6.1
It was the wait that was the hardest. Soul was already just too pumped and hated sitting here not sure if things will work out. But Nimbus had assured her last night she would have time today to do what she wanted, but something else was also needed. That was why Nimbus was over there with the rest of the adult instructors, keeping to themselves in their talks while Soul did her best to close her ears off to them. Just a courtesy. More wanting to keep it a surprise, whatever it was Nimbus would come back with.

Every instructor at Junior Speedsters for every group, dozens together in a mass with Nimbus and Starry amidst them all, taking their attention. It was an odd request. Which was why Soul was really wondering if it would happen. Nonetheless, she was more than happy to see their little scheme coming along nicely. Nimbus didn’t know. No others knew what it was exactly. It still didn’t stop it.

The other kids in her group really were happy to get their free time. Soul kept away from them. Letting them do what they wanted. A bit of enjoyment before activities started later. To them, it was just an early free time. To Soul, it was much more. All of the kids newly arriving and seeing that they could run off and be with their friends. Something that used to hurt Soul. Not today.

She didn’t care if they ignored her. If none of them wanted to be her friend. If they ran past without even batting an eye to her. Just what they portrayed of her being what kept them from her. That ended today. Because there was one thing, one thing that almost all pegasi prided themselves in more than anything else. Even more than flying. Something Soul was no exception to as she partook in it with Nimbus so often. Just as a way of training even if Soul wanted so desperately to succeed.

6.2
Soul looked to the sky. Observing it. Keeping track of it all morning since she left her house. Making sure it was well maintained for what she needed. Another autumn day. Such harsh winds coming in through the clouds and chilling her fur. Rumbling through the large assortments of clouds rolling in. Great masses of them rising high into the sky. Like monoliths that dotted it all. Spreading far and wide.

Truly it would be a bit of a challenge for more amateur flyers to try and tackle those things. Soul was not afraid.

She smiled. Could not stop smiling. Maybe that was why nopony even bothered to look at her. Could they sense her thrill? That she saw this was going to end. Nothing could keep her from being happy. Now that she had ponies she truly could trust. Soul will be sure to not let them down. She won’t. I am a magnificent flyer. I’ve spent so many years training and I am better than I ever hoped to be. None of the others here would understand that or even see that until today. No matter how harsh or cold the weather was getting. This was a sky she called her home. It would embrace her and be the thing she needed all along to be free. Go back to the one thing she always relied on.

Her huge wings stretched out far behind her. Arcing her back and she felt a pop. Loving the feeling. Bringing both those wings to her sides where she peered over them. Such strong and lovely wings. Bigger and better than any other. They were hers. Her pride and joy, even if others did not see them as special. They were prepared for what it was to come. Why she spent so long in the bathroom stretching them and fluffing her feathers to look as gorgeous as she could get them. Feeling so strong. To master that sky above. May her wish come, as Nimbus and Starry came back with all the other instructors breaking up behind them to go to where they were needed. Soul did not frown. Meeting their smiles with her own. She had no reason to be upset. She saw the glaring pride in their faces looking down at their little champ. She knew just from that that all had gone right.

6.3
“You have the entire camp to yourself, Soul. One hour only” Nimbus said. Good. Unrestricted access to the skies over the camp. All for her. All the courses and clouds she could use. Nothing could stop her.

She felt her joy rise up. Rise and kept in. Though a chill went along her. So the time was coming. “Thank you so much” Soul said.

She accepted the bag that Starry gave her. Her lunch for today. Bigger than normal. He packed it so much, it looked. She could already smell the scent of sweets among other things. Very unusual for her lunch. She knew what it meant. “Be careful” both pegasi rose a hoof up to her. Soul met them one at a time. Bumping her hoof into theirs. She took the bag in her mouth. Off to drop it off.

“Keep your eyes to the sky” Soul said back to them. Looking on to the locker building with such joy in her face. There were a couple fillies making their way down the steps. Stepping aside for Soul to pass between them and she caught their glances to her. Ones of confusion and disgust at her almost running into them. Left with only their hushed whispers behind her. Didn’t matter. She did not even listen.

Stepping into the room that held harsh memories. She looked across it. Where Rainbow Dash had stood before. She shook her head. Hard to believe that it happened just yesterday. Reminded once more when she opened her locker. Finding it all still laying there. Her precious hat. Tossed aside in pieces at the floor of her locker. How sad it had made her. Seeing ponies had done this to her. The only thing she thought she had to give her comfort. Now… now things had changed. She didn’t need the object that ponies gave her. She needed the ponies themselves. The one ponies who always were with her and supported her. How things have changed. I truly feel like I’m not alone. I can smile again. With them all at my side. Indeed, she wasn’t alone.

6.4
“Soul.” She looked over to the door. Shining in with the sunlight being the one pony silhouetted inside that shroud. The filly she needed. Rainbow Dash. Coming in to join her. Just how much she looked to be struck by seeing Soul here. A smile so beautiful. Such happiness in her heart. Soul wanted her to know just what it was she felt now. That all was going to be okay. Both fillies standing there face to face not able to take eyes off one another. The cyan filly lowered her head and smiled so wide to Soul. “Thank you for all you did yesterday… I needed it” Soul spoke softly to her. Not getting a response. Only her flight buddy’s bashful look. Amazing that Dash did not bother to try and hide just how flattered she was. That all that happened yesterday had been worth it. That they both had become strong after it all. To learn of one another. To know the other’s darkest secrets. Yet nothing changed. Dash was her normal self. Maybe even more happy.

“We still flight buddies?” Dash asked. Soul giggled. “Of course, always” Soul gave her hoof to her. Offering it just as Nimbus and Starry had done. A different response. Soul gasped when Dash’s hoof went around hers. Holding her tight. Not letting go. She looked up to her magenta eyes riddled in happiness unlike any before. Dash was truly happy to be with her. Soul felt the same. Because of her, she felt like this. Neither able to look away from the other, and Dash had to see it all. That Soul showed what she felt. So much pride and strength between them to see the pure fire inside of Soul’s sunset eyes. Billowing bright.

“Today’s the day, Dash” Soul said. “You mean…?” Soul nodded to her. Making her smile brighter. “Thank you so much for helping me figure out what I need to do. I won’t be a coward anymore. It’s better to try and make things better than to sit back and hope things will change.” “You know, Soul. I think you may be right.” Dash clenched her hoof tighter around Soul’s. “You are one helluva Pegasus. Maybe… I learned something from you too.” Soul nodded. I’m glad she did. For both of them to truly figure out what it was that needed to be done. Soul never wanted Dash to be the pony she displayed yesterday. Never again.

