“Hello Twilight…”  I greeted slightly unhappy with a wave and a slight smile as I looked down at the Alicorn princess, “So what happened in Canterlot?” I then asked curiously as I titled my head at her…although her unhappy demeanor didn’t seem change as she just stared at me with her eyes focused on me as if I lost her favorite quill or something.

“Get down here Rainbow!”  The angry princess shouted in reply as she stomped one of her fore hooves to the ground…ignoring my question.  Oh Celestia damn it…what happened…is she in desperate need of my help or did something bad happen in Canterlot!?

“Alright hold on…” I replied in an annoyed shout as I put my unfinished sandwich back into the bag and then took off the saddlebags I had on, “Thanks for lunch…I just wish it could’ve lasted longer.”  I then said in a sincere tone as I turned to Fluttershy and gave her a smile.  She smiled back and nodded to me as I pushed my lunch bag and saddlebags towards her for her to hold onto.   I then unfurled my wings and glided down off the cloud towards Twilight.

“What’s up?” I asked in a slightly aggravated tone as this really was the worst time to be disturbing me…almost as bad as disturbing me in the middle of a nap.  I mean seriously, I was having a nice meal with Fluttershy…it was maybe getting a little too personal for my liking but it was still enjoyable and now you interrupt it…I hope it is bad or else I’m going to be one pissed Rainbow…

She didn’t immediately respond and instead just looked at me menacingly as I landed right in front of her.  After I placed my wings back to my side I heard the clear sound of her magic being used and shortly after that I saw a book float up from behind her and in front of my face.  I looked at it and it…ahh hell…it’s the Daring Do Book I returned yesterday…and somehow it looks worse than the condition I left it in!  How is that even possible?

“Do you know what this is?”  She asked me a low growl as she moved the book back right beside her.  Oh no…I’m blind I couldn’t see that very obvious object in front of my face…maybe if you would’ve moved it closer to the point where it smacks me in the…OH CRAP NO I DIDN’T-

“AGHHH!!!” I shouted in pain before I could finish that thought as the book hit me and bounced off my poor head.  Celestia Damn it!  What is the deal?  Is there some sign that says ‘Please Hit Me!’ on my face that I’m not aware of?  Seriously first Applejack, then Derpy, now Twilight!  Did Princess Celestia decree call her to tell her that throwing crap at each other is the new formal greeting!?

“It’s the Daring Do book you borrowed from me!”  Twilight then shouted as she pointed her hoof at me.  No duh!  I think I would recognize a book I borrowed from you and your library!  Especially since it’s made contact with my head three times in the same number of days!  I bet the cover is now permanently imprinted on my face!

“Yeah Yeah I know!” I exasperatingly replied in a shout as I rubbed my face hoping it didn’t damage its awesomeness too much, “And I’m sorry about the book…but considering the fact that it went through a roof and a couple of floors I’m surprised it didn’t disintegrate into dust!” I then informed after I finished rubbing my face and looked at her to see her giving me an appalled look.

“You threw the book through somepony’s roof!?  How could you Rainbow!?” The purple alicorn screamed in disgust as she backed away and struggled to keep looking at me.  She thinks I did what!?

“What!?  Why would I ever throw a Daring Do book at anything period!?  You really think I would do something like that on purpose!?” I yelled back taking offense to what she said as I put a hoof to my chest to more clearly show my resentment.  Seriously!  If worst comes to worst I myself crash into things…I don’t throw things myself…unless…I have to…or if I’m mad…or if…nevermind…point still remains that I would never through a Daring Do book at anything on purpose!

“I don’t know why you could’ve done that Rainbow…maybe it was all some kind of elaborate prank gone bad…or maybe you thought it would be awesome…I don’t know what was going through your  mind when you threw my book through that roof!”  She responded looking up and putting a hoof to her the bottom of her muzzle as she listed off some completely bunk reasons as to why I would do that.  You’ve got to be freaking joking!

I was getting ready to explode at her and tell her off on how she’s full of crap but I stopped myself when I saw Fluttershy gently flying behind and down right between us, causing me and Twilight to back up a bit to give her some space.  Where are my saddlebags and the lunch bags?  Whatever it’s not like it matters now.  She turned to look at Twilight briefly before turning to look at me and as I looked in her eyes I found all my anger and frustration quickly subsiding.  Once again Fluttershy has changed my mood to aggressive and angry to calm and relaxed…forget ‘Element of Kindness’ let’s call her ‘Element of Peace!’

“Twilight…do you really think Rainbow Dash would really throw your book through a window?” Fluttershy asked in her usual sweet tone as she turned to look at Twi…who immediately started to look guilty.  Yeah that’s right Fluttershy!  Get her!  Use that stare of yours on her and make her apologize!

“I’ve known Rainbow Dash since I was young and she would never do something like this on purpose…it wasn’t her fault…it was…it was an accident!”  She continued, stuttering a bit as she almost revealed her part in the whole accident but stopped.  She most likely stopped because I told her not to tell Applejack the truth and she must think she can’t tell Twilight either…which…yeah I don’t want her to be blamed like me.

“Y-Yeah…you’re right…I’m sorry Rainbow Dash.” Twi agreed in a regretful tone before looking down and apologizing, her wings slightly sagging down to further illustrate her remorse.  Ha ha!  Fluttershy’s stare three…everypony else zero…that includes me unfortunately.

“It’s ok Twi…I understand, if it was me in your position I’d be just as upset as you…in fact I’d be more upset since it’s a Daring Do book…so don’t sweat it…” I replied with a smile as I waved my hoof at her and shrugged off her apology…being the awesomely modest friend that I am as usual.

“I know you would be…I’m sorry…it’s just…I’ve been feeling a lot of pressure…from…you know.” She then said as she hinted at her newly acquired royalty status and pointed to her wings.  You know it’s been two months since she was crowned a princess and she’s still stressing over it…and I bet that trip to Canterlot didn’t help either…but that’s Twilight for you I guess…

“I’m sorry your highness…” I apologized in a slightly teasing tone as I bowed before her, Fluttershy quickly doing the same in fear that she might be doing something wrong.  

“You’re not funny Rainbow Dash…” She dryly said in response as I looked up to see her eyes narrowed at me, obviously not amused…but I was.  I stopped bowing and snickered for a few seconds before taking a breath.

“Look Twi…I know you’re a princess and everything but everypony still treats you the same as before so it’s really not that big a deal…so calm down a little ok…” I said in a supporting tone as I raised my hoof up and reminded her of how little everything seemed to change…I mean seriously…she’s been a princess for about two months…and I think Fluttershy and I are the first ponies in who knows how long to actually acknowledge her status and formally bow to her.

“Yeah, you try turning into a princess and having the weight of a future kingdom on your shoulders…let’s see how you deal with it Rainbow Dash!” Twilight angrily roared at me as she pointed at me with a fierce look in her eyes.  G-Geez…did you really have to blow up at me?  I mean I know it’s because of the stress and all but I think that was a little uncalled for.

“S-Sorry,” She then immediately apologized as she looked away with a guilt filled face, “It’s just…with all the pressure lately…the royalty, the wings, the responsibility…even the fact that winter is coming up…it’s just…all getting to me...” Twi went on explaining what I already knew as she looked back at me ruefully…she didn’t mention the trip…so I guess it wasn’t important or anything…ok…whatever…

“Look…again I’m sorry about the book…I promise I’ll make it up to you somehow…” I apologized again as I kind of understood what she was saying.  Having all that sudden pressure and responsibility can be taxing…and we all can’t be the awesomerific Rainbow Dash so we all can’t deal with stuff like easily…I mean if I suddenly became and Alicorn Princess I know the first thing I would do…and it starts with Wonder…and ends with bolts!

“It’s true…when she damaged that roof she fixed it all by herself!” Fluttershy added in my defense as I looked over to see her extending a supportive hoof towards Twilight.  Hell yeah I got Fluttershy on my side…I can see a bright end to this predicament now!

“Really?” She asked in disbelief as she looked at me in shock, blinking at me multiple times.  Tsk Tsk Tsk…Oh Twilight…no matter if your old unroyal Twilight or new royal Twilight with wings…my awesomeness will always astound you!

“Oh yeah….totally…and might I add it’s much better and cooler than before I damaged it…I wouldn’t be surprised if everypony wanted me to break their roofs just for me to fix them and make them awesomer!” I boastfully confirmed as I smiled victoriously, closed my eyes, and rubbed a hoof against my chest.   I then remembered that it wasn’t all me…and that Fluttershy did help me at the end…it would be very rude of me not to give her some credit…

“With…a little help of course!” I then added as I opened my eyes to look at her, not explicitly saying it was her that helped me to Twilight but at least letting Fluttershy know that I acknowledged her help.  

Fluttershy blinked in surprise before smiling and tiling her head at me after she caught my hint.  I leaned my head back a bit as I felt a slight twinge in my heart.  I looked away and felt my face heating up…ah it’s happening again!  Damn you Fluttershy and your stare!  Look at Twilight and not me, your stare is like a dangerous weapon!  Seriously I’m feeling the same weird feeling from earlier when we were eating on the cloud…the feeling that makes me blush and look away…I swear you have some mystical dangerous power in your stare and in your eyes as it certainly has a strange effect on me!

“Great!  Then you can help me organize my library!” Twilight then said excitedly, getting my attention and cutting me off from continuing my-

“Wait what?” I asked in disbelief as I looked up at her with my eyebrow raised…did…I just hear her wrong?  Please tell me I did!

