> Mare-Do-Well, Changlings, and Rainbow Dash
>  by Theory404
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Beginning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

								Mare-Do-Well, Changlings, and Rainbow Dash
By Theory404

“We rise and fall.” –Krewella

“Well, that Mysterious Mare-Do-Well sure is strong.” Applejack said, impressed.
“Yeah, and that spell she used to fix the dam,” Twilight noted, “Must have taken a lot of studying.”
Rainbow Dash turned her head around. “Ugh…” She groaned.
The six were hanging out in Sugarcube Corner. Recently, a new masked hero has appeared named the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well, and has replaced Rainbow Dash as the local hero of Ponyville. So far, she has saved a parachute pony falling from her balloon, a carriage falling down a hill, saved construction workers in a collapsing building, and rebuilt the Ponyville Dam that would have flooded the town. Rainbow Dash had been trying to save them before Mare-Do-Well, but she was already too late, or she wasn’t able to save them.
“And did you see her costume?” Rarity asked. “Certainly she’s a hero of fashion.”
“Ugh!” Rainbow Dash grunted again. She flew up. “You know what?! I’m going to prove that I’m better than the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well! Just you watch!!” And she flew off.
Twilight and her friends just shook their heads.

Rainbow Dash was flying around, looking for any trouble that she would be able to fix before Mare-Do-Well could. As she was flying, she tried to piece together the clues that could reveal who the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well was. But she couldn’t figure it out.
She looked around. “Wow, there is absolutely no danger around. Ponyville is always in danger.”
She noticed somepony trying to cross the street. “Granny Smith!” She flew down. “Don’t you worry Granny, I’ll help you cross this dangerous road.”
She brought out her hearing device. “Huh? Wha?”
“I’ll help you cross.” She started pushing her. “I see the determination in your eyes, but you need help.” Granny Smith forced herself to become heavy. Once they were across, Rainbow Dash smiled. “Here we are. Now, is there anything you want to say?”
Granny Smith looked at her. She brought out her purse. Then she smacked it across Rainbow’s face. “I didn’t want to cross the road in the first place! Hmph.” Then she turned around and started walking.
Rainbow Dash sighed. Then she heard some grunting not so far away. She noticed it was coming from the park. “A cry for help!” She said to herself. She flew as fast as she could to the park.
She saw a pony named Red Summer trying to open a jar with magic. “Stop!” She said. She grabbed the jar. “For your own safety, I must ask you to please stand back!” She looked at the jar, cracked her neck a couple of times, and put the jar in her mouth, trying to open it with her teeth.
Red Summer and her foal were just looking at her. Rainbow Dash let go of the jar. Red got the jar with her magic, tapped the cap against the fountain next to them, and handed it back to her. Rainbow Dash twisted the cap, and it popped open.
“Yes!” She said. She handed it back to Red.
Red got the knife and spread some butter on bread. “Um, thanks, I guess.”
“So, would you say I was heroic?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Um, aren’t you kind of milking this a little too much?” Red asked.
“Just answer the question.” Rainbow said. “Was I amazing?”
Red rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you were amazing, alright.” She said sarcastically.
“Hold that thought.” Rainbow interrupted. She grabbed the mower that was lying around, and cut the grass in the park quickly. “Yes! I saved that grass!”
Chip Turner went up to her. “From what?” He asked.
She bent down. “From weeds. Deadly weeds that would have killed this grass.”
Everypony looked at her. “Lame!” One of them said, as they started trotting off.
Rainbow Dash put her head down. She sighed.
Red Summer went up to her. “Come on Rainbow, have some lunch.”
“Alright, I guess.” She said sadly.
Red gave her a sandwich. “Listen, I know what this is about. It’s about that Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.”
Rainbow Dash took a bite of her sandwich. “What about it? You’re probably going to say that you like her more than me.”
Red shook her head. “No. As much as I do like her, you have one thing that she doesn’t have.”
“What’s that?”
“Guts.” She simply said. “Guts to save somepony when you’re challenged. Guts to say ‘Yeah, I saved him! Look at me, I’m awesome!’ I was just like you. I went to school, and I was always showing off my magic skills. Then somepony new came to school, and showed me up. I tried so hard to be better than him, but I couldn’t. So, I just left. I made new friends and things became much simpler.”
Rainbow Dash finished her sandwich. “Thanks. For the sandwich, I mean. I better get going.”
Red’s foal stood up. “I think you’re awesome Rainbow Dash!” She remarked.
Dash smiled. “Thanks squirt.” And she flew off.

