The morning light shone brightly through the library windows, filling the room with a warm glow. As if on cue, Link stirred himself awake on the couch. First one eye, then the other. Navi wasn't too far behind him, waking up a bit faster than the Hylian, and jumping right into a stretching routine.

Link got to his feet and started a few of his own. Only stretches; anything more, and Spike would wake up. With a slight grin, he reopened the book he was reading the night before. Navi sat on his shoulder. "Good morning Link. Sleep well?" He nodded in response. "That's good. I have a feeling we'll need it today. We get an assignment, from the princess directly, so you know it's important."

Last night's research had gone less than desirable, but he found enough information to keep it from being classified as a waste of time. He heard light hoofsteps coming down the stairs, and turned to see the source. Applejack, early to rise no matter where she slept, had come down the stairs wearing her signature hat. Without so much as a whisper, he rose his finger to his lips and pointed toward the kitchen. Slowly, he walked there himself, expecting her to follow.

And she did, a bit hesitantly. She looked back to the sleeping dragon in the living room. After turning back to Link, she barely whispered, "Mornin'." Aj found herself a seat by the table and smiled a bit.

"Morning yourself. Sleep well?" Navi asked while Link folded his arms in his own seat.

"No different than usual, but let's get to it. Twilight told me what happened while Ah was gone. Gotta admit, Ah didn't think you'd be so against me sleepin' with yer sister." Applejack had said it so casually, she didn't give a second thought to its context.

"Eh, I'll get over it. Besides, I saw you two last night. Didn't expect to see what I saw, that's for sure." Link uncrossed his arms and grinned a little. "She usually thrashes in her sleep, but it looks like you took care of it. After that, I'd say you have my full trust. Just, don't make me regret it."

"Ah won't, trust me." She nodded her head in assurance, then added, "She also asked me to see what ya found in the way of flyin'."

"Oh? Well, the actual scroll is in there. Be right back." Navi got off his shoulder and stayed behind as he went into the other room.

"Aj, don't tell him you slept in his bed that one night," she instructed, "because he assumes you slept on the floor."

"Huh? Oh right, that..." She stopped short, seeing Link return with a rather short scroll.

"Material Based Spells Volume VII, Chapter 4 in particular. I found this around 8 last night." Link laid the short parchment on the table.

As Aj looked over it, she noticed his notes included a magical breakdown of components and variables. "Uh... What's all this for now?"

"Creating magical wings isn't easy, I'm sure, even for one so well-versed in magic. This one requires gossamer and morning dew, but... since we don't have either, Twilight's going to need the recipe to make them."

"Recipe? Ah'm afraid ya lost me."

Link sighed and tried again. "Balance. It's all about balance. A unicorn's magic draws on their physical energy as well as mental energy, to cast spells. Used in different proportions, and with varying activation conditions, an immense dictionary of final results is created. This one specifically makes wings from these precise ingredients. If the mix of the two energies is too strong in either direction, or the condition isn't met, then we could end up with a flawed product. Worst case sc-"

"Don't go there, kid. Ah don't wanna hear no 'worst case nothin'. It'll work, Ah'm sure of it," Aj interrupted. "So, Twilight needs to make these 'components' or what have ya, an' combine her magics in the right way to make it work?"

"Long story short, yeah." He nodded his head as Navi returned to his shoulder.

"And, since we thought that'd be enough, we stopped there," she included. "Besides, I'm sure it's nothing compared to Twilight's spells back in Canterlot."

"Great, Ah'll go get Twilight up. She's slept plenty. 'sides, she asked me to wake her up when y'all got up. Seems yer early risers too. Must be a royal guard trait."

"Sounds good to me. We'll just give the room a quick sweep while we wait for you."

Aj went quietly up the stairs as Link stayed behind and swept. Up in the room, Twilight barely stirred at the sound of the opening door. "Twi? Ya up yet?" No answer. Again, quietly, she walked to her bedside and shook her a little. "Come on now, rise an' shine." Barely budging, she continued to lay there. With her hooves on Twilight's foreleg, she noticed her breathing hasten. "Hold on, lemme get some cold water. That always gets Applebloom outta bed in th' morning." Aj turned to leave and was stopped by Twilight's grabbing hoof.

"Oh, no you don't. You aren't pouring cold water on me. Not to wake me up... and does that really work on your little sister?" a sleepy-eyed Twilight responded.

"Don't know, really. After the first time, she got outta bed from the threat alone. Heh." She turned again to Twilight and smiled. Mornin'. Link's already awake. He's doin' some chores, er somethin'. Meet ya down there." She left the room, leaving the door open to let some light in.

"cold water..." Her body shivered at the thought, almost convincing her to stay in bed. Almost. Regretfully, she got out of bed and headed downstairs.

"Sounds good to me. We'll just give the room a quick sweep while we wait for you." Link went beside the fridge and retrieved the straw broom and began his morning duty.

"I'm proud of you, Link," Navi admitted. "You, putting trust into a pony you barely know like that. I'm half surprised you didn't stay in their room and watch the entire night."

"I came to terms with it last night. Twilight is many things: my sister, my C.O., obsessive compulsive, control freak. But she's not a fool. I'm sure she can take care of herself. She's old enough, she doesn't need little brother following her anymore. Especially one in my position."

"Even though your current mission tells you to to guard her no matter what? Impressive, using your judgement."

"Hey, give me credit, I had to weigh a lot to come to that conclusion. It wasn't easy at all." Link easily maneuvered the small broom around the legs of the chairs and table and the edge of the floor.

"Credit given. Oh, sounds like she's comin' back." She looked around and saw a few piles in a few sections on the floor. Link went for the dustpan as Aj returned. "Welcome back. How fares the fair maiden?"

"Fair what now?" Aj questioned. "Oh, Twilight? She'll be along in a bit. Her bed mane is laughable though, heh heh."