Rainbow, you are strong. Strong enough to kick my ass into gear. Quite a challenge that was. She would make the most of it. “Whip some tail, Soul.” Both of them packed up. Leaving behind every bad memory this place gave them before. Made only now into one of the most magical places they’ve had. For it all led to this.

6.5
“Looks like he just arrived” Dash said, pointing to the colt who ran off to join the others. Aurora Flash, the pony who had started this all. The one Soul could tell would not be able to resist. After all Dash had told her about him. Even if she pitied him for what he had to go through, this needed to end and there was only one way to do it. Standing over there with Spitfire among the other kids who frolicked and played. Like none were aware of the two fillies staring down at them from the top of the stairs.

Soul let out a deep breath. Looking to Dash for strength. The filly nudged her gently and smiled. Rainbow had her back. Staying close to her. Soul would not back down. Holding both wings out and arced down at her sides. Both ready to do what was needed, eager to do it. For this would end it all. All would see she is no coward. Even more so, they will see just who she was. Who she strived to become.

“Aurora!” Soul called out across the camp. Echoing and stirring. Like it rumbled from the clouds themselves. Shocking herself how loud and strong she could yell out that name. Harsh. But she kept smiling. Glaring down at him. When his eyes met hers and all of them turned to see the filly who outstretched her mighty wings.

“I challenge you to a race around the camp!”

6.6
Everypony gasped. All across the group. Eyes looking between her and Aurora. The colt backed a little with that. She could see it in his eyes. None expected her to do this. Not even him. The pony who always told her how weak she will be. That she will never rise to overcome the things that challenged her. Now… now she was the one who issued the challenge. One that he could not refuse. That no Pegasus could.

From the first day ponies could fly. Only in their blood to better themselves against others. For Soul, she will better herself. Prove that she was better than all that had been put against her. She was the strong one, and while all the other ponies could not even grasp that this was happening, she felt Dash beaming with pride next to her.

Funny. I would normally feel so afraid to be in this position. She felt so many eyes. Hundreds. Glancing across at all the ponies staring up at her and her mighty wings ready for a fight. Kids from her group. From others. Instructors in the sky and below. That a challenge was being issued here. By the mouth of this filly. She couldn’t even collapse. She was strong. She felt it. She loved the feeling. That she was filled with what she needed all along. That push. That drive. If she had not been with another pony, it may all collapse right now. Like Dash was the very one who gave her that strength. From the first day, I wanted to prove to her what it’s like to fly with freedom and passion. That takes concentration and determination. That takes power. That takes ambition. I will be the pony to have those. I will show her that I can be that pony. Rainbow Dash, never be afraid like I was to show who you truly are. That is what made her so happy.

6.7
“You want to race me?” Aurora asked over there. “Any other Aurora Flashes here? I’m challenging you!” Soul pointed her hoof to him. “My wings against yours. See just who is the better flyer.” “So you’re just doing this to stroke your ego” Aurora said. “I don’t think that’s the point of flying.” “No, it’s not.”

Soul knew what it was. All the teachings Nimbus gave her. All her readings. All the trials she had to go through. All to get to this point. “It’s to rise above any challenge that stands in your way. So nothing can be there to keep you down, and you can become free to choose what you want for yourself. That’s… exactly… what I’m doing.”

Soul glared at him. I will rise above my challenges. Aurora took it as such. Glaring at her too. The colt stepped forward. Center among all the others. “And you’ll fail just like you did before. Face it Soul, you’re a trash flyer. You’ll only mess up and prove yourself as a joke.” “Oh yeah!” Said, not Soul, …but the pony with her.

Rainbow Dash stepped up. “Well this ‘trash flyer’ is challenging you to a race. Maybe it can be an easy way to prove yourself right. Unless… you think you can’t.” “I know I can” Aurora said. “Well you’re weaseling your way out. What’s the matter Aurora Trash?! Afraid Soul will crush you? You should be afraid. Cuz Soul is a better flyer than you ever will be.” Rainbow.

Soul looked to her. Such fierce determination on Dash’s face. Staring down at the colt. She meant what she said. She’s here… with me. Soul felt her heart flutter. Yes. That’s… that’s what I wanted. Enough to make her want to cry. She couldn’t. “Come on, chicken!” Dash said. “What good are your wings if you aren’t gonna use them?” Dash held her wings out. Doing something that would really piss off any Pegasus. She mocked him with chicken noises. Able to just see the fury building up in the colt.

6.8
“Fine!” he said. “I’ll race her.” Soul grinned. Hiding her menacing smile from them all under her bangs. No matter what… I will beat him. He may have been good, but I know I’m better. Now the colt was right where she wanted him.

“But I get to decide the rules” Aurora said. Of course. Typical of racing challenges. Soul would take it on. “Bring it” Soul told him. She stepped down from the stairs. Coming down to join with all the other ponies. Holding her huge wings out with pride as they all stepped aside and let her pass. Pass to stand face to face with Aurora.

“Name your terms” she said. “No ordinary race” Aurora said. “I know another pony who’s been dying to get something back from you. A tag team race” he pushed his face into hers. “Spitfire and me. Standard rules. Teammate passes a flag to the other. First team to cross the finish line with their flag wins.”

A duo race?! Soul did not drop her determination. She showed no sign of her confusion and shock at hearing just what kind of race this would be. Even more when Spitfire walked up to join with Aurora. The golden coated filly with a mane of flames smirking with such anticipation to participate. It’s been so long. This pony who once complimented Soul, now here with malicious disregard for her. Though Soul understood. She did not fault her, and she will not back down. “Deal!” Soul said. “Find yourself a partner” Aurora said. “You’ll be racing me so you better find a pony who can keep up with Spitfire. She’s no joke.” Aurora pressed a hoof into her chest. Soul backed away from him. Offended he touched her. No matter how soft it was. The colt smirking with pride. He looked out upon all the others.

“Somepony get some flags, we’re having a race here!” Such a surprise that all the stunned ponies changed to cheering. All excited to see this happen. Soul was too. Though… she just needed one thing. “Who’ll be your partner?” Aurora asked.

6.9
Soul didn’t need prompting to look back behind her shoulder. To the pony whose hoofsteps sounded loud and strong. Stepping down from the top of the stairs. Rainbow Dash’s long mane flowed and went over the most impressive face she had ever made. One of courage. One of a pony who saw right in front of her what it was she needed to do. A pony Soul didn’t think would do this before. Until today. The pony she could trust. The only one here she could rely on to fly with her. Not for skill or strength. But for what it was she felt between them. She was here for her, and Soul stepped aside. Letting the filly step up next to her. Side to side. Both of them staring down at Aurora and Spitfire.

