//------------------------------// // Race 15 // Story: My name is Barry Allen and I'm the fastest pegasus alive // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Race 15: Rainbow Dash, now you are the fastest pegasus alive My name is Barry Allen, and I’m the fastest pegasus alive.  I have dedicated my life to fighting crime on the streets of Equestria, along with my friends:  the Arrow, the Canary, and my student, the Dash.  But before that, I was the fastest man alive, and I had been just that sort of crimefighter.  Along with my friends, Cisco and Caitlin, I protected the streets of my hometown, Central City.  All of that changed after each of my two speedster mentors betrayed me.  I was about to give up; I was about to change history so I would never lose another loved one to the madness that is the life of a superhero.  The Speed Force stopped me before I destroyed history with my selfishness.  It decided to give me another chance, and sent me to this strange world so that I could become a mentor.  In teaching another, I learned to live again.  And now, after some patience and hard work, I can feel she’s ready.  It is almost time for me to go back home and again become the fastest man alive. In the pre-dawn darkness two familiar streaks of light flew around the Wondebolts' practice field.  Despite the excitement of the Crystal Empire raid mere hours before, Rainbow Dash was determined to keep training.  She was decided to continually improve her skills. And for Flash, he felt truly proud of his student.  He had to thank the Speed Force for this second chance.  He had almost given up on everything that made him a true hero.  Mentoring Rainbow Dash had restored his faith. Her dedication to her training and to furthering the common good had proven to him that there were other speedsters whom he could trust. “Excellent as always, Rainbow Dash,” congratulated Flash.  “You’ve progressed faster that I’d imagined possible.  You’re really amazing.” Rainbow Dash blushed as she adjusted her goggles.  “Thank you Flash; it’s all thanks to you. If it weren't for your lessons, I would have really hurt myself already.  I mean, again.” Flash giggled.  “Don’t worry about it.  Hey, what if we get the others and go somewhere tonight?  You know, to celebrate.” Rainbow Dash smiled.  “Sure!  At one of Blood’s clubs?” “Yeah; I get fifteen percent off since I work for boss Blood.” "This is gonna be awesome! I haven't gotten together with all the girls in a while." Rainbow Dash's smile faded a bit. "Yeah, it sounds great, but I don't think Starlight or Twilight will be in the mood to celebrate." Flash sighed. “I forgot about that.  Do you think they've seen the headlines already?” “I don’t know, but it would be a good idea to check it out.  So, are we done for today?” “Yes, at least for morning training.  See you later, Rainbow!” said Flash, extending his wings, and disappearing in a streak of light. Rainbow Dash watched him leaving, and sighed.  There was something important she had to do, and nopony would be happy about it. Especially Starlight. Extending her wings, Rainbow headed to Twilight’s castle, arriving in less than a heartbeat.  She stood outside the service entrance and sighed.  Steeling her nerves, she knocked on the door. The door swung open.  “Oh, good morning, Rainbow Dash.  What are you doing here so early?” greeted Spike, with his usual cheerfulness. Rainbow Dash smiled sadly.  “Morning, Spike, I came to see Starlight.  I’m a little worried about her, and I thought she could use a friend.  Is she home?” Spike scratched his head confusedly. “Yes. We're all about to have breakfast, but why are you worried about her?” Rainbow frowned; so, the kid didn’t know yet. “Anyway.” said the dragon with a shrug. “Why don't you join us for breakfast?  I made my famous ruby and hay pancakes.” Rainbow’s stomach growled, damned speedster metabolism.  Despite her hunger, she shook her head sadly.  “Not today Spike.  Today is a bad idea.” The dragon shrugged again, and guided the guest to the breakfast nook, where Starlight was already pouring coffee into the cups. “Oh, good morning Rainbow Dash.  What brings you here so early?” asked the pink unicorn. Rainbow frowned.  “Hi, Starlight.  