“You can help me organize all the books in my library!” She restated again in excitement as she closed her eyes and smiled happily.  Uhhh…no…Rainbow Dash is many things…awesome…spectacular…an amazing flyer…an stupendous cook…and a great carpenter…but…yeah…book organization is not really me…besides you already have a small purple dragon for that.

“Uhhh…isn’t that Spike’s job?” I pointed out with a hopeful uncertain smile as I pointed my hoof at her, reminding her of her loyal awesome-

“Oh he’s busy at Rarity’s...” …Crap… “…He got jealous of Fluttershy’s visit with Rarity yesterday and went to spend the day with her…so  he won’t be back until very late and I’m going to need a pair of hooves to help me organize all my books while I’m busy studying on the task Princess Celestia gave me.” Twilight explained with a smile which destroyed my optimistic smile….so I guess the Princess did give her something to…probably something for a future test but damn it Spike…of all the times to go fawn over Rarity you have to pick today?  I mean come on!  You know Fluttershy has weekly visits with Rarity and even though they can upset me at times you don’t see me spending whole days with Fluttershy….well…you do…but…nevermind….point is…this really isn’t my week…but I’m sure as hell not organizing books!

“Uhhh yeah…I’d like to help…but I’ve got things to do…can I just pay you back for the book when I get paid in a few days?”  I counter suggested with a big smile on my face as I thought of anything to get myself out of this mess…I’ll fix ten thousand roofs than spend a day at a library moving books!

“That’s ok right?  Right!  Good!”  I then shouted happily as I unfurled my wings and took to the air to make my grand escape.  I tried to fly as fast as I could, bordering on Sonic Rainboom speeds…but to my surprise…I wasn’t going anywhere…I then heard the sound that Twilight’s horn makes when she’s using her magic and found myself surrounded by a purple aura…oh hell no!

“Oh no you don’t!” Twilight said sternly as she levitated me over right in front of her, “The book doesn’t cost that much and I’d much rather have your help than money!”  She then went on to say looking at me a bit intimidating as if this wasn’t up for discussion…I did my best to break free from her magical hold but unfortunately found my resistance to be futile.

“H-Hey!  No fair!” I shouted in annoyance as I still persisted to break free.  Damn her and her magic!  If she wasn’t an Alicorn or a Unicorn I wouldn’t have this problem!  She shouldn’t have changed into an Alicorn she should’ve changed into an Earth Pony!

“So come on Rainbow…let’s go organize those books!” Twilight responded excitedly as she turned around and started to presumably head home to her library…taking me with her as she still held me with her magic…aghhh!  This is all because I still borrow those Daring Do books off of her!  That’s it…I’m going to collect all the books in the series now!  First Editions no less!  I should’ve done that sooner but now it’s my top priority priority…well it’s my second top priority!  The first one is getting free!

“Celestia damn it Twilight!  I said-MPFH!”  I shouted angrily before I felt my mouth literally zip shut from another one of her spells.  I started desperately touching my mouth hoping that would somehow unzip it…but again it was another vain attempt.  Oh come on!  Now this is just cruel!

“Rainbow Dash…language…you know there are young ones watching!” Twilight scolded in a serious tone.  What young ones?  I’m looking around right now and all I see is Fluttershy following us!  Plus I’m a grown mare!  I can say whatever the hell I want thank you very much!  And come on Twi…you can’t be that oblivious to the real world…I see small foals and fillies swear all the time…hell I’ve seen Scootaloo belt out a few swears on rare occasions!

I turned back around to Fluttershy who was still following her and started making gestures at her hoping she’d catch on to either…A.  Get Twilight to stop this crap…B.  Get my mouth unzipped so I can show her the full extent of my ‘language’….or C.  Stare at her long so that she’ll be so guilty she’ll be in a pool of her own tears!   Unfortunately though, she just looked at me with a confused look on her face.  You can understand animals but you can’t understand when I’m telling you to help my sorry flank…that or your being too nervous to speak again…I’d believe either one…your record for saving me and  just standing  by idly are about even now…

I threw down my hooves in defeat and unfortunately let Twilight Sparkle carry me in her magical field.  I had no choice as I turned to watch her walk….very…freaking…slowly.  Come on!  Do you really have to walk!?  You have wings now!  Use them!  Or hell just teleport us there!  I’d be to the library about a dozen times now!  We could get there in ten seconds flat at my basic cruising speed but no you have to take the very scenic route and just walk!  Ughhh!  Twi…just let me go…I promise I’ll go there if you let me go there at my pace instead of this slow flank speed!  Gahhh!

“So what did the princess call you for?” Fluttershy then curiously asked out of the blue, breaking the dull silence as we passed some nearby shops.  Probably something that doesn’t involve us since she didn’t invite any of us…so it’s not really any of our business…but I’d still like to know regardless…

“Oh she told me that she was leaving Equestria for a bit and going off to foreign lands with Princess Luna taking over her position for raising and lowering both the sun and moon…” The Alicorn answered in a thorough description as she looked back to look at Fluttershy in her eyes.  I waved my hooves frantically to get her attention…but to no avail…of course.  Oh she’s taking a vacation…that’s awesome I guess…even Princesses need to relax I guess…I just hope Luna can deal with being in charge of the moon and sun…I’m sure she’ll be ok but you never know…

“Oh she is…that sounds exciting…” The timid Pegasus replied with a smile, “And dangerous…” Then added fearfully as she lowered her head a bit…oh come on…it’s not like she’s going all by herself to some random place with no hopes of returning…she probably went with a whole huge group of ponies on some fancy airship…

“I’m sure she’ll be fine…I know there’s a war going on outside our lands but she said she’s going to a friendly nation to help keep our ties strong…” Twi said back with a smile, pointing out that there was some war going on outside of Equestria that I knew about…but don’t know the details since we don’t really get a lot of news about the outside of Equestria so I’m in the dark…

“Where did she say she was going?” Fluttershy then asked curiously and concerned fearful that she might happen…oh please…if anypony tried to attack Celestia they’d be taken out in ten seconds flat…well…that’s too long…try ten milliseconds flat!

“She didn’t say…but she gave me some books and told to learn everything I could about foreign policies and how to deal with ponies from different cultures…” The newly crowned Princess then said as she revealed what her assignment was….great…diplomatic international relations…so exciting… “It’s actually kind of exciting!” She then added with a smile as her face exuded some eagerness…except it’s really not…

“If anypony could do it I’m sure you could!” The canary mare encouraged with a smile as she nodded at her…yeah….she’s perfect for the job…better than her than me…

“Thanks Fluttershy…” The purple Alicorn replied with a nod before turning around to face forward…I looked up and thank freaking Celestia I could see her library…I’m so happy I could almost forget about why she brought me here…almost…too bad I didn’t and remembered that I’m basically a prisoner…

“Alright, we’re here!” Twilight proudly declared stating the very obvious as we walked up to her tree home slash library slash my new dungeon.  Yeah took us longer than necessary though!

“Alright now Rainbow,” She began as she turned around to look at me seriously, only to be distracted by the sight of Fluttershy right behind me, “Fluttershy you can go now…” She then said to her, wondering why she came with us…really you were talking to her on the way here and don’t know why she came?  What do you think she was escorting me here with you and just here to make sure I didn’t do anything?  Seriously…I mean come on...and surely you know why she came along to begin with right?  She’s here to help me!  Why else would she be here!?

“O-Oh…I’m here to help out Rainbow Dash…if that’s ok with you that is…” She answered in her typical meek behavior as she recoiled slightly in fear of what the purple alicorn will say to her.  Called it!  I totally called it!

“Why?  You don’t have to help her out you know…I mean it’s her punishment not yours.” Twilight then asked as she titled her head still confused…really…did you randomly forget who Fluttershy is and what she represents?  Or are you just deliberately trying to waste as much of my time as you can?

“Oh it’s fine…I don’t really have anything else to do and even if I did I would always put it off later to help one of my friends.” The yellow Pegasus replied as she looked at me with a smile.  No Fluttershy…you must be more blatantly obvious because apparently becoming a princess means no longer having common flipping sense…

“Yeah that sounds like you Fluttershy.” The violet eyed and coated mare then said with a smile as she nodded slight.  Oh really…then why the hell did you bother asking her that crap when you knew what the answer was going to be?  You really were just wasting my time!  I told you I was sorry about the book that doesn’t mean you have to be cruel and waste my valuable time!  I mean come on!

“Alright Dash…it’s going to be a little messy when we get in there…but that’s why you’re here…all those books have be alphabetized by book title, author name, year of publication, length of the book, weight of the book, color of the book, and most importantly…set at the right angle.” Twilight then explained in elaborate detail as she looked at me seriously…she temporally went insane right…that has to be the only explanation…no one pony can have that level of insane organization!

“Any questions?” She then asked me with a smile…uhhhh did she forget I can’t talk because of her spell?  I shook my head frantically and pointed to my zipped lips with both my hooves to convey that I wanted my lips undone   “Good!” She happily responded taking my repeated head shaking as a ‘no I have no questions.’  Oh come on!

“Ummm…Twilight…I think Rainbow Dash was asking you to unzip her mouth… ” Fluttershy suggested a bit nervously as she pointed at me with one of her hooves!  Yes!  Thank you Fluttershy!  You’re twenty minutes late though from when I asked you earlier!  Oh forget it, better late than never I guess!

“Oh that’s right…silly me I forgot…” Bullcrap!  You didn’t forget you just wanted me to stay this way! “Sorry Rainbow!” She apologized as she lifted her hoof and thankfully unzipped my mouth.  My first immediate reaction was to breathe heavily through my freed mouth and touch it with my hooves to confirm that it could indeed open and close again.