Rainbow Dash flew off to a cloud that was near the outskirts of Ponyville. She sighed to herself. “What does Mare-Do-Well have that I don’t, besides guts?” She asked herself. “I have beautiful wings, a stroked mane, and I’m awesome.” She looked around. “But…why am I so alone?”
She noticed that the cloud she was on had turned dark gray. She put her head down, and was going to go to sleep, when somepony from the ground was calling her.
“Yes!” She said to herself. She flew down and noticed that it was Scootaloo. “Squirt! No need to apologize, because it’s alright.”
Scootaloo looked confused. “Apologize? Apologize for what?”
“Wait a minute…” Rainbow Dash said. “Why are you here?”
“Because Mayor Mare is having a meeting in Town Square for the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!” She happily said.
“What? Why would I go?” She asked. “You know what? I love being alone! Goodbye!” And she flew back up.
“Um…okay then.” Scootaloo replied. “See you later Rainbow Dash.” She turned around and headed for Town Square. Then she remembered she learned from school. She remembered that clouds change color depending on the pony’s mood. She turned around. “Hey, Rainbow Dash! What’s-“
But Rainbow Dash wasn’t there anymore.

Applejack was getting into her Mysterious Mare-Do-Well costume, getting ready for the meeting that Mayor Mare was having for her, or rather, them, since Mare-Do-Well was Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity.
“Alright Applejack,” Twilight started to say, “Rainbow Dash should be appearing to this meeting. Now, if she does, I want you to wear her out, let her chase you. Pinkie and I will be on the run also. But eventually, let her catch you. We’ll break it to her then. Then, just maybe, she will have learned her lesson.”
“Alrighty. By the way Rarity, never told ya how mighty fine this costume is.” Applejack said.
“Oh, well thank you. My, this is the first time I’ve heard you say something nice about my dress, besides the one I made for you for the Gala.”
There was some noise coming from the stage: ponies shouting and stomping their hooves. “Ah guess that’s mah cue. Wish me luck.”
As Applejack walked out, she noticed Mayor Mare telling the crowd: “…And furthermore, let me introduce you to Ponyville’s newest hero…”
“Alright, let’s do this.” She said to herself.
“The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!!”
Applejack busted through the paper. The crowd of ponies cheered and stomped their hooves loudly. But she paid no attention. She was looking for any sign of Rainbow Dash. After a while, she waved her hoof to the crowd and left.
Afterwards, she went back to Sugarcube Corner, where she was greeted by her friends. “Hey! Hey girls!” She called out.
“Applejack, any sign of Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.
“Not a one.” She said sadly. What about you guys?”
“No.” She rubbed her forehead. “This doesn’t make any sense. I told Scootaloo to tell her to come.”
“Then I think we need to talk to Scoots.” Applejack suggested.

