8.1
Yes!

It was a beautiful day after all. Surprisingly not too cold right now. A small chill getting through her fur, yet Soul was still happy with the weather she had to work with today. Cloudy skies with the Sun barely seeping through. Not bad enough to cancel today, she was worried it would be. At least she didn’t pack in vain, carrying her twin saddlebags atop her back. Spreading her wings out over them. It had been nice to have the entire week off to enjoy this weather, freed of camp activities. Now that the weekend came around, this meant that the adults would be able to come along. Because she had a surprise for Dash and, unfortunately, they needed somepony there with them. Though Soul did not expect this to be how it turned out.

“Alright, I’m leaving!” she called back through the doorway. “I’ll be home later.” “Have fun, champ! Say hello to everypony for us” Nimbus said, stepping out from behind the kitchen and waving her goodbye. “I will” Soul said. “And stay safe! Listen to what you’re told.” “I know!”

Soul rolled her eyes. We’ve been planning this for a while. Soul knew what to do. But Dashie sure wouldn’t know. Soul hoped she would have fun today. It was a little sad that Nimbus and Starry couldn’t come. Didn’t stop this from happening. Soul shut the door behind her, looking back out to the sky and taking a deep breath of the chilly morning air. Alright, she had her lunch and her towel. Some bits. Good to go.

8.2
Soul had the whole way memorized by now with how many times she got to come and get Dash for fun times and even getting to fly her home. Taking to the air and leaving her house behind, off to go to another house. Soaring high over the clusters of beautiful cloud homes far below with their lush gardens of thundering streams and cloudy décor. Spread far and wide. Where all the pegasi left them to fly off into the sky for another wonderful day.

Today was a special day so lots of these pegasi had to go about with their job to bring about that day. Not Soul though, but this was a special day for her too. More than what it was going to be to any other Pegasus. Another wonderful day she would get to spend with Dash, all the while they would get to enjoy the times that were coming.

All around Soul got to see all the pegasi flying with her in these skies. Carrying on in their duty, as this was once a year when this would happen. When all those factories in the distance went crazy during this time. Left off with all the pegasi flying overhead, ropes or clamps. Even hooves used to move clouds all along the sky. Across Cloudsdale and out into the open world beyond.

Soon enough, all of Equestria would be blanketed in snow for this winter season. Far more clouds than normal to make and far more ponies needed, especially on this day. She heard it from Dash’s dad, a major snowfall was due for this part of Equestria. But that didn’t mean Soul and Dash couldn’t have fun. Weather be damned. They were tough fillies and a little snow wouldn’t slow them down, they did endure worse together. Better than lightning striking down at her.

The excitement for today made the flight go quickly. That or it was because Dash literally did live just a few streets down through the rows of homes just outside of where Soul lived.

8.3
As beautiful as always, Soul landed down. Settling her wings and her hooves touched upon the soft clouds surrounding the house. Between two lovely homes where an even lovelier one stood before her. With its long and flowing rainbows cycling along the clouds that surrounded the house to light up its tall, blue walls and glimmer in the windows set under the shade of the cloudy outcroppings of the roof.

A humble house with nothing extraordinary about it. Soul didn’t care. It was an awesome home for the pony she was here for to live in. Scurrying off down the walkways upon the clouds and up to the door, lit up before her under the swathe of rainbow décor shining bright above the doorway. Hopeful that they were ready to go. She was too impatient to have to wait after having such a hard time falling asleep in excitement of today.

She banged on the door. Sitting down. Eagerly shifting side to side. I hope they managed to make this all work out. It would be such a bummer for it to not. Soul looked forward to this little trip for weeks now. Still, she looked back to where she had flown in from, she really wished that Nimbus and Starry could come. Nimbus too busy finalizing paperwork for the camp today while Starry had to work on the house.

The door creaked open. Bringing Soul’s head whipping back around. Brightening her smile when Dash came out through the doorway, just as happy to see her. That was a good sign. We get to hang out, looks like. So much training lately, they both needed this. “Morning, Dashie!” Soul happily said. “What took you! I was waiting so long” Dash shrieked out with giddy hooves excitedly bouncing up and down. “Were you? Or did you just wake up fifteen minutes ago again?” Soul asked. “Twenty…” Dash said proudly. Both of them laughed. “Good morning, Soul” Dash said. Exposing her side to Soul, where she had her own saddlebag slouched along her side. Raring to go.

8.4
Dash looked past her. “Where’s our instructors at?” “They’re busy” Soul sighed. “Lots of work to get done but they still are fine with me going with you all.” “About that…” Dash said. “Dad has to help with the weather today but…”

“Girls!” Windy shrieked when the mare slid into the doorway. Just the biggest smile on her face and even her wings fluttered at her sides. “I’m ready!” Windy stepped down and Soul had to brace when she gave her another one of those noogies she really was not able to get used to. Always messed up her mane.

“Oh Soul, thank you so much for this. I need some time out of the house and anything for my little Dashie to have some fun times with her best buddy.” “Mom!” Dash moaned behind her. Stepping in front and she rolled her eyes. Still, as she passed, Soul caught the filly smile. Oh she’s glad Windy is coming. The mare stepping out in her freshly worn orange sweater shining as bright as her mane. “So I’ll be joining you two, that okay?” she asked Soul. “Yeah!” Soul had no problem with it.

“Good, …because you two aren’t going out there alone” the mare shut the door behind her. Ready to leave with the two of them. “Your parents aren’t coming along?” she asked. She doesn’t need to keep calling them that, Soul settled that a long time ago. “No, they had things to do. But… thanks for letting us go” Soul said. “No problem! A nice off day for today but…” Windy turned her eyes towards Dash. Really changing, her eyes glimmering in a serious stare.

“We’ll be training twice as hard tonight to make up for it.” “Gotcha” Dash said, rushing off ahead of them with her wings spread out. “So let’s go, I’m wanting to see this place.” Soul rushed off after her, opening her wings back up and flapping to take flight behind the cyan filly. “Wait up, girls!” Windy zipped in with them, all of them joining together to fly as one.

8.5
Soul led the way. Flying high up into the clouds, well above where all the other pegasi flew on their tasks of carrying these clouds about. Looking back to make sure they were both still on her tail. Now she believed she remembered correctly where this place was around. But that was the thing. It was not in a very familiar area.

Cloudsdale was always on the move floating over the land and wasn’t often over this area. The place beyond the great Pegasus city, as all three of them soared off into the open sky high above the land of Equestria. Between where the vast and sprawling mountain ranges rose in the far distance both ways she looked. Off into this wonderful valley where the clouds hung low over it all and fresh blankets of white began to dot the land and all the lovely grasslands disappeared for the winter season that now came to the Canterlot valleys. This whole place was always beautiful.

Soul remembered the last time she ventured out into this place. Hasn’t changed much. As she hoped. The same beautiful horizon it had where vast hills rolled all across and broke between the great forest sprawls patched along every corner of these valleys where the trees barely held on to anything left of their greenery. With the lakes and rivers spanning everywhere on the last of their time before freezing with the coming winter. Over it all, Soul saw it. The very place where this land was named after to watch over it all atop its perch along the great mountains. Brimming in whites and golds shining along the rooftops and vast spires that reached high around the walls and gates. The castle city of Canterlot.

It didn’t look any different. Hadn’t even gotten larger than last time. Amazing to think that Soul was once again this close to a princess. For her to fly in the same sky that held over where that princess lived. The same one I wish to fly for someday. Her and… whenever the other princess would return. Come back to live in that same castle once more.

Soul looked forward to that day when she could enter the city with pride. However long that would be, she may be an adult by then. When she would be able to perform for them all, settling only with being able to watch others perform there. Soul couldn’t wait for the Wonderbolts show in that city. We all get to go then. Not too long.

8.6
Yet every day she got to spend with Rainbow was something awesome and this day would be no worse than seeing the Wonderbolts with her. Dash always was the one who had things for them to do. Always knew places to go and had all the fancy spots for them to relax or fly. Soul was glad she got the chance to find something for them to do. Before it would get too cold. Tomorrow was due to be when the winter weather will hit its hardest. So appropriate for what tomorrow was going to be. Wondering how her, Nimbus and Starry would spend the day.

