Nearly a month, and a half had passed since we signed the treaty,and everything was quiet around Equestria. The Gryphon kingdoms kept to themselves; while the Dragons, of the Badlands, took this in silence happily; resting with ease. My strength in physical fitness, and mental well-being, were at an all time high. My training in flight was 'still' in a sad state though, as I couldn't even take to the air quite yet. Today I'd be training further in flight, once again, but for some reason; I kind of already knew that I wouldn't be breaching that barrier anytime soon.

Dash, and I stood in the training area of the Canterlot castle; close to the cliff edge of the mountain the castle was built upon. She was angered by my stubbornness, and yelled at me,"Come on, Dark! I know you can spread your wings, now all you need to do is believe, and fly! Just try, at least!" I tried moving my back muscles, but nothing seemed to happen. I was beginning to feel frustrated with my useless wings.

"I just can't do it Dash! It's just not something someone like me can do!" I yelled back, attempting to fly at the same time.

Rainbow looked to me, and narrowed her eyes; in a countered fashion."Dark, flying isn't something you 'do', it's something you 'feel'. You won't ever move your wings, if you don't break this stupid barrier; you built up for yourself! Your dad was a master of his wings; and by Celestia, you will be too." She stomped her foot in anger, as she took a step towards me pushing me closer towards the edge. I was immediately caught by the short castle fence that lined the cliffs edge.

"Well I'm sorry, Dash. I'm not my father. He was ten times the guardian I am!" I felt my heart sink a little. "I don't even think I should be a guardian. Hearing his stories; from other ponies...I don't know, if I have that skill." I could feel my self-confidence fading more, making a comparison. 'Senior wouldn't act like this, he'd know what to do.' I thought to myself. Dash walked up to me, and planted her hand on my shoulder. I looked up to her; she was smiling.

"Dark, come on. I want to tell you something. I've known it for a while, but now I think you should, too."

I leaned onto the fence railing, and Dash spoke again,"Dark, this is where your dad lived. He stayed with the princesses, with his own quarters with a balcony. During most nights, he'd look over the lands, and watch. I may have been far, but Twilight had a telescope. He was my hero." Dash smiled, as she looked to the ground. "I looked up to your dad, as if he were mine, we all did. Hell, the guy kinda was our 'dad', with his advice. I once had feelings for the old man, and tried to form a relationship with him. When he told me that he didn't feel the same, he showed me that love is something that can't be pushed; or bargained for. Love comes honest, and will sacrifice their time; just for you. I've learned many things from him, but now I think it's time that 'I' taught you something."

The cyan pegasus came close to me, standing against the fence. She approached me, and slowly began to close her eyes. She placed a hand against my chest, caressing my breast tenderly. I could feel my heart skip a beat. Just before I could straighten my thoughts, she gave me a push, and I fell over the rather, small fence.

I pushed my arms overtop my head, to help any damage, as if it would even help. "Dash!" was all I could manage to say, as I fell towards the scattering field underneath; at a rapid pace. The feeling of adrenaline was coursing through my veins, and the wind blasting against my body felt exhilarating. I closed my eyes, and could feel my heart booming inside my chest. I was falling to my death, but these surges of ecstasy coursing throughout my body had me thinking that I wouldn't trade this experience; or the moment, for the world.

"Dark."

I could hear a voice calling me...

"Dark."

I didn't want to leave; there's too much I needed to do there. They needed my help.

The voice grew in a echoing scream, but as if it were a short distance away. "Dark!" I pulled myself back into reality, and I opened my eyes. With them opened, I could see a very happy Rainbow Dash; She seemed to be cheerfully excited.

"What's with the smile? Why did you push me off? I could have died! I almost thought I did!" I asked the questionable cheerful pegasus.

"Well, how else was I going to get a stubborn, relaxed Darkmoon, to fly?" I was confused by her words, but I could feel something on my back moving. I looked down, and could see the bottom of the cliff underneath my feet. Amazed; I stood mid-air, beside the castle. My current position made my heart race; I took a few deep breaths in disbelief, and looked around. Nothing within sight, at first but as I looked; Rainbow Dash slowly floated close. Her movements didn't make sense, she 'shook' too much.

I turned back, and looked to Rainbow,"Dash! How'd you know I'd fly?" I asked the cyan pegasus.

She started rubbing her forearm; giving a little chuckle, and then explained,"Well, in all honesty. I didn't. It was something John showed me about self-doubt. When I was a young filly, just before I went to Cloudsdale for flight training, I couldn't fly. He brought me here on a class visit; He gave me almost that very same talk." She began to smile.

"So, it was all a gamble. What would you do, if it happened, and I didn't start flying?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Most likely, I'd try to either catch you before you dropped; or at least slow you down, before you crashed onto the ground to break your fall. You may have some weight, but you're not a wooden crate of horseshoes." She put her thumbs-up, and stated,"I'm proud of you! Since you did fly however, we don't have to think about it anymore. So; tell me, how did you feel while you were falling?" The rainbow maned pegasus flew closer.

"It felt; amazing, I don't know exactly how to describe it. The air flying against my face, and the rush of it all. Simply; exhilarating." I slowly made my way over to her, then I pulled her in for a hug, and she accepted it. I swear, I could hear her squeal in delight; but it could have been my imagination.

"Right. Since you've now mastered keeping yourself up in the air; how about we go for a few laps around the castle to warm up your new wings?" Asked the cyan pegasus.

"You're on!"

We trained for the rest of the afternoon; circling the castle, and cycled back around the mountain a couple of times. We only stopped to take breaks every now, and then; but the exhilaration of flying kept me going. After my training for the day was done, I thanked her for almost killing me.

The glistening of the stars began to flicker, in the night sky. I flew my way back to Ponyville, while Dash on the other hand; flew towards her home, near Cloudsdale. I figured now that I've learned how to use my now, 'not so useless' wings; travel time would take much less time, than simply walking. I felt accomplished, I should treat myself to a few celebratory drinks, I thought. As I arrived to the bright, lantern lit town of Ponyville; I could here the sounds of ponies yelling, and things crashing in the distance. I figured that I should put a stop to it, before anything got too out of hand. I followed the sounds, and they led me to the very establishment I was actually intending to go.

"Tolsa's Tavern...Are you serious?" I said to myself. "Ah, damn it. You find a good spot; close-by, and it takes one day out of town..."

(Version 1.3(2022))
Minor fixes, and corrections. I hope it works for you, as well as it works for me. I shall continue to entertain.

Keep it cool, xXCondemnedSoulXx.