It has been five days, five days since I left because of the thrill of adventure knocked at my door, but yet I miss everyone, but this is something I must accomplish.
The yellow sun of Celestia was bright in the blue sky. A gentle breeze blew through a blue pony's rainbow mane, her speed was slower then usual, as she gazed around, looking at the large sloping mountains and rivers far below her. It was young Rainbow Dash, she had gone far, she was honestly now unknown how far she had gone. She paused, turning towards a small mountain with oak trees that stood high and broad, there dark green leaves providing shade.
Rainbow Dash sighed as she looked at the well folded map Twilight gave her so she wouldn't get lost, yet she couldn't seem to find where she was, she knew now that she had to have gone off her trail. She felt frustrated as she folded the map and placed it back into her saddle bag. She folded her wings behind her and decided to take a look around. Her steps were cautious, being far from home was dangerous, she was unknown to the creatures here.
"Heh, I wish I had Fluttershy here, at least there would be no chance of being attacked by an animal. I had to go alone, more like a must. There is a reason why I am here." Rainbow said, talking to herself in a somewhat nervous way.
She remembered before she left, recalling what she was told and how everyone had volunteered to come with her, she wished she had said yes instead of no. As she was distracted by her thoughts she almost tripped over a small bramble, nearly falling flat on her face if it hadn't been for the fact she had caught herself. For a few seconds, her back right hoof got caught in the menacing light brown vine. Rainbow Dash struggled for a while, until it snapped and the force and momentum made her hit a tree.
"Ow!" She cried in slight pain, it hadn't really hurt, but she felt like she needed to fill her own ears with sound, it felt safer.
I am alone, in this darkish forest, I need to find out where I am, or I could possible get hurt. Well I am in what would be about an oak forest, however I am still not sure. Rainbow thought, sighing again. She brought Twilight's map back out and looked down upon it, thinking about where she may be. She focused, going down her marked trails and the places surrounding it. She let out a loud cry of frustration, almost tempted to hit her face right against the ground, wanting to aim for the map itself. As though punishing it for being there and making her mad.
Rainbow decided to take a few moments and remember, remembering friends and the talk they had before she left.
Five Days Ealier
The pony gang gathered in the library, where they were to meet Rainbow for an important talk. Four came in a group, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash was waiting with Twilight, who of course owned the library.
"Hello everypony." Rainbow Dash greeted, none replied, still thinking of why they were summoned here for this talk.
Rainbow Dash gulped, fear consuming her as she wondered if she could do this, she wished she had just left a note on Twilight's door, or anyone of the others, they would all eventually find out, but she knew they would come and find her and force her to come home. She sighed, trying to relax her fear and tame in as though it was something that must happened. She breathed for a few seconds, until she took a sharp inhale and stepped forward.
"I-I am leaving for a while." When she said it everyone gasped, except Twilight who had heard earlier, she just gave a worried glance and sad eyes.
"Why?!" Pinkie asked, done hoping around and just staring at Rainbow Dash, the others were speechless.
"I feel like I need to see the world, I don't know why, but it seems like my heart is telling me to do this." Rainbow Dash answered, looking at her friends, she soon wanted to just look back down at her hooves, the fear once again eating away at her.
"Then... I am coming to." Fluttershy said quietly, as she normally, her quiet voice was comfort.
The other cheered in agreement, saying they all wanted to go, however Twilight had already heard the story and just looked down in dismay. The others looked at Twilight noticing her look of dismay.
Rainbow looked down, closing her eyes so she didn't have to look at her friend's sad faces, she then spoke up once again, "I am sorry, but I feel I have to do this alone, I need to travel fast, I am sorry."
The others were shocked, except for Twilight of course, but there was one for calm face, Applejack who was smiling and soon walked over to her.
"Don't worry Dash, we understand. There our somethings we need to do alone." She said in a calm voice and keeping her warm smile.
Rainbow lifted her head to see the warm smile and it seem to absorb into her skin and spread the warmth into her body, as though she was in front of a heater. The rest nodded in agreement and it made the warm fill her, and make her want to fly. Tears welled in her eyes as all her friends supported her decision, the hot salty water traveled down her cheek and fell onto the library floor.
"Thank you. I must go now, but I am glad you all understand." She whined, her crying almost making it hard to talk, she whipped the tears away.
She went to the door, getting ready to fly off, until she heard Twilight call from behind her.
"Dash, wait, we maybe can't come with you, but you could at least take this." She smiled, holding up the saddle bag and the map, placing it into the bag and giving it to Rainbow.
Rainbow Dash smiled and could feel tears coming back, but she held them back and nodded as a thank you. Her wings began to flutter and she took off, the last thing she heard was her friends saying good-bye from far away, it sounded like whispers.