“Thank Celestia that’s over…but seriously!  You expect me to do all that…stuff!” I then shouted at her as I remembered the list of insane instructions she gave me earlier!  Seriously, this should be Spike’s job!  You couldn’t make him stay to do this?  On second thought…maybe he wanted to escape this insanity and flee to Rarity’s…that dragon’s smarter than I thought…

“Yes…I do…and don’t think about trying to leave or escape.” The alicorn confirmed before pointing behind me, I turned around to see nothing but a bright purple wall, and as I looked around I saw that it encapsulated the entire library, “I have a force field in place now that I won’t lower until you get everything organized…” She then said in a threatening tone as I sighed and gave up on trying to escape…looks like I have no choice but to dully waste my brain cells on book organization…

“Ah Celestia…dang it…” I said in defeat as I turned around and gave Twilight a depressed look…stopping myself from swearing in fear of Twilight zipping my lip again.  …Feels weird holding your tongue…it’s like your denying apart of yourself freedom…I don’t like it.

“Oh it won’t be that bad…besides you have Fluttershy helping out…I’m sure you two will have it done in no time.” She then reminded in a brighter tone as she pointed to Fluttershy how was happily smiling at me willing to give me a helping hoof.  I sighed in relief as I know with her help this really shouldn’t take me that long…

“Yeah I guess your right…whatever let’s get this over with then…” I reluctantly said folding my forelegs and gave another sigh.   This made Twi smile and nod before turning around and enter her library…carrying behind her still in her magic aura…and I was still a little bit off the ground and was heading straight into the door frame!  Oh crap you’ve got to be kidding!

“Wait…WAIT WAI-GAHHH!  CELESTIA DAMN IT!  Am I just destined for abuse or something!?” I shouted angrily after my head banged against the top of the doorway.  This is what…the third time just today I’ve experienced some head trauma?  When will it all end!?

“Oh sorry Rainbow Dash…I forgot to take you out of the bubble…” The princess apologized actually sounding legitimately apologetic as she lowered me and released me from her grip.  I hit the floor with a slight thud and grumbled to myself as I rubbed my poor head.

“Oh Rainbow…are you ok?” Fluttershy asked in immediate concern as she rushed over and started to help me up.  Oh now you show concern…when Twilight threw the book at me earlier you didn’t do anything!  Fluttershy your compassion lately has been very sporadic!

“No…but that’s ok…I always wanted to forget most of my fillyhood memories…” I said a little abrasively as I finally stood up off the ground.  I looked over at Fluttershy as she looked hurt at what I said…oh great…I bet she took it as though I actually wanted to forget her since she’s a part of my fillyhood memories...oh please like I could ever forget you…besides it wouldn’t affect my current memories so I’d never forget you…but I better say something so she doesn’t think like that…

“I’m joking Fluttershy.  I’m ok; just forget….about….it…” I started as I looked away and then stuttered to a stop as I saw the ‘mess’ that egghead was talking about, “Holy mother of Celestia…” I said astonishment as I saw the once tidy and clean library now cluttered with books form the floor almost to the ceiling with not a patch of the floorboard to be seen.

“I told you it was a bit messy…” Twilight reminded in a deadpan tone as she used her wings to fly over some of the piles…oh now you’re freaking flying!  And you couldn’t do that before because why exactly?  

“There’s a little messy…and then there’s this Twi!  I mean seriously did you just wake up this morning and decide your floor needed some redecorating?” I asked half sarcastically and half seriously as I took into the air and surveyed the library from above…getting a better sense at the travesty beneath me.  Oh yeah…no wonder Spike took off as fast as he could…I’d do it right now if Royal Fillynapper wasn’t keeping me hostage here!

“Sorry….I’ve just been reading everything I can lately to better prepare myself for later challenges…” The before mentioned Royal Fillynapper responded somewhat apologetically as she landed behind a small podium with an open book...  You don’t need to read everything!  I mean come on!  I swooped down and randomly picked up a book.

“I don’t think a princess would need to know this much…I mean foreign relations have to do with ‘How to hide your embarrassing wing exposures in public.’” I said in a doubtful tone before reading the cover of the….wait what?!  I read over the cover again and sure enough it was ‘How to hide your embarrassing wing exposures in public.’  ….uhhh...I know Twilight said she was reading everything she could…but another mischievous thought crawled into my mind…

“Twiliiiiightttt…” I called in a very cheerful teasing manner as I looked up to see her blushing bright red and shaking slightly in embarrassment…oh yeah…you know I got you… “After getting wings are you getting a lot of wing b-“

“Sh-Shut up!” The now completely humiliated princess shouted as she cut me off and took the book out of my hooves with her magic…thankfully not hitting me with it though and instead putting it in its…presumably rightful place…I just hovered in the air and snickered at t the thought of the proud royal Twilight having a problem that has plagued Pegasus ponies for a millennium...

“Look at Fluttershy!  She’s already getting started while all you’re doing is horsing around!” Twilight then shouted as she pointed to Fluttershy who was already busy organizing books.  Geez she’s already hard at work…I guess I should be thankful that she didn’t hear us…though I have to wonder her wings stiffen because of those uncontrollable urges…I would imagine so…she is a Pegasus after all and all Pegasus have those cravings based on their tastes…I just wonder how she reacts to them or what her tastes even are…and…wait why the hell am I thinking about this so in depth?

“Yeah yeah alright…”  I agreed with a slight blush on my face as I lowered myself to the nearest pile of books and started to pick up a few.  I can’t believe I just thought that about Fluttershy…I feel so wrong…like I have to take a shower later or something…

I looked at the books and decided to place them in alphabetical order.  I don’t care about size, color, author, or whatever…she can bite my flank!  Besides she’s too busy with her nose in a book…hopefully a less perverse one…I flew over to a section and that was labeled ‘Nature’ and held out a book titled ‘Everything you need to know about how Trees are going to enslave us all!’ …I don’t even want to think about why this book’s called that or why Twilight has it…instead I just focused on putting it where I thought belongs…only for the book to be suddenly ripped from my hooves by Twilight’s magic…

“Ah Ah Ah!” I heard Twilight scold in a teasing manner as she held the book in front of me…what did I not say the magic word or something?  “That book doesn’t go there Rainbow!” She then said as I looked down to see her shaking her head at me….oh you’ve got to be kidding me?

“Oh come on!  Does it really freaking matter!?” I shouted back as I reached out and grabbed the book, causing the magic to dispel…oh one hoof movement can break that spell but me struggling for my life a few minutes ago doesn’t do anything…awesome…

“Yes it does Rainbow…how would you like it if I scattered all the clouds in the sky!” The young princess then asked with a raised brow as she reminded me of the disaster earlier.  Ughhh…those idiots…one Pegasus asked me what a cirrus cloud was and I wanted to smack him into one so he’d find out…wait she’s not threatening to go up there and make my job THAT much harder is she?

“Hey don’t you dare do that!  Those clouds have to go in a specific order and place or else the entire weather in Ponyville will change!” I threatened as I warned of the disastrous consequences of trying to move clouds of their assigned routes or destinations…move a raincloud two inches out of position and it could rain on some poor pony’s cart stand…

“Exactly…so please take the same care with my books as you would your own clouds…”  She then said in a victorious tone as if she won this argument…ummm…excuse me…how does the status of the weather for all of Ponyville compare to the status of books you barely read from time to time?

“But that’s clouds!  That stuff it’s important!  This is just insanity!” I insisted disparity as I flailed my hooves around still holding the books…hoping to get through to her somehow…but to no avail…she just stood there and looked at me darkly as if I just insulted her mother or something…

“Oh it’s not that bad Rainbow…” Fluttershy interjected as she flew up to me and gently took the books from my hooves with a smile…then flying over to another shelf and gently placing one of them at a very specific spot, “You see…they just go like this…” She then said sweetly as she turned around and continued smiling…making it look like the easiest thing in Equestria…how the hell did she do that?  How can understand Twilight’s insane organization rules?

“Great Fluttershy!  At least somepony around here gets it!” Twilight then complimented happily while also making a dig at me…I didn’t care though…if Fluttershy knows what the hell to do to make this stressed out princess happy then you go girl!  I’ll just leave it up to you!

“Fluttershy!” I shouted as I swooped down, grabbed a bunch of books, and then flew right up to her…surprisingly her slight as she eeped at my sudden approach.  “I’ll give you the books and you organize them!” I then said excitedly as I gave her the books, telling her about the awesome plan I formulated to get this over with as quick as possible.

“Alright Rainbow…that sounds good to me…” Fluttershy agreed with a smile before looking at a book in her hoof and flying off to place it in its correct spot.  

“Great!  With the two of us working together we’ll be out of here in no time!” I exclaimed happily as I dove down and picked up a few more books.  Now I’m really happy Fluttershy came along…you’re now in the golden area of saving my flank instead of idling standing by and doing nothing…keep it up Fluttershy and I might consider giving you a V.I.P. card after I become a Wonderbolt so you can come over and see me perform whenever you like…that’s the greatest gift I think I can ever give anypony ever…well…I need one first…heh…but that’s for much later though…right now I need to focus on books.

I continued doing my service of getting books off the ground and then giving them to Fluttershy, who managed to shelf them at a pretty decent speed.  I rarely had to wait long for her to be free to give her some books.  Little by little the cluttered library started to show signs of recovery.  …and little by little my sanity diminished as well.  It seemed like flipping hours and we still had a ways to go…this is maddening!  How does Spike and Twilight do it?  I’m losing my Celestia damned mind!  

