//------------------------------// // Part 2, Chapter 4 // Story: Mare of Steel // by iowaforever //------------------------------// Chapter 18 Rainbow Dash was standing outside Carousel Boutique, looking around to make sure nopony was watching. Yes, she had gone into Carousel Boutique numerous times (Rarity was still her friend, after all), but she still had a reputation to uphold. She swallowed and pushed the door open, making one last check before stepping in. “Cooooming~!” came Rarity’s singsong voice, the white unicorn strolling in with several rolls of fabric grasped in her magic. “Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. How may I be of assistance?” “Hey Rarity. I... wanted to talk about something.” Rarity frowned, setting aside her fabric. “Is something the matter?” “Um, not really. See, there’s this... colt that I like, sort of.” Rarity gasped slightly before using her magic to close every curtain and door in the boutique. “A colt? Why my dear Rainbow, you should have told me about this somewhere more secure; you don’t know what kind of ponies might be listening in on us.” “I can see half way around the world if I really wanted to, I think I’d be able to deal with a few nosy ponies.” Rainbow Dash fluffed her wings and continued. “Anyway, he... well, he and I are... meeting up Saturday.” “You are?” Rarity’s smile widened and she trotted in place for a few seconds. “Why, that’s positively adorable, Rainbow! I promise to tell nopony, but you simply must tell me everything when you get back.” “Yeah... But, well, there’s kind of a small problem.” Rarity’s frown returned. “What kind of problem?” “Well, you see... he doesn’t know it’s me.” “... I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you are saying.” “He doesn’t know I’m meeting him Saturday.” “Is it a blind date? Then I’m afraid that I don’t have any experience with-” “No, he knows it’s me, but he... doesn’t know it’s me.” “Well how can he not know that it’s you but-” “I was in my costume when he asked me out. He thinks he’s going out with Supermare.” Rarity was silent. “... Well, that is a problem.” Rarity turned away and began pacing. “You don’t plan on telling him anything, right?” “Rarity, it’s just a small get together; it’s not like I’m getting married or anything.” “Well, if you do plan to continue this relationship to it’s logical conclusion then you will have to tell him sometime. I would probably suggest that you just act natural.” “... How?” “Rainbow Dash, don’t be dense; you’ve been Supermare for quite some time, so you don’t need my advice on how to act natural. Just do whatever Supermare would do, and you should be fine.” “Okay, but... Well, I’ve never been on a date before in my life, so I figured you’d know something about... date-stuff.” “Um...” Now it was Rarity’s turn to be nervous. “Well... I haven’t had a stable relationship in... five years or so.” “... Really?” “Yes. That’s why I had such high hopes for Prince Blueblood when we went to the Gala, and... well that didn’t work out so well, now did it?” “Considering that he tried to kill me and Princess Celestia, no it didn’t.” “Yes, there’s that too. Well... If I can offer one warning, just don’t rush into any relationship; take it as slow as you like, and just enjoy yourself a little bit.” “Okay... But, what if he starts doing... things?” “You forget, Rainbow, you are a superhero and he, most likely, isn’t; I think you can handle yourself.” “I guess. Thanks for the advice Rarity.” “My pleasure.” Rarity pulled a few spools of thread from a nearby stand and set to work on a new dress. “If you have any other questions, feel free to come by and ask them.” ................. Silversmith had set up a Research and Development lab beneath his headquarters long ago, when he first made his fortune. He did not spend as much time down here as he did in the early days, but now that he had new ideas and new “foes” he was prepared to get back into the business of inventing. “Those power crystals I asked for were acquired?” he asked a passing attendant. “Yes sir. We’re installing them into the prototype now.” “Good. I’ll deal with the diagnostics once the initial test is complete.” the unicorn nodded and wandered off to the other side of the room. Silversmith prepared to head into the testing chamber when another pony approached. “Sir, there’s a pony by the name of Steel Wing asking for you.” Silversmith frowned. “What does he want?” “He didn’t say.” “I don’t have time to deal with whatever problems he has with my establishment. Tell him to come back tomorrow.” “S-Sir, that might not be the best option.” Silversmith leaned in closer and glared at the pony. “Tell him to come back tomorrow.” “Y-yes sir.” the pony hurried towards the door, stepping outside and out of sight. There was a brief argument