Five Days Later
Rainbow felt warm and fuzzy from the memory, they had helped her so much and she wished they were here now, it was just too bad. She knew that maybe she had to fly around and maybe she could find her way around, but then she felt a sharp pain in her flank. It felt like a needle, she looked to see it was a dart and she could see the sides of her vision clouding, the black inky darkness coming closer, until she hit the ground with a thud.
As she was unconscious, she was in a dream, she was at home with her friends, they were having fun. They were at the swimming hole, in the water and having fun. The water was great and the waves weren't to big. The water the blue and everyone was laughing as they played with water toys, like air filled balls of many colors, red, blue and even a rubber ducky. Then a swirl of darkness came and it all went wrong. Her friends disappeared and she heard chanting.
"Why did you leave us Dash? I thought we were your friends?" The voices said and the somewhat transparent faces of her friends appeared in the dark.
"You are my friends, I needed to do this." She cried, and soon it all dissipated and she awakened.
This floor is cold, I don't know where I am, all I do know is that I was knocked out, that I left my friends and now I am here, and I don't know where here is.
A cold metal room that seemed more like a box, there was a small washroom and a bed, but there was nothing else, just the cold grey metal walls. There was a door of course, but there was no handle on the inside, what was on the other side was unknown. After being unconscious for about three hours, the young sky blue pony with a rainbow mane awaken. Rainbow Dash groaned as she awoke, as though she had been hit by millions of rocks that had rained down.
"Where I am I?" She mumbled as she rubbed the back of her head, ruffling her mane a little.
She had a few small cuts that covered her body, that caused more pain. The cold ground seemed to chill her to the bone, as though any moment her teeth would begin to chatter just from sitting on it. She gained her wits and was able to stand, her legs only crying in tiny cries of pain. Another groan escaped her mouth, she was so uncertain. She stumbled over to the small bed, seeing the light brown bed stand that had a note on it.
Dear, Rainbow Dash,
Don't worry deary, you are safe now, you may feel pain, but you are safe.
You may not sleep tonight, but you had to come here, the reason can't be
told, but don't worry.
Sincerely, Jasmine Flowers
Rainbow read the note, over and over, all said the same, it didn't tell her why she was here or where here was for that matter. She let out a sigh, still unsure of what would happen, what if the note was wrong and it was morning? What if they were going to hurt her? Calm down, I can't think of negatives, for all I know I could have hallucinated the dart, perhaps I still am hallucinating, but I doubt it. It seems too real. Rainbow thought as she flopped onto the bed.
She still felt tired, even after her 'nap' you could say. She let out a large yawn and closed her eyes, letting thoughts conquer her mind. Who is Jasmine Flowers? Why I am I here? Am I no longer in Equestria? Will my friends come for me anyways? She sighed, slipping over to face the still opened note that seemed to stare at her in a mocking way. She put her hoof down on it, closing it and then pushed it off the table, so she wouldn't have to look at it. She felt lonely here, none of her friends were here, she was alone, yet she felt she wasn't.
If there are ponies running this place, then there has to be a reason, they wouldn't just kill me. Right? Rainbow thought, feeling worried about her fate, but she wondered if they were after her friends too. The pain of leaving now burned inside of her, what if she had lead Equestria into something that could end in fatalities and perils. Her heart thudded with what could be fear, or was it the ever forsaking silence that surrounded her. All she could do was think, there was no one here and she could see the roof so flying was useless.
Even though tired she felt restless, she couldn't sleep, but she had to try, she could maybe stretch or even she could fly a little, or find a way out, but the note told her note to worry, it told her she was safe, but she wasn't sure to believe this Jasmine Flowers. What if Jasmine Flowers wasn't even her real name? She is named after a flower and her last name is Flowers? It all seemed messed up to Rainbow as she laid in the bed.
However she soon shut her thoughts out and began to fall into the deep spell of sleep. It was slow and almost time wasting, but she knew she needed it and she was finally at piece during the dreamless sleep.
The Next Morning
When Rainbow Dash awakened once again, she on the cold floor once more, feeling the metal touch her skin. She remembered going to bed, yet she was on the floor and confusion settled in as she lifted herself off the floor. She looked around, seeing the ceiling was higher then it was before. It seemed like an obstacle course, there were bright red hopes, and a strange box with a hole, she presumed she had to go though, she however wasn't sure what was beyond that, her view being blocked. Then there was a small screech like sound, her ears pricked and she turned to see an intercom, it made buzzing noises until it came through and was on.
"Hello there Rainbow Dash," the voice of a stallion coming though the intercom, "I am Dusty Rose, today I will be giving you some instruction on out Trial. As you can see there is a obstacle course set up, your mission is to go through it, there maybe parts that will confuse you, so you can call my name and I will answer." There was a last noise of Dusty Rose, a mischievous cackle that made Rainbow nervous.
