“Momma it’s time to wake up!” I heard the squeak of my little bunny say, waking me up from my very relaxing slumber.  I leaned up in my bed and moved around a bit to wake myself up before I looked down at my white rabbit with a smile.

“Good morning Angel…” I greeted slightly groggily as I extended my wings to stretch them out a bit...Celestia only knows I’m going to need them at top condition today if I’m going to make that flight to Rio De Jamareo.

“Good morning Momma!” He greeted back happily as he smiled and jumped off my bed and onto the floor.  I got out from under my blanket and got off my bed.

“I expect you want breakfast right?” I asked as I looked down at him, seeing him jump up and down in excitement, “Alright alright…”  I said in response as I walked down from my bedroom and into the kitchen to make Angel his usual breakfast meal.

“Are you still planning on taking that trip momma?”  He asked curiously and a bit concerned as I got a bowl out and started to put some food in it.  Aww…he’s worried about me…

“Yes Angel I am…” I answered as I turned around and saw him giving me a very apprehensive expression as he nervously rubbed his paws together, “Don’t worry I’ll be fine…” I then said in an encouraging tone and smile as I gave him the bowl.  To which he immediately took and then shoved in his face like normal….which made me giggle.

“And while I’m gone no destroying the house, or causing mischief…and no wild parties…” I then teasingly said as I made myself something quick to eat for breakfast.

“I’ll do my best…” I heard him squeak in response, extremely muffled from the food in his mouth which made me giggle again and shake my head as I turned around and went to the table.

“I know you will…” I lovingly said before I quickly started to eat my breakfast.

It didn’t take long for me to finish my breakfast and once I was done I put the dirty bowl in the sink.  I then went back up to my room to get the saddlebag I prepared last night for my trip…it contained all the necessities for a vacation…toothbrush, extra pair of horseshoes, emergency first aid kit…emergency emergency second aid kit…and a lot of bits just in case I wanted to do some shopping…and because Rarity told me she wanted me to do some shopping as well yesterday after Dash left…though she didn’t tell me what exactly she wanted so I’ll have to fly over there to know what she wants…

Though I felt one thing was missing…I thought about what else I could need on the long flight to that distant city…well…since it’s a long flight I don’t know if they’ll have readily available meals for when we get hungry…so I think I’ll make some just in case.   I nodded to myself as I took the saddlebag and headed back to the kitchen.  I set it aside before I went to the countertops to make something quick and easy.   I didn’t think I’d have enough time to make something fancy anyways…plus I don’t think Rainbow would mind what she would get as long as she would get at least something.

I giggled to myself as I prepared the food…deciding to make a lot just in case others wanted some food too.  I also put some food for Angel in a bowl so he’d have something to eat while I was gone.  I set it on the floor and hoped he wouldn’t try and eat it all at once…the last time he did that the got a nasty stomach ache…though he hasn’t done that again so I think he learned his lesson.  I chuckled to myself lightly before I went back to the countertops to finish the food.  When I was I went in got my saddlebag, after which I returned to the countertops and started to pack up the freshly made food.

“Alright…and…there!” I happily announced as I closed up the saddlebag and then put it on my bag…I was now ready to leave and the first place I needed to go was to Rarity’s.  I sighed as I left the kitchen and then headed to the front door.

Angel immediately hopped in from the kitchen looking worried… he still was not too pleased about it whatsoever…but my mind is already made up and I will not turn back.  I also won’t stay long to give him enough time to complain or…call Rainbow those awful things like last night after she left…I know he’s just concerned for my safety and probably thinks Dash is leading me to a dangerous place and maybe to my doom…but…even that doesn’t give him the right to say those things about her...ever…

“Ok Angel…I’m leaving… and remember…I left out enough food for you until I get back.  I’ll be home in a few days…” I said seriously as I opened the door and started to leave, “When I get home and we’ll deal with your hibernation then.  Take care Angel…I love you…” I then reminded as my tone slipped into a sweater tone and I turned around to look at him with a smile on my face.  He looked guilty and worried as he looked down with his ears flopping down as well.

“I love you too momma.  Please take care of yourself…and stay safe…” Angel replied in a concerned and fearful squeak as he waved his paw at me.  I sighed in relief because I was afraid he was going to say something to try and stop me…

“I will…bye…” I said back happily and with a nod before I shut the door.  I took a deep breath and turned around…facing the still dark sky…Celestia hasn’t even raised the sun yet and I’m already out doing things…well…it’s not the first time….this is actually quite normal for me…I bet Rainbow is still in her bed snoring like she usually does…

I giggled at that though and unfurled my wings.  I took into the air and casually made my way over to Rarity’…oh I didn’t tell her when I’d be over…I bet she won’t be awake at this hour…and I certainly don’t want to wake her…but if I don’t know what she wants me to buy her I might end up buying her something she doesn’t like…then she’ll be upset with me.  Oh what do I do…what do I do?

I eventually reached Rarity’s boutique and landed in front of it, folding up my wings once I made it safely to the ground…however I was still unsure of what to do.  I can’t just barge in or knock on her door…that would wake her up…but I don’t want to make her think like I don’t care…maybe I could leave a note informing Rarity of my situation…and then…maybe Rarity could write to me when I’m at Rio…wait no…she wouldn’t know where to send the letter…oh what I do?  I looked down at the ground and bit my lip before I heard the sound of the front door of her boutique opening.  Sh-She’s awake?  I looked up in surprise to see a pony walking out of her boutique…and was even more surprised when I realized who it was that was leaving Rarity’s boutique.

“A-Applejack?” I called in shock as my eyes went wide upon seeing the orange earth pony with her Stetson on her head.  She was about to close the door before she gasped and instantly turned around to look at me with horror on her face…then she took a deep breath and seem to relax somewhat…did…she not want me to see her?  Oh dear…maybe I should apologize.

“Oh...Howdy Fluttershy…” Applejack greeted in a low tone…sounding very depressed…oh dear…I’ve really upset her…

“I…I’m sorry…that…I…you know…saw you coming out Rarity’s…” I apologized sincerely in a soft tone as I looked down at the ground and rubbed one of my fore hooves in the dirt.  I hope she doesn’t hate me now…

“N-No Fluttershy…its fine…it’s just…I didn’t expect to see ya out here so early…ya know?” The orange pony replied still sounding very upset…I…I don’t get it…it can’t be that can it?  Is…Is it something to do with Rarity…did something happen?

“O…Ok…b-but...w-why…why are you…” I struggled to ask afraid that I might be overstepping my boundaries…but…I really wanted to know…Applejack and Rarity are my friends and I want to know if something happened…

“Oh…ummmm…” She started as she looked up at her head, raising one of her hooves to grab her hat off of her head.  “My hat….got damaged…and when ya need somethin' stitched up there’s really only one pony for the job…” She explained almost in a whisper as she looked over her hat…moving it around a bit as she looked over it with…what seemed like regret in her eyes…

I could barely make out the sight of a patchwork stich on the side of her hat…and…even with that slight glimpse I could instantly tell how much effort and care went into it.  Rarity was always one to take her job seriously and even when it came to stitching up clothes she didn’t care for she always did her best.  …But…that patch  job…there was something…different about it…I could tell that she put more effort into it than probably her most elaborate dresses…there was something deeper than stitching that was now in that hat…and for some reason it’s upsetting Applejack…

“Bu…But why are you getting it stitched this early…and…why do you look and sound so sad?” I then asked both concerned and curious as I titled my head and held out a hoof towards her.  She didn’t respond immediately and instead just continued looking at her hat…then after a few seconds she finally sighed deeply to her and closed her eyes.

“It’s…It’s nothin’ I wish to discuss at the moment…”  She answered continuing that low tone as she put her hat back on her head, then opening her eyes and looking at me with her green eyes slightly quivering.  “Now pardon me…I still have a ton of stuff to do before winter settles in…” She then said as she looked away and started to walk past me.  I turned around and watched her walk off…I almost wanted to say something to stop her or try to convince her to tell me what was going on…but…as she said she’s not going to say anything and I don’t want to annoy her.

“O-Oh….alright then…” I said very reluctantly as I looked down at the ground slightly, feeling like I failed as a friend as I couldn’t comfort one of my closest friends in her time of need…but what can you do when you friend doesn’t want to be comforted?

“Oh and…Rarity told me everything…good luck with Rainbow Dash…” I then heard Applejack said in a slightly louder tone of voice…though it was still much softer than usual.  I looked back up and saw her with her head turned back at me giving a slight encouraging smile…Rarity must of told her about my trip today…and she’s giving me her best of luck…

“Oh…thanks!” I said gratefully and with a nod, a smile appearing on my face.  Even though Applejack’s a little upset she still tries and give me whatever support she can…that’s just like her.

“Yeah…you’re gonna to need it to get through that thick skull of hers…” She then said a bit teasingly as she turned her head back around…I then heard a loud sigh as she titled her head down towards the ground.  “It’s almost as thick as…mine…” She then said back in her soft tone before starting to walk away.

I watched her walk off as I titled my head rather…confusingly.  How can me flying properly get through her ‘thick skull’?  Oh and please don’t say she’s like that…I know she can be a bit…ummm…stubborn…no…ummm…difficult…at times…but that was putting it rather harsh.  I sighed to myself as I turned around and noticed that Applejack forgot to shut the door behind her.  I walked up and reached out to close it…I mean I don’t want to walk in without knocking…that would be rude…and I can’t knock while it’s still open because that would just make it open more…

As I grabbed the door to shut it though, I stopped when I heard the sounds of crying coming from within her home.  Oh dear…Rarity…Rarity’s crying?  Oh…normally I wouldn’t enter without permission…but this is an emergency!  I quickly entered her boutique and looked around…the once flowers that were delicately placed around her walls were now all gone and on a table in the center of the room…but there was no Rarity in sight...although the sobs of anguish were now more clearly heard and I instantly knew where they were coming from.  I rushed through her boutique and to her room…her door wasn’t closed, but even if it was I still think I would charge in to see what was wrong.  I ran into her room and found on her bed in her bed crying very loudly into her pillow.

“Rarity!”  I called as loud as I could in concern as I rushed over to the side of her bed, immediately catching her attention as she looked up at me with tears flowing down her face, her mascara running as well.

“F-Fluttershy?” She feebly called back before making a sniffle.  I got on her bed and moved over to her, putting an arm around her, “O-OH!  F-Fluttershy!”  She then shouted before shoving her face into my chest and crying once again.

“Shhh…its ok Rarity…I’m here…” I soothingly cooed as I took my other leg around her and patting the back of her head and her soft frazzled mane.   She cried even louder as I felt my chest get wet from her tears and I continued rubbing her mane for a good couple of minutes before she calmed down and broke away from me.

“Thank you Fluttershy…I needed that…” The white unicorn said as her tone was still a little shaking from all her crying.  She raised one of her hooves and rubbed the tears off her face and smiled at me as if visually trying to tell me that she was feeling better.

“Anytime Rarity…” I replied with a smile and a nod which caused her to sigh a bit relieved…I’m glad she’s feeling better…but now I have to ask her what-

“Don’t….Fluttershy…just…don’t…” She then suddenly said in a depressed tone as she then used her hoof to push my legs away from her and back to my side.  W-What?

“R-Rarity…wh…what do you-”

“I know what you’re going to ask Fluttershy…”  Rarity said in a more stern tone, cutting me off as she looked at me with tears seeming to return to her eyes, “But don’t…because…if you do…I…I’ll have to tell and…and then I’m going to cry again…” She then explained as she looked away and once again raised her hoof to wipe away her tears…poor Rarity…I can understand her not wanting to go through that pain again…

“I…I understand…” I agreed as I looked back down, even still though…I…I do want to at least know one thing, “But…C…Can I at least ask…” I started…very nervous and fearful as I closed my eyes in fear of what she might say back to me.

“Y-Yes…it…it does involve Applejack…” She answered in a very fearful tone.  I looked up to see her slightly shaking…as afraid of what she just admitted to me.  My mouth gapped open and I blinked a few times at what she said…So…so it does involve Applejack…but what could’ve Applejack said to make her this sad?  U-Unfortunately I can’t ask…and instead only give her my sympathy and support.

“I…I’m sorry…” I apologized softly as I looked back down at the ground, feeling bad that I could do nothing more but make a weak apology.

“I...I know…” I heard her respond still sounding hurt as she got off the bed and started to walk around it. “B-But…let’s not talk about that…that’s not the major concern at the moment…” She then went on as she started to sound like her normal self…I took this as a good sign and smiled softly at her as I got off the bed as well.

