//------------------------------// // Race 25 // Story: My name is Barry Allen and I'm the fastest pegasus alive // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Race 25: the end and the beginning Memory of pain is a strange thing.  Accurately describing it to someone who hasn't experienced it is impossible.  In the glare of the rainbow light, Reverse had felt her self being torn apart atom by atom.  Each moment of separation was another bit of agony, both with the pain of being pecked apart and the anguish at the loss of another part of one's self.  Being reassembled was no better; while it seemed there was more added in, there still seemed to be something missing. The new part added was torture unto itself.  The once-cavalier pony had once again gained a conscience.  It finally dawned upon her that she had caused pain to others for no good reason.  She had destroyed friends and families just to stoke her already-inflated ego.  She had become what she had hated in others.  No more!  Her path was now clear. The last part was the worst of all.  It seemed as though she were now subject to judgement and had been found wanting.  Everything she had done was being replayed in merciless accuracy and detail.  After she had gained her new powers, it seemed there was no end to the evil she did.  She cried out for justice.  The pain built to a crescendo that climaxed in an explosion of white-hot agony.  The, mercifully there was only darkness. Sense of touch came back first.  It was soft, warm, safe.  Next, came the sense of smell.  Something familiar was with her, a friend?  Taste was next.  What was inside her mouth was best left to the imagination.  Then came hearing.  It was an ancient pegasus lullabye, sung in the voice of an angel.  Finally, there was sight.  A curtain of soft pink blocked everything else. The pieces all came together.  Reverse turned.  She croaked, "Fluttershy?" The yellow pegasus beside her hugged her more closely.  "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry.  I'm sorry.  You were going to kill yourself; I couldn't let you do that." Groaning, Reverse replied, "You should have let me die." Her own voice voiced disapproval.  "Hey!  Dash does not give up!  Dash does not give in!  Who are you, an impostor?" Reverse sat bolt upright.  Fluttershy gave a soft "eep" as she was thrown off.  Reverse now saw that she was in a bedchamber along with all the ponies whom she had been fighting in this timeline. Rainbow Dash said, "You've been given a second chance, Dash.  How do you feel?" Reverse frowned.  "Broken."  She glared at Luna.  "You did things to me that can never be fixed."  She looked down.  "I've killed them all, haven't I.  My timeline is doomed." Barry asked, "Is that what you want?" Reverse growled.  "Of course not!  They're my responsibility."  Distraught, she looked down.  "Mine." Rainbow Dash asked, "So, do you understand what I mean?  You killed your alicorns.  You have to take over their jobs." Angrily, Reverse replied, "I know! And I killed your stupid unicorn friend, too, and now I have to clean up all the timelines she messed up, too!" “Do you mean that?” asked Twilight. “Yeah, I’ll take care of the bad guys, just like I did in my own timeline.” Fluttershy drew away, shocked.  Reverse extended a wing and touched her gently.  "I'll figure this all out, somehow.  Fluttershy, I promise I won't hurt any innocents." Rainbow Dash glared at her.  "But you won’t stop killing.” Reverse shot back, "Hey!  If they have failed Equestria, someone has to make them pay." She looked down again.  "Please, Fluttershy, don't make me promise about them." The yellow pegasus said nothing, but she extended her own wing to touch Reverse. Applejack said, "Do y'all really mean to take care of the sun, the moon, and all the ponies like a real princess should." "Are you deaf, you hick!  I just said that.  Not as a princess, but as a queen, the Speed Queen." Celestia stepped forward, only to retreat at Reverse's growl. "What is wrong with you ponies?!  That rainbow beam didn't fix anything!  I still hate alicorns!!" Twilight spoke up. "I'm so, so sorry, Dash.  Won't you accept this gift from me?" A scroll floated in front of the pegasus. Reverse snarled. "What's this?" "It's the spell ancient Unicornia used to move the sun and the moon.  I translated it to modern Equestrian for my thesis." Reverse's expression softened as she accepted the scroll. "Maybe I can work with my librarian.  But, how can I convince her?  How can I convince anypony to help?" Twilight smiled.  "The best way to make a friend is to be a friend.  Why don't you start with that?" A bubbly voice interrupted. "Oooh!  