Twilight was heard clipping down the stairs. Link looked to the door and saw her mane as he had yesterday; each strand was perfectly kempt, each color separated. She was an expert at it by now. "Morning all. Did you find something helpful?"

"Yeah, I did," he replied. Then, after a short pause, he passed over the scroll containing his findings of the night before. "I'm surprised you didn't see it when you blitzed through it yesterday."

"In a book I read already, huh." Twilight looked at the scroll, read the title and went into the main room. With a quick glance, her horn lit up, bringing the same book over to her, and retreated into the kitchen once more. "This one... I vaguely remember looking through it."

"Well, it was among those I picked up from your session."

"Fair point. Anyway, I think I'll wait to attempt it. Everypony's still asleep this early for sure." Twilight bookmarked it, coiled the scroll and gave it back, and looked toward Aj. "Stay for some breakfast?"

"Ah would, Twilight, but Ah'm needed back home. See, it's mah turn to make food, an' Ah don't wanna be late for that." Applejack left the treehouse and departed for her home on the farm.

"I didn't expect her to turn down breakfast, of all things. Eh, more for us, right? I'll make pancakes," Twilight offered, smiling.

"Uh... I have 4 apples left, So I think I'm good. You can make them for yourself though, if you want to..." In other words, get better at it, then I'll eat them again. With that, he withdrew one and bit into it. "See? I'm good for a while."

"Oh... well, suit yourself. Mind if I have one?"

"Not at all." He picked out another and tossed it to her. In reaction, she caught it in a web of magic that turned into a cloud around it. "Hey, nice catch. You have alright reflexes."

"I counted on you to toss it. The rest was easy. Now, about this spell... I've never attempted something like this before, but I'm sure it'll be alright. I just need to give it some 1 on 1 study time. Just to see what I can dig up myself." She bit into her own apple and trotted back into the main room. "Oh, goomornin Schpike." She hastily chewed and swallowed her mouthful. "Eh heh, good morning Spike."

"Morning. You guys are loud. And what'd I miss? Nothing important I hope."

Link poked his head around the corner. "Nothing much, just Aj leaving, Twilight not making pancakes. Oh and she decided to '1 on 1' the study material for creating wings." He ducked back and ate more.

"All that, huh. Want some help, Twilight?"

"No thanks, Spike. I have this one. Tell you what though, you get to come with us to cheer on Rainbow Dash. It shouldn't be too hard to give you wings with the rest of us."

Link came into the room with empty hands. "Actually, about that... Suppose that it's too hard to perform on all of us? What happens then?"

"Then... we... find an alternative." if there is one, i'm sure it's here... "I mean, if there's a flight spell, there should be something else too, right? I mean... I don't claim to know everything about pegasi, and even less about transformations in general."

"If you're really into this, then you should know that most of the info I found was about pegasi and their general skillset. Being honest, I don't think that spell will work as explained." Link sat beside Spike on the floor as Twilight pulled a few choice books from the shelves.

"Don't go doubting my skill now, I might surprise you." with what i'm capable of, i'm almost scared of myself at times...

"I don't doubt it. I've seen you single-hoofedly handle an out of control Ursa. Minor, but Ursa all the same. But there's a chance it proves too much."

"Anything you want me to do then, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"Well, since you mention it..." Twilight popped in a scroll and unfurled it, revealing a list with boxes beside each entry. "Your list for the day, or until we leave."

"Joy... I'll get right on them."

"Don't worry about sweeping the kitchen. Already taken care of," Navi said. "But, if it's alright with you, Twilight, I'd like to help look anyway."

"What about me then?" Link inquired.

"You both can do what you want. Scour the town, go get food, visit our friends... I told you, I have this one." Twilight smiled and stopped pulling books when she had a nice stack of 10 or so. "Oh, before I forget." She turned once more toward him. "Not sure if I've said this already, but... the townsfolk are complaining to me that they see you outside with your full gear on. That includes, but is not limited to, your sword and shield."

Link stopped before his prementioned gear. "So... I shouldn't carry them with me?"

"Use your pouches. Surely I made them big enough?"

"Oh, right..." Link picked the two up and safely inserted them into his side pouches. that's really too convenient. this kind of magic shouldn't even be allowed. "Thanks for the reminder."

"Absolutely. Now off with you both. Go have fun."

"As you order it." Link bowed and exited the library. "That's not surprising. She turned Spike down, so she had to turn us down."

"Right... Anyway, regarding our new mission... What do you think it'll be?"

"Well, considering what we told the princess in the last letter, I imagine it'll involve one of the 'stones', or keys to unlock that stone door." Link made his way to Sugarcube Corner. Something about Pinkie bothered him, and he hoped to find out more.

"Now," Rainbow Dash started, pacing in the air around Fluttershy, "What have we learned?"

"Loss of control," Fluttershy responded, barely averting her gaze from in front of her.

"Good," Dash praised.

"Screaming and hollering," Fluttershy went on.

"Yes, and most importantly?"

"Passion."

"Right." Rainbow landed just in front of Fluttershy and gave her one more test. "So now that you know the elements of a good cheer, let's hear one." Dash leaned in toward her.

Fluttershy inhaled a bit, leaned back, and gave her best, "yay."

In disappoint, Dash facehoofed and gave a disgruntled noise. "You're gonna cheer for me like that? Louder," she insisted.

Again, Fluttershy drew in air, and attempted. However, it was no different, as the same "yay" was heard.

"Louder," Dash urged.

Once more, but quicker, her "yay" came out.

"LOOOOOOUDEEEEEEEEEEER!" Dash yelled.

Finally, Fluttershy inhaled as much air as she could hold, then let it all out in one big "yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay." Dash fell over backward in reaction. "Too loud?"

