh, I never thought being shot at by lights coming from a camera’s flash would annoy me more than being shot at on the field by Unicorn horns… ” She answered with a groan as she rolled her eyes and reached her hoof up to take off her fake unicorn horn…really…it seemed to me like she really enjoyed that attention.

“Ah ah ah…” The white colt said shaking his head as she took the horn off her head, taking it out her hoof with his magic, “Let’s keep this on until we leave Rio De Jamarean Air Space…” He then said as he put the horn back on head where it previously was.  She smiled and blushed slightly in embarrassment.

“S-Sorry sir…it’s just…you know…it itches…” She answered with a slight stutter obviously not wanting to upset him as Celestia finally trotted up to us.

“I understand…this coat covering my wings is uncomfortable…” He replied in an understanding tone as he looked to his sides and moves his wings slightly, ruffling his coat a bit…yes I’ve worn things over my wings and they are rather uncomfortable.

“Ah…Prince Slate…The White Thorn…” Celestia called in a delighted tone as she walked up to him, getting his attention as he looked back up at her, “I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to formally meet earlier and that our first meeting was under unfortunate circumstances…” She then apologized sounding rather sincere as she bowed her head slightly in respect for him.

“Not at all Princess Celestia…the apology should be mine for not making time for our meeting earlier…” He shrugged off, giving a sincere apology himself as he bowed his head to her as well…wow he’s actually rather nice…I probably should’ve stopped Rainbow Dash from fighting him earlier much sooner than I did…

“Princess!” Speaking of Rainbow Dash… “Why in the world is he coming back to Equestria with us!?” She frantically and angrily asked as she flew up to her, wanting to know why Prince Slate is returning with us…well….I kind of do too…it seems very odd that he’s suddenly coming with us.

“Because it was a part of our agreement we made to have you and Fluttershy released…” White Alicorn Mare answered as she looked at Rainbow with a smile on her face.

“What!?” The cyan speedster simply shouted in disbelief as her irises shrunk and her jaw dropped.

“Our agreement was that you could be free if the Princess here would take me to Equestria to stay for a few months…” The Prince then explained as he recalled the events of when they left, “In fact I suggested it myself…and since…well…the King and my family never saw eye to eye so to speak…he happily agreed…” He then finished, telling us that it was because of him that we were able to walk out of there as free ponies…so that’s why there decision was quick and we were released so easy…he really is a nice pony!

“I’m sorry but I thought you had a war to fight!” Rainbow pointed out a bit annoyed as she raised her right hoof and pointed it in some random direction across away from us.  Rainbow…he helped us get free…is there really a need to be angry at him?

“It’s going to be winter soon in the countries where the war is going on and when the snow piles over everything the fighting is going to die down considerably…that’s the main reason Signal Fire and I were called back here….”  He elaborated with a smile as he raised a hoof and pointed to himself and Fire who smiled victoriously and nodded to confirm his statement.

“And I’d much rather go to Equestria than sit in Rio listening to the King babble on about how I’m the biggest walking stain in his palace…hell that’s why I was staying at that hotel in the first place so I wouldn’t have to listen to his constant stream of meaningless insults…and of course Signal isn’t exactly one who likes to be used as a propaganda tool…” He then said in his normal calm voice as he explained why he wanted to go in the first place, “So I’m very glad you came along and gave me the opportunity to travel back to Equestria with you…” He then said in a slightly lower tone as he winked at her…

“What are you planning?”  The doubtful Pegasus then asked as she narrowed her eyes at him…oh dear she must really hate him and won’t let this topic go…

“Well the point of this trip is to strengthen our peaceful relationship with Equestria…” The Prince answered in a slightly staged tone as that must be the reason that Signal told the press when they were down there…ok maybe Rainbow might have a point…that sounds like a lie…

“And to bring them into your stupid war?” Rainbow then angrily asked as she gritted her teeth…and to her…and my surprise…the white Alicorn colt immediately burst out into laughter at what she said.

“Do you…Do you really think I want to escalate the war?  Are…Are you serious?  Do you think I’m that petty and stupid?” He retorted in between laughs as he shook his head continuing to laugh before he eventually calmed down.  “No…my goals in this trip are much more personal than that…” He then said in a lower tone as his lips slowly turned into a smile…o-oh dear…that doesn’t sound good…

“And they are?” Rainbow then asked in a menacing tone as she folded her fore hooves and leaned back in the air, arching an eyebrow at him.  I…I would like to know that as well…but…I really doubt he’s going to tell you Rainbow…especially like that…

“It’s called ‘Personal’ for a reason Rainbow…and unless you’re the Pegasus I think you are…you’ll never find out…” The now suspicious Prince said back, in a very vague response that I honestly don’t understand…what kind of Pegasus does she need to be for you to tell her?  I don’t get it…

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Dash continued to inquire, now sounding confused and baffled like me as her head leaned back and she gave him an uncertain look…y-yeah what is that supposed to mean?

“Celestia I would love to talk you over the course of our trip but I do feel like I must retire to my room first…” The Green eyed Prince said to Celestia, ignoring my best friend’s question, “So if you would kindly show us the way…” He then politely asked with a slight bow as he had no idea where his room was and needed a guide.

“Of course…” Our Princess pleasantly replied with a nod and a smile before she turned to face one of her royal guards, “Show him and Miss Fire to their room please….”  She then said to him in a serious tone.  The white guard nodded and then went to the two ponies in question, moving his hoof to the nearby stair case to escort them.

“Goodbye Rainbow…maybe we’ll see each other again…maybe soon maybe later…but we’ll see…” Slate said to her in with a low tone before he turned away, following the guard to the stair case.  Signal Fire sneered at Rainbow Dash looking very angry before she turned and followed the two to the staircase.

“Princess you can’t be serious on bringing him back!” Rainbow then shouted to Celestia in desperation after the ponies left and went down the stairs.  Her outburst made Princess Celestia laugh a bit as she raised a hoof to her muzzle to hide her amused giggling.  

“Rainbow…he’s not evil…they don’t just crown anypony and make them royalty with that kind of power…” The gentle ruler pointed out, trusting him undoubtedly…well…that is true I guess…Twilight didn’t get crowned because she looked right for the job…she had years of schooling and proving to do before she was crowned.

“He must have proven himself to be worthy and as such he has my trust…” She then said reaffirming her belief that he isn’t bad or mean in any way…I feel kind of bad because he did help us out from being imprisoned…and whatever goals he wants surely can’t be bad…maybe he just wants to relax or something…

“Princess….” Rainbow simply said in a soft tone, feeling a little guilty for making a big scene in front of the Princess and pestering Slate like she was interrogating him.

“Now…we’ll be taking off soon…and after we do I’m sure you’ll be more concerned about something else than him…” She then said a bit seriously as she trotted up past her, “That is…if you still want to fly with my escort…” She then cheerfully said as she turned around and gave a wink to Rainbow…who instantly lit up with extreme delight.

“Yes, yes, yes, a bazillion times yes!”  She excitedly answered as she flew around in the air; leaving behind her usual prismatic trail which made me smile…I like her like this…happy and cheerful instead of grumpy and angry like a minute ago.

“Then I suggest you make your way down to the hanger bay if you want to be ready…my guard will show you the way…”  She then suggested as she pointed to her guard who was behind us.  He nodded at her request and then started to trot to the stair case, then stopping and turning around to await the mare he had to take down below deck.

“Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!” The excited daredevil and future Wonderbolt insistently thanked over and over again as she flew up to Celestia going to hug her out of happiness…but stopping and backing away at the last second, with a hot blush on her face, a nervous smile, and her fore hooves behind her back…which made the Princess laugh in response.

“Anytime Rainbow…” She simply said with a nod, shrugging off her gratitude.  “Now get going…you don’t want to be late do you?”  She then teasingly asked as she gestured her head over towards the waiting royal guard.

“No of course not your majesty!”  She said seriously and with a salute as she flew over to the guard and landed next to him.  The guard smiled and nodded before turning around and going down the stairs, Dash was about to follow him until she stopped and looked at me with a smile on her face, “Bye Fluttershy!  I’ll see you later!  I’ve got a dream to live!” She said happily as she waved at me.

“B-Bye Rainbow…” I replied, raising my hoof slightly and waving back at her.  Rainbow didn’t waste another moment and darted below the deck off to go live her dream like she said...and…now I’m alone…wh…what am I going to do now that she’s gone?  “W-What about me Princess?”  I asked curiously as I looked up at the white Alicorn, who looked down at me and smiled gently.

