3.1
“Oh excuse me” Nimbus said to herself right after quite a yawn. Taking a shower had done nearly nothing to wake her up. Already dreading that she may feel this way for quite a while. I didn’t even think an hour less sleep would do this, wow I’m getting old. She joked to herself. No longer stricken with worry or regret with letting Soul go out so late last night, more relieved like she was to see her come home on time.

I really don’t mind that much that she decided to hang out last night, I just can’t stay upset with her. Though she sure was not going to let this pass. No way. Nimbus could not help herself but feel a little happy that it happened in the end. She had no idea what was going on. That Soul never did like telling her things that much. Such a curious filly from the first day she came to us. One who always was so independent for somepony her age. I really do wonder what happened for her to go out with Rainbow Dash. Such a one-off. Even though I’ll be going to the camp without my favorite little girl, I still feel a little proud that something came out of it. Happy that I made that decision in the first place to get her butt out of this house for just a little bit. Seemed like something did come out of it in the end. I hope. That filly needs some change in her life. So much so that… I let her leave last night. So glad I did. Though it likely won’t be allowed again, hehe. I’ll drag her back to bed myself if I need to.

It better have been worth it in the end to make these decisions, because I am so tired. So much that… Nimbus stamped her hoof down and caught herself before it could happen. I almost missed it. Nimbus stared down at her wobbly leg. The thing that almost made her fall right over again. Sheesh… it kind of stung this time. Nimbus held her hoof up. Relieving the weight off it. It already started to feel better. Give it a few. What a day this will be, it doesn’t act up like that in the mornings. She probably needed to see somepony again to settle her legs once more. It has been a while and it was not fun falling flat on my face. Especially in front of so many kids. So glad she caught it before it happened. Not a good way at all to wake up. Nimbus had to admit that just going back in the hot shower again for a little bit and then falling back asleep sounded so good right now rather than heading out again today. This did not feel good at all. Though she felt so tired but her wings were more than pumped. She beat out her own desires. What I do is a good thing, I just can’t stay away from teaching the kids. Such a shame that Soul doesn’t want to go anymore but… maybe it was for the best. Nimbus already planned on doing more extensive training sessions with her tonight.

She did well last night. I’m very happy for her. I can’t wait to see what she can do. Nimbus walked past Soul’s shut door. Longingly looking upon it, saddened once more, though she did her best to hide it from Soul yesterday, that the filly would not be coming with her. Back to the old routine again. I guess I can give her some things to do today for when she gets up. Or that would be routine if not for what she wanted to do.

3.2
Nimbus pushed the door open. Soul’s room transformed by the rising sunlight so that she could find the filly where she had left her. All snuggled up in her bed. The filly had tossed to her side, facing away from Nimbus. Breathing so gently under the covers that she held close to herself. Still asleep. Nimbus moved the door even more so she could walk in.

I can’t just leave today without saying something to her. Even though she was not going to come to camp anymore, Nimbus did not want to give up on that idea she had of being able to wake Soul up every single morning and greet her to a bright and new day. I guess I can’t really do that as much as I wanted to now, but I won’t leave her without letting her know that I’ll be thinking about her all day. Wish her a wonderful day until we see one another again. How I hate to part with her. But… it’s to make her happy. This sweet and innocent filly that slumbered so peacefully that Nimbus found under her chin as she bent over to whisper into her ear.

“Soul. Soul.” Pleased that those yellow eyes awoke slowly. Soul tugged her blankets closer, grumbling but she did not look away from Nimbus. Oh, she looked tired. Even more than usual when she just woke up. Looks like we both got a bad night’s sleep. As long as it was worth it. Nimbus ran her hoof along Soul’s blanket. Gentle and just wanting her to feel more at ease. Soul let out a groan that sounded a lot like she was confused at first, so out of it for a moment. She still rasped out “Good morning.”

Rolling onto her back. Soul rubbed her eyes. Blinking furiously to the piercing rays of the Sun. You poor thing. I won’t keep you up that long. “Just wanted to wish you a good day” Nimbus whispered. Certain to be calm and gentle in her voice to rock the filly back to sleep. “I’ll be heading out soon. Have a wonderful day, my little champ.” “Heading out to camp?” Soul mumbled right when Nimbus lifted her head back up not even able to leave her bedside. “Yeah, I’ll be back early in the afternoon and we can do things together.” Maybe I can slip out of work a little early as long as I don’t have tons of paperwork again and come home to you. To see your smiling face and your joy of being able to hang out with me. Something to look forward to. Nimbus dropped her hoof off the bed. “Sound good to you?”

3.3
“Don’t go…” Soul spoke out loudly.

Surprising Nimbus, even more when the filly flailed under her blankets and sent them flying off her. Frantic to sit herself up. Whoa… she woke up quickly. Something was clearly on the filly’s mind with how much her eyes pulsated and how much her legs and wings fluttered trying to get a hold of her bearings. She did keep Nimbus right where she was. “Soul?” The filly fell victim to her sleepiness again, rubbing her eyes once more. She did her best to voice out a determination. “Wait…” Soul shook her head. Clearing herself up. Nimbus stepped back, more and more perplexed when Soul slid out of bed and came to join her on all fours.

“I’ll go with you” Soul said. “Let’s… go eat breakfast. Can we?” What, but I already… “Uh, sure” Nimbus agreed. I suppose I can whip something up for her real quick. But I got to get going soon. “I got a little time before I need to go” Nimbus informed her. “But you should get back to sleep afterwards. You had a long night.”

“I’m not going back to bed.” Stopping Nimbus in her tracks before she could walk over to the door. Taken back by what Soul said. She stared back at her. Not sure what to say. Speechless with the fire in Soul’s eyes. “I thought a lot about it” Soul said. The filly stepping up to rejoin Nimbus. She stood side by side with her. Prepared to head out the door with her. Seriously, you need to get some sleep, was what Nimbus wanted to say to her. Damn her mouth that didn’t do what she wanted it to do. But nothing but joy for her heart when she heard it.

“I want to go back to camp with you.” …Cutting it a little close… maybe I should have woken her up earlier. My mistake… to be able to hear this earlier. Because it surely did wake Nimbus up now. This… this was no joke. Nimbus stared down at the filly and all the sincerity in her. She wanted to go back. I don’t know what happened last night, but it did something for you, I see. Enough to make you change your decision. Maybe now… now you will say something more. I can see the determination in your heart to make something happen, whatever it was. Enough to maybe make the filly finally come out of her shell. Just as I wanted. “Would you like to tell me what happened first?” Nimbus bent her legs and knelt before her. Eyes to eyes. She invited Soul into her embrace. Holding her softly, letting her know everything was alright and that her decision was accepted. Nimbus whispered to the filly she hugged.

“Tell me everything.”

3.4
Soul had not left Nimbus’ side ever since they left the house. She would not leave her now, not until she felt safe. It took all her courage just to admit everything to her, like it drained her and left her a frightened foal so worried about what was to come now that she was back at the very place she had not thought herself to come back to again. Every second that passed seemed to draw her closer. Sitting with Nimbus, moving herself so close till she nearly touched flanks with her, in a position well behind her wing. Hopeful nopony would spot her. Not at all certain what it was she could expect, but hopeful she made the right choice. Hopeful everything she did would be good for her. I’ll even throw myself in this position to make things work out.

Sitting in between both Nimbus and Starry while cowering behind the mare just to avoid any eye contact with any of the ponies who arrived. All the same faces she recognized and did not expect her to see again. None of them saw her. She wanted to keep it that way until whatever happened would happen. Pretty sure of herself that it was going to be something. Nimbus had been quiet, very quiet since she had told her everything. The mare had barely uttered a peep, and Soul felt the change in her. How serious she sounded when she uttered the lines ‘I’ll take care of it.’ Like a drop of a hat. She never changed since then, Nimbus stared out at the kids that arrived. Putting on a smile and waving at them. Letting all their parents settle them in. She did a good act. Soul could read her, after so many years with her. She could sense just when it was that Nimbus was truly and wholly mad.

I hated every moment of admitting it all to her, I’m so sure all I did was just remind her of that horrible day so long ago. The day that was the most frightening for both of us, and I also saw the dread in her face. I can’t believe I had to say it, the proof that her beloved camp was not the perfect picture she had painted and that Soul had truly felt nothing had changed. Up until the one thing Soul did not tell her. The one pony who she felt made it all worth it to do this. I thought a lot about it. I hope I made the right decision. I never came to anypony the last time this happened, so much that it made me have to leave camp for so long. I paid the price. I don’t want it to happen again. I’ll do anything to make this work. Even if it means telling on another pony, just as Nimbus had said I had the power to do. To come to her with any problem. I felt a shiver when I saw her face. Like it showed her outrage at hearing another pony had rained on me. Her acceptance that it happened. I was stupid to think I could fool her with saying I fell in a puddle.

But she did so much for me just to make this a better experience for me. She gave up so much just for me. It was wrong of me to try and quit after all that effort. It even gifted me with… last night. So Soul did not bat an eye when Nimbus made her move, standing up in front of her and standing there for a few. Keeping Soul right behind her legs and tail, but the filly peered out and saw she was watching that very pony. Aurora Flash with the stallion that always had dropped him off. Same mane as the colt. His dad. Soul caught sight of Nimbus nodding to Starry. The stallion patted his hoof upon the steps. Smiling at Soul. She did what she knew to do. Please may I have made the right decision.

3.5
Soul joined over with Starry… feeling so embarrassed that she was exposed once more. Not leaving him. She didn’t look at all. Just letting Nimbus do her thing. The mare stepped away from both of them, heading right over to the other stallion. No turning back. I’m doing this for her… and for me. I want both of us to be happy, as long as she’s happy, so will I. At least I feel like I have something to look forward to later. Soul glanced to them all. Not bothering with the other kids. Not sure if she should care. Nimbus talking with the stallion, …she did not at all look pleased. Almost scowling. She still got the stallion to follow her. …With a confused looking Aurora in tow. Confused and worried. Much like his father… so lost and with a raised brow under his glowing mane, they both went off with Nimbus. Wherever they went, Soul just wanted to think right now that it will work out. Starry patted Soul on the head.

“You did good. It'll all turn out alright.” I don’t know. Soul shifted her eyes to her hooves. I… I just refuse to let what happened at the last camp happen here. Not here… where I have another pony to look forward to seeing. I was so mad at her yesterday. Now here I am, wanting to see her. The only pony I feel a little safe being around here. Right there in front of me. I can’t believe it but I feel a little better seeing her. Soul didn’t know if anypony else had noticed her but Rainbow Dash certainly didn’t. Not able to hide anymore this scene Soul had not seen from her before. Rainbow Dash landing with another pony next to her. Well away from the others. Soul already didn’t regret coming to camp today… just to see the mare with the short mane of a bright sunrise give Dash a hug. The filly didn’t fight it, wrapping one of her hooves around the mare’s neck. Like she was writing it off… she looked like she still liked it.

So that blue furred mare that gave Dash her bag must be Rainbow Dash’s mother. Soul had to wonder, with how she was acting, did she know that Dash had snuck out last night? Just like Nimbus knew. I won’t tell on her. Nothing to ruin that sweet moment I never thought capable by Dash just the other day. Funny, after last night… I don’t feel confused at all seeing something like this from her. Not at all. Adding even more. Soul had to admit to herself, she was more than happy to see the filly again. Happy to know she came back as well and that they would be able to keep being flight buddies here. I hope so, after what I did for us, maybe things will change and we can hang out together more often. I’m so glad to see you again.

3.6
Rainbow Dash was the one who looked, not glad, but surprised. As Soul would expect. When she caught eyes of Soul with Starry. The mare who took her in, flew off, leaving Dash to rush over to where Soul sat. Too hard for her to form a smile, it looked. Pretty much stricken with amazement to see Soul. She felt it in her stare. Yes, I’m here. Soul nodded to her. Welcoming Dash to come up to the stairs to join them. The filly was not afraid to come close to them. “Good morning, Starry” she nodded to him… a little shaky. “Morning, Dash!” Soul too joined in with a low whisper. “…Good morning, Dash. I hope you slept well.”

Soul smiled. But Rainbow did look to be a little energized. Just like Soul. They had to be since today was going to be the start of another day at camp for them. Dash was not amused by that line she said though, and the sarcasm Soul was sure to put in it. She shook it off. “I’ll leave you two be” Starry chimed in and he stood up. Both fillies let him go.

By themselves. Looking upon one another in shock and… and in a small comfort of knowing the other was here. Rainbow could not hide it though. She could play the mystery filly all she wanted, she was definitely more than happy to see Soul here.
“I changed my mind” Soul told her. “You’re a real asshole” Dash said smirking. “Guess I worried about not having a flight buddy here for no reason.” I’m sure she would have had somepony to fill in for that position, but I’m alright with it still being me. After all, I made this decision not just for Nimbus but for Dash as well. I’ll give her one more chance, and I feel like it will be worth it. “Shame, guess you’re stuck with me” Soul said. Met with a hoof presented to her. Dash sitting there expectantly. Holding it out just for one purpose. Soul met her hoof with her own.

3.7
“Now this is how to spend camp” Dash said. Laying back with her forelegs crossed behind her head. Nice and comfortable on the cloud both of them found for themselves. Almost looked like she was about to fall asleep on the spot. Probably wanted to. She couldn’t, not with Soul going on with her exercises just across from her. Dash was sleepy, but she still felt like she should keep up with her preparations for whatever it was they were going to do today. Lots of stretches and Soul began practicing her long flaps and curvatures to catch any wind like she wanted to try and do spins while staying put on the cloud.

“How about you lay back for a little bit?” Dash asked. “We both got some pretty bad sleep last night.” “I’m alright” Soul answered. Testing out just how well she was able to keep both her wings in synch with one another, as perfect as always, and then going right back to her stretches and maneuvers. She could tell in the air that today was going to be another beautiful day, not a hint of rain she could smell and not a change in the patterns of the clouds that flowed across the sky.