She didn't bother to answer him, as for she loved flying, she took off in an instant, her wings making rhythmical sounds as they flapped. She soon began to gain speed as she twirled through the hopes, adding some originality as she moved easily through. Winding through large bars that went down, her belly and back facing the long poles of metal. She felt no need for the goggles, but decided to keep them with her, they wouldn't give her something useless, right? She went through the entrance of the block to see spinning fan blades, they were fast.
Rainbow landed for a second, just to think, she knew she could blast through, but at what price? The blades were circle, but the edges were knife-like and ready to slice anything that stopped between them. Her heart rate went higher, but she soothed, breathing slowly and getting her confidence up.
"I can do this." She whispered to herself, trying to comfort her.
Her wings began to flap as she backed up and went to the edge of one side of the fan, she could see the exit across from her, and she began to move. Closer and closer she came to the blades, picking up speed as she went, propelling herself forward. She knew she couldn't stop no matter what, she had to try. She blasted through, the blade missing her by a hair and she soon smiled cockily at it. However there was more to be done, so she felt flying and came face-to-face with a large fire.
She cocked her head, a little confused by the giant flame, she looked in all directions and there was nothing else to be seen.
"Dusty Rose?" She called, "What I am I supposed to do here?"
This time a hologram of a dusty brown stallion with a pinkish mane appeared, "You are to fly through the flames and get to the other side." He answered.
"What? That makes no sense, I never heard of a Pegasus who was stupid enough to fly into fire." Rainbow Dash stated, as she crossed her arms, still hovering.
"Maybe so, but if you don't do it, you will never go home and we will be forced to kill you, your choice." He gave a villainous smile and then the image disappeared.
Either way, Rainbow was gambling with her life, she didn't know quit what to do, but she felt there was only one choice, to fly through the high flames of the large fire. She wanted to see her friends and not going through would make her death not a struggle, and she would die a quitter. She lowered the googlies on her head, and back up to the wall of the box, and began to propel forward, her speed gaining as she tried to make air come all around her.
If I want to be the best flier in all of Equestria, this has to be done, I have to focus and gain speed. She thought, stating the obvious in her mind so no one could hear. Faster and faster she went, closer to the flames that flickers close, she could now feel the heat. Then she burst in, closing her eyes for a second. When she opened them she saw all the colors of the flames, she was fine, enough air had been generated and she found it breath taking. The colors of red, orange and yellowed danced together in front of her, until she burst through the flames onto a platform.
There were a few black tufts of lightly burnt fur, but nothing serious, she stood, waiting to be greeted hopefully. She could see the dark hallway and she could hear footsteps coming and she smiled bravely. Then a dart came and before she could dodge it, it hit her in the chest. Her eyes began to cloud with inky darkness again, and she slipped into unconsciousness for the second time.
I am back here, I am lost, I no longer know what is going on. I am slightly wounded now, but still nothing, what will they do to me next?
The floor was still cold, like it was before, the cold grey metal box. Rainbow groaned, shifting her position as her eyes opened. Her goggles were gone and she noticed she was back in her box. She soon guessed it was her cell for this prison like place. However she found herself happier here then out doing the obstacle course that got her fur burned. She could smell the horrible smell of the patches and she knew she needed to clean herself up a little.
She sighed and walked over the small bathroom, to the sink. This was silver and the bowl for the water was made of glass. She had one cloth, one shower, one tower, toilet paper and of a toilet. Rainbow Dash sighed, as she grabbed the towel, leaving it just outside the shower and entering. Although it had been rather cold, she knew she was covered in sweat and burn marks. She turned on the water and hot droplets rained down on her, it felt so relaxing, the warm heat, but her burn marks stung in contact.
She used this time to talk to herself, know that if there were mics and cameras they couldn't hear her from here. She looked at her fur, many burn marks over it from her flying into fire. She didn't know how she conducted enough speed, but she did. Now all she wondered was, what was next?
"They already burned me, what will be next for me? If I don't accept the mission, I will be dead and I feel my friends have to know. Why do decisions have to be so hard?!" She muttered, but Rainbow had yelled the last part.
She hoped nothing picked that up, so she just began to clean herself off, making her skin feel free from dirt and what ever else was in it. She dispatched from the shower, drying off with the one towel she had, when she came back to the main room she noticed something. On the bed stand was another note. Rainbow rushed over to it, the note was her only connection here to a pony who ensured her.
Dear, Rainbow Dash,
I was able to see you, when you were doing that challenge, I thought
they would just let you go. I don't know why I keep hoping, they won't,
You may not know, but I feel this is my fault, I showed them videos of
you and they wanted to test your ability. I am sorry, I should have
known better. I promise you, I will get you out of here.
Sincerely, Jasmine Flowers
"What! Why did you?" Rainbow Dash stopped, for when she out stretched her wings, she felt pain, it was from the exercises.
