The New Princess

Chapter 10: Farewell to Friends, Off to Enchancia

Rainbow Dash's POV

The courtyard of the castle buzzed with energy as ponies hurried about, preparing for the upcoming trip. The Wonderbolts stood in a group nearby, chatting amongst themselves, while the Mane 6 were gathered around Princess Twilight Sparkle, who seemed to be giving them a final pep talk before I left. I took a deep breath and made my way over to my friends, trying to ignore the small pang of nerves in my chest.

"So, Dash, are you really heading off to another universe?" Spitfire asked with a raised eyebrow. She was standing with Fleetfoot and Misty Fly, who both gave me curious looks.

"Yep," I replied, nodding confidently. "Soarin and I are going to Enchancia. It's... kind of a big deal." I rubbed the back of my neck, realizing how wild that sounded. "We're not sure how long we'll be gone, but don't worry—I'll be back before you know it."

Fleetfoot gave a dramatic sigh, a smirk curling on her lips. "Wow, I knew you were desperate to show Soarin your sense of adventure, but I didn't realize you'd hop dimensions to do it."

"Har har, very funny, Fleet," I shot back, rolling my eyes. "Try not to miss me too much, okay?"

Spitfire stepped forward, her usual stern expression softened just a bit. "Look, Rainbow Dash, whatever it is you're getting yourself into, just remember you've got a squad back here who'll be rooting for you. And don't do anything too reckless."

"Reckless? Me? Psh, never," I said, puffing out my chest. "You know I'm always careful."

"Yeah, right," Fleetfoot snorted. "Just make sure you come back in one piece, okay?"

I grinned and gave her a playful shove. "Same goes for you, Fleet. I don't want to come back to find out you've turned the Wonderbolts into a comedy act."

Before I could say anything else, Misty Fly stepped up and wrapped me in a tight hug. "Stay safe, Dash. We'll keep things under control here while you're away."

As the Wonderbolts gave their farewells, I felt a warmth spread through me. It was nice to know they cared, even if they wouldn't say it outright. The goodbye was short, though, since we all knew it wasn't forever. I'd be back with stories to tell soon enough.

Next, I trotted over to where Twilight and the rest of my friends stood. The princess looked at me with a mixture of concern and excitement in her eyes.

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Rainbow?" Twilight asked. "I mean, traveling to a completely different universe... it's a lot."

"I know it's a big deal, but you know me—I'm always up for a challenge," I replied, giving her a confident grin. "And besides, I've got Soarin with me. What could go wrong?"

"Just... be careful, okay?" Twilight said softly, her eyes meeting mine. "We'll be waiting for you to come back. Equestria won't be the same without you."

"Aww, you'll miss me," I teased, giving her a playful nudge. "Don't worry, Twilight. I'll bring back a souvenir or something."

Rarity stepped forward next, her eyes glistening as if she was about to cry. "Oh, darling, if you need anything—a new cloak, a stylish travel bag—just let me know. And do be careful, won't you? I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."

"Relax, Rarity," I said, chuckling. "I'm not going to a fashion show; I'm just going on an adventure. But thanks—I'll be sure to look fabulous while doing it." I winked at her, and she gave me a grateful smile.

Applejack clapped me on the back with one of her strong hooves. "Well, shoot, Dash, you go out there and show 'em what a true-blue Equestrian is made of. Just don't forget where you come from, y'hear?"