“You’ll be coming with me to my personal quarters to watch us take off...” She answered in a soft tone as she trotted past me, “That is if you want to of course…” She then said as she looked back at me with that smile of hers…of course I would…why would I ever say no?

“Oh why yes…that sounds lovely your majesty!” I agreed happily as I nodded at her and then trotted up to her.

“Then come with me…” She then simply said with her sweet one before she looked back forward and started to trot with me following right beside her.

We both walked up to the huge tower that was at the back of the ship…or should I say aft…or is it stern?  I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to nautical terms.  We entered the tower and when we entered there were a much of naval ponies tirelessly working at their stations, keeping the ship in the air.  We walked past them and went to the center of the room where an elevator awaited us.  We both walked onto us and then Celestia used her magic to lift us up.  

As we were being lifted we passed more decks that contained even more naval ponyal and had version different functions.  I managed to get a glimpse of the decks names as we passed them.  We passed the C something C…the flag bridge, the  secondary bridge, the primary bridge, the air control bridge, the Pegasi coordination bridge, the security bridge, and the bridge bridge…how many bridges does this ship need?  Eventually the elevator stopped when we reached the top.

We were in a completely sealed glass looking dome.  We could see out across the entire city, the ship beneath us, and the golden balloons above us.  The room was very beautiful and lavish with a throne at the back that was fit for the princess.  There were also a few other pillows placed in front of the throne chair for other ponies to sit down and next to the throne where two royal guard ponies.  

“Welcome to my personal chambers aboard this ship Fluttershy…” The Princess said in a welcoming tone as she walked off the elevator.

“Thank your majesty…” I thanked gratefully as I walked off with her, as soon as I did the Princess lowered the Elevator so there wasn’t something jutting in the center of the room.  I didn’t see a rope or anything dangling down from the ceiling…so maybe there was something underneath it that was moving us up or maybe it’s on rails lined on the walls…I don’t know I’m not a smart pony...especially when it comes to technical things like this.

“Oh I see my guards have brought your stuff here…” The Princess pointed out a bit in surprise as she started to trot over to her throne chair, I looked down by one of the pillows and saw both our saddlebags gently placed there, and I made a sigh of relief that they weren’t forgotten…Rarity would be so upset…and perhaps Applejack as well.

“And that must mean Rainbow’s weather crew must be on board as well.” She then said assuming that since our stuff is here that they’re here as well…which also made me take a sigh of relief because I would hate for us to leave them behind not knowing what to do.

“Oh thank you your highness…I’m very grateful…and I know Rainbow is as well…” I thanked happily as I stayed where I was watching the Princess walk up to her throne, the royal guards bowed to her as she reached her luxurious golden throne with red cushions.

“You’re quite welcome Fluttershy…” She replied pleasantly as she turned around and sat down in her throne, after she did the guard ponies stopped bowing and resumed their normal stature.

“And now that everything is taken care of…” The magenta eyed Alicorn then began as she raised a funnel shaped object attached to a cord that was next to her chair up to her face.  “Captain…you may launch the Magnificent whenever you wish.” She said in a stern voice into the funnel shaped object…which I’m guessing is a communicator of some kind.

“At once your Majesty…” A voice said obediently from the funnel who must be the Captain obeying her order…that means this ship is going to start moving soon.

“Please have a seat…we shall be departing soon...and you’ll be getting the best place to watch as we take off…” The Princess then generously offered as she gestured her right hoof towards the pillows in front of her.

“Why thank you your Majesty…”  I thanked gratefully with a smile and a nod as I trotted up to the pillow next to the one that held our saddlebags and sat down on it.  Instantly feeling comfy and relaxed from its soft cool touch…this is probably one of the best pillows I’ve ever sat down on…only the best for the Princess...even though she’ll never sit in it since she has a throne...

After a few minutes I felt the ship start to shake.  I turned around and saw to huge pair of golden fabricated wings on each side of the ship slowly start to move out and then start flapping which caused us to gain altitude slowly.  The higher we got the more of the city I could see and the surrounding landscape.  I didn’t bother narrowing my eyes to get a closer look as the general view was good enough for me.  Once we gained enough height another set of fabricated wings extended out and started to flap while the front two began to swivel around so the flapping could make a current to move us forward instead of up.  

“Impressed?”  I heard Celestia ask as I turned to see her see her looking at me curiously, wondering to know if I liked what I saw…which of course I did.

“Why yes…I’ve never been on an airship before…so this is all quite nice…” I replied with a nod as I titled my head a bit…I’ve been on Twilight’s balloon a few times but I’ve never been on a ship…mostly because I could fly on my own and have rarely even been inside Twilight’s balloon…

I looked out over the city as we moved over it towards the coast taking one last look a the breathtaking city as I wouldn’t be seeing for a year at least and possibly even more.  It was a beautiful city and I’m sad that I couldn’t see more of it…but I’m still glad that I managed to spend some time here at all…especially since it was with Rainbow.  I smiled to myself as I looked back at the white Alicorn to see her giving a gentle expression as she looked at the statute of the featherless Pegasus.

“Is something wrong your majesty?” I asked curiously wondering if something was bothering her.

“I was just admiring the statue…and paying a little tribute to the mare it represents…” Celestia answered softly as a smile slowly crept on her face…oh she must know about that statue as well…well of course she would…why wouldn’t she…and of course she would develop some kind of admiration towards that Pegasus.

“I just heard about that story yesterday…about how she gave up her source feather to another pony for her to become a princess…she really was an amazing mare…” I said cheerfully telling her that I knew about that statue as well and the story of Gentle Breeze.

“Yes…she really was…” The Alicorn agreed with a slight nod as she slowly opened up her right wing.  “More than you can possibly imagine…” She then softly said as she slowly closed her eyes and fully extended her wing out.  I looked and gasped at the sight of an old grey feather where her white source feather was supposed to be.

“P-Princess…” I simply said in shock as I looked at the grey feather that was in her wing.  She…was she that mare from the story?  That…that would make her thousands of years old…and…she…she was born with only one source feather?  I…this is…I almost can’t believe it…

“Your majesty…we’ve just cleared their airspace…” I heard the pony say through the small funnel, letting her know about our current situation and preventing me from asking her about that feather in her wing to confirm my suspicion.

“Thank you…you may clear the Wonderbolts for launch now…” Celestia responded as she folded up the wing and pulled the receiver up to her mouth.

“Yes your majesty…” The pony responded as the Princess put the communication device back to where it was.

“I think you’re going to like this…” She then said a bit cheekily with a grin and a twinkle in her eye as she pointed behind me with one of her fore hooves.

I turned around and saw two flight decks come out from under the ship and then going up alongside each side of the ship underneath the forward wing so it wouldn’t be hit by the back wing still keeping us at our altitude.  Then they moved forward a bit sticking out from the front of the ship and then shortly afterward I saw small dots and trails of smoke taking off from the flight decks.  The last one taking off was a small blue dot taking off from the starboard side that left behind a rainbow trail.  I narrowed my eyes and sure enough…it was my best friend…

“Rainbow Dash…” I called warmly and softly as I watched her rise into the air with the uniformed ponies, looking the happiest I’ve ever seen her.  

“How did you like that display Fluttershy?” I heard the Princess ask me as I watched Rainbow fly over in front of the bow and then over to the of the ship and then to the port side going over to meet some of the Wonderbolts that launched from that side.

“It was quite impressive…you have quite a ship and team aboard Celestia…” I replied as I saw her go up to some of the Wonderbolts and raise a hoof to hoof bump one of them.  They gratefully did and then another one moved right next to her so they formed a line in the air.

“Thank you Fluttershy…the purpose of the Magnificent was to spread cheer and friendship…so I’m glad it’s fulfilling that role…” I heard the Princess say gratefully as I watched Rainbow in the line do a perfect barrel roll still in the line and then exchange positions with the three line time on the starboard side of the ship…flawlessly missing them and the way Rainbow pulled it off and how she looked made me happy and excited and I felt my wings start to unfold as I…well…I wanted to go out there with her…I…I mean…I flew here with her…I…I should fly back with her right?  Plus she’s still a little injured as I could still clearly see those bandages on her wings…so there’s that….

“Yes I’d say that it fits that role quite nicely your highness…” I replied with a nod as I watched the horizontal line become a vertical line, with the Wonderbolt on Rainbow’s right going underneath her and the one on her right going above her.

