//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: Rainbow's Choice // by Metaphor //------------------------------// Rainbow couldn’t believe it. Two days now and not a single wave of nausea! She was grinning from ear to ear as she looked at herself in the mirror. Not only did she feel a lot better but her appetite had returned too. A morning without sickness, a peaceful night’s sleep, and a meal fit for Celestia; Rainbow felt ready to conquer the whole of Equestria. “Ha! Just gotta start by beating one!” she said to herself as she spun to leave the room. Today was the day, the Iron Pony Competition. Twenty different athletic tests to determine who was the best. This year the competition had been opened for any pony to join but she knew that it was either her or Applejack who was going to win. As she took flight towards the outskirts it felt like the last few weeks hadn’t even happened. Sure she hadn’t been able to train as hard as she would have liked but that didn’t meant she was going to give up the competition to the orange mare. The competition ground was drawing close now, Rainbow looking down to see ponies of all types making their own way towards the make-shift stadium. On the wind the murmur or voices, yells and cheers began to drift in. Above the murmur Rainbow could hear a familiar voice of a certain purple dragon blaring out across the area. “And again another big welcome to the second Iron Pony Competition.” So Twilight let Spike do the announcing again. Rainbow grinned, she was surprised. Twilight had been incredibly busy recently with a few matters in Canterlot but she hadn’t said what. If Spike was announcing though maybe it meant Twilight would be attending the competition too? So long as she decided not to take part as well! Rainbow shuddered slightly at the thought; last years Running of the Leaves had been enough for her. The fact that Twilight had beaten her on that occasion was still one that irritated her, even if she would never admit it to her friend. “Ho ho everypony! Looks like our second major contender is arriving,” came Spikes voice causing Rainbow to look down. Her thoughtful musing had meant she had almost flown over the competition grounds without even noticing. She gave a brief grin to herself and pulled up, going into a full loop, punching a hole clean through several clouds and then shot towards the ground. She could hear a few startled cries from the gather ponies as she raced towards the ground but Rainbow knew what she was doing. At the last moment she pulled up, the downdraft throwing all manner of dust into the air. As it cleared everypony began to cheer. Rainbow had made a perfect landing within the dust cloud, the Pegasus absently brushing a little dirt from her shoulder as she grinned at the crowd. “Mighty grand entrance Rainbow!” called a voice. “Ha! You ain’t seen nothing yet,” replied Rainbow as Applejack trotted towards her. “Ho yeah? Wanna shake on that?” Applejack quickly raised a hoof and spat on it before extending it towards Rainbow. Rainbow grinned and copied the action, slamming her hoof into Applejacks. Behind them a number of the assembled ponies started cheering. “Yeah I’ll shake on that…and this year I won’t need to use my wings to win either!” “Well this could get mighty interesting…” Both ponies grinned at each other before falling into step next to the other as they made their way towards the rest of the competitors. Both knew it was only a friendly competition, their experiences the year before giving them both a much more level head on reality…but it didn’t mean they weren’t going to strive to win. As they walked it seemed Spike was already getting proceedings underway. “…and all the events will be the same as last year. But remember everypony the scoring has changed this year due to the additional competitors. Each event will now be marked as follows; first place will receive three points, second will receive two and third will receive one point. The pony with the most points at the end of the competition will be crowned the winner. If there is a tie we will go into a tie-breaker in order to determine the winner. Spike was stood on a large wooden platform opposite the main grandstand holding a microphone. The small dragon was still the same as he always had been, dragons never growing up as long as their greed wasn’t encouraged. It was always the opposite with Spike, he was always giving and for that everypony treated him like their own sibling. “Now to get things started allow me to introduce the judge for this year, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Rainbow gave a broad smile; she shouldn’t have doubted Twilight for a moment. If there was one thing you could count on it was that was always there for her friends no matter what. The crowd of ponies erupted into cheers as the purple alicorn appeared on the stage. Was it not for the royal sash that hung round her neck and the element of magic crown that rested on her head you couldn’t have told the difference between the old Twilight and the new; well apart from the wings. Rainbow could see the blush spreading across Twilight face as she lifted a microphone into the air with her magic. A loving glance was exchanged between her and the dragon before she turned to the crowd. “Thank you everypony for such a warm welcome,” she began before being drowned out by more cheering. Twilight waited for them to stop before she continued, “But this day isn’t about me, it’s about the competition and the brave ponies who have decided to take part. I wish you all the best of luck and may the best pony win!” Cheers erupted once again and Rainbow and Applejack both exchanged an amused grin. Twilight had always been good at public