“I’ll be her partner!” Dash shouted with no hesitation.

“Flight buddies forever” Dash said to Soul and both of them touched hooves to one another’s. “You don’t stand a chance, Crash” Aurora said. “You’re no different from before. Hope you’re ready to be humiliated again.” Dash did not say a word. She didn’t even move. Not stopping in smiling alongside her flight buddy. Determinedly staring to the filly she would race with. The fire maned filly stared at her. Talented. Strong and skilled. Nothing mattered. Soul had the utmost confidence in this pony alongside her. All she showed her over the weeks that passed since she first laid eyes on her. This pony had transformed so fast. Into a pony Soul was happy to have with her. The one pony in this camp she trusted more than any other. Such joy in her heart that she was with her. At last. Flight buddies, pure and true.

“See you both in the sky” Spitfire said. Her and Aurora grinning and they both flew off. All the other kids cheering and flying off too. Leaving Soul with her flight buddy. Locking hooves together. Neither needed to look at the other. They both felt it. Soul was overjoyed. She was ready. They will end this together. “I’ll head to the start line” Dash said. Opening her wings. Letting go of Soul. “How long has it been since I raced another pony?” Dash asked herself.

Soul watched her walk off with fearless determination in her stride. “Tear the sky apart, Dash” Soul said after her, making her stop. “What?” she asked with surprise. “Don’t you be afraid to show them all just how talented you are” Soul said. “I won’t hold back. Neither of us will. No more. Today, we’re gonna leave it all behind.” “Soul…” “Don’t be afraid to be yourself” Soul told her. “Show them how a Wonderbolt flies.”

Dash held herself there. Her leg shook. But she smiled so wide. Flexing her wings at her sides. She turned away. Though Soul saw that face she made before. Confidence. “You taught me a lot” she said. “I won’t let you down. See you at the finish line… when you cross it first.”

Rainbow flew off. Soul sighed. She looked to her wings. I have these… and I have her. How can I fail? Today, everything has changed. She looked to the bright and loving sky. Her world up there. Joined now… with another at her side. Rainbow Dash.

6.10
A long time it had been. It never was like this. Surrounded by so many ponies all eager to see this go down. Ponies she didn’t recognize, from the other groups. From her group too. Sitting atop all the clouds spread out among the start line. That great, big banner stretching high above Rainbow Dash. Stood atop two big stakes pierced into the cloud she sat on. Every other pony had their own cloud to sit and watch. Dash shared the cloud that mattered with only one other.

The fiery filly standing away from her. Stretching her legs out over there. Flapping her wings. A head raised high. Such is what she would expect of a talented flyer. She must be fast. She must be talented. So few pegasi her age can have that look upon her like she already won. Rainbow didn’t bother to share the same face.

I never even saw this coming. Never thought I’d be the one up here with Soul. Helping her fight for her happiness. No way to ever think this would come about when she first met that pony. How far they would go. How much they would go through. It’s only been a hooffull of weeks and it already felt like years. Like she was doing this for a pony dearest to her for so long and not a pony like Soul. Strange how that felt. Strange how much she wanted to do it. Maybe it was just that Pegasus rubbing off on Dash.

She really was something else. Unlike any other Pegasus before. To find one like her in these camps, it’s a miracle on its own. One she truly felt like she was connected to. Proud to be with. When she felt so much pity for that pony not so long ago, and no desire at all to even want to get to know her. How foolish she was before. That pony was exactly who she needed.

6.11
No other time. None at all. None when Dash would be able to stand here on top of a cloud like this under the start line for a race course with the eyes of dozens watching her. Judging her. All of them saw her as just that alright flyer who performed alongside them all with nothing else to her flying. None of them knew. None of them could see what it was she had. Not even Soul did. I hid from everypony. I wanted to hide away forever and never come out. After all that I had to go through. But here she was now. Doing the impossible. Yet her legs did not shake. Her teeth did not chatter, and she felt no remorse or grief. Nothing like when she flew in front of them every other time. No fear in her heart. Just like Soul.

If Soul is not afraid, then I’m not. No more hiding. No more being that scared filly who kept to herself and wanted nothing to do with others.

Dash had reason in her life to be brave and she had reason to believe there were ponies out there who saw her for who she was. She’s teaming up with one of them after all.

Cheering ponies and excitement in the air, so much she could smell it. It was good. I may be flying against a great flyer in front of so many others but… Dash spread her thick wings. As far as they could go and stretched them with a loud pop and spread her legs. Raising both her wings to the air. Nothing will stop her from showing them all just who it was that was going to be racing and flying true for them all for the first time. No holding back. She expected the same from Soul with all that passion in the filly’s eyes for this.

Dash was so glad it worked out in the end. Soul had proven her wrong. She really did change. Yesterday was not in vain. Now that Soul knows my darkest secrets and I know hers. Didn’t stop Rainbow at all, while she looked off to one of the far-off clouds so behind all the others. Back where none of the other young flyers were around to watch her. But some ponies were there to watch. Sitting together on their cloud, with wings blanketing one another, Nimbus and Starry. They get to see us do this, and neither of them ever looked so proud before. Their eyes met and Nimbus waved to Dash. Like it was some way to convey what she wanted to say, and Dash felt it. She thanked her.

It was only the right thing to do. Dash was so happy that her efforts paid off, that Nimbus had convinced Soul to do this. She would never know how. She didn’t want to know. For Soul was out here with Dash doing something so incredible. Soul will do it for them. She was their student and, even if Soul did not see it as so, Dash still could tell she was their daughter. Make your parents proud, Soul. Dash’s eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat only with how much joy she felt. And I’ll… do the same.

For the ponies out there.

6.12
She saw her mom… and her dad, both pegasi out there. Settling down next to Soul’s parents. What are they doing here? Dash watched them. Hugging with Soul’s parents, more than happy to welcome both of them. All here to watch their little fillies. I… I don’t know what to say. Dash was… she was so happy to see her parents here. She didn’t care how this came to be, they were here… to watch her, their little filly show all just how great she was.

Mom, her coat as blue as Dash’s, with a heart so pure and all her determination to guide Dash. All the techniques she showed Dash, all the years spent drilling it into her head. Yet I never got to show them to others. Mom will be here to see her little girl show off all the teachings they spent nights and nights training together for. I won’t let you down.

Dad, with his short rainbow mane and violet coat, and all the love she could ever want, so glad he could be here to cheer her on. To let her know she was a winner and never let her feel like she failed. You’re always there for me. Both of you were, and I let you both down by hiding. No more.