“The major concern at the moment is you and your vacation…” The white unicorn with the purple mane then said sounding like her normal self as she smiled at me and put a hoof to my shoulder.  I…I’m really glad she’s feeling better…b-but…s-she thinks I’m going on a vacation?

“I…I don’t think it’s a vacation Rarity…” I weakly stated as I turned my head slightly and raised an eyebrow at her…not fully understanding what’s going on in her head…I mean she’s suddenly talking about me going a on a vacation when just a moment ago she was wallowing in despair.

“Oh posh…it’s Rainbow Dash taking you to an exotic faraway location…it’s a wonderful private vacation just for you two…” Rarity elaborated as she shook her head and raised her other hoof to wave it dismissively at me.

“I…I don’t think she’s taking me…I’m more or less tagging along…and it was because of you that I’m going in the first place.” I then pointed out as Rarity took her hoof off of my shoulder and started to walk out of her bedroom.

“Oh it’s going to be lovely darling…the thought of you two…spending a whole day or so in Rio De Jamareo…oh it’s going to be absolutely marvelous!” She went on ignoring what I said like I didn’t say anything.  I sighed slightly as I followed her out of her bedroom and through the hallway back into the main room.

“But I want you to promise me one thing Fluttershy…” She then suddenly said very seriously as she stopped and turned to look at me with what looked like concern in her eyes.

“Su-Sure…a-anything…”  I replied shakily, stopping in my place as well since I was not expecting her to be so serious so abruptly.

“I want you to stay safe…” She said softly as she put both her fore hooves on my shoulders, a sweet smile appearing on her muzzle.  Oh…she’s worried about that…whew…

“Oh I’m sure I’ll be fine…with Rainbow Dash with me I don’t really have much to fear…” I replied confidently as I smiled back at her.  Rainbow Dash would never let anything happen to me…she’d never let anything happen to any of her friends…let alone me.

“That may be true but there are things I fear that even Rainbow cannot deal with…” Rarity then said still in a serious tone as her smile disappeared and she shook me slightly to get my attention.

“Th-That being?” I asked back as I recoiled slightly, now fearful again as to what she might say.

“The unknown status of the civilizations outside of Equestria…” She elaborated as I felt her grip on me tighten slightly…W-Wh…

“What?” I simply said confused as to what she was talking about….I mean…we don’t know much about other pony nations aside from our own…but how is that going to affect me?

“Fluttershy there are many different types of ponies and creatures with established territories outside of where we live…” The white unicorn then explained with a sigh as she took her hooves of me and turned around, heading to the table in the center of the room.

“Y-Yeah…I know that…” I responded with a nod, knowing all the different places we have yet to discover and all the places we do know but have very little information on…Rio De Jamareo actually being one of them.

“And we don’t hear about a lot of the outside world…Equestria is a peaceful place that’s mostly isolated from the rest of the world…and from what little we do hear about the outside it’s…not that good…” She said still being as serious as possible as she fumbled through her flowers, as if looking for something.

“Wh…What’s going on outside of Equestria?” I asked both curiously and afraid as I was starting to get second thoughts about the trip now…no…I can’t do that…no matter what I’m sticking with Rainbow Dash.

“A terrible war…” She said in a low tone as she stopped shifting through her flowers for a brief couple of moments before finally going through them again.

“Oh dear…” I simply said as I looked down a put a hoof to my muzzle.  I knew that a war was going on…I…I just didn’t think I’d run into it or that it would affect me…would it?  Oh no…I don’t want to get into some massive fight or battle…

“Ever since that ordeal with the Changelings…Equestria…or should I say…Princess Celestia has been very mindful of the problems the entire world is facing…” Rarity continued as she used her magic to raise a newspaper from underneath the flowers.  So that’s what she was looking for…I don’t read the newspapers that often…now I feel a little guilty…maybe I should read more news but most of it is sad or depressing…and I don’t like that…

“The Princess is such a kind and caring pony…it doesn’t surprise me that she’s concerned with the wellbeing of every living thing outside of our country…” I responded cheerfully with a smile as I could just imagine the Princess wanting to spread the magic of friendship through all types of ponies and creatures…oh it sounds like such an ideal world if that were to happen.

“Yes and from what I heard she was so worried about the world she recently left Equestria on a diplomatic mission to visit as many places as possible to establish peace throughout the world…just like we have here in Equestria…”  She replied as she moved the newspaper in front of my face.  It was for yesterday and said ‘Princess Celestia travels to meet the White Thorn and discuss the status of the ongoing conflicts residing outside Equestria’s borders.’ …the White Thorn?

“W-Who is the White Thorn?” I asked curiously with a stutter as I looked at the Newspaper…which had no picture so it’s not like I could see whoever this pony was.

“I don’t know…probably some ruffian and brute that claimed some fame in some horrible battle…” The white unicorn replied with a sigh as she put the newspaper back down, “And there are probably a lot more horrible ponies like him out there…”  She then said as she looked at me in fear and concern.

“Be careful out there Fluttershy…you have no idea who or what you’ll face once you leave Equestria…”  She warned as she walked up to me and put a hoof on my shoulder in a supporting  way…and…I…I was…honestly now afraid…I gulped before I opened my mouth to stand firm in my decision to  go with her.

“D-Don’t worry Rarity…I…I’m sure…I-I’ll be fine…I mean as long as I’m with Rainbow…I-I’m sure I’ll be ok…” I reminded her in a very soft and scared voice…not sounding at all that convincing…

“I’m sure you will…and I’m sorry that I sounded so drab and depressing…I know you’re going to have a wonderful time with her.” She then said sounding very pleasant and optimistic as she nodded her head, put her hoof down, and turned around.  She grabbed what looked like a piece of paper with her magic…I’m assuming that’s a list of thing she wants me to get.

“Oh and…be sure to get me these few things while you’re there…” She then said as she moved the piece of paper over to me.  I nodded as I grabbed it...causing it to be released from her magic spell.

“Oh I will Rarity…don’t worry…” I replied in a confident tone as I read over the list of perfumes, fabrics and…  “Wait…what’s this last thing…that doesn’t sound like something you would-”

“It’s…something…she would like…and…she wants…” Rarity said suddenly and nervously as she cut me off from finishing.  Oh…this is for Applejack…it...it must be important…she must want me to get this above everything else.

“O-Oh…I…I see…” I simply said in an understanding tone as I rolled up the list and put it in my saddlebag.  Rarity wasn’t looking at me, and instead at the ground…and I knew now was the perfect time to leave

“I…I’ll be off then…by-bye Rarity…” I said a bit nervously, giving my farewell as I went over to the door which was still open.

“Goodbye darling.  Enjoy the trip, oh and I swear I’ll pay you back for all your troubles when you get back!” I heard Rarity say in a loud tone as I reached the door and turned around to shut it behind me.  When I did I saw Rarity waving at me with a smile on her face.

“Thanks Rarity!”  I said cheerfully as I waved back at her.  After I did that I shut the door behind me and took off into the air heading towards Rainbow’s house.  Oh Rarity doesn’t have to pay me back…but I know she’ll just be upset if I don’t let her…but I guess that’s good…I’ll have money to buy things later I guess.

I flew through the air at my usual pace and looked over to see the sun rising over Ponyville.  I took a second to admire the sight of the sunrise before I looked forward and found myself reaching Rainbow’s house.  To…To my surprise there was a decent sized group of ponies standing outside her house…I could see Cloudkicker, Thunderlane…ohh…ummm I think that light grey mare Pegasus is Blossomforth…oh but whose that pink pony with the slightly tan colored mane and tail…oh I can’t remember her name…oh dear…oh there’s Derpy but…but…where’s Rainbow?  Oh dear…I’ve got a bad feeling about this.  I didn’t want to talk to any of them or bother them so I landed as far away from the group as possible…not wanting to draw attention to myself or having anyone-

“Fluttershy?”

“Ahhhh!”  I screamed and jumped as someone suddenly called my name.   I turned around shaking uncontrollably and saw a purple Pegasus mare walking up with a bewildered expression on her face…it…it was Cloud Kicker.

“What are you doing here?” Cloud Kicker then asked confused as she raised an eyebrow at me….Oh dear…Oh dear….

“Oh…we-well….umm…R-Rainbow…sort of…ummm…invited me to…umm…escort the birds with her…so…..uhh…h-here I am…” I struggled to explain as I looked at the ground and rubbed the clouding beneath me slightly with my hoof.

“Ohhhhhh I see…that makes sense…of course she would invite you to go with her.”  She teasingly said as I looked up to see her smirking at me, “Unfortunately for you the love bird is still most likely sleeping…she hasn’t come out despite all our knocking.” She then said in a teasing manner as she moves aside slightly and pointed at her front door with her hoof….love bird?  Is…that some kind of joke?  Because were escorting birds and…Rainbow Dash loves doing this?  I don’t get it…she doesn’t like doing this the last time I checked…

“O-Oh dear….well…th…that sounds like Rainbow…she always slept in when we were younger…I…I’ll just go in and…try and wake her up…” I explained with a slight sigh as I warned her yesterday not to sleep in.  I knew that I should be the one to wake her up…since…I guess she would want me above anypony else doing it.

“Don’t take too long…I don’t care how much fun you two are having we still have a schedule to keep you know!” Cloud Kicker responded with a giggle as I trotted past her and up to the door.  W…what’s that supposed to mean?  I don’t think either one of us is going to have fun.  And it’s not going to take that long to wake her up…I hope…

I walked up to her door and tried to open it…but it was locked.  I sighed to myself as I looked around and noticed an open window on the second floor…but it was very narrow…much too narrow for me to fit in with these saddlebags on.  So I took them off and set them against her house.  I then took off of the ground and flew up to the window.  I took a deep breath and sucked my gut as much as possible…thinking skinny thoughts as I went up to the window.  I had to fold up my wings in order to fit through but other than that I had no problem getting in…I guess I’m smaller than I think.

As soon as I went through the window I started to fall to the ground.  I quickly caught myself as I opened my wings and stopped myself from hitting the ground with a massive thud.  I then looked around.  I saw tank sleeping on the couch…looking very cute…but it’s rather odd since he normally sleeps in Dash’s room…and why didn’t he wake up when they were knocking on the door outside.  I giggled as I thought she was probably just a deep a sleeper as dash.  I continued to look around and then noticed the banner with my face on it hanging on the wall.  I blushed deeply before shaking my head and refocusing on what I needed to do.

I flew up stairs and gently knocked on her door, I put my ear to the door and didn’t hear a response, instead the sound of a gentle snore.  I giggled slightly as I opened the door and found the oversleeping Pegasus lying down on her bed, her blanket half covering her and her leg slightly twitching.  I sighed to myself as I was reminded of how I would always wake her up when she overslept…and normally she’d be like this…in a messy state looking like she was a deep sleep…although…normally she would look happy…instead she looked…miserable…upset even as her eyes looked forcibly shut…oh dear…she might be having an nightmare…I hope it’s not the one with the pancakes…oh either way I have to wake her up…I gently flew over and landed next to her bed.

“Ummm…Dash?” I said softly hoping that would be enough to wake her up…however it proved futile as she continued to lay there looking distressed.   “R-Rainbow Dash?” I called again this time a bit louder, but again I had the same results.  I took a deep breath and raised my hoof; I moved it towards her face and gently poked it.

“Ah!  Twilight!  Twilight!”  Rainbow shouted immediately after I poked her, sitting up which caused the blanket on her to fly off.  It also surprised me to the point where I fell backwards on the floor, my mane slightly getting frazzled in the process.  She was also breathing in very deeply and for some reason she called Twilight’s name twice…was…she having a nightmare involving Twilight?  She then quickly realized where she was as she looked around her room, before looking at me on the floor…when she did her face instantly changed to one of a shocked expression.

“F-Fluttershy?  W-What are you doing in my room?” She asked in surprise as a slight tint of red appeared on her cyan cheeks.  She must be embarrassed for me waking her up and saying that…that or seeing her like this in a state of weakness…I’m not going to draw attention to it though since we really should be going.

“Ummm…Rainbow…we…we really should be leaving for the bird escort….” I reminded as I slowly got off the floor.  After I did her eyes went wide as the sudden realization dawned on her.

“Oh crap the bird escort!” She yelled loudly as she left off the bed and flew out of the room.  I followed her as closely as I could, “Sorry Fluttershy…I…I had a rough night…” She then went onto inform me in her hysterics as she rushed into the kitchen.  