“Ughhh!  Twilight!  Can we call it quits for today and do the rest tomorrow?” I asked impatiently as I looked out the window and noticed the sun starting to set…another day…wasted!  No practice or training whatsoever…I swear….I’m going to get some solid practice in tomorrow if it kills me!

“Quit complaining…you don’t have that much more to go and then you’re free.” Twilight replied dryly not even looking up from the book she currently had.  Ummm…did you not look around at the still rather large piles of books lying around?  Or are you just trying to be funny?

“You know it would go by even faster if you got your muzzle out of the book and helped us!”   I suggested rather annoyed as I pointed my hoof to a random pile of books.  She didn’t reply and kept focusing on her book…oh you’ve got to be kidding me…ughhh! “Don’t ignore me!”  I shouted at her trying to get her attention…but to no avail.  I was getting ready to get her attention in more physical manner before Fluttershy flew in front of me with a sad expression on her face.

“I-I’m sorry Rainbow…if I was just a little faster we might be done by now…” Fluttershy apologized feeling guilty and once again taking responsibility for something that’s not her fault.  I signed as once again my rage was quelled by the timid mare.

“It’s not your fault…there’s no other pony better suited to help me than you Fluttershy…” I said in a supportive tone as I smiled and put a hoof on her shoulder.  This immediately caused her spirits to lift as she smiled back at me...thankfully the effects of her stare having minimal effects on me as I wasn’t feeling that weird…

“R-Really?” She simply asked wanting confirmation as she usually did.  I nodded to her as I turned away and flew down to pick up some more books.

“Yeah I’m just bored as….bored out of mind and would much rather be doing anything at the moment than this!”  I said back in a rather annoyed tone as about fifty different things came to my mind on stuff I’d rather be doing right now.

“I-I see…well…would me asking you some questions take your mind off of things?” She asked a little softly as I picked up some books.  Honestly you can do almost anything to distract me…anything would be more interesting than this!

“Yeah sure…go ahead…ask me anything…” I replied with not much enthusiasm as I flew back over to Fluttershy with a collection of books in my hoofs.

“O-Ok…well…the first one is about that banner you have-”

“A-Anything except that!” I shouted as I dropped the books and used both my hooves to cover her mouth.  I looked down at Twilight who thankfully wasn’t paying attention…I don’t think I want a rumor floating around of me collecting big banners of my friend’s on it…that would be kind of weird.

She nodded in agreement to my outburst and then I slowly lowered my hoofs, “Ok, so anything except that question?” She asked in confirmation as I flew down below to pick up the books that I dropped.  Twilight still not paying attention…ok so you can tell when I’m about to put a book out of place but don’t notice a couple of your books falling a couple of hooves and landing on the floor…and you were chewing my flank out earlier about dropping books from heights…geez Twi… you’re very selective when it comes to noticing things!  

“W-Well…have you decided on if it’s ok for me to start dating or not?” Fluttershy then asked even softer than before, not to mention nervous.  Unfortunately I was busy below her collecting the books to cut her off from continuing…not to mention I wasn’t expecting her to ask me that!  Especially since I didn’t think about since two nights ago…so of course I don’t have an answer!  Did she really have to ask me that here?  Well at least she was quieter than before so that means Twilight shouldn’t have-

“Wait wait wait!” Twilight shouted repeatedly as she moved away from her podium and looked at us h in shock.  Oh come on!  You heard that but you couldn’t hear what she said before that!  Get your ears checked out Princess!  

“What is this about dating?” She then asked in disbelief, an eyebrow raised most likely hoping that she heard us wrong.  I wanted to say something try and quell those thoughts but I knew Fluttershy was just going to be honest so I just kept my mouth shut.

“Oh…well Rarity’s been trying to convince me to start dating…and I wanted to know what Rainbow Dash thought on the matter.” Fluttershy answered somewhat nervous as she told the truth…like I expected her too…I felt a little nervous too because Fluttershy told her about her wanting to come to me when I’m the absolute wrong pony to come to when it comes to things like this!

“Why Rainbow Dash of all ponies?” The violet alicorn then asked, sounding more confused than ever.  I would be offended that she said that…yet…I completely agree with her…why does it have to me?  You really should’ve asked some other pony…

“Because we’ve known each other longest and if anypony thinks I’m ready to do this it will be her…and…besides…she’s the one I trust the most.” She answered with a smile, repeating what she said the other day…making me feel awkward again…but I can’t show it in front of Twilight…

“Y-Yeah…what can I say…I’m just that awesome…as usual!” I declared as I tried to sound like my usual self, hitting my chest with my right hoof in order to look proud of this…even though deep down I wish Fluttershy wasn’t asking me this sort of thing.  It’s…It’s just not me!  Romance and dating isn’t my thing…and Fluttershy really should answer that on her own but instead asks me…and I don’t have an answer…aghhh…why does this have to be so hard?

“Well I think it’s a great idea!” Twilight replied happily and with a bright smile.

“What?” Fluttershy and I both said in unison, shocked at her response.  Sh…She’s ok with Fluttershy dating?

“I think Fluttershy dating would be good for her!” She then reaffirmed as she happily raised her forelegs and moved them about.  I…I can’t believe she would be ok with it…I thought she was going to be some stick in the mud about this whole thing…but…wow….she surprised me.

“R-Really?” Fluttershy asked nervously in a stutter as she looked at her almost blankly…the answer she gave not fully registering in her mind.  Not that it’s registering in my mind as well...

“Oh yeah…that way you can come out of your shell and be more outgoing and assertive…and to have a special somepony you can spend time with…I think you deserve that don’t you think?” The alicorn explained as she raised her hoof and closed her eyes trying to look serious I guess.  I can get what she’s saying…but…she’s not really thinking about the consequences…I mean…what if her relationship goes south or worse…she gets abused and mistreated?

“Y-Yeah but what happens if it goes wrong…what if she gets hurt or heartbroken…what about that?” I pointed out in concern as I looked at Fluttershy thinking about all the things going wrong…seeing her hurt…it…it really pisses me off!  If anypony hurts Fluttershy I’ll…I’ll…I don’t know what I’ll do…but I’m sure it will end with me being banished…and I’ll gladly accept it if it means getting revenge on somepony who hurt Fluttershy!

“Oh I’m sure it might happen…but as her friends we’ll be there to support her and in the end it will only make her stronger for future relationships…” She replied being sincere as she opened her eyes and looked at me letting me knew she understood the risks.  She’s…got a point…all things might have a rough start but it’s to prepare you for later challenges…I know that better than anypony with my stunt flying…

“Yeah…you’re right Twilight!” I exclaimed in agreement as I flew over to Fluttershy with a grin on my face, making her recoil a bit out of nervousness, “Fluttershy you should start seeing other ponies…” I then shouted happily as I put left hoof around her and waved my other one frantically….which normally would surprise her and make her even more nervous…but instead she just blinked a few times before slowly smiling at me.

“Th-Thank you…Rainbow…” She thanked in a whisper as she looked at me with that smile on her face…her ears slightly drooping down as it looked like she was going to cry…she looked so happy…I really should’ve told her this sooner…but…if it’s this easy to make her cry…that makes me really worried about her feelings in the future…

“And…ummm…if…you know…you run into any problems…just tell your old friend Rainbow Dash and I’ll kick their flanks to Cloudsdale and back!”  I then said seriously as I poked her chest with my right hoof making sure she understood that she’s not in this alone and that she should come to me if anything goes wrong…I don’t want to learn about her being secretly mistreated sometime down the road…I think I’ll lose it if that happens!

She opened her mouth and blinked at me in surprise before that warm smile returned.  She then put her hooves around me and brought me into a gentle hug, “I know you would Dash…and I hope for the both of us it never comes to that…” She said softly to me as she nuzzled against my chest.  I gulped at the closeness that was going on and debated on hugging back…just like before, but unlike last time I didn’t since I knew Twilight was in the room and was watching us…I can’t be seen as a super softy…I wouldn’t be able to live it down!

“I’m happy for you Fluttershy…I’m glad at least one of us will get a special somepony…” Twilight congratulated before her voice trailed off into sadness, looking down at the floor with a depressed expression on her face.  I separated from Fluttershy and looked at her as if she just said she was secretly a Wonderbolt.  What the hell is she talking about now with this ‘At least one of us will get a special somepony’ crap?

“What and you think you can’t?” I asked in a sarcastic tone as I thought she was surely joking or trying to pull a fast one on me.  She just can’t be serious right?

“Dash…I’m a princess now…and even if I wasn’t I still have duties to fulfill to Princess Celestia and Equestria…I…I don’t have time for romance and dating…” Twilight explained sadly as she looked back up at me looking like she was going to cry…oh come on…are you serious?  

“I-If…I did…I would’ve…confessed to a certain pony a long time ago…” She then said in a stutter as she looked away and blushed.  Twilight…has a crush on somepony?  That’s awesome!  She should totally confess to this pony!

“Well go ahead and confess to them then!” I encouraged as I flew down to her and gave her a slight nudge on the shoulder.  If she has feelings for somepony she should express them…and none of this ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘I have certain duties to fulfill’ bunk!