“Fluttershy?” The Alicorn Princess called as they started to spin perfectly making a spiraling effecting with a rainbow in the center…now feeling my wings fully extended.

“Yes your majesty?” I replied as they broke apart with Rainbow climbing and doing a loop de loop in the sky which made me smile.

“How long are you going to watch Rainbow Dash?” I then heard her ask me with a slight giggle as I….o-oh dear…I have been watching her nonstop haven’t I?

“O-O-Oh…” I said with a stutter as I turned back around to face the laughing Princess. “I’m…I’m sorry…I…I was just making sure…she…she was ok and her damaged wings would be fine…” I apologized sincerely, making poor excuse as I looked down and felt my face burn up in embarrassment…oh that was rude of me…sitting in the Princess’ chambers and watching Rainbow…I wouldn’t doubt it if she banished me or at least asked me to leave because of that…

“Maybe you should join her then…” The Princess then suggested with a smile as she leaned her head closer to me and raised an eyebrow at me…w-what?

“Your highness?” I called in shock as my eyes widened at what she said…she…she wants me to go out there with her?

“I can see it in your eyes and your wings…you want to fly with her back home don’t you?” She then asked a bit teasingly as she looked at me.  She…She knows I want to go out there?  Why did she say she could see it in my wings…I mean…I know they extended but…wait…they extended!   And there wasn’t any pain!  That means they’re fine to fly!  That means I can fly with her!  And the Princess is letting me go!

“Yes I do!” I almost shouted in excitement upon realizing that I could fly back to Equestria with her, though then recoiled as I realized I shouted at the princess. “S-Sorry…” I then weakly apologized as I felt my ears flatten against my head.  The princess softly chuckled again at my outburst as she raised a hoof to her muzzle.

“It’s not a problem Fluttershy…you can go…” She replied in a gentle tone as her horn started to glow…shortly after the Elevator in the center of the room raised up, “Get on the Elevator…it will take you down to the flight deck…I’ll tell them you’re coming in advance…and they’ll let you go Fluttershy…” She then instructed as she pointed to the elevator…wow that’s very convenient…well if you’re the Princess I’m sure you need something like that to get to each section of the ship quickly.

“Th-Thank you your highness…” I thanked as gratefully as I could as I bowed to her.  After I did that I got off my pillow and picked up both our saddlebags off the pillow next to me and put them both on my back.  I then trotted over and got on the elevator like Celestia said I would.

“Have a fun flight with Rainbow Dash Fluttershy…” The kind gentle ruler said encouragingly as her horn glowed and the Elevator started to move down out of the room.

“I will…” I simply replied with a smile and a nod before the elevator lowered me out of the room.

The Elevator moved down through all the decks and once again I saw all of the bridges.  When I reached the level I was on when I entered the tower I noticed a white Alicorn in a royal uniform with a curved unicorn horn standing just outside the Elevator boundaries with a black mare next to him who seemed to be carrying a huge case.  He looked up at me and noticed who I was and actually used his magic to cancel out Celestia’s and stop the elevator right in front of him.  I gulped a bit as I backed up somewhat, a little unsure of what the smiling white Alicorn prince wanted.

“Hello…I just wanted to stop and apologize to you personally for what I did to you earlier…please understand that I never meant to cause you distress nor was had I intended to do any harm to you…I just had to do what I needed to resolve the situation at hoof…” He said kindly as he gave me a sincere look…oh…he…just wanted to apologize for what he did to me earlier…well that’s nice…but a little unnecessary to be honest.

“O-Oh…I…I understand…I…I don’t particularly like what you did but…at least there was a somewhat justifiable reason behind it…and as long as you don’t do it again…I guess I can forgive you…” I replied nervously as I forced a smile, trying to make it clear that  I didn’t appreciate what he did and warned him never to do it again or else I would…ummm…nevermind…I wouldn’t be able to do anything…I’m just too weak…

“Thank you…” He thanked gratefully with a nod of his head before looking back at me with a an eyebrow slightly arched. “You’re….Fluttershy right?” He then asked a bit seriously as he moved his hoof up and pointed it at me.  I didn’t say anything and merely nodded to confirm his curiosity.

“I’m sorry we haven’t been formally introduced I am Prince Slate….” He responded bowing graciously with his eyes close before moving back up and turning around. “And this is my…guard Signal Fire…” He then introduced as he moved a hoof over to her.  The black one winged Pegasus in question didn’t say anything and only slightly nodded either not wanting to dignify me with a proper response or being more concerned about the case on her back that she was trying to balance…which actually looked like an Instrument carrying case now that I look at it more…

“It…It’s a pleasure to meet you…” I sheepishly replied with my smile still being forced as the Prince turned around and started looking at me strangely, even moving around to get a look at my left side,  “Is-Is something wrong?” I asked nervously and a bit fearful as I was very uncomfortable with him looking me over…why is he doing that?

“I’m just curious…I was sure I felt a pair of source feathers resonate before I came here…and I’m just curious to know if one of the two was yours…” He replied in a calm demeanor as she shifted from my left to my right to look at my right side and most likely my wings…he…he felt that as well like Celestia?  How…how could he feel that?

“H-How…How can you tell if a source feather resonates or not?” I then asked curiously and still fearfully also remembering how the Princess ‘felt’ my source feather resonate and not give me a proper answer…maybe he will.

“Oh now that you said that I’m sure it was yours…it’s not every day you come across Pegasi that know what a resonating source feather is…instead of asking me that.”  The white Alicorn happily and loudly said back as he looked directly into my eyes with a smile on his face.  O-Oh dear…should…should I have not have said that…because know he knows it was my feather that resonated…but…does it matter?  I still don’t get this at all!  And how is it that he can feel a source feather when it resonated but can’t tell if it was mine by just looking at me?  I’m so confused…

“And to answer your question...It’s fairly hard to explain…but maybe one day you’ll find out…”   He then said avoiding my question as he closed his eyes and looked away…wait I’ll find out myself?  How…and…when and…I’m even more confused now…I don’t get answers….I get more questions…

“Unless something happens that prevents that of course…” He then finished in a much lower almost dark and menacing tone as he opened his eyes and looked at me with a grin which made me recoil in fear of what he was going to do to me…though it can’t be anything too threatening because we’re on Celestia’s ship and if he tries anything he’s going to be instantly attacked by all the ponies around him…so maybe I shouldn’t be that worried…but I can’t help it!

“U-Umm…” I simply and feebly replied as I lowered myself to the ground.

“Sorry…I’m keeping you aren’t I?” The green eyed Alicorn then asked with a chuckle as he completely flipped expressions to a more gentle one…was…was he trying to intimidate me…scare me…or what…and now he’s all happy…can I be any more confused right now?

“Y-Yeah…I…I was heading to the bottom floor…” I answered in almost a whisper as I looked up at him and raised a hoof to point below me as if to visually tell him where I was going if he couldn’t hear me.

“I won’t keep you any longer than…here allow me…” He responded cheerfully as he activated his magic and made the Elevator start  up again and being to lower itself, “Give my best to that friend of yours…” He said to me before the Elevator lowered out of the room.  I sighed in relief and stood back up as the floors started to pass by.  I felt relieved that I avoided a nasty situation but now I was very concerned about him and what his intentions are…

As I continued to go down into the ship I passed decks that I didn’t see before…I saw a gym, a kitchen, a mess hall…a royal looking bathroom…and even a barber shop…which is odd…they really have those things on ships?  After we passed all those that’s when things started to look a little…busy and complicated.  Decks with ponies walking around with tools in their hooves and ponies doing physical labor and even Unicorns powering some huge machine which I guess is the engine.  Then the elevator lowered into a huge open room filled with Pegasi and earth ponies in maintenance uniforms….this was my floor as once I reached the floor the elevator stopped and then a light yellow colt trotted up with a red mane and green eyes.

“You must be Fluttershy…” He kindly assumed with a smile as I walked off the Elevator.

“Y-Yeah…I am…” I confirmed nervously with a nod as I looked around and started to fear that maybe I shouldn’t have wanted to go…because I’m afraid I’ll be getting in other pony’s way.

“The Princess said you were coming…this way…” He then said as he turned around and started to trot over to the starboard section of the ship, I nodded and followed him not wanting to say another word.  “You’re launching from Flight Deck Two…” He then informed seriously as I’m guessing that the one on the other side is Flight Deck One.

“A-Alright.” I simply said quietly and with a nod despite him not looking at me…although I am slightly happy that I’m taking off from the same deck that Rainbow took off of.