Dash grinned. Meeting their eyes all the way across the sky between them both. I won’t hide just how awesome I can be anymore, because that’s not who I am. You both spent so long trying to get me to feel better about myself, all I needed was one more kick. Guess I owe you one, Soul. That was a pony who proved she was stronger than what she thought herself to be. Rainbow truly did learn something from her. For that, she will gladly fly. Not for herself. Not this time. Dash had another purpose now.

6.13
“That’s my girl, Dash!” Rainbow shuddered. It was her father’s booming voice… like… just like when he cheered during training. “You can do it! Take no prisoners! Rainbow! Rainbow!” Wooting for her and flailing his hooves around over there like a madpony, certainly getting all the other ponies to stare over at him. Him being the only pony cheering for her. In his… unique way.

Oh Celestia. Dash pulled her mane down over her face, chuckling over what he said. Could he maybe do it a little quieter here? We’re not exactly alone at home now. Much more how all the other ponies seemed to take a lot of amusement out of it, including Soul’s parents giggling over there. A bit too much attention for me. Dash shook it off. Whatever, I’ll still do this. She was getting what she signed up for by agreeing to this. All the attention was on her. Not running scared from it this time. Not when she had something more important to do for it.

“Those your parents?” she heard Spitfire ask across from her. The fiery maned filly giving her… a compassionate smile? Funny how she looked that way. Dash would not deny it. “Yup” what, did she have something to say about it? “And I don’t care what you think. Ponies like them are the reason why I can do this stuff in the first place.”

I’ll be sure to make them both proud. When she would return to them, she wanted the biggest hug they could give. Even better when she won. Maybe later… she hoped mom would kiss her forehead. Let her see just how happy she was that Dash could finally do this. She would not care what the competition thought about it.

“I can tell they see something special in you” Spitfire said. “I should know, my parents do the same for me. Maybe you can show me if you have what it takes to prove them right.” Dash glanced at her. Curious over her. Spitfire gave her a warm smile. Nodding to her. “I won’t hold back against you, Dash. You better not hold back against me either.”

Dash gulped. She almost let her mouth hang loose from that. Spitfire walked ahead, taking up a position at the start line. Walking, she winked to Dash and looked away. There to wonder why it was she felt so much courage in the eyes of that filly in what it was she had to say to Dash. Almost like… I won’t hold back. Dash would assure her of this. Determined to keep her promise and be a strong pony alongside Soul. This will be a serious race. Even if Spitfire is skilled, she would be better. She will make it so. Dash flexed her wings as strong as she could. No reason to keep them waiting any longer. She stepped up too. Standing next to Spitfire at the start line. Taking one very deep breath.

6.14
One of the fillies came in, Cloudchaser was it, flying over both of them. She was the one holding two bright red flags in her hooves. Offering them both to the fillies. “Alright, you two. You get to use the advanced course for your race” she pointed a hoof over to the scene before them all. Where the clouds churned and roiled around in such vast clusters that rose high and steady to the tops of the sky. Spinning about and circling one another, yet there was a meaning to it. All the clouds and obstacles formed a path, one which Dash had observed. One that Spitfire must have too with how confident she looked. Where the other groups would use this for speed and agility training, now they got to use it.

“Just follow the pathways and don’t run into anything. Carry your flag the whole way, if you lose it then your team is out. Both your teammates will be at the top of the course where you will give your flags over to them. They take it from there.”

Somewhere, high above all these clouds, Soul was waiting for Dash. She had to be the one to get there. Soul relied on her. Just as she wanted. I was the one always relying on her. Time to repay the favors. That was what Dash vowed. She will be there for Soul. She won’t fail. Nothing intense or scary would stop it. All she had to do was fly through the clouds and do it faster than Spitfire. Get to the top. I swear, I’ll do all I can to reach you first, Soul. Spitfire will eat my dust.

“Racers!” Cloudchaser yelled out. “Take your marks.”

Dash and Spitfire stepped up. Stamping their hooves down into the cloud. Neck and neck. They both peered out over the edge and on into the open sky ahead. Far to where the clouds rumbled. Welcoming them both into their embrace. Their goal. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m actually going to race. A flag was presented to her. Looking upon it in Cloudchaser’s hoof. The thing I need to bring to Soul. What she’s relying on me for. This… and to see me. See me of all ponies be the one to help her. I really am honored. Honored to take this. Dash took it into her mouth. Clenching her teeth around the pole. Leaving the flag to flow along the side of her face. Spitfire did the same with her own flag.

“Get set!”

Dash didn’t hesitate. Taking a deep breath. She pointed her tail up, spreading her wings as far as could go. Keeping her chin low to the cloud. Legs all ready to push her forward and let her wings do the rest. Out into the clouds beyond. Down the path she spotted. I really am doing this. Under all the cheering and excited ponies around her. So many here to witness this. Just now realizing how much this meant. This will be the day when all of Cloudsdale will see just how good she was. All the effort she put in. Years and years. I’m not some average Pegasus. I don’t want any to think I am again. Even if I’m treated badly, even if I am made fun of, I’ll never regret this decision. Since there will be ponies out there who support me. Thank you… so much. Soul Serenity. Dash let out her breath.

“Go!”

Soul’s ears perked up. She did not open her eyes. Up there on top of the clouds. She heard it and it made her smile. The thunderous roar billowing across the sky sent out by the wings she recognized.

6.15
Rainbow shot in at the closest clouds.

No words on how it felt. This feeling on going this fast. In front of everypony else. The ringing in her ears. Shaking and roaring from the many bursts of wind sounding out all around her. She felt her body shake. She saw the entire world around her shake. Rumbling in such violence that only speeds like these could cause.

Check it out, everypony. This is how fast I can go.

Rainbow shot after the fiery tail zipping away into the clouds. It disappeared into it all, leaving that rainbow maned pony behind. Behind, yes. Dash grinned. Flying in right after her. Not too far at all. Just as… her wings struck the wind.

Another crack sounded out from her and Dash soared up into the spiraling chasm within the clouds. Her wings screaming loud. Louder when she had to snap herself up to shoot up into the clouds. Following right behind Spitfire. The pony ahead went into the clouds, turning herself a hard right and onwards towards the pathway that Dash caught in time.

Deep inside the clouds, it was hard to see. Dark and dreary with endless streams of clouds walling around them like a tunnel. So many clouds everywhere. Dash didn’t even blink. This place was a challenge, a real challenge to navigate. It didn’t deter her. All of this darkness lighting up. She rumbled on in a blast of light. Taking the first turn around walls of clouds right in her path and following where Spitfire went. She was already going pretty fast.