She had to fly fast and it was harder then it seemed. She folded her wings back up and soothed, she didn't know the time of course. Rainbow decided just to snuggle under the covers of her bed and think. She already knew there would be a lack of sleep, for thoughts were ruling her now and the fact she had a bad pain in her wings,
I want my friends, I feel I need them, I wish I wasn't so stupid. They could be with me now, I could have stayed in Ponyville, but they probably would have just came there to get me. This is because of Jasmine, but can I really blame, uh that pony. I am pretty awesome, but now I am in a testing center that may just kill me. This isn't a good place to be, but if Jasmine can get me out, I might forgive her. Rainbow thought and somehow she drifted to sleep.
When she awakened, she was in a thin rectangular room and she knew it was another test. It was pitch black at one end, and she couldn't see what was there. She waited to be told what to do, she sat on the cold metal ground, just waiting. Then she heard the buzzing of the intercom.
"Well Rainbow Dash, today you have to get to the end, but this is a dodging skill, you must dodge bombs, enjoy." The say he said enjoy was somewhat loving and it made Rainbow nervous.
She began to run forward and then the first bombs came, she had to fly. She flapped her wings and ignored the pain in them. She went forward, until she was thrown off by a bomb exploding near her. The wind almost blew her into a wall, but she was just able to stabilize herself so she didn't collide. Then for the few seconds she needed to recover a bomb hit her stomach. There was a time, it read fifteen seconds and soon she turned a sped away.
When it exploded it made her impact the back wall and she could feel a few cuts form on her back. Her stomach really hurt, after being hit twice. In an instant she went forward, flying at full speed, dodging every bomb, a few throwing her off a little.
Almost... there. Rainbow thought as the other wall came into view. She sped up, almost being hit by another bomb. It just hit her shoulder, giving her a second of pause and kept moving. Then she could see the switch and she soon turned them off.
It had been very long and she fell onto the cool floor, welcoming its coldness. She panted, feeling tired from the long and hard fly. Her wings hurt the most, they had received most of the contact. She knew soon she would be knocked out, it was highly probable in all. She waited and soon enough she was right and she just fell into the sleep spell anyways. It had hit her shoulder, but she welcomed the while of rest.
This time when she woke, she was on the floor of an office, surrounded by large stallions., except for the way to the desk, where she recognize Dusty Rose behind it.
"Hello there Rainbow Dash and welcome to my office." He said as he licked his lollipop.
"What I am I doing here?" Rainbow Dash remanded, the guards holding her back from tackling Dusty.
"Hush now, we are here to talk about your freedom." He explained and that left Rainbow speechless and she soon soothed.
I am here and I can tell I am shocked, beyond it. I am being told the word freedom and it seems to be stuck in my brain in a matter of seconds.
"My freedom? When will be set free?" Rainbow asked, very excited to here a time or day, it could be a month for all she cared, she just wanted to be free.
Her pleased face made Dusty Rose smile, and he looked at her. "There is no certain time, only a final trial my dear. If you finish it, you will prove to be worth our time."
"Worth your time? Then why I am I here mister? I would like to know please. I am aware you may not want to tell me, but I feel I must know." Rainbow asked, staring into Dusty's green eyes.
He laughed in a mischievous way that made a chill go up Rainbow's spine. She was not horrified, but nervous for what was behind that laugh. It seemed like he was trying to hide something, making Rainbow feel uncomfortable. However she breathed, calming her mind to she could still sit in front of Dust.
"You can't know, how do I know where your loyalties lie. Besides, you have one last trial, the third and possibly life ending trial." He explained, letting out another mischievous laugh, as though just to make her uncomfortable.
That is what it did, but she still had things to say, but somehow knew soon she might be put to sleep for transport. Her head looked striaght into Dust's green eyes.
"I went through fire, and got bombed by your little canon, I don't think it can get much worst. I am batter and bruised, and I may not know your plan, but my spirit is not broken." Rainbow growled.
She was starting to get a little angry, but she soothed herself, conflict now would lead to bad things. This guy was in control, he had guards, and he was clearly hoping she would blast right up to him so he could let his guards do as they wished. Dust just frowned and let out a sigh, he gestured to his guards. Rainbow didn't know what it meant, until a needle entered her right shoulder and her muscles began to feel weak.
She wanted to fight it, but the drug was a lot stronger then expected! Slowly her energy drained until she fell to the ground. This time colors spiraled and a dream began to form.
She was back in Ponyville, her friends by her side as they were at Sweet Apple Acres, enjoying some delicious apple cider. Her friends laughed as Pinkie Pie rode her unicycle and was juggling, also telling jokes. The sunlight felt warm on her blue face, and although she wasn't high in the sky, she liked being here.
"Hey Dash? Why did you leave us?" Pinkie said and everything began to turn dark as her friends stood together facing her.
"What?" Dash pondered for the few seconds she didn't notice until she noticed the dark skies and the world looked like a shadow.