"Clearly not loud enough." Dash got to her hooves and shook her head. "But, it's progress, so... it's passable for now I guess." Rainbow flew up into the sky. "Tell ya what, I do my routine, and you try to cheer me on." Who knows, you might just get it right. Fluttershy nodded and watched as Rainbow took to the sky.

Rainbow... you've tried this technique at least 20 times today alone. I don't think my cheering is the problem...

Soon, Rainbow began weaving between several trees. She knew they'd be cloud pillars, but trees would have to do in practice mode. After she successfully weaved between them, she flew higher. Then she began flying in circles around groups of clouds, making them spin in place. Once she had three going, she did a few flips before angling herself toward the ground. The Sonic Rainboom. Come on, Rainbow. Just... Once...

It's about this time that Rainbow loses her control and fails. Oh, right, cheering... "Yaaaay," she said, too quiet to be heard.

Dash flew downward. The faster she went, the harder it became to keep that speed; the vacuum behind her couldn't be replaced by the air she displaced fast enough, causing incredible resistance. This resistance became so thick, a visible cone appeared at Dash's extended hoof. Tears streaked along her cheek from the wind in her face. Once she felt she was fast enough, she half folded her wings at her side, to reduce said resistance, if only a little. The cone narrowed, until it came to a single point in front of her. Rainbow's little victory didn't last long at all; the barrier remained unbroken, and as it worked to displace the air, it flung Rainbow backward toward town.

where did i go wrong... why can't i do it... was all she could think of as she sailed uncontrollably through the sky. am i not doing something? am i doing something unneccessary? i've done it before, this should be a snap for me... The least she could do was make it so she was turned the right way, so the world didn't look upside down. With her excessive output of pegasus magic, Rainbow couldn't slow down in the slightest. The attempt of her trick alone wore her out.

Golden Oaks Library was the first thing she saw, and thankfully, there was an open window.

Noon rolled around and Twilight saw it fit to invite everypony over, both to share her findings and ask for help looking. She may have known every book in the library, but she didn't know everything they contained. Twilight had gotten Applejack herself, and had planned to send Spike to gather Rarity, Link, and Pinkie, but for some strange reason, Pinkie had shown up at the door with Link as soon as Twilight left for the farm. About an hour and a half later, they had put away all of their research material. "Thanks for helping me clean up, everypony. It's been a ... an interesting study session to say the least. Looking for a spell you've never heard of that you don't even think exists, is like... like..."

"Tryin'a find an itty-bitty needle in Equestria's biggest haystack?" Aj offered.

"Something like that... Hm?" She glanced to the opening in the tree, where Rainbow was coming into view. "Isn't that..."

Link also looked, but by that time, it was too late to move. Rainbow, full force, plowed right into him and sent him flying into the opposite book case. He hit hard enough, that he fell on his chest with Rainbow beside him.

"Link! Rainbow!" Twilight exclaimed. It all happened to fast to react to, so she just stood there watching. The books fell to the floor, scattered around him, just before the book case itself fell on him.

Link turned over and threw up a quick shield, stopping it a few inches from his hand. "T-Twilight, help me..." His hand began to shake from the unexpected weight of the empty bookcase, but was soon alleviated pressure due to Twilight's levitation magic. "Ahh," he said, laying on his back. Twilight set the book case upright and cleared some books away from him.

"Heh, sorry about that, kid. You gonna be alright?" Dash asked as she got to her hooves.

"One sec..." Let's see here... feet, ok. legs, fine. Slight pain on my outer right thigh. waist, functional. chest ... not good. it took the full force of the hit... back is hurt too. ribs ... a few fractures, nothing's broken. breathing's irregular.. arms... good. hands, ok. neck and head obviously in working order. "Not good, I'm afraid," he concluded. "Could use medical assistance."

Twilight trotted over and gave him a scan with magic. "Hmm... The main part is your upper body. Getting hit at that speed had to have hurt. Give me a minute..." The other ponies stood around him with worried looks, and Navi sat atop Rainbow.

"This was an accident, I swear. I didn't mean to-"

"I said, give me a minute, Dash..." Twilight uttered. She had closed her eyes to concentrate on the fractured ribs first, then seeing to the minor injuries on his back and correcting his breathing. Dash slowly backed up and joined the others in line.

Fluttershy also appeared, landing on the opening in the wall. "That was ... oh my... wh-what happened here?"

"My trick hurt Link, in a few places. Twilight's fixing him... hopefully..." Fluttershy flew in and landed beside Dash and watched.

"There," Twilight finished, "you'll be fine. Anywhere else hurt?"

"Only here," he pointed to his outer thigh as he sat up. Twilight scanned it, then questioned it. "What? It hurts a little."

"Well, I can't see anything wrong with it, so the best I can say is it will pass. Walk it off, as some say." Twilight addressed Rainbow. "And you. What trick were you trying to pull, that you nearly flattened my brother?!"

"Ever heard of a Sonic Rainboom?" Dash quietly said.

"No, I haven't. What is it?"

"Well, it's when a pegasus pony, like myself, goes so fast, they break the visible color spectrum, causing a shockwave of both compressed air and expanding color. I only know that, because I've done it once before."

"You mean, you're in training for the 'Best Young Flyer's Competition', right?" Link asked, getting to his feet. He examined his clothes, and saw not a single rip in the cloth, nor a single thread unwoven. Thank you, Rarity... "This, 'Sonic Rainboom' one of your stunts, I take it?"

"Yeah, the final piece of three acts. Anyway, I'm really sorry about ... that... I didn't mean to-"

Link held up his hand to stop her. "Don't worry about it. Accidents happen. I know you wouldn't do something like that on purpose. And isn't breaking the color spectrum impossible?"

"I thought you might say that. And if you didn't, then I was." Twilight walked closer to Rainbow. "There's no doubt you're fast, Rainbow, but flying that fast, does seem impossible."

"Impos- pff." Rainbow turned to the side and chuckled a bit. "Says the unicorn that can make ... things like Link's pouch, like it's nothing, and teleport."

