Fighting the Past

by Citius

3 years ago...

“Hey Dashie! I’m here!” I shouted as I entered through her house.

“Coming!” The cyan mare replied as heavy hoofsteps could be heard banging on the wooden floor above.

I walked towards the living room and sat on the couch. Pictures frames on the walls and shelves show Rainbow Dash posing valiantly and daring. Though, she had more pictures with her friends than herself. On a separate shelf were trophies of her winning races as being a Wonderbolt.

She is one competitive mare!

“She suure is.” I said out loud.

“What’s sure?” A voice spoke behind.

I turned to see the Rainbow maned cyan mare wearing her rainbow themed dress with a golden string braiding her hair and a some sort of flower crown.

Like I was saying, I think you should be more-Woah……..

I stared at her with wide eyes for more than a minute as I was entranced by the beauty that stood before me. She looked at me with a smile with a raised brow.

She flipped her bangs revealing those beautiful magenta eyes. “Sooooo?” She asked.

“I…. Uhhh…. Woah… Just woah.” I tried to find the right words but stayed dumbstruck.

She giggled and examined my tuxedo. “Hmmm… You looked better before honestly.” She stated plainly.

“What!?” I exclaimed.

See! I told you to stick to your old hair!

“Im just joking! You look awesome!” She came over in front.

I let out a sigh. “I thought I told you to stop making those type of jokes! I swear my sanity almost fell out of my brain!” I exaggerated.

She giggled and leaned on me. “I know. I just want to know that the real you is still there.” She looked at me in the eye and swooped in for a kiss. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling.

Already in that part, eey?

She backed out and headed for the door. “C’mon! Let’s go! The last one on the Gala is a rotten egg!” She immediately flew out.

“Wait what!?” I soon followed as I stretched my wings and bolted through the air.

I focused on getting in the train first before anyone else. I landed in front of the station to see a few ponies entering with their friends or coltfriends.

7:36 pm, The Gala starts roughly at 8 and the train usually takes time to get there….. Why don’t you just fly to Canterlot?

“I was thinking the same, but I’m gonna get furthermore exhausted before even dancing with Rainbow.” I said in my head.

Fair enough.

I entered the train and took a seat next to the window. The train’s horn echoed through Ponyville as it began to roll its tracks.

You have about 15 minutes to get there.

“I’m sure it’s alright if I’m late by even a minute. I mean the Wonderbolts are gonna be there so if Dash decides to fly there first, then they will keep her occupied.”

“What do you mean?” A voice spoke behind me once more.

I turned to see Rainbow giving a brow.

“Oh… Nothing… Was talking to myself is all.” I said as I scooted over to let her sit next to me.

“Awwww, was Dan worried about his marefriend? That’s just so cute!” She made a duck face and spoke like a mom talking to her baby.

I blushed and looked away. “One, we aren’t official yet. Two, of course I would be worried. Any stallion would fall for you!”

She blushed as well. “Thanks for the compliment Dan, but the only one there for me is you.” She leaned and rested her head on my shoulder. We both looked at each other with a smile.

5 minutes passed by and we kept the pose. She then looked through the window. “Remember when we first met? When you didn’t know the way through the Everfree forest and met the den of the timberwolves?”

I deadpanned at her. “How was I supposed to know? The roads were all blocked by those scary looking trees!”

She giggled and lifted her head. “Yeah, I saved you by instantly snatching you right before you got bit!”

“Fine, fine. You saved me from those timberwolves because you’re the greatest and fastest flyer of all of Equestria.” I said with a dumb tone.

She gave me a stern look.

I chuckled, “Thanks for saving me, Rainbow Dash.” I smiled softly at her as she did to me. The train came to an abrupt stop with the horn playing loud as ever signaling us to depart.

“Let’s go and partaaay to our hearts content!!” Rainbow shouts as she grabs and instantly rushes to the Gala.

We queued for the line. It wasn’t too long nor too short.

So you will just dance with her? That’s it? No playing the guitar or anything??

“Why don’t you just shut up and let me enjoy my time with Dashie?” I said in my head.

Alright, alright, no need to get aggressive there pal.