"I-I, I just wanted some adventure. I felt like I needed to see the world, I-I am sorry." Dash cried, as her friends came closer and she had to put her back up against the dark tree.
"Traitor, Traitor, Traitor!" They yowled in unison.
Dash screamed, until she found a kind voice telling her to wake up, the voice of a mare.
She screamed for a few seconds until the real world came back into the focus and she noticed it was just a dream, a dream that felt so real. She looked around, until her eyes laid on a light purple mare, almost the color of Twilight, but her mane was dull blue. She looked like a mess, cuts were on her, with a bit of blood, and she looked bruised, far worst then Rainbow did. She was also a pegasus, at least she was no longer alone.
"Good your awake, you were trashing and screaming. I was going to let you sleep, but I thought you might hurt yourself. I was worried Rainbow." She said in a sweet and motherly voice.
Dash cocked her head. "Who are you? How do you know my name?"
The mare sighed, looking down briefly. "I am Jasmin. They put me in here when they found the notes."
"Your Jasmin. Well what did they do to you?" Rainbow asked, sliding out of the bed.
By her guess, Jasmin had moved her there so she wouldn't be cold, o the guards decided to mix it up a bit.
"The same thing they did to you. They tried to make it worst, harder just to make sure I got hurt." She explained, then she fell to the ground weak and now Rainbow knew, there was a thin chance of escaping.
They don't want me. I am just there play toy, I can't trust them, but my outside connection if terminated, Jasmin if here and she is injured. What can I do?
Rainbow's face dropped into a frown, she felt bad, she should have gotten rid of the notes afterwards, this was all her fault. She had ruined the plan. Her stomach ached from the thought of what she had done. She looked around the cold metal room, all was the same, but there was another bed, that was the only change. She looked back at Jasmin who was waiting for a reply from her.
"I am sorry. This is my fault and don't object to it, you know it. I should have gotten rid of the notes, but I neglected to do so. I ruined our chances of freedom." Rainbow Dash stated grimly.
"No. Rainbow I know we can get out of here, were both capable mares, considering we have roughly the same skill. I have watched you, your can maybe break through the door. Its our only way out, and I think your faster then me. Using speed you can blast through it maybe." Jasmin explained as she looked at the solid steel door.
Rainbow looked at the door, wondering if she would like to test her luck with the next trial, but yet, there was no choice. She nodded and got out of the bed and to the very end of the cell. The roof was lower then the rooms where she had done trials, but if she could circle once then blast down that would maybe be enough. Fear was in her heart that she would crash and be knocked out. That they would just decide to kill her because of what she had done.
She loosened herself up and went forward, taking off, before her hit the door she swung right and circle around, gaining speed, then she went for the target. She could feel the wind blowing at her face, pulling it back somewhat. Her wings stung, but she pushed herself until she was at her limit. She quickly curled in a way that she would loose much speed. She crashed into the door, her right shoulder first into the door. She heard a snap and it came off its hinges.
Jasmin was astonished by the amazing speed that was preformed right before her eyes and quickly moved towards Rainbow. The hall was also metal and cold, but that was no matter they had to hurry.
"Rainbow, you okay, can you move?" Jasmin asked, helping her up.
"Yeah, but we need to fly and fast." Rainbow answered, soon taking off and Jasmin followed.
Pain surged through both of them, it somewhat burned, as though burning into there flesh. As large stallion guards rushed through the doors, they only went faster, dodging some and kicking there back to slow the large mass of ponies. Rainbow's heart thudded, she was scared of being caught, she wasn't ready to die yet. They bother needed help to take down whatever place this was. She felt as though she would maybe be betraying Celestia, betraying Equestria.
Darts went by and Rainbow could hear each one pass by, and she found she was now following Jasmin, already knowing she was the only one that knew the way out. Jasmin swung a sharp left turn and Rainbow followed and she pulled her down, making sure she was seen. The guards passed and Jasmin checked.
"Were good, come on, we have to keep moving." Jasmin said, leaving with Rainbow following.
They walked, deciding to take a brief break from flying, considering it was becoming hard on there wings. They were still slightly injured with many cuts and bruises that were painful. There were also the small burns from being forced to fly through fire. Jasmin looked over her shoulder at Rainbow and slowed her pace so they were walking side by side.
"We will have to move soon, they probably are going to turn on the cameras. We should actually start now." Jasmin said, beginning to take off.
Rainbow followed, although her wings hurt, but she knew Jasmin was probably right. They swung around corners and soon red lights went off, following them like trackers. They flew faster, until Rainbow was checked by a guard and hit a wall, she got up, almost pinned, but Jasmin swung back and hit the guard in the head. Rainbow just nodded and took off again, her sides hurting slightly more then her wings now.
That was when she heard glass shatter and Jasmin had broken the window. Shards flew everywhere but Rainbow flew through it, having to keep up with Jasmin. They flew through the sky and the real wind felt great, the clouds soothing and the summer sun all the much better. Even though they were in danger, she couldn't help, but to smile, it just felt so good, even though there was pain surging through her body.
