“Hey, Scootaloo,” a voice from above called out. The filly’s orange ears perked up instantly. She’d recognize that voice anywhere.

“Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?”

Scootaloo’s childhood idol hovered overhead, rhythmically flapping her strong blue wings. “I just came by to see if the coolest blank flank pegasus in all of Ponyville wanted to come fly with me, maybe learn a few awesome tricks.”—Rainbow illustrated her offer with a slow barrel roll—“You deserve a celebration, saving Fluttershy’s chicken and all.”

“Oh, wow, thanks, Rainbow Dash! I’d love to!” Scootaloo’s eyes were wide with enthusiasm and excitement. “Right now?”

An errant cloud drifted over the tops of the buildings, casting a small shadow on the ground. Rainbow glared up at it with rage, flew up to it, and kicked it into oblivion. She looked around, noticing a dozen more clouds, each much larger than this one, blowing in from the Everfree Forest. Today was scheduled to be a sunny day, and Rainbow Dash wasn’t about to let the random weather patterns of the forest interfere with the good ponies of Ponyville and their outdoor activities.

“Sorry, kiddo. I would, but it looks like I’m kinda busy today. But sometime soon, I’ll make some time for you. I promise.”

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash. This means so much…”

“Don’t mention it,” Rainbow dismissed. “Somepony’s gotta teach you how to use those wings like a real flying ace.”

“So what do you think?” Rainbow’s proud voice echoed off the walls, emphasizing just how empty the place really was.

“It’s…it’s going to need a lot of work…” Vinyl observed. “The floor needs totally resurfaced, all the walls need painted over. The roof probably leaks…” Vinyl caught herself. “I’m sorry. I’m complaining. Thanks, Dash, this place is awesome. Or it will be, anyway.”

Rainbow moved into the center of the old building, and Vinyl followed close behind. “Yeah, I know it looks rough right now, but think of the potential. You could build a little stage up here in the front and put all your sound stuff there, and make all this the dance floor…”

“The drinks bar would go over there along the wall…” Vinyl’s ear twitched as it caught her echo. “Interesting acoustics. I wonder if that echo’ll still be there when the whole place is packed with ponies.”

“Would that affect your music?”

Vinyl shrugged. “Possibly. It’s pretty complicated how sound waves and all that work. I really couldn’t explain all the science backing it. I just know what makes music sound awesome and what makes it sound bad.”

“You’ll do fine, I’m sure. Ponyville doesn’t have another nightclub. You don’t have any competition.”

“That’s true. I just have to get the place set up first. And that’s going to take a very long time.”

“Well, I’ll help you out in the meantime,” Rainbow offered. “I can get Applejack to send over some apples, and Pinkie’s always looking for an excuse to make more cupcakes or muffins. Food expenses are on me.”

Vinyl shook her head. “Dash, you don’t have to do that. You already paid for half the cost of the building…”

“I know,” Rainbow shrugged dismissively. “But you’re a friend who could use a hoof, and I’m Ponyville’s head weatherpony, so I have more than enough bits to help you out. Don’t worry about it. I’d let you crash on my couch so you didn’t have to sleep here, but…I don’t think that’ll work unless you suddenly grow wings.”

“Thanks, Dash.” Vinyl still didn’t feel quite right about accepting such generosity, but she did need the money. She leaned against Rainbow in a friendly pony-hug. “You’re awesome.”

“I know,” Rainbow boasted, letting her own head rest against Vinyl’s.

Next Chapter: Chapter 8 Estimated time remaining: 28 Minutes