>Flip it open. Flip it closed. Flip it open. Flip it closed.
>It’s been like this since Dash left two days ago.
>Of all the times you’ve seen her, this is certainly the most impatient one.
>Happy face, sad face. The cycle continues.
>You’re not sure how long you’ve just sat here watching her.
>A part of it is the humor of it, but the other part feels sympathetic towards her.
>”She still at it partner?”
“Yep.”
>Applejack sighs and adjusts her hat, “You talked to her yet?”
>You shake your head.
>”Think I should?”
“Eyuup.”
 
>Applejack moves off to talk with the bipolar Pinkie by the mailbox, another mare siting down by you.
>”Still at it?”
“Yep.”
>”Poor dear. She’s always so worried about her friends.”
>Sometimes it’s worth the wait for your friends.
“Pinkie just wants to maximize the time she has to respond to Dash’s letter.”
>Rarity should’ve been there when the mail p0ny came by the first time ‘round.
>She was so excited that she tore open her mail with the ferocity of a Bengal tiger.
>The look on her face was priceless.
>You don’t think she needs to be worried about avoiding those embarrassing wingboners.
>Spam mail.
>Even in Equestria…
 
>”She really should put her mind elsewhere. All this worrying can’t be good for her.”
“I wouldn’t worry about her worrying. She’s been eating plenty of grass and sleeping with one eye open.”
>”W-what has she been drinking?”
>You put on a sly grin to creep her out.
>”You’re sick.”
“And you love me anyways.”
>”That can be fixed.”
>No it can’t.
>You lean back on the bench, cracking the bones pleasantly.
“I’ve been running water detail for her. Someone has to.”
>”Well you don’t have to do that anymore. I’m going to help as well.”
>*growl* Dammit still? It’s been quiet for a good week now, yet it always seems to pop up.
>”I think you should fetch some food yourself.”
“You can say that again. Keep an eye on her for me?”
>She nods and you take a short stroll to Sugarcube Corner.
 
>The door dings upon your arrival and the smell of fresh goods does not help your growling stomach.
>Just need something to take the edge off.
>Mrs. Cake is working the register today and you wave at her.
>”Good morning Anon. How can I help you?”
“Hmmm, let’s see.”
>She’s got the usual stuff, but you’re craving a good cupcake right now.
“I think I’ll take one of the Sugar Surprises.”
>”Good choice.”
>Of course it’s a good choice. It was one of Pinkie’s specials after all.
>A trade secret they called it, one that you can’t tell even yourself.
>Serious business.
>She slides the treat over the counter.
“How much do I owe you?”
>”Don’t worry about it hun.”
“For reals?”
>”For reals.”
 
>”With the way you’ve been watching over Pinkie it’s the least I can do.”
>You shrug and take the plate.
“Who am I to say no to free food?”
>”You take care now.”
>Thanking her you head back outside the rest of Pinkie’s friends trying to talk some sense into her.
>Breakfast and a show. What else can you ask for?
>You take a bite as you overlook them.
>Hmmm, raspberry this time. Gives grape a run for its money.
>Pinkie’s still rambling on about how Dash will forget about us.
>Dash would never forget her friends, you know that, but maybe it would be nice for her to see a friendly face.
>As a present to Pinkie Pie, you’re going to head on up there and jog her memory.
>But how to get up there?
>Now that you think about it, you know a Pegasus who could help with that.
 
>You head outside P0nyville and spread your wings, as far as the nubs could spread.
>For a hulking guy he really had some pathetic extremities, wings not being the last of it.
>Flapping your wings came as easily to you as walking does now, probably due to his muscle memory.
>Such a complex act memorized through repetition.
>You still look silly as all hell, but damn if you aren’t flying.
>As you head closer to the academy you make sure to keep a low profile.
>Some p0nies from town had been called up here and Snowflake would have some explaining to do.
>That’s something you don’t want to get into.
>You head up from the bottom and land right up on the edge of the Academy.
>Dusting a few clouds bits off your shoulders you walk out onto the open field, a few of the fliers in the throes of their training.
>Well more caught up in with the whole of them wound up in the clouds.
>Must’ve hit a snag.
 