before a Pegasus entered, who Silversmith guessed was Steel Wing. “You do know it’s never good to gain a pony’s trust if you don’t respect their wishes.” Silversmith said as Steel Wing marched towards him. “I don’t have to be lectured by you.” Steel Wing said. “I have come here to ask a favor of you.” “And I’m in the middle of an incredibly dangerous test, so I don’t have time to handle personal favors.” “Do you know who I am? I am General Steel Wing of the Equestrian army, and if you will not listen to me I can have you arrested for opposing justice.” “Dozens of ponies have threatened me with that before, yet here I am.” Silversmith sighed and looked down. “What’s your problem? Ex-wife finally found you and is sending assassins to collect the alimony?” “This isn’t a personal issue. I am facing an incredibly dangerous enemy, one that is more powerful than anything you could offer as comparison.” “And that enemy is...?” “Supermare.” this piqued Silversmith’s curiosity; normally he did not like to work with other ponies, but seeing that Steel Wing did not have any love for Supermare was an interesting factor. “Well, it seems that we hold some common ground, general. Perhaps I have been too hasty in dismissing you.” “Yes, you have.” Silversmith nodded and began walking towards the testing chamber, Steel Wing following behind him. “Back to my original point, I need something to either incapacitate or kill Supermare. I presume you are capable of developing such a device?” “Killing her is a bit out of the question at this point; I do not have enough information on her strengths or potential weaknesses, and I do not want to risk the chance of making her more powerful. However, I think I may have stumbled upon an idea.” the two ponies entered the testing chamber, a whitewashed room lined with lights. In the center of the room was a device that looked like a small cannon, aimed at a door on the south side of the room. “Your a military pony, right? You know the dangers of trying to subdue a potential captive, right?” “Of course.” “Now, give that pony the powers of a god, and the task becomes nearly impossible. However, I think I have remedied the problem.” Silversmith turned to a nearby technician. “Send in the first test subject.” The technician nodded and nodded towards the door. The door opened and out stepped another pony, a Pegasus mare dressed in a yellow body suit and goggles. “What exactly does this device do?” “I can’t say, that would ruin the whole point of testing. But to put your mind at ease, the device is painless, so nopony will be hurt before the device is ready.” Silversmith and Steel Wing walked over to a blast shield, and they were soon joined by two more technicians. “Turn it on.” the first technician nodded and pressed a small green button. There was a dull hum before a beam of light shot from the cannon and enveloped the Pegasus, hoisting her into the air. Steel Wing frowned, obviously not impressed “So, long-range telekinesis. If I had asked for that I would have found a unicorn.” “Ah, but there’s more than that.” Silversmith looked at the test subject. “Try to move your wings and your legs.” the mare nodded and began to squirm around, her legs and wings not responding to anything she did. “I... I can’t move, sir.” Silversmith smiled and looked at Steel Wing. “Anything struck by this suffers from immediate neural shutdown in their legs and, in this case, wings. Think of it like getting anesthetic during an operation. In normal ponies it wears off after an hour or two, and I think that is more than enough time to take Supermare into custody.” “Are you sure that the device will work on Supermare?” There was a pause. “This is only a prototype, so it hasn’t been perfected just yet. We’ll just have to test it through trial and error until we can find a frequency that will stun somepony like Supermare.” “I may only have one chance at this.” “True.” another pause. “I want ten of these, and anything that can be used to keep her from escaping once we do have her in custody.” “I’m sure I can provide. However, this technology isn’t exactly free...” “I’ll send somepony over to negotiate payment with you.” Steel Wing smiled. “I am glad we had a chance to work through this.” “My pleasure.” Steel Wing nodded and walked away, exiting the test chamber and leaving Silversmith alone with his technicians. “Shall I call manufacturing and have them start production?” One technician asked. “Finish up the calibration tests, then we’ll start production.” “I am afraid that you may have another delay in your progress.” a third voice said. Silversmith turned and saw a green and purple unicorn with a weird suit walking into the room. “Who are you?” “My name is Vril Dox,” the unicorn said. “And I wish to help you against Supermare.” “How