Dash felt lighter than air as she flew back to the pegasi tribe. Seeing Pinkie gave her a huge boost. Everything around her seemed awesome, like nothing could possibly go wrong.

“Who was that pony?” Derpy asked with a curious smile. She was flying upside-down.

Immediately the good feeling was gone. “None of your business, Derpy.” Dash growled out in annoyance. She didn’t feel like sharing personal information with anyone except for Pinkie or Fluttershy.

Derpy merely looked confusedly at Dash and looked around, suddenly worried, “Muffin? Where are you muffin? Muuuuffin!”

Dash rolled her eyes at the grey pegasus and looked over at Fluttershy, “Fluttershy? Do you think Pinkie will be okay?”

Fluttershy turned to her friend and smiled, “I’m sure she’ll be alright Rainbow Dash. She seemed to be happier than last time you left.”

“Yeah...” Dash sighed and looked down at the snow-covered land below her and thought about what the pink pony had said before she left. “... I have to go see her again soon... She said she had lots of stuff... to show me... I need to know what she meant.”

Fluttershy nodded gently in agreement, “Maybe... we can get you more time to spend with her next visit.”

Rainbow smiled at her long time friend. She was always so helpful, even in times of great danger, “Thanks ‘Shy. I owe you one.”

Arriving at the military base, they rushed in to speak to Commander Hurricane. “Commander Hurricane, the mission was successful. We have gathered enough to last us through the rest of winter.” Dash saluted with a ridged stance.

“Yea! Even with that random stop Lieutenant General Dash made!” Derpy gleefully commented rather loudly.

Dash could feel her mane stand on end at Derpy’s words.

Commander Hurricane’s eyes narrowed. “Oh? What kind of random stop, Airman Derpy Hooves?” She carefully analyzed each ponies behavior in front of her as she spoke.

“It was at this house with all kinds of snow ponies in front of it! Lieutenant General Dash came out with a bright pink earth pony next to her! They hugged and I think I even saw them hug with their faces!” Derpy beamed at the rigid form of Hurricane. A slow fury growing within her as she stared at Dash. Watching as she seemed to become a nervous wreak before her very eyes.

“D-Don’t listen to Derpy! She’s crazy remember? One too many hits in the head during training right?” Dash awkwardly slung her foreleg around Derpy, a strained smile coming onto her face.

“MUFFINS!” Derpy gave Hurricane a huge wall-eyed grin, causing Hurricane to doubt the information that was just delivered to her. Just a little.

Dash just smiled weakly at Hurricane, trying not to give any hints to what the grey pegasus had said until, “I guess you’re right. Derpy does have... a way of looking at things, so I suppose you are excused Lieutenant General.”

The Commander sauntered away casually and Dash was allowed to relax. Her shoulders hunched over in exhaustion at what had happened over this day and how difficult it would be to make another believable excuse for next time, “That was close... I hope she doesn’t send Derpy with us again.”

Fluttershy walked up beside the cyan mare and placed a comforting fore-hoof on Dash’s shoulder, “I’m sure everything will be fine Rainbow... Just don’t give up okay? You... You did promise Pinkie you’d be back.”

Looking down at the shy pegasus’ hoof, Dash managed a small smile, “So... how am I gonna get more time to spend with Pinkie?”

Fluttershy smiled softly at Dash. “Don’t worry Rainbow, we will figure out a way.”

As the three pegasi left, Hurricane watched them suspiciously. Rainbow Dash had acted strangely, especially during that accusation. Sure, Derpy wasn’t the most reliable ponies on information, but she wouldn’t fabricate a story as absurd as that. She was going to have to keep a closer eye on Rainbow Dash.

The following week Dash was in a really good mood. Almost unnaturally so. Her cheery attitude made many of her fans happy yet it made Hurricane’s suspicions more solid. The following weeks her mood would diminish until she became almost constantly grouchy and on edge.

Her training easily reflected her mood. The first week she would appear to float around projectiles and be more gentle with her combat training. Now she would viciously attack whomever had the misfortune of being her sparring partner. She wouldn’t even attempt to dodge projectiles. Instead she would slice them in two with a frustrated glint in her eye.