"They are called intradimensional capacity magnifiers."

"And that means you're an egghead." Dash laughed at her own joke, earning a harsh look from the others. "What? I thought it was funny."

"Funny as it sounded, Dash, name-calling will earn you no points in friendship." Twilight sorta scolded.

"You're kidding, right? Friends poke fun at each other all the time. I do it in good fun. Now, if I tried to insult you, I'd call you a ... hmm... I ..." Dash hesitated. For some reason, she couldn't come up with anything.

"Go on, say it. We're all waiting..." Twilight said daringly. This earned a few uneasy glances from her friends, Link included.

"I ... I got nothing. Insults aren't really my thing. I'm sure you booksmart ponies can come up with something, but not me." Dash got to the window. "Anyway, girls. I'm off. Later." She took off toward the sky.

"Well, that happened." Link smiled and shook his head a bit. "Not sure what that last bit was about though. Almost thought she'd say something." He shrugged his shoulders and watched as she flew away.

"Don't be mad with her, she's just feeling nervous." Fluttershy remained in the library. "In over 20 attempts, she hasn't successfully performed that trick."

"Really? 20 tries and still nothing?" he questioned.

"The stage fright was obvious, though," Rarity added.

"It was? Sounded like a lot of bravado to me," Navi mentioned. "Don't get me wrong, Dash can be ... difficult at times, but I think she was sincere."

"Darling, I've put on more than enough shows to recognize stage fright when I see it, especially in one of my friends." Rarity started looking through another book. "And I now think that's your reason for wanting to reach the clouds. To cheer her on."

"That's not... entirely true, but we'll leave it at that for now." Link looked toward Twilight.

"R-right. What he said. But ... it isn't going to happen unless we can find an alternative spell, and we're running out of time."

"Let's at least attempt the spell first, then look afterward. Who knows? We may not need it," Rarity replied hopefully.

"Then you volunteer yourself to be my first guinea pony?"

"W-well, let's not be too hasty..."

"But it's for Rainbow Dash's sake. If she doesn't have her support, she could lose, or worse..." Twilight leaned in for effect, "become dispirited." She returned to her position. "Can you imagine Dash not being ... Dash?"

"You... make a valid point Twilight... I don't usually go first for this sort of thing... But I suppose the exception doesn't make the rule. For Rainbow Dash, I accept."

Since when were you a manipulator, Twilight? Link thought, but kept to himself.

"Excellent. I want to thank you in advance." Twilight lit up her horn and floated the book in front of her one last time.

"In advance? Wait, why in advance?"

Without words, her friends moved behind Twilight as her horn got brighter. Rarity noticed ribbons begin to wrap around herself and lift her into the air. Magical ribbons. They began at her hindhooves and ascended, covering her entire body. Twilight's horn emitted an orb of light that floated toward Rarity. On contact, it lit the room with a blnding light, and a shockwave of energy surged through the room. This wave of energy knocked the audience into a pile of books with Twilight was cushioned by the rest of them. Thankfully, Link wasn't under it all.

As the light dimmed, there flew Rarity with her new set of wings. ... Butterfly wings, but wings all the same, right? "I, think it worked," Twilight muttered.

"You can say that again, these wings are gorgeous!" Rarity complimented.

"Still, I don't think doing that more than once per day is wise..."

"How about this then?" Pinkie said as she stood up, hurling everypony off of her in the process. "Cloud walking. Says-"

Twilight took the book from her in her magic and brought it closer, reading it in a mumble. "Ya know, Pinkie," Aj commented, "yer either very lucky, or very talented."

"I'd like to think I'm both. Oh, and gifted is a good word too. I'm so good I scare myself sometimes."

"You know if this works, we can all go up there an' give 'er a proper cheer." She glanced at Rarity. "An' that's one form o' 'proper' that ain't in short supply on an apple farm. Proper cheerin'!"

"Hm? Did I miss something?" Rarity asked. "No really, I missed something..."

"Eh, go back t' sleep, Rarity. Ain't important no more." Pinkie laughed a little. She knew what jab Aj made toward Rarity, and decided to keep it to herself.

"'-off in ten hours.'! Pinkie this is perfect! Looks easy too. All I have to do is convert a portion of your existing magic into pegasus magic. Just enough to last ten hours. Best part is, it's a predetermined amount, so there's no adjusting to your varying levels of magic, in your respective classes. In other words-"

"So, the magic we have will be turned into pegasus magic, and this amount is the same for all of us," Link concluded. "But there's a problem: I don't have equestrian magic, so what happens to me?"

"Hmm... Well, I know your magic well enough I can turn it, but it'll take a bit more effort. Your 'Hylian' magic would be turned into Pegasus magic. But the reason it wears off in ten hours is because at that time, the foreign magic in your system is automatically converted back to what it was before. And, the more inner magic that gets changed, the less magic remains to convert foreign magic back to normal. I guess in that sense I could turn all of your type into another type, but you naturally make your own-"

"Okay, I think I got it." Link interrupted her in mid-speech. "You really are too smart. But if it works, then awesome."

Twilight moved across from everypony else. "Spike, you're coming too. Get in there. Not Navi though, I'm sure she won't need to walk on clouds." Navi flew off and behind Twilight as her horn lit once more. "Great, now... hold still..."

Twilight's casting time took the better part of a minute. Once finished, she fell in exhaustion. Link scrambled to her side. "Twilight, you don't look too well."

"I'd say not," Rarity agreed. "It appears you fare no better than when you gave me wings."

"But I'll be fine. The amount I needed for your spell was the same, or close to the same, amount as I needed for theirs. The cost of yours was greater though. I could cast this one ..." She turned to the others. "4 times with a less total cost. Make sense?"

Everyone was silent. "I get it!" Pinkie said. "But, don't you still have to cast it on yourself?"