Looked like a clear day to work with and another good night to practice after camp. “We’re free to do what we want, you know?” Soul reminded her. Both fillies had known exactly what to do with the announcement, leaving behind everypony else to fly as high as they wanted above the camp which looked so small all the way up here. All those courses and open fields like they were nothing now. Soul was kind of glad to be able to do this. Free time was not something she expected to have at this camp. Just allowed to do whatever they wanted as long as it involved flying, which Dash was not exactly doing right now. Soul didn’t stop her. She felt her flight buddy wouldn’t get in trouble and needed the rest.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “This camp is pretty lax. Past few days and I haven’t really felt like I got to learn anything. Like we’re totally new at this or something.” We all have problems when it comes to flying, Soul wanted to tell her. Not all of the ponies here were as skilled as others. Soul hated to admit it, but she herself was possibly one of the most skilled here all thanks to Nimbus. Another problem with the whole setup she had to deal with just for being in this camp. Dash had lots of issues too, but… Soul could say for sure that she was no novice. Here I thought she was going to be… something else when I first saw her. I’m not entirely sure what to expect from her anymore. She is still surprising me, and I’m kind of glad I decided to come back. Seemed like everything was starting to work out.

3.8
Rainbow Dash laughed a little where she lay. “Did you see the look on Aurora’s face. Priceless. That actually was kind of cool you decided to tell your mom about it.” Dash laughed even more. “His dad was fuming.” Yeah, my… mom did a good job. In fact, Soul wasn’t unconvinced that this whole free time was all because of what happened with Aurora. Not really sure what happened but something that turned him into a scared looking colt. Not sure if I should pity him. I don’t know. But Dash was unusually happy about it. Snickering when they both caught sight of him earlier after he stepped out with Nimbus and his father.

“As long as you get to stay here, I’m fine with whatever happens to him” Dash said. “No way I’d lose out on the chance to do more flying with you.” Geez, she was going to make Soul blush. Kind of was but that could be from the exercising.

That filly was much more happy than normal. Did seeing me come back really mean that much? She must have really liked flying with me. I could tell… that look she has. It was so cool to see her be different sometimes instead of being that mopey pony. “I thought a lot about last night” Soul said. “I still want to try to have some fun here.” Should I even tell her it was because of her? “Maybe give it another shot.” Soul wrote it off. It can be for that reason. It wasn’t a total lie. I want to give Dash another chance, I did last night. “Hope we still get to hang out after camp today” Dash reminded her. Of course. I just need to let Nimbus know after camp. The mare did want to do some training with her after camp but… we got quite a while later. Soul was sure Nimbus would be fine with her hanging out with Rainbow in the daylight this time for a little bit. “Yeah, I’ll still fly with you later” Soul assured her. Even more so now.

The filly was certainly glad to see Soul and Soul really did appreciate her being around her all day. Sitting with her and listening to instruction. Not every other pony sat with their flight buddies during it, Dash didn’t need to either. In fact, she didn’t seem to want to leave Soul’s side. Thanks to her, I didn’t sit alone today. Good since I felt so worried. So overwhelmed with all that happened. That I managed to tell Nimbus what was going on and how scary it was to make the decision to come back here. Remembering the stupid mistakes I did, and yesterday. No matter what good came out of it, Soul still felt uneasy.

Shifting her eyes around at all the other ponies. Where they sat with her the day before, none even made eye contact with her. Like she was all alone. Just a little greeting from the smiling twins and that was it. They probably all remember yesterday. Until Rainbow Dash came to join her. Sitting with her the entire time listening to those boring instructions from Starry. Well, they may have been useful to the others but they were a lot of the same things Soul already knew. She was not alone. “Good cuz today has been so boring” Dash said. “Seriously, sounds like we’re gonna be doing some resistance turns?” Dash sat up. “I learned all that stuff at home.”

3.9
Soul stopped her exercises. Intrigued by what she heard. She looked back at the filly. A little curious.

“Turns? …I never did ask you, but what kind of stuff does your mom teach you?” She did say she wanted to be a Wonderbolt. Such high skill flying, she did perform well in the course the other day but Soul couldn’t forget those mistakes she made. They seemed so easy to break off from but she still managed to ruffle her flying and leave Soul wondering why.

“I know a lot of mid-tier skills, some aerial maneuvers and flight control. She tells me I’m very good at using the wind to my advantage and takeoffs.” Rainbow paused. Weird, she looked a little confused just then. Like she spaced out. Soul wanted to ask her what was wrong. “But I just can’t get past any of that stuff” she said with her eyes lowering. “No matter how good I get at those skills, I still make lots of mistakes.” “Do you know any high tier skills?” Soul asked. Not entirely feeling like this was right. “I thought you were doing well with maneuvers and leveling when you ran the course. Until…” “Until the end?” Dash finished for her. “Yeah… probably should get used to that.” She looked off. “I make too many mistakes so don’t expect me to use any high skill flying anytime soon. Hope that won’t turn you off from being my flight buddy.” She looked back to Soul with longing eyes. “Would it?” Soul shook her head. “No way.” “That’s good” Dash smiled.

“My mom does a good job at teaching me so maybe wait for me to catch up? …What about you? Your mom is pretty awesome, what does she teach you?” Oh wow, somepony wants to hear how I’m trained. What should I even say? Soul found her training regimens to be very extensive and rigorous. They were extremely tough when she first started and, honestly, Nimbus was brutal. She did her best to make it fun but it always was stuff that made Soul so afraid and worried when she first started out. It was not an easy thing to talk about, but the results spoke volumes. So much so that Soul never lost sight on her dream.

“You really want to know?” Soul needed to be sure. “Lay it on me. How good are you? No lying” Dash told her. I have no reason to not trust her with my answer. She seems very curious and… she already knows I was fooling around when I ran the course. I can’t lie my way out of it. “Okay… you sort of saw it already the other day. My mom has been training me for a very long time and she shows me things that nopony here gets to see. Probably not till the later stages of training.” “Wait” Dash interrupted. “Does that mean…” Soul nodded and grimaced.

“I’ve pretty much mastered mid-tier flying. My mom is so supportive of my dream that she’s even introduced me to more advanced stuff. …Not to say I don’t still make mistakes” Soul pointed out trying to salvage herself. There’s been plenty of times she had a crash and even got flustered yesterday with all the clouds coming at her from so many directions. “But she’s trying her best to help me out.” “Wow…” Dash whispered. Leaning forward on her hooves like she was struck by something so divine looking upon Soul. “No wonder you’re so calm when you’re flying. Looks like I got a ways to go to catch up with you.” “Don’t worry” Soul didn’t want her to feel bad at the least. “I know you’ll be a great flyer too. Wonderbolt material for sure.” She said it with so much confidence, but she meant it entirely. I don’t know what it is about Dash, something is off with her, but it feels to me that there is something inside her that is bursting with that will to become a skilled flyer. Like it yelled out right now that she could do it, and Dash never lost a glimmer of her confidence. She almost sounded smug with a small smile. “I know I will.” “That’s awesome” Soul assured her. Widening her eyes when Dash leaned forward even more with that grin she had under her dulled eyes.

3.10
“And when I do, how about we have a friendly race? Just to see who is better. Plenty of time for us to prepare for it” she whispered. Soul had no words for a moment. She backed up just a little, shaken a bit from that strong confidence in Dash’s voice. Wow, she sounded pretty sure of herself for a moment. Is it wrong to feel like I could whip her in a race? I really shouldn’t point anything out. Just as long as we both get to our goals, that’s what mattered. “Sure… we can” Soul answered.

“That’s awesome!” Dash yelled out and fell right back. “Maybe you will get to eat my dust” she said so assuredly and strong… not at all giving Soul any reason to feel a little bit that this filly really was strange. Like she went right back to something else. “Or you could eat mine” Soul told her. “Whatever, but… man, I got to tell you, this camp has not turned out to be what I expected. They told me this was where you could learn awesome moves and how to fly like a professional. How am I expected to progress any further here when we do simple stuff like we have been doing?” “Looks like we get to just rely on our moms for right now” Soul told her. Soul did want to see how Dash’s mom trained her. “All cuz of that stupid ‘evaluation’ they’re putting us through” Dash said with a wave of her hooves. Now that sounded familiar. “Stuff we already learned” Soul said back. “Nothing but…” Dash chimed in with her and Soul felt so elated when she heard her words come out alongside Dash’s. “Entry level crap.” Both fillies laughed. “Now you’re speaking my language” Dash said. “Seriously, we got to do this basic stuff for the rest of the season. Then we get to move on. What a load.” “We just need to get through it, at least we got our moms to help us, and we can still be flight buddies” Soul said. That should be what matters.

3.11
Wings flapped. Breaking the two up. Here I thought it would be fine. Now Soul held her tongue when Aurora landed, catching his sound just in time to hold her tongue. Dash did the same.

Why is he even here? I told Nimbus everything he did and she took care of it. He wasn’t alone. Now Soul didn’t know what to do when she heard the other pair of wings. Both of them joined on the cloud by Spitfire as well. The filly hung back behind Aurora, and all went silent. Like the air itself went still. Soul kept herself close to Dash. She walked to her, standing by her side. She hated to feel so defenseless right now but she needed some comfort and she could tell Dash was not in a happy mood either to see them here as well. Like her entire demeanor changed with Soul’s. Forget Aurora, Soul was more concerned with Spitfire.

The filly looked so down behind the colt. Not even meeting her eyes. Like she didn’t want to be here… no, she was afraid. Soul felt terrible now. Aurora can think what he wants, but she felt bad for Spitfire, wondering where she had been all this time. How she may be feeling. Probably not good considering what I did to her.

“What’s up?” Dash spoke out. Far more confident than Soul was right now. The filly even leaned forward like she wanted to be the one in front. I don’t know what they want, but I’m afraid. I came back to camp, so now I get to deal with all this too. But Aurora got in trouble… and I feel like crap for hurting Spitfire. So funny how quick everything came crashing down right when she was enjoying a happy moment with Dash.

3.12
“Relax” Aurora said. “I’m not here to upset you or anything.” Now he spoke pretty damn lazily. At least he didn’t sound threatening. Soul kept her distance. Her spirits up when Rainbow Dash came to stand next to her. Two pairs, face to face. “Nimbus told me to come up here and tell you I’m sorry” Aurora pouted. “But I had an idea and Spitfire thought it was cool. You know, considering what you did to her yesterday.” You mean what you made me do, you asshole?

Soul grunted under her breath. “I think you also should apologize to her” Aurora said, motioning towards Spitfire. “You did hurt her, and now… now she gets to go without a flight buddy for a few days. Oh and thanks for the three day suspension.” Aurora bowed his head in a glare to Soul. Like malice took over his voice so quickly. Making Soul shiver. Scared even when hearing that Aurora would be getting punished. Punished and… damn it. I didn’t think Spitfire would have to go without a buddy. Wouldn’t she get paired up with another pony or something? Wait… there were no others. A team of three? Soul was concerned with what she may have to deal with.

If only Aurora had not done any of those things, none of this would be happening. But I did hurt her in the end. It was me that sent the cloud at them and made them bump their heads and now she was going to have to deal with being buddyless. Soul couldn’t help it. She felt bad for her. She had been nice to me before and I did sort of give her a hard time. It wasn’t entirely fair anyways. Soul looked between Aurora and Spitfire.

What should I do? How should I feel? Rainbow Dash didn’t say anything, but she kept close to Soul. A comfort that her buddy kept by her and didn’t leave her alone unlike the other times. I really appreciate that. I still can tell Aurora doesn’t like me. So stupid that he doesn’t just because of what I did. But I feel better having Dash with me. Forget Aurora, this wasn’t about him. I can still be the better pony.

3.13
Soul bowed her head. “Spitfire, I’m really sorry for yesterday.” Like the air lifted in an instant between them all. Soul felt a little relieved saying it. Even more so when Spitfire finally looked up and at her. She didn’t look that pleased, but… I hope she understands that I mean well. Soul kept her head down for her. “I didn’t mean it and hope you forgive me” Soul added.

We did hit it off a little well at the start. We can still all be good together, if not as friends in the end, at least we can be around one another without any hard feelings. Right? Soul could sense Dash looking down upon her. What was she thinking? I really wish they would say something because I don’t know if I’m doing this right, if I can feel like I’m doing the right thing to make us all happy. Spitfire’s hoof shifted. Making Soul twitch. Then again. Wait, Spitfire backed away. That was what made Soul look up and see her shake her head.

“I really thought you were a better pony” she spat with venom, and Aurora grinned under his mane. Shocking Soul. She could not even move. Not when her heart broke hearing it. “You really are terrible for what you did.” What is she talking about? Wait… Soul tried to stop her, but she flew off. Diving down under the cloud with the last sight of her flame colored tail being all that Soul had in her eyes. But… I’m sorry. Please, I don’t want us to be like this. “Oh well” Aurora said. The colt sliding away and slinking his head back to face her. “Guess she doesn’t like ponies who lie to her. I’m really surprised that Crash is staying with you even after you treated us all like idiots with your little stunt on the course. Better watch out, Crash. Soul might get you suspended too if you get in her way.” No, leave Rainbow out of this.

Soul stepped forward, she made sure to put herself between him and Dash again. Just seeing that his words made Dash shrink back a little in her silence made Soul want to protect her. You don’t need to do anything, Dash. I know you’re afraid. I am too. I am so afraid, because… his words hurt. They just remind me of everything I did wrong. I did lie to everypony, but at least you stuck with me, Dash. You didn’t ignore me. You even came back for me. I’d rather take all the abuse. “Let me give you some advice, Soul” Aurora said. “Don’t think you’re all high and mighty when you really aren’t. An arrogant flyer is a bad one. Either choose to fly like you mean it or don’t. Or ponies will walk all over you. Guess I’ll see you next week.”

The colt slid off the cloud and glided off. Leaving without even saying the apology. Nothing to make Soul feel any better. For now she shook on her hooves. It took so long for her to finally collapse and let out the longest groan. What have I done? Why is this happening? I can’t even feel good anymore. …They know that I lied to them. A hoof settled on top of Soul’s back. Soul looked up and was comforted to see that Rainbow Dash stood over her. Yes, at least you didn’t leave me. “I don’t want to get you suspended” Soul needed to assure her. No way. Why would I ever do that? I don’t know why it was he said that to us. “I know you won’t” Dash said. She stuck with her, even following her back down when the whistle sounded. Never leaving her side. So that’s why I’ve felt like this all day, as Soul looked around at all the other ponies who came to join.