“I-I can’t…I just told you-“

“Don’t give me that crap!” I shouted cutting her off as I wasn’t going to hear it, “Just because you’ve been busy and have an important title now doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your personal life and your feelings…I mean look at Princess Cadance…she found a special somepony and got married!  Look how happy she is now!  You deserve that right as well Twi!” I explained as I lowered my voice and tried to be as sympathetic as possible.  Fluttershy covered her mouth in widened her eyes in shock while Twilight looked down as if she was seriously considering what I said…good…you should…maybe it will convince you get out there and not sulk over what could’ve been…

“Y-You’re right Rainbow Dash!”  Yeah I know I am! “I’m not going to sit idly by and sacrifice my feelings for anything…I’m admit my feeling and get that pony!” The princess happily declared as she stomped her right hoof on the ground and opened up her wings from the sheer adrenaline rush she must be having …I wanted to joke about how she might be getting a wing boner…but…now wasn’t the right time...later maybe…

“Awesome, I’m glad you said that Twi!” I remarked as I clapped my hooves together, happy that my friend found some confidence…man I’ve helped out Twilight and Fluttershy today with their personal problems…maybe I’m better at this romance thing than I thought…maybe I should add ‘Gives awesome relationship advice’ to my resume…ehhh…no nevermind…

“Woo hoo!” Fluttershy softly cheered in support…not sounding much like a cheer but for her that’s the best she can do and I know she’s really happy for her…but now that that’s out of the…I wonder who this ‘Special somepony’ is?  I don’t think she’ll tell me but at least I’ll embarrass the hell out of her!

“So…who is this special somepony anyways?  Who stole your heart huh?” I teasingly asked with a smirk as I went over and nudged her shoulder.  Just as I thought her pride and confidence suddenly vanished as her entire face lit up red and her wings dropped to the ground.  That made me chuckle to myself as I knew it would be easy to embarrass her…

“N-N-None of your business D-Dash!” Twilight shouted hysterically in defense as she backed away from me, which made me laugh even more to the point where I was holding my sides.  “Y-You can leave now!” She then said less hysterical which caused me to stop laughing and look at her seriously.

“What really?” I simply asked in shock as I didn’t think she’d let me go over teasing her like this…if I would’ve known that I would’ve teased her sooner!

“Y-Yeah…I have to do more research now on…you know…confessing…so that means your organizing efforts will be for nothing if I’m continuing to pull books off the shelves.” She explained as it looked like she was struggling to come up with an answer…I guess I made her so uncomfortable she doesn’t want to be around us anymore…great…I’ll keep that in mind for future reference just in case something like this happens again.

“And…c-consider it my thank you to you…for…umm…you know…helping me…” She then softly added as she looked down and rubbed her hoof on the floor looking really uncomfortable.  Ok come on Twilight…it’s not that embarrassing…why are you getting so worked up over ti…oh forget it!  All I know is that I’m free and that’s good enough for me!

“Awesome!  Thanks Twi!” I thanked excitedly as I turned around and flew over to Fluttershy…who wasn’t looking as happy as me…she looked a little suspicious…yeah I know Twilight’s now acting weird…but so were you a day or too ago…hell you were acting that way just today…so just forget about it!

“D-Don’t…men…mention it…” I then heard her whisper as it seems like she was struggling to form words…whatever…she’ll get over it in a minute…after she figures out to confess to her crush I guess…

“Come on Fluttershy!  Let’s get out of here!” I shouted happily as I grabbed one of Fluttershy’s hoofs and started to lead her to the door…oh sweet freedom…I can almost taste-

“Wait!”  Ah Celestia Damn it!  What now?!  Just two seconds ago you could barely utter a syllable and now you find your voice to shout at me?  What the hell!  I groaned to myself as I turned around to see a huge stack of books flying towards me surrounded by a purple aura.

“Here…take these books to Rarity…I told her I would lend these to her but I never got around to doing it…so would you drop them off for me?” The princess asked nicely as I looked around the books to see her looking on the floor for a book…probably a book on confess or love or something....whatever…I guess I could do it…I think I have to in fear of her holding it against me later…I don’t want to hear ‘Oh you didn’t help me deliver those books that one time so you owe me for this!’

“Sure…why not…” I agreed a little reluctantly as I held out my hooves.  The books moved over and then dropped into my hooves after Twilight released them from her magic.  And Oh my Celestia…these things are heavy!  Does Rarity really need all these books?  Do they really have to be this big?  I swear if this some fashion crap I’m going to throw these books one by one through her windows!

“Thanks Rainbow…and when you get there could you ask Spike to come home a little earlier than he said…I…I kind of want to talk to him.”  She then requested of me sounding really nervous once again…she probably wants to talk to him over this whole relationship thing but right now I couldn’t care less!

“Yeah yeah sure whatever!”  I said frantically as I used all my wing strength to turn around and struggle to the door.  Well I was complaining about my lack of wing exercise…maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut!

“And while we’re there I can tell Rarity the good news!”  Fluttershy added sounding really excited as she referred to that dating question…and again I couldn’t care less at the moment!

“Yeah…awesome…can we go now…these books are freaking heavy!” I shouted a bit annoyed as I reached the door and couldn’t get out since I was busy holding onto books.  

“O-Oh sorry Rainbow…” Fluttershy apologized as she flew over and thankfully opened the door for me.  I couldn’t fly out though because that would risk hitting the top books on the doorframe and having them fall down.  So I flew down and landed on the ground…feeling the full weight of the books on my back hooves as I struggled out the door.

“Bye you two!” Twilight said loudly, saying her farewell to us.  I didn’t say anything back and instead focused on leaving and getting these damn books to Rarity…I really shouldn’t have agreed to this!

I looked around and noticed that it was now night time…great just like I thought I wasted my day at Twilight’s doing something boring.  I cursed my luck as I looked behind me to see Fluttershy closing the front door behind her.  I grunted in pain as I took to the air again, struggling to hold all of these books.

“R-Rainbow…do you want any help?”  Fluttershy offered sincerely as she flew up next to me.  Same old Fluttershy…always willing to give a helping hoof…although she should know that I wouldn’t accept…offering me help is basically saying I can’t do this…and I’m not about to admit that I can’t deal with carrying a bunch of books on my own!

“No!  I’m fine…let’s just drop these books off and then head to my place for an awesome dinner!” I rejected with a bright smile trying to make it seem like no big deal, reminding her of the dinner I promised her.  I forged ahead carrying all the books toward Rarity’s boutique…wishing I could go at my top speed but with the weight of all these books that was impossible.

“A-Alright…” I heard Fluttershy sheepishly agree as she flew alongside me…looking at the stack of books making sure none of them fell or that I didn’t drop them…which only increased my determination that much more to show her that I could do this!

I struggled desperately to carry the books while also making it look like to Fluttershy that I was having no problem carrying all of these books.  That’s easier said than done as I felt like my hooves and my wings were going to fall off.  Nether the less I persevered…we continued to fly low to the ground as my max altitude was limited to a couple of hooves off the ground.  

“Rainbow look it’s your saddlebags!” I then heard Fluttershy call out as I looked to see her pointing at my Saddlebags that were sitting idling in a bush.  How did they get there…wait…Fluttershy must’ve left it on that cloud…and it must have landed and disappeared on that bush leaving them there…ok that explains that…but…how the hell am I going to pick it up with these heavy books in my hooves…much less carry it…I don’t think I can support any more weight!

“Don’t worry Dash…I’ve got them.” She then said sweetly as she flew over to the bush and picked up the saddlebags.  I…I can’t let her carry that…especially since it’s mine…I should be carrying it…not her.

“Fluttershy no you don’t have to-"

“Y-Yes I do Dash!” I then heard her say sternly as she cut me off…Fluttershy…cut me off from speaking…I was so shocked I just hovered in place and looked at her with my mouth hanging open.  

“Y-You…You can’t carry all this stuff by yourself…you need help…I don’t want to see you hurt yourself or strain yourself just because you want to prove something to me…so I’m going to help you if you like it or not…” She then said softer and in determination as she put the saddlebags on and looked at me with a serious look in her eyes…as if she wasn’t going to back down from this.

“F-Fluttershy…” I called both in shock and admiration as I’ve never seen her be this assertive before…at least to me.  Her face then turned to instant regret as she looked away, feeling bad for what she did.

“S-Sorry…I didn’t mean to be so loud.” The yellow Pegasus then apologized sincerely.  This made me start to laugh because she wasn’t loud at all…and of course the moment she sticks up for herself she instantly apologizes for…that’s Fluttershy for you…saying sorry for raising her voice a couple of decibels.

“R-Rainbow?”  The timid mare called in surprise as she looked back at me a bit confused…obviously not expecting me to start laughing at what she said…

“No Fluttershy…its fine…” I said in a comforting tone after I stopped laughing, looking at her with a smile…which caused her to smile back at me. “Let’s go…” I then said as I gestured my head in the direction of Rarity’s…causing her to nod back at me and….strangely enough…the books didn’t’ seem that heavy anymore.

We continued to fly over to Rarity’s, the books like I said not giving near as enough trouble.  It actually seemed pretty easy now…huh…Fluttershy must really have some weird mystical powers if she can somehow make heavy books seem like no problem.  I’ll have to ask her the source of her powers later.  Anyways, when we reached Rarity’s boutique after minutes of flying I flew up to the front door happy to get these books off my hooves.

“Fluttershy get the door for me please…” I asked politely as it was obvious I couldn’t open with my hoofs being full.  The canary Pegasus smiled at me and nodded before flying over to the front door.  I couldn’t see what was going on but I didn’t hear the sound of a door opening…instead I just heard the sound of a doorknob refusing to turn.

“It’s locked…” Fluttershy pointed out as she flew around and looked at me with a sad expression on her face…like she failed me.  Yeah I gathered the door was locked but why?  I mean I thought Spike was with her so shouldn’t she be home?