“Oh it’s ok…it’s not like I haven’t woken you up when you overslept before…” I pointed out with a smile as I followed her in, watching her go into her cold cloud and pulling out a whole bunch of bottled waters.  Then going over and stuffing them into a nearby saddleback.

“Oh I know…saving my flank in back at flight camp and continuing to do so today…I have a feeling when we’re old and decrepit you’ll be reminding me to take my medication…” Dash tiresomely responded as she put on her saddlebag and then rushed towards the front door.  I giggled slightly at that thought of me and her at some retirement center and Dash flat out forgetting to take her heart medication and having to remind her to take it or give it to her myself.  I shook my head free of that thought though and followed her out the front door.

“Alright...Alright…I apologize for the delay…” I heard Dash apologize still breathing very heavily as she walked out, I followed right behind her and shut the door behind me.

“Geez Dash…I knew you were fast but that was just ridiculous…I mean her hair is all messed up and everything…I’m sure she wasn’t enjoying it…it’s like you weren’t even pacing yourself…come on Dash…you should know that with someone like her you need to soft, gentle, and slow when you making sweet sweet-”

“Cloud Kicker!” Rainbow Dash shouted at the top of her lungs, cutting her off from continuing, “Get your mind out of the gutter or else I’m going to throw in that gutter and make sure you never get out!” She then shouted as her entire face turned bright red, Cloud Kicker laughed hysterically at response to this and so did some of the other weather ponies.  It wasn’t her fault my hair is messed up….so she wasn’t rough at all…nor was she soft…but since she mentioned my hair being a mess I better fix it.

“What?  What?  I’m just saying that if it was me with Fluttershy I’d be sure to be as gentle as I could with that hot-”

“Finish that thought Cloud Kicker!  I dare!  I freaking dare you!  When you do I’ll make sure you suffer an unfortunate accident on the trip down there and that the search party can’t find as much as a feather!”  Dash threatened as she exploded in rage at the poor purple mare, opening her wings and starting to fly over to her.  I just finished fixing my mane and flew in front of her, placing my hooves on her forelegs to stop her.

“Calm down Dash…it’s not a big deal…she’s just teasing you…it’s nothing to get worked up over…” I said in a soothing tone as I smiled at her and did my best to calm her down.  She looked at me with rage in her fury in her eyes before blinking a few times and taking a deep breath…I felt the muscles in her forelegs relax and I made a big sigh of relief knowing I just avoided a catastrophe.

“Alright Fluttershy…you’re right…” Rainbow agreed in a soft one as she looked at me with a smile slowly appearing on her face.  I titled my head at her and smiled even brighter than before…

“Awwww….that’s so touching…” Cloud Kicker commented teasingly and with a grin…oh…please don’t aggravate her even more…I don’t think I could stop her if she tries anything again…

“Cloud Kicker!  The cloud layer your on is so thin a gentle breeze from a certain blew Pegasus could blow it away!  You got that?” Dash threatened with a low menacing tone as she narrowed her eyes at the purple pony.  I assume that’s a final warning to her.  She laughed slightly and rolled her eyes…oh please take it seriously…for everypony’s benefit.

“Alright alright…so tell us oh wondrous leader….what are our assignments for this joyful bird escort you are taking us on?” Cloud Kicker asked in a rather jokingly ostentatious way as she raised her fore hooves and pointed them at Rainbow Dash while also bowing her head slightly.  I closed my eyes in fear that Rainbow Dash was going to snap again…and I heard a growling noise and assumed the worst…however…I then heard the sound of a saddlebag opening.  I opened my eyes and thankfully saw Rainbow flipping through a clipboard.

“Right…so…Thunderlane and Blossomforth.” She started seriously as looked up and pointed to the black colt and light grey mare.  “You two will direct the birds that come out of the trees to Point A” She then instructed as she pointed to Ponyville.  Thunderlane and Blossomforth both nodded their heads at her and took off to the forest.  Rainbow then turned to the pink mare with tannish mane and tail.

“Jetstream.”  Jetstream!  That’s her name….oh dear…I feel bad for not remembering it… “I want you to be at Point A to receive the birds…then I need you to fly them in a tight circle so they can stay at Point A while more birds can arrive.”  Dash instructed as she looked at Jetstream and pointed to a…very vague direction in the sky…how is that going to help?  I guess they know where to go since they’ve done it for so long…

“Got it!” She simply replied confidently as she unfurled her wings and quickly took off into the air with thunderous speed….she was pretty fast…nowhere near as fast Rainbow…but was still fast.

“What about me?  What do I do oh glorious fearless leader?” Cloud Kicker asked in a joking tone of voice as she smirked and raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash…oh dear she’s trying to start something again.

“I want you to find a cliff and fall off of it!” Rainbow Dash instructed in a low tone as she narrowed her eyes at Cloud Kicker.  The purple mare laughed and reached into her saddle bag, pulling out a whistle.

“Oh Rainbow Dash…I know I’m supposed to blow the whistle to alert the birds the escort is starting…” She then informed as she held the whistle up to show it to Dash.  I gasped slightly as it was one of the high class fancy bird calls that could call any and all types of birds in a large area…it’s something I always wanted but could never get my hooves on…mostly because it’s very expensive…and it would make sense for the weather patrol to have them…oh they’re so lucky…I wish I had one…

“…then why did you bother asking me what to do?” Rainbow Dash dully asked as her expression went to rather unenthused one…th-that is a good point actually.

“Just because I could…” She replied teasingly and with a wink before she unfolded her wings and flew off into the sky.  D…Did she really have to do that?  Especially doing it with a wink?  She really have to do that?  I mean she couldn’t do…wh…why am I getting so upset over a simple wink?

“Ughhh…that mare is going to be the death of me…” I heard Dash complain grumpily which took me away from those thoughts thankfully.  I opened my mouth to ask what I was supposed to do before a flash of grey went past me and up to Rainbow.

“What about me Rainbow Dash!?” The grey Pegasus said very loudly and enthusiastically, a bright smile on her face along with her yellow eyes being…well…not exactly fixated on Rainbow Dash….one of them was at least.

“Derpy!” Rainbow called out almost in shock, like she forgot about her.  She backed up slightly and looked down at the cloud flooring beneath her…as if thinking deeply about something.  Then she looked up with a smile and walked confidently over to Derpy, “I’ve got a very important assignment for you!”  Dash then said trying to sound as serious as possible…oh dear…she’s not going to tell her to look out for Cloud Bandits again is she?

“I am!?” Derpy replied excitedly as her entire face lit up and her mouth hanged open slightly from her big smile.

“Yes you are!  You’re my go to mare for this job!” The most likely lying Cyan Pegasus replied as she put a hoof around her and brought her close…a little…too close for comfort if I have to be honest…wait…why does it matter to me?

“You can count on me Rainbow Dash!” The happy grey Pegasus responded as her wings started to flap her wings in anticipation for her fake important assignment.

“Yeahhh….just…call me Rainbow or Dash…you don’t have to say my full name all the time…but anyways…so I want you to…sit in the center of Ponyville and...keep an eye out for any stray birds that might not know where they’re going…and after that…you still need to stay there just in case some birds accidently turn around and fly back.” She instructed most likely giving her false orders…I mean…its way too early for the birds to be up and no bird is going to turn around once we’re escorting them…

“Can Doctor Whooves be with me while I’m there Rainbow Dash?” She asked as she broke away from Rainbow and flapped into the air getting ready to leave.

“I said just call me…aghhh...whatever…sure…you’re getting married after all so what the hell…go nuts…I hope you two have fun!” Dash responded now getting annoyed and not really caring what she does so long as she doesn’t go with us….that’s kind of mean Rainbow…but at least she’ll be with the pony she loves…so…it won’t be so bad.

“Getting Married?” She repeated in a confused tone as if not knowing what she’s talking about…oh dear…did she forget about her wedding? “We’re already married!  I-In fact we’re going to try and have some foals next year…” Derpy then informed with a stutter as she put both her fore hooves behind her back and blushed nervously.  Oh that’s wonderful news but…but…I…I put on your wedding dress yesterday…and…you couldn’t have had a wedding between now and then…I…I’m so confused…

“…awesome…congratulations…now get going!” Dash said dully, not seeming to care as she waved her hoof as if trying to shoo her off…once again sounding mean and rude.

“Got it Rainbow Dash!  I can totally handle this!” Derpy confidently said back to her before she turned around and flew off with a bright cheerful smile on her face.  I couldn’t help but feel bad for her…but like I said at least she won’t be alone.

“I know you can!” Dash said back with a nervous smile as she raised a hoof and waved at her.  Now that everyone was gone I took a step forward to find out what I was supposed to do.

“W-What about me Rainbow?  Wh-What do I do?” I asked a bit nervously and softly as I was afraid of what she was going to give me...what if it’s something really difficult?  Or what if I mess up and can’t do it!  I don’t want to fail Rainbow and give her more work to do!

“Fluttershy you have a very important job.” Rainbow answered her normal manner as she turned her head and looked at me with a confident smirk on her face.  I started breathing heavily after she said that.  Oh dear…Oh dear…if it’s very important maybe you should’ve give it to somepony else!  I think I’ll gladly trade places with Derpy now thank you!

“I want you thoroughly check all the trees and birds’ nests to make sure we don’t leave any birds behind.” She then explained as she raised a hoof and pointed it at me.  I took a deep sigh of relief…oh thank Celestia it’s something I can easily do…

“I’m even going to give you a map of all the marked locations of where Rarity put the birds’ nests from this year’s Winter Wrap so you don’t get lost or mixed up.” She then informed as she opened her saddlebag to mostly get the before mentioned map.  I raised a hoof and grabbed her arm to stop her.

“Oh I don’t need that…” I informed with a smile as I shook my head, which caused her to look up at me surprised.

“You don’t?” She simply asked as she raised an eyebrow at me, as if testing me.

“Of course not…I know where all the nests are at…I visit my all my birdie friends quite often throughout the year…so I already know where all the birds are…” I elaborated cheerfully and happily as I could only imagine waking all those sleepy birds that weren’t woken up by the whistle…this assignment was made for me!

“That’s the confident sounding Fluttershy I like to hear!” Rainbow Dash responded even happier than me as she moved her hoof from her back and patted me on the shoulder, showing that she has full faith in me.

“T-Thank you…” I thanked gratefully as I looked away, my cheeks feeling slightly warm as I didn’t think I sounded that confident when I explained it to her…but…now that she mentioned it…I guess I did sound kind of strong didn’t it?  Oh I’m so proud of myself!  Before I could mention this to her though I looked back to see her flying off.

“W-Wait…where are you going?  What are you going to do?” I asked in a low stutter as I raised a hoof towards her.  Thankfully she heard me and stopped to turn around to look at me.

“Oh…I’m heading over to the main office so I can get my money…I get paid today and thank freaking Celestia for that!” She answered sounding very enthused and delighted…well if I was getting paid…well…if I ever did get paid like every two weeks…I think I would be just as happy as she is right now.

“Oh…I see…well alright…” I then said as I nodded at her.

“Good luck Fluttershy…I’ll see you at Point A!” The mare with the prismatic colored mane replied as she waved at me, then quickly turning around and flying off.  Ok I’ll just meet up with her later at….wait a second!

“Wait…where exactly is Point A?” I then asked loudly as I realized I had no idea where exactly this ‘Point A’ was.

“It’s the reservoir…you know the one where we made the Tornado at…I’ll see you there!” Rainbow yelled back, not stopping and turning around but instead continuing to fly off….well at least she heard me and answered me…but I think I would prefer her to at least look at me when she said that…or at least give me a goodbye.

“Alright…B-Bye Rainbow…” I said softly and rather melancholic as I looked down at the cloud underneath me.  I sighed as I turned around and went over to my saddlebag which I left lying against Rainbow’s house earlier.  I put it on and then extended my wings.

I took to the air and glided down towards Ponyville.  When I got close I heard a very loud whistling sound.  I looked up over town hall and saw Cloud Kicker blowing the whistle as much as she could.  It was very loud…and I hope it doesn’t wake up everypony…it might still be a little early for them all to be waking up.  I looked back over Ponyville and saw a massive flock of birds start to swarm above the city.  They took to the air and stared flying around aimlessly, not knowing exactly where to go.  I then saw Thunderlane and Blossomforth move around and start waving their hooves, giving them instructions on where to go.