None of them looked at her. Just like… they were ignoring her. What has he done? It all crashing down on her, trying to make her buckle under the pressure. But I didn’t think I did anything that bad. I just… lied to all of you and made myself look like a fool. What do I have to do to get ponies to just accept me? She wanted to scream it out at all of them. Get an answer because she sure as hell didn’t have one. But she couldn’t move. Held in place. Every muscle of her body didn’t want to do anything. “Soul, …is it true?” she heard Amber ask with a little tap of a hoof on her back. “You got Aurora suspended?” So that is it, huh? Here I thought I did the right thing.

3.14
She couldn’t believe any of this. Looking between the twins and Soul. All the while feeling that sting in the air. So familiar it was. Such like something that felt natural. Though it pained her to see that Soul was being ignored now. Right when she was the center of attention for her near perfect flying. All ruined because of that dumb decision you made, one that makes me wonder how true you actually are to those lines you spouted before. I still thought they were beautiful. I just wish that at least one pony would follow them, at least you could. But Rainbow Dash just got to stand there and watch what happened to her flight buddy. The very least, being able to stick with her. Because she needed it now more than ever. She wasn’t usually this generous, but she felt she could do something for her. Anything. What could I do? Just being there isn’t helping with how much the magenta Pegasus could not hide her terror. That she gets to go through this. Yet none of them know. None of them would care. As far as it looked, she was the only one who did.

She stepped in between the twins and Soul. Satisfied that her old flight buddy got the hint. Keeping away from Soul. The filly certainly didn’t need anypony to bother her over this, not now. “You two should go get ready.” Dash waved them off. The twins did so, with Amber looking back at both of them. So painful to walk away. Funny, you never felt that way before. Did you? Like some ruse. As long as I’m here, Soul will have all the comfort she needs… she does want to be something great in the end. It takes two to reach that goal. Something so similar. Rainbow looked upon her flight buddy with pity. Certain she needed to do something.

3.15
Soul could have sworn they were heading to her own house, until they clearly passed it. Good, it would have been pretty weird to tell Nimbus that they were going to be hanging out only to be just outside her own house, on top of having Dash around the pony she kept claiming to be her mother. Soul looked over her shoulder and back at her house that shrunk in the distance.

She needed to ask now. “So where is it we’re going?” “You’ll find out” Dash said ahead of her. Leading Soul once more. Kind of like last night, even leading Soul across the vast fields of clouds that blanketed everything outside of Soul’s house, and both of them flew off towards the distant inclines of snowy white clouds that towered high over the very edges of the vast cloud city. Like walls that circled the entire city. Towering high and over to join with the many clouds that ripped off them and spread across the sky. There were homes over there, not many but a small semblance that it was a part of the floating city. In an area Soul knew to be quite dense with the most beautiful of sceneries that Cloudsdale had to offer. All made from the very factories outlying it itself. Their excess clouds and endlessly flowing water that punctured the air in the lovely smell of a fall rainfall set out to make the gorgeous landscape itself. Like a snowfall. Rippled in layers. A skyline in its own rite.

Whatever it was, Dash insisted on going there. Telling her mom about it and more than excited to take Soul along. She made a good point to keep Soul in the dark about it. Further making the filly anxious as to what it was she was planning. Today had been bad enough without this constant feeling of just wondering what was always on Dash’s mind. She was just glad she made it through the day. Leaving it behind under the Sun that still hung high and warmed her back. She flew off even further. Staring down upon the ripples in the cloudlines that they flew over as they formed dense and rolling hills that spread far and wide. Splitting the path between many houses that were spread apart. The fillies free to fly over these large plots of land with their beautiful sceneries where even one house had a river running through its cloudy land. Peaceful, honestly.

3.16
Soul liked venturing out here on her own just to see the beautiful homes that were out here oftentimes. Colossal buildings with the most simple of pegasi who lived within. More than happy to always enjoy this landscape they got to live upon far in the shadows of the rising towers of clouds that the factories pumped out daily, and the titanic towers that dotted Cloudsdale’s horizon. Where the hustle of the greatest city in Equestria was at its deepest, while out here it was at its most peaceful.

Soul kept quiet. Watching all of it. Letting her wings carry her without much care and simply enjoying the moment she got to see something that didn’t make her have to think about camp or her problems though those things still pierced at her mind and made her dread the idea of having to come back to it all tomorrow. As long as Dash was still there with her like she had been all day. I take it back. It does feel good to come out here with her even if she wasn’t telling me where we’re going. Being able to see this all again. Worth it.

Soul loved seeing these houses out here with their vast and expansive white columns that draped down their sides and held up the vast domes of water and dripping rainfall that came down from their rooftops like they flooded the streams around those houses where fillies and colts could play. Watched over by their parents who sat out on their porches. One even so nice as to wave up at the two fillies who went over their home. Soul waved back. Happily flying above it all with not a peep, mindlessly going wherever Dash went off to like she was on autopilot or something. Trusting the enthusiasm in her flight buddy’s face. But… it doesn’t feel good that every time I look at her, I feel like I messed up somewhere. That things could be different. I’m not stupid, and know that she is taking me out here, cancelling our plan to fly together, because she wants to make me feel better. I wouldn’t need it if I had made the right decisions in the first place. I feel like a burden, though Dash insisted she really was looking forward to showing her this.

3.17
“There” Dash pointed to a landing on top of one of the highest points within the walls of clouds, where the fluffiest of them reached out around a large swathe of the sky and draped down and over the very face of the cloudy mountains. Right where a waterfall fell down from the highest point. Crashing down to the clouds below and braking through them. That must be one of the waterfalls that drenched the landscape of Equestria everywhere the floating city went. So huge and intimidating. Soul almost missed the thing that Dash actually pointed at.

It was beyond the landing, right behind that waterfall’s roaring descent. An entrance into the clouds. A cave? Wait, clouds didn’t make these caverns so sturdy looking. Soul had seen them do this before but it never lasted for more than a day as the clouds shifted. This cavern looked pretty big and its landing, she could see it, the landing was hoof made. Cut along the edges and formed up around the entrance. Pegasi made this?

“What is this?” Soul asked Dash. “Oh it’s something special” Dash teased her and led Soul in to land upon that landing. The fact Dash didn’t fall through it told Soul it was safe. She followed after. Looking around the place. Not sure what to make of it. Really enthralled with that giant waterfall that enveloped this entrance. Drops of water falling upon Soul and the air smelled of humidity thanks to all the rainwater that drizzled out from the cloudy ceiling over them and saturated the landing as well as Soul’s fur. Okay, Soul was curious evermore now. Enough to convince herself that dash might have something here that she would like to know about. Her questions sure as hell weren’t getting any easier to contain. “Just tell me what we’re doing here” Soul didn’t ask this time. Annoyed when Dash went on without her while she was looking around. Soul chased after her… right into the arcing entrance of this cloudy cavern that really kept making Soul wonder how it was this place existed.

3.18
It wasn’t dark inside. Surprising to see the sunlight broke right through the clouds above and shone its rays across a wide and deep path. A path that made Soul know for sure this was made by pegasi. There were stairs. Shaped to go down into another part of this down below that shone bright with light coming out of it. Soul was not afraid. Astonished that this place was so beautiful. Not an imperfection in the clouds and all shaped out to look like… like she was walking into somepony’s house. Rainbow Dash’s evident excitement told her there was nothing to be afraid of.

The filly took to the air again and flew over the steps. Facing down at Soul. “Alright… so I know today was… not so great” Dash said. She could say that again. “But I got something that can help us forget about it and just relax for a bit.” “What is this thing?” Soul asked. Rainbow proceeded to float down the steps without her. Soul hastily went after. Prancing down the stairs, admiring the rising walls that glimmered of water within their very interiors thanks to the shining sunlight. Clouds packed full of water that, as she got further down the steps, were released in small sprinkles from above. Making this whole place pretty soaked. It felt good. Soul kind of enjoying how damp her fur was getting thanks to how warm the water was. A lot different from a cold shower from somepony raining on you. I need to stop thinking about that. This is supposed to be something to help me.

Dash is trying her best and I appreciate it. She doesn’t need to do anything for me. I’m glad she is. “I think we’re the only ones here” Dash echoed from down below where she peered into the next room. Leaving Soul so much more curious. Why would ponies be here? Dash landed at the foot of the steps. Waiting for Soul to join her. Dash’s own fur and mane getting just as soaked from all the rainfall as Soul was getting to where her rainbow mane draped down over her face. She pushed it aside. Soul wasn’t fairing much better.

“Okay, so get this” Dash said from below. “My mom took me to this place a while ago and said I can come here whenever I want. Not a lot of ponies know about it except for those cloudside ponies. They built this place up and let me use it whenever I want.” So the ponies out here made this place? “Why do they let you use it?” Soul asked, whatever this place was. “Their friends with my mom. Hurry up!” Dash blurted out. Okay, okay. I need to see this anyways.

3.19
Soul rushed down the steps. Coming to join her at the source of the flowing light. …It was not what Soul expected. Somepony put a wall of clouds up right at the end. Dash standing by it proudly. It didn’t fool Soul like it would for some Earth pony, there was a lot of light coming out from so many cracks and breaks in the clouds. This was a door. Or what would pass for one in cloud form. Something Dash made an example of right there. “Come on, you’re gonna love this” she turned away and stepped right into the clouds. Rainbow Dash disappearing into them. Soul was hesitant, rearing her hoof up ready to take the steps to go in after her. The smells and the feeling in here, she was not afraid. I don’t think I should be. Soul pushed her hoof into the clouds. Stepping into that white embrace. Pushing her way through and sifting the clouds out of her way. Breaking free into the most bright and shining light she could see. So much so that her eyes burned for a moment. Blinding her from it. She shielded her eyes. Peering out and looking upon one of the most magnificent scenes she had ever seen out here. So this is what Dash wanted her to see. …A massive lake.

3.20
Water churning, inside the body of the clouds. Soul gasped. Mesmerized by its beauty where the Sun itself lit it up to a bright and blue hue so clear like it were crystal. Shimmering inside the clouds. Inside this massive break where she got to see the time it took to make something so beautiful. That somepony really wanted to make this place special.

An oasis in the clouds. Carved out, solitary. Fed eternally by the waterfalls that ran down from above and the dripping rainfall that tickled her skin and made her feel so good. So warm like the steam echoing out from the lake. A wonderful scene. All under a huge break in the clouds above where Soul could see the sky once again and the billowing orb of the Sun shining its rays down into this cloudy room and encircling the lake in its embrace. Rainbow Dash was right… as Soul looked around, they were all alone in here. Just them and this wonderful looking water that called out to Soul. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what this place was. Somepony had built a sauna here!

Was Dash really even allowed here? Soul didn’t question it. She didn’t care. This place was fantastic, and Dash knew it. The filly had flown off ahead to hover over the lake itself and stretch out her hooves to Soul.

“Tada!” she said. “What do you think? Told you I had something to show you.” …Soul gulped. Okay, enough being speechless. “So… what’s the catch?” Soul asked. Dash flew in back to her. Hovering over her. “What do you mean? Maybe I just wanted to show my flight buddy something cool and let her unwind after a hard day at camp.” Dash shifted her eyes. She held her hooves closer to herself. Not even able to meet Soul’s eyes with it, but Soul’s heart actually did something incredible when she heard it. “And… I wanna thank you for coming back.” Soul’s heart fluttered. I-is she happy? She actually was happy I came back. Damn it, Dash, you never showed it at camp. Or maybe I was so blind to not realize it. But it was true, the reason I came back. One of them, it was because of what happened last night. I can’t just abandon you. I’m not sure why Nimbus paired us up, but I’m glad she did and it had to be for a good reason. Soul’s mind wandered to everything that had been said about Dash by the other ponies. What is it you all want? Why give me Dash? Should I be proud to be her flight buddy? This pony that nopony else had anything good to say about. Yet… I see no reason to believe them. There’s something wrong with her. But I feel like I can trust her. Maybe, she will trust me. Because all I want is for her to smile. To be so nice to me.

Is it weird to think that I… I want her dream to be like my own? For it to succeed? Soul smiled. Taking to the air herself, she floated up to her flight buddy. More than happy to present her hoof for Dash to meet with. The rainbow maned filly noticed it. Hesitant, she came closer anyway. Touching her hoof to Soul’s. “Thanks” Soul said… and she grinned.

3.21
“Surprise!” Soul yelled and threw her hooves forward… around Rainbow Dash herself. The filly not able to react with all of Soul’s weight on her and those massive magenta wings overcoming her to push her onwards, right down into that warm embrace.

Soul fell into the water right behind Dash. Oh sweet Celestia that is warm. Soul didn’t even anticipate just how good the water would feel. Like it seeped into her very skin and wrapped around her bones to get rid of aches she didn’t even know she had. It made her even more happy than she was seeing Dash get all friendly with her. Dash kicked her hooves ahead of her. Soul did the same. Rising her head over the water and spitting out a stream of it. Soul laughed. Her long mane flopping down onto her face and matting onto her chest. Even reemerging out of the water, it was still so warm in here. Not a breeze to chill her unlike when she swam in the lake she was accustomed to. Now this was a lake she could get to love.

Dash didn’t laugh with her. Flipping her mane out of her eyes, she grumbled. “What the hell?! I wasn’t even ready to jump in.” “What?” Soul asked. “We were already soaked, what’s the harm in getting in?” “You’re an ass” water splashed over and right into Soul’s face from the smiling Rainbow Dash. Maybe I should have been worried about how she would react, whatever, Dash was clearly amused. That’s all that matters. This filly brought me here to help me, I’m glad she can enjoy herself too after all the stress at camp. Like nothing bad can happen here. Inside this embrace in the clouds, it really did feel like she was free to think without worry. Splashing the water back at Dash and both fillies laughed. Then a big wave smacked right into Soul’s face when cyan feathers rose up from the water.