Hurricane watched as Dash growled furiously, pushing herself to her limit. She was currently working on strength training. Pulling far more weight than what she normally did. She strained as she pulled six large boulders up a steep hill. Digging her hooves into the ground for leverage, it seemed she was putting herself through so much work just to avoid something; but what?
*****

While Dash struggled to rid herself of missing Pinkie, Pinkie was struggling to forget how much she missed Dash. She had tried to mold the snow pony Rainbow Dash’s into other ponies, but that just made her think of her family. Turning away from the snow sculptures, Pinkie sat staring off into the town and noticed an orange pony strolling up the hill to her home.

Jumping up from her misery the pink pony ran straight for Applejack and threw her arms around her in a tight Pinkie-hug, “Applejack, you’re here! I missed you.”

“Sugarcube... Ah can’t... breathe...” Applejack struggled to say through the earth pony’s iron grip.

Letting go Pinkie sat down and looked down at her hooves, blushing lightly, “Oops... Sorry Applejack...”

“It’s alright Pinkie, but... why are ya out here? Shouldn’t you be attending to yer patient inside?” Applejack looked from the shivering pony to the house and back once she heard sniffles coming from the pink pony below her. “Pinkie... ?”

Pinkie was looking down at the ground as she relied, “... She... She had to go... The pegasi... missed her and... she promised she wouldn’t abandon them...” Wet tears dropped to the floor and Pinkie clenched her teeth, trying o hold them back in front of her friend. She said she’d be back you silly pony... Stop doubting her.

Applejack looked oddly at the mare planted on her haunches and sat down slowly in front of her. She placed a comforting hoof on Pinkie’s, “... Is everything okay sugarcube? Isn’t that a good thing... Last time ah saw you, you were going on about how grumpy she was towards you and how much she wanted to get back to her tribe.”

“That was before... Before...” Pinkie turned her head away suddenly and sniffed again, looking out over the cliff to the town below.

Applejack stood up and looked over into Pinkie’s reddened eyes with a sympathetic expression, “What’s been goin’ on between you two Pinkie? You always seem to be so angry with each other when ah’m around and when ah talk to you about it afterwards... You... get like this...”

“I... I like her, Applejack... A lot...” Pinkie looked up at the orange mare with new tears forming in her eyes.

“What do yew mean sugarcube?” Applejack questioned slowly, a suspicion forming within her mind.

“I-I love her Applejack. We are fillyfriends now. It’s hard...knowing she has to be away for so long...I really miss her...You...hate me now don’t you...” Pinkie lowered her head, tears falling from her eyes and hit her floor leaving a small puddle that formed around her hooves.

Applejack shook her head, “Aww, sugarcube... I could never hate ya fer followin’ yer heart. If ya truly love her Pinkie, then ah’m happy fer ya too. ‘Though ah never expected such a thing from you Pinkie Pie... How long has this been goin’ on?”

“I... I think I loved her from when we first met... I just didn’t know it until she said she loved me too...” Pinkie looked down and smiled at how happy and all together shocked she was when she heard the cyan mare admit that to her, “That was just before winter... at the annual food trade with the unicorns... Her eyes were so beautiful...”

“Well hog-tie my heels and call me Sally, that’s great ta hear Pinkie Pie.” She smiled down happily at the pink mare and found that her cheer was lost in Pinkie’s cyan eyes.”What’s the matter now? Shouldn’tcha be happy you two are together?”

Pinkie gulped thickly and rubbed her eyes with a hoof, “If Dashie’s tribe finds out about us... they’ll probably kill her... pegasi and earth ponies aren’t supposed to get along... And we can only see each other when she makes up an excuse to come and see me. I don’t want her to get hurt... but I love her Applejack.”

Applejack brought a hoof around her shoulder and hugged the pink mare comfortingly, “It’s alright Pinkie. Rainbow Dash’s a strong pony if ah ever saw one; she’ll be back fer ya, ah promise.”
*****

Dash slammed Fluttershy’s door in a frustrated huff, causing Fluttershy to nearly slam into her ceiling in terror. “GAH! Do you have an idea yet Fluttershy? I can’t take all this waiting!” Dash plopped onto her haunches in the middle of the room, fuming.

Fluttershy drifted down next to Rainbow Dash. “I know Rainbow Dash, but we don’t have a good enough excuse to go anywhere yet.” Fluttershy tried her best to calm the distraught pony but to no avail.

“THAT’S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FLUTTERSHY!” Dash had turned on the yellow pegasus and screamed at her in a rage. Seeing Fluttershy cower, guilt washed over her. “Sorry ‘Shy....” She looked away from the yellow mare, a dull look in her eyes.