“What do you mean you don’t know where she is?” Applejack asked Scootaloo. “Ah thought Twilight told ya to tell her to come to the Mare-Do-Well meeting.”
“I did tell her to come.” Scootaloo said. “And I’ll say it again: I don’t know where she is. She didn’t want to go to the meeting anyway.”
“Did she say that?” Rarity asked.
“Yes, she did.”
“Well…What did she actually say?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well, I went up to Rainbow Dash, and I asked her if she wanted to come. Then she said ‘What? Why would I go?’ I was about to say something else then she said ‘You know what? I love being alone! Goodbye!’ Then I left her alone. Then I remember something I learned in school, how clouds reflect feelings. The cloud she was on was really dark gray. I turned around to ask her if she was okay, but when I turned around, she was gone.”
“Gone?” Applejack asked. “What do you mean ‘gone’?”
“I don’t know…” Scootaloo said.
“Well, we have to find her!” Pinkie replied.
Twilight thought for a second. “Maybe not. Maybe she’s just upset, and she left to go relax and she’ll come back later.”
“Maybe you’re right Twilight.” Rarity said. “But I’m not so sure…” She turned towards the door. “I’m going to Equestria Postal Services to file a report for Rainbow Dash. Not that she is missing, but if anypony has seen her.”
“Good thinkin’ Rare’.” Applejack noted. “Anyways, it’s pretty late, may as well jus’ wait until a couple of days.”
“I’ll see you later then.” Rarity said.
“Goodnight everypony.” Twilight said as she made her way towards her library.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 days later…

It was early morning, and Twilight had just woken up. She yawned and started taking her socks off. She noticed it was still pretty dark outside and decided to lie in bed for a little longer.
Then she heard some noise coming from downstairs. She heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. “Twilight! I went to-“Rarity opened the door to see Twilight resting. “Oh, I’m sorry darling. Are you still asleep?”
“Hm, no, just resting.” She said with a yawn. “You’re up a bit early.”
Rarity smiled. “Early? It’s nine in the morning.”
“Nine? Why is it dark out still?” She asked.
Rarity went over to her window and opened the shades. Bright light entered the room, and Twilight flinched. “Because these were closed. Anyway, I went to Equestria Postal Services, and Derpy said that they have about six reports. I think they found Rainbow Dash!”
Twilight got out of her bed quickly. “Oh! That’s great news! Let’s go gather everyone!”
“Everyone’s already gathered. We’re waiting for you darling.”
“Oh…okay then. Let’s go!”

The five rushed to the near outskirts of Ponyville to Equestria Postal Services. They ran through the front door to be greeted by Derpy. “Derpy! Hello, I’m back.” Rarity said.
“Oh, hi Rarity…” She said softly. Twilight noticed that Derpy had a mug look on her face.
“Okay Derpy, let’s see those reports.”
Fluttershy noticed Derpy’s mood also. “Something wrong Derpy?”
Her golden cross-eyed eyes looked sad. “It’s about these reports.”
“What about the reports?”
“You’d…might want to look for yourselves.” She brought out six pieces of paper.
Rarity picked up the one on top. “’Rainbow Dash. Seen in Canterlot.’ Canterlot!”
“I’m sorry, but she might not be in Canterlot.” Derpy said.
“What?” They all exclaimed.
Derpy grabbed the stack of other reports. “So, I should tell you that these were all reported since yesterday. That report says Canterlot, but this one says Manehattan, and this one says Trottingham, this one Coltifornia, and Fillydelphia, and Las Fillies. I’m sorry, but she could be anywhere.”
Twilight rubbed her eyes. “Hm…It seems like…she’s…Scrambling us. Scrambling us! I get it!” Her mood went dark all of a sudden. “She…doesn’t want us finding her…”
“But why would she not want us to find her?” Pinkie asked.
“I don’t know Pinkie,” Twilight slowly said, “but…I think we caused this.”
“Boy, what did you do Twilight?” Derpy asked curiously.
“Um, first, do you promise that you won’t tell anypony?” Twilight asked.
She smiled. “I Pinkie promise.”
Twilight leaned in. “Well, all of us here…we’re the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.”
“What? No way. Why?”
“We thought it would make her stop bragging all the time about how many ponies she’s saved.” Fluttershy said.
“Oh, that was a bad choice.” Derpy said.
“What do ya mean?” Applejack asked.
“Well, I’ve known Rainbow Dash for the longest time.”
“I have also.” Fluttershy added.
“Maybe, but I’ve known her since before she was born. I’m actually her cousin. We were both raised together. Anyway, she was always the bragging type. It made her feel proud of herself, always noting her accomplishments. If she didn’t, then it was bad news for her. Believe it or not, but she actually gets really depressed if something hurts her ego. One time, her parents got the opportunity to meet the Wonderbolts, but they refused. The day before the show, Rainbow Dash stayed in her room, not leaving it, only to eat. She’d just stay in her bed, crying drastically. Her parents noticed this, and agreed that they would go. After that, she was much better.” Derpy gathered up the papers. “I think you should go find her right away before she does something stupid. Her depression is not like others. She will do things you will not expect.”
“Thank you Derpy. You are so helpful. Let’s go girls.” Twilight said.
Derpy munched on a muffin. “The first report comes from Canterlot. Go check there first.” She called out as the five left.