I . . . I, you know, I came to see if you needed something, you know, support or something?” “Support?  For what?” asked Starlight, raising an eyebrow. “So, you haven’t see the newspaper?” asked Rainbow Dash worriedly. “Not yet; I usually read it while having breakfast.  Why?” Spike read the headlines as he retrieved the paper. Hastily, he tucked in under his arm. "Starlight, you might want to sit down." "What is it, Spike?" "You don't want to know." Exasperated, Starlight grabbed the paper with her telekinesis.  She gulped when she read the banner headline. LARGE-SCALE DRUG OPERATION FALLS.  COURT MAGICIAN SUN BURST FOUND GUILTY OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, MURDER, CONSPIRACY, AND TREASON “I’m sorry, Starlight,” mumbled Rainbow Dash. Under the headline was a full-page photograph showing all of the capture drug runners, hobbled. Sun Burst was front and center, glaring daggers at the camera. “No, it can’t be!  IT CAN’T!” cried Starlight.  “Somepony must have framed Sun Burst!  He would never do something like this!” Rainbow shook her head sadly as she placed a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Starlight, but I was there when he confessed.  He was behind the whole operation.” Starlight glared at Rainbow.  “What you mean, you were there?” Spike opened the newspaper and read out loud. “The Crystal Guard credited exposure and capture of the drug ring and its ringleader to the Arrow, a masked vigilante from Canterlot. On condition of anonymity, an inside source has reported that the Arrow was assisted by two super-fast pegasi, identified as the 'Flash' and the 'Dash', as well as another pony identified as the 'Canary'." Starlight looked at Rainbow, with sparks coming from her horn.  “So, this is YOUR fault, right Rainbow Dash?” The cyan pegasus was about to answer, when she dodged a magic blast from Starlight's horn. A hole opened where it struck a sideboard. “Starlight, try to understand; what Sun Burst was doing was wrong!” Starlight shot two more magic beams at Rainbow Dash, who dodged them without effort. The sideboard gained two more holes. “STAY STILL!  YOU AND THE DAMNED ARROW WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY FRIEND!!” Starlight continued shooting at the pegasus, who continued to dodge effortlessly. The front of the sideboard began to resemble Swiss cheese. “Starlight, please!  Calm down!” begged Spike, hugging his friend in order to stop her.  The pink unicorn was too angry to listen to reason; she was determined to keep shooting until she hit Rainbow Dash. Twilight ran downstairs to see the cause of the commotion. “Starlight!  Rainbow Dash!  Stop this already!” cried the Princess. Starlight was blinded by her rage.  Nothing mattered, except stopping Rainbow Dash.  As the sideboard caught fire, the cyan speedster decided to end the stalemate.  Starlight was suddenly blinded by a bucket of ice cold water.  The unicorn blasted the bucket into the ceiling. She blinked when she saw Spike, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash looking at her from the other side of a magenta force field. Calmly, Rainbow Dash said, “Starlight, I know he is your friend, and this whole thing has to be shocking for you, but all the evidence against him is solid.  And, again, I was there.  You have no idea what your friend has done.” “YOU’RE LYING!” shouted Starlight. “SUN BURST WOULD NEVER HURT A FLY!” “I don't know about flies, but he poisoned a lot of ponies, and he ordered the murders of many others,” said Rainbow Dash.  “He tried to frame the Arrow for some of those murders.” “AND HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WAS ACTUALLY THE ARROW, HUH?” Rainbow Dash sighed.   “Believe me, I know the Arrow.  I know what he's done, and I know what he hasn’t.” Twilight was about to ask what was going on when Spike gave her the newspaper.  Twilight began to read it, and gasped. “Is this some kind of joke?” asked the lavender alicorn.  “Sun Burst, a drug lord?  But this makes no sense!!” “Twilight, we caught him in the act,” explained Rainbow Dash.  “Money can make ponies do strange things.  Once you have the motive, everything starts to make sense.  He had the means, a direct connection to the Crown and direct access to the frontier patrol.  