exactly can you help me?” “I have had several encounters with Kryptonians during my life, and I know many of their weaknesses. Also, I am familiar with stasis technology, so I can help you perfect your device.” Silversmith raised an eyebrow; he was a little put off by Vril Dox’s monotone, but at this point he needed all the help he could get. “What’s in it for me?” “For one, I help you eliminate a powerful threat. Also, you will have access to all my knowledge of technology and the universe. Think of it: you will be able to bring in a great deal of funds with some of the devices my knowledge can help you create, and ponykind could prosper greatly.” “Well, I am working with another pony, Steel Wing, and he may not be too keen if I devote more of my time to-” “Steel Wing thinks he’s a knight in the scheme of things, when in reality he is closer to a pawn; his impulsiveness may reveal what I need to know about Supermare, but once it does he is no longer of any use to me.” “What exactly do you need to know?” “That is not important now. Know that Steel Wing will not object to anything, and if he does I know several methods to make him comply.” there was a pause. “What exactly do you want from me?” .............. Rainbow Dash finished with the clasps on her suit. Behind her, Tank was snacking on a few leaves, the tortoise looking up at her as she prepared to leave. “Well Tank, look’s like I’ve got a date tonight.” Rainbow Dash walked over and knelt down in front of Tank. “So, uh... Fluttershy said something about tortoises living a really long time, so... have you ever been on a date before?” this only caused the tortoise to blink slowly. “... Didn’t think so.” She sighed before flopping down on her stomach. “Ah Tank, why am I so nervous? I mean, I can lift airships with one hoof tied behind my back and fly around the world in a few seconds; why am I freaked out over one colt?” Tank blinked again. “Maybe... Maybe I should have talked this over with someone besides Rarity... like Mom.” Rainbow looked over at Tank. The tortoise looked at her for a moment before licking her face, causing Rainbow to blush. “Thanks, I needed that.” She nuzzled Tank before standing up and heading towards the door, using her x-ray vision to make sure nopony was nearby. Seeing no one, she slipped through her door and took off towards Trottingham, turning back towards Cloudsdale when she was certain she had gone far enough. She considered increasing her speed, but remembering how she had blown out half the windows in Los Pegasus last time she went too fast she decided against it. She passed over Ponyville and headed towards Cloudsdale, making minute adjustments in her flight path to find the best route to avoid being spotted. She spotted him soon enough. He was standing just outside the main part of Cloudsdale, searching through the darkness for her. A small basket rested on a nearby cloud, and despite her curiosity Rainbow Dash refrained from using her x-ray vision to see its contents. She straightened out her wings and began to glide, landing with a small bounce on a nearby cloud. “Hey there.” she called, waving with one hoof. “Hey.” he said once he had spotted her and returned the wave. “Don’t mind the basket; my cousin thought I should bring snacks.” “Nothing wrong with that.” Rainbow Dash leapt over to the next cloud and landed next to Thunderlane. “So... anywhere in particular you wanted to go?” “Well...” Thunderlane shuffled around a bit. Maybe he’s as nervous as I am... “There’s this little hill just outside Ponyville, so... maybe that’ll work?” “Sounds great.” Thunderlane blushed a little and the two set out for the hill. They didn’t talk much during the flight, the two merely exchanging a few looks as they glided through the air. Several times Rainbow tried to say something, but she merely stumbled over her words and failed to say anything. “So... um... Supermare?” Thunderlane began. “Yes?” “Well, I was just thinking... you know, the other day with the airship and all... Forget it, it was a stupid question-” “No, I don’t mind.” “No really, I don’t think-” “Just tell me what you were going to say.” Wow, that came out harsher than I expected. Thunderlane hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Well... You weren’t just waiting around for that to happen, were you?” “No, of course not. I do remain vigilant, but I don’t just fly around looking for trouble... well, I tried that once, and I ended up getting cloned and blew up part of Baltimare.” “... Really?” “Yeah... At least Trixie said she was sorry.” Rainbow shook her head. “That doesn’t really matter, though, does it?” “I, uh, I guess not.” Thunderlane chuckled a little. “Hey, there’s the hill.” The hill in question was just outside of Sweet Apple Acres, and it was one of the spots Rainbow