Soul was so happy that these days had come. Really just so much fun she got to do and so much to look forward to. It made her fly faster. Zipping off over the high scaling hills and off towards the forests of the valleys. Right where she saw familiar scenes. This looked to be the right way. Many thick forests of sleeping trees that were so hard to see through even without their leaves all ringing around the grasslands and fields that spanned for so far.

She recognized this place because of the forests hanging far beyond these ones. The ones where the leaves were still standing atop their branches and covering all in a shroud of dark green and mist. Everfree. I’ll be sure to never have to go there. The sight of it always creeped her out. Of all the places in Equestria, the Canterlot valleys really did have their share of strange and unique scenery. Where else could you find such gorgeous beauty that surrounded her and yet have someplace so creepy standing out in it like a blemish? Thankfully not where they were going.

Soul banked right and led them both towards where the sleeping forests ringed around the fields further off. I haven’t been here in too long. I’m just glad to come back like this. Soul never could have guessed coming back to this place, not with Nimbus and Starry, but with friends. Her best friend. That still makes me smile.

8.7
They flew over the snow-covered fields. Soul looking around and turning off towards where the river coursed in towards the forest and split into two paths that went on to disappear into the forest. That’s the river I’m looking for. It was this river, where it split into two, that welcomed her with that wonderfully lovely little lake she would go to to swim. Plus it wasn’t even frozen over.

Yay, I found it. I remembered where it was. Looks like Nimbus had nothing to worry about after all. Soul could think of no better place to play than here. No other place that I know of. I really need to get out more. “Is that it?” Windy asked behind her. “Yeah, that’s the lake. Nimbus always takes me here.”

Soul lowered her wings and slowed down to a crawl before she hovered with both of them over the lake below. “But only when we’re in the area, still…” Soul smiled over it. “It’s as beautiful as always.” Glad to be able to share it with her new friends. “I didn’t expect us to come here” Dash said. “For a second, I thought you wanted us to go to the Everfree forest.” “Oh no, I hope this is alright” Soul said. “You kidding? Water and snow and a big open place, this is awesome. Believe it or not, Soul, I actually am alright with cold weather.”

Dash flew off down to the lake. That’s good to hear. Glad to see her only choice of location was not a bad one. The cold wasn’t an issue either. A little chilly. Not enough to shiver. Thank you, fur.

Soul went off to join Dash where the filly had landed down on the ground close to the lakeside. Where the snow had barely done much to cover up the soft grass. Rainbow was over there staring off at the water ahead of them and the walls of dead trees risen high above all of this. The face of the forest. Soul had never gone in there. Tried to once when she was younger. Nimbus got a bit mad at me. Never stopped her from taking Soul back here and even swimming with her. Water looked to be fine.

8.8
Soul dropped all her stuff and left it behind right as Windy landed with them. I hope it’ll be alright. Soul stepped up to where the water touched the lake’s edge. Crystal clear water softly skimming along the edge and coming close to where her hooves stood.

Ah, it is beautiful. The water was just as blue as ever. Like the sky. She could even see the entire sky shining along the surface of the water. Almost able to see the rocks at the bottom. Lovely. Summer to winter had no effect on this place.

Soul skidded a hoof forward and set it out to touch the water. Tapping at it. Oh! Soul brought her hoof back and slowly put it back in. Keeping it in the water this time. It was a bit cold. Seeping in through her fur and licking at the skin beneath with a chill. Alright it wasn’t too bad. This lake really was strange. As were all water in these valleys. More beautiful and warmer than anywhere else in Equestria. Like something magical was here in these valleys. A very special place. Shame she didn’t get to visit here more often.

“How’s the water?” Dash asked after her. Soul stepped her hooves into it. Just up to the tops of them and took a while before she could get herself together. A while before she started getting used to it. This is gonna be something when I get in. Never was a big fan of the cold. But, she had seen other ponies be just happy with swimming in cold weather. Something to it, she may as well try. “Um…” Soul thought for an answer.

“Let’s find out!”

8.9
The lake flashed forward at Soul right when she felt something rush against her back. Pushing her in and finding Dash’s hooves going around her and the filly giggling in her ear. No, wait!

The water came in at her. Wings flashed out. Too late to pick her up. They went under along with her body, and the lightning shooting all across her now. Like an explosion along her skin. Piercing right in and making her yelp in panic on top of her surprise of being pushed in. Soul struggled get herself back up, floating on top the water with her wings barely submerged and her entire body shivering. Oh Celestia’s sake!

Soul held herself. Shivering and kicking her hind legs and wings to keep her afloat. “Rainbow!” Soul struggled to yell out her name. The filly shot up from the water next to her, spitting some out and laughing. She’s so proud, huh?

Soul glared at her. The best she could but this damn water was pretty hard to get used to. Seriously, how is Dash so happy right now? The filly throwing herself back into the water and laughing at the top of her lungs. Half submerged in this water like it did nothing to her.

“Dashie…” Soul shivered and caught her tongue. Close to biting it. Right as she began to warm up a little. Letting herself swim with all four now, so great to use her thick wings to wrap herself up underwater. Keep herself a little warm. “Warn me next time” Soul said. “I’m not that great with cold.” “Then that would ruin the surprise” Rainbow swam over to her. “Do you need somepony to warm you up?” Dash opened her hooves up to her. Open and offering. Dash egged her on to come over and give her that hug. She’s as affectionate as usual. Quick to change herself to keep Soul happy. If it were real right now. Soul grinned.

8.10
Her big wings flashed forward along the water. Sending plumes of it right into Dash’s face and covering her up in a vast spray. Take that.

“Hey!” Dash called out from behind all that water. Soul quickly turning tail and a kick of her wings to skim away from her. Laughing at it. You surprise me and I surprise you. No complaining about it. This is great! It was so wonderful that Soul got the opportunity to be able to do this stuff with Dash. Really, two months ago, Soul will never forget it. What happened to allow them both to get to this. Every day to be like this. Where she could find opportunities to run away like this with so much laughter while Dash came after her with fierce determination to get her back for that. Yet Soul could see it, the same thing all the other kids got to do. She couldn’t be any more thankful to have somepony like this to share in things with. That I could bring her here. Finally able to bring a friend to go do something I want to do. Forget it being cold, this was alright. Alright enough to play in.

“Try and catch me, Dashie!” “I don’t need to try.” We’ll see. Soul swam off. Happily looking back at the pony right on her tail. …Also gaining right on her. Faster than she thought. Actually made her heart skip. But… Soul slid off to the side right as Dash jumped in to the water next to her. Coming back up and Soul flicked her wing. Splashing more water into her face. “You little…” Dash jumped on her. Pushing her back down against the water. Both fillies laughing as they got back up. Soul more or less so enjoying this little teasing they both got to share in so often. Dash was the master of it. “Slowpoke even in the water” she said about Soul. That was a lie. She could see it in her face. That was something she loved about this pony. Really did grow to enjoy playing with her like this.

“At least I’m faster in the air” Soul mentioned. “You have never proven that” Dash was the one who splashed water in her face. Soul held her hooves out to shield her eyes. Kicking her own wings out and sending water back at her. Waves and waves of them coming at one another and neither filly stopped. Nor did they stop enjoying it. Up until the water stopped flying.

8.11
What? Dash was gone… except… Soul saw it. The cyan filly jumped out from the water right in front of her with a roar. Landing on top of Soul and making her fall back down with her in the water. “Hey now, girls” Nimbus called out from the bank. Putting out their towels and storing away the bags. “Don’t be too rough out there.” Dash shot back up, wiping her mane out of her face. “Come on, mom! Jump in with us. Or are you too scared of the cold?” “What’s that, Dashie? Do I need to remind somepony who it is that likes me to hold her when it’s cold?” What…?

Soul giggled under her breath. Dash was so red from that now. Oh, but that sounded so awesome. No need to be embarrassed, Dashie. “I…I never do that!” Dash said. Hehe, honestly that does sound nice. Soul could see herself in that situation. Looking down at the water and her expectant face like she wanted that right now. Since winter was about to get to its worse. When the cold will really roll in. All thanks to the pegasi high above with their hauls of clouds. Up to where the vast cloud supercity hung high over it all and cast its shadow down upon the valleys.