Since they were doing their jobs I had to do mine.  I flew down and started to check the trees, all the branches and all the nests looking for birds that might have slept through the very loud wake up notice.  It took me a few minutes to get through one tree.  I sighed as I flew over to the next tree and that took me a few minutes as well and again there were no birds.  I was starting to get worried as I afraid this was going to take me longer than it should…but what I can I do?  If I’m not thorough I’ll surely leave some birds behind and that’s not good.  I decided to maybe ask Cloud Kicker since she’s done with the wakeup call.  I took to the air and looked around to find her.

All I could see though were birds flying around.  I noticed that the birds were flying in a certain direction, most likely towards the reservoir.  I looked into the distance and noticed the huge flock of birds over a pool of water…I also noticed a small speck slightly above it.  I couldn’t make it out though.  I narrowed my eyes to try to focus on the speck and then suddenly my vision seemed to zoom in and the speck turned into a very clear image of a pink pony waving her hooves around.  I gasped as I feel backwards from the shock of that clear visualization.  I looked back and the clear image was gone, it was once a gain a speck in the distance.  I took a deep breath and focused my eyes and my vision on the speck and once again my view seemed to drastically zoom in and the speck turned into a clear image of Jetstream directing the birds with her hooves.

I started to slowly open my eyes ever so slightly and my view seemed to zoom out…but it was still very clear and I noticed everything around her, the birds flying around her…but not only I could clearly tell what kind of birds they are and even what gender they were. I gasped at the sudden discovery of how clearly I could see things at a very far distance…and how I seemed to zoom in on what I was looking at to get a broad view but still get things very clearly.  I always knew that Pegasi had very adapt senses and perception since they fly in the sky and have to keep track of everything around them and below…but…I…I rarely used them…well...scratch that…I never used them…and it wasn’t until now that I knew how to used them.

I looked down at a nearby tree and focused my vision on it…and once again the entire tree became clear…I could easily see all the branches, the leaves, and most importantly…the nests.  I was…I was amazed…it was incredible …I felt lucky to be a Pegasus now if I can have these kinds of senses.  If only I knew I had them earlier…I could’ve avoided so much trouble but better late than never.  I clapped my hooves together in glee and smiled happily to myself.  I then remembered that I still had a task to do and focused on the tree again…I didn’t check for birds when I looked into and was just experimenting…I looked into the nests and sometimes I could see there were no birds in nests…other times…I couldn’t tell from either a branch or a leaf being in the way…as well as the tree trunk itself blocking my view of what was on the other side of the tree.

I bit my lip slightly as I started to fly around the tree still focusing on it though and thankfully my vision didn’t change and I managed to fly around it looking into all the nests.  I smiled to myself as I cleared one tree in a few seconds compared to a few minutes of painstakingly searching the tree.  I looked at the next tree and did the same thing, giving it a thorough scan in a few seconds.  Then I did the same to the next, and the next, and the next…flying faster and faster as I did.   The more I got used to the quick scan the faster I was going…I was soon clearing out a tree a second and moving at a very decent pace.  I made a sigh of relief as I felt like I was accomplishing something as a real Pegasus…I can imagine Rainbow Dash being very proud and going ‘Yeah I told you so!’

I smiled and felt my cheeks heat up at the thought of Rainbow praising me again and showing me once again that I am amazing like she says.  I can do all these things like a real Pegasus can and make Rainbow happy…the thought of me making her happy makes me feel very warm inside.  I sighed in content as I continued scanning the trees around me.  Eventually I did find a bird still sleeping in a tree and flew down to wake it up.

“Ummm…excuse me Mister Bird…” I said softly as I gently nudged him with my snout.  The bird slowly started to move and then eventually stood up making a very loud yawn.

“I’m sorry…but you have to wake up and join the rest of the birds…it’s time for you to fly south now dear…” I politely said as I pointed to the reservoir where all the birds were gathering.  He looked at me and blinked before having a shocked expression on her face.

“Oh you’re right…I’m glad I didn’t sleep in and miss it.  Thanks Fluttershy….you’re a life saver!” The bird chirped in reply as it opened its wings and up and quickly flew off to join the rest of the birds.  I giggled and watched him flew off…feeling good that I helped get a bird to fly south on time.

“Anytime!” I cheerfully said in reply as I flew away from the tree and then went back to scanning more trees.

I continued at my normal pace of clearing out a tree a second and then found that I cleared out most of the trees in Ponyville and it only took me five minutes.  I sighed in relief at my completion and giggled at the thought of me still being stuck on one tree if I did it the traditional way.  I then remembered that I still had some trees left to do and continued my scanning, I found a few birds and woke them up, sending them on their merry way.  I was close to being down with only a couple of trees left and noticed a very grey looking bird in of the trees remaining.  I flew over to it and raised my hoof to wake it up.

“Wakey Wakey sleepy head…you don’t want to stay here for the winter do you?”  I asked in a gentle voice as I poke the bird to try and wake it up.  It however didn’t react and only remained there motionless.

“Come on now…you know you can’t stay here winter right?”  I then asked bit louder than last time I now shook it…it…however…s-still remained…motionless. I then moved my hoof and turned it over onto its back and…and…

“Oh dear…Oh…Dear…” I said very sadly as I looked into the poor bird’s eyes and…there was nothing…no spark of life or joy…or anything….nothing…I-It was dead.  Tears instantly started to swell up in my eyes as I gently picked it up from its nest.

“It…It’s alright…” I said in an inaudible whisper as I flew down to the ground with the bird in my hoof.  “You don’t need to fly south for the winter…I can tell you’ve flown back and forth enough times already…” I said as tears then started to gently fall down my face, I used my other hoof to dig a quick hole under the tree.

I then placed the bird into the hole and started to bury it very slowly,  “Just…Just rest now….you deserve it…all the things you’ve seen…done…experienced…nothing’s going to take that away from you…not ever…not even death…” I then quietly said as I closed my eyes and finished burying the bird.

I then started to cry freely, the tears dropping onto the spot where I buried the poor bird, “I …I know this….this isn’t…a…a proper burial…I…I’m sorry…but…I…I don’t have time to give you one…I…I have to go…but…but I promise that when I get back…I…I’ll give you a proper one…” I apologized sincerely as I just gave it a temporary quick burial that undeserving for it…no creature deserves a quick five second funeral like that….

“But…But just remember…that…that I’ll always remember you…and…that I’ll do this flight for you…since you couldn’t make it…” I then said as I wiped the tears away from eyes.  I looked at the small temporary grave I gave it and nodded my head in one final moment of respect.  I then walked away from it and as soon as I was clear from the spot I opened my wings up and took back off into the skies.

I thought I was done with dealing with death for the year…I thought I wouldn’t have to make another grave for a poor animal…but…life always has different plans…and even though it’s a tragic moment…I…I can’t let it weigh me down…I never do…I have to be strong and keep going…for those who’ve left me…and the ones I have yet the met.  I lifted my head and quickly finished the rest of my searching.  When I got done I turned towards the reservoir and started to make my trip over there.

When I got there Jetstream was still in above the pool of water while Thunderlane and Blossomforth made sure that the birds continued to fly around in a circle. It almost looked like a tornado made of birds…I then found it kind of funny that once again a tornado was over this reservoir…there just no chance of water being sucked up though.  I then noticed Rainbow Dash and Cloud Kicker standing on the ground…oh dear…I hope they’re not fighting.  I gulped as I flew down and landed right in front of them, instantly getting their attention.

“Hey Fluttershy…” The cyan Pegasus called with a smile, before she blinked and looked at me a little confused, “Why do you have a saddlebag?” She then asked as she titled her head slightly and focused on my bag…oh that’s right!  She didn’t see it because I didn’t have it on when she saw me at her house…

“Oh…it’s for the trip of course…just some stuff I need when I get down there.” I explained as I looked at it briefly before looking at Rainbow with a smile on my face…however when the saw the serious look on her face my smile instantly faded away.

“No way Fluttershy…you can’t bring anything with you.” Rainbow denied sternly as she shook her head at me….w-wha?

“W-What?  W-Why not?” I asked a weakly as I was confused as to why Rainbow would refuse something like this.

“Fluttershy…this is a long flank trip…this isn’t like going to Cloudsdale or Canterlot…this is a marathon trip that’s going to take hours crossing a huge body of water…and there’s no way you can make it all the way there carrying that on you…” Rainbow explained with a sigh as she changed her tone from serious to a more sympathetic one.

“But…But…” I simply said as I looked down at the ground trying to think of something to say to her.  I…I know it’s a long trip…but…I know I can make it…and I know I can make it with what I have on...

“I’m sorry Fluttershy…but you’re going to have to leave it here…” Rainbow apologized as she held a hoof out to me…I…I can’t leave it here…I have to take it with me…for…for Rarity…so she can make up with Applejack...I…I can’t leave it here…no…I won’t leave it here!

“N…No!” I almost shouted as I looked back up at her with determination on my face…catching both her and even Cloud Kicker of guard.

“F-Fluttershy?”  Rainbow called in a soft tone as she lowered her hoof down, completely shocked at my outburst.

“I…I can’t leave it behind…I promised Rarity I would get her something for her…to give to somepony else…and I won’t break it…so I refuse to leave this behind!” I explained almost pleading with her before firmly making my position known that there was no way I was leaving it here.  Rainbow blinked at me before she looked down slightly…she then sighed and looked back up at me with a smile on her face.

“Alright…give it here then…” Rainbow then said softly as she held her hoof out again…this time willing take my saddlebag instead of take it away from me…

“W-What?” I simply asked as I looked at her hoof…completely flabbergasted by what she was doing.  I looked back up at her face to see her slightly tilting her head and not looking at me sympathetically and instead supportively.

“Look I accept you won’t leave it behind…but you also have to accept that I can’t let you fly all the way down there with that extra stuff weighing you down…so give it to me…I’ll carry it for you.” Rainbow reaffirmed as she explained both my position and her position…suggesting a compromise.

“R-Rainbow…” I simply called shocked that she suggested doing it for me…so I wouldn’t have to leave it here and so I could easily make it through the escort…and I knew I couldn’t change her mind so I closed my eyes and smiled…then opened then and gave Rainbow the same look she was giving me.

“Alright…here you go…” I agreed sweetly as I took the saddlebag off my bag and reached out to give to her.

“I’m glad we came to a compromise…” Rainbow responded as she took the saddlebag and put on her back right behind her own…I hope it’s not that much weight for her…well…if she can carry a huge pile of books clear across Ponyville…I’m sure she’ll be fine.

“Me too…” I agreed with a slightly giggle as I looked at her…I noticed Cloud Kicker though was looking like she was about to burst into laughter though.

“Wow…you two are a great combination…you picked out one hell of mare for you Rainbow….great choice…” Cloud Kicker teasingly said as she went over and nudged Rainbow with her left fore hoof.

“Cloud Kicker, don’t you dare freaking start!” Rainbow snapped as she turned and looked at her angrily…a very light shade of pink appearing on her cheeks.  Cloud Kicker only giggled and winked at me before backing off a few feet thankfully.

“Ughhh!”  Rainbow groaned as she faced back towards me, “Anyways…shouldn’t you go and check to see if there are any birds that are still sleeping in the trees.”  She then said a little forcefully, as if she wanted me to leave…wait…am I still supposed to be doing it?

“Bu…But I’m already done…” I informed a bit nervous as I bet Rainbow thought I took the time to go get my saddleback instead of looking for left over birds.  She blinked at me a few times shocked at what I said.

“No way!  It’s only been twenty minutes!  Normally it takes a few hours!”  Rainbow replied in disbelief…even Cloud Kicker was looking at me with a shocked expression on her face…it…it’s supposed to take that long?

“W-Well…I…I’m done…I…I flew around…s-scanned all the trees and-”

“Wait wait wait…” Rainbow Dash almost shouted as she raised her hooves at me, cutting me off from going on, “Scanned?”  She then simply asked in a doubtful tone…Oh…Oh dear…do…do I have some kind of weird ability that no pony else has?  Oh…Oh no!  Fl-Fluttershy you’re now a freak!  A freaky little Pegasus with an unnatural ability...another reason for other ponies to laugh at you!

“W-W-Well…I…when…I… narrow my eyes and….and…f-focus real hard…I…I can see things at a long distance…v-very clearly…l-like they’re right in front of my face…” I explained softly as I backed up slightly, looking down at the ground.

“Oh…my…Celestia!” I heard Rainbow Dash shout almost as loud as she could.  I closed my eyes and lowered my ears…oh great…now Rainbow Dash hates you because you’re a freak…oh Fluttershy…you should’ve just kept your mouth shut and went back to double check or something…now your best friend hates you….I…I don’t think I can take her hating me…I…I.