Once we entered the Gala, our eyes were met with pleasure. The smooth white marble material covering the flooring, ceiling, pillars, and statues. A red carpet was thrown in the middle of room leading to the 3 thrones owned by each Princesses. The middle throne was white and clear as day with a sun symbol on top, beside it sat a dark blue throne with a crescent moon symbol on top, and on the other side sat a pink throne with a crystal heart on top. The lights closed and 3 specific circles of light lit the 3 thrones. Before anyone could speak, a dark blue flash appeared on the blue throne which revealed the Princess of the night, Luna. A pink and red flash appeared on the pink throne revealing a well dressed Princess of love, Cadence. And lastly, a flash appeared on the middle throne, as bright as the sun, it blinded our eyes. Then appeared the Princess of the ponies, Celestia.

Cheers and claps were voiced by everypony that stood before them in the Gala, some even clapping outside.

“Greetings my little ponies. I am Princess Celestia and beside me stand Princess Cadence and Princess Luna. We are very delighted to have you all here to witness the annual festival of the ‘Grand Galloping Gala’!”

Everyone cheered and clapped for the Princess.

“Now, I know that everypony is excited to dance, eat, and wander off through the gardens. I would like to announce a special event for couples. Later on, we will have a soothing dance for those who have a special somepony at the Red Ball. For those who came with friends, please be delighted to join as well. Thank you.”

Rainbow looked at me with a look telling me if we could go. “Yes Dash, we will.” I deadpanned.

She giggled and noticed something at her left. “Hey Dan, the dance will be sometime later in the party right?”

“Uhhmm…. Yeah. Why?” I asked.

“I’m gonna go meet up with my friends first if that’s okay.”

“Of course, be my guest.” I smiled.

“Thanks Dan! You’re the best!” She kissed my cheeks and ran to her friends who were dressed elegantly.

Must be that Rarity girl. Woah, she looks hooooot!

“Hey man, you’re fantasies are also mine. Don’t go around doing that.”

But…. Dat…..Look doe…

“You were about to say butt weren’t you?”

No.

I entered through the snack area where Big Mac held the apple dishes and Ms. Cake held the desserts.

Boy, look at all that gooooood fooood! I swear I would just eat them like there’s no tomorrow!

“They sure do look good.” I said.

“Well, why don’t you try tasting one!” I heard Applebloom pop beside me.

“There are apple ciders, apple pies, apple fritters, and just fresh apples!” Applebloom bounced up and down in front of me with a huge smile on her face.

“Applebloom! I thought I told you to stop bugging customers like that! You might just scare them away!” Big Mac shouted.

Applebloom’s ears dropped and her expression grew sad. I chuckled at her cuteness and patted her head. “It’s okay, you did a good job attracting my attention. Let’s go and see what you got to sell.” I smiled.

Her sad smile quickly shifted as her eyes widened. “Of course!” She said excitedly.

You sure about apples? They seem a little too small for a hungry belly.

“I just don’t want a little filly to feel sad just because she did something wrong. As long as she learns next time.”

We walked our way through the room and towards Mac. “How’s the sale going?” I asked.

“It’s pretty darn good if you ask me! 25 ponies already bought my apple ciders and pies as soon as I opened!” Mac says with pride.

“Well, let’s hope you can get to sell mor-“ I was instantly cut off by screams heard behind me.

“Everypony run!” Somepony shouted as he came in from where me and Rainbow departed.

“Is Pinkie doing some sort of party cannon again? I’m sure that will hurt somepony one day.” Mac gave a sigh.

But, the feeling inside me was different….. Like something wasn’t right. More ponies came our way. I searched for Rainbow whether she headed this way too but… She wasn’t there. Her friends came through with panic and horror slapped unto their faces.

“No…. That’s not a cannon….” I took off like a bullet as I rushed to the scene.

“Dan! Where are you going!?” Mac shouted.

Hey, what the hell are you doing!?

I turned to the corner from which Rainbow went to. My eyes grew wider and my pupils shrunk. Celestia along with the Princess of the Moon and Love faced off against…… Trixie!? She levitated off the ground, more like someone grabbing her by the neck and hanging. She was surrounded by golden magic. On her neck was a fully jewelled necklace which was getting pulled from her neck by Celestia.

“Help me please!” Trixie pleaded as tears of fear flowed down her eye.