“I have to give you a fair warning…” He then said in a gentle tone as he looked back at me concerned…oh dear… “This ship is in a contained protection bubble so once you get off the deck and airborne you’re going to be hit by a massive shift in air pressure, temperature and composition…especially since we’re now heading over the ocean and into unregulated atmosphere…” He warned as told me about what I was going to experience once I got off the ship.

“So get your wings ready to adjust because it’s going to be a real doozy…” He then said as he looked back forward, reaching a door and then opening it…oh he thinks I’m going to have problems with me adjusting my wings…

“I…I have a feeling I’ll be fine…” I replied weakly and with a slight chuckle as I walked into the room...remembering how my wings automatically adjusted themselves on their own thanks to that weird ability I didn’t know I had until yesterday.

“That’s the spirit!” He said optimistically as he entered with me.  The room was paved and had lines on it and had a small circle towards the end, “Alright stand here…we’ll tell you when to launch…after that it’s all up to you…good luck!” He instructed as he pointed to the circle, wishing me his best while doing so.

“T-Thank you…” I thanked gratefully as he left the room and shut the door behind him…leaving me alone in the room.  I looked around the empty room with metal walls and trotted over to the circle where I was instructed.

After a few minutes I heard a loud clanging noise and I looked up to see the ceiling opening as it split in half and the two halves receded into the wall.  Then the floor I was on started to move up through the departed ceiling and then moved to the level above it.  When it stopped I found myself facing the wall, when I turned around though I saw the runway before me with a Pegasus with flags in his hooves.  I blinked in shock at how I was suddenly getting ready to take off and then shook my head to focus and await the go ahead.   The pony with the flags shook his flags at me and then pointed to the runway behind him…I looked at him confused as I had no idea what was doing the…then he shook his flags at me and at the runway again and I still didn’t know what he was trying to accomplish by doing that.  Then he got angry and violently shook the flags at me and then the runway and this time I finally got the hint that it was my go ahead.

“O-Oh!  Sorry!” I apologized with a stutter as I felt bad for not knowing what I had to do earlier.  I then galloped as hard as I could down the run way and extended my wings out.

As soon as I reached the end of the runway I flapped as hard as I could and took off from the runaway and the ship.  As soon I felt a sudden burst of wind hit me and caused my mane to blow in the breeze…its strange how there wasn’t one when I was on the runway though they did say I was in a bubble.   After I was hit by the wind I instantly felt my wings tingle and the smell in the air change.  I looked back to see my feathers rearranging themselves to accommodate the change in the atmosphere.  I giggled as I knew it wasn’t going to be any problem.  

I then looked ahead and flew as hard as I could to catch up with Rainbow.  I easily spotted her thanks to her rainbow trail at the bow of the ship flying alongside a few Wonderbolts.  I smiled as I flapped my wings as hard as I could and managed to catch up to her after a while…barely though as I was going at my top speed just to reach her.

“R-Rainbow Dash!”  I called as loud as I could, thankfully I managed to catch her attention and she  make  her look back at me with her cerise eyes and look at me surprised.

“Fluttershy?”  She said in shock as she slowed up and then flew alongside me…thankfully not waiting for me to catch up to her as that be very tiring and embarrassing, “What are you doing here?  What about your wing?”  She then asked in concern as she was worried I wasn’t a hundred percent to be doing this…even though she wasn’t at full health as well she’s still worried about me…she can be a very sweet sometimes.

“What about your wings?” I replied, answering her question with a question as I took off her saddlebag and held it out to her to grab.

“Thanks but my wings feel awesome…you did a great job…” She thanked gratefully as she took the saddlebag and put it on her back, which relieved me of some weight even though I wasn’t having any problems…though I was concerned about longevity… “I’m more concerned about you and your wings though…” She then said in a worried tone as she looked over at my flapping wings which were showing no real signs of visible problems nor was I feeling any at the moment…in fact they felt rather good for some reason.

“My wings are fine Rainbow…better than fine actually…they feel great...thanks for asking…” I replied with a grin as I tried to dispel any worry that might be in her mind.

“I still think you should return to the ship…” She insisted as her cerise eyes quivered slightly in fear that something bad might happen to me…which made my heart warm up but nothing is going to stop me from doing this flight with her…

“Rainbow…I appreciate that your worried…but I said I was going to do this trip with you and that meant I was going to fly to Rio and from Rio with you…” I said softly as I titled my head…though not that soft as we were still flying and I didn’t want my voice to be drowned out by the winds that where blowing our manes back.

“Fluttershy…” She simply said in shock as she moved back and blinked at me…though not that surprised as quickly she smiled at me as I think this is like the fourth time I’ve insisted on doing something with her.

“I want to do this with you Rainbow…I want to fly with you!” I then said happily as I reached out and held my hoof up to her…she looked down and sighed while shaking her head a bit then looked back up with that smile again.

“Heh…alright…” She agreed happily and a bit smugly as she reached out and bumped my hoof with hers, “We’re the wounded duo then since our wings aren’t at a hundred percent…” She then proudly declared as she pointed to her wings and then mine…which made me giggle and nod in agreement.

“Come on let’s show these ponies how we do things in Ponyville…two pony right wedge…” She then shouted as she pointed to the Wonderbolts up ahead…though I just blinked up confusion at her…a two pony what?

“W-What’s that?” I asked completely puzzled as I had no idea what that was…I assume it’s an aerial formation of some kind but…I don’t know that stuff…sorry…

“Nevermind…just follow me!” She then said a bit annoyed as she rolled her eyes and just gave me something simpler to do…something I could easily do as I nodded at her.  Then she speed off ahead and I took a deep breath and increased my speed to do my best to keep up with her.

Rainbow didn’t go that fast though; she went at a speed that I could keep up with without straining myself or wearing myself out.  I was very thankful for that and at the same time felt a little bad because the Wonderbolts were always ahead of us and we were always flying just a little bit behind them.  I felt that if I were just a little bit faster or more agile we would be able to keep up with them as they turned in the air and changes positions but we couldn’t…

Instead Dash and I just did our own things flying from side to side and very light easy spins…well she did…I just followed behind her and didn’t do that.  She couldn’t tell I wasn’t doing that though since she was always in front of me…which I’m a little grateful for…and a little ashamed of but at least I’m flying with her….that alone makes me happy.

I looked around at the ocean we were flying over and then noticed something in the distance…I narrowed my eyes and noticed that it was the mountain range of Volcanos that I saw yesterday…we already reached this point?  I looked back at my wings and noticed that they both looked and felt completely fine.  But…last time I reached this spot I was already pretty tired and exhausted…and since my wings were hurting this morning a bit I’d expect them to be completely limp right now…but…no…they feel as though I hardly used them at all…

“I see we’re about to reach the halfway point…you doing ok Fluttershy?”  Rainbow asked in concern as she dropped back and flew alongside me, looking at me with a worried expression as she checked over my wings...

“I…I’m fine Rainbow…my wings are ok…” I answered back softly as I smiled at her, feeling a bit surprised at how well my wings were holding up…I guess a little exercise can go a long way with me, “How about yours…are yours ok?”  I then asked equally concerned as I checked over her bandages wings which seemed to be holding up fine well.

“My wings feel great…like I hardly used them at all!”  The cyan Pegasus brashly replied with a smug grin as she folded her fore legs and shrugging off my concern.  My eyes widened at what she said and I felt my jaw drop slightly.

“I…I’m glad…”  I struggled to say to her as Rainbow nodded to me and took her position back in front of me.  That…that’s what I thought earlier…could it…no…that’s just Rainbow being who she is…it’s just a coincidence that we had the same thought…

I shook my head and continued to follow her.   We circled the ship a few times, even passing the dome that the Princess was in.  She looked at me and smiled and I waved at her which made her nod back at me.  We continued circling the ship and doing other things that was within my limit of flight ability…which was not much but at least Dash was doing something at least.  Eventually, after a long time of flying, I felt my wings tingle again and then get hit but a sudden burst of very cold air…I guess we reentered Pegasus controlled air space and more importantly Equestrian airspace but…it’s so cold!  I’m already starting to shiver!

“Wow…it…its really cold…I don’t remember it being this cold when we left!” I commented as I raised my fore hooves and rubbed my sides to try and warm myself up.  Dash slowed down and flew alongside me, also looking a little cold.