They flew in silence for a few miles, until Jasmin landed, and walked over to her with a shard of glass, and Rainbow was confused, backing up.
"Don't worry Rainbow, I am just going to take out the tracking device, I am going to do the same to me." Jasmin explained coming closer.
She took Rainbow's left hoof and in the middle between her knee and hoof, mad a gentle cut and dug out the device. Rainbow clenched her teeth, until it was out and Jasmin grabbed something, her saddle bag. She took out the blanket from one of the beds and ripped it, wrapping her wound and gave it a tight knot. She soon did the same thing she had done to her and took out the small device.
"Rainbow, can you wrap it, it is hard with one hoof?" Jasmin asked, holding her left hoof forward.
Rainbow nodded and wrapped it, giving it a tight knot like she did. Jasmin took the two devices and hid them in a tree. She nodded to Rainbow and she knew that it was time to move again. Jasmin took off and Rainbow followed, and they both were happy yo be flying free.
"Where should we go Rainbow?" Jasmin asked.
"I think Ponyville." Rainbow answered, knowing her friend were the only ponies who could help them now., since they might as well be fugitives.
Its been hours, my injury where Jasmin took out the tracking device hurts. My wings are sore, I can see a storm coming in, we will need to duck for cover.
It had been nearly all day, flying on sore wings that burned severely from the prickles of pain that spiked through her body. The wind made it cold, making Rainbow shiver and she could see the dark clouds swirling around, a storm was coming. They were flying in silence, but Rainbow was somewhat concerned from the fact that a storm was beginning to swoop in. It looked bad, Rainbow was partly getting shook off balance from the wind.
"Jasmin, a storm is coming, we have to land." Rainbow called up to her.
Jasmin's head looked back and she nodded, and Rainbow could tell she was struggling too. She slowed herself, coming back beside Rainbow.
"There is a mountain not far from here, I think we can make it." Jasmin explained and took the lead.
It was about fifteen minutes until they got to the mountain and they landed in a cave. Rainbow's heart was pounding, it was quite a struggle, they had only landed for food and bathroom breaks, and her wings felt like they were no longer there. She folded them up and went deeper inside, shaking the water from her body. Her mane drooped in front of her eyes, she used her right hoof and slid it to the side.
She decided to check her cut where the tracking device was, she slowly unraveled it and saw it was a little messy, but not infected. Rainbow knew it no longer needed to be covered, but still hurt a lot from the large cut. Her body felt numb from the cold, and when she walked she seemed to wobble slightly. She was unsure where they were, but Jasmin told her they had to escape first, so they had flown this way so they wouldn't find them. Besides it was getting late and they needed the rest to fly tomorrow if they were ever going to make it to Ponyville.
"Hey Jasmin," Rainbow turned from facing the entrance, "how far are we from Ponyville?" Rainbow asked.
Jasmin's head lifted and she answered, "We are still quite far, and still off course, tomorrow we will set a course that way, I think we are far enough away they won't find us."
Rainbow nodded and went to the back of the cave, passing Jasmin and laying down. She felt tired, and she knew she needed some rest. She didn't bother to say good night to Jasmin, who would maybe stay up a little longer. Slowly she fell under the spell of sleep and once again she dreamed.
Her friends were at the library and she was a ghost like figure. She watched them from the right and listened to there chatter.
"I miss Rainbow." Fluttershy said, and anyone could tell she was holding back the tears.
"But I am right here." Rainbow said, but she watched as she came closer to tap her shoulder, her hoof fell through.
Panic settled in, she knew that she wasn't alive, maybe she had died. However she remembered the hateful dreams, perhaps this was real.
"We all do Fluttershy, she'll me back. We all know that." Applejack said in a comforting voice.
All of it made Rainbow want to cry, and instead of staying she left through the wall and looked at the bird. She knew she wouldn't be back, she must have died in her slumber. She could feel tears leave her eyes and she knew she had failed them, until she heard a voice.
"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow, wake-up!"
Soon light came from the mouth of the cave and the world came back to life. That was when she saw Jasmin in front of her, and she seemed worried.
"You were thrashing in your sleep. I got worried." Jasmin explained.
Rainbow nodded to show her it was okay that Jasmin had waken her up. She also knew that he couldn't thrash like that anyways, her cuts and sores would only get worst.
"Besides, we have to get moving." Jasmin explained further and went to the mouth of the cave.
Rainbow got up fast and followed, there would be no breakfast which meant they had to go now. They took off together into the cold dawn. Rainbow yawned as soon as they took off, she was used to sleep the amount of time she wanted, but she understood the circumstances. They were flying a long distance in a different direction, until Jasmin stopped and gave the signal to land. Rainbow could tell by her face, there was something wrong and went down fast and landed into the trees.