and her friends loved to meet up at. There were a few bushes off to one side, and one of Fluttershy’s racoons was rummaging around for a snack. The two Pegasi circled once before landing, startling the racoon and causing it to rush off into the bush. “So, do you come out here often?” Rainbow asked. “Well... with somepony else, no. I’ve thought about it, but...” “Just never got around to it?” “No... Have you ever done anything like this?” “Not really. My parent... adoptive parents, they used to do things like this all the time... I snuck out after them a few times.” “Oh... I don’t think my parents ever did anything like that.... come to think of it I don’t really think they did anything together after my brother was born... probably why they got divorced.” “Oh... sorry to hear that.” “Nah, it’s okay. I’ve gotten used to it, and my brother’s too young to really remember it.” “Ah.” there was a long pause. “So, food?” “Right, forgot.” the two sat down and enjoyed the small salad and plate of sandwiches that Thunderlane brought. They chatted about different things: her powers, his chances of getting into the Wonderbolts (Rainbow had to rein herself in to avoid revealing her identity to him), and a bit about their families. They would have kept going on, but Rainbow cited that they had other duties in the morning and the two prepared to part company. “So... Thanks for inviting me out here.” Rainbow Dash said. “Oh yeah, no problem.” Thunderlane said before blushing once more. “And... well, maybe... we could do this again?” another pause. “Yeah... I’d like that.” Rainbow Dash gave him a small smile before taking off, turning back towards Trottingham and flying off into the night. ................ Thunderlane took his time getting home that night. He circled past the weather factory and the Wonderbolts’ Training Facility before turning towards the north, strait towards a small cloud house he shared with his brother Rumble. Maybe I’m being too forward... no, everything is fine, and if I was being too forward, she’s a superhero... yeah, she could handle it. He cleared his mind before landing and entering his house, flipping on a few lights as he did so. “So, how did your little tryst with the Kryptonian go?” All sense of joy that Thunderlane possessed before vanished. He shut his eyes for a few moments before glaring at the source of the voice. “Hello, Dad. It was not a tryst, it was just a meeting, nothing more.” “Call it whatever you like.” Steel Wing said as he stepped from the shadows. “If you’re looking for Rumble, he’s not here.” Thunderlane continued. “Besides, didn’t Mom tell the courts to keep you away from him?” “I’m not interested in Rumble. I am interested in your rendezvous with Supermare.” Thunderlane blinked. “... Why would you care? And can’t you just stay out of my personal affairs.” “Not when Equestria’s safety is on the line. She is a credible and dangerous threat, and you fraternizing with her is putting dozens of ponies at risk.” “‘Fraternizing’? I’m not one of your little military stooges, Dad, so don’t talk to me like I am one. And seriously, ‘threat’? She’s not dangerous.” “The mare who caused damage to several major metropolitan areas attempting ‘heroics’ is not dangerous?” “Okay, so she causes collateral damage, but she’s not dangerous in the way you’re suggesting.” “Really? You’ve been caught up in her speeches about how she was sent to guide Equestria, about how she’s just the same as everypony else?” “She’s just a mare who happens to be a superhero.” “She’s an alien! Or were you so wrapped up in her charms that you forgot about that?” “So what if she’s an alien? She’s here, she’s helping ponies, and-” “And nothing! This is all a front to her plans to take over Equestria. Mark my words, but the time this is over you will be her personal slave.” “... You’re insane. Get out of my house.” “Is that what you want to think? That I’m insane? Is that what your mother taught you to think over the years?” Something inside Thunderlane snapped. One minute he was standing at the door, the next he had Steel Wing pinned to a wall, one hoof raised to strike. “Don’t you dare bring Mom into this! She treated me and Rumble better than you ever did. You always cared about your career, about ‘protecting’ Equestria! What about us? Did we even amount to anything in your views?” Thunderlane would have hit Steel Wing, but chose to throw him towards the door. “Get out of here. I never want to see you in Cloudsdale again.” There was another pause before Steel Wing spoke. “She really does have you under her charms, doesn’t she?” he sighed. “And here I thought you would be reasonable.” with that, Steel Wing exited the house and took off towards Canterlot. Reasonable? Thunderlane thought. I hope she caves your skull in if you meet up with her.