“I guess Cloudsdale finally managed to change the atmosphere enough for winter…” Rainbow explained as she looked up at the cloudy sky, “Took them a freaking while though!”  She then added in a dry annoyed tone as her eyes narrowed…well at least they got it done on time…so you can’t be too angry at them right?

“Oh that’s good I guess…though that means I definitely have to get Angel Bunny in his hibernation spot…he won’t last long in these extreme temperatures…” I said back in a slightly worried tone, remembering how my little bunny refused to go to bed on time like he usual…though it’s cold I’m sure he’ll be fine and I’ll put him to hibernation first thing in the morning.

“So what do I do about Tank tomorrow then?” The worried tortoise owner asked in concern for her own little pet…the fear in her eyes very evident but I giggled as I knew exactly what to do and even told her about it before we left.

“Just come by my house tomorrow morning and we’ll take care of them together…” I reminded her with a soft smile which made Rainbow make a sigh in relief.

“Alright cool…” She simply said with a grin before she flew off ahead of me and returned to the leader position.

It didn’t take long before eventually we could see land not long after that where we flying over Equestrian territory.  I made a big sigh of relief as it was good to be back in friendly…language I can understand…grounds.  Though this was part of Equestria that I wasn’t used to seeing a lot so there were still some bits of unfamiliarity.  We kept flying alongside the ship and towards what I’m assuming is Canterlot because the path we were on wasn’t heading directly to Ponyville but to the Castle…after about thirty minutes worth of painless unproblematic flying I could really start to see familiar sights and places and was starting to feel a lot more comfortable.  Then suddenly I heard some banging sounds that startled me and I turned my head around to see a green light, a yellow light, and a blue light in the air above the ship.

“Wh-What are those?” I asked out loud both curiously and fearfully…is…is something happening?  Why did the Magnificent fire flares out randomly?

“A signal flare…it’s to signal the flyers around the ship of something…” Rainbow answered as she dropped back and flew alongside me, looking back at the flares that were now dissipating as a Wonderbolt colt with a blue mane passed us and headed back to the ship, “This one appears to be calling back a messenger, most likely so they can tell him a list of specific orders to tell the rest of the group.” The cyan mare next to me then explained in a calm voice as she apparently knew what that flare signal meant…how does she know what those mean? …well…she’s trying to be a Wonderbolt so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that she knows all their signal flare messages…

After what felt like ten or fifteen minutes, the Wonderbolt that felt returned, launching from the flight deck I came from and quickly flying up to where Dash and I where.  The Wonderbolt was in uniform but I could tell his coat was a pale blue thanks to his muzzle being uncovered and could easily tell that he had green eyes and a very dark blue mane.  Oh I know him…Rainbow mentions his name a lot along with the other Wonderbolts…he’s…he’s…Soaring right?

“Hey Soarin’…what’s up?” Rainbow greeted happily as she raised her hoof and saluted at him….oh…Soarin’…my mistake…I was close though!

“Hey Dash…I got a message to deliver from the Princess…”  He happily greeted back with a smile as he flew up alongside her with me on right side of her…just flying there right next to her without saying anything…umm…shouldn’t you be telling the message to us?

“Well…what is it?” The daredevil next to me asked a bit impatiently after a minute of flying in silence…causing him to blink and shake his head as if trying to refocus himself.

“Oh right…sorry…” He apologized while rubbing the back of his mane with a very nervous smile.  Then he moved his hoof down to his muzzle and cleared his throat, getting ready to deliver the message.  “She said when we reach Canterlot and the Airship docks you should land next to the wherever the bridge docks at so you can meet the Princess when she gets off…” He then said as seriously as he could with a very stern expression that sounded very unnatural and made him look a bit goofy…it was actually a little funny and clearly Dash was trying to conceal her laughter as she held a hoof to her muzzle.

“Alright got it…thanks Soarin’” Rainbow thanked with a few poorly concealed giggles which caused Soarin’ to look at her with a bewildered expression on his face…which still looked rather funny and even made me want to start giggling.

“Soarin!” Somepony called in a shout as I looked forward to see another Wonderbolt flying up to us with an orange and amber mane.  When she got closer I could tell that she was gold thanks to her muzzle and that she had orange eyes…wait I definitely know here…Spits Fire!

“Oh crap Spitfire…” Soarin’ said to himself as he flew behind Dash as if hiding from her.  Oh it’s Spitfire!  Oh darn it…I’m terrible with names today…that or I need to pay more attention to Dash whenever she talks about the Wonderbolts…

“You know when you get a message to pass on your supposed to deliver it to me!” The angry Pegasus shouted as she flew up to us and in front of Dash looking around her as Soarin’ continued to hide from her.

“Sorry…it’s just…it was for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy…so…I kind of delivered it to them…” The pale blue colt replied as Dash moved out of the way with a look of ‘leave me out of this’ on her face so Spitfire would have a clear line of fire at the poor Pegasus.

“No excuse…just for that no snacks after we return to the ship!” The angrier Wonderbolt scolded as she was giving him an odd punishment…that’s like something you do to a four year old when they get mud on the floor…not something you do to a fully grown professionally trained-

“What?  No!” The Pegasus screamed as he put his fore hooves to the sides of his face and stopped flapping his wings…causing him to drop like a rock towards the ground.  Spitfire’s eyes went wide for a brief second before she bolted down and caught him, bringing him back up to where we were.

“Alright maybe an apple pie or two…” She reluctantly said as she rolled her eyes giving in and letting him have something after they return…which instantly made him light up in delight.

“Ah yeah!”  “Thanks Captain you’re the best!” He then shouted as he rubbed his face against hers, making the Superior Officer look uncomfortable and even embarrassed as she gave him a look of extreme uneasiness.

“G-Geez you’re such a kid…why’d I promote you again to second in command again?” The Wonderbolt Captain retorted with a slight stutter as she pushed the bigger colt off of her and broke the hug.

“I don’t know…you never told me why…so why don’t you tell me?” The male Pegasus asked back as he opened his wings and flew closer to the mare that pushed him away…giving her as mile and a mischievous look.  Spitfire’s eyes went as wide as they could go as she looked away and rubbed the back of her mane not sure of how to answer that.  Before she could though more bang sounds were heard and I turned around to see more signal flares, this time they were blue, green, and red.  

“Th-There’s our cue…let’s return to the ship…that’s if you want those pies Gorgin’!” Spitfire said as she flew around him and pointed at the ship as the other Wonderbolts started to turn around to head back to the ship.  Soarin’s eyes lit up as he beamed with a smile and saluted.

“Yes ma’am!” He excitedly shouted before shooting past her in a blur which actually made Spitfire spin around in place from the high speeding Pegasus flying past her.  When she stopped she sighed and smiled before turning around and following the pale blue Pegasus back to the deck to land.

I looked back at Rainbow Dash who shrugged at me and then looked in front of me to see Canterlot directly in front of us.  Rainbow and I slowed down and started trailing the Airship that was now lowering its flight decks back to its standby position.  When we flew above Canterlot I looked down and noticed that some shops already had Hearts Warming decorations out and sales to coincide with the holiday that was barely a month away.  I guess they got to start those sales and specials now.

I looked back forward to see the Magnificent slowing down as it approached the castle and also lowering its altitude down to the ground.    It then started to circle the castle around the back and when went behind it we saw a platform next to a cliff with two long lines of Royal guards leading up to the castle’s back entrance.  I guess this is where the ship is supposed to be docked…it looks rather new because I don’t remember seeing this the last time we were here.

The ship continued to lower towards the platform and folded it’s fake wings up slowing down to a very slow and leisurely place.  Once it got close enough to the platform the bridge from the main deck started to lower onto the platform in front of the guards.  I looked over at Rainbow Dash who nodded at me and we both flew down and landed where it had landed like we were told.  I landed directly right next to the bridge with Rainbow to my right and I looked around at all the guards who stood motionless and felt a little uncomfortable.

We both moved away from the bridge though so when Celestia got off we wouldn’t be in the way and stood next to the first Royal guard in the line who continued to stand there like we didn’t exist…as if he was frozen in time no less.  I looked down the line and so did Rainbow and we both saw somepony walking up in the center.  It was a purple Alicorn who was dressed up in a fancy formal outfit and looked very nice…and even though she was dressed up in formal attired and looked exquisite I instantly knew who it was….