“Please bear with me Trixie! That amulet on your neck is sacred to my royal family!” Celestia used her magic to pry off the amulet, but the magic within it was just too much for her to handle.

“We shall give thee support, sister!” Luna leaned in and shot her dark magic towards the amulet.

“All of you stay back! This is a dangerous situation for anypony to handle!” Cadence warned us.

But, my eyes widened not because of the fight. It was because of the cyan mare that laid lifeless on the floor.

Is that….

“Rainbow….” I mumbled. My body started to shake from the fear of what happened to her.

Oh no… Don’t do this buddy.

“Rainbow!” I shouted as I ran through the Princesses and into the danger that had already laid upon Rainbow.

Turn back! What the hell are you doing!? Are you mad!?

Voices from the Princesses called out my name, but my legs had a mind of their own.

I was so close In to reaching Rainbow, but a certain force pulled, squeezed, and levitated me in the air. The golden aura connected to the amulet circled around me.

“Dan Jester! You’re an ignorant fool to run like that!” Cadence shouted as she continued to fire rays of magic to the amulet.

“Keep firing!” Celestia ordered.

See? What did I tell you?

I groaned in pain as I tried to break free from the golden magic’s grasp. “Dammit!”

You need to get rid of that amulet quick!

“No! Shit!” I tried wiggling but nothing worked. I looked around for any possibilities. I only had a matter of seconds before my entire body turns into mash potatoes.

I then saw a string of the golden magic heading towards Rainbow.

“No…..”

Dan….

“Don’t.”

Calm down Dan!

“Hurt her!”

My body slowly moved through the golden aura and my wings slowly extended from behind.

Dan? What are you planning to do now!?

“Just let me do what I’m gonna do…!” I said as I kept my focus on my strength. Finally, my legs and arms extended to the max and wings spread out wide. My eyes focused on the amulet that hanged from Trixie’s neck.

My wings started to flap in circular motions rapidly. I could feel the wind pressure building up and flowing through each fur on my wing. Before I knew it, my body began moving.

The strength that held me suddenly grew stronger, but I had an idea that could counteract it.

“Dan……” I heard Rainbow groan behind. I looked to see her with squinted eyes.

She just woke up from the knockout she took. I won’t argue with you this time pal. Finish this.

Small circular wind started to produce and I could feel myself pushing back even stronger.

I stiffened my wings and got into flying position, piercing through the golden grasp and quickly aiming onto the amulet. In one swift motion, I pulled the amulet off of Trixie’s neck and landed back first into a wall.

“Aaarghh!”

Just like that, the magic stopped. Trixie was freed and the Princesses stopped shooting. I slowly opened my eyes as I saw Rainbow above me.

“Dan…. Are you okay?” Tears fell off of her eye.

“Don’t worry Dashie, I’m fine.” I stood up and looked at Celestia. Instead of seeing her smile at my saves, she had….. a sad expression….. like she had lost something important… I looked at the amulet to see its crystals shatter into millions of pieces.

This doesn’t look good….

She walked to me where I handed her the amulet. She looked at me with tears and a worried look.

“Sister….” Luna walked to her sister.

My eyes widened. I then realized a small symbol of what looked to be a sun and an alicorn on the amulet.

“Princess…..” I said as I walked to her.

“Dan Jester….. Will you please give us time?” Celestia asked.

“Wait, what? What’s happening Princess? Did I do something wrong?” I asked back.

She didn’t say anything. With a flash, she disappeared…..

I was confused…. Not knowing what I did….. I might have just broke something important…

“Dan Jester, that amulet that my sister has…. It came from her very own mother…. It had the powers of our mother concealed into one.” Luna placed a hoof on my shoulder.

“Before my sister could take in charge as the Princess of Equestria, there was a rule that was promised to be embedded. Not in the rules of Equestria,, but the rules of our royal family. If one were to destroy it….I’m afraid to say…. That you are forced to be banished…..” Luna looked at me with worry and pity.

Cadence then walked to my side. “We warned you to stay back. If this was handled with magic and not with physical force, we would have calmed its magic outburst and reduce the damage done to other ponies…. I’m sorry.”

I just felt like…. I committed a crime. A crime that would cause problems to any Princess. I stayed there in deep thought as a flood of ponies stood behind the Princesses. Most of them had disgust, some had fear, the rest were angered.