“I-it’s alright Rainbow. Y-you are just upset.” Dash shook her head with a small smile. Sometimes Fluttershy was too kind for her own good.

Sighing, Dash wrapped a friendly wing around her trembling friend. “I...really am sorry ok?”

Fluttershy had a shocked look pass across her face before it settled on a small smile, “Pinkie sure is influencing you to be less....brash.”

Startled at Fluttershy’s words, Dash quickly jerked her head into Fluttershy’s direction, “She is not!” A small pink blush formed on Dash’s face as she said those words.

Giggling, Fluttershy smiled wider, “Oh don’t worry Rainbow. I think Pinkie would find it adorable.”

Dash’s small blush immediately covered her face. Fluttershy could practically see the heat radiating off of Dash’s face. “S-shut up!” Dash immediately moved to the opposite side of the room, hoping to avoid anymore confrontations.

“Oh Rainbow, you don’t need to be so embarrassed.” Fluttershy fluttered quickly over to Dash and gave her a friendly smile.

Sniffing indignantly, Dash held her head high, “I don’t know what you are talking about...”

Giggling at Dash’s denial, Fluttershy nuzzled Dash, “Of course not.”

Grumbling, the cyan made pulled away from her fried to look at the window. "Whatever..." She muttered, frustration clenching at her heart. "Being away from her is.... Is too much. I can't get her off my mind no matter what I do... It's like she's ingrained into my brain, every last detail I know about her keeps throwing itself at me."

Fluttershy sat and listened as Rainbow Dash spoke. She closed her eyes a little bit, allowing what she was saying to sink into her.

"I can't do anything without being reminded of how much I miss her, 'Shy...." Dash finished, looking at the ground. "It really hurts..."

"I wish I could understand your pain, Rainbow...." Fluttershy whispered, closing her eyes. "I wish you didn't have to feel so....... Uhm......"

"Empty. I feel empty without her..." Dash muttered softly.

Concern filled Fluttershy as she opened her eyes to look at her friend. "Rainbow...."

"I need to see her soon, Fluttershy.... No more putting it off..... Help me think of an excuse..." Dash’s ears lay back against her helmet and a pleading, sad puppy expression covering her face.

"O-Okay Rainbow..... Let's start thinking....."
***

Pinkie sat outside in the igloo she had made over a month ago, busily pushing snow in cracks and dents that had appeared. Applejack’s visit cheered her up a bit, but she still couldn't shake the nagging sadness.

Her growing feelings for the cyan mare made her departures all the more painful. It didn’t help that she had the constant worry that the military would find out. If they found out she may never see Dash again...and she would never know until it was too late....

Shaking her head in an attempt to free herself from such negative thoughts, Pinkie focused on the task at hand. Surprise washed across her face. She had carved both hers and Dash’s name into the wall of the igloo with many flowery hearts surrounding it.

"How did....? I guess my Pinkie self doesn't want me to forget about Dashie, even if I'm so sad..." Pinkie quietly muttered, letting her hoof rest beside Dash's name. "She's really special to me.... I hope she makes it back soon and okay...."

Something blue caught the peripheral vision. Turning toward it quickly she found a single blue feather that had blown inside the igloo. Gently picking it up, Pinkie grinned; this was Dashie’s feather. Hugging it tightly to herself, Pinkie rushed inside to put it somewhere safe.

She placed it on the mantle of the fire, before quickly shaking her head. "No no, not here..." She muttered, diving towards her room. "In here...!"

She pulled out a small box and delicately placed it inside. Smiling softly, she placed it back in its hiding place. Knowing that she had a small piece of Dash with her made it not nearly as bad that Rainbow was gone. She is always here in spirit, she thought, smiling.

She walked slowly to the kitchen, nosing her way into a cupboard. "I want some chili..... It's Dashie’s favourite!"
*****

“What in the HAY is going on with Lieutenant General Dash? She’s been acting loopy all week!” Hurricane paced back and forth in her office complaining to private Pansy. The small mint green pegasus with a powdery pink mane, listened with rampart attention, afraid that if she didn’t pay attention she would get in serious trouble.

"I mean.... In the last week she zoned out SEVERAL times!! This ISN’T like my prized student who WOWED the preschools principal at such a young age!" Hurricane whirled on her companion, fury dancing in her eyes. "PRIVATE! What have YOU noticed?!"