“T-Twilight…” Rainbow said in a whisper upon recognizing who the mare was as she moved over to the opposite side of me and hid behind me.  I looked back at Twilight who had finished walking up to the bridge who seemed to notice Rainbow as she looked at her…a little confused as raised an eyebrow at her but didn’t spend too much longer looking at her as she looked back up the bridge to see a White Alicorn Prince walking down with a black mare behind him who was still carrying that instrument carrying case for some reason.

“Ummmm .... bem-vindo ... e Olá ... a nossa grande nação grande ... Eu sou o Twilight Sparkle ... e quem você é?” Twilight said in foreign language…probably greeting him…but the way she was talking…with multiple stutters and slurs...and the unsure tone she was saying it in…sounded awful…so much so the Prince was cringing as he stepped off the bridge and on to the platform.

“Please…just…speak Equestrian…that was so bad I think I went temporarily deaf…” Slate responded in Equestrian sounding like he was in pain as Signal Fire stepped off the bridge behind him…shaking her head at how bad Twilight spoke their language.

“Sorry…I only had like a couple of hours to study a new language…” The purple mare responded nervously and with an awkward chuckle as she raised a fore hoof and rubbed the back of her tied up and decorated mane.

“Anyways welcome to Equestria…I’m Princess Twilight and I hope your visit here is pleasurable and insightful.” She then said as she lowered her hoof and looked at him with a confident tone retrying her greeting statement in Equestrian to a much better degree.

“Thank you…I hope it is as well…” The foreign Prince responded with a smile and a nod, grateful she didn’t try speaking his language again.  Twilight looked at him with a relieved smile looking behind him and having her smile widen to stretch across both sides of her face.

“Princess Celestia!” She called happily as Rainbow and I both looked up to see our beloved Princess walking down off the bridge flanked by two guards.  Twilight then proceeded to both, along with bow rows of the Royal guards.  I bowed as well as did Rainbow as we all showed our respect to the Princess as she walked off the bridge and onto the platform.

“You know…in my nation…the ponies who are royalty have to bow the public and not the other way around…it’s to show that we serve the country and that we are equals to them…” Slate commented as I looked up at him to see that he wasn’t bowing at all.

“Yeah but we’re not in your nation so you better show some respect and play along with our customs!” I heard Rainbow Dash angrily whisper into my ear so Celestia and everypony else wouldn’t hear her.

“Shh…calm down Rainbow…it’s ok…” I replied, whispering back to her, hoping to ease her frustration so she doesn’t start anything like back in Rio…although admittedly she did have a point…if you’re going to visit I think you should follow the customs if you know them…

“How interesting…I can’t wait to learn more about how different our cultures are…” Twilight commented as she got back up from bowing.

“I see my sister as returned from her trip abroad…that was certainly faster than I expected…” I heard somepony say in a slight teasing voice as Twilight moved out of the way and turned around to see a very dark blue Alicorn walking up next to the purple mare with a grin on her face…Princess Luna!

“Oh and here is the other ruler of our nation Princess Luna…” Twilight immediately introduced as she raised a hoof and gestured it toward the other Princess, who closed her eyes and gave a quick nod.  Slate looked at her curiously, even rubbing his chin with a hoof.

“Aren’t you supposed to be trapped in the moon for the unforgivable things you’ve done?” He then asked Luna a bit harshly as he moved his hoof from his chin to the dark Alicorn before him.  Luna’s eyes popped open, her pupils shrinking to small dots before she closed her eyes again slowly and slunk her head, her wings also going limp and falling down to the ground in sadness.  Oh poor Luna…I bet the last thing she wants to her is how mean she was in the past.  

“How dare you!”  Twilight erupted as she stepped before Luna with her wings fully extended, whose eyes opened back up and looked at the purple mare in front of her in shock.  “She’s not evil!  She’s been forgiven!  She has been for a while!  I ask you kindly not to offend one of our Princesses!” She said in almost a threatening manner as she narrowed her eyes at the White Alicorn Prince in front of her.  The green eyed foreigner recoiled a bit and blinked a few times as Signal began to move forward in a menacing manner with a scowl on her face...only to be stopped by Slate’s wing opening up.

“You’re right…that was uncalled for…I apologize…” He apologized sincerely, even bowing his head as Signal moved back to her original position.  Twilight nodded back before she stepped back as well beside the Princess of the night as Slate folded his wing back up.

“Thank you Twilight…” Luna thanked gratefully with what seemed like a tear in her eye as she gently smiled at the purple mare.  Twilight looked at her and smiled back along with a nod…I smiled as well because that means everything’s going to be ok.

“Forgive me…I don’t keep up with what’s going on in Equestria that much…but then again Equestria doesn’t seem to keep up with the rest of the world so maybe that makes us even…” The Prince then pointed out in a slightly joking manner but also somewhat offensive as he smirked at the two Alicorns in front of him…well…that’s still no excuse…I think…

“Well maybe by the end of this trip that problem will be remedied…so come let me show you around the castle…” Twilight replied happily, not taking it as an insult and instead an opportunity as she turned around and held a hoof out to the castle.

“Please….and thank you…” He accepted in a kind demeanor with a nod before Twilight started to trot the castle.  Slate turned his head around to look at the black mare beside him and nodded before he looked back and started to follow the purple Alicorn with Signal Fire following behind him.  Once they were gone I heard Celestia make a sigh…from relief or exhaustion I don’t know but it certainly didn’t sound happy…

“Did you enjoy your trip my sister?” Luna teasingly asked as she held a hoof up and smiled at her older sister.

“Oh Luna I didn’t have much time to enjoy it…and to be honest I think I prefer staying here in Equestria with you and all our subjects…” The Sun Princess answered in a tired tone as she rolled her eyes playfully and smiled back at her younger sister.

“I have to agree…raising the sun and moon by myself was quite troublesome…I almost can’t believe you did it by yourself for a thousand years…” The darker Alicorn said with a nod, not sounding at all pleased by her time as the main temporary ruler of Equestria.

“If I could do it I knew you could do it…and I was right wasn’t I?” Celestia jokingly retorted as she winked at the slightly smaller Alicorn, who giggled and nodded back at her.

“Yes but I think I would like to return to me just raising and lowering the moon again…” Luna said as she titled her head slightly at her sister…I’m glad Luna is happy with just raising and lowering the moon…I’m sure Celestia is too…they do a pretty good job ruling Equestria together with this kind of balance.

“I understand…but…can ask you to do it one more time…I mean I just got back from a long trip and all I want to do is sleep at the moment after such an exhausting ordeal…” The taller prismatic maned Alicorn then asked in a playful tone as she raised a hoof to her fore head and make a fake sounding groan.

“Hmmm perhaps we should change your title from ‘Queen of the Sun’ to ‘Queen of Unnecessary Bickering and Whining!’” The darker Alicorn teasingly suggested as she smirked and raised her eyebrow at her.

“I’d gladly accept ‘Queen of Pleading’ if you would do this for me sister…” Celestia counter-suggested with a slight giggle and a nod…the whole situation making me smile myself as it was clear there was some kind of bond between these two and they were in fact real sisters.  I was so happy I looked over at Rainbow briefly who was also enjoying the performance in front of her as she too was smiling cheerfully.

“Oh and…the phrase you should use in this situation…” She went on in a light hearted tone as she raised her hoof up, “Is Drama Queen…” She then finished with a wink a she bopped her younger sister on the snout playfully with her hoof, giving he the proper thing to say in that kind of situation.  Luna blinked a few times before suddenly materializing a quell and paper in a bright flash.

“Drama Queen…” She repeated softly and intently as she wrote on the piece of paper with her magic and focused all her attention on it, “Alright got it…”  She then happily said with a smile as the quell and piece of paper disappeared in another flash.

“Thank you sister…I shall make much use of this insult on you later…” Luna then said back almost threateningly as she grinned mischievously and narrowed her eyes slightly…which only made Celestia laugh warmly.

“For now though…as gratitude for your new weapon against me…you could do this favor for me…please.” She replied, now sounding sincere in her request as she titled her head slightly at the younger Alicorn.

“Very well…just this once though sister…ask again and I’ll be sure to make your next couple of dreams a bit more frightening than usual…” The Princess of the Night reluctantly agreed as she turned around, teasing and possibly threatening the Sun Princess with a smile as she trotted away.

“Thank you Luna…” Celestia thanked gratefully as she closed her eyes and nodded at her younger sister who was walking away…leaving her alone with us…and…well…I don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing…I mean we’ve just been standing here the entire time…

“Ummm…Princess….what should we do?” I sheepishly asked in almost a whispers as I slowly raised my hoof up.  Celestia opened her eyes and slowly turned to face me with a gentle smile on her face.

