Chapter 2: Taking Its Toll

Rainbow Dash woke up the next day feeling extremely pleased with herself. She had been a hero for Ponyville and she was being rewarded with loads of praise. Sure she might not have been getting any money for her actions but she didn't care. She didn't save other ponies because she wanted to get paid for it or even because of the admiration she received. Rainbow Dash was being a hero because she enjoyed it. She liked using her speed to save the lives of other ponies. She loved being the one that others could count on for help. Being a hero was an amazing thing for the light blue rainbow maned pegasus pony.

Rainbow Dash spent her morning with Gilda and Lightning Dust. Gilda was extremely determined to someday be able to create The Flaming Griffon on command. Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust were able to use their signature moves any time they wanted to. Gilda wanted to be able to have that sort of ability. The griffon pushed herself to her limit and just like the day before she had created The Flaming Griffon.

Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy flew towards the trio and watched the performance. The rest of the group were inside of their hot air balloon since they weren't able to fly. Gilda dug deep to find her inner strength and once again the image of the fiery half lion half eagle creature filled the sky. The five ponies and one dragon were stunned. They just couldn't believe that they had witnessed something so breathtaking. The Flaming Griffon was truly a sight to behold just like The Sonic Rainboom and The Lightning Strike. The group of nine went back to the ground and they walked through the streets of Ponyville.

The nine friends chatted with each other as they walked. They were extremely impressed with Gilda's signature move. The three fliers tried to ask which of the three signature moves was the best but the other six refused to give a clear answer. Rainbow Dash, Gilda, and Lightning Dust laughed as they walked side by side. The three fliers were definitely good friends. Suddenly they were brought out of their state of happiness by the terrified shouts of ponies.

Rainbow Dash's head perked up as she looked for the sourced of the noise. She saw that a balcony was about to fall from a building. The balcony was carrying five ponies on it and they would get hurt really badly if the balcony were to collapse. Rainbow Dash sprang into action and tried to prevent the balcony from falling. She pushed with all her might as she attempted to slow its fall. Finally she managed to lower it to the ground but she landed awkwardly and injured one of her hind legs. Rainbow Dash paid no mind to her injury as she was praised by the townsponies. Rainbow Dash went back to her friends and they were concerned about her leg. After assuring them that she was fine, Rainbow Dash continued walking with her friends behind her. Suddenly another scream pierced the air.

Rainbow Dash flew to the source of the noise and saw that a filly was trapped in a cave. The opening was just barely large enough for Rainbow Dash to squeeze through. Wasting no time, Rainbow Dash flew towards the opening and she just barely got inside. She grabbed the filly and flew back. The entrance to the cave wasn't large enough for the two of them so Rainbow Dash held the filly in front of her face as they exited the cave. The filly made it out unharmed but Rainbow Dash's wing scraped against the side of the cave and it hurt a bit. The rainbow maned pegasus didn't care about her injury. She made sure that the filly was all right and then she received even more praise. She tried to make her cloud thunderbolt but her wing started to flare in intense pain. Rainbow Dash didn't let the pain get to her. She landed lightly on the ground and continued to walk with her friends. The group of eight started to get extremely concerned for the light blue pegasus pony. She had just taken two injuries in one day. Granted they seemed minor but an injury is still an injury.

The rest of the day continued in this fashion. Rainbow Dash would save an innocent pony's life but she would take a hit because of it. Her heroic efforts were now starting to cost her. Rainbow Dash refused to give up. Ponyville needed her and she was going to be there for the townsponies. The rainbow maned pegasus was determined to always be a hero for her friends and her town. Scootaloo walked up to her and asked if Rainbow Dash would teach her and her band the theme song that she, Gilda, and Lightning Dust always whistled. The light blue pegasus agreed and then she was off to the clubhouse. She taught the four fillies the song and Sweetie Belle started writing a music sheet. She took the tune and tried to put it in a more rock and roll sort of style. The young rockstars thanked Rainbow Dash and then she was on her way. The Cutie Mark Crusaders put on their rock band outfits and they played the song for the first time. There weren't any lyrics yet but that would come in time.

The day ended and Rainbow Dash went back to her cloud castle. Fluttershy had examined her many injuries and she quickly discovered that they were all minor. She was able to quickly treat Rainbow Dash and the light blue pegasus felt like new again. The injuries were nothing now. Rainbow Dash laid down on her cloud bed and she quickly fell asleep. She loved being a hero for Ponyville.

Meanwhile in SugarCube Corner five ponies were sitting at a table by themselves. Twilight Sparkle had called for a meeting between herself, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack. The group of five friends sat down and the purple alicorn began the discussion.