Later that Afternoon,
Elements of Harmony Throne Room, Twilight’s Castle

“Rainbow will be with you in one moment, Princess Celestia,” said Twilight.

“Thank you Twilight.” Celestia worked to fight back tears. She was proud of how far her student most faithful student had progressed. Here she was in the middle of the very room where she would regularly go out on “Friendship Quests,” and make her country a little bit better, one conflict resolution at a time.

Celestia knew that someday she would die. She was already relatively old for an alicorn and she knew that she “only” had another 100-200 year left in her life. She would have to find a replacement someday. While it was customary for a ruler to be succeeded by their nearest descendant, it wasn’t unheard of in Equestria history for a monarch to pick a commoner to become a royal successor. Secretly, she was grooming Twilight Sparkle for the throne, should Luna become corrupted again. Her embrace of republicanism put Celestia on guard. Even if Luna waited to assume the throne after her natural death, Celestia feared that she could bring about the end of the 10,000 year old Equestrian monarchy. That was something that she simply could not stand for.

Her internal politicking was interrupted by the sound of doors opening. Bowing in the doorway was Rainbow Dash, her solitary wing still sitting in cast.

“Please rise my subject,” said Celestia. If anything, thought Celestia to herself, I ought to be bowing to a patriot like Rainbow Dash.

“Princess Celestia, it is an honor to meet you again.”

“The honor is all mine,” replied Celestia. “Please,” she said beckoning to the throne next to her, “Have a seat here.”

Rainbow Dash made her way over to the designated chair, winching. Clearly she must have forgotten to take her painkillers for her injuries. Secretly Celestia cast a pain relief spell on Rainbow Dash, helping to take the edge off of the rainbow colored pegasus’ agony.

“What did you want to talk about?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I first wanted to thank you for your bravery. If it weren’t for heroes like you, Equestria wouldn’t be where it is today.”

“Well thank you,” said Rainbow Dash, blushing.

“You’re bravery is worthy of the Equestrian Heroic Wings Award,” said Celestia, referring to the highest award possible for flying related bravery in Equestria.

“Thank you Celestia,” said Rainbow Dash, beaming with pride.

“I was hoping that next week you could come to Canterlot for the ceremony. That way, we can display you as a rolemodel for all of Equestria.”

Much to Celestia’s surprise, Rainbow Dash’s eyes shot wide open in horror.

“Is something the matter?” asked Celestia.

“It’s not that I don’t appreciate your offer, I really am flattered, but… well you see…,” said Rainbow Dash before trailing off.

“What is it?” asked Celestia, perplexed by the sudden shyness of the normally boisterous pegasus.
“I just don’t want ponies to see me like this. I don’t want them to see me as a cripple,” said Rainbow Dash, staring down at the ground in front of her.
Sensing that this was a sensitive topic for Rainbow Dash, Celestia turned to Twilight. “Would be so kind as to give us some privacy, dear.”
“Oh certainly, Princess,” said Twilight as she got up off of her seat. Awkwardly, she walked backwards to the door , not wanting to be rude by turning her back to the ruler of Equestria.
As soon as Twilight had stepped outside, Celestia turned back to Rainbow Dash. “I understand why you feel the way that you do.”
“You do?” asked Rainbow Dash, perplexed.
“Yes. When I was a youth, I didn’t have the ability to use magic, despite being a natural-born alicorn. It wasn’t until I was a middle-aged adult that I fully developed my magical potential. I was embarrassed about my disability for the entirety of my youth.”
“However, I was blessed in the same way that you were. I had loving and supporting friends who helped me appreciate the great parts of me. In time, I think that you’ll come to appreciate the non-avian aspects of you, namely your brave and loyal personality.”
“Thank you Celestia. That’s very kind of you.”
“So are you now willing to receive the award in Canterlot?” pressed Celestia.
“I-I don’t think I’m ready,” said Rainbow Dash. I’m starting to sound like Fluttershy when she tries to make excuses, thought Rainbow Dash to herself.
“While I appreciate the encouraging words and I am flattered by the fact that you want to give me this prestigious honor, I don’t feel comfortable receiving it in front of other people. I don’t want people staring at my one crippled wing. I’m sorry!” croaked Rainbow Dash as she began crying.
Celestia walked over to her and embraced her with her wings.
“There, there, it’s okay,” said Celestia as she let Rainbow Dash nuzzle her face up against her chest.
“I’m sorry about that kind of a lame excuse, but I can’t do it. Flying was my pride and joy. It defined who I was and I can’t let the world see me being reduced to being a flightless nopony!”
“I understand and I would like to apologize.”
Rainbow Dash suddenly pulled back from Celestia. “Apologize?” she asked.
“Yes, apologize. It was a mistake of me to send you into harm’s way. I should have insisted on letting one of our human allies send spies into the Soviet Union. I shouldn’t have endangered you, someone with no espionage experience, by sending you on this mission. I accept any and all blame for what happened to you. Please forgive me,” said Celestia as she avoided eye contact with Rainbow Dash in a failed attempt to hide the two tears that were coming down the side of her face.
“Don’t blame yourself Princess. This was a mission that was noble and had to be done. I voluntarily accepted your offer to conduct it. Bad things happen to good people. That’s the way life is.”
Celestia used to her magic to open up her saddlebags and float over a golden wing-shaped medallion. “If you don’t want to receive the award in public, may I instead give it to you now?” asked Celestia.
“Yes, Princess Ce-”
“Please Rainbow Dash, you may call me Celestia.”
“Yes, Celestia you may,” said Rainbow Dash as she lowered her head to receive the medal.
Carefully, Celestia hung the medal around Rainbow Dash’s neck.
“You’ve done well. You’re name will be remembered in Equestrian history.”
The two embraced each other, sharing tears of joy and hope.