“Oh yes…forgive me…I’d like you to come with me and then accompany our guest along with Twilight to show him around…I mean after all you’ve already met so it would be better for you to get him acquainted with Equestria…” He answered calmly telling us the reason why she wanted us to be here…o-oh we’re…we’re supposed to be with Slate?  I…I’m not particularly thrilled with the idea.  I looked over at Rainbow, who strangely enough was turning at the same time to face me, and gave her a doubtful expression.  Rainbow returned my expression and nodded as if understanding what I was feeling…I knew as well what she was feeling too…we both would rather not be here with him…

“Ummm Actually your highness…” Rainbow started in a nervous tone as she turned to face the tall white Alicorn,  “We really should be leaving…I mean I have to report to Cloudsdale about the Migration and I’m sure Fluttershy wants to go home…” She then said as she rubbed the back of her mane, not feeling comfortable about going against the Princess’ wishes…I know…I don’t feel ok with it either…and I know I could never speak up against her…so I’m glad Rainbow is here with me to do it for me.  Celestia blinked a few times in surprise before smiling and nodding back at her.

“Very well then….you’re both free to return home…” She replied in an understanding tone…which made both Rainbow and I take a big deep breath in relief…I feel like we avoided something horrible…thank you Rainbow for getting us out of this…

“Thank you your highness…” The cyan Pegasus next to me thanked gratefully with a slight bow of her head,  “Oh can you talk to the rest of my weather team…so that they can go home as well?” She then said a bit frantically as she remembered about Cloud Kicker and the rest of her team that was most likely still on board the Magnificent.  Celestia didn’t say anything and turned her head to one of her guards and nodded.  The white royal guard nodded back and turned around to go back up the ramp to the ship.

“Consider it done…” She then happily said back as she turned her head back around to face us with that smile still on her face.  Well I’m glad they won’t be forgotten about now…

“Thanks…” Dash once again thanked gratefully before turning to face me with a smile on her face, “Let’s go Fluttershy…” She said to me as she nudged her head away from me and up to the sky, unfolding her wings and taking off shortly afterwards.

“Oh…right…” I simply said back before I opened my wings as well and started to flap them, “Goodbye Princess…” I said as I turned my head around and waved at the white Alicorn underneath me.

“Farewell Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy…I hope the future brings many fortunes on you…” The princess responded, giving me her best wishes as she waved back to me.  I nodded and flew off as fast as I could in order to catch up with Rainbow, who was already flying off.

“Thanks for getting me out of that situation Dash…” I thanked her as soon as I caught up with the speedster Pegasus, who slowed down just so I could catch up.

“It wasn’t a problem…we both didn’t want to be there with that flankhole…” She rather arrogantly responded as she looked at me and smirked, “Besides the sooner I get you home the better…” She then said a bit seriously as she turned her head and faced forward so she could see where she’s going.

I didn’t say anything to her and simply nodded as we continued flying.  It didn’t take us that long for us to leave Canterlot, as we were leaving I noticed the sun going down and just knew that it was Luna carrying out her sister’s request by lowering the sun herself.  I smiled happily as we continued flying…I looked back at Dash whose blue coat and rainbow mane seemed glow in the radiance of the setting sun.  It was so striking I had to look away, feeling a warm blush start to form.  I didn’t look back at her in fear of me being embarrassed again…embarrassed of what though?  That’s something I don’t really understand…

“Hey I can see Ponyville!” I heard Rainbow Dash shout as I turned to look at her and saw her point in the distance with her fore hoof, I looked over and narrowed my eyes to see our cozy little town…looking just as peaceful and nice as we left it.  I sighed in relief as it was great to be home finally…

“It’s good to be back…although it kind of sucks considering I still have more flying to do…” The blue Pegasus then grumbled as she folded her fore hooves…she still has to fly to Clousdale like she says…and I bet she would be in a better mood if she had flown that entire trip with the Wonderbolts like she planned instead of flying with me…now I feel a little guilty for coming up to her and practically demanding we fly home together…I almost can’t believe I did that now that I think about it…

“R-Rainbow…I’m…I’m sorry you flew with me instead of flying home with your idols…I know you really wanted to fly with them..” I nervously apologized as I flew up to catch up to her knowing full well that she’s grumpy because of that and is probably a little upset at me.

“Fluttershy flying home with you was awesome…you might not be the Wonderbolts…but you’re a pretty close second…” The kind mare flying alongside said as she looked at me with a smile, though I could still see a hint of reluctance in her eyes along with regret…

“Oh…alright…” I simply said back as I looked away, still feeling guilty as I lowered my head and my ears slightly.  It didn’t take us long before we were finally back at our home town…I looked around and sighed in relief at all the familiar sights like the mayor’s office, the library, and Sugar Cube Corner…

“Alright…we’re back…I guess we should part ways…” The speedster Pegasus suggested as I turned to look at her taking a huge sigh of relief…I guess she’s happy that I didn’t get hurt or that I didn’t crash land because of my wings…but…as I said before my wings feel perfectly fine..

“Y-Yeah…I-I have to go to Rarity’s…I have to drop off the things she made me get…” I agreed as I looked back at the saddlebag on my back and remembered the things Rarity asked me to get…I’m sure she’ll want these as soon as possible.

“Alright…I’m going to Clousdale like I said and will be back sometime tonight…” She then said in an understanding tone as she nodded at me, telling me what she had to do…so…this is where we’ll take our leave…until tomorrow that is when we meet up again…I think I’ve been with Rainbow the last…four or five days…well…I couldn’t be happier…the more time we spend together the better…

“Thank you Rainbow…”  I gratefully thanked as I started to move towards her…which made her eyes slightly bulge as she moved away slightly.

“N-No it was no problem…” She replied with a stutter as she shook her head and fore legs at me desperately trying to shrug off my appreciation for some reason…

“No…that was the best trip I ever took…” I clarified gently as I extended my hooves and brought her into a soft hug. “Thank you…I’m glad I went with you Rainbow…” I then thanked again in a softer tone as I put my head against her chest.

“Y-Yeah…a-anytime…we should…we should totally do this next year…” The nervous and slightly uncomfortable sounding mare suggested as I felt her reluctantly hug me back.

“Mmmm...I’m looking forward to it already…” I agreed as I rubbed my head against her soft lean chest…not wanting to break this contact.

“I…I really should get going now…” She then desperately said as he broke away from the hug and looked back at her wings for some reason as they continued flapping…oh dear…I didn’t think I’d upset her that much…

“O-Oh I’m sorry…”  I apologized in a whisper as I looked away and tapped my fore hooves together, regretting that hug I gave her…but…I couldn’t help myself…I wanted to hug her again and feel her coat against mine…I…I’m turning into a bad friend aren’t I?

“Yeah…bye Fluttershy!  See you Tomorrow!” She then said in a slightly calmer and louder tone as I looked over to see her flying away at her top speed…most likely heading to Cloudsdale like she said to report to….whoever it was she needed to report to.

“B-Bye Rainbow…” I replied softly…in such a soft tone that I doubt she heard me.  I sighed as I turned around and started to fly towards Rarity.  It wasn’t going to be that far of a flight and as I saw her boutique I started my descent to the ground and then I-

“AHHHHHHH!!!!!” I suddenly screamed in horrific pain as it felt like somepony just forcibly ripped my wings off.  I felt to the ground and landed with a loud thud…thankfully since I wasn’t that far up from the ground the landing didn’t hurt that much…especially when compared to the immense throbbing agony that was in my wings.

“Ah…Ahhh!”  I screamed in agony as I slowly stood up on all my fours and looked back at my wings to see them looking completely awful…worn out, tattered, feathers looking ruined, and feeling as though I just….flew across an ocean.

“W-Wha….” I muttered in confusion as I raised my hoof and gently placed one wing to its resting position…stingy like a thousand needles at once I did so…and the same thing happened as I put my other wing to its resting position…

“W-Wh…What happened?”  I questioned as I looked at them throbbing angrily and in pain against my sides…they felt perfectly fine all the way here and even outside of Ponyville…did the pain and fatigue just suddenly catch up to me all at once or is it because….because….n-no…that’s…that’s not possible...I’m crazy to even think of something like that…but…could it be that-

“Fluttershy!” I heard somepony shout in a worried tone, cutting me off from my thoughts.  I looked up to see who called me and I saw a white unicorn with a purple mane standing in the doorway of the boutique.