Dash looked over her shoulder for just a moment, only to see her wings nothing more than a blur of motion lit up by… that beautiful rainbow trail streaking the sky from her tail whipping in the wind. Ploughing through the chasms in the clouds. Like a lightning bolt of rainbow shooting through it. Oh yes, this is more of what she was talking about. The exertion and strain on her wings. The thrill running through her body. What she was used to. She loved flying this way with her mom. To do it here, it felt no different. She turned her head.

6.16
Oh shit! Dash spun herself about, going up and over the cloud she almost ran into. Feeling the vibrations left behind from her speed pulsing off that cloud. Hearing it fall to pieces behind her.

She groaned to herself. Keep your eyes ahead of you. Never lose focus. This place was no ordinary racecourse. So many clouds all arranged everywhere. Piles of them. Stacked and spinning about. Going in to join with the walls of the massive thunderhead they flew through and even more coming out to take their places. A course inside of a cloud. Soul better thank me later, this was a race of agility in here. Dash had that proven to her when she had to make the split-second dodges to avoid so many sets of clouds all set out in the path ahead of her. Up and down. Around. Never losing sight of the pony ahead of her.

Spitfire went through the same thing she went through. Dodging them all so perfectly. Her wings so precise in their turns and pacing, streaking the air behind her in a blaze of yellow light. Like her own fur color was coming off her. Yet she never lost track of the dodges she needed to do. Going right under one cloud and she came up to go head first up into the sky, up the path that led above. Leaving that cloud to spin about in front of Dash from her speed. Headlong into Dash. No time!

Dash reached out her hooves. Touching them down against the breadth of the cloud, spinning it around with her, never letting her wings falter in their pacing. Keep them up. Don’t let go of it. She had to maintain this speed. Manipulate the motion of the cloud. Just like the wind. It was no different, that is what her mom had shown her.

Her hooves clutched to it. Spinning her around and over before she kicked her hooves against it and blasted off from the perch she had. Flying straight up into the clouds after Spitfire. Another cloud in her way and then more. All such a daring challenge to go around at her speed. Really, no amateur pegasi here could pull this off. This really was meant for advanced flyers. How did we even get a hold of this for our race?

Dash blew her mane out from her face. Why did I get the hard part?

6.17
She banked herself around the next turn.

Spitfire was getting away. That Pegasus had an easy time controlling her speed for every turn. Going around the clouds and onwards into the next series of cloudy shafts they had to fly through like it was nothing. Dash wondered if it really was as easy as she was making it. It felt exhilarating to do this, and intense. Worrying. But Dash pulled it off. Taking everything her mom taught her. Like this.

A bunch of clouds ahead. I’m not losing any speed over it. Dash shot right at them. Hellbent on drilling her way right through them all. No point in dodging over them. That’s what any other pony would think seeing her fly so recklessly at them all. Until she shifted her wings. Angling her body to the left. Putting all her weight to the side.

She spiraled around the first cloud. Upside down over it, she turned herself around it’s top. Going back down and spiraling around the next clouds.

The chasm ahead of her spun and spun as she did her spiral. Never stopping to keep kicking her wings behind her. Only using her legs to change her turning. Finally able to clear it all and fly off down the wide and open break in the clouds where the Sun shone in bright through the darkness around them.

Rainbow kicked herself into gear. Another big burst from her wings and she could hear the screech of wind sounding inside her ears. Wailing and piercing. She ignored it. Something she was used to. The honest truth, she loved this. The wind smacking against her face and going through her feathers. Coursing over her body with such a chilling and welcoming touch. Openly letting her fly through it once more. As a free Pegasus. No more pretending. No more tricks or hiding. Dash smiled. Eyeing the next tunnel into the thunderhead up ahead. Seeing she had little time left to enjoy this break in the course. Even if Spitfire was ahead, it won’t last for long. I won’t fail. She is fast and nimble, but she’s not doing this for the same reason I am. Besides, I’m fast too.

6.18
Rainbow pushed herself to get closer to the pony ahead of her. Before they had to get back into the obstacle course again. Many kicks into the pacing of her wings. The wind was laxed here, I can get a bit closer. The tunnel went straight and… a quick turn back upwards. Damn it. Dash gave herself one final push forward and then curved her wings out right when she entered the cloud once more. In time for her to be able to spin around and go up into the upwards path.

She blinked. There was Spitfire! Right on her tail. “You’re pretty fast!” the filly called back to her. “When did you get so good?” “I always have been!”

Spitfire dodged around one of the clouds in the pathway, leaving it for Dash to spiral over. Back onto Spitfire’s tail. Dash weaved left. Spitfire did the same. Rainbow growled. Reaching forward and pushing her wings even harder.

You’re not gonna get away from me. I’ll pass you. Hoof to hoof. Dash came in closer. For so long, I trained to go fast. To overcome any obstacle. Today will be no different. I’ll make my mom proud. Spitfire spiraled up, leaving the cloud she dodged there for Dash. What!?

Dash had to screech to a halt and spin herself downwards just in time to go under it. Shaking her head and seeing Spitfire shoot off ahead of her. She did the spiral! Oh no she doesn’t. Dash spun about and shot off after her. Leaving behind one last blast of thunder sounding off from her jolt of rainbow light that lit up the thunderhead. Then Spitfire made her sharp turn and disappeared into the next sets of clouds. Leaving Dash behind.

I’m not giving up. Rainbow pushed herself to the limit. Feeling her wings begin to shake. They didn’t stop. I’m used to this pressure. Hours spent each night with commands barked to her and no time to rest. Pushing herself to be better. This was no different. Sweat still went down her forehead and flew off into the wind. Her lips flapping from the oncoming wind striking her.

6.19
Another set of clouds going upwards, she flew up into them. Flying right through the first one with such fury that it fell apart from her impact. Doing nothing to slow her down. But… her forehead stung from it. Not believing it when she saw the other filly so far ahead, spiraling around the clouds in her way and then shooting off without pause in her speed. Rainbow Dash replicated it. But her heart began to plummet.

She’s so fast and her coordination is spot on. I don’t fly courses like this. Only relying on all the agility training she had with her mom to pull this off. But this was a bit more than normal. Careening down a narrow corridor in the cloud with so many clouds in her path. Another filly surpassing them like it was nothing. She did all she could to pass them all. Every cloud dodged. She never let up on her speed. Happy she was doing it, but Spitfire was doing the same and kept well ahead of her. Until… Dash saw the next beaming rays of sunlight coming down on her and she flew out into the open plane where no clouds were.