> This Is The Beginning Of The Search
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“I can’t believe Rainbow Dash is gone.” Twilight said.
“I can’t believe she’s the type that gets depression like that.” Pinkie added.
“I can’t believe Derpy Hooves is actually Rainbow Dash’s cousin.” Fluttershy also added.
“Ah can’t believe Rainbow Dash would jus’ leave us like this.” Applejack said.
“I can’t believe how far we have to walk!” Rarity complained. “How come we couldn’t take a train?”
“Because, what if we see Rainbow Dash somewhere? We need to find her.”
“Oh fine. Well, we’re here anyway. Do you have that picture of Dash, Fluttershy?” Rarity asked her.
“Yes, I do.” She reached in her saddlebag. She took out a picture that was framed. “Here.”
“Thank you dear.”
“Now, y’all know the drill. We’re going to set up a table at the entrance of the city. Write down any information about her.”
The five set up the desk and Fluttershy was to man the front desk while the others searched through the city. It was about two hours until one pony came to the front desk.
“Hello. May I ask, what’s this desk for?” He asked.
“Um...well, we’re trying to find our friend.” Fluttershy said.
“Oh, well, good luck to you. Who is she, by the way?”
“Here’s a picture.” She pointed at the frame.
“Her? Oh she’s a wonderful cook!” He said happily.
“You know her?!” She asked surprised. “Wait, cook?”
“Yes, she works at Lignin Diners, a very fancy restaurant. I was served by her yesterday night. She is excellent! But, she did seem a little upset.”
“Um, excuse me. Can you stay here please?” Fluttershy asked.
“Certainly.” He said.
She went inside her saddlebag and took out a walkie-talkie. She clicked the button. “Girls, I got something. There’s a pony who says he’s seen Dash.” She put it back inside. She turned around and smiled.
“So, what’s this all about? Why are you trying to find her.” He asked curiously.
“We…Um, did something we probably shouldn’t have done, and now she’s gone, leaving no trace.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” He said sadly.
Twilight and the others came running to the desk. “Is this him?” She said gasping for air.
“Yes, this is him.” Fluttershy said.
“So?”
“She works at Lignin Diners. She is one of the cooks.” He said.
“Where is that?”
“It’s not far. About three minutes from here, in that direction.” He pointed his hoof west.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!” Twilight said. “What’s your name?”
“It’s Ester.” He said.
“Thank you Ester. Thank you for taking time out of your probably busy schedule. Here’s 20 bits.” She handed him the money.
“Oh, thanks. Happy to help you girls, but I don’t need the money.” Ester said.
“Keep it. You deserve it.” They ran towards the restaurant. “Bye Ester!” She called out.
They ran as fast as they could. When they got there, they noticed it was a very big place. They stepped inside to be greeted by a waitress.
“Hello, do you have a reservation?” She asked.
Twilight looked at the nametag. “Um, no Kizuki. I’m looking for the manager of this establishment.”
“Certainly.” She said. She picked up the mic. “Newell, there are several ponies who are asking for you.”
“I’ll be right there.”
A couple of minutes later, Newell came to the front desk. “Hello, how may I help you?”
“Hi, we were looking for our friend. Somepony told us that she worked here.”
“Who is that?”
Fluttershy took out the frame. “Her name is Rainbow Dash.”
“Ah, Miss Rainbow Dash. She is an odd one.” He said, smiling.
“Odd?”
“Certainly. Yesterday, she came looking for a job. She is a marvelous cook. One of the best in the business that I have seen.”