3.22
Oh, so she’s gonna use her wings. That does it. Soul leapt forward. Throwing herself back onto Dash and pinning her into the water. The lake wasn’t deep right here at all. Much to Soul’s enjoyment. Able to play around in it without them going under, Dash struggling under her to get Soul off. No matter what, neither of them stopped smiling. Soul realized it, the filly she drenched in water was having the time of her life.

Holy crap, she looked more happy than I’ve seen her before. Can that be seen as an accomplishment? I don’t care. Just as long as she knows I appreciate it. Soul laid herself on top of the filly, keeping her half submerged in the water, her hooves not able to stop Soul from rubbing her own hoof into Dash’s head. Just like Nimbus does to me. “Stop it” Dash laughed. Pushing against her. “That tickles.” “You gotta make me” Soul informed her. Not letting up. Water splashing into her face and… wait.

Soul’s eyes widened. Seeing herself… actually with another pony like this. And I’m laying on top of her? Splashing in the water with her. We’re actually playing. Just like the kids I used to see outside my house or on the way to the store. This is… this is the closest I’ve ever been to another pony… just like me. Just like what they do. It stilled Soul’s hoof and made her forget for a moment. Enough for Dash to push her off. Soul rolled over. Standing back up and shaking the water off her drenched mane. Trying to get it out of her eyes. Hearing Rainbow Dash behind her moving through the water, not at all wanting to stop her enjoyment. Soul looked back at her. Astonished. To see that the pony she was with was happy. Looking back at her too. …Just like the other kids.

Rainbow Dash… Soul’s grin returned. I can’t stop looking at her. There’s something about her smile… she really is like a different pony now. Not at all the one I’ve grown to know. The way the others treat her… why, do they even know this side of her? I think… I like it. Enough to entrance Soul. Moved by her flight buddy’s laughter. As Dash threw herself back down into the water with a satisfied sigh, plopping her head on top of her forelegs till she was nearly submerged and closing her eyes with a smile, Soul’s own happiness soared. She let her buddy rest. Coming over to join her. Soul sat herself down in the water next to Dash. Sweeping her forehooves into the water and throwing a bunch of it up into her own face. Relieved to feel that warmth on her face again. She sighed too. Kind of feeling like all her troubles had… gone away.

3.23
Weird. Soul looked over at her flight buddy once more. So relaxed and not a care in the world right now, now that she got to do this. So unlike how we are at camp. How both of us are. There is actual joy in Rainbow Dash now. Enough that I can say we are exactly like those kids I see all the time. With no fear or no worries on their minds to keep them from playing together. Just like us. Splashing around in the water and staying here relaxing, it’s not something I get to do. Not even with Nimbus. This is something that only Dash here has done with me.

Soul grunted, looking out upon the vast and warm lake they got to enjoy and truly feeling like this place was not meant to have any feeling of dread in it. Yet it instilled a sense of wonder in her as to why it was she felt like this. I’m not meant to feel sad here, I can’t. Left just with her reflection as to everything that happened and how it made her feel, all of it drowned out by her being here with Dash. She had a question. “Why did you bring me here?”

“What do you mean?” Dash asked. “I thought you could use a refresh and some time to get your mind off things.” That was something Soul had found out on her own. It didn’t answer her question. After everything she had known about Dash in the past few days, this was not the Rainbow Dash she had come to know. Like a different pony now. So different from the one who left me to fend for myself. “I mean… why did you bring me here? I just don’t understand.”

Soul made sure not to let herself sound unnerved. Calm, because she was. That was the problem. She was too calm after all. By this pony above all others. Not even Nimbus can make me feel like this. Yet Dash did not answer. Finding the filly curiously looking at Soul with a blank look on her face. “You of all ponies didn’t need to do this for me. Why did you do it?” That made Dash sit back up. Staring down upon the water coursing between her hooves. She sighed so heavily.

3.24
“We’re flight buddies… and flight buddies look out for one another.” With so much reflection in her tone. She held Soul in her grasp, unable to look away from her. Listening carefully to Dash and how longing she sounded. “I know today was hard for you, but… I won’t make it any harder. I felt like it was the right thing to do… because, I don’t want you to be sad. After all, you’re supposed to be that great flyer, right?” Dash looked at her and smiled. “Maybe I want to see you reach that goal. You did tease me so much with the joys of flying, so maybe… maybe I want to see you do it.” She looked away, but… she did give Soul a little glance under her wet mane. Clearly hiding something from her. But Soul was no idiot, she knew exactly what Dash was saying. What she meant. I can see it in your face.

You are not doing this for yourself. You’re doing this… for me. That is what confused her, and she doubted Dash would ever admit why, but she was not obligated to protect Soul and help her like this. When I got the opposite impression, you actually want to help me reach my goal. To feel a little better. Funny, it worked. For a moment, you made me forget all my troubles. If only moments like this would last. “Thank you…” Soul said. “I want you to know something.” “What is it?” Soul met her eyes.

“Don’t ever give up, I bet you will become a Wonderbolt someday. I hope to help you as well.” Dash looked away, embarrassed. Oh yeah, I caught what you were trying to say to me. You softy. Too bad for you, I’m not that hard shelled either. “I’ll be there for you, if you’re there for me too” Soul asked of her. We were put together as flight buddies, just for camp activities. Let’s go beyond that. Forget Junior Speedsters, this is about us. Wherever it takes us.

“It’s not going to be easy” Dash said. “But I’ll be your flight buddy anytime… for whatever you want. I’ll do my best to keep you out of trouble. Do the same for me?” “You got it” Soul assured her. Soul leaned back, thinking over it all. Yeah, it won’t be easy. I made it so. But for now, she could think over it all without any fear in her heart but concern for what may be. I could not get what I really wanted out of camp. Now I get to deal with the consequences. “I just wish the others would not make me feel so bad.” “I know” Dash said. “I’d say it’d be best to just avoid them for now. I can help you, if you want.”

3.25
There’s a lot I need help with. I feel so trapped when I’m at camp now. Today was the most frightening thing Soul had experienced. To see them all turn on her. When things had been different. When she thought she had made all the right decisions and none of them turned out to be correct for her. I lashed out at others. I fell right into the trap. This… this is nothing like the last camp I was at. So similar yet so different.

Rainbow Dash is right, the best I can do is just stay out of their ways. So unfortunate. Soul laid back entirely, throwing her back right down into the warm water. All of this could have been avoided if I had just stayed true to myself. I never could have known this would be the outcome. But… neither could she had seen being able to have a pony here to talk to about it. “I just don’t understand, why is he so mean to me? I didn’t want anypony to feel bad because of me. I really wish Spitfire and the rest would see that I mean well.” Soul looked up at the cloudy ceiling. It had no answers yet its swirling patterns and endless motion made her feel like she could be at ease. Like she was back in the sky, her domain. The best place for her to be where not one care in the world could exist for her. Training and flying. Being the best she could be in the eyes of ponies who would care. Rainbow let out a heavy breath. Vacantly fixated on the water.

Soul turned to her. Joined by her when Dash also fell back to lay in the water right next to her. Relaxed so, her wing almost touched against Soul’s side. But she was so puzzled in her eyes. Puzzled and determined. Wanting to find something to say. But I know she has something to say. Anything to help me. She was the one who warned me in the beginning. I failed to follow her warning. “Rainbow Dash, …you know something. Don’t you?” She was silent. All the answer she needed. Tell me. If she had something to say, she needed to say it now. “Please, what did I do wrong? Why do they hate me?” Give me something, anything to make me feel like I’m not lost in the dark. “The best thing you can do is just avoid them…” Dash whispered. “Enjoy those fun moments in your life. You have a mom and dad who support you and they will help you. Just don’t let the bad make you lose sight on the good you want. …Trust me.” Of course. You wouldn’t know.

Soul couldn’t believe herself to expect Dash to know, because there was nothing anypony could do to know what it was she needed to hear for her to feel better about everything. Anything to let her know what it was she needed to do. Except for just herself. I guess I can’t make them all happy. Satisfy them all. I tried that and it led to this. She was foolish to think she could escape the normal that she was used to. She had no idea what the future held. What she could expect tomorrow or the next day, or the next year. But her mind swam with calm. I can’t cry. I can’t worry. Not when I do have ponies there for me. Dash was right, she had two who were there for her. Who let her know that she wasn’t this terrible pony everypony else saw her as. They even kept me when I disappointed them. I could not ask for more. But I did get more. She had to admit it, she enjoyed having Rainbow Dash with her. Was it a bad choice to give her a second chance?

Dash’s hoof touched down, laid on top of Soul’s shoulder and she left it there. The cyan filly closed her eyes. Leaving that touch between them, as time passed, and she breathed peacefully. Asleep. You’re so calm, yet you want to hang out with me. She had no reason to but she did it anyways. Soul could not thank her enough. I don’t regret it. I don’t regret going back to camp. Because it led to this. Maybe… maybe I can endure it. For Rainbow Dash and for the two she now called her parents so falsely. The only ponies she felt she could trust to support her, and she should support them. For all they’ve done. Even when… I feel like I am on my own. Soul tried to… to reach her hoof up. Looking down at it, her hoof hovering right over the one that laid on her shoulder. Ready to grab her and hold her. It never came, and Soul let her hoof fall back into the water. What… what is holding me back?

Why did I think about doing that?

3.26
Another night. Another time where Soul felt herself really pressed to impress. She was not sure how it was that she was meant to impress any other, but she felt she could impress herself. She was not supposed to impress another. She was supposed to learn. There was no way she could actually show she had done it, not until this was drilled into her head on how to do this technique, which Nimbus probably had more tests on. This was certainly not it. Staring down at the batches of flowers below. Scrutinizing them in her hover so close to them she could touch the petals of every orange, yellow and white flower spread out across the varying vases Nimbus set out for her. Another petal fell. Damn it!

Soul had missed it. She caught sight of it just as it happened. …Not before. This technique was so hard, much harder than it had been last night. She never could have imagined just how complex it was to read the air and be able to tell what it was that was going to happen. She held her tongue. She had thought about it, and the thought came again. To tell the mare who hovered next to her that she had seen the petal about to fall thanks to the shifts in the air… which she did not feel. That would be wrong to do. Nimbus is doing her best to teach me, and I can’t lie. Besides, she doubted she could considering Nimbus probably could tell.

Soul reacted too slow to the falling petal. Left to start again. Nimbus sent out another small gust of wind from her wings over the lines of flowers and made them all rustle once more. Sway and dance to Soul’s content. Guess how it would go? No. She observed carefully. Waiting to see if she could feel something in her concentration. This had worked last night. Why so hard this time? I feel it, but I just can’t react. It was starting to get hard to not rely on her ears. Forget eyes and ears, do it the way Nimbus taught me.

3.27
If I want to become a great flyer, I need to master things that only real masters know. I got to do it. “Anything?” Nimbus asked. “No, …I don’t…” Ah damn it all!

Another petal fell. “Why did you talk?” Soul asked her as politely as she could manage without questioning her sudden decision to interrupt Soul. She could have totally caught that petal before it fell off. “You think you’ll always have peace and quiet to work with when you fly?” Nimbus asked. Soul slouched. “No…” Nimbus was right, I rarely have any quiet when I fly. But it was so much harder to do this with distractions. Nimbus said this would be easier when she mastered it, well she hadn’t mastered it yet. Not even close. In fact, Soul wasn’t sure if it had been a fluke what she did last night. Though she needed to admit, there was something to concentrating and that tingly feeling she got when it was just her and the wind that beat against her body every time her wings flapped. “When flying through a storm, a Pegasus must remain able to keep calm or they will falter” Nimbus said.

“You need to know your environment and be able to judge what the best approach is. If you’re distracted, you won’t make the right decisions. It could spell disaster for you and others. So I expect you to be able to keep a clear image of your surroundings even when distracted.” Soul held her eyes still. Listening calmly to her. More and more intrigued with the way she spun this. Able to keep myself clear of all distractions. Total calm. This technique was really going to take some time. Sometimes, it left Soul wondering if she could pull it off. “It sounds so difficult” Soul said. Looking to Nimbus for reassurance. “Do you even think I can do it someday?”

“Soul.” Nimbus set her hoof down so gently on top of Soul’s head. “From all I’ve seen, you have proven you are able to overcome any challenge no matter how difficult it has been. You are a determined and talented filly who works so hard, I have no doubt you can do it. Even if it takes you years, you will pull it off but only if you set your mind to it. Don’t question yourself. It took me years to master as well. But it was so worth it, because you can learn a talent that so few can reach and, from there, you have limitless ability with your flying. You can pull off techniques like they are a piece of cake, you can stay calm in any condition and have total control over your flight. There will be times when it seems so hard, but it will be worth it when you reach your final goal.” My final goal. Now I don’t feel so bad.

Be able to stay calm at all times, if only I could do that during certain other times. A time that was coming quick. It was already night, tomorrow will be another day to come soon. There was such a storm in her mind so unlike the soothing and quiet night that echoed across the city. Even under the gaze of a Moon most terrifying in the deathly stare it had upon its face, Soul always used to feel so calm thanks to it. But she just couldn’t get her mind off of it all. What is it I should do? Not even Rainbow Dash had the answer. Avoid it all, that sounded like it was not going to work. But what else did she have? Nothing had worked so far. She would do anything to avoid coming to that same fate that stung in her mind the last time this happened. I don’t want to put Nimbus through another period of pain like that again.

3.28
Times like this feel so precious. She wished to make the best of them without the hardships that plagued her. I did my best, I pulled off something I never expected to get from camp. I feel like I have another pony out there now… one who can play with me. Does she see me the same way? How did Dash feel about her? As we both go down that road to our goals. Was she training right now with her mom, thinking about Soul?