“Check the windows to see if she’s even home.” I then instructed wither serious look on my face, which caused her to salute at me and fly around the boutique checking the windows and even flying around the back.  When she came back she had another sad expression…oh don’t beat yourself up for this Fluttershy…it’s not your fault she’s not home!  

“…I-I don’t think so Rainbow…there’s no lights on and even the back door is locked…I think she’s still with Applejack…I mean…that’s where she said she was going to be today…” She informed me in a disappointed tone as she looked down.  She’s where?  Why the hell is she with Applejack?  And is she there with Spike?  What the hell is going on?  What are they doing?  Oh whatever…it’s not my place to ask these questions…

“Whatever…let’s just leave the books on the front step like we did with Twilight’s…” I then said in annoyance as I went over to the doorstep to place them down.   Rarity will just bring them in whenever she gets home…it’s not like it’s a big deal.

“W-Wouldn’t that cause problems…like with Twilight and the book you left on her doorstep?” My fillyhood friend asked nervously reminding me of what happened last night.  I put the books down on the doorsteps…my hooves and wings instantly screaming in relief from the burden being lifted…I felt two thousand pounds lighter as my wings flapped in joy as I turned around to look at Fluttershy.

“That book was already messed up…these will be fine…” I shrugged off as I waved my hoof at her...that book feel through a building…these books didn’t…and unless a Typhoon mysteriously comes out of nowhere I don’t think anything will be happening to these books…

“I-If you say so…” She replied as she looked at the large stack of books still worried about them and most likely what might happen to me if something does happen to those books…I can understand that…I don’t think I could take three days in a row of me being in debt to my friends over stupid mistakes I’ve made…but I’m sure nothing will happen.

“Hey Fluttershy…” I called as I looked at her…looking at my saddlebags around her…thinking about taking them off of her and carrying them myself.  However when she turned to look at me…I just couldn’t…she was so determined to carry it…so determined to help me…that I couldn’t bring myself to take back my saddlebags.

“Let’s go back to my place now…” I then said with a smile as I flapped my wings harder and got higher in the air, a slight pain with each beat thanks to those books but nothing I couldn’t put up with.  Fluttershy smiled back and nodded before flapping her wings as well and following me.

The flight back to my place was slow…mostly because I had to wait up for Fluttershy.  I didn’t mind it much this time since I was just freed from carrying a large stack of books across time…so I was more or less enjoying the free feeling rather than a fast feeling.  I looked back at Fluttershy happily flying behind me…her mane being pushed back by the wind, her tail flailing behind her, and her wings flapping at a casual pace…not flapping as hard as they could to try and keep up with me…she looked rather peaceful and content…normally I’d rather be going at speeds three time this…but…for right now…seeing her like that…I’m actually kind of glad I’m not flying at full throttle.

I smiled at her warmly before looking back ahead.  Thinking about what kind of pony would deserve somepony like Fluttershy…honestly there weren’t any ponies coming to mind.  I don’t know if Rarity can find somepony that could be a good fit for her…but I’ll have to put my faith in her…I doubt she’d set her up with some creep or pervert…if she does I’ll never let her set up dates again!  I stuttered at that thought and shook my head to clear those disturbing images.  I just have to believe in Rarity and hope she does find the perfect pony for Fluttershy…for both her and Fluttershy’s sakes.

We then reached my house and landed right outside the door and once again I checked back to make sure Fluttershy wasn’t falling through the clouds…yeah I know I shouldn’t but I can’t help it.  After she smiled at me reassuringly I nodded and looked forward.  I opened the door and moved aside, letting Fluttershy enter first.  She nodded at me as she trotted past me and I entered right behind her.  I closed the door behind me and turned back around to…ahhh crap that banner is still on the couch!  You think Tank would have some sense to hide it or something!  Gahh!

“R-Rainbow…a…are you going to tell me why…why you have that now?”  She asked curiously and a little concerned as she stared at the huge banner with her face on it.  I sighed to myself as I trotted past her…

“Yeah I guess I can tell you now…” I agreed as I thought now would be the best time…I mean nopony else is here…so it’s just between me and her…if anypony else knew about this they’d probably laugh at me…so at least I’m glad it’s just her.

“When…you know…you got famous…I had to carry around this banner to promote your image and…whatever it was you were selling…” I explained as I looked at the banner and the slight wear and tear it accumulated since then…and it’s only been about two years…

“And…I was so happy for you…I mean…one of my friends?  A Celebrity?  How awesome is that!?”  I asked her a bit excitedly as I turned around to see her shaking slightly out of anxiety.  I hope she’s not scared that I’m like some sort of stalker fan…because that’s now what I was…

“At first I thought ‘This is perfect!  When I become a famous Wonderbolt we’re both going to walk up to everypony who ever mocked us and doubted us and laugh at them!’  You know…show them that we did become something…” I explained with a smirk as I remembered about how I made a ‘In your face speech!’ to all those people.  Fluttershy said nothing and only shifted slightly…obviously uncomfortable about that thought…she would never laugh meanly at anypony and of course hated fame more…

“But…as time went on…I saw you less and less and…well we stopped communicating all together…I thought you were so famous we wouldn’t be friends anymore…then I decided to keep this banner I flew around with…to…get you to autograph it…not only would it be worth tons of bits but I would be able to prove to others that I was once a good friend to one of the most famous and awesome mares in all of Equestria!”  I then went on…a bit softer as I recalled the moment where I realized I might never see Fluttershy again…at least not as a friend…and how it both made me sad and made me proud…sad to see her go but proud to see that she made something of herself.  Fluttershy made a gasping noise as she stopped breathing and looked at me in shock…obviously not expecting me to say that.

“Although obviously…that didn’t happen…and this banner became worthless…but I still kept it lying around…” I then said recalling the sudden overnight disappearance the famous model and the reappearance of my friend Fluttershy, “And…to be honest…I’m glad I have you as my friend instead of some dusty old banner with your autograph…even it was worth ten thousand bits it wouldn’t compare to you…” I then finished looking at her with a smile.  She stood there for a second still looking shocked…probably more shocked than before…then she blinked a few times a smile slowly appeared on her face.  She then trotted up to me as her wing opened one of my saddlebags.

“F-Fluttershy?”  I called curiously as I watched her reach inside the open saddlebag and pull out the pencil I used earlier.  She then bent down over the banner and….signed her signature on it…such a fancy and eloquent signature that I could barely read it…it was like the mouth writing of a celebrity…heh…well…she was a celebrity so it would make sense…no…she still is…at least to her friends…and to me of course…

“T-There you go Rainbow…you have my autograph…though…I-I don’t think it’s would be worth ten thousand bits though…” She then said with a happy smile after putting the pencil back in the saddlebag.  I chuckled slightly at the worthless value she mentioned and didn’t care one bit.

“You kidding…it’s now worth a lot than that to me…Thanks Fluttershy.” I responded warmly as big grin appeared on my face and as I stared into her cyan eyes.  She blinked and looked away with an embarrassed tint of red forming slowly on her face…she moved her mouth trying to utter words but was unable to say anything.  

“I should hang this up on my wall later…” I said instead in a slightly teasing tone but being completely serious. I was so serious that I was looking around at my barren walls for the best spot to hang it up on.

“N-N-No!  D-Don’t do that!” Fluttershy refused in a stutter as she looked at me with her blush now in full force, her eyes slightly quivering…it was making me want to laugh slightly again but instead I held it in.

“What?  It’s not like tons of ponies visit my house all the time…so I would mostly just be me seeing it…” I continued, still in a teasing tone as I felt like messing with her see…just so I can see her make that face some more…I do take pleasure in seeing people embarrassed…it’s all in the days work for a prankster.

“O-Oh…we….well…that’s ok…if anypony sees it…I’m…I’m glad it’s you.” The quiet Pegasus then replied in a whisper as she looked away…no longer being a yellow pony but instead a red pony as it looked like she turned complete red.  I…I…I was not expecting that…

“I…umm…T-Thanks…” I struggled to say as I felt my cheeks heat up and found it hard to look at her.  Damn Fluttershy…well played…you turned the tables on me…you’re a more worthy opponent than I give you credit for.  I mean I’m speechless…I don’t know what to say now…we both just stood there in silence until eventual the sound of a copter came from upstairs and into the living room.   We both looked at the source to see a flying tortoise coming up to us.

“Tank!”  I called happily as he flew up right in front of my face, “Hey little buddy…how as my little tortoises day?”  I then asked in a softer voice as I smiled at him.  Then I realized that was way too soft and unbefitting of me so I coughed to clear my throat and gave him a serious look.

“So…umm…Tank…did you keep up with your strict flying schedule…no hiccups or problems?” I then asked sternly as I tried to keep up my tough impression to Fluttershy.  Tank didn’t say anything and instead flew up and gave me a long lick on the cheek before placing his cheek against my cheek…Fluttershy giggled at the sight of this and the blush I was certain would fade away now increased tenfold.

“I’m…I’m going to take that as yes…good work Tank…”  I congratulated still trying to sound serious and keep what little dignity I had left…though that seemed pointless as Fluttershy wasn’t fooled and of course neither was tank…geez why is it that Fluttershy always sees my more embarrassing weaker moments?  Tank made a couching noise as he turned to Fluttershy…

“Oh I know…she always seems rough and tough but deep down she’s a caring and kind mare…” Fluttershy responded as she looked at Tank with a smile…oh crap…they’re talking…and Tank just said something embarrassing about me!  Why couldn’t my friend have some other talent like talking to flowers or something…because I know flowers wouldn’t say anything about me!