“That actually doesn’t sound bad…” Soul whispered. Wondering if she should have said that. Dash’s ears did flick up when she said that. Then she scoffed to Windy. “I don’t do that!” “Yes you dooooo” Windy swooned over there. Really making Dash growl. Throwing her wings forward and that big splash of water flying across the sky. Not to Soul. Uh oh. Can she… it all came crashing down upon Windy. Do that?

The mare soaked in her sweater and leaving her mane slicked down on her face. Frowning. Forget that Dash was strong enough to send all that water that far, she really did something Soul would never dare to do like that. Is she gonna get in trouble? Soul looked nervously to her. Dash didn’t seem to care.

8.12
“Seriously?!” Windy said, pulling off her sweater and throwing the damp thing down. Having to push back her mane just to look back out at the two. Dash laughed. “Is it too cold?”

“Actually, it’s not that bad” Windy said. “So maybe I will join you… you little punk.”

Windy flashed her wings out. The mare took to the sky. Not at all what Soul thought her to do, let alone like this, when that smiling mare curved back down and soared in at… both of them. As fast as it took Soul just to blink. Before she shrieked when a flash of blue fur shot right in with them and all the blue blasted out all around. Plummeting right in, all the water splashed high and Soul backed up just a little. Her and Dash caught in it all. Not again. Seriously, I keep getting water in my nose. Dash was over there coughing. Hacking and still able to say “D-damn it, mom.” All the water settling once more.

She’s still underwater. Seeing the shape of the blue mare deep down there and swimming across. What do I have to do to be like these two, able to just jump right in to this water like it’s nothing. Really, they were brave. Even Nimbus was very picky when it came to how cold water could be. She would like the sauna. Maybe they could take her there sometime. Dash’s parents seem to like me, and Nimbus and Starry seem to like Dash. Really not any problem on us all being able to hang out. Windy rose back up. Rising between the two of them with a deep breath and her wings rushing out. “Boo!” Soul didn’t move. Letting Windy’s wing come in and… actually curve around her. Her and Dash. When the mare pulled them both in, that’s when Soul realized it. Right then as Windy held them both in tight against her soaked chest furs and her slick feathers of her big wings covering them both up. Dash, she didn’t even fight back. Neither did Soul.

In fact, all three of them laughed.

8.13
Windy leaned back, holding them both in her wings. Pleasantly sighing. Soul calmed down and seeing that… this was happening. Dash was right across from her, held in Windy’s other wing where she didn’t do anything but place a hoof against Windy’s chest and laying against her. They’re hugging. With Soul here, held in the same hug. I’m… Soul looked up to the mare. She kept her eyes closed, smiling so happily and like she loved being able to hold them both.

These two… they really are funny. Soul should be proud that they had gotten close enough to be able to do this. Windy’s hug was so nice. Dash seemed to be enjoying it, getting a little stare from Soul. Yeah, I can tell you love this. Dash rolled her eyes. Throwing herself against her mom’s chest and laying there.

Why do I get to be a part of this? It didn’t seem right. Somepony hugging me like this with… with my best friend. Something so new. So new in that it was Dash’s own mother who did this for her. The thing these two get to do all the time. I’m a part of it. Soul sort of liked it. Even if it was with Dash’s mother. She still set her head against her chest, staring face to face with Dash. Held above the water where only their tails could fall below the waves. “Oh you two… I’m so glad we could come out and spend some time together” Windy said. This is our first time doing something as a group. The first of many, Soul hoped for. Especially with how close they had all gotten. “So glad that you’re wanting to hug me?” Soul asked. Just curious still as to why they were doing this.

“Is it strange?” Windy asked.

“No… it’s just… you’ve never done this for me before.” “Oh… she’ll give you more” Dash said with such strain on her voice and a smirk. “Of course, I’d do this for you. Both of you. You’re Dashie’s wingpony and her best friend. You’re a part of the family now.”

The family? I’m… I’m a part of a family? Oh… she has no idea how much that makes my heart feel so weak. Don’t make me cry in front of Dashie.

8.14
“So mom, can I tell her the good news?” Dash asked. “About the event?” Windy asked and getting a nod in response. “Go for it.” So excited to give Dash permission. “Remember the Wonderbolts event I wanted you to come with us to?” Dash asked.

“Of course, how could I forget?” That was one of the best things to look forward to with the coming days. Three days left till it. After Hearth’s Warming Day. “You’re coming to it, for sure” Dash said over there in Windy’s wing.

“Yeah.” “It wasn’t a question, goof. I’m taking you” Dash said. “My parents and I.” That… that was great news. Soul was hoping to be sure it was happening. Her first ever Wonderbolts showing and she would get to do it with her newest friends, and with her wingpony by her side. She could see it now, both of them there to watch the same tricks and daring moves that they both aspired to do someday. At speeds they could only dream of reaching right now. I’ve always wanted to see it. Never did she think she would with a friend like Dash by her side.

“I… I’d love to go!” Soul said. “Not just you, Nimbus and Starry can come too. All of us.” Was Dash right? All of us could go? She was right. No joke to it. That was fantastic. I get to be with everypony. What a thrill. All of them able to go to Canterlot. Would they see the princess? Soul could not contain her excitement. Squirming in joy under Windy’s wing. “That sounds so awesome. I’ll tell them about it, I just know they would love to go. They actually have been wanting to take me to a showing for a long time now, but things keep getting in the way.” “They better come this time.”

8.15
Rainbow smiled proudly. Pushing her hoof out to press against Soul’s chest. “Because I’m paying for you and those two.” No, no that sounded like too much. Soul would not allow that. Pushing Dash’s hoof away.

“No, we can pay for ourselves, you don’t need to do that for us.” “How are you paying for it?” Windy asked Dash. Quite pleased with herself now, the filly insisted on putting her hoof back on Soul’s chest. “I spent a while getting the money just for it, so I’m paying. No question about it.”

“So that’s why you wanted to do more chores around the house” Windy said. “Aww… using your hard-earned money for your friend, you two are just so cute together.” Windy tightened her hug. Making Dash grunt. Soul didn’t care. More lost in what it was she was hearing.

Dash worked harder just to pay for me to be able to do this. Whatever chores they were, she did it for Soul. Not often she would hear such a thing. Actually not at all. Most ponies wouldn’t even bother. Rainbow, you really are something else. Such a lovely thing for her to do. “Dashie, …you didn’t have to. That’s so sweet” Soul said. “It was nothing, anything to help you out” Dash said.

Just look at how far you and I have gotten, Dashie. Now I need to do something for you. Hmm… Hearth’s Warming was just around the corner. Guess I have more reason to go get something. Something better than anything else. But what? But this was worth being happy about. How close they all have got over the months. Things really have changed for all of us. “Thank you, it’s gonna be awesome” Soul said. “You know it, Hearth’s Warming. Ah! It’s gonna be the best!” Yet they still had two days left before it. Felt like forever. “I only wish it would be sooner” Soul said. “It’s just two days” Dash said. “Yeah, but still… I wanna hang out.”

8.16
“How about this?” Windy started. “We got nothing going on tomorrow for Hearth’s Warming Eve, maybe you would like to come over and spend some of it with us. You’re always welcome to come be with us.” “Yeah! I like that” Dash said. “You can spend time with Nimbus and Starry, and then you can be with us too.”

Wow, I never did Hearth’s Warming celebrations with friends before. Soul actually being invited to them. So… I would be doing a party with new ponies?

Hearth’s Warming always was about togetherness and giving. Always being with Nimbus and Starry. They were wonderful ponies to do it with. Yet never came a time when another pony wanted to do it with her. Somepony different, even any of the holidays. Any celebration. Yet this has all changed and Soul could just sit there and be star struck at how lucky she truly was. How far things have come along. We get to do things like this now. Maybe this past camp semester truly was a blessing. The end of it now and the start of a new one later on. With so much she had to look forward to.