Nearly jumping out of her own skin, Pansy calmed herself before answering, “S-she has been a little off with everypony else...When she isn’t zoning off she’s throwing herself so hard into her training that it’s become way too dangerous for anypony to even spar next to her, let alone with her!”

Pansy had to stop countless sparing matches because of how deadly Dash had become during practice. The one and ONLY stallion to actually hit her ended up in the infirmary for four days.

"Exactly. Something is deeply wrong. Even that silly mare Derpy Hooves had such a bothersome report after that "mission" they sent themselves on....." Hurricane growled out.

Hurricane thought back to that, frowning. "What would Rainbow Dash be doing with a dirt pony is beyond me...."

Making a quick decision, Hurricane slammed open her office door and bellowed, “AIRMAN DERPY HOOVES! MY OFFICE, NOW!”

The grey wall-eyed pegasus fluttered in with a bright smile on her face. Turning to face her fuming commander, she saluted quickly.

“Airman Hooves. Tell me more about what you saw of Lieutenant General Dash and this mysterious dirt pony.” Hurricanes, eyes narrowed onto the happy-go-lucky mare.

“Well! I saw this briiiiiight pink pony come out with Lieutenant General Dash. They looked sad...” Derpy frowned for a moment before brightening up again, “They gave each other this super nice hug too! But it was more like those super friendly hugs that I’ve only seen my mommy and daddy do!” Hugging herself with a joyous grin, she looked up earnestly into the commander’s eyes, “I think Lieutenant General Dash promised to see her again. MUFFINS!”

Hurricane felt herself twitch. "Are you one hundred percent positive she would say that, Airman Derpy?! She promised to see a bright pink dirt pony?!" Rage and curiosity built up inside her. "The same Lieutenant General who purposely makes fun of dirt ponies?"

Derpy nodded her head vigorously. “YEP! It was like they loved each other!!!” Derpy became wide eyed for a moment, with an awestruck expression on her face. “Muffins?” Her normal wall-eyed stare and goofy grin quickly returned.

Hurricane growled, glaring at the wall eyed mare. "PRIVATE! Give her her muffins. I'm going on a little expedition....."

She spun around, storming out of the room. "If that whole herb thing was an excuse to see that fictional dirt pony.... Let's see what she does if I give her some...... 'time off'."
******

Dash was currently pouting in the middle of Fluttershy’s living room with an annoyed bunny on her back. “Oh Angel. Please don’t bother Rainbow Dash. She’s feeling awful as it is and I don’t think she likes you bouncing all over her.” Fluttershy quietly pleaded with the small bunny.

Turning toward Fluttershy with an irritated look on his face, the bunny stuck out it’s tongue and continued bouncing all over Dash.

"If I knew how rude this thing would be, I would have NEVER......." The cyan mare grumbled, glaring at the young bunny. She sighed, and stood up with the bunny on her back, "What am I going to do, 'Shy...?"

"Chief Sergeant Fluttershy!" A loud booming voice filtered into the home.

"MEEP!" Fluttershy cowered behind Dash, Angel bunny jumping onto her back and hiding in her long pink mane.

Dash spun around as Hurricane stormed in, her eyes blazing in fury. "Have yo- Oh. Lieutenant General Dash is here."

Rainbow Dash as Fluttershy both saluted, confused at their leaders statement.

"Yes Commander Hurricane?" Dash asked.

“I’ve been hearing about how your duties have been going since you returned from your little trip to gather medicinal plants. Care to explain why?” Hurricane gave Dash a sharp look, her icy blue eyes flashing dangerously.

Idly scuffing her hoof across the floor, Dash answered quickly, “I’ve just not been feeling too well. I try to make it up by working extra hard when I feel my best Commander!” Tiny beads of sweat began to form on Dash’s forehead, “Why? Have there been complaints?”

"No... Just some........... "Concern". I want you to take the next three days off, and I BETTER see you in tip top shape afterwords, do you understand?" Hurricane gave Dash a critical look.

Rainbow felt her jaw drop. Three whole days?! "Y-Yeah you bet!!" She exclaimed, enthusiasm strong in her voice. "I'll be so in tip top shape!! I'll be a whole new awesomely awesome mare!"

Rainbow’s wings twitched in anticipation. She was finally going to be able to spend time with Pinkie. At least three days worth of time. She had to force herself to not rocket out of Fluttershy’s house right then.