Spitfire turned herself up and flew high into the sky. There were no pathways out here. This was a pathway. One to their rise upwards where the clouds roiled furiously overhead. Dark and shady. So few rays of Sun shining through them. Another big obstacle on their path to the ones who waited for them at the top of the cloud. Rainbow was just scared that she will be so late to meet with the one who waited for her.

6.20
No! I can’t do that. I need to get to her before Spitfire gets there. I made a promise to help her, and a promise to myself. To show all I am not some second-rate flyer. No more hiding. Never again let the teasing get to her. She was the best!

Dash flapped harder. I got to catch up now while I can. Spitfire may be more agile but Dash was faster. Just like when Soul flew for her long ago, out here in the open skies, there were no limits. Nothing to stop her. “I’m coming for you!”

Dash zipped off. Turning her wings sideways and kicking her legs behind her. Smaller flaps and then two big ones and she went faster than before. The Pegasus zooming fast up into the sky. Keeping sights square on the fiery tail flipping in the wind ahead of her. Ignoring her own mane getting in her face.

Pretend like it’s when she had to catch her mom. That mare was so quick and agile and Dash never gave up on trying to grab hold of her. Don’t think about how fast your opponent is. Concentrate on you. Dash squinted. Barreling in. With the entrance to the clouds right in sight. Another deep tunnel of spiraling clouds and threatening paths. Not this time, this time will be different. Dash tilted herself. Just in time, in time for Spitfire to pass under her. Behind her, and Dash flew past her. Leaving her to eat her rainbow trail. Lost back there in the roaring echo of her flight.

Dash smiled wider. I passed her! I knew I was fast. You may be fast, Spitfire, but you’re not nearly as fast as my mom. Which is why… Dash had been able to catch her tail and get that congratulatory kiss to her forehead. “See you, slowpoke!”

6.21
Dash flew right into the next entrance to the tunnels within the cloud. Now I have the lead. I got speed at my back. Dash spiraled around all the clouds in her path. Dodging. Bobbing and weaving, not letting any of them stop her. Just little bumps in her path. Even going right through some of them. Not caring if it hurt. She had to do this. She had to maintain her lead.

Spitfire was more agile than her. She could not let her get in front of her again. Not when she could tell they were getting so high into the clouds. No telling how much further they had left to go. Lots of clouds easy to dodge, more than others. Even if she clipped her wing against them. Shakily flew true through it all. She refused to let up on her speed, kept that flag right in her mouth. Wind blasting in from the sides and chilling her fur. Striking her rear and sending her flying faster. Almost missed the dodge she needed to do for a large set of clouds. Going through those dark storm clouds really would have hurt. More than what she needed now.

Her wings were starting to ache. Flying so fast and this much at such a straight angle into the sky. She kept flying upwards, never stopping on her dodges. Keep her lead. She could feel Spitfire was back there. So close. She couldn’t tell how close. Not wanting to keep her eyes off what she needed to focus on. She squinted harder.

The path was right in front of her but it was getting harder and harder. Predicting how many clouds were coming and adjusting herself appropriately. To where it really began to hurt. She had to keep up her dodges, no more running into them. But Soul was counting on her to get there and she sensed that presence behind her. I gotta stay ahead, come on wings. They kicked at the air harder.

All my life, I was made fun of for not being good enough. I was mocked and told I will not be good enough for anything. Not even having any ponies there to rely on me. For me to rely on. That I really would end up being the shame of my family. A Pegasus with her dream and never being able to reach it. I never wanted to give up even when it felt like I should. Where it would be easier to hide away and not have to deal with others. I came so close to doing that. To think, just yesterday, I wanted to give up all because of what was told to me. But the same pony who told me those things gave me the strength to do this. I won’t give up again. I just won’t.

6.22
Dash gasped. Screeching her wings forward and kicking at the air to stop. Oh shit, no! She missed it. Right there, she passed by it. The path she had to take and… there went Spitfire.

A flash of fire left behind. As Dash plummeted right into the wall. A ringing pain going off inside of her. Her face slammed right into it. I wasn’t… paying attention. Dash fell off from the wall. Holding her muzzle and doing all it took to hold in her tears. No. This isn’t the time to cry. Shaking her head to get rid of the pain, she had to keep going. But I never thought it would be so hard. Why did I have to go up against a pony so much better than me at this?

She moaned to herself. Going back down and then she flew off as fast as she could back down into the path she needed to take, where Spitfire was well ahead now. We’re so high up now. I can feel it. And I’m so behind. I’m gonna give Soul a late start, she’s gonna fail because of me. I told her she can rely on me and here I am being an idiot. Mom, you always told me I was an amazing flyer who had so much potential. Why do I always feel like I mess up more than I succeed? Right now, Dash felt defeated.

A far better flyer ahead of her and not much left to this race. She was so behind. So inadequate. When she thought her speed was all she needed, no… it wasn’t. Dash was ashamed of herself. I like to tell myself that I am a good flyer. That mom is right, but times like this always hit me right back in the face. Especially when I always mess up during training.

6.23
Maybe it’s true. Soul can’t rely on me. We can fly together but what is the point if I can’t be the pony she can call her true flight buddy? She wants me to look out for her. Now Dash couldn’t help but see that she had failed again. Not able to pay attention and never able to perform the way she was expected. Now, all the ponies will be here to see her fail. Mom and dad would get to see her be humiliated. No! I don’t want that. I don’t want to let them all down.

Soul was out there, and she would prove to not be a good enough flyer and buddy to her. She’ll yell at me again. She’ll keep being bullied and take it out on me. Because I let her down. Dash didn’t want that again. No more ponies yelling at her. Please. I don’t know why it is I always fail.

Dash went around the next series of clouds. Trying her best to speed up, seeing that she was faltering. Her speed failing with every dodge she made, and Spitfire went even further ahead. Disappearing into the deep and dark cloudy chasm ahead. On her way up the path to the top. I have speed… but it’s not enough. I am faster than her, but it’s not enough.

How? How am I supposed to pull this off when it’s just like every other attempt I make to be better? Dash sighed. Mom always keeps training me. She never lets up on making me better. Even when I fall, she’s right there to hug me and comfort me when I cry in her chest. She’s harsh to me and yells so much to help me be better. But is always there to give Dash her goodnight kiss every night. Tell her how proud she was. Sweet dreams, my little Wonderbolt. Her voice echoing in her head.

She wants me to fulfill my dream. She will never let me give up on it. She will never let me go back to giving up on myself. Because she is the pony I can rely on. Finally, Dash… she had another pony out there… who relied on her. I cannot give up on her just like mom never gave up on me.