“Please Dan Jester…. Give us time to think about it. We shall meet you tomorrow in front of Ponyville.” Luna flashed out.

Cadence turned around and apologized to everypony for the inconvenience and promises to hold it next night. Everypony departed and headed back to Ponyville. Rainbow was sent to Ponyville to get some medical attention.

“We will see you tomorrow, good night Dan Jester.” Cadence flashed out too.

I know I’m not to interfere here, but I think you should get some sleep too pal….

I didn’t answer…. I slowly carried myself to the train and thought of the consequences of getting ‘banished’.

I gritted my teeth. “What the hell do you mean…..”

I headed home and instantly face planted unto the bed. I sighed out of exhaustion and closed my eyes. I imagined a huge set of pictures that me and Rainbow took slowly get burnt to crisp.

My nightmarish imagination was quickly cut off by a set of knocks on my door. “Dan…. Are you in there?” Rainbow’s voice was worried.

I slowly got up and opened the door, revealing a bandaged Rainbow Dash. “Can we talk?”

I looked at her weakly. “Sure... Come on in.” I opened my door to let her in. We both sat on my bed for 2 straight minutes. Finally, she talked.

“I don’t know what happened.... What’s with this banishment thing? You saved me didn’t you? So, why did she do that?” Rainbow asked.

“I.... I don’t know...” I had no more engery to talk normally, my voice was rusted from all the thinking.

“Dan.... What are you saying? You can’t just let them do this to you!” Rainbow shouted in rage.

“Rainbow…. This is not a matter of whether I can get out of this or not…. That amulet belonged to the mother of Princess Celestia…. The rules were not clear but I cannot fight a rule that belongs in to the royal family…”

“Where are you going to go?” Rainbow grew even more worried.

“I don’t know how this banishment works. I’ve never seen Princess Celestia act so emotionally before either. This might be bad for me…” I got up and walked to my closet.

“I can come with you!” Rainbow stood up.

“No… You’re here for a reason Dash… If anything bad were to happen, who will be the element of loyalty to complete the elements of harmony?” I looked at her with a weak smile. “I did a mistake. That’s all that matters right now. My punishment will be settled tomorrow and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Why…. Why are you saying this all of a sudden…. I thought you never gave up…. I thought you would always find a way…. So why… Why are you acting like you’ve given up!?” Rainbow began to scream and cry. “This! This is not who I thought you were!” The cyan mare slapped my face and ran for the door.

Ouch….. that must be hard to take in. So what now Dan?..... Dan?

I rubbed my cheek with hatred, disgust, and sadness. I gritted my teeth and shut my eyes tight as I cried.

I slowly sat on my bed and grabbed my guitar. I turned to my window and watched as time continues to pass on. I strummed the strings and let out a sigh.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBumgq5yVrA)

Stream of tears fell out of my eye.

Please Dan….. It’s hard to watch you hate yourself…

My voice started to shake from the intense anxiety and depression that I will soon meet.

I imagined Rainbow slowly getting farther and farther no matter how much I ran. I turned around to see a pit of darkness, dark hooves suddenly popped out as it tried to get me. I turned again to see Rainbow’s expression turn from neutral to anger.

I ran until I was out of breath, but the dark hooves caught me. Slowly dragging me into its pit of void.

I tried screaming but nopony answered. Behind Rainbow were Celestia, Luna, and Cadence…. All sharing the same look Rainbow had. I continued screaming as I was dragged into the darkness. As I was getting dragged, I saw Rainbow say something that I couldn’t understand.

My entire strength then faded as I recognized those words…. “Goodbye”. Instantly, my strumming on the guitar stopped.

I dropped my guitar on the floor then fell fast asleep. Tears still flowing out of my eyes.

Hang in there Dan….. Hang in there..

I opened my eyes to room full of white. Nothing but the color white to be seen for a mile. Knocks on what sound to be on a door started to echo throughout the room. Repetitive knocks then started to play around. The knocks grew louder and louder until I found it to be annoying and hurtful.

“Aaargh!!” I covered my ears as it became louder and louder.

“AAAGH!” I shouted as I sat up from my bed. I gasped for air as I tried to analyze what the hell just happened.