Hurricane kept a skeptical eye on her second in command. Excited about three days off, when in the past she refused to take days off?

"You won't even belie-" Started Dash excitedly.

"That's enough, Lieutenant General. You are dismissed." Hurricane’s stern voice cut Dash off immediately.

Gulping, Dash nodded her head eagerly before bolting off quickly. Should she take anything? Maybe something for Pinkie Pie.....

Watching the cyan pegasus go, Hurricane quickly turned on Fluttershy, a gleam in her eyes. “You don’t happen to know where she will spend her three days off now do you?”

Finding herself shrinking under the Commanders gaze, Fluttershy meekly saluted again. “N-no Commander...I-I have n-no idea...” Fluttershy’s heart was racing a mile a minute.

Commander Hurricane moved toward the yellow pegasus, a sense of purpose shining in her eyes, “You better be telling the truth, Chief Sergeant. We don’t want to lose any more good pegasi now do we?” A small sinister smile slithered slowly onto Hurricane’s face.

Fluttershy could have sworn that her heart stopped from the blind terror that shot through her. Squeaking in reply, Fluttershy began trembling violently under the Commanders malevolent gaze.

"I see. Perhaps it's just best for me to follow then. Chief Sergeant, you are under house arrest for the next four days. Do you understand?" A cold expression washing over Hurricane’s face.

Panic shot through Fluttershy. House arrest? "Wh-Whatever for, Commander.....?"

"Flat out lying to me. And this way, you can't warn Rainbow Dash." Hurricane’s glare could freeze fire. Fluttershy shrunk down into a tiny ball, tears pricking from her eyes. “For both your sake and Rainbow’s. You better hope she doesn’t go or do anything against the tribe...”

Unable to handle the extreme stress, Fluttershy fainted in the middle of her living room. Tears streaming down her face.

Hurricane stared dumbfounded at her, confused as to why she was in the military. She shook her head, and strode out, her mission deep set in her mind.
*****
Rainbow Dash flew through the clouds, her heart pounding. "Almost, almost...." She whispered, spotting the Everfree Mountain. She landed on the tip of it, looking down at the dirt pony village far below.

"Scum..." She growled quietly, hating the village even more for kicking her Pinkie Pie out. She carefully slid down the Mountain. Unaware of her surroundings. She kept the lone house in her sights, excitement surging through her entire body.

"Three whole days...!"

Dash snuck up on the house, her ears perked excitedly. Any moment now, she would bolt inside and find her Pinkie Pie. Any second.

She was so focused on her target she didn't notice somepony had followed her.

Hurricane landed silently on a cloud at the mountain peak, keeping her eyes trained on the cyan, armor clad mare sneaking up to the house. She growled silently, disapproving.

For her sake, she inwardly grumbled, she better be sabotaging the home.

She watched as her second in command snuck up to the house, pressing herself against the wall. Hurricane nodded in approval, impressed with the secrecy her lieutenant general had. She held her breath as the door opened, her eyes narrowing as a very familiar bright pink dirt pony bounced out, humming softly to herself.

"C'mon Rainbow Dash..." Hurricane mumbled, leaning forward. "Make me proud....." Hoping that Airman Hooves was making up some silly story to get attention.

A large grin shot onto Hurricane’s face. Rainbow Dash had lunged at the earth pony and tackled her straight into the ground, snow exploding around her. Feeling overjoyed, Hurricane started to fly toward Dash when she halted suddenly, horror crossing her face.

The pink dirt pony had removed Dash’s helmet and kissed her passionately. Dash didn’t even appear to be disgusted. Instead, she pulled the pony into a strong embrace and deepened the kiss.

"No..... No no no!!" Hurricane gasped, rage rising inside her. "How.... DARE she!"

She spun around quickly, bolting off towards the tribes base. "She.... She KISSED a dirt pony! That.... That TRAITOR!!"
*****

Rainbow Dash felt joy engulf her as she felt Pinkie against her. It had been too long since she was last like this, blissful with her partner. It had been too long....

"Dashie!!" Pinkie exclaimed, kissing the cyan mare again.

"Hey, Pinks...." Dash smiled softly down at the mare.

“Could you let me up? The snow’s all freezy.” Pinkie punctuated her point by shivering and snuggling closer to the pegasus above her.

Smiling, Dash scooped Pinkie up bridal style. Pinkie giggled cutely before snuggling into Dash.