“H-Hey!  I’m right here you know…and quit making me seem like a softie underneath!” I shouted still blushing as I tried to defend my honor against my oldest friend and my gossiping turtle as he coughed once more…probably revealing another secret…geez I should really watch what I do and say about my pet…there’s no telling what Tank knows about me and about my privacy…

“Ohhh…she still does that?  She told me she stopped that back when we were fillies!” Fluttershy replied in shock as she covered her mouth with both her hooves…oh crap what the hell did he tell her?

“I…I still do what?  Quit telling her stuff Tank, you’re supposed to be helping me not helping my embarrassment!” I shouted trying to remind him of whose pet he is and where his loyalty should lie…I mean I know Tank used to live with Fluttershy and probably sees her as his mother or something…but…come on!  Don’t throw me under the table like this Tank!

“Oh yes I know she still talks in her sleep form time to time…when we were younger she said in her sleep that the ground had kidnapped me and was going to sell me to the pancake clan…” The yellow mare said with a giggle as she recalled an embarrassing memory…hey it’s not my fault those pancakes were evil!   I mean…ahhh!  This really needs to stop…I need them to talk about something that isn’t me!  Come on…come on…what should they be talking about…wait…that’s it!

“L-Look…shouldn’t you two be talking about winter and hibernation or…something?” I asked with a hopeful smile as I held up a hoof and reminded them both about the upcoming winter season and how they should be preparing Tank for his hibernation.

“Oh Dear your right...” Fluttershy responded with a gasp as she looked at me after remembering about that topic…thankfully, “Tank…are you ready for your hibernation?  What do you need?” She then went on to ask the flying green tortoise who proceeded to make a coughing sound at her.

“Oh really…you need that…well I can get that no problem…” She replied with a nod understanding what he was asking for as he made another cough which I’m guessing is another demand…whew…no more talking about embarrassing things…and especially embarrassing things about me…

“Great…now that you two are talking about that…I’ll go get our dinner started.” I suggested in a relieved tone as I turned around and trotted into the kitchen…not wanting to stick around and risk the topic being changed back to me…It’s better for me out of sight and out of mind for this one.  Plus…dinner should really does need to get started…alright Dash…time to show off your amazing cooking prowess!

I entered the kitchen and immediately noticed the spoiled food we left out from this morning…that was kind of my fault since I was in a rush or everything.  I didn’t want Fluttershy to come in and blame herself for this so the first thing I did was throw all of the rotten food away.  After that was done I immediately started searching for stuff to cook…stuff that would blow Fluttershy away and show what an awesome host I can be…

However…my findings were…ummm…less than desirable.  In that there was barely anything in my kitchen.  Well, nothing that would help me create a high class meal…most of my food was instant or simple…and they were in mostly empty pantries.  Damn…I really need to go all out and stock up on food next time because this is just sad…I mean I know I don’t really eat here a lot but…come on…I should have more than the pathetic small table of food I came to assemble.  

I sighed to myself as I continued to stare at the small assortment of foods and ingredients…not knowing what the hell to make….then I tried to think of food I could make even if I had the proper ingredients…and that was…almost nothing…I just wasn’t a cook…I started to feel a little foolish for boasting about cooking skills when the most I’ve made is a couple of sandwiches and maybe a burger with hay.

“Need any help Dash?” I heard Fluttershy offer as she walked into the kitchen.  I looked at her and noticed that she took the saddlebags off…which is good because I need those tomorrow morning…then I looked into her eyes so I could tell her about my blunder…but…I couldn’t bring myself to say that I didn’t know what the hell I was doing…

“N-No!  Of course not!  I have everything under control…I just…have to figure out what I want to cook is all…I mean there are so many choices available…” I responded trying to sound confident and calm as I looked back at the table filled with random assortments of vegetables and ingredients…nothing coming to though…

“W-Well…there seems to be enough for you to make a good batch of stew…” The shy Pegasus pointed out as she looked over the table…stew?  …yeah stew does sound nice…I can make that!

“Umm…yeah exactly…that’s what I was considering…but now you’ve convinced me…we’re having stew…” I said still trying to keep a façade as I thought of how to make the stew…only to hit another bump in the road as I didn’t even know how to make that…geez…ok…mental note for later…take a remedial cooking class so this never happens again!

“I just need to figure out where to start…I mean there’s so many ways to approach making a dinner like that I don’t even know where to begin.” I then said with a smirk as I still struggled to think of something…my eyes frantically shifting over the table trying to figure out what my first move should be.

“…B-Boiling a pot of water is always a good start…” I heard her quietly suggest…y-yeah…that would be a good start…can’t boil a pot of stew with a pot to boil it in!

“…yes…it really is…good idea Fluttershy!” I complimented as I flew over to a cabinet and grabbed the biggest pot I could find…thanking Celestia that I actually had a decent amount of cookware to work with.  I then went over to the small raincloud faucet and put a lot of water in it.  Then I went over to the stove, turned it on, and placed it over it…

“Next I’ll…” I started as I looked around, trying to think of what I could do next…and once again coming up with nothing.

“…you could start slicing up the vegetables as the water needs time to boil…” Fluttershy then suggested as she pointed to the table with all the ingredients on…I blushed slightly as this was went from Rainbow cooking to Fluttershy telling Rainbow how to cook…

“Y-Yeah…couldn’t have put it better myself!” I replied happily as I grabbed a knife and a cutting board and went over to the table.  I placed some vegetables on it, grabbed one, held it down with one of my hooves, and held knife in my other hoof ready to chop it.

“Umm…cutting them the other way would be better…”  The quiet mare pointed out as I looked down it at for a second…yeah…cutting it length wise instead of width wise would be a good idea wouldn’t it?

“…Y-Yeah…like this?’ I asked as I moved the vegetable around and looked at her with a nervous look on my face…which was thankfully subdued by her smiling face as she nodded at me.  I nodded back and looked back to start chopping…no longer trying to pretend like I knew anything and instead letting Fluttershy tell me what to do.

“Also be sure to check on the water from time to time to see if it’s boiling.” Fluttershy said continuing to provide me with instructions and hints…which instead of making me feel embarrassed or ashamed…actually…made me kind of happy…and silly for thinking I could make a grade A five course meal on my own.

“Gotcha…” I simply agreed with a nod fully accepting the situation of me being the learner and Fluttershy being the instructor…screw remedial cooking classes…I have Fluttershy!

We continued cooking with me diligently following Fluttershy’s instructions to a T.  Making a mental note whenever possible to remind myself later of how to do this…so I could do this later for other ponies when I invite them over.  Fluttershy was also a better teacher than I thought she would be…she started out nervous but once she got into a certain groove she fit into it without a problem…maybe she has a teaching career ahead of her…she can certainly pass as a culinary instructor!

“Alright…how’s this taste?” I asked as I lifted a spoonful of the stew we’ve been making up to Fluttershy.  She blushed slightly and hesitated before leaning in and sipping off the spoon.  She licked her lips and looked up for a second before looking at me with a smile.

“Needs a little bit more spice in it…do you have any?”  She suggested as she pointed at the stew.  Spices?  I looked back at the now mostly barren table as we used most of the stuff….no I don’t have any spices…wait a second…

“Yeah hold on…I think I do!”  I said excitedly as I grabbed a teaspoon and rushed out of the kitchen.  I quickly flew outside my home and over to a rainbow fall I had just outside my house, I dipped the teaspoon under it to get some of the falling rainbow in it, then I rushed back inside and back to the kitchen.

“This should work…” I said confidently as I poured the small teaspoon of rainbow into the pot and stirred it for a minute…the whole stew immediately turned into a vibrant rainbow color that danced as it swirled in the pot.  I then lifted up another spoonful and held it up to Fluttershy who tasted it and immediately smiled and nodded.

“It’s perfect Rainbow…” She complimented as she approved of the stew and my addition.  I can’t believe it…I made a full pot of stew…I should add this to my crowning achievements of awesomeness!

“Of course it’s perfect…I made it after all!”  I boasted as I stroked my mane and tried to give of a proud look.  It just made Fluttershy giggle as she grabbed two bowls and some spoons.  I turned off the stove and moved the pot over.  

After doing so Fluttershy poured some rainbow toned stew into the bowls.  I drooled in anticipation as the thought of making something like this by myself made me that much hungrier…not mention all the crap that I had to do today!  I earned this!  I happily took my bowl and flew over to the small table that still had a few bits of stuff on it…that didn’t matter to me though.  I sat down and almost immediately began to dig in…I stopped myself though and waited for Fluttershy as she casually walked over and sat down at the table.  

After she did I wasted no time and starting to devour the food in front of me…almost willing to swallow the bowl.  Fluttershy happily started to eat as well…though…not as intense as me.  The food was just as Fluttershy said…it was perfect…it was so freaking delicious…I almost can’t believe I made something like this…but I did…I was so happy…not only did I make an awesome dish, it’s an awesome dish that I made for one of my friends…Score one  for Rainbow…

“This is really good Rainbow…” My fillyhood friend complimented with a smile as she looked up at me…I know…you said that earlier…but I’m not complaining…say it twenty more times…it will make me feel that much more awesome!

“Of course it is!  I made it!  That automatically makes it good!”  I boasted once more as I hit my chest and closed my eyes…trying to make every fiber of my be as awesome as I felt…though…it…it quickly off though when I remembered who it was that taught me how to make it…it was…it was Fluttershy’s doing…all I did was follow her instructions…now I feel guilty for taking all the credit.

