Rainbow was enjoying the night air, high above Ponyville. The cloud she was lying on was nice and soft. Like a big cushion just dangling in the air. She thought to herself how lucky she must be to enjoy such a comfort. In that way, she sort of felt bad for the earth ponies and the unicorns. Perhaps alicorns experienced this phenomena. She laughed at the thought of one of the princesses laying on a cloud. Princesses. That reminded her of her best friend and she wondered what she was up to. So she casually maneuvered off the cloud and took flight, headed for the big tree in which her friend resides. ~~~ Twilight was finishing up inventory. She would've got done sooner but she got too carried away in one of her projects. Spike would've helped her except he couldn't keep his eyes open after the second shelf. She giggled a bit at the thought of Spike resting his head on the shelf and taking inventory in his sleep. If only, maybe then I'd actually get this done before Celestia raises the sun. Knock, knock, knock. Twilight turned around to face the door wondering who would be knocking at this time of the night. She shrugged it off as a velvet aura surrounded her horn. The lock twisted along with the handle and the door opened softly. "Oh," Twilight was surprised, "it's you, Rainbow Dash! What are you doing up this late?" Rainbow smiled as she trotted through the door, "You know, just bored. I was chillin' on a cloud when I wondered what you were up to." Twilight furrowed her brow, "And how did you know I was still awake?" Rainbow waved a hoof, "Please. I think I've only seen you sleep twice since you've been in Ponyville. So, what are you up to?" Twilight let out a sigh, "Just cataloguing, making sure all the books that should be here are here. That reminds me, you still have a Daring Do book out." She gave a stern look of disapproval. Rainbow was quick to dodge the subject, "You know, you're a princess now. Why did you choose to stay on as librarian?" "Why wouldn't I?" Twilight responded, confusedly. "If it wasn't for this job I never would have met you or the others. We never would have become friends. I wouldn't be a princess either. I owe a lot to this job, to Ponyville, and to all of you." Rainbow blushed in response, "I guess I hadn't thought about it like that." Twilight finished a stack of books, placing them on their respective shelves, "Besides, I don't want to have to leave here." Rainbow frowned, appearing heartbroken, "But you do have to leave, don't you? The sign out front says you're looking for a replacement." From Rainbow's perspective she couldn't tell, but tears had began flowing from Twilights eyes, "That was the deal. I only get to stay until I find a replacement." "So we won't get to see you as often?" Rainbow, who wouldn't ever admit it, became teary eyed herself. "I suppose not," Twilight began sorting through the next stack of books hoping to ease her mind from the subject. Rainbow was right though, they wouldn't get to see each other as much. Though she'd never say it in front of the rest of the girls, Rainbow was her best friend. Applejack and the others were alright, but she didn't get along with them as well as she did with Rainbow. If she was completely honest with herself, she'd probably say she was in love with her. Out of the five she'd miss her the most. If only there was a way. If she could keep Rainbow at her side then that would be enough. If only ... Royal Guard. Her face lit up like the Summer Sun Celebration. Why hadn't she thought of it sooner? With a smile on her face she whisked around to catch Rainbow Dash off guard, "Rainbow, how would you like a new job?" Rainbow, quickly wiping away the tears from her eyes, was taken aback, "Wh-what?" Twilight giggled at the sight of the surprised Rainbow, "How would you like to be the Captain of my Royal Guard?" Rainbow was delighted at first, but quickly gave a worried expression, "Actually Twi, I'm still kind of wanting to do the whole Wonderbolts thing." "That's a shame, I was actually thinking of starting my own. I was hoping my Captain would be the same for both, but if you don't want to." Without hesitation, Rainbow shot across the room, "Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh!! You serious, Twi?" "Well of course I am, just because Cadence chose not to have a flight team doesn't mean I have to. And with your expertise and critic, I'm sure we could have a team that'd beat the Wonderbolts in a heartbeat. So, what do you say?" Twilight held her breath, waiting for an answer. Rainbows expressions were hard to understand. At one moment she appeared happy, the next confused, infuriated, confused again. Finishing off with a stern and serious look, she locked eyes with Twilight, "I ... I'd love to!" She quickly grinned. Twilight was so excited she hugged Rainbow without a second thought, "Yay! This is gonna be awesome! Oh and Rainbow." "Yea," Rainbow had her eyes closed, relishing the moment, "what's up?" The hug got a little tighter, "Don't think I forgot about that Daring Do book." ~~~ ~~~ Rainbow went on to become both Captain of Twilight's Royal Guard and Captain of the Rainbolts. Princess Twilight decided it best to be named after the very first member. They see each other every day. They're often overheard conversing on subjects like Daring Do, Snacks, and occasionally you'll hear them talk about official business. Though it's a well kept secret, the two often sneak out of the castle to take a midnight flight. No one ever catches them so it's hard to say where they go, but if you ask Princess Celestia, I"m sure she'd tell you the Sugarcube Corner gets a few late night customers.