"What's wrong?" Rainbow whispered, coming closer to Jasmin.
"There here, I don't know how they got here. We have to go on foot." Jasmin answered in a whisper and lead the way.
Rainbow's stomach felt hollow, did they go to Ponyville, did they have her friends? She felt nervous and almost wanted to scream with frustration, but she held her tongue and followed Jasmin. They weaved through trees and Jasmin lead Rainbow down a side of a cliff, but told her no to fly, perhaps there was a better reason. The stone was cold and it was afternoon and they were still going down, but Rainbow didn't complain. Soon Jasmin slid through a crevasse and Rainbow followed her into a small cave.
"I came here when I was a filly, we can stay here until they pass, if you flew down, you would miss it and I would too." Jasmin explained.
Rainbow nodded and they laid in the back, soon hearing the sounds of wings and wind swishing by. Rainbow wanted to hold her breath, but a large outburst would give away there location. It was nerve racking, and Jasmin and Rainbow huddle together, waiting.
I want to hold my breath, this is all so bad. They are close, I can here each and every step, my stomach aches, I know I am nervous.
It felt like hours in the small cave, the sounds had faded, yet they waited inside of the cold decedent cave. They were shoulder and shoulder, and all they could do was wait. It had been early when they had landed, but now the sun was going down.
"We should just sleep here." Jasmine whispered and Rainbow nodded in reply.
However it felt cramp and they had to be back and back, trying to give the other room, but it was difficult. The hoofsteps had maybe faded, and Jasmine had fallen asleep, but Rainbow was having extreme difficulty. There was too much to think about for her, going home being most of it, but there was also seeing her friends, what would they think of her? He had too much trouble sleeping and slipped out of the crevasse onto the small ledge outside.
She looked up at the dark sky, with a large moon hanging in the sky and stars hovering around it. Somehow Rainbow knew that her friends were perhaps looking at the same moon. Tears began to clutter her eyes, they shown from moon light and slowly trickled down her cheeks. Even though she knew that she would be home soon, but it was just so hard to know that they weren't with her still. She used her hoof to whip away the hot tears.
It was almost as though they burned her skin. She wanted what she had, she wished that she never left. Rainbow actually felt as though she was stupid, she had caused herself to suffer. She worried that hey had captured them so she would come back and do the last trial. What could it be? Her head lowered as she thought about that fact it may end her life. That was what made her scare, she was still young and she wasn't ready to enter death's gates.
She looked back at the moon, it comforted her to know that her friends were under the same moon. Rainbow smiled, she couldn't believe that she was smiling, and she knew it was because she was almost home. She could feel it in her heart and she knew, she wasn't home until she was with her friends. She entered the cave again and was happy to see Jasmine's sleeping shape in the dark. Jasmine was curled up on her left, so Rainbow went to the right and curled up into her own side and settled down.
Soon the darkness came and she fell asleep in the small cave. Once again she dreamed, but it was different from her many nightmares.
It was a dark decedent forest, it was cool and the wind howled in the trees. She was scared and her heart was beating fast. However she tried to keep her breath slow and not hyperventilate. As she went on, shapes raised in front of her, it was the ponies from the laboratory. She instantly recognized Dust, who was at the front. She shrunk, and they got bigger, but as she looked at them, she realized she was much stronger then them. She went through fire, she dodged bombs and last, but not least, she escaped them once.
As she realized this, she got bigger and they shrunk until they were both there normal size.
"I am not afraid of you!" Rainbow snapped, and she watched as they faded into the darkness.
"Were the ones you shall fear. We could have your friends." Dust said, cackling after until he also dissipated into the darkness surrounding.
"If you have them, I will come back and defeat you. If you do, you better not hurt them!" Rainbow called into the darkness.
She snorted, and glared at where they once stood. Soon everything went wavy, and the dream dissipated into darkness.
Rainbow woke up to a slight sunlight from the small crack where you could get out of the small cave. She raised her head and looked to see that Jasmine wasn't asleep anymore. Slowly she raised and came out to see that Jasmine was out on the ledge.
"Hey Rainbow, if you don't mind me calling you that." Jasmine said kindly, she looked refresh.
"Its fine. Can I call you Jazzy?" Rainbow asked.
Jasmine nodded, she was smiling widely.
Rainbow noticed it wasn't dawn, quite a bit passed it.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" Rainbow asked, after briefly looking at the bright yellow sun.
"We both needed to be refreshed, plus I woke up and decided to check the map. Also good news! Were almost there." Jasmine said gleefully and smiling widely.
Rainbow smiled widely, "Good news? That's great news."
Rainbow felt great, even though she was slightly sore from her uncomfortable sleep. Soon all the sore feeling disappeared and she felt as though she could do anything. They ate a quick breakfast and then they took off for Ponyville. Rainbow was excited, she wanted to get to Ponyville fast, she wanted to see her friends now.
