The next morning day, Rainbow Dash came to Applejack's house. "So what do you wanna do today, Sunflash?" she asked. "Want to help me out with my flying tricks?"

"I'm afraid we won't have time for that today, Rainbow Dash," said the badger. "Today is the day Mother and I are leaving."

"Leaving? But where are you going?"

"To Salamandastron," Sunflash explained. "It's a great fortress by the sea, inside an extinct volcano, where Badger Lords rule over the western coast of Mossflower Country. Mother told me all about it. There's a mighty army of hares there called the Long Patrol which assists us in defending the mountain from attacks by vermin hordes. My grandfather, Boar the Fighter, was ruler there long ago, and so was his father, the great Lord Brocktree."

"Salamandastron was the first place I went on my search for Sunflash," said Bella. "When I arrived, there was no Badger Lord there, only a few hares. Apparently the mountain has been without a leader ever since my father Boar died."

"So I'm going to journey to Salamandastron so I can become the next Badger Lord, giving the hares a new force to rally around," Sunflash finished.

"Aw, man, that sounds awesome!" Rainbow said. "But do you really have to leave today?"

"Yes, I think the sooner the better," said Sunflash. "Ponyville is a wonderful place, but it's not where I truly belong. I must follow my destiny, and it's obvious that as long as I stay here, I'm putting you all at risk. Swartt Sixclaw and his horde would never have attacked your town if it hadn't been for me."

Rainbow Dash wiped a tear from her eye. "I knew you were gonna have to leave someday, but I'll really miss you!"

Then Bella had an idea. "Why don't you come along with us, Rainbow Dash?"

"I could never leave my pony friends," said Rainbow.

"You don't have to leave them forever," Bella clarified, "But if you come to Salamandastron with us now, you will know the way there, and you can visit whenever you want to."

"Hey, that sounds like a great idea!" said Rainbow Dash.

"Yes, I'd love to have you along," said Sunflash.

An hour later, they were ready to depart. A contingent of ponies came to see them off at the town line. "Goodbye, my friends," said Sunflash.

Twilight patted his paw. "We'll think kindly of you an' all you did for us."

Applejack handed Sunflash a sack of food. "Ah made yew a pack o' vittles so ya wouldn't git hungry on yore trip, an' maybe it'll remind you of us."

"We'll miss you too, Rainbow Dash," said Rarity.

"Yeah," said Fluttershy, who was holding the infant Veil in her arms.

"Don't forget about us, okay?" called Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Don't worry, I won't be gone that long. Just long enough to see our friend Sunflash off to his new home."

"I'll take care of things while you're gone, Dashie!" Scootaloo piped.

Rainbow ruffled the filly's hair. "Of course you will, squirt."

Princess Celestia stepped forth, holding a golden medallion with the inscription, "Remember the Rainbow." It had a picture of an Earth pony, a Unicorn, and a Pegasus on it. She presented it to Sunflash, saying, "This amulet may be of use to you sometime. Show it to any of Equestria's allies you may encounter. Tell them it comes from Princess Celestia. It will make your path easier by bringing you help."

"Fare ye well, Sunflash the Mace!" said Luna. "Find your mountain, defeat your enemies, and grow great in the land!"

Sunflash looped the medallion around his neck, and picked up his mace and the sack of provisions. Then the three were off. They cut into the woodlands, going south and west.