“I would love to join you all.” “Yay!” Dash cheered. “You get to come to my house tomorrow. We’re gonna have fun!” My first time in your house. First time doing a party with friends. I love the sound of all of this. After years of it being something else, Soul could not say no to being able to spend this time with her newly made best friend.

8.17
“I can stop by tomorrow afternoon and stay till I have to go back home.” That meant… oh wait! I have to get a gift tomorrow morning. That wasn’t a lot of time. What would Dashie want? She needed to show up with something to give because she bet they were wanting to give her something for coming over. That smiling filly over there who had been with her for so long now and always showed her to have a heart of gold. Always wanting to protect her and stick with her ever since that beautiful day. My wingpony who will be there with me when we become the best flyers of all. Maybe I do know what it is I want to get her. I’d need to talk to Nimbus first. Something that will make Dash the happiest.

“You’re welcome whenever you want, stay longer if you want to” Windy said. “I’ll make dinner for us all, got a nice feast planned out. A little something to celebrate my Dashie bringing home a friend for Hearth’s Warming!” Dash groaned.

“Alright, I’ll come. I think Nimbus will be alright with it.” “I know she will” Windy said. “Nimbus is so good to you. I think she’ll love her little champ being with friends for Hearth’s Warming.” She’s right, she will. Nimbus always was wanting me to have friends. So, sure, nothing stopped Soul from being excited about tomorrow.

A Cloudsdale Hearth’s Warming for her with the snow coming in. Today was going to be the last day before the snow would get heavy.

8.18
Windy finally let both of them go. “It’s settled, come by whenever you want” she said. Floating back and then laying herself out to float atop the water. Stretching her wings out and crossing her hooves. “I’m gonna relax for a little, …and Dashie… no splashing” she said while wagging her hoof in the air. That made Dash stop her wing just in time from splashing again. Disappointed that she couldn’t do it.

“How about you two go and play a while?”

Soul already thought of something they could do. Especially since the last time she was here. “I know what we can do. Windy” Soul said. “Can Dash and I go in the forest? There’s a bunch of paths in there that I want to show Dashie.” Windy looked up. Turning over to the forest that hung aside of the lake, where the rivers crossed in to and disappeared. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you two to go in there. You fillies in a forest?” She understood her sentiment, but it really wasn’t that bad. Soul was older now and she would have a friend there with her. Both of them could watch over one another, plus she really had something she wanted to show Dash. “But there’s something super cool in there I want to show Dashie, and it’s totally safe. Ponies use those paths all the time.” That was what Nimbus had told her. Though always was no going in alone. Something she tried to do before.

“I’ll keep Dashie out of trouble” Soul said.

“Like hell I need you to watch over me in there.”

“Did Nimbus say you’re allowed to go in there?” Windy scrutinized her. Umm… “She said I’m not allowed to go in alone.” “And what’s this thing you want to show Dashie?” No, she couldn’t tell her right now. Soul only hoped they could see it. Those little things that drew her into going in the forest the last time. She bet Dash would like it. “It’s a secret.” Windy hummed, looking back over to the split trees marking where the forest faced them and all the wide-open areas in there that the big opening in the trees lead to. “Tell you what, you two can go in there but only if you stay in sight of me. No venturing off. I’m sure you two can take care of one another but that doesn’t mean you two can go out that far.” It wasn’t like they were going to the Everfree forest or something. “Promise me” Windy said.

8.19
“We promise” Soul said right as Dash also joined her in saying it. Very excited to say it. “Go on then, you two behave” Windy laid back down. Leaving the two of them free to do what they wanted. Something Soul was so grateful for. Giddily swimming back to land with Dash at her side. “You sure Nimbus would be alright with you going in there?” she asked. “She used to say I could when I’m older and not alone, no better time than now” Soul said.

Both of them scurrying onto land and… now it was cold. With all the chilly water dripping off of Soul and soaking the last of the ground left before snow would come over it soon, and that wind coming over her. Made her shiver. Dash rushed right off under her towel. As good an idea as any. Soul grabbed her own. Both of them dried off, rushing to get that done and just to get warm. No matter how bad their manes looked afterwards. Neither cared, preferring to rush off together. Leaving their towels and stuff behind and fizzy fur all over them.

“What do you wanna show me?” Dash asked after Soul, the magenta filly taking the lead heading right off to where the trees broke and left the entrance open to any. Like a doorway into the forest. Where all the other trees were twisted and folded together so that none could come in through them. Just this one area where there sat a dirt path that both of them stood before and looked off into the distant, dead shrubbery. “I already said, it’s a secret. Though I hope they’ll still be around.” Soul walked off, being the first to step hoof to cross through the tree wall and walk in to the thick forest beyond. “You hope?” Dash hesitated but her hooves were quick to follow after.

8.20
Wow, this place was really not like she remembered. So… lifeless now. Back when all the tree sported such lush and thick waves of greens and browns that rose high above her and covered the world above to where even the Sun could barely get through.

Inside a silent forest where only the trees gave her some idea of this place being something. Yet now, so dead. Soul could literally see through the trees and find just how far off this forest was going. Off and off, with rows of dead trees lined up and coursing around one another until it grew too dark to see that far. Back then, as she would walk down this pathway, nopony could even see past the trees to her sides with how thick the vines and leaves were. Where anypony could hide in them. No more. The Sun could shine down from above now and light up the path. Far off, past broken branches and felled logs. Where the vines would be, left only with bits of green bushes along the path and onwards. Soul never did find out where this path went.

She looked down, yeah it was right at that fallen log up ahead where Nimbus caught her. Not able to go far at all in here. It really was magnificent how quick this place could change over the seasons. She remembered when her hooves would walk over this same dirt path and hear leaves crunch under her and hard to watch her step with how much greenery covered the path. So much that the roots that she could see now and leap over used to be covered. It does change a lot, making her wonder if she could even show Dash.

The forest was very silent. So still. Like nothing was in here. Maybe she could find something in here.

8.21
Dash kept up with her, Soul looked back to make sure. The filly off on her own thing looking around left and right at all that surrounded them. Stepping forth until the silence was broken when their hooves stepped over the snow that had been left behind here from snowfalls days past. Didn’t look that deep at all, been melting lately. Now it was all going to come back to these valleys with Cloudsdale’s arrival for the coming snow flurries.

Soul bet this place looked beautiful when it was drenched in snow. Just a little bit left hanging on some branches and the tops of some of the last remaining bushes out here. Walking down this forest path, Soul did a quick check. Trying to be sure she wasn’t missing anything. Nothing.

“This place looks kinda nice” Dash said behind her. “It’s actually a lot creepier in the summer. This place gets real dark when the leaves are up” Soul told her. “No going too far!”

Both fillies stopped. Finding that Windy was back past the trees, sat up in the lake and watching them. Waving her hoof to them. Dash groaned, walking off ahead of Soul all of a sudden. Taking her own charge to start looking around. Soul went after her. Joining side by side. Dash looked to be a little down all of a sudden now that Soul caught her. Is she upset over something that was said? Or was she not enjoying this trip? “What’s the matter, did you not want to do this?” Soul asked. “No, that’s not it.”

Dash glanced her eyes over and looked around when she stood still. Stopping Soul. Holding her hoof out to do so, right as she whispered.

8.22
“Soul, thank you so much for bringing me. And thanks for wanting to join us tomorrow. I don’t often have guests over for Hearth’s Warming.” “It’s no problem, you and I are best friends after all” Soul said. “Then as your friend, can I ask you a favor?” “What is it?” Soul said. Dash lowered her hoof. But… she actually smiled a little. “So I guess you can tell my mom is kind of goofy and… well…” Dash put a hoof to her cheek. Looking away.

“She really does love me.”

That was not at all hard to see. I rarely see a mother so huggy with her daughter. “I Just… don’t want you to think I’m weird or anything with how she is. I think she’s gonna be… well, herself tomorrow while you’re around.” I see what she’s saying. Very hard to hide it from me, Dashie.

“You know…” Soul said. “I don’t mind how you two are together. She’s your mom and… a mom is supposed to love her kid. Always. I don’t think anything bad about you two with how close you both are.” “She just likes to do a lot of embarrassing things and… sorry, guess I’m just being stupid about it” Dash said. Laughing it off.