Dash was even able to grab her helmet before flying inside, a bonus if she ever saw one. She held the pink mare close to her, setting her down on the couch gently. "Guess what?"

"What Dashie?" Pinkie asked, tilting her head to the side. Dash felt a smile slip onto her face as she squirmed eagerly.

"Three."

Pinkie looked at Dash confused, frowning. "Three?"

"Yup. I have three whole days to be with you!" Dash was beaming with delight.

Eyes becoming as wide as dinner plates; Pinkie launched herself at Dash, a happy squeal escaping her lips. “OH MY GOSH, DASHIE! We are gonna have the bestest time!”

Laughing as Pinkie nuzzled into her, Dash wrapped her forelegs around her in a protective and loving embrace. “I know, right?” Elation tinged Dash’s voice.

"We can bake, make snow ponies, snuggle....! Oh there is SO much to do!!" Pinkie exclaimed, quickly tugging Dash's armor off. "We can do EVERYTHING!"

Dash helped Pinkie remove her armor, feeling the usual sudden lightness wash over her body. "You bet, Pinks. Everything and everything."

Dropping her blades next to her armor, Dash turned toward a curious looking pink pony, “Dashie...What happened to your back?” Startled, Dash looked over her shoulder at the several shining scars that crisscrossed her back.

“Oh... those are from when I was a filly living in the orphanage.” Dash shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s no big deal, don’t worry too much about it Pinks.” Dash turned toward Pinkie and gave her a charming smile.

Frowning, Pinkie slowly nodded her head. "If you don't..... wanna to talk about it... then I guess...."

Sighing slightly, Dash gave Pinkie a calm look, "It's in the past, Pinks. I'm okay. I've completely healed, haven't I? All they are now is just a reminder to never let my guard down..... Unless I'm with you."

"Okie dokie lokie, Dashie. Just..... Promise me you'll tell me what happened one day. Okay?" Pinkie stared hopefully into Dash’s bright magenta eyes.

Scuffing her hooves on the floor nervously, Dash looked away from the pink pony’s gaze. “Uh...well...I guess so...” She still wasn’t very comfortable with sharing with Pinkie; anypony really. Not even Fluttershy knew about her scars. A gentle kiss on her cheek startled Dash.

“Thanks Dashie, for trusting me.” Pinkie’s large, blue eyes stared deep into Dash’s. Love and devotion shining brightly within them.

Dash felt her face heat up. She was still unused to another pony feeling such strong feelings for her. “...N-no problem...”

Feeling like her point had been made, Pinkie began bouncing in place in front of Dash, “So Dashie, what do you wanna do first?”

“Well, I...” Rainbow’s face flushed with warmth at the pink mare’s joyful attitude, but staring into her cyan eyes Dash had a sudden idea. “I... I want you to teach me.... how to bake...”

Pinkie’s whole face lit up at hearing this and she stared wide-eyed and hopeful that she had heard the pegasus right, “Really Dashie? You want ME to teach you how to bake?”

She shuffled her hooves around on the floor and nodded slightly, “... Yeah.... How you bake... It seems kinda relaxing.”

“Okie dokie lokie! Come on Dashie, let’s just start you off with an easy one... Baking cupcakes!” She sang as her bouncing resumed. She grabbed Dash by the hoof and bounded toward the kitchen.

As they reached the kitchen there appeared to be baking trays and baking ingredients already set up on the tables. Dash had decided to fly just off the ground so the pull from Pinkie’s erratic bouncing would be more manageable, but when she saw this she looked over at the pink mare confusedly.

“Pinkie? Why do you have all this stuff out already?” She noticed a slight tinge of worry in her own voice. Pinkie always baked tons of things when she was upset. The memory of her previous conglomeration drifted into her mind, making her shiver in disgust. WAAAAY too much sugar.

Pinkie let go of Dash’s hoof suddenly and trotted forward a little before turning around to face the pegasus solemnly, “Oh, I was just... making a party for myself.... to cheer me up while you were gone... But now it can be a party for the three days we have to spend with each other.”

Dash stepped closer to the quiet earth pony, her worries for her time away from Pinkie being realised, “Pinkie... How many parties have you had... since I left?”

“Uh... oh, just... a few...” She sat down on her rump and glanced at the floor tiles. Cyan and magenta. She sighed a bit and looked into Dash’s eyes sadly, “I’ve missed you... a lot Dashie... I was afraid you... wouldn’t come back... That they might kill you for loving me, and I just got so sad... I don’t want you to die over me...” Pinkie’s eyes began to water and she shut them tightly, trying to hold the tears back.