I got to look through his notes.  He was converting Yakyakistanian ceremonial drugs into something new and highly addictive.  He built his empire on that poison.  I’m sorry girls, but he wasn’t the pony we thought he was.” Spike frowned as he continued reading the article.  “And, I’m afraid Shining Armor totally supports this operation.  He even thanked the Arrow for helping him clear his Empire of involvement in this mess.” “But this can’t be!!” exclaimed Twilight. “No, it can’t, right?” asked Starlight, shaking herself dry.  “This is nothing but a sick joke!!” Twilight sighed.  “Sorry, Starlight, but if what Rainbow says is true, I cannot close my eyes to the evidence.  What I really can’t understand is why you joined forces with the Arrow, Dash?” “Barry is on his side, and I want to be like Barry.” “But, as an outlaw vigilante?  The Arrow is a very dangerous pony, Rainbow Dash!” “I know, but I know how to take care of myself,” explained Dash, “especially now that I have super speed.  Also, thanks to Barry, and Canary, the Arrow has stopped killing.  He’s a new pony now.  Besides, we stopped the largest drug operation in Equestrian history.” Starlight just glared at Rainbow, and the speedster prepared in case she tried to attack her again, despite the force field that was still in place. Twilight just frowned.  “Rainbow, I don’t like where this is going.  You must hand him over to the Crown.” Rainbow lowered her head, ashamed. “Twilight, I’m sorry.  You're my dearest friend.  I know you are a Princess and all, but first and foremost, I’m the Element of Loyalty, and I won’t betray a friend.” “Oh, yeah?!  What about me!  You have betrayed me, Rainbow Dash!” cried Starlight. “This is different, Starlight,” said Rainbow Dash sighing.  “I had to do what was best for Equestria.  Besides, that’s why I came, to tell you the truth about what happened last night.  Do you think I liked to find out that our friend was a drug lord?  Do you think I would do something like this without a good reason?  Do you think I enjoy hurting a friend?” Starlight's posture slumped as she realized what Rainbow Dash was trying to tell her.  Heavy tears dropped from the unicorn's eyes.  Twilight signaled her understanding, but still shook her head worriedly. “Rainbow Dash, I know you don’t want to betray your friend the vigilante, but, if you refuse to talk, I will have to use my authority as a Princess and . . .” Rainbow allowed the tiny lightning bolts to run all over her body, and disappeared in a streak of light.  Twilight sighed again; this outcome was hardly unexpected. “I’m so sorry Starlight, but Sun Burst is in a lot of trouble.  I’ll do what I can to get you an appointment to talk to him.” “And what about Rainbow Dash?” “She did the right thing by telling you, but to be honest with you, I’m starting to question her choice of acquaintances.  We’ll have to discuss this with the rest of the girls.” Starlight nodded, and sobbed. In the meantime, Rainbow Dash tried to clear her mind by flying around and inviting the rest of the girls for her little reunion at the Verdant.  Of course, they all agreed, with Pinkie being the most enthusiastic about it.  It was going to be nice to have some time to hang out with the others, especially since Rainbow barely had time to hang out with her other friends since she started her training with the Flash, with the obvious exception of Rarity. Crystal Palace: Princesses Celestia and Luna had been trying to reason with Cadence and Shining for four hours, but the two were adamant.  They wouldn’t let them question Sun Burst or any of his dealers. “But niece, be reasonable.  They may have some vital information for us.  Why don’t you let us talk to them?” asked Celestia. “Auntie, Sun Burst and his gang have committed high crimes against the Empire, and we have the right to process them here, in the Empire.” “Yes, that is only reasonable,” agreed Luna.   “However, why don’t let us question them about their operations in Canterlot?” “We've already sent you all the documentation detailing their operations in Canterlot. That, plus the information from our interrogations should be more than enough!” said Shining.  “Besides, you have custody of all the ponies in Canterlot who are involved.” Celestia frowned.  “Captain Armor, you know all too well what we’re looking for.  They may have some valuable information about the vigilante.” “No sister, considering what’s going on, I’m pretty sure that they have it.  Am I wrong, Princess Cadence?  Captain Armor?” Neither of the co-regents knew how to answer that.  They wanted to protect Blue Blood, of course, but if they couldn’t risk the sake of their family just for him. After much deliberation, Cadence decided to speak with the truth. “Yes aunties, we do have information about the Arrow.  But you must understand, we got the information about this drug ring from him.  We managed to stop this drug smuggling operation because of him.  We owe him a debt of gratitude, and the least we can do to return the favor is to protect his anonymity.  Sorry, but I can’t think of another way to honor the friend who took the effort to help us and asked nothing in exchange.” The elder princesses nodded, signaling their reluctant agreement. “Do you realize you’re protecting a murderer?” asked Luna. “Are you choosing a masked criminal over your own family?” questioned Celestia. “I’m sorry, but it’s a matter of honor,” explained Shining. “And, Sun Burst is also a murderer,” said Cadence.  “Unlike the Arrow, Sun Burst killed for his own benefit, not for that of Equestria.” “Cadence . . .” “It is our last word, aunties.” The two Princesses left in silence, but, obviously, their relationship with their niece would never be the same. “What do you think, sister?” “I can understand Cadence and Shining Armor.  I don’t want to sacrifice the good relationship we have because of this.  Thankfully, there’s another pony we can question about his identity.” Luna frowned.  “I don’t like this, you know how much he has sacrificed.” “That’s why we’re going to ask him nicely.  The last thing I want to do is to hurt Barry Allen again,” said Celestia grimly. Blue Blood’s club, Verdant: Except for Twilight and Starlight, the entire group of Harmony had reunited in the club.  As with Rarity's last visit, Blue Blood reserved the VIP area just for them.  And, to everypony's surprise, Barry had convinced Blood to join them, even if he didn’t take part in the conversation. “I’m glad you could make it girls,” said Rainbow happily. "You, too, Spike." The dragon snored from the corner. Applejack chuckled as she took a sip from her appletini. “Well, Ah’m glad ya’ decided to spend some time with yer’ old friends, Rainbow. “Yeah, I’m sorry I haven’t had the time to hang out with you guys,” sighed Rainbow Dash.  “But, this whole Speed Force thing is a life changer.” They all nodded in agreement. “Ironically, now that you move faster than before, you barely have time to share with us.  Have you noticed that, darling?” joked Rarity. “You know?  You’re right!” said Rainbow Dash, laughing. The group continued partying for a while when suddenly, Rainbow Dash noticed something was wrong.  At her third glass of hard cider, she realized something crucial. “That’s odd,” mumbled the cyan pegasus. “What is it, Rainbow Dash?” asked Fluttershy. Rainbow emptied the glass, and served herself a little more. “Easy Dashie!” warned her Pinkie Pie.  “You know how you get when you drink too much.” “Believe it or not, Pinkie, I’m not even a little tipsy!” said Dash. She emptied the glass again, and then she refilled it. Barry just laughed uncomfortably at this. “Ehem, I’m sorry Dash.  Accelerated metabolism, remember?” Rainbow’s jaw dropped.   “What?!  I can’t get drunk?” “Yeah, but it's no big deal.  I mean, it won’t kill you,” said Barry with a shrug. Rainbow groaned in annoyance, but in the end, she smirked. “Okay, whatever.” They continued partying without further incident.  However, Blue Blood was sitting by himself, uncomfortably.  Rarity tried to draw him into the conversation. “Oh, by the way!  Do you know that Blue Blood is thinking in opening new clubs in the Crystal Empire and Manehattan?” “My goal is to open some in all other nations,” said Blue. That broke the ice.  The group soon started to ask about his clubs, and how did he get involved in the business.  