“I-I’m…I’m so sorry…p-please…please don’t-WAHHH!” I said trying to apologize as I felt tears forming in my eyes right before I felt my hooves leave the ground and felt myself being flown around in the air.  I opened my eyes to see Rainbow Dash’s face directly in front of me with a huge grin on her face

“I can’t believe it!  I can’t freaking believe it!  Rarity wasn’t making up complete crap!  You really have it!   You really have the Pegas-eye!” She shouted excitedly as she twirled in the air with me in her hooves…telling me what I have…

“T-The…The Pegas-eye?” I repeated in a soft uncertain tone…so…that’s what it’s called… “I…is that bad?” I then asked concerned that I have some kind of weird deformity that no pony else has…

“Bad?  Bad!  Are you freaking kidding?” She shouted at me, this made me make an eeping sound as I closed my eyes in fear of what she was going to say, “It’s freaking awesome!” She then happily declared as she brought me into a sudden hug…which made me gasp, open my eyes, and raise my ears in shock.

“I….really?” I replied softly as I felt my ears drop again and my eyes slowly close at the comfort of this hug…she…she’s soft…I rubbed my head ever so slightly against her coat and felt a warmth and comfort that…I…I never experienced before.

“Yeah!  The Pegas-eye is a rare Pegasus ability that only a few skilled and talented Pegasus have…like me for instance!” The sweet, gentle, soft mare then explained as she-

“W-Wait…You…You have it?” I asked in shock as I opened my eyes and pulled my head back to look at her with my eyes as wide as they can be.  She blinked in surprise before smirking and nodding at me.

“Of course!  All top notch flies have it…how else can we keep track of everything in the sky and everything below us?  It’s practically a requirement if you want to be a Wonderbolt and that’s one reason why they have so few recruits actually make it onto the team!” She confirmed as she also explained how it important it is to daredevils like her…wait…why so few recruits make it in…does…does that mean it’s not common?

“I…Is it really that rare?” I then asked confused and curious as I titled my head a bit…that would explain the shock and excitement Rainbow is experiencing right now…and why she was looking at me weirdly as I tried to explain myself to her.

“Oh yeah it is…Jetstream doesn’t have it, neither does Thunderlane or Blossomforth…” The cerise eyed mare responded nodding repeatedly as she looked over to each Pegasus around us.

“I have it…” I heard Cloud Kicker interject which caused Dash to turn her head suddenly and look down at her.

“You are such a liar Cloud Kicker!  If you did you would see me making all those faces and rude gestures to you from long distances.” Rainbow shouted angrily back at the purple mare which caused her mouth to gape open at what she said.

“What’s that about faces and rude gestures!?” She shouted back as she was obviously offended by what Rainbow said…and to be honest…I’d be kind of upset as well if Rainbow was doing it to me…wait…maybe she is…we’ll…I guess I’ll find out now if she is.

“But this is incredible!  I never would’ve imagined that out of all the Pegasi I knew that my oldest friend would have that ability!” Rainbow responded, ignoring what Cloud Kicker said as she spun around a couple times and hugged me even tighter…I smiled as I felt my heart warm at the praise I was getting from my best friend…it’s almost like a dream true.

“W-Well…I…I kind of recently discovered it…” I replied feeling my cheeks intensely heat up as I looked away…which made her stop twirling us in the air.

“Who cares how you found out you have it or when you found out…I’m just happy we have something else in common now!”  Rainbow then happily declared as she made the biggest grin I have ever seen her give me.

“I am…as well Rainbow…” I agreed as I smiled back…I couldn’t agree more…this really is an amazing moment.

“Now…” Rainbow Dash said seriously as she moved me to her side, so we both the same direction, our heads very close to each other, “Tell me what you see in Sugar Cube Corner…” She then asked me in a playful tone as she pointed to Ponyville.  I looked at her for a second before looking at where she pointed.  I focused my eyes and quickly found myself looking clearly into the kitchen of Sugar Cube Corner…and clearly seeing Pinkie Pie…

“I…I see Pinkie Pie in the kitchen…taking a batch of cupcakes out of the oven.” I answered as I explained what I was seeing as Pinkie Pie opened the oven door and took out the batch of cupcakes….Rainbow giggled obviously delighted by my answer.

“Yeah…I bet she’s going to eat them all at once even though they’re most likely for customers when the store opens.” She then said happily as she guessed what she was going to do next…and seeing at how she was eyeing those cupcakes and licking her lips…I don’t doubt it…they did look very delicious after all…

“Yeah…I think she will too…” I agreed with a smile before I saw Pinkie Pie put the cupcakes down and look around desperately…looking a little scared as she started shaking…oh dear…she must think she’s being watched…which…she kind of is…that made me feel bad as I realized that were looking at our friends without them knowing.

“R-Rainbow…don’t you think this is kind of wrong…I mean I feel like we’re spying on her…” I pointed out as I unfocused my eyes and looked at her a bit concerned.  She looked down and nodded in agreement.

“Yeah…we kind of are…” She agreed as she started looking for quite possibly more things to find for me to see as well.  “Maybe we should be spies one day or adventures like Daring Do…” She then jokingly said as she continued looking around...

“I don’t know…” I responded…liking the ‘we’ part but not really liking the 'adventuring' or 'spies' parts since it would involve danger and stress…which is generally something I would want to avoid.

“Tell me what else you can see…” She then asked me, making a very broad question.  I blinked a few times as I looked at her before I sighed and looked back into Ponyville…not wanting to spy and generally trying to find something of the streets.  I scanned the streets and eventually found a Grey Pony sitting down near a fountain and looking around…

“I see…Derpy sitting down like you told her looking around…” I informed as looked around some more…this time seeing a brown stallion with a tie walking up towards her, “I can also see The Doctor come over to meet her….ohhh now she looks so happy.”  I then said as I noticed Derpy get up and rush towards him…I decided to look away as I knew it was going to get kind of personal very soon and then I would be spying into personal affairs...

“I also see…” I said as I looked around…I looked into skies to try and find things and eventually saw a purple Alicorn flying towards us.  “Oh…here comes Twilight…” I commented as I recognized her to be one of our friends.  After I said that Rainbow let go of me and I dropped like a rock towards the ground.  I opened my wings and caught myself from hitting the hard ground though.

“R-Rainbow?”  I called as I flew back up towards her, concern in my voice as I noticed she was just staring blanking towards Twilight.  “W-What’s wrong?” I asked now very concerned…I…I know she had a nightmare about her earlier…is…is she afraid of her now?

“Oh-Oh…it…it’s nothing Fluttershy…” Rainbow responded very nervously and with a few stutters as she looked back at me with a fearful look on her face.  “I…I’ll be right back…stay here…” She then said before she looked back forward and flew off to meet her.

I watched her fly off as fast as she could and when she got very far I focused my eyes so I could clearly see her.  When she reached Twilight she stopped in the air, but Twilight didn’t and ran into her, wrapping her fore hooves around her to keep herself from falling down.  She still hasn’t fully mastered flying yet…I can’t say that I have either though.  They then proceeded to talk with Twilight still latched onto Rainbow.

Rainbow looked more and more embarrassed and nervous as she deeply started blushing while Twilight looked more and more excited.  She still had her hooves around Rainbow and I started to shake a little in the air…she…she’s hugging Rainbow a bit too long…I mean shouldn’t she have regained her composure and start to hover in place?  She doesn’t need to hold onto her that long…maybe I should go over and help her off of Rainbow….no…wait…I can’t…Rainbow said for me to stay here…it…it as a private conversation between them.

I raised my fore hooves up and started to rub them anxiously…w-why is this bothering me so much?  I bit my lip as I saw Twilight nuzzle against her…which is something  I did earlier…she must be experiencing the same warmth and comfort I was…is that that’s why it’s bothering me?  Is it because…she was just hugging me earlier and I want her to hug me again…or am I just concerned because Rainbow looks so uncomfortable in that position…I…I don’t know.  I couldn’t bear to look anymore and looked down at the ground.  I went down and landed next to Cloud Kicker, who was looking at me a little concerned.

“Something wrong?”  She asked for once sounding like she was caring about another pony and not wanting to tease them.  I nodded my head, folded my wings up, and turned away from her.

“N-No…nothing…its fine…everything’s fine…”  I replied very melancholic as I looked down towards the ground, rubbing my right fore hoof slightly in the dirt.   Cloud Kicker didn’t say anything back thankfully and instead I just continued to stare at the ground for a few minutes, I looked up when I heard a swooshing sound through the air.  I saw Rainbow flying above me breathing a bit heavily and nervously as it looked like she just escaped from a prison or something.

“R-Rainbow….a-are you ok?”  I asked in concern as I opened my wings and flew up to her. “W-Wh….What did you and Twilight talk about?”   I then asked before Rainbow could respond to my first question…more intently as I really wanted to know what happened between them…I…I should be more concerned with Rainbow’s state of mind but…instead I’m asking her about this? W-What is wrong with you Fluttershy?

“N-Nothing…its fine…Nothing happened thankfully…” The cyan Pegasus responded shaking her head almost hysterically…nothing happened?  W-Was…Was something supposed to happen?

“Look let’s get these birds going…I know we’re a bit early but getting this huge flock of birds down there is going to take a lot of time and so we might actually be there on time for once.” Rainbow then instructed seriously before I could make a reply, waving her hooves in the air to get everypony’s attention.

“Jetstream start to move the birds up, get underneath them and start to make them climb, when they reach the correct height get above them so they can’t gain anymore altitude.” She ordered as she pointed at Jetstream, who was still hovering slightly above the pool, and gave her a specific task.

“On it…”  The pink pony simply stated confidently and with a smile before she started to flap her wings harder and gain altitude, waving her hooves in an up direction which caused the flock of birds to start to climb in to the sky.

“Thunderlane, get on the right side and while you take the left Blossomforth…keep them bunched in a group.”  Rainbow then ordered as she pointed to both the light grey pony and the black stallion who were already doing that task…so they just continued to do it keeping the birds from flying off and not even saying anything back.

“Cloud Kicker!” Rainbow then shouted as she turned and gave Cloud Kicker a mischievous grin, which caused the purple pony to gulp as she opened her wings up and take to the sky. “You get the best job of them all…you get to bring up the back and make sure no birds start to straggle behind.” She then went onto inform in a very sarcastic tone as she folded her fore hooves at her.  Oh my…I guess that’s a very difficult job and she’s giving her that as payback for teasing her earlier.

“Oh thank you Rainbow Dash…this is the job I was just dying to have…” Cloud Kicker replied very sarcastically as she shook her head and rolled her eyes…which made Rainbow chuckle a bit as if amused by her reaction…Dash…revenge isn’t always the best option you know.

“I gave you it because I knew you were the perfect pony for the job…” The vengeful cyan mare then said as she pointed to a spot behind the rapidly climbing flock of birds.  She gave a groaning noise in response before she flew off to take her position.

“Fluttershy….” I then heard Rainbow call, not in a loud serious shout though but a low calm voice.

“Y-Yes?” I simply said back a little concerned over what job she’s going to give me.

“You and I are going to be in front and we’re going to lead them…” She then informed with a slight smile as reached into her saddlebag and pulled out her pair of flight goggles.  O-Oh…I’m going to be with Rainbow and I get to wear her goggles again?  T-Thank goodness…there’s no other spot I’d rather be at then next to her!

“A-Alright Rainbow…let’s do it…” I then said with a slight stutter as I took the goggles from her hoof and put them on.  I then nodded to her after I got them on to visually tell her that I was ready to take on the task.

“That’s the spirit Fluttershy!” She replied in an encouraging shout as she flew up to me and put a hoof around my shoulder.  I smiled as we both climbed into the air and took our position in front of the flock.   We were still climbing into the sky though, but before we hit the cloud layer Jetstream quickly went from the bottom to the top of the birds to stop them.

“Alright…let’s get these birds down south!” Rainbow then shouted sounding very enthralled as she moved her hoof and waved it towards south.  Then she started to fly off and I went up and flew next to her…she wasn’t flying fast thankfully but I don’t think she can when she has to escort birds.

