The sun was rising, rays peeking through Morningstar's window. He began to stir, roused from his deep slumber, wrapped in the sun's warm embrace. Finally, he got up. Morningstar walked over to his dresser, which had a mirror built in. He brushed himself off, from mane to tail, and then gave his wings a stretch. They weren't like everypony else's; they were metallic, made of a dark, strong, feather light, silvery material. He stared into them, and then turned his body so his wings caught the sunlight, making them turn from being grey as lead to bright silver. After his self-adoration was complete, he walked downstairs to the kitchen to fetch a quick apple before work.

His morning routine complete, he trotted out the door of his Cloudsdale home and over to the post office. He was a mailpony, and he loved stories. Once, he heard a story about some featherbrained Pegasus who worked in Ponyville. She was a mailpony, just like him, except her eyes were different. Every pony thought she was weird, but Morningstar never did. He had always liked that story; one of a beautiful Pegasus who wasn't weird, just different, like him. Even better than those stories were the ones of Rainbow Dash, and of her amazing Sonic Rainboom. Every time somepony would tell a story like that, Morningstar would always be transported back to his days at flight academy. He remembered that one day: a young Rainbow Dash standing up for her friend against some bullies, then that Rainboom.

He kept walking, lost in his thoughts when he came up to the front of the post office. He walked inside and took a look around. It was still early, yet everything inside was so lively and energetic. Mailponies fluttered and trotted about; everypony was moving with a purpose. Morningstar worked his way through the hustle and bustle and into the prep room. His saddlebag was already loaded up for him, and from its size he could tell it was going to be a long day. Morningstar donned his hat, threw the saddlebag over his back, and strode out the room.


It was late afternoon by the time he finished. Work was over; it was time to relax. At least for everypony else it was. For Morningstar, the day had really just begun. He flew out far beyond Cloudsdale, over the Everfree Forest. He knew the trees would break his fall should the worst happen, and that he could just fly out afterwards. The sun was setting by the time he got to the right area of sky. He perched himself on a cloud and looked over the edge. It was a long way down, just how he liked it. He scooted himself right to the edge… then jumped.

His bright blue and gold mane streaking the sky, he rocketed down towards Equestria as fast he could, piercing numerous clouds in the process. He was going fast enough to feel the full affects of air resistance across his entire body. The very air felt thick; like a viscous paste fighting his every motion. Morningstar could feel his body urging him to stop, but he knew he had to keep pushing; keep attempting the impossible. "Just keep trying," he thought. "Almost there."

He could sense it growing ever closer: the vaunted sound barrier. He knew that breaking it would a milestone to performing the Sonic Rainboom. He pushed even harder, pumping his wings furiously, fighting the air rushing past him. Then, he began to make out the vague shape of treetops beneath, growing alarmingly fast. He fought himself over whether to keep flying or pull up. He was so close, yet so far.

Following his better judgment, he made the decision to pull up. He flattened his wings parallel to the ground, catching as much wind as possible. Then he directed himself upward and fought gravity until he won. Looking down he realized that he was still far above the trees, though a little close for comfort. He was about as done for the day as the sun was, and slowly he began the flight home to Cloudsdale.


It was nighttime when he got back, landing on the street with a light fluff. He gave his wings a well deserved break, and walked about the streets. Morningstar loved the night. There was just something about the lights, the stars, the cool night breeze, and the hushed activities of the other pegasi that was captivating, enchanting to him. He passed by familiar streets, but there was always something new that kept Morningstar engaged. He was walking along, taking in all the sights and sounds of the night, when he reached the end of the street. There in the corner was his house. A simple house, yet more than that; it was home.

He walked up to his door, and pushed it open. Once inside he closed the door and plopped down in a chair, exhausted. After a few minutes Morningstar got up, walked past the kitchen, and went upstairs to his bedroom. He wasn't hungry; just tired. He pushed open the door to his bedroom. It was a simple room, nothing more than a cloud bed and a bookshelf. After turning out the lights he nestled into bed, tired but awake.

He laid there in his darkened bedroom, with aching wings and aching hope. Every attempt was met with failure. He was starting to think that he'd never go fast enough; that he wasn't good enough. Morningstar closed his eyes and imagined himself doing the impossible: the signature Sonic Rainboom. Something only one pony could do.

He wouldn't let himself believe that, though. Time and time again he's been told that only Rainbow Dash could do it.

…only Rainbow Dash could…

…only Rainbow Dash…

The words echoed in his head.

Finally he fell asleep, and dreamt of that day at flight academy: that day when he witnessed the Sonic Rainboom for the first time.