>”Hey! Visitors are restricted from the track until break!”
>That tone, those glasses, that whistle, that military uniform.
>You fucking hated that type.
>You recognize the Pegasus as Spitfire, Dash shoved the poster in your face when you didn’t know who the Wonderbolts were.
>Never say that to Dash.
>She and her two staff members approach you on the track, “Care to explain yourself.”
>You look around trying to find something.
“Oh sorry, I was just looking for the sign that said that.”
>She points her hoof off to the side, the sign a giant middle finger to your entire argument.
“Fucking hell…”
>”Anything else you got wise guy?”
“That’s my bad than ma’am. I didn’t see it.”
>She huffs lightly, “Don’t worry about it. I’m just thinking of your own safety here. Don’t want a stray flier crashing into any bystanders.”
 
“You don’t need to worry about that ma’am, I’m made of sterner stuff than I look.”
>Taking another look into the mess of fliers you don’t notice Rainbow Dash.
>”Visiting someone in particular?”
“Yes actually. Do you happen to know where I can find Rainbow Dash?”
>She points over to one of the buildings up in the clouds.
>”She and Lightning Dust just finished up the course. They’ll be off in the mess hall.”
“Thanks for your-“
>She stops you as you try and walk away, “How’d you get up here by the way?”
>Gotta think fast.
“I know a guy who gave me a lift.”
>”You able to walk on clouds?”
>You scratch your head as a feeling of nervousness washes over you.
>”I think I’ll follow you just in case.”
“Thanks.”
 
>She nods to her fellows and takes you by the arm to the cloud top.
>She’s definitely strong for a Pegasus.
>”Alright now I’m going to let you off gently. If you don’t feel your feet touch it then tell me right away.”
>Spitfire lowers you down your feet hanging just above the surface.
>Moment of truth.
>The soles of your feet shift as you touch the cloud’s surface.
>It’s a strangely familiar sensation.
>You felt the same when you were impersonating Snowflake.
>”Well I’ll be- You’re just full of surprises.”
“You don’t know the half of it.”
>She lets go and hovers a few feet away as you get used to your footing.
>So altered muscles isn’t all you got from Snowflake after all.
>At least hoof-foot isn’t as noticeable as those damned claws.
 
>”If you ever need another lift just find one of our staff and we’ll help you out.”
“Appreciate it.”
>You move up to the mess hall that she pointed out earlier and step inside.
>The hall’s mostly empty save for two pegasi. One turquoise mare you haven’t seen and-
“Well well well,” you slowly clap your hands, “If it isn’t the infamous Rainbow Dash.”
>She turns her head with a grin, “Anon?”
“Expecting someone else?”
>She flies into you for a hug before releasing you for a hoof bump.
>”What in Equestria are you doing here?”
“I came up to do some recon and make sure you haven’t completely forgotten about us.”
>”Like I could ever forget you guys.”
>You look over to the other Pegasus who’s slowly walking up.
“And who’s your friend?”
>”Oh, this is Lightning Dust. Dust, meet Anon. He’s a friend of mine from P0nyville.”
>She shakes your hand, “Sup.”
 
>There’s something about her that you can’t quite place.
>”Does your friend want to join us for some grub Dash?”
>Dash looks to you, “Got anything to do?”
“Not at all,” she leads you to one of the tables.
>”Give me a sec and I can grab you some chow.”
>She’s off like a bullet and you look to Lightning Dust who’s polishing some trinket on her suit.
“What’s that?”
>”This? Oh it’s nothing, just my badge for being Lead P0ny.”
>Looks nice.
>”Isn’t easy to be the best, but I manage.”
>Alright that’s what you smelled about her.
>She’s a stuck-up cunt.
>But she’s a friend of Dash and that means you’ve got to be nice to her.
 
>That smug grin on her face makes you want to slap the shit out of-
>…
>Twilight needs to hurry up on that project of hers.
>It isn’t easy with this virus in your veins.
>The thwack of the platter brings you to, Dash sliding beside you.
>”Sorry about that. I couldn’t figure out what you wanted.”
“No worries Dash. Thanks again.”
>”Anything for my friend.”
>You take a bite of some jello when you catch a glimpse at her badge.
>Lightning Dust’s was gold, but hers is silver.
“What’s with the badge?”
>”Oh that…”
>Lightning Dust cuts in, “She’s my wing p0ny. Together we’re an unstoppable team. I wouldn’t want any of those other chums by my side.”
>And there she goes with the talking again.
>Every single time…
 
>You can tell that she’s getting on Dash’s nerves as well.
“Really? I always thought of her as more of a leader.”
>”Spitfire said I like to push myself so that’s why she made me Lead.
>”It’s for the best,” Dash says with a tinge of pain in her voice.
>Being a Wonderbolt has been her dream and now it’s in danger because of Thunder Cunt here.
>Maybe if you… No, don’t even think about it.
>You try and drown out the voices by devouring your food but they don’t help.
>This amuses Thunder Cunt, “Slow down there champ it’s not going anywhere.”
>Your eyes meet hers and she backs the fuck down.
>”Not that I could tell you how to eat.”
>Or who.
>Your stomach growls roughly and you wince.
>Dash puts a hoof on your arm, “You OK Anon?”
 