"I do, but that won't be a problem. Just give me one sec." Twilight closed her eyes, and took a slow breath. On exhale, her horn lit up for a third time, and got on her hooves. Then just like that, her horn dimmed. "There, all set."

"Well, did it work?" Pinkie asked.

"Ah don't know. Ah don't feel no different," replied Aj.

"Of course you don't feel any different. Your bodies haven't discovered the presence of a foreign magic yet. So you should feel normal until the spell wears off in ten hours."

Fluttershy spoke up, after having been observing this whole time. "I hate to be the pony of bad news, but the competition starts in an hour."

"Then we have little time to spare. Come on!" Twilight urged. Quickly, and with little effort, she picked all the books up in her levitation spell and put them on the shelves in a somewhat organized manner. She may be using it as a place to stay, but it is still a public place, that anypony has access to. She's just the librarian of sorts.

Together, they left the library and proceeded to rent a balloon from the town's provider. Fluttershy headed out before them, to keep Rainbow company while the rest caught up. After 20 minutes of flight time, Cloudsdale got within half a mile. Rarity was using her wings, flying up with the balloon at her side. Link sat beside Aj while Twilight stood between Spike and Pinkie. Navi perched herself on the basket's edge and looked out.

Link glanced at Pinkie's twitching ears. "Getting the shivers already, Pinkie?"

"Nope. Just a reaction. See, I just realized that somepony new crossed the Ponyville border."

"How is that even important?" Aj asked, looking over the edge. She ignored how Pinkie would even know that, so Link thought it was common knowledge.

"It's not, yet. Don't worry, it will be. In time."

Twilight remained stationery between Spike and Pinkie. And just how do you know that, Pinkie? What goes on in your head? "We're almost there, everyone. Rarity, can you go up there and make the first entrance?"

"It would be my pleasure, darling." Rarity flew upward and got too far away to focus on. "Ok, now a question that's been on my mind for a while." Link stood up and looked out over the edge of the basket. "How can you cast a spell on me with so much ease, when Princess Luna couldn't?"

"I'd think the answer was obvious. But if it's not, then I'll tell you. See, I've known you for almost 13 years now. I've had plenty of time to do research and run tests. Every being has magic: the trees, the ground, the food we eat and the air we breathe. Ponies are no different, in fact we're the source. Within our bodies is a system of lines that connect our magic source with the rest of our bodies. All I had to do was figure out what your map was and go from there. I suspect Princess Luna hasn't done that yet."

"That... makes sense. Then, do you think it'd be ok if I let her study that?" Link inquired.

"Study... your map? I don't see why not- wait, is this because of the dream spell she's been attempting on you?"

"Yeah... If she can help, then I should let her try. Who knows, might give me some answers." Link looked at her and held his stoic expression.

"To what questions, if I may?"

"Like... why do I feel like... there's something different, no... wrong, with me? Like... there's a darkness inside, and I can't shake it off. It's this part of me that loves to fight, that wants to ..." He paused and exhaled. Then continued, "that wants to cause excessive physical harm..."

"Link, that's-"

"But then there's this other, virtuous part, that wants nothing more than to protect his family, and defend those who can't defend themselves. And I just remembered what part of my dream was, if you're interested."

"Sure, why not," Twilight replied, turning to face him.

He, once more, let out his breath. "Well, there's one part where a dark figure got behind the door to the sword. It opened, and I was frozen in place and couldn't move. It looked like me, only wearing black clothes, silver hair and red glowing eyes. Oh, and several rows of teeth, so I don't think it was Hylian."

"Sounds like a child's nightmare to me," Aj said. "Applebloom gets 'em all the time. In fact, that's half the reason she sleeps with me sometimes."

"Well, this nightmare's been happening for a month now, and I don't know what it means."

"And it'll have to wait, because we're here." Pinkie pointed at the incoming dock. "Looks like Rarity already made first contact."

"Sorry Link. We'll talk more when you get back from your ... travels. Yeah, travels." Twilight almost said "assignment", but remembered that she hadn't told the others that's why they got up here.

"-without a big cheering section!" Rarity announced, seeing the balloon approach the underside.

"Uh, we?" Rainbow looked at Fluttershy, who kept silent. Then, the balloon broke through the cloud floor and landed atop said layer. Pinkie was the first to hop out. "Wait!" she shouted.

"Yes, 'we', all of us. Couldn't leave you hanging," Pinkie replied, landing on the cloud.

"How... are you doing that? And why is Rarity flying with butterfly wings?"

"Well, We needed to come up here anyway, so we made an effort to at least cheer you on while we are here. Link found a spell that makes artificial wings," she looked over to Rarity, who had begun to admire herself in a mirror, "but it was too difficult to perform more than once. So Pinkie 'found' an easier spell that lets the rest of us," once more she paused, to let the others come out of the basket and stand with her on the clouds, "walk on clouds. That was the easiest part of it."

"Have I told you how much of a genius you are lately?"

"No, but I don't mind more praise like that." The group shared a laugh in light of the recent Trixie incident. "Anyway, we don't have much time before your competition, so we better hurry to-"

"Huh?" Dash asked, "Competition doesn't start for another hour and a half."

"ohhh," Fluttershy sighed. "I got it mixed up again. See, when I saw the clock in the library, the hour hoof was so close to the number, I thought that's what hour it was already. It happens too often."

"Fluttershy..." Twilight harshed, but drew back. "Nah, it's fine. Nothing to worry about. We're early."

"And, since this is your first time to the floating city, how's about Fluttershy and I show you around?" Rainbow offered the others. All nodded in agreement and a few "yes"s and "sure"s were shared. "First off," she turned around and headed into the city itself, while the others followed, "a little history. Some of the greatest pegasi in history came from Cloudsdale, the Wonderbolts included. A few from further back, too, but I can't remember them." She noticed Rarity being admired, no doubt for her wings.