Oh, Dash, there’s no need to feel that way. Not around me. Rainbow is my best friend and she doesn’t need to worry. This will be my first time in her house with her family, it would be wrong for Dash to think things will be uncomfortable. What can I tell her to make her feel better?

Dash wandered off like nothing happened. “Come on, let’s go have some fun.”

8.23
“Dashie” Soul stopped her. “I really am jealous of you.”

That was what made Dash look back at her, so confused. Like she just heard that Earth ponies could fly now. That’s right, after all, I get to see how she is all the time with her mom and dad. It always makes me think about it. “I wish I had parents like yours…” Soul muttered down to the ground. Ones that didn’t leave me behind. “I love the idea of getting what they give you.”

Dash was silent. Looking back at her with hooves frozen in the air like she was ready to keep walking but frozen in time. Not even blinking. Only her mouth dropped a little then closed. Watching Soul sigh. I really do. Seeing how Dash is with them, I got unlucky. I really wonder what it’s like to have a mother that loves me. …To have a dad… that I can know. Should I even tell her that? …Or does she already know? Dash stepped up to her.

“I don’t think it’s weird of them to be that loving to you, I think it’s… sweet. Trust me, Dashie…” Soul looked up to her when she stood before her. “You’re lucky.” “I’m sorry” Dash said. “If you want, I can ask my folks to be that way with you, they both have grown to like you a lot. They trust you with me after all.” “You don’t need to do that” Soul said. “Either way, I’ll find some way for you to feel happy. …I know it was hard on you… what happened to you, Soul.”

Yes, it was. But… I got over it. I am over it. As long as I have my best friend with me, and… those small comforts she grew to love. “So… you won’t think weird of me over it?” Dash asked. Soul shook her head. No need to worry. Just focus on yourself. Doing what you all feel is right. I’m the guest after all.

“Oh come here…” Dash offered a hoof to her and opened a spot under her chin for Soul. Thank you. Soul walked in and felt that hoof wrap around her, pulling her in to Dash’s chest and the filly rested her head atop Soul’s mane. “I’ll make sure you have a great time tomorrow, promise” Dash whispered.

8.24
“Wanna know a dream I have, so you don’t feel like you have to worry about what I think?” Soul offered. Lost in her thoughts of all the time she spent in bed, holding tightly to that dream. Just imagining it and wondering what it could be like to feel that way. To be that close. “You don’t need to” Dash said.

I’ll tell her anyway. Nothing stopped Soul, because this was her best friend. The pony who always supported her. One she could trust. “I’ve always imagined being able to sleep with another pony. I never got to do that with my parents, and nopony ever has. I… sort of wish I could with Nimbus or Starry. But… I don’t think they would want to. Is it weird for me to want that?” Not that that could be any less embarrassing than whatever is Dash was worried about. Yet the cyan filly shuddered a little.

“Wow, really? I never took you to want that” Dash said. I don’t think it’s wrong to. It’s not wrong at all to be close to ponies you love. No need to be embarrassed. “I’ll let you in on a secret” Dash whispered into her ear up there. “Now, don’t you tell anypony. Okay?” “Okay.”

Dash cleared her throat. Pausing. “I like sleeping with my mom…”

Soul could swear she heard Dash’s heart jump when she said that. Even shivered a bit. It was astonishing because it also made Soul’s heart shudder. Just hearing her of all ponies say that. Dash let go of her, dropping down to face Soul once more and she flashed a hoof at her. “Tell none.” A clear demand. She shouldn’t be so embarrassed, but okay. Soul would keep that to herself. Yet it still made her see just how good Dash had it. Even if it was just to reassure her that there was nothing wrong with her desires. Maybe they will come true someday.

8.25
“I can’t wait to join you all tomorrow” Soul said. “I’ll be a model guest, no worries about me. “Thank you. We’ll make you feel at home, I think you’ll like being with us. We haven’t had a guest stay over in a long time. I’m glad it’s you” Dash said.

“By the way… I can’t help but wonder… have you ever asked Nimbus or Starry to sleep with you?” “No, I haven’t.”

Soul was just always so afraid to. Didn’t ever seem appropriate or right to do it. They wouldn’t want to. “Maybe you could try. They watch out for you and seem to really care for you. Don’t they call you their little champ?”

Soul flushed. A little giddy about hearing Dash say that line. The little champ. “Ye-yeah, they do.” “I bet they would love to sleep with their little champ” Dash said, really straining those last two words. “Really, how about you just go up to them some night and just ask them. They won’t think bad of you. Mine didn’t when I did.”

Trust her, Soul really wanted to try. Just… never doing it before. Kind of not knowing what it was to expect. But their hugs are so nice.

Soul always imagined being able to fall asleep in somepony’s wings. So she can feel like they loved her. Somepony that was proud of her and wanting to keep her safe. Soul hated to admit it to herself, but she was such a softy with this stuff. More perplexed in herself that she was now admitting all this to Dash. That Dash was listening and not even mocking her. No, the filly smiled at her. I know she only wants what’s best for me. I don’t know if I should try it. But… “Thanks, Dashie. I’ll… think about it. But thanks for not thinking I’m weird over it.” “Of course, I wouldn’t think it’s weird” Dash said. “Besides, I’m always glad to help. You helped me.”

The filly waved Soul on to follow her and they both went on into the forest. Passing by sickly twisted trees and leaping over their roots. Calmly listening to the sounds of this lovely place. The sounds of silence. Like the night itself.

8.26
“I wanted to let you know some good news I got the other day” Dash said. “All thanks to you.” “Thanks to me?” Soul wondered. She hadn’t done anything. But Dash sounded sincere. “I’ve been keeping it a secret from you but… I think now is a good time to surprise you. I talked to somepony a while back. It was for the first time in a long time.”

“Who was it?” Soul asked.

“You don’t know her but you know of her. She… kinda was the filly I… sorta yelled at at my first camp. But I decided to come and see her and I apologized to her.”

Wait, the same one that Aurora told me about? Dash’s old buddy. That was great news that she finally was able to go and speak with her. “How did that go?” Soul really wanted to know now. “She accepted my apology” Dash said with a big smile. “She was really happy to see me come back and she gave me some awesome news I want to tell you.” Dash giggled. Not able to contain herself.

“She’s gonna join us at Junior Speedsters in the spring!” “Really!? That’s great!” Soul said. “You’ll get to hang out with your old friend now.” “I know, and… I want you two to meet and we can all totally be friends. But she will be in the remedial group first so… we’ll only be able to hang out with her during free time.” That was no problem to Soul. In fact, she was more happy that Dash wanted them all to be friends. This pony sounded like a joy to be around with how she could forgive Dash and just by how excited the cyan filly was. “Two more weeks then!” Soul declared. “I know! Oh it’s going to be awesome.” Dash was so right. Now we get to do the harder courses and meet new friends.

8.27
“But when did you talk to her? What made you decide to see her?” Soul asked, which Rainbow Dash came up to her and pointed her hoof to who did it. “You are why.” “Me?”

“I talked to her the night we won that race together. After I left your house.” “How did I…”

Soul snapped her mouth shut when Dash placed her hoof to Soul’s lips. Hushing her. “Give yourself some credit” she whispered. “If you hadn’t shown me I could trust ponies again, I would never have tried to be your friend. I would never have tried to be hers again. So you did help me. Because of that, I’ll be there to protect both of you.”

Dash… Soul was teary eyed hearing her say that. It meant that much? Soul didn’t realize just how important it was for this pony. That she was able to convince Dash to make more friends. She didn’t know what to say. Just so proud she could do that and that Dash chose her to be her friend. Just giving off an amazed look. “That’s right, you can still rely on me. I promise to protect my friends, friends like you” Dash said, lowering her hoof and winking.

She sure knows how to make me happy. Perhaps I really do deserve some kindness from her, some help from her. If she really wants to, who was Soul to stop her? “Even if I have to kick their butts at racing, I’ll do it” Dash said, flaunting her strong wings. “By now, all ponies know just how awesome a flyer I am so they should know better than to mess with my friends.” Okay, Dash. Soul wanted to snicker. Really inflating her ego right there. Wasn’t bad at all. Soul liked that from her. Far better to see her this happy with herself. She was an awesome flyer. Always proved it. “I can’t wait to meet your friend” Soul said.