“Dan? Are you alright?” A voice came from the other side of my door. I sighed in exhaustion.

“Y-Yeah…. I’m fine.” I answered.

“Well, the Princesses are expecting you in front of Poynville right now. Is there some sort of matter that you have to take care of?” She asked.

“No, Madam. It’s alright… I’ll be therein about 5 minutes.” I replied.

That landlord still has a key to your door. That’s a bit creepy don’t you think?

“Dunno……” I said as I got up and took a quick bath.

Don’t be so down Dan, we might not know what the banishment meant but they just gonna send you to another place then just take that chance to rebuild yourself.

I sighed. “ That’s the problem…. I don’t know if I can rebuild myself. Most of my times spent here in Ponyville are like a filly to me. They are memories that I need to keep dearly…. I just can’t let them go like that.”

I know it is hard…… But how about staying positive and face the obstacles that awaits us?

“I’ll find out soon enough.”

I took a small bag where I placed my priced possessions. A watch given to me by my father, a notebook that held my very first picture as a filly and…. A picture of me carrying Rainbow on my back.

A knock on my door startled me as I closed my bag. “Umm, Dan? I think its more than 5 minutes by now…”

“I’m coming!” I said as I strapped the bag around me and opened the door. An old granny pony stood in front of me. She wore glasses and a grey scarf.

“Have my keys please.” I said as I locked my door and gave her the key.

“What? Why?” She asked.

“I…. I might be gone for quite a long time.” I lied.

“Oh, is that so? Well have a wonderful trip dearie.” She said as I walked out of the house and stopped at the entrance of Ponyville where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood.

“Dan Jester…. I am deeply sorry for what happened last night. It was a personal matter for me to take in.” Celestia bowed her head in apology.

“It’s…. It’s okay Princess…. I am deeply sorry myself.” I felt disgusted as I was mad at both Princesses. Not because of their disappearance last night, but because of the reason for my banishment.

“As part of the rules that runs in the Royal Family, we are forced to banish you.” Princess Luna reminded.

I looked at the ground as I was ready for the consequence.

“The only thing we can do as the ruler and co-ruler of Equestria is to limit your destinations. This means from now on, you are forced to leave Ponyville and Canterlot under any circumstances….” Celestia said.

I still kept my unwavering stare. They both looked at each other worriedly before looking back at me.

“I am very sorry for this Dan Jester. It must hurt for you to be doing this.” Celestia pitied.

“We have brought you a gift that will help you along the journey. Some bits good enough to buy a house and photo of you with us to keep the memory inside you.” Princess Luna handed me bits and a picture of me along with the Princesses and the elements of harmony.

“We shall be seeing you soon, Dan Jester. We are very sorry that it had to be you….” Princess Celestia gave way to the road of the wilderness.

“Is this how it’s going to end……?” I mumbled.

“Dan Jester…. Again, we apologize for ou-“

“I saved 2 ponies back there and this is how I was repaid!?” I snapped. The 2 Princesses didn’t show fear or anger, but worry.

“We noticed your accomplishments Dan, but you could have killed both yourself and Trixie.” Celestia said in embarrassment but tried to retort.

“Even then! I did something for those ponies that no other ponies can do! If this is how life as being under a Princess works then so be it! I’ll take my leave!” I extended my wings and flew past the two alicorns. My feelings filled with rage, anger, and disgust. For once in my life, I was betrayed by somebody who I thought would understand the meaning of being hero.

Dan, you need to calm down.

“How can I! Too many things are just happening and I can’t take it anymore!” I shouted as I flew faster and faster into the horizon.

Please Dan! Stop!

I ignored my thoughts and continued. Tears now flowing out of my eye.

At least look ahead of you before you start being so emotiona-!

I looked ahead and saw a huge rock coming closer to me. I slowed down my speed, enough for myself to dodge the rock. I cleared the tears in my eye and looked at my surroundings. It was nothing but filled with forests everywhere.

Look what you did! You let your emotions get to you and look what it did!

I gasped for air as my wings flapped slower than before. “What can I do…… It’s useless…” I said out loud.

For now, let’s find a place to stay. Wait, what is that over there…..

I turned my head towards the distance of the forest to see a statue of a unicorn wearing a robe. “That’s….. Manehatten.”