“Is she still here?” Applejack asked.
“Oh, I’m sorry to say, but she left this morning. I gave her a couple hundred bits for her service.” He explained.
Twilight sighed. “Did she say where she was going?”
“No, she didn’t. I’m sorry.”
Twilight put her head down. “Well, thanks anyway.”
“Good luck finding her.” Newell noted.
Twilight smiled. “Thanks.”
As they left the restaurant, the gang felt disappointed. “Well, that wasn’t much good news.” Pinkie said. “But at least we know now she’s not in Canterlot anymore. Maybe-”
“Girls! Girls!” Somepony called from behind them. They turned around to find Newell with a large bag. “Girls, I’m glad I caught up to you!”
“Hello Newell.” Rarity said. “What do you need?”
He smiled. “Oh, I just forgot to say that you girls looked hungry back there.” He lifted the bag he was carrying. “I have some food if you’d like. Free of charge.”
Applejack took the bag. “Thanks.” Her stomach growled. “Ha, ah didn’t think we were hungry until now.”
“By the way, Rainbow Dash made that.” Newell said. “Bye now.”
“Bye Newell.”
The five ponies started walking away, thinking about where to search next.
“I never knew Rainbow Dash could cook.” Pinkie said.
“Ha, remember the last time when we were over at my place,” Rarity started, “And I asked Rainbow to cook, and it came out burnt, and Sweetie Belle said ‘I burnt it too!’”
Everypony started laughing. “And then we tasted it, and it tasted like rubber!” Pinkie Pie added.
They continued to laugh, and then it stopped slowly. They looked at each other and started looking glum. “I…I miss Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy sadly said.
“Me too.” Applejack said. “Ah don’t think we should have done this to her…”
“Yeah.”
“Agreed.”
“Yep.”
Fluttershy smiled. “Anyway,” she looked at the food, “it doesn’t look burnt.” She slowly took a bite. “Mmm! This is really amazing! Try it girls!” 
They all grabbed what seemed to look like fish, and took a bite. “Hm, what a unique taste.” Rarity said.
“If Newell didn’t say that Rainbow Dash made this, I wouldn’t have expected her to make this.” Pinkie said.
“Well, it’s much better than the burnt food she served us.” Applejack noted.
Twilight thought about something. “Maybe she doesn’t want us knowing that she cooks great, because she’s, well, a rebel.” She looked around. By the way, the next city near here is Manehattan, so we should go there next.”
As they were walking, Fluttershy looked around nervously. “Hey…Um, girls…can I, um, confess something?...”
“Sure darling.” Rarity said. “What’s bothering you?”
“Well, um…you know how I know Rainbow Dash for the longest?” She said softly.
“Yes?”
"Um…well, I’m kind of…well, I’m…sort of…in love with her.” She was blushing madly.
“Really?” Rarity asked surprised. Fluttershy squeaked. “Well, that’s great!”
“Ah didn’t know you were that way Fluttershy.” Applejack said.
Everypony was happy for her, except Twilight. “I don’t get it.” She said confused. Pinkie Pie went up to her and whispered in her ear. After, Twilight looked like she got it. “What? But that doesn’t make any sense.”
“Hey Twi,” Applejack said, “Remember that book we got ya?”
“Of course, you girls made it.”
“Yeah, um, why don’t you read it sometime?”
“Okay.”
“Anyway, that’s great Fluttershy.” Applejack continued. “When we find her, you could tell her how you feel.”
“…Thanks. I feel so happy to have that off my chest.” Fluttershy said, relieved. “I can’t believe I kept this from her all this time.”
“Well, don’t worry darling.” Rarity said. “Well find her in no time.” She smiled. “Just you watch.”