I looked back and saw the birds flying in a huge flock behind us; I saw Thunderlane and Blossomforth doing their jobs as well as Jetstream.  Though…I couldn’t see Cloud Kicker but since she’s in the back that would make sense. I looked over at Dash and smiled because this was a great feeling…Escorting my bird friends down south, doing a duty as a Pegasus, and most importantly…flying next to Rainbow Dash…it was so amazing…

We soon left Ponyville and started flying over areas of Equestria I wasn’t used to seeing…especially from the air, I looked down and admired all the sights below me, I then looked over at saw the sun was now higher in the air…if I had to estimate I would guess that it was somewhere between eight and nine in the morning.  I bet most ponies back in Ponyville are now starting to wake up.  Yet here we are flying a very long trip down south…and she wasn’t kidding when she said it was long…it felt as though an hour had passed and I was starting to feel a bit tired…I was starting to reach my limit of how long I usually flew and we haven’t even left Equestria yet!

“You ok Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked in concerned as I looked over to see her giving me a very worried look.

“Y-Yeah…I’m fine…” I replied with a nod and a smile…despite being a little tired…I’m fine...

“Here, take this.” She then insisted as she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a bottle of water, “You’re going to need this, staying hydrated is very important you know.” She instructed as she held out the bottle towards me, a supportive smile on her face.

“Thanks Rainbow…” I thanked gratefully as I took the bottle and opened it up, quickly draining it in a few quick minutes…I was very thirsty and she’s right…I have to stay hydrated so I don’t pass out from dehydration…or worse.

“Alright Fluttershy…get ready…” Rainbow then warned seriously as we started to fly over a huge body of water, taking the bottle from my hoof and put it back into her saddlebag.   I-Is something bad going to happen?

“We’re going to leave Equestria airspace soon…when we do that we’re outside the bounds of Celestia and Luna’s magic…into an uncharted unregulated air that is going to affect you drastically.” She explained as she pointed ahead of us…I looked ahead and only saw water…

“H-How will I know when we do…a-and what’s going to happen?” I asked very fearful as I recoiled at the thought of me suddenly spinning out control and falling to my doom…just for her to save me.”

“You’re wings are going to shake violently from the drastic change in air pressure and it’s possible you will fall…and trust me…you’ll know when it happens…just take a deep breath and focus on changing your feather arrangement to compensate to the change…don’t worry…you’ll be fine…”  Rainbow explained seriously but being very vague as to when it’s going to happen…well…I guess she wouldn’t really know…I don’t think there would be a sign hanging around saying ‘Now leaving Equestrian airspace, Pegasi prepare for sudden change in atmosphere.’

“A-Alright…I won’t let you down Rainbow…”  I said back after making a gulp…fearful that I will let her down…literally and start to dive down in a crashing nosedive…I closed my eyes and focused on that not happening…no matter what I won’t lose control and go spiraling out of control.  

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes up, focusing on the flight ahead of me.  We continued flying and I kept expecting for my wings to buckle and for me to go crashing into the sea…but…as the minutes passed and the further I got it didn’t happen.  I suddenly smelt a couple of strange fragrances and the air I was breathing suddenly felt thicker…my wings also started to tingle slightly as I felt my feathers move around on their own…oh no!  That’s a sign of the start of the change isn’t it?  Even though I’m still flying fine I’m already starting to feel a little weird…that means I’m going to crash!  I’m going to lose control and fall straight into the-

“Jetstream you ok!?” I heard Rainbow shout in concern, breaking me from my thoughts.  I turned my head around to see Jetstream moving around awkwardly in the air above the birds, moving her hooves around trying to regain her balance  when she finally did she regained control and continued flying, nodding back to Rainbow telling her she was fine…w-what?  She already lost control…but…if she lost control this early that must surely mean-

“What about the rest?  How did they do when the pressures changed?”  Rainbow then asked concerned about the rest of the flight crew, Jetstream nodded and looked around, checking on the status on the other Pegasi…w-what?  It…It already changed?

“They’re ok…frazzled a bit but fine…” Jetstream then answered positively and with a nod after confirming the status of the rest of the rest of the crew.  They…They were all suddenly effected…and were disoriented for a bit…but…but I was…I was-

“Fluttershy?” I heard Dash a bit seriously call cutting my thoughts off again.

“Y-Yeah?” I responded as I looked at her a bit concerned and confused.

“You…were…awesome!” She then praised with a huge grin on her face…bu…wha?

“I…I…I was?” I asked more bewildered than before as I recoiled slightly and raised an eyebrow at her.

“Hell yeah!  I saw you!  You’re body naturally and quickly adapted to the change in the atmosphere!” Rainbow shouted as she waved her hooves in the air excitedly.

“I…It did?” I asked in disbelief is I looked back at my wings…they looked…different…the feather arrangement and composition changed…but I didn’t really feel any different…and…aside from a slightly tingling sensation I didn’t notice anything at all.

“Yeah!  And let me tell you that it is not another common ability found in every single Pegasi…only the good ones like me have that kind of quick adapting ability!” Rainbow shouted at the top of her lungs, I looked over to her and saw that she was pointing at her wings.  I noticed that they also looked different as well…the feathers changed and arranged differently…exactly like mine.

“I…Bu…I…” I struggled to say something but couldn’t form syllables and so instead I just looked at her in disbelief…Rainbow Dash and I naturally adapted to the change while the others couldn’t…I…I almost can’t accept that…Rainbow is such an amazing flyer and Pegasus while…I…I’m not…

“You’re one hell of an amazing Pegasus Fluttershy…just like me…” The ecstatic cyan Pegasus then shouted as she came over to me and put a hoof around my shoulder.  I…she…she thinks I’m amazing…  

“Th-Thanks Rainbow…” I thanked softly as I looked away and felt my face heat up in a blush…Rainbow thinks I’m a great Pegasus…I know she’s just being modest to make me feel good…but I don’t care…because it’s working…I feel great…being praised by her makes my heart beat faster and come alive.

She broke away from me unfortunately and we continued flying.  As the trip wore on I got more and more exhausted…it felt like another hour two of flying…we were now at least double over the usual flying time I got in one day!  Rainbow gave me another bottle of water…which helped…but if we don’t get there soon I might give out from exhaustion.

“Alright everypony!”  Rainbow then shouted suddenly as I saw her stop and turn around, waving her hooves back and forth, looking at Jetstream who preceded to nod at her.  W-What?

“We’re here, so just keep the birds flying a circle and that’s it…” She then instructed seriously, All Jetstream nodded and flew down to quite possibly tell Thunderlane and then Blossomforth…I…I can’t believe it…are we really here?  I mean…all I can see is ocean.

“Wh….What….We…We’re…Here?”  I struggled to ask as I breathed heavily from all the flying I was doing…barely able to keep myself airborne.

“Yeah…this is the spot where we’re supposed to meet up from the weather ponies from their country…” Rainbow informed me as she looked around quite possibly looking for them since it was clear that there were no ponies around except us.

“That…That’s good…I…I…guess…” I replied as I felt myself get weaker, my wings unable to keep flapping at my current rate and now starting to slow down…I felt myself start to sink down towards the ocean…I looked down and cursed myself…I…I couldn’t make it…I failed…I’m sorry Rainbow…

“Hold on Fluttershy!” I heard Rainbow Dash shout sounding almost terrified, I looked up to see her fly up to the cloud layer and then come back down towards me holding a big fluffy cloud. “Here…have a seat and rest…you deserve it…” She then said as she went underneath me and let me sink into it…not really giving me a choice if I wanted to rest or not but I wasn’t going to say otherwise…a break would help me regain my strength…I laid down on the cloud and let me wings limply fall down onto the clouds…I didn’t bother folding them up…I just let them let lay on the cloud fully extended…feeling them scream in relief from not working anymore.

“Th-Thanks…R-Rainbow…” I thanked very gratefully as I looked up and smiled at her, she grinned back as she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out another bottle of water.

“You did great Fluttershy…we’re over halfway there…” The happy Pegasus with the prismatic mane praised as she held out the bottle of water to me…which I happily took and drunk down as fast as I could…I flew that far?  Over hallway over an ocean…but…how does she know?

“H-How can you tell Rainbow?” I asked curiously as I titled my head at her and watched her land on the cloud right next to me…avoiding my wings thankfully as she folded up her own.

“We’re supposed to stop and wait as soon as I see that in the distance…” Rainbow answered as she pointed in the distance behind me.  I turned around and could barely make out what appeared to be land along with smoke above it…I focused my eyes and suddenly saw a huge amount of Volcanos bunched together stretching across the land all spewing out ash.

“A….Mountain Range of volcanos?” I commented as I continued to look at them…so when a Pegasus with a Pegas-eye sees those volcanos and the smoke they’re supposed to stop? That’s a little odd…

“Good eyes Fluttershy…just as good as mine...” The mare behind me happily praised as I felt her pat me on the back supportively.  I blushed and looked down at the ocean in embarrassment…I wanted to thank her but instead looked back up and observed the volcanos again.  “Yeah that’s the Cambrian Volcano Range of Tertha…” Rainbow then said as she told me the name of the place…as I looked around I noticed how dark and menacingly it looked...

“Looks like a scary place…” I said in a slightly nervous tone as I’m glad we’re all the way out here and nowhere near there…

“Well…let’s just say it and its inhabitants aren’t exactly friendly to ponies…” I heard her reply in a slightly regretful tone….my eyes widened as I looked back at Dash in fear.

“Oh dear…we’re not in danger are we?” I asked scared that we’re going to get attacked…oh I know Rarity said it would be dangerous outside of Equestria but I didn’t expect us to camp right outside of death’s door!

“Of course not…we’re too far away and as long as it stays that way we’ll be fine…” She answered in a dismissive tone as she waved her hoof at me and shook her head…a calming smile on her voice with instantly made me feel safe…

“Thank goodness…” I said with a sigh of relief as I closed my eyes and lowered my head, putting a hoof to my chest…happy that nothing bad is going to happen to us.

“And besides….even if we were…I wouldn’t let anything happen to you…I promised Rarity that I’d keep you safe…and there’s no way I’m breaking that promise…and even if I didn’t make that promise I’d always make sure you were safe…” She then commented in a rather soft uncomfortable tone…I opened my eyes and looked back up at her shock...

“R-Rainbow…” I simply called in a whisper as she blinked and looked away with a light blush appearing on her face…immediately regretting saying that and most likely thinking that it was a rather ‘sappy’ thing to say.

“Oh for crying out loud…get a room you two!” I heard another pony loudly shout in a tease.  We both looked up to see a grinning purple Pegasus looking at us with her fore hooves folded across her chest….but…we’re out in the middle of nowhere…how can we get a room?

“Cloud Kicker, for the love of Celestia…It’s like you don’t want to come back with both your wings still attached!” Rainbow shouted at her angrily she put a hoof to her face in anguish.  Cloud Kicker laughed at her response and flew back slightly while holding her gut.

“What…cut me some slack…I’m hungry…I didn’t eat breakfast!” She then said in between her laughs as she smiled at her….that sounds like a ….pretty bad excuse if you ask me…

“Yeah I didn’t either…but I’m not going around being a total flank!  So what gives you that right!?” The angry cyan mare beside me pointed out as she opened her wings up and stood up from where she was sitting almost ready to confront her.  Oh dear…that’s right…she didn’t have time to eat…I should tell her about the food I packed earlier so she can get something in her stomach.

“Well we should have stayed back and ate something…because we’re the first ones here and we’re just wasting our time waiting for the other weather crew to show up!” The purple Pegasus defended as she did a twirl in the air with her hooves extended as if showing us the lack of other ponies in the sky besides us.

“It’s not my fault we made excellent time thanks to Fluttershy…so zip your lip and shut up!” Rainbow responded sounding like she was defending me personally even though she didn’t say anything against me…I blushed slightly and looked down as this instantly reminded me of Dash defending me from somepony who was making fun of me.

“But I’m hungry!” Cloud Kicker whined as she frowned as much as she could and pointed to her stomach…it does feel like it’s lunch time…so we really should eat…

“I am too and unless you want to start fishing at the bottom of the ocean I suggest you shut up and wait until we get to Rio…” The cyan mare threatened while making a growling noise as she pointed to the ocean below us and then pointed to her as if saying that she was going to throw her in it…

“Y-You know…I have some food in my saddlebag…we could have a light lunch here…you know…if you want…” I then suggested weakly as I pointed to my saddlebag on Rainbow’s back.  Rainbow looked at me and blinked a few times in surprise.

“You do?” The athletic mare said in disbelief as she opened up my saddlebag to check it…pulling out the food I packed hits morning.  “Aww yeah!  Fluttershy you’ve just saved my flank yet again!” Rainbow then said excitedly and with a smirk as she admired the food in her hooves…she set one aside, then gave me one to me, before holding out the rest to Cloud Kicker.