Oooh!  Let me show her!  Let me show her!" Suddenly, Reverse's vision was filled with a rapidly bouncing Pinkie Pie. The pink party pony, paused, proffering a pane of polished platinum pointed at pegasus posterior. The cloud with the tri-colored lightning bolt was now framed by the crescent moon inset in the sun. Somewhere in Yakyakistan, a distant cry triggered a minor avalanche. Castle of Friendship, one of the Guests Rooms: Rarity winced at the soundtrack that Cisco had chosen to mask their conversation.  "Really, darling, could you not have found something that would be less damaging to my reputation?” Cisco continued to talk as he made the final adjustments.  "Your princesses said that they wanted us to have closer relations.  Besides, this way, they won't suspect what we're really doing." Cisco levitated the necklace he'd been fabricating over to Rarity.  “Okay, it’s all set!” Rarity eyed it critically.  "Might I make some alterations? This clashes with my fashion sense." Cisco shrugged.  "Leave the capsule inside the cameo alone.  The rest is just decoration." Rarity used her telekinesis to widen the cameo to proportions more suited for a pony. She switched out the choker's band to match, and the cameo now featured a canary with Starlight Glimmer's cutie mark coming from its beak. Once she was satisfied with her handiwork, she put the necklace on. She could feel a slight tingle from the control interface. Cisco smiled at the effect; it was quietly tasteful on the white unicorn.  He then said, "You control it with your magic, like you now do with your throat.  It both disguises your voice and allows you to shriek without straining your vocal cords." “Well, thank you darling,” said Rarity, admiring her new acquisition.  “I’m surprised how you managed to make it work so perfectly with pony magic.” Cisco shrugged, and then smiled at Rarity.  “Well, after spending that much time with the map, this was a piece of cake, but it was more fun to make that the one I gave Laurel.” The two shared a gentle hug before Cisco mercifully ended the soundtrack. The walked back to the throne room where they found Caitlin, Iris, and Barry saying their goodbyes. “We cannot thank you guys enough,” said Twilight, looking at the equipment they lent her to keep track of Rainbow Dash.  “Are you sure there isn’t anything we can do for you?” “Hey, if it wasn’t for you, I would have lost more of my friends, and I would have lost my other self,” said Rainbow, smiling at Barry.  “Thank you, thank you for everything!  I owe you big time, Barry.” Barry bumped hooves with Rainbow Dash.  “You don’t owe me anything, Rainbow.  You would not believe how close I was to destroying myself like Reverse was about to do.  You were the one who helped me get back on my feet, er, hooves, er . . . You know what I mean, right?” “And we can’t thank you enough for that,” said Iris, happily hugging Barry.  “You brought us back the real Barry, the one we love.” Rainbow blushed at this, and she blushed even harder when Barry and Iris hugged her. “Hey, guys!  We’re ready when you are!” called Cisco, who had his goggles tuned to Earth One. They both separated from Rainbow, and gathered around Cisco and Caitlin. The metahuman then focused, and created the portal in front of them.  Caitlin and Iris stepped in first.  Barry was about to follow them, when he turned to Rainbow. “Hey Dash, can I count on you to help defeat my next super-fast enemy?” “Are you kidding me?!  I wouldn’t miss it for anything!” He smiled, and disappeared into the portal, followed by Cisco, who smiled at Twilight before closing the portal after him. “So, it is over now?” asked Rarity. “Not yet” said Twilight, looking upstairs, to the room where the Reverse Dash had been placed to recover. “Hey, what will happen with her when she wakes up? Will you punish her for what she did?” asked Rainbow Dash as she looked at the celestial sisters. Celestia and Luna exchanged a look, and then shook their heads. “No, her conscience will do a more thorough job than we could,” explained Luna. “Despite what she's done here, she still needs to return to her own world to make amends.  It is up to her ponies to decide her fate,” added Celestia. The girls nodded in silence, and waited. Half an hour later, the Reverse Dash walked out of the room, with her suit ready. “Hey!” called Rainbow Dash. “Are you okay?” The other speedster glared at her other self. “I’m not, obviously.  My damned cutie mark keeps reminding me that I now have a world to save -- mine.” Princess Celestia approached, and gently placed a wing on the speedster’s head. “The path of redemption can be overwhelming at first, but I assure you, you’re on the right path.  