“Actually…this…is all you Fluttershy…you’re the one who made this…not me.  You told me exactly what to do as I had no idea what the hell I was doing…so…I should really be thanking you.” I admitted in a depressed tone as I sighed and looked down at the bowl that Fluttershy actually made…damn it…I guess I can’t brag to my friends that I made something awesome when I couldn’t have done it without Fluttershy.

“Oh no no Rainbow…this is all you’re doing…the credit belongs to you.” She replied frantically as she once again tried to shrug off her importance and her contributions…she’s just trying to make feel better…deep down she knows I could’ve have done it with her.

“Yeah…because I would totally make something as awesome as this without you…” I pointed out sarcastically as I rolled my eyes.

“Just because you didn’t know what to do doesn’t make you bad at cooking…I mean when you don’t know you don’t know…that doesn’t mean you have no skill…everypony needs instructions to start out on when they first begin…and being able to pull it off shows that you can do it and that itself is skill…” Fluttershy explained sweetly and…a bit assertively as she was hell bent on trying to convince me otherwise…and…she had a point…I didn’t know about all those tricks and stunts I could do until I learned about them…hell I didn’t know I could pull them off until I tried them…

“Besides…that touch of rainbow towards the end was entirely you…you knew exactly what to do…if that alone doesn’t show you that you have skill…then…I…I don’t know what will…” She then finished as her determination and assertiveness faded and she returned to being nervous.  Yeah…she’s right…I did at that bit at the end giving it my own personal touch!

“Yeah…Yeah you’re right Fluttershy!” I exclaimed happily and reassured of my cooking ability, “So what if I needed some help starting out…the fact that I was able to do it all proves my awesomeness…” I then shouted as my confidence and awesome attitude was back in full force thanks to her.

“Yay....” Fluttershy weakly cheered in a soft tone…which made me want to roll my eyes but instead I just smiled and giggled slightly.

“And it proves you’re an awesome teacher…seriously…thanks for helping me out…” I then thanked not trying to be completely arrogant…I mean I had an awesome instructor after all.

“A-Anytime Rainbow Dash…I’m always happy to help…” The timid mare replied a light blush appearing on her face as she looked away.  She’d be here to help even if I didn’t need the help…that’s just who she is…

“And I’m going to need it…I’d like to know more about how to cook…cooking for my friends is awesome and will help me be a better host when I have some Wonderbolts over in the future…” I then proudly said as I started to envision all the different kinds of Wonderbolts fliers and athletes gathered around my table…discussing the awesome performances we just did and about the future of our group…it almost brings me to tears….

“I…I’d love to Rainbow…” Fluttershy agreed a bit reluctantly as she looked back at me, “B-But…wouldn’t Pinkie Pie be the pony to go to when it comes to having ponies over for some fun?” She then asked curiously as she titled her head…she had a point…Pinkie Pie is the host o hosts when it comes to stuff like this…however…she’s not always the best when it comes to certain situations.

“Pinkie Pie is all about parties…if I wanted to do parties I’d just let her do it…I mean there’s no beating her…if I wanted to have a good time I’d go to her…however if I wanted to brown nose some of the Wonderbolts higher ups and suck up to them…I think a batch of tasty homemade stew would win them over faster than a batch of crazy party confetti wouldn’t you agree?” I explained gently as I held my hoof at her…disastrous visions of pies being thrown at Spitfire or pranks being pulled and ruining my chances…yeah I think I’ll stick to calm and collected Fluttershy on this one…sorry Pinkie Pie…you’re still the master of parties…it’s just I need Fluttershy for this one.

“I…I guess so…” She said reluctantly agreeing as she was still unsure of herself…but I knew even though she was unsure she would still do her best to help me out no matter what…and that’s what I need from her right now.

“Thank you Fluttershy…I really appreciate you helping me out like this…” I thanked sincerely as I grinned brightly at her…this of course made her blush and look nervous again.

“A-Anytime Rainbow…” She said in a whisper as she struggled to look away from me, then deciding to focus on eating.  I sighed and started to focus on eating as well.

We continued eating, though not talking much.  Fluttershy was too embarrassed and nervous to say anything and I was too focusing on gobbling up everything.  Seriously I think I had like three to four bowls of food.   After we were done I picked up the bowls and put them in the sink for me to wash later.  Afterwards I turned around to see Fluttershy getting up from out of her seat.

“I…I should probably be heading home…” Fluttershy suggested as she left the kitchen most likely heading to the front door to leave.  I unfurled my wings and flew after her, catching up to her before she could reach the door.

“I’ll fly you home…” I offered nicely as I got ahead of her and opened the door for her…which made her look uncomfortable as she backed away slightly.

“N-N-No…that’s ok…I…I can fly by myself…” She refused with a stutter as she most likely didn’t want me to waste my time doing something like that…but she should know me better than that!

“Fluttershy…you should know it’s no big deal…you know how much I like flying….besides…I think it would be rude of me not to escort you home after everything that’s happened today…” I insisted as with a light chuckle as I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“O-Ok…if you insist…” She agreed softly and reluctantly with a nod…realizing I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

We both left my house and after I closed the door behind us we both took off into the air.  Of course me just filling up on an awesome meal made me instantly want to stretch my wings and fly around as fast as I could.  Though I reined myself in and once again took a leisurely flight with Fluttershy...still remember the promise I made that tomorrow morning I was going to work my wings to death to compensate for their lack of usage…I made that promise before that book ordeal and I’m not about to break it!

As we flew I looked down to see Ponyville without its lights on…it was pretty awesome to see Ponyville like this.  I looked up at the slightly cloudy skies and could barely see the stars poking through…I knew once winter kicked in I would rarely see this sight again and tried to take in all of its radicalness as I could.  I looked to my side to see Fluttershy happily flying beside me with a smile on her face…her mane blowing in the wind again…that sight is more common than seeing the stars or seeing Ponyville at night…and you know what…it’s even cooler than those two combined…o-ok…that was weird…scratch that thought…

It didn’t take long for us to reach Fluttershy’s cottage…which was just as dark as the rest of Ponyville and we quickly landed in front of her cottage. I snickered at the thought of Angel suffering without his precious caretaker.  Fluttershy walked past me and towards her door…stopping before reaching it though and turning around to look at me with a smile on her face…and…tears seeming to be in her eyes.

“R-Rainbow…” She called sounding like she was about to cry out of sadness…oh crap…what happened?  Did I screw or something?

“What’s wrong?” I asked in concern as I held out a hoof towards her.  She’s not going to cry because she thinks she wasted my time or something is she?

“T-Thank you…just…thank you…” She thanked her voice starting to crack due to her trying to hold back her tears…which now I know they’re tears of happiness not sorrow…so thank Celestia for that…

“Ah don’t mention it…like I said it was no problem flying you home…” I said as I rolled my eyes and waved my hoof at her, shrugging it off….it’s not like I’ve never flown her home before she’s just overreacting…

“N-No!  Not just that!” She shouted surprisingly very loud as the tears started to freely fall from her face…and…I know I said I never wanted to see her cry…but…seeing her like this…actually makes me happy…I can’t remember the last time she cried happily like this…it must’ve been ages ago.

“T-Thank you…f-for everything…The lunch…the weather service…the library…the dinner…the flight home…everything…just…thank you Rainbow Dash…this is one of the best days I’ve had in a very long time.” The thanked again in between her tears as she listed off all the things we did…her wings flapping happily as she recalled them all…although…some of those things…weren’t that great…like the library for that instance…less of that please…but I guess if she liked it…then maybe it wasn’t all bad…

“Oh don’t worry…I still have things to learn and things to do with you…so we should be doing this more often…” I replied gently as I reminded her that we would have more days like this…there were a lot of recipes I probably need to learn after all…

“Yes…please…we should…I would love it!” She insisted as she wiped way the tears with one of her hooves…sniffling a bit as she started to regain her composure.

“Well…we’ll talk later on our next dinner arrangements…along with what food you’ll be teaching me to cook…but…for now…goodnight Fluttershy…” I then said saying my farewell to her and wishing her a goodnight.

“Goodnight Rainbow…” She said back with a gentle smile on her face before turning around to head into her college.  What a great mare…Rarity really has her work cut out for her to find a match for her…oh speaking of which…

“Oh…and good luck with Rarity and the whole dating thing…I hope Rarity sets you up on some really awesome dates!” I shouted giving one last line of encouragement for her…because I just knew she was going to go running to her next morning and Rarity would start to have dates lined up for her…and hopefully none of those ponies Fluttershy dates get on my ‘Revenge List’ like that damn waiter from the other night.

“Thanks Rainbow…I’m sure she will…” She replied happily as she turned around and waved to me.  I waved back before I turned around and took off into the night’s sky again.

I couldn’t help feel a small sense of irony for me saying that line about her dating…I don’t know why I just felt that way.   I shrugged it off though…that is not my concern…until thing screws up and I have to kick some flanks and then consul Fluttershy…but like I said that’s for later.  On the way back I remembered everything that happened…the crap with the weather patrol and the stuff with Twilight…even with those rough spots today…today really was an awesome day…and it’s all thanks to Fluttershy…she made today freaking awesome…she’d make every day awesome honestly…she has that ability…and some lucky pony is going to get that special ability of hers…I really hope it’s a good pony though…

Fluttershy really deserves one of the best ponies around…whoever that might be. Next Chapter: Chapter 6 Estimated time remaining: 18 Hours, 15 Minutes