8.28
“Don’t worry” Dash said and led Soul on to follow her into the woods. “I’ll introduce you to her. Trust me, she is super nice. Just be careful not to scare her.” At this point, Soul should be the one afraid. Always so nervous to meet new ponies. But if Dash trusted her, she could give it a shot. “Let’s make these next two weeks the best ever” Dash said up ahead. Leaving Soul behind her to follow and nod. Grinning under her mane. They will be. Because… she loved how different the world has become to her. Where she could believe stuff like that. A bright day ahead. Every day.

It’s been so long since I was afraid. Since I was alone. I never want this to end. Broken when her ears flicked up to the sound of something breaking.

A snap in the trees. Turning her to look even when Dash continued on, unaware of anything. But Soul looked around. Knowing she did hear a noise out there in the trees. So close, like just there where the trees broke off from the path and formed the great and dense torrent of wood beyond. Soul was not stupid, they weren’t alone and that was what made her venture off from the path to go see. Such a tiny little sound, it had to be something and she bet it was what it was she was looking for. Hopeful to show Dash something beautiful out here. She did make sure to creep along so quietly on her hooves while she moved up to the wall of trees, past where the fallen branches and logs lay to coat the floor of the pathway and block off everything.

“Hey Soul?” Dash said from up ahead, looking back at her and making Soul come out with a loud hush to her. Confident that she had found something to show Dash. Something she would love. “Not too loud” Soul whispered. Waving her hoof for Dash to come back.

8.29
Rainbow walked over, loudly. “Slowly” Soul told her. Which she did. Rainbow grunted in annoyance but still slowed herself down and crept just like Soul was doing with her head low to the ground and legs bent. Wings tucked in tightly. Soul could sense her curiosity over all this, and Soul was curious too. Wondering what it could be. Certainly not what it was last time Soul was here. Unless it could hide behind the short logs that Soul barely stood tall over. The filly careful to peek around each one she passed and finding nothing. With Rainbow behind her.

“What are we doing?” she whispered. Soul wasn’t sure. Not wanting to ruin what this surprise for Dash may be. “Just stay quiet” she told her. Convincing her to keep following and then Dash joined her in looking around the logs Soul had just checked. Stopping when Soul heard another little crunch from up ahead that made shivers go down her spine, and she gave Dash a quick sign of her hoof to get her to stop with her. Silent and still. Because Soul was sure they weren’t alone now. Now she couldn’t startle it. But she couldn’t let it leave. Yet Soul was sure of herself that she could manage to make this surprise happen for her best friend. Give her something just to say thanks to her for all she was doing. However… “Stay here” Soul told her and really made Dash groan under her breath, but the filly didn’t move. Quick to chipper up again when Soul walked off slowly towards where she had heard it.

8.30
Over by the last bushes that still stood before the tree line. Keeping her wings tucked in so deep. Anything to show she meant no harm. “What is it?” Dash whispered after her. “Just stay there” Soul whispered back. She may spook it.

Stepping up to the bush and peering into it, not finding anything. But she didn’t give up. Slowly creeping along the side of it and keeping her eyes open, her legs bent so much that she almost crawled along it. Up until she did when she saw movement inside the bush. That was what made her drop and stay still, peering in. Some sort of little critter in there when she saw a shadow move. Turning its head. Something looking through the little leaves back at her. Yet Soul felt no reason to be afraid. Not like when she first came in here and saw that great creature walking through the woods. Tall with many firm antlers atop its head. It meant her no harm, no harm towards such a smaller filly back then. Only the sense of comfort at seeing how beautiful a deer could be. Her first time seeing one in person, up until Nimbus scared him off.

That was not what she saw. Something so much smaller in there with big ears raised and looking towards her. It didn’t run. Soul showed it no reason to be afraid. Little thing, so much braver than the deer from before. Soul was hoping to show Dash some deer but… this little guy was good enough. For she had never seen something like this up close before either.

I really am glad I was able to come out here again. Life in Cloudsdale did not allow for seeing little critters like these up there. Birds at best, making all those books she had seem so useless until she got to see the creatures they talked about and be able to share them with somepony else for the first time. Come on out little guy. I won’t hurt you. Soul made that so apparent, smiling at it. Slowly offering her hooves towards it. Patiently waiting for it to find the courage to come to her. I’m just so surprised there’s still something out here. Here Soul thought that she may not find anything, that they all would be off for the winter by now. Poor thing was probably late to joining in on the long sleep they all would go through while the ponies of Equestria were left to play in the snow they all slept away from. She was glad one stayed around for her. To be able to do this.

8.31
Soul smiled deeply when it came out. That’s right, no need to be afraid. Poor thing, all alone out here. Well we’re here for you. Little guy must be getting cold. Soul was sure to be gentle. Sure to be patient even with Dash left back there waiting. Seeing her trying to look over to see.

The little critter in its soft, brown fur and delicate paws that came up and touched down on Soul’s fur. Walking in, seeing Soul meant it no harm. The filly leaning in, doing one thing she would want done for her if she was afraid. Soul planted her nose gently against its head. The filly more than allowed to close her hooves slowly around it and pick the little bunny up. Held in her legs, she sat with it. Holding him close to her chest, gentle and careful. The bunny looking up to her, squirming for a moment and calming down. Soul loved how warm he was, small and frail.

She sat back with it, fully presenting the little guy to Dash, and Soul smiled to her. Letting her know it was okay to come over. Dash was over there with shock in her face. Probably not expecting me to be holding a rabbit. Well… “Surprise” Soul whispered to her. Looking back down at the bunny and nuzzling her nose along his head.

“A rabbit?” Dash asked. Taking it up to her to walk slowly over to join the two of them. Eyes glued to the little guy that Soul held. It was amusing. Dash looked to be intrigued with him and… also confused. So confused. “I can’t believe you’re… even able to hold him like that” she said to Soul. I can understand that. But…

8.32
“I don’t know, I was here a long time ago and the deer didn’t seem afraid of me either. Nimbus sure made them scared but, it did show me that… I do like seeing animals. I just wish I got the chance more often to see them.” “Is this what you wanted to show me?” Dash whispered, coming close enough to sit with Soul and look over her shoulder to watch the bunny rummaging around against her chest and finding a cozy spot to lay against Soul.

“I wanted to see if we could find something out here, I’m just glad we found this little guy. Looks like all the other animals are long gone for now” Soul said. Looking around to see it really was just the three of them with nothing else out there to make a sound. “He’s just so cute” Soul said, pushing her nose back down against his head. Happy to hear the little bunny mumble such tiny noises in his throat. Little things her ears picked up, looked like Dash heard them too. “Huh, you are pretty good with animals” she said. “Looks like he likes you.”

Dash leaned in to hover over him. Soul happy she was admiring him. Seeing that the filly had an adoring smile on her face. Watching the bunny curl up in Soul’s hooves, his ears twitching while he rested against her chest. Little guy looked so peaceful down there. Soul didn’t want to disturb him or let him feel uncomfortable. Like he could just fall asleep in her hooves. Like she could just take him home and snuggle with him all day long. Just like she dreamed of when she saw how cute the critters of Equestria were.

8.33
“I’m not that good with animals, this is actually my first time ever seeing a rabbit up close” Soul said. “So I’m glad I could see one with you.” Soul glanced over to Dash, the filly smiling up to her and then back to eyeing the little guy sleeping in Soul’s hooves. Such wonder and fascination in Dash’s eyes. But that didn’t hide that… Dash really did think he was cute. There was such a little glimmer of adoration in her face. Making Soul adore her a little. Wanting to be nice to her too.

“Would you want to hold him?” she asked. Making Dash reel back in surprise. “Me?” She pointed a hoof to herself. “Oh, I don’t know… I don’t think I’m fit for holding one and… I never got a chance to hold one before. I may mess up.” Grinning her teeth to Soul.