"Can we make it today?" Rainbow asked, still excited.
"Well to be honest, probably if we don't get sidetracked by you know who." Jasmine answered, her voice full of concern.
Rainbow's heart sank, what if they did get sidetracked? Her stomach ached because she was nervous, and once again she was uncertain. As that began, she began to feel the true pain of her sores from the fact that she had slept in a bad position. However it seemed even Jasmine was having trouble from sleeping in such a small place. When Rainbow looked down, she began to recognized things and at least knew where they were, but she was still concerned. What if they were in Dust's clutches, or maybe worst, maybe even dead?
So close to home, my heart is soaring. Don't worry my friends I will be home. Have the party ready, because this Rainbow is coming home.
As the flew, Rainbow couldn't stop doing twirls in the sky. Even if there was the chance that they could be sidetracked, she couldn't be happier. They were so close to home. Rainbow was still sore, but didn't even notice.
"Excited are we?" A voice giggled.
Rainbow almost forgot about her companion, Jasmine. She laughed herself and smiled widely. It felt so great just flying and knowing they were close.
"Yeah, sorry Jazzy." Rainbow laughed.
"It's okay. No blame for excitement. Besides, were free and you almost with your friends! There is no blame." Jasmine replied cheerfully.
She began to spin in the air like Rainbow. She laughed well she got dizzy. Rainbow couldn't help, but to laugh. They were such good friends now. Finally she had a flying buddy who was good at it.
"Well Jazzy! I think were going to make it. No interruptions from here on out!" Rainbow cheered.
Jasmine thought for a second. Then she smiled and nodded, flying faster.
"Race you there!" Jasmine called back over her shoulder.
"Oh you think you can beat me!" Rainbow laughed loudly.
That was when her wings propelled her forward. She felt the wind through her mane. The wind felt great to her an she loved it. This was what she was meant to do. She was soon gaining on Jasmine, closer and closer she came. Jasmine was panting, trying to keep ahead of her. However soon Rainbow was beginning to get tired also. Jasmine had gotten a huge lead at the start. Rainbow wasn't beat yet though, she thought of home and how she longed to be there. Soon she seemed to go faster.
She was focus on getting there before Jasmine now. When she was at her side she slowed to her speed and smiled.
"Not going to beat me Jazzy!" Rainbow laughed.
"Not... going... to... happen..." Jazzy huffed.
Soon Rainbow burst ahead of Jasmine and was laughing, smiling widely. That was when she saw it, Ponyville, but it was different. She stopped, her mouth gaped. Jasmine flew in beside and also stopped, petrified.
"No..." Rainbow breathed.
She looked at Ponyville, the houses torched. There was nopony dead, but she could tell they were here. Slowly Rainbow landed, Jasmine landed beside her.
"This isn't good. I think we should leave." Jasmine whispered, concern somepony would hear her.
"I think we have to take a look Jazzy. We don't have much of a choice, we have to know." Rainbow murmured.
"Okay, but first sign of trouble, I think we should leave. It is only for the best." Jasmine decided.
Rainbow looked at her and knew she was right. She nodded in agreement to flying at the first sign of trouble. They walked slowly, side by side. They twosome were both nervous as to what they had stumbled upon.
"Do think they were here?" Rainbow asked in a hush whisper.
"Yes, sadly, this seems like there work." Jasmine sighed.
Jasmine looked at her hooves as she walked. They stayed close to each other in the ruins of Ponyville. That was when Rainbow saw it, Twilight's Library. It wasn't completely burnt like the other buildings, but the worst by far. Rainbow's heart began to beat rapidly. She suddenly began to run towards the door. She wasn't sure about her other friends, but this place looked so much worst.
"Rainbow! Don't go in there alone!" Jasmine cried from behind, but Rainbow didn't stop.
Jasmine soon followed her into the burnt library. When she entered, she saw Rainbow sitting in the middle by a burnt table. Tears were clearly coming from her eyes.
"It's okay Rainbow. I am sure the are fine." Jasmine crooned.
"The-the-they have them." Rainbow bleated.
Jasmine's face turned pale as she stepped closer and say the note.
Dear Miss Dash,
Don't think we would let you off that easily.
We have them and if you don't return, they
will have to endure trials. You just have to
complete one and they are free. Meet us
in four days minimum, or else.
Sincerely Dusty Rose
"Are we going to go?" Jasmine asked to make sure.
"We have to. You should stay here though. I will go alone. Just one more trial." Rainbow growled.
"No! Rainbow I am not staying here. Were friends and I don't leave one behind." Jasmine said, smiling.
She walked up to Rainbow's side.
"B-but Jasmine, you could get hurt!" Rainbow cried.
"Well they put me through those trials, I think I can live. Besides, I would never sleep knowing you were out there alone." Jasmine said softly.
That was when Rainbow's eyes lightened up and she stood to her hooves.