speaking but it seemed to her friends that since her change she was a lot more nervous about it. It didn’t show to others but they could tell. Fluttershy was always nervous for her but both Rainbow and Applejack found it highly amusing. “Ok everypony! Just like last year the first event will be a barrel weave. You all have your competition number, if you don’t then be sure to collect it from the front bench before heading to the starting line,” announced Spike as Twilight retreated slightly and sat down at the edge of the stage. “See you on the other side cowgirl,” commented Rainbow. “You betcha!” replied Applejack with a smirk. After collecting her number Rainbow headed to the first event. She was number twelve, Applejack being number eight. This meant she was chasing; a position Rainbow didn’t mind being in. She could keep a close eye on Applejack this way, spot every mistake she made and make sure she didn’t repeat them. Even so it did leave her waiting as the ponies ahead of her did their own runs. It was interesting to watch though. Thunderlane put in a good performance, scoring a time of nineteen seconds and only one fault. Other ponies weren’t so lucky such as Showshine; the unfortunate pony losing her footing and smashing headlong into one of the barrels. This resulted in a brief pause as the competitions medic Nurse Redheart checked her out. Shoeshine was fine but she was sent to the hospital to be checked out just in case. By the time Applejack had done her run Rainbow was starting to get a little impatient. Even so the earth pony didn’t disappoint in keeping Rainbow interested. A time of sixteen seconds and no faults unlike the previous year. That was going to be a hard time to beat, very hard. It was almost her turn now though and the next few competitors quickly finished their own runs. The last pony to run before her was Derpy, the grey Pegasus looking extremely excited to be competing. When her turn came she grinned broadly and raced out onto the track. Rainbow wasn’t sure if she properly understood the concept of the even or was just too excited to care. Her time was good, an amazing fifteen second time…but a whopping twelve faults after she managed to hit every single barrel on the course. The thoroughly excited Derpy quickly turned into a thoroughly dejected one as she was given her final score. “I just don’t know what went wrong…” she muttered quietly as she passed Rainbow. Rainbow felt a little sorry for her but she knew Derpy always cheered up quickly. She wasn’t sure if it was because she had a short memory or didn’t dwell on things for long but it wasn’t important right now. It was her turn! Lining up on the course starting line she licked her lips as she waited for the starting signal. Her eyes flicked back and forth across the staggered line of barrels ahead of her. Left, right, left, right; she could do this. “And go!” cried Spike from his stand. Rainbow was off like a shot. Diving left, turn, realign, forwards again. Her weaving was a marvel to behold, a precision display that could have graced the Equestria Rodeo. As she crossed the finish line she dug her front hooves into the ground, spinning round to look back at Spike for her time. “And a very impressive time from Rainbow Dash, sixteen seconds and no faults!” announced Spike, “That puts her in second place behind Applejack so far.” Rainbow kicked the ground, so close. “Not bad for a weather pony,” commented Applejack as she walked up behind Rainbow, “Even better than last year.” “Hah, uh…yeah…uh…well done,” replied Rainbow after a moment. “Don’t fret sugar cube, plenty more events to go.” Rainbow did her best to smile; this was only the first event of course but as everypony knew Rainbow hated loosing anything. The rest of the first event went by without any further incidents, Thunderlane coming in third with his impressive run. As the various competitors made their way towards the next event Rainbow couldn’t help but stop and grin at one of the gathered groups in the stands. Scootaloo and the rest of the Rainbow Dash fan club sat together wearing their Rainbow mane wigs waving flags and banners. As the Pegasus approached Scootaloo jumped to her hooves and started chanting. “Rainbow Dash is the best, she is better than the rest. Applejack is so funny, she couldn’t even beat a bunny!” cried the young Pegasus before erupting into cheers. Next to her Sweetie Belle pulled a face and looked at her friend, “What kind of lyrics are those?” “What ya say about ma sister?!” cried Applejack before the earth pony tackled her friend. As Cheerilee moved in to break up the fight Rainbow gave a grin and moved on. She should have known Scootaloo would have done something like this. She began to wonder if Applejack would feel bad but one glance showed her that the mare was chuckling to herself; most likely at Applebloom’s reaction. “Next up we have a test of strength,” announced Spike as the competitors arrived at the second event, “Simple one this is, just kick that target as hard as you can. The strongest kick will win.” “Well ah think I have this one in the bag as it were,” commented Applejack as she swung Rainbow a knowing grin. “Yeah we’ll see about that cowgirl,” replied Rainbow with a huff. Applejack just chuckled to herself as she slotted herself into line. Indeed this event was definitely played to Applejack’s strength. There wasn’t much that could compete with a lifetime of apple bucking. Still Rainbow wasn’t about to give up without a fight, she still had everyone else to beat if nothing else. Unlike the last event this one passed quickly, the only hold up being the repair job needed on the machine after Applejack sent the bell sailing into the air like she had done the previous