“Must’ve eaten something bad.”
>She looks at you with concern, “Did you order a Sugar Surprise?”
“It was free!” you try to reason with her.
>”That’s just like you. You know how they knock you on your flank.”
>So very worth it, but you know this isn’t because of that.
>You need a warm fleshy body to dive into.
>You could put on their flesh like a new coat and take a stroll.
>The sun beating down on you, wind at your back.
>You squeeze your leg through your jeans and inhale sharply.
>The strength of your grip fights the durability of your bones, neither able to overcome the other.
>That just makes this an incredibly painful ordeal.
>One that takes your mind off of things.
 
>Dash watches as you finish off your plate, “Gonna lick the rim?”
“Rarity would have my head.”
>She rolls her eyes, “You’d roll over and beg if she wanted you to.”
>You’re appalled. How could she think something like that?
“I’d roll over but begging is one step too far. I have my standards.”
>”I thought you turned those over for her to redesign.”
>You squint your eyes and think of a response.
“Touché.”
>You put down your fork and rub your belly.
“Damn that hit the spot.”
>”Glad you liked it.”
>Lightning Dust clears her throat, “We going to stretch for the next exercise or do you two want to talk all day?”
>”Yeah. You don’t mind do you Anon?”
“Not at all. Have fun.”
 
>You follow Dash out the door and watch as she flies down towards the field.
>”So what’s the deal with you?”
>Thunder Dust approaches from the back while Dash is away, “Do you have a problem with me?”
“I keep to myself thank you.”
>She moves around you to block your path, “Right there, I heard it in your voice.”
“Do you want me to be frank?”
>”I sure do.”
>You rub your chin and stare her down.
“I don’t think you’re worth being Lead P0ny. You’re not the type. Headstrong. Dash is the same way, but she doesn’t reek of cunt all the time.”
>”You think you have me all figured out don’t you?”
“No, but I could tell the second I met you that you’re not worth my time, let alone the Wonderbolts.”
>Take that cunt face.
 
>She glares at you with response, a seething rage carrying off her body.
>”Let me tell you something Anon. I don’t care who you think you are, but I’m more than good enough for the Wonderbolts.”
>She points out to Spitfire out on the field, “She promoted me to Lead P0ny. She’s the one I’m trying to impress not some bipedal monkey with a big mouth.”
“Big words for a tiny mare.”
>”Your friend is good, but I’m better. You want proof? Fine, you’ll get your proof. Try not to get blown away.”
>She gives you one last glance before bolting off to join Rainbow Dash.
>Something about what she said was downright unsettling.
>Your not so much worried about what she could do to you, but more so what it might take for that to happen.
>”Alright let’s gather up,” you hear Spitfire yell from the field below.
>You head to the cloud’s edge as the previously occupied fliers meet up with their drill instructor.
 
>You want to be there for Dash but when you look around you don’t see any of the so called staff Spitfire told you about.
>The gap between you and the floating course is fairly wide…
>An idea drills its way to your conscious mind and you silently grin.
>Worse case scenario you miss and morph back into Snowflake.
>You back up to get a running start, grinding your feet into the cloud.
>Sprinting forward you leap up at the last second, your astounding strength sending you speeding upwards.
>Shit shit too high!
>You flail your body as you come falling back down to earth.
>You manage to slow down enough not to splat against the ground.
>When your feet touch the ground your body follows in a continuous roll forwards.
>The spinning is kind of annoying.
 
>After further slowing you manage to end your roll and land on your feet.
>You dust yourself off like nothing happened even as Spitfire walks your way with a chuckle.
>”Very smooth.”
“You should watch me dance,” you joke as she passes you.
>Spitfire leaves the runway off to her office no doubt, another staff member explaining the rules.
>It’s basically cloud smashing, but you have to stick with your partner the whole way through.
>You stand by the scoreboard, “Get set. Go!”
>A blast of wind hits you as Dust and Dash take off into the sky.
>Dust’s eyes hit you and a chill rolls up your spine.
>You won’t let her intimidate you.
“Go Rainbow Dash!”
 