She was nervous, no need to. Soul would help her. “All you need to do is hold him firmly like I am, make sure he doesn’t fall out. But not too firm…” Soul looked down to him, presenting how she held him. So much space for the rabbit to move around in her hooves. Snug but not too tight. “Rabbits are very delicate so you need to be gentle with them. They don’t have much muscle to protect themselves so even one rough move can hurt them.”

Soul smiled to her… then realized that made Dash even more nervous. Oh no. “Just hold him enough to give him support and give him plenty of room. Don’t squeeze. He’ll snuggle against you if you do.” That was such a nice feeling too. One that Dash should know. It wasn’t fair for just Soul to enjoy this.

8.34
“You sure I can do this?” Dash asked hesitantly. “Yeah, just be gentle. He’s like a doll.” “A doll, huh?” Dash looked down to the rabbit. “You sure know a lot about rabbits, you really never seen one before?”

Oh, guess it did sound kind of strange. Soul should explain. “I spent a lot of time reading about animals, but I always wanted to see and do what those books said. Some silly journal on how this one pony raised a whole house filled with animals in Manehattan” Soul said. On top of many other books. “Published the thing, a journal about her animal farm.”

“You sure do read a lot. Never did take you for the type, but your room is like a library” Dash said and leaned back in. Staring down at the rabbit.

Looks like she wants to try. I bet she can do it. Dash just needs to believe in herself, which looked to be the case. The filly humming under her breath and getting that invigorated look in her like she was raring to try something new. We came out all this way, no problem in sharing this experience with her. It can be Dash’s first time holding a rabbit too. Though Soul really wanted to hold it for another minute or two. Or three. He’s just so soft! “I’ll try to hold him” Dash said.

She came in closer, sitting up like Soul was. Giving a big space for the rabbit. Soul decided to give him up, though she had better be able to hold him again when Dash was done.

8.35
“Remember to be gentle” Soul said as she gave him over to where Dash held her hooves out for him. Sliding the little guy through her hooves and down for Dash to gently put hers under his legs and another hoof wrapping around his back. Slowly taking him and holding him just like Soul had been doing. But she did look very nervous with her eyes glued to him and carefully readjusting her grip so often in just the time it took her to pull him in against her chest. She even looked to start shaking. Short on breath while she held him. Doing her best to hide it but Soul heard her.

Kind of cute how scared she is of hurting him… even more with how she held something so small and sweet against her. Like a mother holding her foal. More so when Dash calmed down and started to laugh softly seeing the little bunny she held squirming a little and laying against her where he finally stopped moving. Making himself comfortable. Finding Dash to be as welcoming as Soul had been to him.

She was doing a great job for her first time holding one. Then again, so did Soul. Just the look on Dash’s face told that she was loving this. She reached a hoof up from where she held him and actually gently stroked the tip of it along his head. “Hey little guy” she whispered down to him. Loving his tiny little twitches and how he closed his eyes with every stroke she made over his head.

8.36
Maybe I should let her hold him for a long time. Soul bet that Dash would be one for falling in love with little critters like this. Not something she took from her before, and how she was leaning down to him and smiling at him. Softly petting his head and cradling him. Dash may be such a softy. Though Soul didn’t dare to suggest it even as she laughed inside. Just enjoy it. Watching more and more how Dash pet him and didn’t move at all to let him get cozy in her grip.

“I think he likes me” she said. “I knew you had nothing to worry about” Soul said. “You just need to be gentle.” “Guess I never got a chance to do anything like this before so… I didn’t know how. Don’t judge me” Dash said. “But I think I like this. Mom never did give me the chance to be with animals like this before. I never thought much on it or cared.” “I’ve always wanted to hold one” Soul said. “I was always too busy with training and never could do much outside of Cloudsdale. Seriously…”

Dash looked over to her with a warm smile, never stopping her petting of the little bunny. “Soul, thank you for taking me out here.” That warmed up Soul’s heart. She sounded happy. Going back to give the rabbit some attention with little nuzzles of her nose against his head. So I did good. Soul was able to be the one to give Dash something cool to do for once. Quite a relief. Soul wasn’t sure what they could find out here with winter coming in, so lucky they found this little guy.

8.37
“Let me know when you’re done, I want to hold him again” Soul said. “Nah” Dash said.

The filly leaned over on to her side, keeping the rabbit firmly set in her hooves to lay down with her. Holding him to lay his belly against her chest. “I may just go to sleep with him, better not wake us up.” “Oh come on!” Soul dragged herself over. Seeing that smug filly pleased with herself. Not letting go of the bunny she let rest atop her. “Please give me a little more time” Dash said. “I never got to do this before.” Well neither had Soul prior to this.

Fine. Soul laid herself down next to them. Really wishing she could hold the bunny like this too. Just able to watch the two of them close their eyes next to her and Dash peacefully breathing like she may just go to bed after all. Just her silent breaths going off in the quiet of this forest where not even the wind could be heard. “I may want to take him back with us to the lake” Dash yawned. “I need some sleep.” “Shouldn’t stay up so late” Soul said. “Couldn’t help it, I was up late training with mom. No way I would sleep in and miss hanging with you. I would have missed this too. Thank you again for this” Dash rustled on her back and let her wings come up to go over the rabbit as best they could.

Aww… now that bunny could not be cold. Damn, Soul wished she had done that. The rabbit was certainly falling in love over there with how he started to fall asleep.

“I’ll take him back with us” Dash said. “We need to show mom.” “Is this before you sleep with him? Hope you’re not planning on taking him back to Cloudsdale” Soul said. “Maybe I plan to” Dash snickered.

8.38
“You can’t be serious.” “I’m joking” Dash admitted. Laughing down at the bunny. “We can’t take him up there. But I’ll take him to the lake and… he’s sleeping with me back there.” “Hey, you get to hold him so long out here, let me hold him too” Soul said.

She better not be expecting to have him all to herself back there. “Tell you what” Dash said with a sinister grin and a giggle. Leaning up to her with such confidence in her face. Soul so ready for whatever it was she had in mind. Seeing that look in her face, so familiar to her now. “We take him back to the lake so mom can watch over him…” Dash closed in. “While you and I have a race to see who gets to hold him.”

Not sure if that was fair. Soul thought that Dash wanted to hold him, and Soul was feeling confident in herself today. More so with how great this vacation from camp has been. She could tell that Dash was getting herself into a bad situation now, the time when Soul will show her just who it was that was better after all the goes they went at so many times now. “Just a race around the rivers, first one to get back to the lake wins” Dash said.

Sounded good to Soul. Her wings were aching for a good flight and Dash was always the best one to go to for a good workout. Much better than most of the stuff they went through at camp. Forget if it was for the honor of holding the bunny, Soul found herself more looking forward to just racing.

Always so blood pumping and always leaving her wanting more at the end.

8.39
“Deal” Soul agreed. “But get ready to give him up to me. I might be generous enough to let you hold him too.” “I might be as well” Dash said. Both fillies not fooling one another. They both knew the other would be willing to share in the end. Soul was just wanting to race.

“Alright!” Dash shouted right when she sat back up and… right when both fillies went into shocked silence when they heard the little patter of tiny paws atop dirt when the bunny slid off from Dash’s grip and… ran right off. Scurrying away with quick leaps towards the tree line and leaving Dash behind where Soul watched the filly jump to her hooves and run after him. “No, wait!”

She came up to those trees that the bunny jumped in to, jumped in and disappeared. Dash raising her hoof after it and then dropping it back down with her ears drooping. Sadly looking away. Oh man, Dash… the goof had scared him by yelling.

Soul came up to join her. Kind of sad that the little guy had fled from them. Lost now in those woods and no way for the two of them to find him in that thicket. Right when Soul was looking forward to being able to snuggle with him after kicking Dash’s butt in a race. “Ah man, what did I do wrong?” Dash pouted down to the ground. “Can’t yell out all of a sudden around rabbits. You probably scared him” Soul said. “Way to go, by the way.” “Shut it” Dash said. Sighing. Not at all pleased with herself. Probably frustrated. No, there was no need for that. “Hey now” Soul said, putting her hoof on her back between her wings. “I’m not mad, just be a little more careful next time. Little critters like that can get scared easy.” “Yeah… just wish I knew that before I yelled. Way to go loud mouth” Dash said about herself.

