It had been over ten years since the night Rainbow's father came home with news of a horrific crime. By now the 18-year-old Rainbow Dash had forgotten completely about the crime and had not asked her parents or sister about it since. She now lived in the town of Ponyville, a little ways away from Cloudsdale, and had several really good friends.

This particular day was extremely hot and Rainbow Dash was now resting at a cafe with her friends, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack.

"Too hot for ya?" asked Applejack.

"Somewhat. I could do a lot of practicing if I wanted to," Rainbow replied.

"Sure you could," said Twilight sarcastically.

"Are you trying to imply something there, Sparkle?!"

"No. Nothing at all."

The three ponies laughed and each took sips from their drinks.

"We could really use some rain right about now," said Applejack. "We've had nothing but hot and dry weather for five days straight!"

"It could be worse," said Twilight.

"Ah guess you're right. So, Rainbow, is anything new or interesting happening in your life at the moment?"

"I don't think so...oh wait! I almost forgot!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"What is it?" Twilight asked.

"My big sis is coming to town next week!"

"So we finally get to meet the famous Stormflower," said Applejack.

"Stormflower. Why does that name sound familiar?" Twilight asked.

"She's written several books on gardening and such," said Rainbow.

"Now I remember! I have one of her books back in the library!"

"Yeah. We're really close."

"Then how come none of us have met her in all the time that you've been in Ponyville?" asked Applejack.

"She travels around a lot and is really busy. We sent letters to each other to see how our separate lives are going."

"Don't you have a brother too?"

"You mean Sunkick? Yeah. He still lives in Cloudsdale with my parents."

"How come we didn't see them when we were in Cloudsdale?"

"They were on vacation."

"Vacation?!"

"Yeah. Vacation. Is that so shocking?"

"Uh...well...no. I don't reckon it is."

"Then don't act like it is. Hmm...now that I think about it, I haven't really talked to anypony in my family for a while. The five of us should really get together again soon."

Just then Rainbow felt something big and fluffy grab her. She turned around to see Pinkie Pie standing right behind her.

"Hey Pinkie Pie," said Twilight.

"Hi Twilight! Hi Applejack! Hi Rainbow Dash!" said Pinkie in her overly hyper voice.

"How are you doing?" asked Rainbow.

"I'm doing great! Spectacular even!"

"What's gotten you all happy and such?" asked Applejack.

"I was looking through some papers yesterday and I came across something that got me excited!"

"What was it?" asked Twilight.

"Nothing really. Just some old papers that made me really happy. By the way, Rainbow Dash, are you free tomorrow?"

"I don't have anything planned. Why? Do you want to do something together?" asked Rainbow.

"Yes. I really want to get together with you tomorrow. We're going to have so much fun!"

"What are we going to do?"

"I can't tell you that, silly filly! That would ruin the surprise!"

"I hate surprises."

"I love surprises!"

"Oh well. Sure. I can hang out with you tomorrow. Where are we meeting?"

"Sugar Cube Corner at...around noon."

"Okay. I'll be there!"

"Great! It's a date! See you girls later!"

Pinkie then trotted happily down the road.

"At least somepony's happy during this awful heat wave," said Twilight.

"Yeah," said Applejack.

"I wonder what surprise she has for me," said Rainbow. "I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow. Heh. Knowing Pinkie it's probably going to be one hell of a surprise."