"Rarity, be careful with those. They are made from gossamer and morning dew, and they are very delicate," Twilight advised her.

"Don't worry yourself, Twilight. I'm sure they can't get worn out from too much attention." Rarity assured.

"Since we're up here, Ah'd sure like to get a look at where the weather's made," Aj asked.

"Great idea. To the weather factory!" Rainbow took off toward a building further down the block, going slow, to let the others keep up. "Actually, I work part time there, so there shouldn't be any problems. In fact, that's where I took Link's clothes to get the color drained. But, since winter is just around the corner, how about we go there?"

"Sounds good."

"And here we are: the winter lab. This is where they make the snowflakes. Each one is hoofmade, so you know no two are gonna be the same. No matter how hard you look. The process is a bit long winded for me, so I tend to stay away from this area."

"They look so much better from up here," Rarity commented. Her wings sent gusts blowing everywhere, kicking up the snowflakes: those complete, and those still in progress. She frowned as the workers hurried around trying to collect them.

"Come on, let's go before Rarity ruins winter and causes a drought," Twilight insisted, making sure to be quiet enough Rarity didn't hear. With a few nods, she added, "Rarity, we're moving on, let's go."

"Right, coming~"

"Rainbow pools, huh... Not what I expected," Link noted. "Wouldn't the liquid rainbows pass through the cloud floor?"

"Not if you have pegasus magic holding it there. Every morning, the maintenance mare comes in and uses her talent to 'strengthen' the magic in the clouds, making it possible to contain the rainbow." Rainbow saw Pinkie take a drink from one of the pools, then swiftly bolt around the room after commenting on its insanely high spice level. "Heh heh, yeah, Rainbows aren't exactly known for their flavor."

"Well, well, well, look who it is." The unfamiliar voice came from a stallion, followed by two others. "Rainbow Crash. And who's this?"

"My name is Rarity." She flew over to them after introducing herself.

"Those wings are amazing! Where do I line up to get a pair?" he asked.

"Can it, Billy," Dash threatened, "before you do something you regret."

"Wouldn't dream of it, 'Crash'. Just being helpful here, but you should forget that mare's tale, and get yourself a pair of these. You'll be better off." Laughter erupts from the two behind him, clearly the one in front is their leader.

"Good. Because crossing an angry Dash is not in your best interest right now." Link stood beside his friend and glared at Billy.

"Ooh, got yourself a bodyguard, huh Crash? Can't fight your own battles anymore, need a foalsitter? Bah hahaha!" Link leaned his head down and continued his glare. "Ooh, so scared. If looks could kill, this'd be no more than a tickle at best. Come on guys, let's go. Her flight instability is contagious." The three took off. "See you later, Rainbow Crash!" Billy called out. The three of them took off, leaving Dash more than a little shaken.

"Friends of yours?" Link asked.

"Hardly. Those three have tormented the three of us since flight camp."

"Three?" he replied.

"Emerald Storm. Didn't I mention we met there?"

"Oh right. Her. Forgot all about that." Link sighed admittedly.

"Link, you were the one who asked her about Emmy. How could you forget something like that?" Twilight asked him, a bit of disappoint in her voice.

"Well, a lot's happened these last couple months."

Twilight got quiet, then turned to Dash again. Fluttershy, in an attempt to cease the awkward silence, offered, "How about we go see how clouds are made?" Then she, too, turned to her flying friend. "Don't worry too much, Rainbow. You'll win this competition for sure."

"Are you kidding?! I can't do the Sonic Rainboom! Not with plain old 'feathered' wings. I'm not going to win, the Wonderbolts won't notice me, I'll be a weather pony forever..." Dash sat in place and lowered her head.

"Come now, Dash. I know you can. You did so once before, right? When you were a filly? You've only gotten better." Link tried to cheer her up. "Besides that, I've seen you fly circles around the other pegasi. Rainboom or no, that crown will be yours. You're ten ways to awesome, and that's just an estimate."

"Heh, thanks, kid. I appreciate it." Dash stood, and regained her posture. "Now, how about them clouds?"

In the cloud room, Rainbow Dash encouraged Pinkie not to try eating a cloud tuft. Twilight looked around and saw the machines they used, and tried to discover their inner mechanisms. Aj and Link followed Rainbow to a side, where holes were made to let the clouds out safely. "These clouds we make are shipped all over Equestria. Cloudsdale is very industrious when it comes to climate."

"I can see that. All these dials and levers, each one does something different," Twilight said as she reached for one.

"Don't touch anything. Everything here has to be set just right. If not, then the clouds could be too heavy, or not heavy enough. They could drop lightning instead of rain, or they could drop nothing at all and that's not good."

Twilight joined Link and Aj, then looked around. "Where's Spike?"

"I, uh, think he went off with Fluttershy to see the wind room. It's nothing special, but it certainly is entertaining sometimes. They'll be fine."

"Yeah. If he's with Fluttershy, anyway. Hm?" Twilight saw Rarity getting more attention from the workers. "Rarity, we're supposed to be helping Rainbow Dash relax, remember? Put your wings away and stop showing off!"

"How could you ask me to put away perfection?" With that, the sunlight streaked through her wings and sent a spectrum of pastel colors over the workers. After a few more "awww"s and "ooooh"s, Rarity let out an excited sound.

Twilight looked back to Rainbow, who looked like she was having a panic attack. "You don't look so good. Are you okay?"

Rainbow, visibly shaking, replied, "Y-yeah, totally fine. Why wouldn't I be okay? After all, they all love her wings so much they won't notice when I screw up my routine in the competition!"

"That, is a wonderful idea. You should compete, too!" a worker suggested.

"I could watch you fly all day with those beautiful wings," another complimented.

"I made them, doesn't that count for something?" Twilight asked.

"Ehh... Not so much," the latter replied.

"You kidding me? You made these? My friend from Canterlot is big into magic, and she said something about how difficult transformation magic can be," the former pony, a pegasus mare, added.