“Here…pass these out to the others…I’m sure they’re hungry as well…and be sure to thank Fluttershy for this…” She advised rather seriously and concerned as Cloud Kicker came over to take the food from her.

“Thank you Rainbow’s mare-” Cloud kicker tried to thank in a tease before she was cut off by Rainbow shoving some of my food into her mouth…which was very mean but I can’t say I didn’t see it coming…

“Shut your mouth and move your flank Cloud Kicker before I kick that cloud on your flank and give a whole different definition to your name!” Rainbow threatened in a menacing tone.  Cloud Kicker nodded repeatedly, finally getting the hint finally before turning around and flying off.  Rainbow sighed in relief before she grabbed her food and took a bite from it.

“It tastes amazing Fluttershy…just like I knew it would.” I heard her compliment before she licked her lips in satisfying way.  I giggled as I knew Dash would like it…

“Why thank you Rainbow…” I thanked gratefully with a slight nod before I took a quick bite of my own food.

“No Fluttershy…I should be thanking you…for waking me up…for helping with the birds…the food…I don’t even want to think where I would be without Fluttershy…” Rainbow corrected as she shook her head and looked at me with the sweetest expression on her face…my mouth gaped open in surprise in the food I was chewing on fell out from my mouth and into the ocean…I…she…she didn’t have to say that…I…I’m just here to help is all…she…she would do the same for me so it’s not that big a deal…

“Thank you Fluttershy…” She then thanked very gratefully with a nod before she took another bite from the food.  I felt my cheeks heat up and I looked away as I knew a very deep shade of crimson was appearing on my face.

“A-Anytime…Rainbow Dash…” I responded as I kept looking away…I wanted to say something else but as I was looking away I saw a huge mass of specks in the distance…looking almost like flies.  I focused my vision and saw that it was a huge mass of Pegasi…all wearing what looked like blue uniforms that the Pegasi team would wear during our Winter Wrap up.

“There’s a huge group of Pegasus ponies heading our way…” I pointed out as I knew that they were probably the team from the other country here to receive the southern…no sorry… northern birds from us…

“Oh that must be them!” Rainbow happily declared as I looked over to see her quickly start downing the food in her hooves.

“W-What do we do?” I asked nervously and a bit afraid as I’m sure we need to go greet them or something.

“Nothing…we can’ move from our spot…just let them come to us…and when do leave the talking to me alright?” Rainbow explained with her mouth full off food as crumbs and bits of food flew from her mouth.  Then she quickly shoved the rest in her mouth

“A-Alright…” I agreed somewhat reluctantly…hopefully she’ll be done eating before they get here…I think it would be rather rude if she was eating and talking to…however she has to talk to…especially if she spits food at them accidently.

The large Pegasus formation got closer and when they got here they all stopped and hovered in place in what looked like formation…looking very intimidating and scary if I do say so.  I lowered my head a bit and cowered into the cloud.  Rainbow scoffed with a laugh before she got up and flew off the cloud, slowly flying towards the formation.  The lead black Pegasus with a golden mane and very fancy looking uniform flew down and they met about twenty feet in front of me.  The bumped hooves and the fancy Pegasus looked over Rainbow Dash with an eyebrow raised.

“Rainbow Dash?” He said in a very odd sounding voice as he asked Rainbow who she was…probably confirming her identity for the sake of formalities.

“Yep…that’s me…the one and the only Rainbow Dash from Ponyville.” The brash cyan mare replied being anything but formal as she folded her fore hooves and nodded to the fancy Pegasus.

“Esta é a primeira vez que você já esteve cedo ... Estou um pouco chocado ...” The Black Pegasus…then…said…w-wait...w-what did he say?  He…he speaks a different language!  Oh dear what are we going-

“O que posso dizer? Eu queria desesperadamente entregar os pássaros sobre vez para uma vez!” Rainbow said back with a smirk as she unfolded her fore hooves and shrugged…R-Rainbow?  S-She can understand what they’re saying and…s-speak their language?

“Qualquer que seja, simplesmente assinar aqui por favor...” He responded as he rolled his eyes, then holding out a clipboard out to her…to which Rainbow took immediately, pulling out the pencil with her mouth and writing on it.

“Concluído.” She then said after she put the pencil back and held out the clipboard to him.  He took it and looked over it before looking back and nodding to her in confirmation that the paper has been wrote on…I guess he needed her signature for…I guess taking over the birds?

“Thank you.” The fancy looking Pegasus replied thanking her using words that I actually understood.  Rainbow nodded at him before he turned around and flew back to the huge mass of Pegasi behind him.  He then started to wave his hooves around and start pointing to a few ponies…most likely directing them to take over our positions…I guess I was right…

“Alright…we’re done…they’re going to take over for us and keep the birds here until the other flight teams get here…” Rainbow happily shouted as she turned around and pointed her hooves at Thunderlane and Blossomforth…and then to Cloud Kicker and Jetstream…she then started to fly back towards me and I was still shocked from her linguistic skills.

“R-Rainbow…I…I didn’t know you can speak another language…” I said in befuddlement as I watched Rainbow fly around me and get behind the cloud.  

“Yeah…we’ll I’ve been done to Rio so many times that I kind of had to learn…especially since I became a manager and had to lead flight crews down here…” She explained with almost a nervous laugh as she raised her hooves and grabbed the cloud I was laying on.  Well…that makes sense…if you visit a place enough you should pick up a few things…and I can see speaking a different language being a requirement for her position…so I can accept that.

“Alright…now let’s go to Rio!”  Rainbow then declared as she started to push the cloud I was lying on…wait what?

“W-What are you doing?” I asked as I stood up on the cloud and turned around to face her, which caused Rainbow to stop and look up at me, blinking a few times in surprise at what I was doing.

“I’m going to push you to Rio on this cloud…I don’t want you to overwork yourself more than you already have.” Rainbow explained as she moved her hooves off the cloud and held them up as if trying to defend herself I guess.

“No…I’m fine Rainbow…” I denied as I lifted my wings and took to the air…feeling a slight pain from all the strenuous flying I did before…but nothing I couldn’t handle thankfully…I noticed that some weather ponies from the other country passed me and went up to our flock of birds to take over the positions for Thunderlane, Jetstream, and Blossomforth.

“Fluttershy…please…it’s no problem…just let me push you-”

“N-No Rainbow…I…I promised myself I would fly down with you…fly…not let you carry me down…so I have to do this…for myself…and for you Rainbow…” I then said in a stern voice, cutting her off…making it clear that no matter what…I’m flying with her to the end…and not being a dead weight to her.  Rainbow was shocked at my outburst and rubbed a hoof behind her head and looked down a bit…before chuckling and looking back up at me with a smile.

“Heh…and here I thought I was the stubborn one…” The cyan mare commented in a teasing tone as I noticed the Cloud Kicker and the others coming down to join us, “Alright…let’s go Fluttershy…just don’t hesitate to tell me if anything goes wrong ok” She then said agreeing to my demand with a smile… I nodded to her smiling back before she turned around to the rest of the gang.

“Alright everypony!  Let’s head down to Rio!”  She then loudly and happily declared as she raised a hoof to the air, causing them all to cheer…including Cloud Kicker…I gave a cheer as well…my usual ‘Woohoo’ which  I’m sure Rainbow couldn’t hear over the others cheering.

Rainbow then turned around and immediately flew past me.  I turned around and started to fly as well, my wings slightly aching with each flap bit for now it was bearable.  I turned my head around and saw the others following close behind me.  When I looked back forward I saw Rainbow slowing down so she could fly side by side with me…I smiled as I felt thrilled to know that I was going to fly side by side with Rainbow all the way down there…instead of…her carrying me all the way down there.

However, that proved to be more difficult over time as I felt my wings get heavier and heavier by the second.   I breathing increased as well as I found it difficult to remain at my present altitude and speed…but…I…I had to keep going…for Rainbow….I wasn’t going to let her down.  She already said we were already half way done when we rested…so…so surely there can’t be that much to go right?  

“Fluttershy you ok?” Rainbow Dash asked in concern as she noticed my heavy breathing difficulty keeping my pace...oh dear…she’s already worried about me…I wonder if the others noticed my physical condition deteriorating.

“I…I…I’m…f…fine…” I struggled to say as I focused all my strength to try and stay in the air…I know I don’t look fine and I know Rainbow is going to worry about me anyways…but...I still had to try….

I then felt my wings tingle funnily…not in a painful way but a way I felt earlier…I felt my wings move slightly and my feathers starting to move.  D-Did we enter their airspace?  Is that why my wings feel strange?  I looked at my wings and I noticed the feather composition in my wings changing right in front of my eyes…it was actually a bit unnerving…behind me I noticed the other ponies where struggling to stay in the and were readjusting themselves.  I looked over and saw Rainbow’s wings and feathers changing as well like mine…and she kept flying forward seemingly not even noticing the change…is...is that how I look right now…unaffected by the changing airspace as my wings adapt to the new atmosphere?

“We’re almost there Fluttershy…we just entered their pony controlled airspace…just a bit longer…look I can even see the city in the distance now…” Rainbow then said happily as she confirmed my suspicion about the atmosphere, she also pointed in the distance with a smile on her face.   I looked forward and tried to focus my vision but I was so exhausted that the whole city seemed like a blur to me.

“G-Great…” I simply said happy to know that I was at least close and didn’t have far to go….come on Fluttershy…it’s not that far left….you can do it!

“Just a little bit more…” The supportive mare beside me said as I looked down and noticed that we were least above land now.  With that sentence I felt one final surge of energy and determination flow through me as I flapped and hard and fast as I could forward, getting ahead of Rainbow.  But then after that burst of energy came my strength buckled and I stopped flapping, dropping to the ground.  It didn’t take long for me to stop though as I felt of hooves wrap around me…bringing in very familiar warmth…and lowered me down on a hill beneath us.  As soon as I touched the ground I flopped down on the ground and tried to catch my breath.  I tried to reclaim what strength I had left and somehow managed fold up my wings.

“There…you made it Fluttershy…” Rainbow happily declared as she let me go…much to my dismay though…however that disappointment didn’t last long as I looked up and saw a big sign that…well I couldn’t honestly read but thankfully right below it was another sign that said ‘City Limits of Rio De Jamareo’ I smiled in relief…I actually made…I made it here all by myself….and even though Rainbow caught me at the end I was already here…

“I…I’m…I’m…so…happy…” I declared as I was still panting heavily…trying to catch my breath as I noticed the rest of the Pegasi coming and landing behind us.

“Are you going to be ok Fluttershy?”  Rainbow then asked very worried as her cerise eyes looked over me making sure I wasn’t hurt or anything.  I looked over myself as well and didn’t see any injuries…just a pair of worn out wings that I knew I wasn’t going to use for the rest of the day.  Nothing serious though…I’ve helped bird wings all the time and I know when my little wings need a rest compared to them needing medical attention.

“Yeah…just…worn out…I’ll be fine as long as I don’t use my wings all day…I have to if I want to fly home…” I responded as I started to regain some of my composure and relax, looking back at her with a encouraging smile so she doesn’t worry about me.

“Yeah…don’t fly for the rest of the day…rest your wings as much as you can…Doctor Dash’s orders!”  Rainbow teased with a smirk as she went in front of me.  She then raised a hoof up and cleared her throat.

“Now welcome!  To Rio De Jamareo!” She dramatically and proudly declared as she got out of the way and showed the amazing looking city.  It…It was so big…and fancy looking…and how the sun glistened off the bright buildings…it reminded me a lot of Manehatten.  There was even a huge statue of some pony on a big hill in the corner of the city.  Though it was a statue of a smiling Pegasus with no feathers and her hooves outstretched as if ready to hug somepony.

“Wow…” I simply said, admiring the beauty of the city.

“Why…I…say that here there is a city with such beauty and no quality amiss!” I heard somepony start singing; I turned around and saw that it was Cloud Kicker singing while the rest of them started to hum in a very delightful tone. “And that no matter where you go there’ll be no place quite like this!  Why yes…there’s no place like Rio De-”

“Cloud kicker!  I swear to Celestia!  If you dare try turning this into a musical number I will punch you from here all the way back to Equestria!” Rainbow Dash shouted as loud as she could, cutting her off as she flew up to her face with her hoof held up ready to punch…oh that’s mean…she’s just trying to sing…that’s nothing to get angry over…unless she was going to mock you somehow in your song…then…I guess that would make sense.

“Geez…fine…I was just trying to lighten the mood!” Cloud Kicker responded as she backed up slightly and gave a slight huff in disappointment…I guess she really wanted to sing that song.

