//------------------------------// // 11. Calm Before // Story: The Ninth Fantasy - Equestria // by MrAlterad //------------------------------// Why did I say that!? Dash mentally shouted to herself. You're the idiot! She's just lost her parents, the princesses! She has to worry about all of Equestria! And I totally just called her an idiot! Dash was soaring, the direction didn't matter, she flew as fast as she could, just short of creating a Sonic Rainboom. She still had a headache from the cider last night, and her current condition was only making the headache worse. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! There was a pop of purple light in front of her and she quickly moved to avoid crashing into the friend she called an idiot. She felt a sharp pain from her flank as Twilight's magic grabbed a hold of her tail, making her stop immediately. “Let me go!” She half pleaded, half demanded. And to her surprise, Twilight did. As Dash made to get away from her shame, Twilight teleported into her, embracing her in midair. “Dash, stop running, please!” Now Twilight was the one half pleading, half ordering. “I'm not running,” Dash replied with a fake smile, “I'm just moving away from a bad feeling as fast as I can, is all.” Trying to make light of it, Convince her that it was no big deal. I called her a name, no big deal! But thinking that only made her head throb. “Dash, calm down.” Twilight grabbed her head and stared into her eyes, “You're breathing too fast, please, you're scaring me,” and Dash saw the fear in her friends eyes. Oh great, first I call her an idiot, now I'm scaring her. Some friend I am. Dash stopped trying to get away, she simply hovered, trying to slow her breathing, trying to calm down. Realizing she was still looking Twilight in the eyes, she looked away, blushing very lightly. “Look, I'm sorry I called you an idiot.” Dash wanted this moment done with, so she did what anypony should do in this situation, she apologized. She didn't feel any better for it. She couldn't take back those words, she couldn't take back running from the problem. She didn't want to take them back. She was being honest, but it came out wrong. That was her regret, blurting it out wrong. I'm such an idiot. “Dash, you don't need apologize for that.” Huh? Dash looked to her, confused. “You don't need to apologize to me. We've both been having a rough time these last few days. I was happy that you still had it in you to share a drink with Steiner.” She was silent for a moment before adding, “But, you still need to apologize.” “Um, I just did,” the blue mare stated flatly. “Yea, to the wrong pony. It's not me I want you to forgive,” and Twilight put her hoof on Dash's chest. “I want you to forgive a good friend of mine.” Dash stared at her dumbly for a moment as it dawned on her what- who Twilight was referring too. Dang it. Why does she have to be like that. Dash thought as she felt her eyes start to water. No, none of that! Totally not cool! Dash shook her head as she looked once again to Twilight, taking a deep breath. “Okay, your right.” Why does she have to be so smart. Dash thought as she declared, “But don't think I'm going to be cheesy and say it out loud. That is so not cool.” And that got a smile from Twilight. And just like that, the weight on Dash's chest fell away, and the headache lessened. “You're kind of right,” Twilight admitted, blushing slightly, “I am being an idiot, being so trusting of Mikoto, but I feel she deserves that much. It's a feeling, nothing more, but I've learned to trust that feeling.” “No, not an idiot, your the egghead that's leading Equestria right now. I-I just... It was the first thing that came to me, ya know? I mean, I didn't mean it...” Dash let out a sigh, “Let's head back. I... I want to be there when the Wonderbolts return.” Dash finished as she smiled to Twilight. “Yea, you also owe Sunset and Trixie an apology.” Twilight added, and blushed when Dash looked at her in surprise. “They're both good friends of mine as well.” She paused for a moment in consideration, “Well, Sunset is, but the 'Great and Apologetic' Trixie is starting to come around.” That got a smile from Dash. “Sure sure, I'll apologize to them.” She promised as she slowly flew back to Ponyville, at Twilight's pace. “I'm sorry Twilight, but I'm just not as trusting as you.” Twilight smiled at her words. “But you're a good friend to the ones you do trust. I'm sure you'll come to trust them in time,” Dash managed to avoid scoffing at her comment. Yea, we'll see about that. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “So, um,” Vivi hesitated, shifting his hat slightly as he addressed the three young ponies looking at him, “What exactly is a Cutie Mark Crusader?” The three of them shared a look before giving Vivi a smile that made him nervous. Rarity had gone to bed, leaving Vivi with Sweetie Belle, and she had led him to her friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. In a torrent of words that washed over Vivi faster then he could hope to follow, the three of them told him exactly what a Cutie Mark Crusader was. They were adventurers, crafters, singers, performers, journalists, doctors, and malpractice attorneys. They shared a guilty look before continuing, dermatologists, dictionaries, flag carriers, and finally, blank flanks. That last one made them all fall silent, and none of them wanted to admit to having said it. “W-Wow. I haven't even tried any of those,” Vivi admitted bashfully. “So what's a cutie mark?” Apple Bloom stepped forward, looking as if she was the perfect pony to answer such a question. “Only the most important thing ever!” Apple Bloom was quick to reply, then realized something, “Wait, you don't have one, do ya?” Vivi shook his head, and grew even more concerned when the three friends shared a look of pity and joy before turning back to him. They then explained what being a cutie-mark crusader meant to the Black Mage. “So, you're trying to find what makes you special.” Vivi affirmed, “Your place in the world. I think can understand that.” He admitted, “All I'm really good at is magic, but I don't really like fighting monsters. It's a useful talent, but I don't really feel like it defines me.” “You can do magic!?” “You fight monsters!?” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom asked in unison. The three friends shared another look and huddled, whispering to each other, making Vivi tilt his head in wonder. Scootaloo cleared her throat as the huddle ended, and she addressed Vivi. “Would you like to join us as a crusader? Not only do we think it would be totally awesome, but you're a blank flank too, and we blank flanks have to stick together.” Vivi was taken aback by the offer, and didn't know what to say. His silence prompted Scootaloo to step forward and offer her hoof to him, with a smile. Vivi considered the offer before nodding. “Um, if you will have me, that is.” he added as he gingerly shook Scootaloo's hoof. “Well of course we'll have you!” Apple Bloom declared, “Come on, we'll show ya our club house!” And once again, Vivi found himself being pulled along by ponies, no, not ponies, fillies he corrected. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “While I agree with you concerning the Princess trusting others,” Steiner said to Dash, his tone heavy with disappointment, “you were out of line speaking to her like that.” Twilight was about to speak up for her friend, but seeing that, Dash beat her to the punch. “I know already, okay? I already said I'm sorry,” she replied, and then Twilight cleared her throat. “Er, I mean,” Dash blushed lightly as she turned to Trixie and Sunset Shimmer, “I'm sorry I said you don't deserve our trust. You've both helped us, and I went too far. It's been a rough couple of days, so, sorry.” She hoped that was passable, she saw them share a look before Sunset spoke up. “We've all done things we regret, I'm still trying to make up for my regrets. It's okay Dash, as you said, it's been a rough couple of days.” “Well, Trixie will take your apology. And thank you for your words. Trixie felt that was deserved considering what she's done,” she finished as she looked downcast. Twilight smiled for everyone as she levitated the pile of weapons Mikoto had left for them. “Now that we have our apologies out of the way, how about we see what Mikoto has left for us.” Twilight said as Dash saw a set of new greaves for her. Well, at least she gives good weapons. There was a weapon for each of them, as well as Rarity and Vivi, and each of them took what was theirs. “It's nice that she's supplying us weapons to defend ourselves,” Sunset admitted, “but just how is it possible for items to grant abilities like this?” “The only answer I've come up with,” Twilight began, “is that every item affected has power similar to the Alicorn amulet.” Dash looked to Twilight in surprise. Every item!? “So, if we have all this just from two of those seals being broken, what happens after the next?” Dash asked, her question prompted Sunset and Twilight to share a look. “Well, maybe equipment will get even stronger, or new kinds of magic will be possible.” Twilight suggested. As they considered it, a guard approached, a pair of awesome ponies following behind. Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! It's the Wonderbolts! Dash noticed as her heart almost leapt out of her chest. Spitfire winked at her while Soarin waved to her. She had to resist from fanning out from the recognition.Someday, I'll be one of them! So awesome! Wait, where's Fleetfoot? “Welcome back Spitfire,” Twilight said, looking a little confused, “Where's Fleetfoot?” “Sorry Your Highness, but the trip to the Crystal Empire is a long one. I'm sure she tried her hardest, but she more than likely won't be back till tomorrow.” The news made Twilight's ears drop briefly, then she shook her head. “How does Equestria look, any trouble from the changelings? Did you spot any pockets of mist as you traveled?” Twilight asked, and Spitfire quickly answered. “No word on the Changelings, are they becoming a problem?” Twilight was quick to inform them of Chrysalis's return. “I understand, that is troubling.” Spitfire nodded to herself before motioning to Soarin. “Soarin spotted mist poring out of the Smokey Mountain. Manehattan was covered in it, and I told the pegasai to clean it up.” She looked more troubled as she finished, “And there is mist poring down from an airborne crystal of some sorts above Cloudsdale. We've been funneling the mist away from the city, but it's definitely a problem. Flying monsters are starting to appear from it.” Mist above Cloudsdale!? “Say no more! I can handle that one.” Dash affirmed, then looked to Twilight, realizing she may be getting ahead of herself, “Right?” “Well, it's either you or me, since Fluttershy is … elsewhere.” Twilight considered it a moment before continuing. “Do you two have weapons?” She asked the Wonderbolts, and they nodded. What their weapons were was not readily apparent. Twilight smiled as she looked at Dash. “Alright, I want you two to escort Rainbow Dash to the crystal, and protect her so she can dispel the mist.” Wait, what!? Spitfire and Soarin, escorting me!? Dash thought, the realization of what Twilight was doing dawning on her. In the blink of an eye, she was hugging Twilight. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Then remembering the Wonderbolts were watching, separated herself from her friend, taking up a cool demeanor. “I mean, thank you, princess, for the escort.” She then gave Twilight a sharp smirk, “I'll leave immediately, that seal is as good as broken!” She proclaimed, and with her back to the Wonderbolts, gave Twilight a heartfelt smile that told more then words could. “Well Dash,” Spitfire started, “Shall we get moving?” She asked with a challenging grin. You bet! “Yea, we should probably get moving,” Dash replied nonchalantly. And with quick goodbye to the others, and stalwart nod to Steiner, who mirrored her, she left, with the Wonderbolts flying by her side. Thank you Twilight, you're the best! she whispered in her heart as she put her wings to work, flying to Cloudsdale. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vivi appraised the red cape on his back. It had a small blue shield with a prancing filly wearing a cape, and the underside of his cape was golden. He also felt power radiating from it. With it, he was now one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “So, what do we do?” He asked timidly. “We get our cutie-mark in monster slaying!” Apple Bloom declared. “But we don't have weapons.” Scootaloo pointed out curtly, getting a smug grin from Apple Bloom. “I took care of that! Check these out!” Apple Bloom stated as she pulled out three wooden swords. “Just perfect for taking down nasty monsters! The one that man had was metal, but wood should work just as well!” While Scootaloo appraised the 'swords' Sweetie Belle looked to her friend in concern. Vivi picked up one of the blades and was surprised. It had power within it. It wasn't a power he could use, but these 'weapons' were capable of slaying monsters. “Apple Bloom, are you okay?” Sweetie asked “Aren't you worried about Applejack?” Vivi looked to Sweetie, adopting a contemplative gesture. Applejack? Isn't that the pony that switched places with Steiner? Vivi thought as Scootaloo gave Sweetie a 'you had to ask' look. Apple Bloom smiled, but it wasn't very convincing. “My big sis can take care of herself. I do miss her, but I know she'll be just fine. I just have ta wait a while till I can see her again, is all.” She reasoned out, but she still looked sad for it. “If you'd like,” Sweetie began, “I can let you borrow my sister”. “Rarity? You can keep her!” Then her ears fell as she realized what she had said, but kept going, “No offense Sweetie, but I don't understand how our sisters can stand each other,” and Sweetie let out a sigh. “I don't get it either.” “It's because they're friends, right?” Vivi asked, getting a surprised look from the three of them. “He's right!” Sweetie began, “It's because they're friends, and that's all that matters!” she finished, getting a nod from Apple Bloom. “Good, now are we done with the sister talk?” Scootaloo interrupted, slightly annoyed, “If yes, then let's go take out some monsters!” “Um, monsters are dangerous, and scary,” Vivi pointed out. “Not if we take them on together!” Scootaloo offered, getting a 'Yea!' from the others. Well, if it's the monsters left over from the Everfree, we should be fine, I can take them down well enough. “Okay, just, let's do it, safely.” Vivi said, and all he got in reply was three mischievous smiles. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “So, we'll need to head to Smokey Mountain and Manehattan.” Twilight reaffirmed, “If we knock them all out soon, then we'll just have to worry about the last two.” “With Dash taking care of the seal over Cloudsdale,” Sunset began, “that leaves you, me, Rarity, and Fluttershy to break the other seals.” Twilight nodded as she looked to Sunset. “We should get moving before Chrysalis can regroup.” Twilight suggested, “So ... we can have Rarity take care of Manehattan, while I tackle the Smokey Mountain.” “Why you? Shouldn't you be here managing Equestria?” Sunset asked. “Yea, but I need to break one of the seals. The sooner, the better. And I can fly and teleport, so getting to the seal in the Smokey Mountain shouldn't be too hard.” “Trixie thinks Rarity should not go alone. Manehattan isn't too far from Neighagra falls, it is possible the changeling queen is set up around there. Trixie in fact believes that Manehattan is the most at risk for attack.” Her claim got a surprised look from the others. “Trixie, you're right! She could have easily fled to Manehattan.” Twilight thought on this for a minute before coming to a decision. “I want the three of you to accompany her.” “Not that I don't mind their company,” Steiner said, “but I should be here protecting you, princess.” “No, Steiner. Trixie is right, Manehattan is probably housing Chrysalis, and she's probably defending the crystal there. I need all of you there to make sure that seal is broken. Sunset Shimmer, if for whatever reason, Rarity can't reach the seal, I'm leaving it to you. “But Princess-” he stubbornly replied, but was cut off. “Steiner, please, protect my friends. I have all of Ponyville looking out for me. Trust in them as I do,” Twilight pleaded, which Steiner had no retort for. “I- I'm sorry!” He said as he bowed down in apology. “You needn't plead me to follow orders. I shall protect them with my very life.” He got up and stared hard at Twilight, “Princess, please be safe, don't do something reckless, like heading to a seal all by yourself.” “I think I can promise that much.” Twilight said with a small chuckle, then her brow furrowed, "I'd like to go with you, but as you said, I need to manage Equestria, and it would be a poor idea to head to the Smokey Mountain alone." She let out a long sigh as she looked over her friends. “I know she won't like it, but get Rarity up and head out as soon as you can.” “Hey, Twilight?” Sunset said as the others moved to leave. “What about Vivi?” Twilight thought on that a moment, stopping herself from thinking of Vivi as Spike. Coming to a decision, she shook her head. “Vivi's too young to be dragged into this, it was bad enough we took him into the Everfree. This isn't his world, I don't want to get him hurt trying to help us.” “A noble view your highness, but Vivi is quite capable,” Steiner assured. “Well,” she hesitated a moment as she continued, “I asked you to trust me, so I can do the same. I don't want Vivi going with you, but I'll ask him how he feels about helping us.” Steiner and Sunset nodded at the compromise and left, leaving the princess alone. Twilight went to work getting things together to go to the Smokey Mountain, she would leave once Rainbow Dash returned. An hour before sunset, Twilight was assaulted by a wave of fatigue. She wasn't sure if it was genuine weakness from the lack of sleep last night, or if Discord was drawing her into the Realm of Twilight. Either way, the urge to pass out became stronger, so she teleported to her bedroom, and fell asleep as soon as she landed on the bed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rainbow Dash ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Items Equipped: *New Item Acquired* *Bronze Greaves: Hamper, Antibody Red Bandanna: Blinding Speed, Beast Killer Martial Robe: Blinding Speed, Bird Killer Lvl-8 HP 368/368 MP 50/50 AP 10/21 *Bird Killer (3) - Deals lethal damage to flying enemies. *Beast Killer (4) - Deals lethal damage to beasts. *Antibody (4) - Prevents Poison and Venom. Abilities: Blitz: Action Command - Make a random number of attacks between 1-4, but take double damage till your next turn. Aerial Arts: Tumbling Kick 8 MP - Causes damage to single target, and causes Slow. Hamper 12 MP - Causes damage to single/multiple targets, and causes Darkness. Blinding Speed 20 MP - Greatly increases evasion for a short duration.