"It wasn't easy, I assure you. That is why I cast a spell on the rest of us to walk on clouds. Magic conversion is easier than transformation."

"Still, you pulled it off. You got talent for sure. Too bad the Spellcaster's Tournament isn't for another month or so."

"Competing does sound interesting, perhaps I'll give it a try then," Rarity interrupted.

"Wh-what?" Dash exclaimed as she sat once more in shock. sh-she's competing too?! is that even allowed? no rainboom, a friend as competition, those three jerks are gonna hold this over my head for years... huh?

"Rainbow Dash..." Link started, as he put a hand on her shoulder. "You're not giving up are you?"

"I might as well," she replied quietly.

"Wrong answer."

"h-huh?"

"I thought you should know something, before you take the crown for best flyer. I was up last night doing research on pegasus magic and the effects thereof. You want to know what I found?" Silence. "What drives the pegasus magic center. It's all tied to your emotional state. Negative emotions will reduce your ability. Positive ones enhance it. Shake away all doubt, all traces of fear, and stay determined. Be happy, be vigilant, you can't go wrong with the right mindset. Do. Not. Give. Up."

"h-how can you have so much faith in me?"

"I know what you're capable of. I've seen you fly. Nopony else can hold a candle to you."

The group, minus Rarity, stood there, waiting for Rainbow to come back to her old self. "Yeah, I guess you're right." She turned to Rarity and flashed a grin. "Hey Rarity. I hope to see you out there, 'cause beating you is gonna be fun."

"Now that's more like it, sugarcube!" Aj exclaimed. "Glad to have ya back Rainbow."

Trumpets, tubas and trombones were played as the competition's announcer took center cloud. Spike returned with Fluttershy and the group found their second tier seats. Rarity and Rainbow were in the back in the waiting area. Princess Celestia sat between two of her pegasi guards across the way from Twilight. Link made it a point to make eye contact with the princess. "Fillies and Gentlecolts," the announcer started into a megaphone, "please join me in welcoming, Princess Celestia!" Uproarious cheers, then silence. "And our celebrity judges this year, the Wonderbolts!" He pointed up to an aerial display by the Wonderbolts themselves before flying to their seats below the princess. "Now, without further ado, let's Find out who will take home the golden crown of first place as the Best Young Flyer!"

More cheers as the announcer took a seat behind a cloudtop table beside the judges. "Hoo, the Wonderbolts are here too. Tough judgin', Ah'd say." Aj sat between Twilight and Pinkie while Link and Fluttershy took the ends. Spike sat in font of Twilight with Navi on the dragon's head sitting comfortably.

As the competition went on, it became more and more suspicious that Rainbow was stalling, but Link kept it to himself. "Rarity should be out there soon, too. I know that they're both our friends, but I am fairly certain Rainbow will be victorious."

"I don't know, Link. Number seven certainly put on a show. Doing 15 barrel rolls in a row can't be easy." Twilight looked to her side at him, then to Fluttershy who added her favorite.

"I liked number ten. She seemed like such a nice pony."

"From her flying? How can you tell that?" Twilight asked, tilting her head.

"Link said so himself: emotion. With so much grace, her wingbeats practically radiated with happy thoughts."

"And now, at long last, our final competitor of the day, number 15! And, uh... apparently contestant number 4..." the announcer said, looking at the papers in front of him.

"That's ... two in one? Is that allowed?" Twilight questioned. Well, better late than never, I suppose...

"I guess so. Huh? This..." Link paused to hear the light, ringing sound. "That doesn't sound like Rainbow's type of music. Rarity..."

Halfway into her first act, Rainbow crashed into the side of one of the cloud pillars set up.

"Sorry ladies, only time enough for one more act, so if both want to compete, you'll have to go out together," the attendance pony suggested.

"Well, Rainbow? Shall we?" Rainbow lightly nodded.

Rainbow started babbling to herself as she waited for the announcement. "And now, at long last, our final competitor of the day, number 15!" She took off out of the gate, followed by Rarity. "And, uh... apparently contestant number 4."

Rarity stopped Rainbow for a moment before she got started. "Good luck, Rainbow Dash. Just do your best. I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of changing our music. That 'rock and roll' doesn't really match my wings."

She changed the music too?! I'm doomed! AAAGHHHH! "Uh, yeah... you too." Forget all that, Rainbow thought as she shook her head. Just, do the routine, then it'll all be over... The lower area had several cloud pillars set up for her in advance. Rainbow began weaving around them rather quickly. this is easier than I thought it-. Her train of though derailed as she slammed into the side of one of the pillars. In recoil, she swerved off and plowed into the side of the arena, just below the bullies from earlier of all places.

"Nice flying Rainbow Crash!" The three laughed at her as she began to hide her face.

ignore them... just... phase two... Rainbow shook herself out of her idle and up toward other clouds. She began spinning them in place. As three or four of them were going, maybe a little too quickly, a piece of one came off and got her in the face. Shaken, she hit the cloud and sent it spiraling toward the princess, who ducked out of the way before it hit. Princess Celestia looked up at her and frowned a bit.

Dash looked at Rarity, who was gaining altitude, likely for her finale. Phase three, the sonic... rainboom. She flew up, past Rarity and kept going, almost ready to do her flips when she heard a scream from below. As she stopped and turned, she saw a look of terror on Rarity's face as she fell, wingless, toward the ground below. "Hold on, Rarity! I'm coming!" Rainbow aimed herself at the ground and took off at incredible speed. why did her wings disappear... 'They are made from gossamer and morning dew, and they are very delicate'. must have evaporated... With each passing second, her speed increased from gravity's effect. She noticed the Wonderbolts attempt a rescue, but fail as Rarity's flailing hooves rended them unconscious. i'm not gonna make it in time if i don't pick things up! She narrowed her vision and focused on her extended hooves. Soon, the same dome appeared, and quickly formed the cone from before as the air tried desperately to get out of Dash's way.