Dash glared to the pathway ahead of her. I may not be agile, but I have my flight buddy with me. Even if we are separate, I still know you are there with me. I am there with you too. We may as well... be flying with one another. For you to whisper the words I need to hear right into my ear. That you are there for me. Yes, Soul was. Dash closed her eyes. No more pity. No more sadness. Sitting there by herself not wanting to be with others and not wanting to be there for them. No more. Not when there was another who proved to her just what it meant to be strong and to be free from her past. From now on… it was just her and the sky. Her with her best buddy, flying together in it. I rely on you and you rely on me. You can rely on me, like I said. Dash would do all it took to fly for that pony. A calm and gentle sky for them both. For any pony who needed her. She would fly for them all. To join her in that big and open sky to fly freely together. Up into this sky. She would never give up on being there for others. Because they are so proud of me, and I will be faithful to them all. Is there no better reason…

To love flying than to be there for others?

It feels… so soothing.

6.24
As if there was electricity going along her. Making her want to jump, and then that calming touch to her body once more.

Soft and gentle hooves massaging her. Touching her wings though they did not hurt. Running along her hooves though they did not tickle. Any sense of it being as gentle as she would ever like to feel. Echoing and bouncing all over her in an endless dance of a soothing and loving caress. Such was what she would hope for from a touch by the sky.

For this one moment. Unlike any other, she could say that she really was a part of this big and open sky that Soul had fought so hard to bring to her. Without terror or sadness. No anger to be heard in her voice. Only the gentle melody of the wind whispering in her ears. Going all over her and letting her join with it.

Dash opened her eyes. Like the entire world stood still. All she could ever hope to see and hear around her, a part of her. Standing still for her to know. The endless cyclone of the air rippling and distorting around her. So beautiful. It’s blues and whites. Coursing all around her and reaching on to infinity ahead of her. Shaping around and it became her very own sky. Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened.

I can feel it. I can see it.

Soul and I were always meant to fly together in a sky like this. With nothing there that can hope to stand before them. Anything that would try would fail. Because the sky was their ally, and at this moment, it was her own personal friend. Speaking in her ear and telling her all will be okay. She believed it. Everything it let her feel. The shaking echoes and tingling sensations all around her. She welcomed them all.

We all fly together like this. All pegasi flew like this. Amidst the air with only their wings there to guide them. But there were those who could surpass that to where the air itself was the guide. Just like the Wonderbolts. The pegasi of legend. Though Dash was sure none of them could ever feel it being like this. Guiding her through the sky. She now was the sky, and everything it held was hers to see. This… this is the sky you tried to show me, Soul. The one we both worked to achieve. I can feel it. Because of it… we can win. Dash grinned. Nothing can evade my eye, as the sky ripped apart ahead of her and fell in on her. Her body shook.

This is how a master flies.

6.25
Dash beckoned her wings forward. A hard reel and they shot her off. There was nothing that could stop her. Nothing out here that will keep her back. Anything to fulfill her duty to the ponies who needed her. She will fly as fast as she could with the confidence she now had. There with nothing to possibly keep her in fear. Keep her in doubt.

The sky was her lesser now.

Rainbow barreled through the tunnel in the clouds. Her skin crawled. Wow, that was making the entire cloud shake with how fast she was going. Feeling it all behind her. Shaking and tearing down from the force of her speed. I can feel it all. I see it all! Nothing to keep her back. Dash’s eyes darted. Drawn with every tingle along her spine. Rippling along her wings. I feel so free!

Dash spun under the clouds ahead. Going under the first and up and down. She dealt with them like they were nothing. Zipping around them and all the power in her flight smearing the dark clouds behind her. Wiping them out.

Spitfire turned off into the next set of tunnels. I got her. Dash’s ears perked up. Just ahead and then… she spiraled around a pair of clouds and turned off just in time to make the turn. Going right after where the other filly had disappeared in to. Getting that fiery tail in her sights again. Right when it shot up into the next break in the clouds. Dash did the same. Keeping right on her.

A quick kick of her hind legs against the air with a flash of her wings to stop her, and then another jolt of power from them to send her flying right into the next opening. Dodging the clouds right in her way. Every turn she made, every maneuver, Dash saw that she was not losing her speed at all. Like she could see through the entire path. With every flap her wings made, another cloud she could see hiding behind the next. Then the next. She just zigzagged around them all. Floating up and spiraling to keep her belly close to the top of the cloudy tunnel and her mane left to whip down to the clouds below. Flying right over them all, clearing and then leveling out. In time to dodge the next set.

6.26
But none of this kept her from seeing the pony she sought to catch. The promise she sought to make true on. Dash gritted her teeth around the flag pole. I got this for you, Soul.

None of the many twists and turns she had to make mattered anymore. Her eyes caught them all. A lovely sensation running all along her. Pulsing off, her eyes met where she sensed it all. Her ears heard all the breaks in the wind she needed… just to know where the clouds were. Where everything was. Even… Soul!

She was up ahead. Dash was getting close, and so was Spitfire. With Dash getting closer to her. Catching the yellow filly glancing back. Dash heard her gasp inside the howling maelstrom of wind rippling around her. That’s right. I’m coming. You may be fast. You may be nimble. But I’m Rainbow Dash. The daughter of Windy and the next greatest Wonderbolt.

You’re up against everything I’ve been taught just to reach that goal. That goal… which did not matter here.

Dash smiled. She was doing this for a better reason. Something she missed for so long and never thought she would have again. It took so much to realize it again. To feel she was close to it once more. As close as Dash’s hooves were to the filly ahead of her. Closing and closing. The gap was disappearing. Every dodge and weave that Spitfire made, Dash did the same. Before Spitfire even did it. I see the clouds ahead of us. I know what I need to do, where I need to go. Nothing was here to evade Dash’s senses. Much like the joy she felt. The electricity coursing across her wings and back. The break in the air popping so loud that it made her shake. All of this was for that thing she found new reason in.

For friendship.

Spitfire spiraled under the next cloud, right as she shot up and into the path above them. Rainbow took a breath. Her wings rotated, as did her entire body. Dash spun sideways, rotating her legs up to leave her back to skim the top of the cloud she dodged. Clearing over it. Nopony can beat me. None will stand in my way. Inside this quiet and soothing place. This wonderful sky. Where all her years of training were all she needed, or so she thought. Turned out… she needed something more. The friendship she needed to pull this off.

6.27
Dash pulled herself back. The cloud she dodged over still there, there for her hind legs to come down on to. Her hooves planted themselves on it. Seeing it all fall apart under her. The force of her wings striking hard against the cloud. Her flooring. Falling to pieces.

She stood proud on it, craning her neck high up into the opening above her.

I was going so fast. So very fast. Dash could sense it coming in.