Something tickled. Soul looked over her shoulder, readying a hoof to scratch at it. It left her. Quickly. What? It certainly did feel like something had been touching her back. Right in between her wings. She looked about with the last of her thoughts and then to Nimbus. Soul crossed her hooves. Hmm… she gave Nimbus an observant eye. She was pretty bad at hiding it, Nimbus smiling a little wider now all of a sudden. Did she touch me? “But you need to learn to avoid things that can keep you distracted from that goal.” “Alright” Soul admitted. Ready to get back to it. Looking back at all the flowers that stayed still with no breeze left to move them. “As a Pegasus, you are meant to learn much more from your environment and what to expect from it. Everything that moves makes a signal, but only the most keen of pegasi can sense it… before it happens. This is what separates some from others. Sure, you can go about and learn daring maneuvers and legendary abilities, but it is the pegasi who put in that extra effort to become great that will achieve dreams beyond any other. Being able to read the very sky you fly in can direct you towards anything that may happen and you can determine what it is that is worth your attention. A flyer needs to know how to block out useless motions and concentrate on the essentials. Things such as what other ponies plan to do, where they are, …where they will be. Everything that they can do, it can be applied to anything. Every object has something to teach you that can help you fly better.”

3.29
Soul hated that she got so close to feeling it last night, even a semblance of being able to read the air, yet she failed to anticipate what could follow. Nimbus assured her that she did a great job at it. But Soul knew better. She needed to practice way more before she could learn this amazing skill that sounded so much more lucrative to her every night. Indeed, like Nimbus was trying to sell it to her. She knew what she meant to do. Prove this is something worth working towards and, she could tell it was a true move on Nimbus’ part. She wanted to teach Soul. Raise her sprits. Convince her to keep trying. This is what made Nimbus such a wonderful mare. Soul may get annoyed with her a lot but she was truly a pony she could call reliable. Giving and kind. Heh, she even gave up the Wonderbolts just for me. Soul repaid her with hardships and worry that they both needed to endure at camp now. Maybe that was why Dash told her to avoid everypony. Is that filly looking out for us?

Ignore it so we can progress with my dream? Our dream.

Soul had always loved wanting to be an amazing flyer meant to inspire everypony else, but Nimbus was also there with pride in her eyes every time that Soul achieved something incredible. Maybe I should ignore it all. It certainly isn’t helping me. Not when I have ponies who do seem to care for me. I know Nimbus does. Does Dash? Maybe. Another petal fell. Soul groaned. Distracted again. Not even seeing that Nimbus had resumed with flapping her wings again to get the breeze going. The mare stopped and giggled.

“You’ll get the hang of it” she assured Soul. “I hope so” Soul said. “It sounds so incredible. Like I can learn things around me. Like some sort of genius.” “Oh yes” Nimbus said. “You observe everything so you learn everything. It’s a powerful ability. So… I hope you can see why so few pegasi know how to use it.” Learn everything around me. Everything I need to be a great flyer. It is true that she wanted the knowledge but… she also wanted more. She wanted other ponies who would appreciate her too. A feeling she got from the one who taught her, and recently, from a certain filly. We both have amazing futures we want to fight for. I think it is right for me to do my best and stand strong. Be a strong pony. I’ll certainly fight, no matter how many days and nights it takes. To think, I almost abandoned her. I won’t do that again. She left Soul and had come back. I’ll take your advice, Dash. I won’t leave you behind. Soul readied herself. Alright, bring it. “I’m ready. I’ll keep going all night.” “My, my, I love your enthusiasm” Nimbus said. “But… remember you have a bedtime, and you’re not staying up all night again.” “Right” Soul nodded. Well as long as they got to keep at it, that’ll be fine. Times like these, they make me feel inspired. “Speaking of being up all night again…” Nimbus said.

“No more dessert for you for a month.”

3.30
Rainbow Dash knocked on Soul’s door, not wanting to keep her company waiting, she did it loudly. Make sure somepony could hear it. Hopefully they were already up. Had to be. They had about fifteen minutes before camp started and a short flight ahead of them. She didn’t want to waste this good chance to… do a little something different compared to what she was used to. Not with them having only a few minutes to get going before somepony may get impatient.

“Soul!” she cried out. Finishing her knocking and sitting down to wait. Stopping there when the door actually opened up almost immediately. Where Soul stood in the open doorway with a frown. Not at all pleased, she had her bag in her mouth. Oh, was she just about to leave? Guess I probably scared her. It only lasted for a moment. Soul was indeed still pleased, and looked confused as to why Dash was here to begin with. Dash grinned behind the bag she also held in her mouth. “Morning, Soul.” “Dash…” Soul giggled. “Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here… already?” “Thought I would come and walk with you to camp today” Dash offered her her idea.

It sounded like a good one when she thought of it yesterday, what with how open Soul was starting to get with her which was quite different from what she would expect. Not an idea Soul seemed to want to shoot down. She got quite surprised right there. Even more when her eyes looked off to the sound of the hooves stepping forth from behind Dash. “Are Nimbus and Starry ready too?” Dash asked. Trying to look over Soul’s shoulder and into the house. “Dashie, don’t go looking into another pony’s house without permission” said the pony who came up next to her, her mother.

Celestia’s sake, I told her not to call me that around them. Dash already saw Soul starting to snicker. Writing it off. More intrigued that Rainbow had brought her mom along. Rainbow let her flight buddy and mom introduce one another. “Hi, sweetie” her mom said to Soul with her magenta eyes that matched Dash’s peering right into Soul. Leaning right over Dash, more or less trying to get her attention much to Dash’s annoyance. “So you’re my little Dashie’s flight buddy. Oh, I’m so glad to meet you. I’m her mother but you can call me Windy if you want.” Good cuz I wouldn’t want her calling you ’Rainbow Dash’s mom’. “Oh…” Soul said with such a pause. Guess she didn’t expect my mom to come along either. “It’s nice to meet you, …Windy. I’m Soul Serenity.” “Somepony at the door, Soul?”

3.31
Soul stepped aside and Dash got to see her own instructor, Nimbus, come out to join them. Wow, it felt kind of weird to see her outside of the camp… and so casual now. As opposed to that show she pulls off at the camp. She looked just as stunned to see Dash here.

“Rainbow Dash?” Soul back there, her eyes darting between them all. Rainbow was curious, this is the first we all get to meet. The first their mothers got to meet. The first the two actually laid eyes upon one another. “You must be Rainbow Dash’s mom” Nimbus said with a smile. “Yup!” Windy said with such delight. “Dashie actually wanted us to come and see if you all wanted to fly to the camp with us. I didn’t even know we fly right over your house everyday on the way there.” “Really?” Nimbus said. “You all want to go with us?” What was that? Nimbus just made some sort of look to Soul. Rainbow cocked her head. Whatever it was, Soul looked embarrassed. Nimbus… she looked pleased. “Why… that’d be great!” Nimbus said. “We were just heading out anyways.” She turned off to look back inside the house.

“Coming, Starry?!” Leaving Soul to walk out and join with Dash. It had only been a night, but Dash admittedly missed being alongside her flight buddy. Yesterday had been fun. Fun and interesting. But now came another day when the two would have to deal with camp. Some more joke lessons maybe, at least till they got to the next season. But Rainbow was more or less worried for how Soul was holding up. She did look so distraught yesterday and that didn’t escape Dash. I wonder how she’s feeling. No way to tell right now. The filly more distracted by this surprise. “You actually want to fly with us to camp?” Soul whispered to her, only when Windy had left to go join with Nimbus at the doorstep. Leaving both fillies alone. “Why not? Not a problem for us. Unless it’s a problem for you.” Soul sighed. “It’s not a problem… just… kinda soon for our parents to meet one another. …But… Dashie, really? What is that name?”

Rainbow stamped the ground, turning away when her face flushed. Oh damn it, she would talk about that, wouldn’t she? “I… I don’t want to talk about it.” Great so now Soul knows her goofy nickname her mom gave her. This is why I told her not to say that. She really likes messing with me. “What? I think that’s adorable” Soul giggled. She could say that, only because she bet Soul had no stupid nickname her mom gave her. I don’t mind her calling me that, but not in front of other ponies… because… I know its adorable. Didn’t stop her from groaning over it. Soul finally stopping her amusement. “Don’t worry” she said. “I won’t tell anypony.” Good because it’s not something I want others to have on their tongues all the time. Because then… it doesn’t mean anything to me.

“Please don’t” Dash said, finally turning back around to Soul. Both of them joined once more by their parents. Rainbow more than happy to get going in this situation where she could actually get the chance to fly with Soul’s family even for just a little bit. Something she felt they could do. Starry and Nimbus here with their daughter. These incredible flyers. Rainbow stayed silent walking next to Soul behind the three adults headed back out to the yard. Ignoring the chatter they all made ahead of them. I kind of like being around flyers like them.

3.32
She took off only when Soul did. Both of them following behind their parents with bags in mouth. To them, it only looked like another chance to fly. Dash watched the three adults. “My name is Windy” her mom introduced to them. All three getting into conversation about this meeting between them. Soul kept quiet too.

Rainbow looking over to her, saddened to find her flight buddy staring down at the clouds below them as they flew off into the sky. Her wings echoing a perfect chorus between the two of them that fought so hard against the fact that the filly was clearly not happy. Yeah, another day of camp. Made Dash wonder why it was Soul decided to come back. The real reason. It can’t be me. Or something. Did her parents force her to? It kind of worries me about what it is she can expect. Just like it must be worrying her. I know it is worrying her. But… she made the decision and now she got to endure it. I just hope she’s a strong filly. But Dash wasn’t going to leave her to herself through this. Something to get her mind off camp.

“Soul” she got her attention. Talking low to her. “We should do that flying together after camp. I got some ideas that I bet will be fun.” “Like what?” Soul asked. “Nah ah ah, just gotta wait. Maybe you can come up with some things too, or do I have to come up with all the ideas?” She said that jokingly. Funny that Soul was not that happy about her saying that. Not happy but… Dash felt such a joy out of messing with her for just a bit. “Well… whatever you want to do, I’m okay with it. I was going to do some more training tonight afterwards.” “Oh…” Dash started. Soul interrupted her right there. “Oh! Can we go back to the lake as well? My back is aching.”

“Rough night?” Dash asked. Interested when Soul had mentioned training. How often does she even train with Nimbus? The filly wanted to be so great when it came to flying that it left Dash with so many questions as to what this filly truly does behind closed doors. How far ahead she really is. If there’s something more to her that I should look for… for me to see. Something special like before.

3.33
“We stayed up a little later than normal and I slept badly. Don’t worry, shouldn’t keep me from flying with you.” Soul took a moment to flaunt her wings. Showing they were alright. That was good. Stayed up later? “Really?” Dash asked. “So did we. Mom kept me up with a bunch of dives and breaking tricks. We’ve been at that stuff for days now. Don’t feel like I’ll get to use them much at camp.” “Unless we plan to do tricks there…” Soul muttered. Lightening herself up once more.

“What did you do last night?” Dash asked. “Oh…” Soul paused. “We did a bunch of observation techniques and stuff.” “You mean like hearing?” Sounded a little bit like something Soul would not be doing if she was so far along. Not likely something a flyer like Dash had seen in her needing to do. “No… coordination to be able to do high speed flying without messing up.” That sounded cool. Dash really would love to see her train sometime. Just listening to how Soul talked about her flying ability always made her very antsy for figuring out just how well this filly could fly and how much she could expect out of her. If there was anything she should be worried about. Wasn’t often Dash got paired with such a skilled flyer. She hated to feel it, but she felt a little inadequate compared to her. Not at all something she would let keep Soul back. Smiling and nodding even right now when hearing Soul was doing high tier techniques. However far along she may be. If I could even have a chance to impress her someday. If it would be worth it. Or if it would just… just hurt Soul’s feelings in the end. I can’t tell.

“Oh and thank you for the other night, hope it was worth it” Soul said. “What?” Dash didn’t know what she meant. Worth it? “I thought it was worth it, but… just so you know, it cost me dessert for a month.” Wait, our little… trip without anypony knowing. Or so Dash thought. So that meant… it failed entirely. Damn their moms were good. “Welcome to the club” Dash told her. “Month for me too. But it was so worth it… even though, I won’t be getting any more candy apples for a while. What’s the damage for you?” “No more strawberry cakes or ice cream for me” Soul answered. “Hope that taught you a lesson, girls” both fillies turned to see their mothers both looking back at them. Wow, did they look proud of themselves. Neither filly acknowledged them. Their parents all laughing and going back to their flying. Like nothing happened, all so peaceful flying side by side for their first ever trip together. Soul sighed. Talking to herself.

“Yeah, I’m gonna miss them.”

3.34
“Do you like strawberry stuff?” Dash asked her. “I love it!” Soul blurted out. Practically salivating. “All my life. They’re my favorite thing to eat.”

Huh, so you like strawberries? Dash looked down her muzzle and to her bag where she held her lunch for today. “You’re allowed to have just strawberries though, right?” “Yeah” Soul said. “Just sweets aren’t allowed for a month.” That was good, Dash a little more confident for today. “What about you, what do you like?” Soul asked her. Another pony is asking me what my favorites are? Dash hated to be put on the spot but, whoa, that felt different. It left her confused. More or less trying to find the words to say on top of her happiness that another filly was asking about her. We don’t really know much about each other, do we? Didn’t even know our favorite foods. I just never thought I’d end up with a flight buddy like her. Did she think the same? I can still answer her.

“I love anything with apples, and carrots too. No pies, though.” “Aww, our little girls are bonding.” Dash smacked her face. “Mom!” she groaned out. Making Windy laugh up ahead.

Damn it, stop eavesdropping. Really damn amused. Though… Dash found something weird. Nimbus and Starry… they didn’t seem that amused, both of them didn’t even chuckle though they looked back at both fillies anyways. Maybe they didn’t want Soul to feel embarrassed. Dash sure was, but she only wished Windy would keep this stuff in private like they always did. Why is she being so open today?

“I’ve never seen Dash this excited to be with another filly” Windy said to Soul’s parents. “Flight buddies with the instructors’ daughter. They’re gonna be so good together. We’re all practically a family now.” She was getting excited again. Nothing she could do to stop her when she gets like this. Rainbow pulled her mane down over her face. Going on with her flying and ignoring anything she had to say. Happy that Soul made no comment, not sure if she was laughing inside. No, Soul was over there staring back off into space. Troubled… so troubled. Well… Windy was right with one thing, you are my flight buddy and we look out for one another. I’ll be sure to stick by you.