>Dash smiles at you and pushes herself even faster into the sky.
>You couldn’t be more proud of her.
>She bucks her hooves into a cloud and it explodes into nothingness.
“That’s one point for Dash.”
>He tallies it up, Dash already scoring another two.
“Two more.”
>Looks like she’s going in for a super.
>Using her wings she slices three in a row and they fade into mist.
“Add three.”
>The Pegasus drops the piece of chalks in a fit of annoyance.
>”Do you want to do my job or what?”
“I’d certainly do it faster than you.”
>He steps to the side and lets you have at it.
>Like a sir.
 
>You jot down the scores, one eye on the sky and the other on the board.
>Derpy doesn’t have shit on you.
>”Two. One. One.”
>Ok you can see how he got annoyed by that.
>Dust certainly does a good job with Rainbow Dash, but nothing spectacular.
>They do make a great team.
>You could never deny that.
>But she’s not the hot stuff she implies.
>Dust turns to Dash and says something, but they’re too high up for you to hear them even with your sensitive ears.
>She looks at you, her eye’s holding a devious gleam about them.
>What’s she doing?
>Rainbow Dash looks uneasy but follows Dust nonetheless.
 
>The two fly in a circle, each loop subsequently faster than the last until they begin sucking up nearby clouds.
>She better not be doing what you think she is.
>They fade into the center of the building twister as it inches towards more of the clouds.
>”Wow,” the stallion whistles, “Keep tallying.”
>You drop the chalk and take a step towards it.
>”Hey what do you think you’re doing?”
>How could she be so stupid?
>The twister wavers, Dust shooting out the side.
“Shit! Get the other fliers out now!”
>”What’s the matter they can handle-“
>You grab him by the scruff of his jacket.
“NOW!”
>You lob him upwards and Dash soon follows in being thrown out of the twister.
>And now it’s coming right for you.
 
>You brace for impact and the twister takes you clean off your feet and spiraling inside.
>Clenching your eyes shut doesn’t help much but it does keep you from seeing funny.
>The sharp shrieks from the fliers reaches your ears and you feel yourself being sucked out just as fast as you were pulled in.
>Your back cracks against the flag pole and you grab hold of yourself painfully.
>The infection numbs the pain and you watch as the twister continues its rampage across the runway.
>What’s that at the edge of the field? It looks like a balloon and there’s-
>No no no.
>Dash sees the same thing and shoots towards them.
>The twister tears the balloon apart in a matter of seconds and- they fall.
“No…”
>Dust lands next to you, “Blown away.”
>You grab her neck.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?! This isn’t a fucking game you-!”
 
>You sprint down the track but stop halfway down as you see the other fliers touching your friends down.
>They saved them. Thank god.
>You- you have to find a place to breath.
>Moving over to the tree line you lean against one of the bases and begin to dry heave.
>A spark ignites within you and your fingers begin to press into the bark.
>Seeing them safe brings relief, but when you see the cause of their danger.
>Your teeth clench as your hands begin to shift and cut through the wood.
>The muscles in your arms ands legs double in size and you stare at Lightning Dust from concealment.
>Spitfire, pissed beyond belief, rips the badge from her suit and pins it on Dash.
>She slumps off in defeat, flying towards her dormitory.
>This is her last day at the Academy it seems.
>Good for you.
 
>You look to your left as you enter the dormitory.
>C54, Lightning Dust.
>So she rooms alone, even better.
>You knock on the door, Dust slowly opening the door.
>”Hey Anon,” she say softly and moves to her bed where she continues to pack.
>”Looks like you were right after all. Headstrong… Not good enough for the Wonderbolts.”
>You close and flip the door lock, the curves of your mouth flared lightly.
>”I did something that endangered your friends, Dash’s friends and my fellow p0ny. I don’t know what to say besides… I’m sorry.”
“Consider us even,” you respond earning her attention.
>”What- *gulp* W-w-what’s wrong with your hands…”
>You crack your neck and growl.
“This is personal.”
 
>You spread your arms and flip to the other side of the bed.
>A knock on the door stirs you from your light nap, “Dust you’ve got a half hour to get your stuff.”
>Oh yes. You rub your belly at the memory. Extra tender.
>So now that you’ve had your fill what next?
>Get off the premises disguised as Dust, dispose the baggage and-
>You look at yourself in the mirror.
>This is what you’ve become. It’s instinctual.
>The more you consume the more you lose sight of yourself.
>When you… did the others. The memories were hazy like- You don’t know.
>But when you shut the door on Lightning Dust it was so clear.
>You made the choice, it was you.
>You close your eyes and put your head against the mirror.
>Please god.
>End this nightmare.