'Shake away all doubt, all traces of fear, and stay determined.' Dash shook her head, powering through the tears streaking along her cheeks. 'Nopony else can hold a candle to you.' The grassy ground was hastily approaching, and with little time to spare. I will not fail! Ever again! With one final push, she cut through the barrier surrounding her hooves. A color wheel erupted behind her as time itself seemed to slow to a crawl. Effortlessly, Dash caught up to the 4 of them, arranged the Wonderbolts on her back and carried Rarity below her in her hooves. Ignoring momentum, Rainbow turned sharply and continued her flight path toward Cloudsdale. As the world around her caught up, Dash looked back and saw the rainbow trail that followed her, and the explosion spreading across the sky. Rainbow arced over the stadium before returning to the arena.

Cheers echoed throughout the stadium as several spectating pegasi carried Rarity. The Wonderbolts regained consciousness and flew themselves off her back. "Thank you Rainbow," Rarity could barely manage to say. "You saved my life."

"Yeah, I did, huh."

Twilight and friends met Rainbow and hoisted her up into the air. "And you performed the Sonic Rainboom! I knew you could do it!" Link commended.

"I did that too, huh. Best day ever!"

After another cloud walking spell, Rarity gained her footing on the clouds. "I want to apologize to you, Rainbow, for getting caught up in my ... beautiful wings... I guess I sort of lost my head."

"It's fine really. To be perfectly honest, if you hadn't, I probably wouldn't have been able to do what I did. I-" Dash stopped and saw behind her friend.

"So, you're the pony who saved our lives. We really wanted to meet you and give to you our thanks," Spitfire, Wonderbolt Captain, said.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight greeted as the alicorn stepped forth. "Good to see you here." She bowed, as did the others. Link took a knee, of course.

"Hello, Twilight Sparkle, and hello to your friends, too."

"Princess Celestia, I'm sorry for my uncouth behavior. Rainbow really is the best flyer in Equestria."

"I know she is," she replied with a smile. "Which is why this year's title of 'Best Young Flyer' goes to Miss Rainbow Dash! For her bravery and performance."

Several pegasi carried her off toward the cheering crowd. "Princess," Link started, "you asked me to be here, and here I am. I await your command."

"Still formal, I see. There will be time for that in a bit. But first," she turned to Twilight once more, "From this experience, what did you learn about friendship?"

"As much as I'd like to answer that, I believe Rarity learned a great deal more than me." Twilight looked over to her friend.

"I certainly did. I learned to keep my hooves on the ground, and to be there for my friends." Rarity nodded once in triumph.

"A fine lesson. One I hope you don't soon forget. Twilight, regarding Link's assignment... I was hoping to borrow Spike from you as well."

"S-Spike? But... why?"

"Yeah, why me? I thought I was just coming to watch the show," the dragon added.

"You were an ... unexpected attendee. But it's a good thing you made it. I need from you a favor. On his mission, he will need to contact me on his progress, and he's the only one that knows how to do that among you and your friends." Princess Celestia looked down at her student and wore a stern look.

"Princess... If the letter-sending is what you are after, and not the presence of Spike that's desired, then there is another..." Link offered, after returning to his upright position. "If I may request, I believe Ruby Inferno will aid me better."

"Link! Why would you-! Oh, uh... eh heh... why would you ask... such a thing from her? didn't things..." Twilight tried to counter.

"Of course things went well. That's one reason why I'm making this request. Another, is her combat ability. I believe she can hold her own, in the face of adversity." Don't interrupt me, please. I want to make things right between her and I.

"So things did go well? For a while, I thought you two were at odds with each other. If you two got along this swimmingly, I see no reason why I should turn this request down. Very well, Link. On return to Canterlot, I'll send a chariot to retrieve her, along with a letter."

"My thanks, Princess." Link turned to Navi, and beckoned to her. Happily, she landed atop his head, which was hatless. "Twilight, I don't believe I'll leave until tomorrow. If it's alright, I want to send you a list of things I may want to bring with me. If that's okay..."

"Of course it is. Anything. Just... be careful out there. And don't hesitate to send me a progress report too. I want to know how you're doing."

"Absolutely."

Princess Celestia looked at Link, then asked, "Are we all set then?" He nodded, then gave his sister a hug. Without waiting, Celestia walked ahead of Link to their chariot.

"Farewell, Twilight. I'll be back before you know it." Link put on his hat and walked.

Twilight watched as her brother and mentor flew off toward the castle. I know you will be...

Elsewhere... In Ponyville, Epona immediately noticed her previous state of exhaustion returning. As she looked around, she saw a serious lack of hotel to rest in. This certainly is a lot worse off than Canterlot... wait... what's- She saw a nicely sized tree away from the buildings. As she drew closer, she read the sign. "'Golden Oaks Library'. Sounds like a public place." Epona walked in and shut the door behind her. "Hello? Miss Librarian?" No answer. "huh. Oh well. Guess it couldn't hurt to read something."

The next couple hours were spent reading and lounging. It was odd, the way the couch smelled. She figured that since it was a library, so many different ponies sat where she was, and the smells blended together. Her book of choice was an adventure book. Something by A.K. Yearling, whoever that was, she didn't care for the title and just dove right in. She placed her bags beside the couch and took out a piece of fruit she got from a stall on her way into town.

Within 20 minutes, the book fell onto her chest as she drifted off to sleep.

Finally! It's complete! After a month and a half, here it is! The Best Young Flyer's Competition! As always, ask anything, correct my spelling, do as you like, and don't be afraid to compliment me on a job well done. I know I already have.

P.S.: 2 apples remaining...

Edit: In Feeling Pinkie Keen, the term was "Floppy ears", not twitchy ears. I know there's a distinction because her tail twitches.