3.35
Dash had to. Since she stuck by me. Helped me. But there isn’t a moment that goes by where I’m not wondering if I can do my best to help her. With what it is she deals with. I plain hate seeing her sad and shocked. I wonder why. I always wonder why it is I do, and why it is you seem to care for me. How I feel. We get to go through it again today, whatever it was. It came too fast with Rainbow Dash landing alongside Soul, careful to pass away from any other. Though it didn’t stop Dash from giving Windy a hug.

“You’ll have a wonderful day today, sweetheart” Windy said. “Be sure to come home before dark, understand?” “Yes, mom” and Dash kept her hug up with her. That last semblance of care for the rest of the day. I remember the days when I used to cry when she left me at camp back when I was younger. Hiding it from all the others. I’m glad I don’t feel that so much now, since I’d have to hide that too from Soul. At least Soul got to be with her parents all day. That didn’t keep the filly from feeling down. Sadly walking off and parting with her mom and dad with a subtle exchange of ‘see you soons’.

Windy flew off and Dash ran after Soul to join her. Put their lunches away. Just a simple run, yet Dash noticed the change in the air. Smelled it. She glanced to the other kids, the few who were here, who ignored both of them. Or were they ignoring Soul? But she felt like something was amidst that she was quite used to. A feeling. One that seemed to be hitting Soul hard right now as the filly kept quiet. But she smiled to Dash anyways. Her way of saying thank you. I’ll stick with her, walking alongside her. Forget the others. Such a shame, considering how things were for Soul not long ago.

3.36
Probably had some more exercises today before some real lessons, though Dash doubted the lessons would be much use right now. None of it really, not until the winter. Just had to get through it. Really, to her, the best parts she had to look forward to were flying with Soul and lunch. Confident her mom had packed her something good today alongside what she saw. Felt like a lot was in her bag. She joined Soul into the building, stopping by her locker like always and tossing in her lunch. Excited to get a bite of it later.

“You know, we need to fly here together more often” Dash pointed out, heading over to join Soul over at her locker. Even if their parents would be there too, but they seemed to get along. Just like we are. At least, I hope she feels that w… Dash stopped in her tracks. Staring with Soul, for her flight buddy stood still before her locker. Dash shook when she saw her buddy lower her head. Dropping her lunch to the floor. Hit so hard by it. Not even Dash expected this to happen, not sure what it was she could do but her fury grew. As did her disbelief. That ponies could do this.

Garbage flyer spread across Soul’s locker. Written there with a marker. So dark that it practically roared out at them. Oh no, Soul… Dash looked to her. Walking closer and holding a hoof out to her. Wanting to touch the sulking filly whose eyes lay hidden beneath her fallen bangs reaching down to the floor. She held it back, angered with it all. Here I thought today may be better. That… she might have it better. The laughter said otherwise. Dash turned, not in time to see the ponies run off, leaving just their shadows behind in the doorway before they disappeared. “Hey! Come back here!”

Dash walked off after them. Whoever they were. What… what can I do? “Don’t, Dash” a voice whispered behind her. Where Soul was, glancing at her from under her bangs. “It’s okay, I’ll just clean this off and we can get to flying.” Soul stepped up to her locker. Soul.

Dash lowered her own head. I can’t believe what you have to deal with.

3.37
Though Soul looked to be handling it better as time went on. Rainbow looked all around them as they did some initial practice with the rest of the group. Dash stuck close to her the whole time. Letting her know that there was nothing to worry about. No telling if Soul felt that. She was unusually quiet now. Not leaving with that determination on her face to power through this. Not bothering to look and see what it was Dash did see. That all the other kids were indeed avoiding them. Some of them had to be the ones who wrote that horrible thing on Soul’s locker too, she couldn’t figure out who did it. Even if I did, what could I do? Not that any of these ponies would bother with me anyways. I can see it in their eyes.

But that won’t stop me from staying with Soul. They can think all they want about me. Because I feel I’m better than all of them for giving this filly a chance. I just wish I had taken the time to talk to her earlier than I did, then maybe she wouldn’t be feeling as bad as she was. Maybe she’d be more talkative to me. Soul still turned around and blew her away with deciding to come back in the end. I can’t make her regret that decision. We are trying to both become things that very few pegasi can achieve.
All these exercises really didn’t mean much. Wing-ups, stretches and practice takeoffs on top of doing some initial aerials that felt so scripted and so pointless to her and Soul. Maybe to others as well. So what? As far as Dash knew, they were the only two who had better practice to look forward to. Ha, too bad for them they don’t know just how skilled Soul is. …And neither do I.

Rainbow Dash finished off her own exercises. Confident in herself that her wings were more than ready for the day, get through this and then off to some amazing times with Soul and mom later. She wondered what her mom was planning to teach her tonight. Something new, she hoped. Alongside with whatever it was Soul had to look forward to. They just needed to make it through the day. Though, that looked to be hard with Dash so disheartened with how down Soul had gotten. What is on her mind? Was there even anything Dash could do? She just kept following her, side by side. Off to lunch, Dash didn’t leave her side when they went back to the lockers. She was worried what it was they may find again, luckily Soul’s locker was clean. Just as she left it. Back off to the usual spot where Dash sat herself down next to her and the day rolled by. Not fast enough.

3.38
Rainbow wanted to wince every time she saw her flight buddy stop eating and lower her head whenever any pony else passed by. No matter how innocent they looked, happily playing on their free time, she did the same thing for any of them. It was one moment when Dash caught her actually looking up from under her bangs and putting her sandwich down just to watch two of the other fillies run past with such joy on their faces as one chased after the other. Trying to chase down the pony who took her lunch.

So playful, as they both laughed, not enough to keep Soul calm. It was painful to see her become so antsy now. Regretful for not doing more earlier to maybe keep this filly being the happy one she saw with the other ponies. Nothing I can do now to change that except what I feel is right. Rainbow sat closer to Soul. Getting her attention finally off the other kids. She looked down at the magenta filly, giggling to let her know everything was alright. I’m so glad you mentioned this earlier, Soul. Dash brought out the bunches of strawberries she had for her lunch.

“Mom likes to put sugar on them so their gonna be awesome. Go ahead, take them all.” Soul looked down at the bowl-full of strawberries Dash pushed over to her, right in front of her legs. Sitting there waiting for somepony to go at them. Oh yes, that finally changed her look! Soul was pretty surprised to see Dash do this. Speechless as she looked at the generous gesture. “Aren’t they for you?” Soul finally said. “Really, I don’t need them.”

“Come on” Dash fought back. “I don’t mind sharing.” “I don’t know.” “Really, they’re yours. I’m not gonna take them back” Dash said. Rainbow already had enough in her bag anyways. Besides, Soul deserved something for all she was going through and for giving me another chance. Hesitant but she ate them anyways. Dash was just happy she didn’t fight back any more and accepted her gift. It’s really the best she could do right now, not with whatever it was that was keeping Soul so quiet and down.

I just hope she’s still looking forward to flying with me later. Before long, the whistle rang again. Just finishing up with their food, Dash and Soul rushed off to join the rest.

3.39
“Aww, come on” Dash whispered for nopony to hear but Soul when they heard what it was they would be doing today. More of that team coordination exercise with the clouds again. “You see, this is why we aren’t gonna get anywhere” Dash hinted to Soul. Trying to make her smile. At least Soul wouldn’t get anywhere since this type of stuff was so easy for her. I feel confident about myself too. But why do we need to do it again, just for the less experienced ponies to practice with it. This was why they should be in an upper level or something. Soul didn’t seem to care.

She put a hoof to her eyes and rubbed them. Just telling Dash right there that she acknowledged that yes, we get to go through this again. Dash didn’t mention anything, but she looked around and saw that Aurora was still out. Hopefully this would go better than last time. Last time had been a lot of fun up until the last point of it. We won’t learn anything, but Dash wouldn’t turn down the chance to enjoy herself. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all. Except for one pony, it probably would be.

Aurora was not here, but Spitfire sure was. Was she still on Soul’s mind? The golden Pegasus sitting off to the right… all by herself. She did not look pleased at all. Paying attention to what Soul’s parents were saying, going over the instructions again. Didn’t stop her from looking pretty down. Much like Soul was. Wow, these two really have changed, and Dash felt like she was right in the middle of it all with no idea on what to do to make things better except by just keeping Soul happy since she surely did pity her above all else. She felt so sorry for her. The filly likely didn’t even expect this to happen. Transforming from that wide-eyed filly with so much desire in her look… into the filly sitting next to her right now. Letting out a heavy breath of her enthusiasm for all of this.

“You know what” Dash said to her. “After camp we are definitely doing some serious flying.” “What do you mean by serious?” Soul asked. “It’s actually going to be a cloudy day later, my dad told me. A good wind will be coming in. How about we try some cloud level flying?” Soul was intrigued now. Good. She turned to Dash. “You know that will mean a lot of wind will be up there. It might be hard for both of us.” Dash went on with her, ignoring the instructions being given out by Soul’s parents. Just the usual. Not like the fun Dash had in mind that could be a little different from normal. “Perfect practice for us.” Dash thought a lot like the obstacle course from the other day but with way more wind to deal with. She could see it now. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid or something. I’m certainly not.” “I’m not afraid” Soul said. “If you think it’s a good idea then I’m all for it.”

“Good. Then don’t be afraid if I try to get us to do some tricks while we fly” Dash pointed out. They did need to make it a lot like the obstacle course. Dash had to admit that the course had been fun but it could have been improved if she had more time to deal with it and… and not dozens of eyes watching her. Sounded like she could do it better without the pressure, and a little wind would be a good workout. Rainbow Dash was not shy of trying to overcome something and would not stop doing that around Soul.

3.40
Soul grinned. “Name the trick and you got it. So long as it’s something we can both pull off together.” Now… now that sounded kind of sweet to Dash. It made her laugh inside. Even when down, Soul still managed to make something sound fun for her. That was exactly what she had hoped for. For them to be able to do tricks together. Kind of like last time when they flew this very exercise they were ready for.

Let’s get through it together, Soul and we can get on to having some fun. Anything to get her mind off of camp and how horrible today had turned out to be for her. Rainbow Dash really did wish things would have turned around after Soul came back. Now that she was here to fly with her. I really felt they could have.

Another whistle went off and that was signal for the other pairs to start taking flight. If Dash knew it right, they just needed to do this and then they would get out for the rest of the day. Get out and be able to see Soul happy once more. Her to be happy and I can have a good time with my own flight buddy, she was so ready for it to be done. To go off into the sky with her and fly like they did before when things were so much more enjoyable. Because there was one thing Rainbow Dash did feel about being able to fly with this pony, the one who spread her mighty magenta wings out and hung them so tall over her to where the shadows cast down upon the cyan filly. So tall compared to her. So much more impressive looking. I really do wonder. But that time had yet to come. Until then, I’ll fly with her and see for myself just how far this filly can go. Go until I feel like I’m ready to join her in the sky. Not like now, or any other time. Something more. Something I saw when I looked into her eyes for the first time. Even though she failed to live up to my expectations at first. I still decided to stay here with her. Feeling it was a good choice on her part. For whatever she got to look forward to.

Soul whispered something softly in Dash’s ear right as she passed. She held Dash close so she could hear, so no other could. “I’m excited about later, flight buddy.” Dash nodded. Flapping her wings alongside her flight buddy. Waiting until all the other pairs took off into the sky. They held back for just a moment. Good. Rainbow didn’t think she would be able to take off properly with how weird it felt to hear another pony whisper something like that to her. She joyously. Saddened and down, Soul found a way to keep her joy about later. One might even say that Soul may like her.

“Me too” Dash admitted. Truthfully. Just like yesterday. Not at all what she was used to doing after camp, but she welcomed it. Soul took off first. Gusting out a little wind behind her and sending Dash’s feathers swaying across her spans.

3.41
This really did feel so similar. Dash took off behind her. Joining with Soul in their ascent to reach the others in their group behind Nimbus. The two of them held back. Soul didn’t need to tell Dash to do it, she did it anyways. Even assuming the same position they had the other day with her flying overhead. Taking to her respective side while Soul watched the other. It looked and seemed the same as last time. Dash had to glance down to her flight buddy. Checking to make sure she was alright.

The filly kept her eyes fixed. As fixed as her pace. As Soul did not even bother to do anything like the last time. That was what worried Dash, as they flew and the clouds started flying in, Soul kept to just calling them out and Dash did her best to react. Doing the same for Soul. Bobbing and weaving around the oncoming clouds with some breaks here and there. Such a simple flight. Like nothing was there to be felt. Calming. Enough for her to keep tabs on all the others, unlike the other day when she let her focus stay squarely on her flight buddy and ensuring the both of them stayed in the air. That was the problem. It was too calming. Much like all the other pairs up ahead, and the one pony up there that made Dash remember what it was that made Soul feel so bad.

What caused all this to begin with, and it must be worrying Soul so much. Spitfire was up there flying alongside Nimbus instead of her flight buddy with such somberness in her flapping wings. Dash looked down at Soul, just in time to catch her also staring ahead with her eyes glimmering. Before she looked away. Did she notice it too? Rainbow wanted to ask her how she may be holding up, but she already had her answer just from the flight alone. Soul stayed quiet. She made no attempt to do anything. That left Dash there with her thoughts. I probably shouldn’t ask her. Though Dash did want them to pull off more of those fun maneuvers they did the last time, something to break up how boring this flight was. She didn’t dare to. Sensing the tension in the air. That Soul would not want to. This is the first I’ve ever seen her fly so sadly. She knew she would have to fly feeling this until the end of the day. Dash only hoped that she would want to still have fun later. Enjoy a time when they can fly like they meant it unlike now where she saw for a fact that Soul Serenity was indeed afraid.

3.42
Oh good, Rainbow Dash had waited for her. The filly still where Soul left her sitting on the steps at the camp entrance. Right under the massive banners and archways that marked the majesty of the wall surrounding the camp. Lucky for her, her excitement had not worn off to bring the news to her. “She’s still alright with it” Soul let her know, running up to her flight buddy.

“You can come?” Dash stood up. Like her own spirits were lifted now. “Yup, just need to be home before dark.”