She suddenly felt warm, tender hooves wrap around her and she opened her eyes in surprise. “Please Pinkie... don’t say that...” Dash replied from over Pinkie’s shoulder, “I’m not going anywhere, okay?”

Pinkie returned the hug and pulled Dash tightly against herself, relaxing into her warm embrace, “Were... Were you worried about me, Dashie?”

“Of course I was Pinks... You’re the only thing I do worry about.” Dash gently rubbed Pinkie’s back soothingly, a small smile on her face.

Snuggling deeper into Dash’s embrace, she gently ran her hooves down Dash’s back and felt the dozens of smooth scars mingling with her soft fur. A small frown tugged at Pinkie’s face as she carefully caressed her back.

“Why didn’t I notice these scars before?” Pinkie quietly questioned, loud enough for only Dash to hear.

A devious smirk crawled onto Dash’s face, “Well...we were a little...preoccupied.”

Pinkie giggled, smiling up at her. "Yeah, I guess we were...."

Dash frowned a little, her eyes glancing across the room. "I don't really want to worry you with these scars..... Okay?" She spoke calmly, her eyes settling on Pinkie again. "It's over, and I've healed. That's all that matters to me."

“Okie dokey Dashie.” Smiling up to Dash, Pinkie settled herself back into the loving embrace.
*****

Hurricane stormed into her office, a trail of destruction left in her wake. Slamming the door so hard it nearly broke off its hinges, she let out a primal scream of rage before attempting to break her desk in half.

Private Pansy timidly peaked inside the raging Commander’s office, “W-what’s the matter Commander Hurricane?”

Blazing eyes locked onto Pansy, causing her to freeze in terror. A second later a grey hoof grasped Pansy by the scruff of her neck and yanked her into the room.

"That..... That TRAITOR!" Hurricane screeched, slamming the door once Pansy was inside. "That VILE, LOATHSOME, IRRESPONSIBLE TRAITOR!!"

Pansy shrank into a corner, confusion clouding her thoughts. "C-Commander.....?"

"I TRUSTED HER!! I TRUSTED HER WITH THE FUTURE OF THE TRIBE!" Hurricane snarled out, her anger flaring.

Hurricane, deciding the desk couldn't be broken in half, picked it up in her fury and threw it across the room, barely avoiding a scared Pansy.

"M-Maybe you should..... C-Calm down and.... Explain....?"

"THAT TRAITOR IS TAKING HER TIME OFF TO BE WITH AN EARTH PONY!!" Hurricane screamed, grabbing her helmet in frustration. "She..... She's BETRAYING the tribe!!"

For a brief moment, shock won out over the fear she was feeling for being in the same room as her raging Commander, “Are you sure? She hates the other pony races! She has never betrayed anypony since she’s been apart of the military.”

Stalking up to Pansy, Hurricane gripped her by the neck and pulled her close, “Are you insinuating that I am a liar Private?” Her voice ground out in a cold intensity while her eyes contrasted with a blazing inferno of pure hate roaring within them.

Purple eyes dilating in pure terror; Pansy shook her head quickly. “N-n-no! N-never!”

Hurricane spun around, banging her head against a wall. "Where did I go wrong, Pansy....? Rainbow Dash was my most promising... Most valued recruit... Did I put too much pressure on her....?"

She closed her eyes, sighing quietly. "I pushed her too far, didn't I...? She's still far younger then I was in that position... She has too much responsibility...."

"I-I think-"

Hurricane cut Pansy off before she could finish her reply. "No, you're right!! She should be honored to have received so much responsibility! It took me a good solid decade to build up to this position!" She stormed over to her battered desk and flipped it.

Pansy whimpered quietly. "O-Of course, Commander."

"I know what I have to do now!" Hurricane stated, slamming her right fore-hoof on the desk, punching clean through the solid surface. "She WILL regret all the lies she told me!"

Hurricane turned away from the desk and trotted to the front door. She placed a hoof on the door and glanced back into the room, suddenly calm. She looked around at the destruction of the room and stopped when she met Pansy’s eyes, “And clean this mess up. Whoever did this has no respect for furniture.”

“Y-Yes... C-Commander.” The door shut and the pegasus was allowed a relieved sigh.