“You lighten the mood I darken your face…now let’s go check into our hotel.” Rainbow menacingly threatened before she flew away from her and landed right next to me.  She didn’t say anything else as she walked off towards the city.  I sighed in relief that at least this didn’t break out into a fight.

Rainbow led us into the city, which was packed to the brim with ponies of all kinds from Earth ponies to Pegasi and even mules and zebras…tons of zebras…I wonder if Zecora would feel at home here?  I looked around and admired how busy every looked…this really was a bustling city...and that was…a bit unsettling… I didn’t want to get into anypony’s way or cause any problems.  I moved closer to Dash to make sure I wouldn’t bother anypony…she looked over and smiled at me before continuing to lead us.

We went deeper into the city and now it started to look very fancy with ponies in very elaborate clothing that would make Rarity go nuts over.  We then turned and entered a very expensive looking hotel.  When we entered it looked lavish with fine linen everywhere and live music being played by an orchestra band for people entering along with a large flowing fountain in the center of the lobby with other ponies working frantically to put up decorations to something and looking like they’re about to welcome the arrival of somepony famous…it really looks expensive.…oh my can we even afford to stay in someplace like this?  I looked up to ask Dash this but she already flew up to the attendant sitting behind a desk.

“Olá! Nós somos a equipe Pegasi pássaro escolta a partir Ponyville. Nós deveríamos ter alguns quartos reservados para nós certas?” Rainbow Dash said in a different language to the attendant as we walked up behind her.  He looked up and blinked at her before looking down and opening his book up.

“Ah, sim!” He then said with a smile as he pointed to a point in the book…I guess we were on the list.  He then opened the drawer in his desk, reaching out and pulling out three keys with numbers on them.

“Aqui estão as chaves do quarto, três quartos no quadragésimo quinto andar. Números quatro zero nove, quatro dez, onze e quatro. Por favor, aproveite sua estadia aqui!” He then said as he held up the keys to her.

“Thank you…” Rainbow thanked gratefully as she took the keys, then turning around to face us with a big grin on her face.

“Alright we have three rooms…that’s two to a room…since me and Fluttershy are friends we’ll be sharing a room together” She then informed us as she held up one key and then put it in her saddlebag…I nodded as I had no problem sharing a room with her…in…in fact…I…I’m rather looking forward to it.

“Ha!  Remember when I said earlier about you two getting a-”

“Oh darn it…I’m sorry…we only have two rooms…looks like you’ll be sleeping in a dirty alley somewhere Cloud Kicker…” Rainbow said loudly in a dark tone as she lifted up a guy and got ready to toss it behind her…but…it’s true…we do have a room now so…why are you so mad at her?

“I’m joking Dash…” The purple Pegasus replied with a snicker as she raised a hoof to her muzzle…but…how can you be joking when we it’s true that me and Rainbow Dash have a room now?

“Yeah…sure…” Rainbow dryly responded as she narrowed her eyes at her, “Anyways since there’s two rooms left that means you two should decide who you want to-

“Me and Blossomforth!’ Cloud Kicker shouted as she reached over and grabbed the light grey Pegasus…pulling her very close into a tight hug.  The poor Pegasus looked shocked as her eyes went wide while Cloud Kicker had the biggest grin on her face.

“Why am I not surprised?” My cyan friend remarked in a dull tone as Cloud Kicker reached up and grabbed the key from Rainbow’s hoof.  Well…I find it kind of surprising how Cloud Kicker suddenly wanted to share a room with Blossomforth…why don’t you?

“Come on Blossomforth…let’s go see how the beds are…I mean our bed…” Cloud Kicker teasingly said in a very tone…making a slight purring noise as she dragged her away.  The poor light grey Pegasus with the two toned mane started to look like she’s freaking out as her entire body turned red…w-what is there to be embarrassed or nervous about…what can a bed possibly do to you?

“I guess me and Thunderlane can share a room…” I then heard Jetstream say as she reached out and grabbed the final key from Rainbow Dash…then both the pink mare and black stallion both started to walk together, heading to the exit to leave.

“We’re not going to have a repeat of last time are we?  I don’t think we can cover another marshmallow incident…” Rainbow responded in serious tone as she watched them walk off….re-repeat of what?

“Don’t worry…we’ll be fine…” Jetstream reassured as she looked back and winked at her.  Something I don’t approve of by the way.  Rainbow groaned as she shook her head disapprovingly.  Then she looked at me with a smile.

“Well…what are you going to do?” She then asked curiously as she tilted her head at me.  Now that she mentioned it…I have that list of stuff to get for Rarity…along with a few other things I would like to buy for my pony friends back home….oh but I can’t speak the language and have no idea where I’m going…so I need her to go with me…but…I…I don’t know if she’ll want to go with me…she’s already done enough for me already…

“Oh…w-well…I have some shopping to do for Rarity and other things…and…I…I would like it-”

“Great!  Have Fun!” Rainbow happily said as she took off my saddlebag off her back and put it on me.  I sighed in disappointed…yeah…she doesn’t want to go with me…why would she…she doesn’t really like shopping anyways…and I…I know I’ll just get lost or mess up now since I’ll be by myself.

“I’ll be in my room taking a nap…because I need one…” The daredevil then informed me as she gave a yawn and stretched her wings out.

“But…But…” I tried to say something to maybe hopefully convince her to go with me…but…I couldn’t think of anything…she needs her rest just like me…but I have something to do for Rarity and won’t drag her along just for that…

“Don’t worry…the room is four zero nine and we’re on the forty fifth floor…just knock on the door and I’ll let you in ok?” She then replied supportively as she put a hoof on my shoulder…well…at least I know what room we’re in…but…I’m still going to get lost…maybe she can at least tell me where I should be going…

“But….I…I don’t know where to go…where do you go if you need to shop?” I pointed out as my voice cracked from desperation of not wanting to be alone or to do this alone.  Rainbow smiled at me as she turned me around to face the attendant reading a book behind the desk.

“Oh just ask the attendant there…he’ll help you out with all that stuff.” She answered as she pointed over to him…but…he probably doesn’t know Equestrian…what I am…oh…forget it…I…I’m sure I’ll figure something out…hopefully.

“O-Oh…a-alright then…” I reluctantly agreed in a soft tone as I nodded my head ever so slightly…starting to feel alone and a little abandoned.

“Bye Fluttershy…have fun….” Rainbow Dash encouraged as I felt her hoof leave my shoulder. I turned my head and saw her walking away…now I really felt alone and abandoned…

“I…I’ll try…” I said most likely lying since I know for a fact that I won’t.  I sighed however as I still had a mission to.   I walked over to the attendant behind the desk and lightly tapped on the desk to get his attention….which didn’t seem to work since he was still focused on reading his book.

“U-Umm….E-Excuse me…” I then softly said very nervously, which caught his attention as he looked up and blinked at me.

“Olá! Como posso ajudá-la hoje?” He said sounding very happy and with a bright smile on his face…I…however had no idea what he just said.

“I…ummm…I need….uhhh…ummm…what?” I struggled to say as I lowered myself towards the ground, paralyzing fear starting to envelop me…oh can I communicate with somepony if I can’t understand him…he-he could be making fun of me I would never know it!

“Eu sinto muito ... mas eu não falo a sua língua.” He then said as he shook his head sounding a bit serious…oh no!   I think I upset him!

“I…I…I…umm…I…” I mumbled, now not even to form syllables as I lowered myself to the ground more wanting to run away and hide but where would I go when most likely everypony wouldn’t understand me…leading to more situations like this.

“Se você perguntar a que pônei lá ele vai ser capaz de compreendê-lo e ajudá-lo.” He then said as he stood up to continue looking at me, point at a direction.  Oh no!  I’m pretty sure he’s telling me to leave!  Or leave him alone!  Or worse!

“I…sorry...I...I…” I meekly apologized even I’m sure he wouldn’t understand it…I felt like I wanted to cry as I got on the floor and covered my face with my mane…hoping to somehow disappear and find myself safely back in Ponyville with all my animal friends and pony friends.

“S-Senhorita?” I heard the attendant call still not knowing what he was saying…I felt trapped…like I had no place to go and was completely alone…I…I…Rainbow…

“Não wory, ela está comigo. Eu vou ajudá-la” I then heard another voice say…a voice I instantly recognized despite the words being in a different language.

“R-Rainbow?” I called as I looked up to see the cyan mare hovering above me, talking to the attendant in a language I couldn’t understand but thankfully he could.

“Ah bom, por favor, tome conta dela.” He responded happily as he nodded and then sat back down in his seat.

“I will…” Dash simply said with a smile before she bent down to help me onto my hooves.  She then led me away from the attendant and near to the fountain.

“Rainbow…” I called happily as I smiled at her…grateful that she helped me out of that situation and especially grateful for not abandoning me in my time of need…well…maybe I shouldn’t be surprised about that…it’s her thing after all…never leaving me alone when I’m desperate need of help.

“Yeah…uhh…sorry…I kind of forgot that you couldn’t…you know…speak the local language...” Dash apologized in a low regretful tone as she raised her hoof and rubbed the back of her head, moving her mane around a bit.

“That’s ok Dash…as long as your with me now I don’t care…I feel much better knowing you’ll be with me as my guide and protector…” I said softly, dismissing it as I walked up and gently put my put my hooves around her…bring her into a hug to show my appreciate for her helping me and staying with me…I placed my head on her chest and looked into the fountain, seeing our reflections in the slow running water.

“Y-Yeah….t-the most awesome guide and protector that anypony could ever ask for!” I heard Dash nervously reply as I saw her look very nervous and slightly uncomfortable in the reflection of the water as she looked around desperately, making sure we weren’t being seen by anypony she might know…a very prominent shade of red on her face was also clearly seen…a warm feeling enveloped my heart when I saw her like this…and….then another feeling started to form in the other half of my body as I watched all that water rushing.

“So-So tell me Fluttershy…where’s the first place you need to go?” She asked me as she broke the hug and pushed me away….which was a shame but I was going to break it anyways because of the feeling I was getting…

“I…heh…ummm…h-have to use the little filly’s room…” I then said a bit nervously as that feeling was telling me to use the bathroom…I drank like three bottles on the way over here so it’s no surprise that I have to use the bathroom now…Dash blinked at before chuckling and looking away.

“Oh…well…it wouldn’t be a long distance trip if you didn’t have to use the bathroom upon arriving at your destination…” She then pointed out with a laugh as she turned around and started to walk away, “It’s this way Fluttershy…” She then said as she directed me to follow her…to which I was happy to oblige.

“T-Thanks for understanding…” I thanked with a smile as I followed her through the building and to a public restroom.  I gulped slightly at the thought of going in with other ponies there…I was always kind of nervous in public places…but restrooms were especially nerve racking.  Rainbow entered and after a few seconds she came out.

“It’s clear…you’re fine…” Rainbow informed as she held the door open for me to enter…oh she didn’t have to do that…I know I never went to the bathroom alone when we were younger but that was then and this is now…I would’ve went in even there was ponies in there…I could handle it now…

“Thank you Rainbow…” I thanked with a smile as I went up and entered the bathroom…still very grateful that she did that for me and still took the time out to look out for me.

“No problem…I’ll stay out here and keep a look out…but that’s all I’m going to do to help you though…I’m not going to be there and hold you hoof when you….you know…” She then informed me getting very nervous and uncomfortable towards the end…for very obvious reasons…I giggled at that though…same old Rainbow…

“I don’t expect you to…you’ve already done enough…thank you.” I replied as I looked back and nodded to her.  She smiled and nodded back before she took her hoof off the door and let it close.

I sighed to myself as I walked up and entered a stall.  I laughed to myself and felt very glad that I came here now…I may have had a rough moment a short while ago…but with Dash with me now that won’t happen again.  And we’re going shopping together…it’s going to be so much fun…she can show me around the city and I can buy all those things for Rarity…I’ll even buy something for Rainbow to show my appreciation for her…I just need to think of what I need to buy her.

“I don’t think so!  Go away…Ocupado pal!” I then heard Rainbow shout from outside…making sure somepony didn’t enter so I could have my complete privacy…I sighed to myself…she really didn’t have to do this…but I’m grateful none the less…Oh Rainbow…I think you might be just a little too protective now…I’m starting to get a little concerned for when we go out shopping…oh what I’m saying…

I’m sure the two of us will have an amazing time! Next Chapter: Chapter 9 Estimated time remaining: 14 Hours, 34 Minutes