She looked back up to peer out into the deep and dense forest beyond.

8.40
“Come on now, it’s not that bad” Soul assured her. “Besides, we can still race. Right?”

Dash pursed her lips. Lighting up a fire in her eyes once more. So like her. The filly was always in the mood for racing and that was the best way to cheer her up over anything. Not like they needed a goal like a reward to race one another, as long as either of them got the chance to prove themselves to the other. That had been the glory in it ever since their first race and the feeling they both got when they won it together. The power they both felt in their wings and the confidence that soared from knowing just how skilled they both can be. To show all of Equestria just what both of them could do. Neither had anything against a little competition between wingponies.

“You still wanna race me?” Dash asked. “Of course. Around the rivers, right?”

That lit up Dash’s face for sure. The filly snapping back to attention and flexing her wings with pride. Really trying to show off to Soul with her strutting away. “Yup, first one back to the lake wins. I think you and I both know who it will be.” Rainbow was already setting up. Planting herself down and stretching those small but strong wings. Soul liked that about her. She loved the confident and strong Rainbow Dash. Really, these months have been the best for Soul. To see where things could go. For them to talk like this to one another. “You’ll see who that is when you get to the lake in dead last” Soul said. Stepping up to join with Dash side by side at this fake start line they had.

8.41
So much like it always was. No point in having an end reward like snuggling a rabbit. Not when Soul had this feeling. With her great wings held out to their maximum and stretching up to the heavens. The very sky that always welcomed her to fly through it to her heart’s content.

All these weeks have been so good to her and Dash. For them both to enjoy these moments together. As she saw in Dash’s face when they looked to one another. Confident in themselves, but Dash still smiled sweetly. Like she thanked Soul for this. So worth it. Soul would take any opportunity to fly with Dash, even if it meant racing her.

They were wingponies after all. Meant to be there for one another in the sky… and wherever they were needed. More so, that thing the two of them could do together, the one that brought them both together in the first place. Soul joined with Dash in stretching her legs and wings. Rearing her hind legs up. Stretching out and then feeling something touch the tip of her wing. Finding that Dash looked at her with her own wing out to clap against Soul’s. Soul gave it back.

“Thank you for wanting to race with me” Dash said. She took her position, ready to take off with Soul. “Really, I’m so glad I met you. No other pony is as fun as you and… I’m still very happy you want to come over tomorrow.” “What are friends for?” Soul asked. “I’ll always be glad to hang with you.”

As long as we are together, we will always be there to stand with one another. That is what Soul learned long ago from this pony. That is what she learned too. “Cloudsdale Wingponies?” Dash said. Her wings ready to get going and almost bouncing on her hooves in anticipation. No matter how small the flight, the pony was always happy to do this. Always happy to claim what it was both of them were. “Cloudsdale Wingponies” Soul said. You and I. Forever. Even after we both succeed at all we want to do. No matter what any outcome is, we will always be best friends. “Three” Dash said. Making both of them get back to staring out into the sky above them with their wings spread. “Two.” “One.” Soul smiled. No matter what.

“Go!”

8.42
Windy giggled to herself, right as the sound of rupturing wind broke across the sky and the entire forest itself rocked side to side with trees sent to scatter their branches about from the two streaks of brilliant light shooting out from within. Rising high over the forest canopy and seeing both fillies fly right past her. Past the lake and onwards along the river. Neck and neck.

Off on another of their races. The thing those two always partook in. Almost on a weekly basis now for almost any reason. Windy still found it cute why they did want to do this at first. Oh Dashie, you are my little sweetheart. You and Soul are so perfect for one another.

Never had Windy seen Dash so open about something like… like snuggling with an animal or even admitting to another pony what she got to do with Dash. That filly always was just so shy about it. Dash blushed so much when she first came to her and asked to sleep with Windy. Such a small thing back then. Yet she hadn’t grown up much since. Never did grow out of that habit of hiding just how much she loved this stuff. Soul, thank you so much. Windy watched the two of them circle back around at such incredible speeds that she felt the entire water she lay atop ripple and sway from the force of the wind that sent her mane flying.

Never has she been this open before.

8.43
It was not a bad thing. Dashie always was so afraid. Always was so timid. Never did believe anything I said about her being able to make friends or be accepted for who she was, and it was so sad to see her slowly lose her confidence. The one thing that kept her going towards the goal she wants. She always fought everything I told her… up until the day when you entered her life. Now look at her.

She actually wanted to hold a little bunny and told you everything. Nothing can escape these ears.

Her ears tracked to follow the path the two fillies took up there. Guiding themselves left and right while they followed the rivers coursing around the landscape surrounding this forest. Darting all across the sky so quick that any normal pony would never be able to spot them. Just the sound of thundering air coming from nowhere. Not able to see the two fillies flying together and laughing side by side. Exchanging their boasts. With Soul doing a quick spiral around Dash to get ahead right when Dash made a hard jump of her wings to send out a streak of so many of her colors behind through the air.

I really do wonder who will win this time. Maybe as surprising as when she first saw them race. The first time they met at the finish line and laughed to one another, before they hugged right in front of Windy despite the result. Letting her know way back then that everything had changed for her little girl.

8.44
Soul, you are a blessing and you will always be welcomed in our home.

After everything you did to bring back my little girl’s confidence. Bring back her love of flying and bettering herself. Bring back her heart. It makes me so happy to think you two will be together forever.

Perfect wingponies, no matter what you two do. Even as you compete with one another, weaving around the other in an endless dance at speeds that the wind could not match, Windy always saw them as those wonderful wingponies she remembered from the first day she got to see them become friends. I know you don’t feel like you have a mother to look up to, Soul, but I’ll try my best to provide for you tomorrow. Soul was as much a gem in her eyes as Dash was to her. Well… almost.

Dashie will always be my little baby and the one pony who will blow everypony else away. Get to that dream she gave me years ago. With somepony else at her side now. Oh it was enough to make her want to scream in joy and…

Windy screeched when she tumbled over on to her side. Flailing in the water with her wings from losing that balance she had and getting back up. Laughing at herself for spazzing out a little. Swimming back to land and stepping up onto the cold and firm ground with so much water dripping from her soaked fur. Another chilly breeze coming over her. But she didn’t bother to get her towel, only staring up in mesmerized silence to watch the two of them curve back in from far off and follow the river towards her. Just two little blurs dashing forth in the wind. Faster than she blinked. Until she spotted the spread of giant magenta wings come in.

Coming over Rainbow Dash, right as both fillies came in as fast as they could.

8.45
Then they slowed. Slowed when those giant wings caught the wind, making both fillies fall out from their low flight over the ground. Seeing that… Soul held Dash. Pulling her down with her to the ground with her big wings guiding them both.

Just watching her daughter tumble to the ground across from her. Held in the hooves of Soul and covered in her wings. While both of them reached the end together. Windy didn’t move. Waiting. But she smiled. Smiled when she saw both of them to be okay.

The fillies laying off from her, together. In the midst of the shallow snow. Covered in snow. But neither of them moved, not when Soul held Dash close to her, and she saw her daughter close her eyes and smile inside of that big hug that Soul gave her. Not caring Windy was right here. Neither of them cared. Enjoying the moment together when Soul also closed her eyes. Both peacefully left. Windy felt a tear come to her eye.

You two really are the best of friends. My little Dashie being hugged and held by another. Somepony she trusted. I was right in coming along with you two. I never would have seen this otherwise. Seen just how sweet you two are to one another and how far you both have come along. She still sighed. Amused at it all.

Neither of you can beat one another in a race.

Never have been able to. But that never got the fillies down. Because they always ended up with moments like these. That their friendship was bright and real. That my Dashie isn’t afraid of you anymore. Windy laid down atop her towel. Planting her head down in the grass with the little bits of snow down there to touch her nose. I just know you both will do great things. She couldn’t stop being happy for the two fillies sleeping over there, held inside those two magenta wings.

I’ll let them rest. You two have a big day tomorrow. A day for the two bestest of friends.

Next Chapter: Part 1 Illusion - Act 9 Estimated time remaining: 44 Hours, 24 Minutes