That was great news indeed and Dash looked to be just as satisfied as Soul was. Nimbus had almost seemed pleased to let her go off with Dash for the rest of the afternoon. Not even hesitating to say yes. It was such a relief to Soul, worried throughout the day that she may say no or something may come up. Now she got a chance to fly with Dash. Outside of these walls and without the others around. Leave that all behind, Soul sniffed the air and happily exhaled. It smelled like a good day to fly. None of that crap she had to go through today could even come close to satisfying her wings’ urges or lessen her desire to get out and have some fun. Really just powering through all of it just to prep herself for now. Soul stretched out her back and let her legs out. Shadowed by her wings that arched out alongside them. “Ah, yes!” Dash cheered. “I can stay out till dark too. We got plenty of time to hang out. You ready to ditch this place?”

Like she needed to ask. Soul had been ready to leave since they got here. More or less, this was her only real reason for looking forward to today. I could spend some time with Dash and train with Nimbus, but being able to fly with Dash was the one thing that truly mattered. Where Soul felt more than happy to take to the sky. Eager to see her flight buddy enjoy the time with her. Rainbow Dash also looked to be ready. Stretching out her own smaller wings too. Pumped up and wanting to go.

3.43
“I think we can go right for the sauna, got a long flight ahead but let’s make it a good one. I’ve been dying for some real flying.” Soul was happy to make these claims. She could tell too that Dash was with her on them. We both train with a pony who puts their heart into making us better flyers, so how’s about we do what they train us to do, as we are meant to do it. That was what made Soul so happy. Just that they got to leave everything behind now that was holding them behind. The air, as she left out the camp, it practically smelled of freedom. An urging in her spine that sent her raring to go.

She walked out to the edge of the stairs, holding her wings out. Catching the breeze in their spans as it went through her feathers and… and made her shiver for a moment. It was not from a chill. She grinned up at the sky. The one that touched her so lovingly and invited her to fly. Some clouds and a small breeze. But the Sun shone bright through it all and lit up a sky so welcoming to any who would truly love it. Love it without thinking about anything else. Where she could leave her troubles behind. It made Soul giggle. Flapping her wings in place, as giddy as ever. Just thinking on what to do. Rainbow Dash was there with her, she was going to fly with her. She wanted to fly like it mattered. But I know the truth of the matter, and Soul did her best to figure out the best way for them to fly. Without Dash feeling at all afraid. Not any of that beginner stuff in the camp, maybe something a little more familiar to both of them. Something Soul could tell her flight buddy would be fine with doing.

“You alright if I take the lead this time?” Soul asked, confident she remembered the way to the sauna in the clouds. Listening for her answer. I think I can figure out something to make this a fun flight for her, as long as she follows me. She still hadn’t answered. Soul found Dash behind her… staring with a smile on her face. Like she was distracted. For just a moment. How she tried to recover herself told Soul that something had been on her mind. “Uh… yeah, that’s fine with me.” The filly trotted up closer to her with her own wings out now. Laughing for a moment. “You ready to go?” Dash wrote it off. Standing with Soul and telling her that she didn’t want to stay here any longer.

Strange, what was on your mind, Dash? Didn’t seem like she wanted to tell her. That was fine. She readied herself in the end and signaled to Dash, both of them leaving the camp behind and soaring up into that lovely sky once more.

3.44
Rainbow lost no speed, keeping right with Soul. Both fillies rising high over it all. Joining with all the other pegasi who flew across the city with them on their own business. Some more than happy to wave to both of them as they passed. Cleared of the camp, it really did feel like another world now. One Soul was familiar with but so happy to come back to. Where it felt like it was friendly to her. Where other pegasi were but did not do anything to make her feel like she did anything wrong. Up into an open sky like usual, one that was as open as the one she flew in earlier today but felt so less congested to her. So less suffocating. Like she was truly free to do what she wanted up here. Even flying higher than they had back at camp, with Dash not at all protesting it. In fact, the filly cheered next to her. Laughing at this soaring moment they got to have together.

Both of them together, side by side, high over the vast fields of clouds that made up Cloudsdale with the sea of buildings all below them. Growing smaller by the second as they got higher. High enough for Soul to look out over it all and see so much of Equestria. Beyond the gigantic plane of Cloudsdale, where the titanic towers of the city could no longer even hide the lush green fields and running rivers out in the land below the city. That entire world beyond this one. As free and open as the sky itself. This was the joy of being able to fly. One she loved every time she got to do it without the pressure on her back that plagued her all day. Like the entire world was at her hooves and she was there to glide over it with nothing to stop her. All around them were the other pegasi who flew in that same sky, and further below them all, were the ones who walked amidst Cloudsdale’s streets. With Soul not even sure if any of them truly did enjoy flying as much as she did.

How happy Dash was next to her, grinning widely at the sky ahead of her with one of her hooves held out to reach for it, she looked to be just as happy. I never got that sense of wanting to fly back at camp but now I want to. Looked like her flight partner wanted to as well. Reminiscent of the first time they got to fly together. Maybe now was actually the best time to do it. When Soul could feel it again. They were high enough, but not too high to where the clouds did not shroud the land below and a gentle wind pushed against both of them. Almost like it didn’t matter to Soul. Not sure about Dash, she seemed happy enough and wanted to fly in this, so Soul felt no need to hold that back.

“Still wanna follow my lead?” Soul called out to her. Getting Dash’s attention, her full attention. The cyan filly showed her determination in her face. Something that told Soul she was not going to let her down. I know she won’t. I won’t do anything that will make her feel uncomfortable, but she insists she has some experience with more advanced stuff and I’m still impressed with how she does manage to fly despite the flaws. “Let’s catch some air!” Dash said.

Alright. Show me what you can do. Soul held her wings back, just enough to catch some wind in them. Dash doing the same, flying back with her and then Soul let go of it. Slowed down enough to safely bank off. Soul slid down through the wind and arced herself right. Turning downwards and plummeting.

3.45
Now this is what she expected of Soul. She saw it in her flying. The filly banking off and then spinning downwards. Rainbow held back for a moment. Thinking to herself. Should I? There was just so much joy in Soul’s eyes. So much enthusiasm to fly for fun and love every second of it. After such a miserable day at camp for her. I shouldn’t do anything to make her feel upset. I don’t even know for sure if I can trust her. Not like she absolutely needed to. But I still feel like I can enjoy this so much.

Just the look on Soul’s face, she truly does love to fly. She truly does love the wind in her wings unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a pony. She says she wants to be one of the best flyers out there, enough to inspire others. Make them feel like they have a chance. Any of them. It sounded so crazy, to want to even move the princesses.

But how she laughed with such joy and the shine in her eyes. The flow of her flight, how natural she looked in it. Is it truly crazy? Not to me. I can say that… that I want her to succeed. I can never look down on another pony’s dreams, not even hers. I actually want to support them. If she would let me. After all I did to her. All she has to go through. Yet she still flies like this now, like nothing happened. Like she became somepony completely different. I can’t help but admire it. She’s a pretty cool pony.

Dash joined with her. Turning her own wings and shooting off after Soul. Falling down to earth with her and leveling back out right behind her. Keeping her eyes right on that violet tipped tail ahead of her that flapped wildly. Waiting to see what she would do next. Or should I wait? Dash laughed.

3.46
She let her wings do their own thing. This should be easy. She spun herself around, spiraling behind Soul, happy to see Soul catch sight of her and that let her know she could fly off. Rainbow zipped past her. Putting in just a little effort to get herself flying off ahead of Soul and barreled around once. Then twice. “Come on, slowpoke!” Interrupted when magenta flashed across the sky and Soul spiraled in right next to her, practically copying what Dash had done. Much to what she wanted her to do.

Even better, Soul flew right into the barrel roll that Dash pulled off. Joining her in it. There Soul was, right across from her, spinning in the sky in tandem with Dash like both of the made a massive circle in the sky together, and she looked to be having the time of her life. Three barrels. Then four. Soul kept with her in making these wide circles together. Dash smiled. That’s what I like. She’s doing it without any care or problem. Even far away from one another, she saw the look in her flight buddy’s face. She was happy. Laughing and having the time of her life.

That is the Soul Serenity from before. Like the last time we flew like this. “Not sure who you’re calling slow” Soul yelled out from over there. Prompting the air to ripple and roar when Dash witnessed the filly pull out of the spiral and shoot ahead of her. Tearing the sky in two in her wake, like the air pulled itself apart behind her, and not one fault in her flying. Dash leveled herself out, just able to stare off and watch her flight buddy become but a dot in the distance that rose high into the air. Whoa. I didn’t know she could fly that fast. Really, I am curious what it is her mother teaches her. Should I even try to catch up? Now? Or… she widened her eyes. Almost wanting to duck out of the way for fear she would collide but Soul cleared right past her. Flying over and turning back to rejoin Dash’s side. Flying there… upside down, with her forelegs crossed under her head and her wings keeping her afloat. Winking to Dash. Hehe, wow… didn’t expect her to show off. I’m kind of used to her not wanting to pull stuff like this off. Maybe… maybe I should consider myself special.

Still ruffled Dash’s feathers a little, didn’t stop her from smiling. She couldn’t feel upset over what Soul did. Her flight buddy was enjoying herself and, honestly, Dash was too. Maybe something else… Dash did want to try out stuff now that they had no audience here to bother them. No restrictions either. Just them and the sky. A cloudy day, Dash glanced over past Soul. To the swarms of clouds that flew so much lower than the thick cloud cover overhead.

3.47
“Wanna try those?” Dash pointed to the clouds. Getting Soul to turn over and spot them. “You wanna try? I’ll do it if you want to” Soul said. “Why not?” Rainbow thought it sounded like a better idea than having to fly through that tightly packed obstacle course the other day. These clouds were larger and more spaced out. Not a matter of dodging them. Soul knew that too. This was meant to be fun. She was just as eager as Dash was. More importantly, they could do this without any other ponies here. Something Rainbow was more than pleased with. Soul made the first move. Flying off with no pause at the clouds. Looked like she was going in low. Okay, then I’ll go in high. Rainbow left her flight and went off after Soul. Getting closer and then Soul disappeared under the first one. Dash’s ears perked up. …She’s… coming up over there.

Rainbow pulled out and turned off to the left, following after Soul and only waiting till she was right at it before she flew over the cloud with her hooves skimming over its soft surface, cutting a path across the white puffs and sending them flying off the hulk. Okay… I can do this. Dash squinted her eyes. Making sure she was going in at the right speed and angle. Kind of scared that she might mess this up, not because of other ponies, but from clipping Soul. Not even sure if Soul knew what she was trying to do but it’ll work out. I want her to have fun.

Rainbow turned herself with the curve of the cloud, keeping herself leveled over it and only waiting till she was sure before she made her move. She spun herself over, flying with her mane gliding over the cloud now. Just in time for when Soul zipped up over the cloud, her hooves facing the cloud. She did it right! Dash smiled when Soul and her crossed paths. The magenta filly laughing when she flew past, confident she was able to see Dash was sticking her tongue out at her. Alright. Dash brought herself upright again, keeping up her path along the cloud and finally leaving it behind when she caught the next one. The same one that Soul went towards now. Glad we got the same idea.

Rainbow kept herself to the side of the cloud this time. Same as she saw Soul do. Close enough that she was able to reach a hoof out and touch the soft mass. Keeping her wing just short of skimming it. Ears still perked. Surely Soul is skilled enough to catch wind of this, as the filly came up on her. “Down!” Rainbow called out. Just when Soul flew out from around the cloud and came in at Dash, …doing just as she said. Rainbow arced herself upwards and Soul went down clearing one another just short of running into each other. They pulled it off. Oh yeah! Dash was so pleased with her buddy. I knew I could expect her to pull these off. Stopping herself and hovering there to watch Soul fly off and go up and down so many other clouds like it was nothing. Not even losing her speed or her composure. Just what I want to expect from her. She loves flying and… and now I see she has a sense of daring to her flight. Enough skill to pull them off. Just like mom showed me. When she was proud of me to pull them off too. When no others would be. Was Soul? I don’t know.

All I know is I enjoy flying with her. I feel like I can fly with her. This is so much better than camp. Rainbow could tell they both had a well-deserved rest at the sauna soon. Soul left the clouds behind. Shooting back out into the sky and screaming Dash’s name out. Okay, I’m coming. Dash smiled. Going off into the light with her. Following her where Soul went.

3.48
“Glad you caught up” Soul said when Dash made it back to her. Picking up their speed once more like it was nothing more than the wind that told them that, yes, they are free to keep going. Not like Dash’s wings were getting tired. They wouldn’t from this. Of course, Soul was fine. Fine enough to keep up her enthusiasm. “Let’s do some dives.” Oh yes! That sounded great. Simple and easy, and it felt so great to pull them off.

“Try to keep up” Soul called to her. Taking the initiative and flying back down to earth below. Rainbow did the same, keeping on her tail. Smirking as the wind picked up and glided over her. “You talk a lot of trash” Dash pointed out. Not in a bad way, she actually was enjoying that Soul was motivated enough to talk about her flying in a positive manner. Besides… I know she’s doing her best to make it so I can keep up with her, and I really appreciate it. Unlike other times when ponies would leave me behind. Abandon me to deal with things myself. “What?” Soul said ahead of her. “You’re doing awesome. Aren’t you having fun?!” “Are you kidding me?” Dash said. Feeling all that wind hitting her. Making it harder for her to talk, but it felt good. It felt so good to be flying like this where both of them were falling right down to the clouds below. Angled in and so much pressure on her wings that kept her careening in and shooting down to the world below where she doubted nopony was there to even notice the two of them doing this. Care for it. Nopony to stop her from having this feeling. Where her mane flipped wildly behind her head and tears started streaking out from her eyes.

That rush she had. Like her wings were so pumped and her blood boiled. Not often I get to feel this, let alone never with another pony. Soul, you’re the first pony I feel like I can fly like this with. Dash could tell she felt the same. Soul’s own wings happily outstretched to catch the wind and the filly even did a little spin in her dive ahead. Falling out a little to keep out of Dash’s way. She’s so considerate. Always thinking of me. I don’t know why she wants to do this stuff with me, but I feel honored she does. Like we really are flight buddies.