She let her breath out, holding her wings out to catch it. The wind struck against her back. Howling deep and loud through the tunnel. Hitting her back, making her tail flail, and it all went up along her curved wings. Pushing them up. The boost she needed.

The air thundered loud when she flapped them once more. Spitfire filled her eyes. That flipping, yellow tail being the last she saw of the filly when Spitfire dodged around the next set of clouds and up into the bright sky above. The sky that came crashing down on Dash. She rotated once more and barrel rolled around that last cloud, feeling the filly next to her. Didn’t need to see her. As both of them dodged the same cloud, one left of it, one right of it. It’s black mass between them. The final obstacle in this tunnel in the clouds. Rainbow cheered when she flew out ahead of it all. “Yeah!” “No!” she heard a cry behind her. Too late. Left behind in the rippling howl of her rainbow trail.

Soul I’m coming for you!

6.28
Up here where the wind was at its harshest. Where the cloud rumbled and shook beneath her. High above the camp. Soul only felt calm. Down below, Rainbow soared. Down below, her time was coming. She did not need to see. Did not need to pay attention to anything else. She smiled so deeply. Her ears perked and listened. Rainbow, you did it. You pulled it off. The joy that the filly must be feeling. Soul could only imagine. Did it feel good? Was it nice to be one with the sky? It felt so good when I pulled it off even for a moment, and now you’ve done it. Flawless. That must be what Nimbus wanted from me. You know what’s funny? I’m not at all upset. I can’t stop smiling. Up here, with her neck craned high to the sky above and her sealed eyes giving her relief from the warming Sun. Where the wind came in and blew across her. Sending her long and flowing mane to sail across the side of her face. She felt only passion for what it was the two of them achieved here. Rainbow Dash, you are an amazing flyer. You have to be. I never doubted you after you showed me. Dash was truthful in all she had said. She was that flyer Soul wanted with her. Forget skill or passion. Dash had something more. She had love for the thing the two of them wanted. Maybe now, she loves it more than me. But that’s okay, I’m not jealous at all. I’m so happy for her. Because now, now comes my time to join her in that sky. Together, forever. She is the pony for me. She is my flight buddy.

6.29
Soul opened her eyes. Standing up on all fours. Atop the great thunderhead, where the dark clouds her hooves stood atop shook so violently. She was not afraid. Not regretting her decision. For she never felt so confident before. Finding that Dash could do this, she could do the same. It was what let her spread her massive wings once more. Raising them up to the sky. Curling over her head and the tips touching together when the wind soared through her feathers.

She finally let out her deep breath. Another sigh went off. Aurora stood up across from her. Just a wingspan apart from one another. The colt raised his own wings. Thick and muscular. As beautiful as his mane. As confident as she was. Finally speaking the first words he said to her up here, while he glanced to her.

“I’m not going to hold back, don’t hold back on me.” What was that in his voice? Soul paused. Where every word he ever spoke made her cringe and angry. She was peaceful now. Was it how strong his voice was in asking this of her? No arrogance or cruelty in his voice. Just a request unto her. To do the same thing asked of Rainbow Dash. His eyes looked away from her. She didn’t bother to look at him. Standing side by side with him, here atop the clouds. The wind blew and strummed through their manes. Soul lowered her wings slightly. Running her hoof across her mane to hold against the wind. Both ponies left to stare out into the great and vast beyond. The big sky where the Sun shone bright down upon the great city of Cloudsdale out there. Home of so many pegasi who didn’t know this was happening right now. None of them needed to. Soul had what she wanted.

6.30
She could not stop herself from being happy. She truly did help Rainbow. Would she be this confident now if yesterday had not happened? Would I? She didn’t think so. From day one, she could tell this was meant to happen. For it astonished her what could happen from such a chance encounter. How strong they both got. To be able to walk away from all the pain of the past and go forward to become something new. A dreary past. A bright future, like the sunny sky.

Dash got to prove to all she was no joke. She was something special. Soul will do the same. Here, with Nimbus and Starry there to watch her. Watch her become a big girl once and for all. Who can leave behind her troubles. I’m not that foal anymore begging for a pony to help me. I have the ponies there to help me and I’m there for them. They all get to see what it is I can do.

“I won’t hold back. You can count on it.” Soul flapped her wings in place. She wasn’t sure, but under that fierce look the colt had, she could swear she caught a small smile. Far below all of this was the finish line she had to cross first. Rejoin with the rest of the ponies. Let them all see her be the one to cross first. Surpass this challenge. Out there in the windy sky with so many clouds floating about and such a harsh breeze striking her. We couldn’t have chosen a better day to fly. Harsher weather… Soul bent her legs… meant more intense flying. She raised her butt to the sky. Joining with Aurora to prep together. Holding their wings out and ears perked. Soul rotated her ear. She had so much reason to be happy. To be amazed at the pony she could rely on.

Thank you so much, Dash.

6.31
The air broke behind them. One burst of thunderous air and then another right behind it. Soul felt the wings she recognized. That was it! Soul leapt into the sky. Curling herself up and over, turning and finding the rainbow maned filly across from her with the flag in her mouth. Shooting up from the clouds below. It took all of Rainbow’s strength to halt herself just short of running into Soul. Leaving the magenta filly with what she needed to do. Wasting no time as Spitfire shot out right behind her.

“Here!” Dash spat the flag out and tossed it to Soul. Accepting it in her teeth. Reeling her head back and then… her wings curled and rose high in the air. Whipping her tail back to the one who she left behind. “Win this thing!” Dash yelled. She caught Spitfire just as she flew in to Aurora with her flag. “I got it!” Soul flapped her wings.

She flew off.

6.32
Dash watched her flight buddy soar off. Turning her head when the wind smacked hard against her and… shivers went down her from the smack of a thunderclap roaring out when the magenta filly shot off. Sweet Celestia!

Soul disappeared into the sky… then another crack of thunder. Aurora flew off after her. Both ponies spiraling down into the sky below. Out of sight in an instant. Dash exhaled hard. Settling down on the top of the cloud. Just falling on to her back. She couldn’t do this anymore. Not with her wings aching and all the sweat falling from her. I… did it. Wow, they’re both fast. Guess I did it, huh Soul? Dash had pulled it off. Please win. I know you can.

Dash looked over to the filly who settled down next to her. Panting hard. No better than Dash was. Dash could laugh. But she didn’t. Spitfire really was quite a challenge. Their time was done, now it was up to their flight buddies. Prove me right, Soul. “I totally beat you, by the way” Dash said. Spitfire shot her a look. “Shut it.”

Next Chapter: Part 1 Illusion - Act 7 Estimated time remaining: 46 Hours, 11 Minutes