“O-Oh Hello Rarity…” I greeted nervously as I moved my hoof up and waved at her…still being  in immense pain from my wings as I winced slightly from simply raising my hoof up.

“So that was you who screamed outside my boutique!  What ever happened to you?” She then asked frantically as she looked over me and was afraid that I was seriously hurt…which…I kind of was but I can’t let her worry about me…

“N-Nothing…just…just had a rough landing is all…” I shrugged off as I moved my hoof and tapped my wing…cringing in horrible pain from that little touch.  “Nothing to be worried about…” I then reaffirmed in a slightly agonized tone, desperately trying to surpress the urge to scream out in horrific anguish…deciding to walk up to her to get my mind off of the pain.

“If you say so darling…” The white Unicorn said back with a sigh as she moved out of the way, “Come in come in…tell me about your trip…” She then insisted as she gestured her right hoof for me to enter…which I gladly did.

“Thank you Rarity.” I thanked gratefully wincing in pain slightly as I walked past her and into her warm home…which made my wings feel slightly better as cool air isn’t the best for my wings…

“So tell me…did you get what I asked for?” She then asked curiously and a bit seriously as she shut the door with her magic and looked at me with what looked like desperation in her eyes as I bet she was seeking a certain object for a certain orange earth pony.

“Yes…they’re in my saddlebags…” I happily informed with a smile and a nod.  Shortly afterwards the bags were lifted off my back by her magic and brought over to her, she opened the bag and out that special box that I put in yesterday and instantly made a sigh of relief.

“T-Thank you Fluttershy…you have no idea how much this means to me…and how much this is going to help me…” She thanked very gratefully as she started to tear up slightly.  She brought a tissue over with her magic and wiped it away the tears before she did start crying though.

“No problem Rarity…I’m always happy to help…” I gleefully said back as I felt good that I actually helped out one of my dearest friends…and possibly helped out another friend as well if it all goes well…it helped distract me from my current misery.

“Oh I see you got the dresses I asked for as well…” She then said as she noticed the dresses in the saddlebags, getting out the extravagant one that I wore at the restaurant yesterday. “And it looks like somepony wore it…mmmm…what did you need it for anyways?” The purple maned unicorn then asked curiously and a bit teasingly as she looked at me a mischievous smirk and raised her eyebrow at me.  Or dear…she noticed that I wore it…though she’s not upset…just wants to know why I wore it…that’s fair… I mean it is her dress…

“Oh…well I needed it for-”

“Oh my gosh!” She then suddenly shouted, cutting me off from my explanation as she looked in my saddlebag.

“R-Rarity?” I called with a stutter, fearful that she really was angry now that I did something horribly wrong!

“You used my Latex outfit!”’ The frantic azure eyed Unicorn declared as she got out the other outfit I put on…oh dear…she really didn’t want me to wear it didn’t she?

“I’m sorry Rarity…I really didn’t-”

“Who wore it…was it you or Rainbow Dash?” The now scary unicorn asked, cutting my apology off as she walked over and looked at me eye to eye with a terrifying looking in them…oh-oh my goodness…she really didn’t want anypony to wear this didn’t she!?

“U-Uhhh…m-me…” I answered with a squeak as I pressed my stomach against the floor and moved my ears down in regret…expecting her to call me a horrible friend for wearing her outfit.

“I…I had no idea you were like that Fluttershy…” She then said in a calmer voice as she looked at me in shock…I…what?

“L-Like what?”  I sheepishly asked wanting clarification as I looked at her with my eyes wide…of all the ways for her to react…she…she reacts like that?  W-Why?

“But I always guess you had some form of dominating spirit inside you…and that proves it.” She then happily said as she started trotting in place out of excitement…I…I’m confused…

“P-Proves what and…how now?” I asked complete befuddles as I slowly got off the ground and looked at her with an eyebrow arched…I…I have no idea what she’s talking about…and it’s honestly scaring me to be honest….

“Tell me…I bet Rainbow absolutely loved it!” She then asked, ignoring my question a she looked at me with a bright smile…oh well that question I can answer thankfully!

“A-Actually…she thought it was weird and told me to change into the other dress before we went into the restaurant…” I answered, remembering the horrified look on Rainbow’s face when she saw that outfit…

“W-What?” Rarity said simply said back, her expression instantly changing from delight to bewilderment…oh…I bet she has no idea what I’m talking about…I guess I better explain…and then get my apology in since she’s not cutting me off anymore.

“Oh…we h-had to use your fancy dress in order to sneak into a fancy restaurant…I-I’m sorry…” I replied, detailing why I had to wear her dress and then giving her my apology, legitimately feeling bad for wearing it without her permission.

“It-It’s quite alright Fluttershy…but tell me…d-did anything happen between you two at the Restaurant…or while at Rio in general?’ She shrugged off with a wave of her hoof before quickly changing the subject to something else…what is she talking about now?  Wait…I think I know what she wants to hear….

“Oh Rainbow confessed to me…” I started happily with a big smile as I raised both my fore hooves and tapped them together, remembering how Rainbow called me her best friend out of everypony…and also remember how happy I was after she said that…

“I knew it…I knew it I knew it I knew it!” Rarity started to cheer as she began to jump around a bit…I knew she would like that answer…she just loves being right…

“Yes you were right Rarity…she said that I was her best friend and the closest pony to her…” I then said, fully telling her what happened…after which she stopped and looked at me with a disappointed look on her face and a little bit of frustration in her azure eyes.

“Oh…that’s it?”  She then said as she turned around to face me while flicking her purple tail around a bit probably to vent her displeasure…n-now she’s upset?  I…I don’t get it?

“W-Was there supposed to be something else?” I asked back, not knowing what she wanted to hear…there was that moment where Rainbow thought she …uhhh…did things…to me…but she doesn’t want to hear that…it would only upset her more.

“I guess I’ll have to resort to my last option…” She then muttered to herself, ignoring my question as she turned around and put a hoof to her muzzle….last option?

“Your last option?”  I asked even more confused than before as I titled my head and raised my left cheek slightly at how she was acting?

“Good news Fluttershy…you know Pinkie Pie’s party that’s happening tomorrow…” Rarity happily said as she turned around with a pleasant and forced smile on her face.

“Y-Yeah?” I simply said back in a soft tone as I looked up…I kind of knew from a day or so ago when I was with Twilight…

“Yes…and for it…I’ve set you up with a date!” She then happily shouted as she revealed her plans for me tomorrow…

“Y-You have?” I simply said back in shock as my eyes widened as far as they could…she…she set me up with a date…with somepony…tomorrow!?

“Yes why did you think this dress is for…it’s for your date tomorrow…I set it before you and Rainbow Dash left for Rio…” The white unicorn explained in a confident sounding tone as she turned around and started to trot into the next room.

“Oh…ummm…g-great…”  I replied as I followed her into the room…trying to sound enthusiastic but instead sounding very uncertain and doubtful.

“Oh…something the matter Fluttershy?” She asked curiously as she turned around and looked at me with a smirk and raised eyebrow.

“I…I don’t know…I…I guess I’m nervous….or…something…I don’t know…” I tried to explain before looking down…but I couldn’t tell her how I was feeling…because I honestly don’t know how I’m feeling…this should be exciting or at least very terrifying…but instead I’m not feeling either…I feel…disappointed somehow…

“Don’t worry Fluttershy…I have a feeling you’re going to love your date…” Rarity encouraged before she turned around and entered the room…me still following right behind her

.

“I-I hope so Rarity…and thanks for the opportunity…” I said back in a softer tone as I was still looking down…I was trying my best to sound happy for at least Rarity’s sake since she set this up for me…and especially since she’s been trying to set something like this up for me for who knows how long…but I just couldn’t…and instead I sounded sad.

“I’ll just fix this up and change it for tomorrow and you’ll have the best date ever!” The cheerful Unicorn said as she placed the latex outfit and box on a counter, put the saddlebags by the edge of the counter, and then placed the fancy looking dress on a sowing machine for her to work on…I guess she wants to make it look better for me tomorrow…even though…I’m honestly not looking forward to it…

“I…I’m so…excited…” I weakly said in a whisper as I walked up with her to watch her get to work on the outfit…I…I still don’t get it…I should be feeling something like extreme stress, fear, or excitement…but…instead…I feel down and upset…why…

Why am I so sad about going on a date with another pony tomorrow?

Next Chapter: Chapter 13 Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 45 Minutes