“I’m having the time of my life!” Dash screamed out. So much rush in her when the city below came in so much closer. Like they would crash and at this speed. How fast they were going. She had chills. I really do feel alive. I really do feel free. Pulling up right with Soul, right when she did it. Turning her body to pull out of their dive together with the cloudy streets of the city just under them in a split second. Dash yelled out the truth. “So much better than camp!” It was a split second. So fast that Dash almost missed it, and her smile disappeared… in the time it took when she heard it before she saw it. She had been flying so perfectly. No flaw in it, yet she didn’t anticipate that Soul would do this. Why she would do this?

How? Stunned in silence when she saw her flight buddy tumble behind her and out of sight.

3.49
Dash skidded to a halt, all it took to stop herself. It took so much to cancel out all that speed she had, so much that she almost careened right into the streets herself. Left to hover, she kept her eyes glued on the buildings ahead of her. Flashing before her eyes. In a daze. She wondered to herself if she should even think this was real. Because Soul was no longer in front of her, she was no longer in the sky. Oh no, …Dash shook a little. Throwing herself back onto the solid clouds below her. Back on her hooves. No, no, no… that didn’t happen.

“Soul!” Dash turned around. Her eyes widened. Her breath short. Seeing that Soul was still here, left strewn out on the clouds. One wing still hanging high into the air with the other set out under her and her face planted firmly into the clouds with little puffs of cloud shimmering in the Sun, left to float around where she hit them. Cast off by her impact. Her impact. Dash was horrified. Oh sweet Celestia! Dash kicked herself to go, running over to where her flight buddy lay.

Oh no, Soul… how did this happen? Please be alright. She moved, oh good she moved. Soul let her wing finally fall and grumbled under her mane. Groaning loudly. Dash practically felt her smile come back so happy to see she was moving. That was such a nasty crash. One that left Dash just baffled as to why it happened. She was flying so well and now ended up this filly struggling to get up on her hooves. Falling back on her belly when Dash came up to her. Holding hooves out to try and help her up, only to take them back when Soul let out a horrible wail from under her mane. One that frightened her. That was truly a cry of pain.

“Soul!” Dash finally found the stomach to try and stop her from her pained moaning. She stepped up close, sitting down with her and made the hard choice to reach out to her. Slinking her hoof under Soul’s belly and the other towards… Soul’s hoof smacked it away. Just short of Dash touching the wing she went for, and the filly tried to get up again. Freed of Dash’s grip and she fell once more. Crying out louder than before and her hoof came free from under her body. One with a… a color so much darker than her fur. One that painted it in its disgusting hue. Making her hoof tremble… alongside her wing that lurched its way out from under her body. She had cut herself badly along her leg. Quite a hit into the clouds to cause that. She really had been going fast. “Soul, can you move? Where… where does it hurt?” Dash held her hoof out again, offering it to Soul this time. Then Dash felt the tug of her leg.

3.50
Soul wrapped her good leg around Dash’s and pulled herself up. Up on two and then… the third, the one that made her cringe in pain. Slipping off it, Dash couldn’t react in time to prepare herself from Soul falling into her. Laying against her, breathing so harsh and tears went down her cheeks.

She’s badly hurt. Soul, what the hell happened?! Dash looked up, seeing they were not alone, with all the other pegasi around them. Staring in amazement at what had happened. Stunned, none at all knowing what to do. Save for a few who did rush over. The adults who would come to help her, yet Soul… she did not let go of Dash. Burying her face into her fur. Crying into it. Keeping that limp leg of hers perched against Dash’s shoulder. She could almost see small streams of blood seeping down her fur from that long cut and coming close to her own cyan fur. She didn’t flinch. Only holding her close. Let her know everything was alright.

“My… leg. And…” Soul’s wing trembled again, scratching the surface of the clouds with her feathers. Feathers so bent and torn. Dash had not even noticed it. Not before, she wished she hadn’t. For she was afraid now, now that she saw her beautiful wing spread in its feathers and leaving many of them on the ground where she had crashed. Soul did her best to move it, it only made her screech. “Oh no!” Dash came close to it. “My… wing. It really stings.”

Celestia, she must have landed right on it. Looked like she bent the span a little. Ripped feathers right off. Rainbow Dash felt so bad for her, though she calmed herself, it was not as bad as she feared. Feeling bad for her because… that was not going to heal immediately. Right after we had so much fun flying together. Now we’re here, crowded around by ponies who offered help yet Dash did not acknowledge them. Saddened so much that… that they couldn’t play. That Soul was in pain. That her flight buddy had gotten hurt and I did nothing to anticipate it… when I could have. Flying this low… Soul must have freaked out. Something must have happened. I have no idea what, but I should have stopped us sooner. Damn it, Soul… I’m so sorry. Dash wanted to be sure. Reassure Soul at least.

“Can I check your wing?” “Don’t touch it!” Soul yelled out almost immediately. “Don’t…” The filly whimpered and fell silent. Crying into Dash’s shoulder. She did as she said, though hated she couldn’t be sure. To see if Soul could fly soon. For she knew the filly would be off this wing for a while. Right when this day was looking up. When we were going to make it better. I’m so sorry. But I’ll still be here for you, I am your flight buddy after all. With how we flew, I would even say we are as good as each other’s wingponies. Too bad… I failed to watch out for you. “Somepony… go to the Junior Speedster’s camp” she cried out to the ponies around them. Clutching Soul tighter. “Please… bring Nimbus Swiftshot. …Her daughter’s hurt.”

Great. Great, somepony ran off, a stallion more than happy to accept it with a rushed “I’m on it.” Leaving me to be with Soul. Because I didn’t want to go. I won’t leave Soul like this, and she didn’t want me to leave either. Clinging to Dash… she was. Even with her hurt leg left draped at the side, Soul held a leg tight around Dash. Nestled against her. …Are we… are we hugging? Dash blinked. Realizing now… how she had acted. I was afraid for her. Terrified. Now, now I can’t even leave her. She gripped her own hooves tighter around her flight buddy, not letting go. She didn’t know if Soul could tell, but she gave her a hug. Does she like it… because I want her to feel better? Stop crying and know I am here to keep her safe. She didn’t stop crying, but Dash felt her own heart soften when Soul laid her cheek against her neck and stayed there. Soul, I won’t let you go.

3.51
“I can… still work on it tonight.” Soul rushed herself out the deck doors and stepped out onto the wooden floors… but with only three of her legs this time. Keeping the fourth held up against her chest. Not daring to let it drop, hating she had to walk like this all evening. Not anymore, just to get out here, and defy what Nimbus tried to warn her off with. Soul flapped her wings… agh! It hurt for a moment just to move her right one. Feeling her feathers crinkle against her span, but… she kept trying and was more than thrilled to get back into the air. Letting her bandaged hoof fall back down from her chest. But… for how long? Soul winced more and more, every time she flapped her wing.

“Soul! Get back down now.” Nimbus ran out the door below her. Staring up with eyes so firm. Not at all faltering in her stern determination to keep her off her wings and legs tonight. “But I can still train” Soul powered through the pain. This day had been entirely ruined. We were supposed to have so much fun, she had looked forward to going to the sauna and then training tonight. Flight training or whatever, anything to get her mind off of camp. Something good in her memory now that she wasn’t going to be allowed to go to camp tomorrow… and to see Dash. Forget everything else. I need something fun today. “Young lady, don’t make me fly up there and get you” Nimbus said with no joke in her voice. Kind of scary how fierce she looked down there, even with her wings readied to fly after her. “I said no flying for the rest of the day. You’re not doing yourself any favors.”

Soul groaned. Hating that it hurt so much to flap her wing. But just hurt, it could have been so much worse. Not even able to imagine what could have happened. Not wanting to. Rather deal with the here and now. Though she didn’t want to deal with it at all. She would prefer to be getting home with a smile on her face instead of being carried by Nimbus and spending much of the evening being patched up and cleaned. It took nearly an hour for Nimbus to preen her damaged wing of all the broken feathers. A process that really hurt so much, not just from how sensitive her wing already was. Worse than normal. She did not want to end on that. Her mane still had yet to dry.

3.52
She had no choice. She couldn’t deny Nimbus. I can’t fly away from her anyways even if I was at one hundred percent. She will try to catch me, anything to… to do the right thing and keep me safe. That is what sucked. She knew it was the right thing to stay off her wing, but she really didn’t want to. Didn’t stop her from slowly lowering herself back down. Preferring to sit herself onto the deck instead of standing. Holding her limp leg up. Quick to fold her wings back and let them rest. She pouted. Staring out at the night sky and what could have been another night of training and getting better. Because… I really do need to… especially after today. All in the blink of an eye though she remembered it fully. All that happened, and she couldn’t believe she let it happen to her. “Can I at least do some training of your technique? I don’t need to fly for that.”

“Soul…” Nimbus stepped around her and joined Soul to sit and watch the Moon. Her voice so downed, as was her face. “You need all the rest you can get, it’d be best for you to go to sleep instead of spending the night just upsetting your wing.” “But I…” “But nothing, Soul.” Nimbus faced her. Authoritative, shutting Soul down right there. Too scared to speak out against her. “Besides, this technique is not something to joke about. Not something you should do with you being hurt.” “I can deal with the pain” Soul said. “All I need are my senses. No wings or legs. So what’s stopping us?” Nimbus shook her head. That told Soul right there she really had said something wrong. What did I do? She retreated back, shutting herself up. “I’m sorry” Soul whispered. “Try to concentrate as you know to do” Nimbus said in such a stunning request. Soul wasn’t even sure what it was she was asking of her. Puzzled entirely. “Try to feel the air” Nimbus said and closed her own eyes. “Tell me, what shifts can you feel in the wind. If you can sense any motions I make.”

Alright… Soul took her eyes off of Nimbus. Going back to how she knew to do this best and closed her own eyes. Breathing… though she was not in the air like she loved, she still felt like it was all around her. There to keep her cradled and safe. Warm her body with its humid weight and cool her with a loving breeze. Stuff that did little to help calm her pain. Pain that still kept making her wince for every second that passed. Pain that would not go away any time soon and kept her away from the happiness she felt of flying with Rainbow Dash and forgetting all her troubles. Only to breed more troubles. That she was not going to be able to fly for what felt like a long time. Even if just a day. I really don’t want that. But… I do know it’s best for me. Still hurts to know. That I won’t be able to fly with Dash again tomorrow. That I messed up today and just ruined it all.

3.53
Something touched her back. Opening her eyes in time to see Nimbus looking at her again. Not happy at all. Soul still felt the remnants of that soft touch against her back and… and she looked away. Disheartened. “You’re distracted… Soul, you can’t learn this technique while you’re being bothered. Even if we tried to train tonight, it would be a waste. You’d be better off resting.”

So that’s it… huh? Because I’m so stupid and let myself get into this pain. When I should have just ignored it. I can’t believe I fumbled so badly. When flying so well, until Dash mentioned… it, and reminded me. Those painful words that hit her so. Words that made her cry inside. Ones she tried to defeat only to crash in the end. Shame I didn’t crash on purpose.

“You can take a break from it, Soul” Nimbus gently touched a hoof down onto Soul’s head. Rubbing her scalp so softly. “Just a day or two, you don’t need to master it immediately. It’s best for you to get strong again first. …Don’t you think so?” Nimbus leaned down to her. Soul didn’t meet her eyes. She nodded. Saddened that she was accepting this. That she had indeed caused this. Now came the consequences. Both to her and to Dash when I can’t fly with her tomorrow. I just hope she won’t be upset. “Come on, let’s take you to bed.”

Soul didn’t fight Nimbus, letting her wrap her hooves around her small body and lifting her up. Flying the filly off to her room, regretting she could not do it herself. Reminded so much of another time like this.

3.54
Soul curled up in her bed. Keeping her bandaged hoof free of anything that may hurt it. Fearing pain when the blanket would touch down… it softly went over her wing, and it didn’t hurt. Breathing a sigh of relief. Laying still while Nimbus wrapped her up. Throwing up another blanket on top of that one as she hovered over her bed. Taking the time to put another hoof down upon Soul’s forehead. Soothed when she rubbed it, not daring to tell her to stop. Wanting some semblance of something that felt nice in this world where all she felt was worry. Hope I can fall asleep tonight. Soul kept her wing tucked in close. Wishing for it to get better soon. For her precious wings to be strong once more. For herself and for all the others. All the others she wanted to keep happy. Nimbus still smiled above her. No telling how she actually felt about all this.

“Good night, sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning before I head out.” The mare lifted her hoof off her forehead, silently flying off to the door. Leaving Soul alone with her regrets. “Wait.” Soul wanted to let something out first before Nimbus left. She shifted over to look over her shoulder at the mare who cared for her. “Thank you… and I’m sorry.” Nimbus waved a hoof to her. “Don’t be sorry, you did nothing wrong. Please… get some rest.” Her door shut behind Nimbus, and Soul was there in silence. Left with her last lines. Of doing nothing wrong. I feel I’ve done nothing but do things wrong. Soul laid her head down. Staring at her darkened wall and then the shining Moon outside her window. If I had been doing things right, I wouldn’t be like this. I wouldn’t have felt that way about camp… when I remembered it… all the terrible things that happened today and all the days before. This week was proving to be nothing but a test for her and she felt she was losing. Getting nothing out of it. Well… except for one thing.

Soul had to admit it, she was still amazed that… that Rainbow Dash had stayed with her. I’m not even sure if she noticed but… I loved it how much she was worried for me. I actually felt like she cared. She probably didn’t even know that Soul had been smiling when they hugged. She actually held me… and was so afraid for me. After all the crap we have to go through and now having to be without each other for a day… hopefully no more. She didn’t even seem to care about me before but… does she really? I think she does. It made Soul smile even right now in the dark. Hehe, was this the thing that Nimbus wanted of me from camp? This feeling. I got to say, I like it. Rainbow Dash… thank you so much. Thank you, Nimbus. For all you two are doing for me. It’s the only reason why I am still going back to that place. Forget all the others, all I want to do is please you two. Like I did when Dash flew with me today. She was so happy. Maybe everything will be alright. Soul closed her eyes.

Everything will be alright.

Sweet dreams.

Next Chapter: Part 1 Illusion - Act 4 Estimated time remaining: 51 Hours, 21 Minutes