He explained how he transformed a couple of storehouse owned by his grandpa into the hottest club of Canterlot. In the end, everypony was having fun together, including Blue Blood. Finally, Rainbow Dash turned to Barry and smiled at him “Hey, thank you,” she said softly.  “Thank you for everything, Barry.” Barry smiled back.  “No, thanks to you Rainbow Dash, I know there are speedster whom I can trust.  I regained my faith because of you, Rainbow.” Rainbow shook her head.  “No, Barry, first you became my motivation to get faster, even if I only wanted to defeat you.  Now that I know you, you are my motivation to always become a better pony.” Then, she blushed. “The thing is, Barry, that, that . . . well, thank you.  You have taught me so much, and I . . .” And then, to everypony’s surprise, except for Rarity, Rainbow approached to kiss Barry, but the Flash moved backwards at great speed. “Barry?” asked Rainbow, hurt. Barry smiled sadly.   “I’m sorry Rainbow, but I can’t.” “But, but!  But, I’m a speedster!  I’m the right choice! Teacher and student, doesn’t that sound . . . well, romantic?” Flash sighed. “No Rainbow.  I’m sorry.  You know Iris is waiting in Central City.” The cyan pegasus nodded slowly.   “No, I’m sorry Barry.  I was being selfish.  Iris is a lucky girl.” Barry smiled, and hugged Rainbow.  “You are one of my best friends, Rainbow Dash, and, also, my very first student.  Nothing will change that.  But, do you know why I’m throwing this party?” “Because everything went fine last night?” asked Rainbow, gulping. “Well, yes, but mostly because you are ready.  I trust you to move on your own, and, knowing you, you’ll achieve great things.” The rest of the girls had approached, ready to comfort Rainbow Dash, but didn’t say anything yet, knowing it was a private moment between teacher and student. “Barry, don’t go! I need you here!” cried Rainbow Dash. “No, not anymore, Rainbow Dash.”  Barry smiled.  “I am proud of what you’ve done in so little time, but if I stay, you won’t be able to grow as a speedster.  You need to face your own challenges, learn your own techniques and such!” Rainbow nodded.  “I’ll try.” “Trust in yourself, since I trust in you.” Rainbow Dash began to cry, and hugged her teacher, who returned the hug and gave a small nod to the rest of the gang.  The girls were holding back their own tears.  Barry then released Dash, and hugged the girls one by one, at super speed. “Thank you for everything!” said Dash. Then, Blue Blood bumped hooves with him. “Hey, say 'hi' to Oliver Queen for me.” “Sure thing, boss Blood!  Tell the Arrow to take care of my student.” Blood nodded.   “I promise.” Barry looked at the group one more time, and waved a hoof at them.  They returned the gesture, and then, he disappeared in a streak of light.  He stopped by Blue Blood’s mansion to recover his suit, and then, he ran away. Like the last time, the world around Barry turned into a blur, and he finally disappeared.  The Flash left Equestria. S.T.A.R. Labs: Cisco Ramón, Caitlin Snow, Joe and Iris West, were killing time in silence, as they had been doing since Barry left, but only one person remained optimistic, and that was Iris.  She knew Barry only needed a little break.  When he was ready, he would go back to her. Suddenly, the whole labs began to vibrate at great speed, and soon enough, a figure in a red suit materialized before them.  They all were speechless, looking at the young man in the red suit, who only opened his arms. “Hey guys, I’m back!” the scarlet speedster said, smiling. They all went to embrace him. His adoptive father, Joe West, slowly stood.  “Barry?  Is that really you?” Barry smiled shyly.   “Hi Joe, sorry I’ve worried you.” The cop hugged his son.   “Oh Barry!” “Man!  Where were you?” asked Cisco. “Yes, we were worried sick!” added Caitlin, slightly annoyed. “Huh guys, you wouldn’t believe it if I tell you.” said Barry with a shrug. As he pulled down his cowl, a single cyan feather and a single orange feather fluttered down. Only one person hadn’t joined the group hug, a young woman in a beige suit. “Iris, I’m back.” She smiled. “I knew you would be, Barry.” The two of them kissed passionately. “I missed you so much.” “I missed you too, but now we’re together.  That’s all that matters.” “Forever.”