Owning up to your mistakes and correcting them is only the first step.” The Reverse Dash pushed the wing away. “Don’t touch me!” “My sister is only trying to help you!” said Luna. “I don’t need any help!  Not from alicorns.” “Oh, come on!” said Dash. “I thought you were over this!” The Reverse Dash glared at Luna.   “I told you!  She worked really hard to break me beyond repair, so, even with your help, there are some things I can’t change back!” The Reverse Dash grinned.  “And, to be honest with you, I’m glad I killed her!”  She turned to Twilight.  “And your friend.  They both deserved it!” She extended her wings; multi-colored, miniature lightning bolts coursed around them. “We will meet again, Dash, as allies.” Dash frowned. “I don’t think we can be allies anytime soon.” “Don’t worry; I swore that from now on, I will never harm another innocent!” Fluttershy looked at Reverse. "Dash, I am, and always will be, your friend." Reverse gave a wistful smile. "I know."  With that, she disappeared in a streak of light, and a small rainbow-colored explosion marked the portal back to her timeline. “This is good, right?   She became good again,” mumbled Fluttershy. Twilight looked at Rainbow.  “But, I thought that Harmony would be enough to reform her.” “As Reverse said, there are some things that can never be made whole,” explained Rarity.  “She was like Starlight; there are no easy solutions for what happened to her.  Nightmare Moon did break her beyond repair.” Luna looked away, ashamed. “That wasn’t really you, remember that,” said Celestia. “I know,” sighed Luna.  “But it still hurts.” Twilight hurried to change the subject. “Well, with Dash, the Canary, and the Arrow, it seems that it's time for a new kind of hero.” “I know what you mean!” said Dash.  “And, in case somepony like her comes again, we must be prepared.” “Uh huh!  Like a group of super friends!!” cheered Pinkie Pie. “I was thinking more of a league,” said Dash. … Randolph, the Rich family's butler, was worried about his little miss. Since her parents were almost always away on business trips or social meetings, he was the one who raised Diamond Tiara.  After their tragic deaths, he continued watching over Diamond, even if that turn of events turned her into a completely different pony. She used to hang out a lot with Silver Spoon and the Cutie Mark Crusaders.  Her meetings with them were more rare, more focused.  Silver Spoon would be her companion for formal parties, setting her up with contacts among the rich and powerful.  Apple Bloom was now her karate instructor and sparring partner.  Scootaloo would do acrobatics with her and teach her the insane maneuvers on the scooter.  Sweetie Belle would practice acting with her, working on costumes and voices. Her travels took most of her time as she treked to different points in Equestria and beyond, picking up myriad skills and eclectic combat techniques.  For some reason, she hadn't put any of her education to work.  She claimed something was missing, but what? “Little miss?  I brought your tea,” said the butler, entering Diamond Tiara’s room. Diamond was looking at the window, with a blank expression. “Little miss?” asked Randolph again. Diamond Tiara simply aimed a hoof at her window. Without a word, Randolph turned.  A large bat was silhouetted in the moonlight.  He hurried to comfort his little miss, knowing how afraid she was of the creatures. But this time, something was different; this time, Diamond Tiara was smiling. “That’s it!  Don’t you see it, Randolph?” “Little miss?” “Bats!  This is just what I needed!” “It is? Why?” “Randolph, I have technique; I have the methods, the weapons.  But, something is missing, a symbol.  Without a symbol, everything I will do would seem meaningless and random.” “That I understand.  But why bats?  Aren’t you afraid of them?” “Yes, I am.  And soon, all the criminals in Equestria will share my fear.” … Spike had decided to take an evening walk to calm down before going to bed.  The day had been too exciting for the young dragon.  He had met the Flash, the Dash, the Arrow and the Canary, and all in the very same day!  It was really great, like comics and reality were merging, and he really wanted to be a part of it. But how? As he looked up, he found himself at the edge of the Everfree Forest.  It was time to turn back.  A giant green meteor streaked overhead and crashed in the forest with a thump that he felt more than he heard.  This was a job for Twilight and the other Element Bearers.  As he turned to get them, he heard a cry for help.  He turned toward the plea, looking indecisively. The second cry made up his mind; and the dragon ran into the forest. A green glow led him to his objective.  “Help me!  Help me, please!” a voice called.  This was not the voice that had called him into the forest. He ran with more urgency until he found himself on the lip of a crater.  A metallic capsule lay at the bottom, glowing brightly, with the green that had drawn his attention to the meteor.  Through its canopy, he could see a vague figure waving weakly. “Down here!  Please, hurry!” Spike scrambled down and approached the capsule.  The figure within glowed green and the canopy opened, revealing a giant, a strange chicken-like creature, covered in red scales instead of feathers. “Oh!” “Don’t be afraid.  Come closer, please!” called the creature. Spike gulped, but still he approached, again guided by a strange force. “Are you all right?” The being smiled at Spike.  “No, it’s already too late for me, little one.  But, you can do me one last favor.  Tell me, what is your name?” Spike gulped again, but answered.  “Spike, Spike the dragon.” The creature then extended a claw toward the baby dragon.  A glowing green ring flew from his talon and resized itself as it seated itself on one of Spike's fingers. “Spike the dragon, you have learned to conquer fear.  The ring has chosen you.  You are now responsible for this sector.” “What?!” “You are now one of us; you are . . .” The creature expired with a startling death rattle. “Wait!” called Spike.  “What were you trying to tell me?” Hesitantly, Spike laid a hand on the creature; it was already growing cold. “What I’m supposed to do with this?” A rectangular outline glowed on the bulkhead beside the creature's head.  It opened to reveal a compartment with a bullseye lantern that housed a green flame. Spike felt compelled to touch his new ring to the lantern.  His eyes shot open wide.  He recited the words that came to him, his new purpose. “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight.  Let those who worship evils might, beware my power:  GREEN LANTERN’S LIGHT!” … Scootaloo had no idea of what she was doing in the hour before dawn.  She had been making deliveries along her paper route when a strange pony approached her from out of nowhere.  In spite of all her training, she accepted his invitation to follow; there was just something about him that made her feel like that was the right thing to do. No one else at the orphanage would be awake so early, and she was not particularly enthused at the prospect of returning.  It really wasn't a bad place, but it always made her feel a bit depressed.  Somehow, following this stranger seemed like what she was destined to do this morning. The stranger guided Scoots to a train that sat on ethereal tracks.  The black train was decorated with view of the cosmos; the familiar sun and moon around Equus were prominently featured, but stars, planets, and other celestial bodies were also shown.  As Scootaloo followed the stranger into the observation car, the stranger evaporated like mist. Looking through the windows, it was unclear to Scootaloo whether she were travelling through time, space, or both.  There was no landscape to be seen, only the vast expanse of outer space was visible. Scootaloo had no idea how long the ride had taken when the window all went black, signifying that the train had reached its destination.  The doors opened, revealing a hallway.  As she walked down, she passed seven grotesque statues in turn.  She read the inscription on each as she passed. "Lust . . . Gluttony . . . Greed . . . Sloth . . . Wrath . . . Envy . . . Pride." At the end of the hallway she looked up. An old unicorn sat atop a throne.  His smile was clearly visible through his large moustache. “Welcome, Scootaloo.” The filly gulped. “It’s a pleasure . . . ahem . . . Mr. the Bearded?” The old pony frowned.  “What?  NO!   Look at me!  My distinctive feature is my beloved moustache.  My name isn’t as well-known as his, but, believe it or not, I’ve spent the last few centuries fighting evil.” Scootaloo nodded.  “Uh-huh.  Why did you bring me here?” The unicorn shrugged.  “Because I’ve been watching you, little one.  And let me say, I haven’t seen a soul as pure, as adventurous as yours.  That’s why I’ve chosen you to continue my legacy.  Scootaloo, I offer you the strength, the wisdom, and the speed of the gods themselves.  Tell me Scootaloo, do you want to become a hero?  Do you want to dedicate your life to protecting Equestria from evil?” The filly smiled. “Sure!  What do I have to do?” The unicorn smiled.  “Say my name, and all the power will be yours.” Big golden letters appeared over the unicorn.  Scootaloo took a deep breath, and shouted: “SHAZAM!”