year. Applejack’s comment kept running back and forth through Rainbow’s head as she waited; she would show her…anything Applejack could do so could she. Approaching the machine for her turn she spent a moment glaring at its surface before turning away. She did a few quick practice kicks into the air before positioning herself. She dug her front hooves into the ground and licked her lips. Pausing for just a moment she raised her hind legs from the ground and kicked out hard. The kick was good, the bell being sent flying from its mounting as it was struck. The sound never even registered in Rainbow’s head. Even as the crowd went wild at the superb kick Rainbow heard nothing. She was frozen, lost to time and reality, trapped within her own small world. It was like nothing she had ever felt before; a pain so great it froze every muscle in her body. She couldn’t even bring herself to scream; her mouth hanging open like a door off its latch. Her frozen moment did not last long however. As a dry gasp passed her lips as her forelegs gave way and she collapsed. A number of ponies started screaming, others pointing and shouting. A few raced towards the unconscious Pegasus, Applejack being the first to arrive. She shook her hard but Rainbow didn’t wake from her slumber. “Rainbow! Rainbow answer me!” she cried quickly, the panic spreading quickly across her face. “Move back, move aside quickly!” called Nurse Redheart as she tore through the crowd and came to a stop next to the pair, “Quickly Miss Applejack, move back please.” Applejack did just that, moving enough so that Redheart could knee down next to Rainbow. She quickly placed a hoof on Rainbow’s chest, “Heartbeat’s elevated, breathing…” She leaned over, placing her ear next to Rainbow’s mouth, “…breathing slow.” She moved her hoof down, placing it against Rainbow’s stomach. Redheart’s face suddenly turned even whiter than normal, “Oh no! It’s moved…we need to get her to the hospital immediately!” “I’ll take her!” came a voice. “Princess?!” asked Redheart. Twilight landed next to them, her usual calm and collected exterior showing signs of actually cracking, “Quickly get her on my back, no time for questions!” Redheart didn’t argue and with the aid of Applejack they quickly had Rainbow positioned across Twilight’s back. “Follow me as quickly as you can!” she said before spreading her wings and taking to the sky. Twilight wasn’t a daring flyer like Rainbow but she was a powerful one. A single flap of her alicorn wings was likely enough to lift several ponies into the air and, having taken lessons from both of her Pegasus friends, her control was excellent. She made a beeline for the hospital, ignoring anything and everything she saw; luckily it wasn’t far. As she arrived her horn sparked into life causing the hospital doors to swing open with a bang. Doctor Stable was about to shout angrily before he saw who it was that was responsible. “Princess Sparkle!” he said quickly, giving a short bow. “No time for formalities, we have an emergency!” announced Twilight. “What do you me…oh by Celestia!” replied Stable as he spotted Rainbow on Twilight’s back, “Nurse! Get a stretcher in here NOW!” Nurse Snowheart was quick off the mark, wheeling a trolley in quickly before helping Stable to lift Rainbow onto the bed. As the pair dashed off down the hospital corridor Twilight was left standing in the reception area looking longingly at the empty corridor ahead of her. --------------------------------- The day was slowly drawing to a close when Doctor Stable and Nurse Redheart finally came out to see the assembled group. Twilight had now been joined by Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy as well as the three Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike. Each of them looked incredibly worried especially Fluttershy, the yellow Pegasus looking like she was going to faint at any moment. “How is she doctor?” asked Twilight as calmly as she could. “Your highness, she’s going to be fine but I’m afraid to say I have been expecting something like this to happen for a while now,” replied Stable. “What in tarnation do ya mean?” asked Applejack with a confused expression. “Well performing violent exercises like taking part in the Iron Pony was bound to cause problems given her condition.” “Condition? What condition?” asked Rarity. For a moment Stable and Redheart exchanged puzzled looks. “You mean…she hasn’t told you?” asked Redheart. “Told us what? Stop being so cryptic consarnit!” replied Applejack as her earlier confused expression changed to irritation. Redheart gave a small sigh and looked at Stable, the doctor giving her a small nod before she turned to address the group, “Rainbow Dash is pregnant.” “Pregnant?!” chimed all the assembled ponies and dragon at once. “How can Rainbow Dash be pregnant?!” asked Scootaloo, “She doesn’t even have a special somepony!” “My word, that’s quite a shocking revelation,” commented Rarity, “I wouldn’t have expected that from Rainbow Dash. Not that I’m being critical you understand.” “Why didn’t she tell us…?” asked Twilight. “That I don’t know,” replied Stable, “We encouraged her to talk to you all about her decision but…well she is stable now. It would appear that the over extension of her body during that kick at the Iron Pony caused one of the foals to move. This sudden unusual motion likely caused her a lot of pain which in turn caused her to pass out. She’s awake now though so you can speak to her if you wish but she needs rest so make it brief.” “Wait, one of the foals?” asked Twilight. “Yes, we weren’t sure until just now but the scan we just did has confirmed it…Rainbow is carrying twins. A little unusual for a first pregnancy but not unheard of.” “TWINS!” cried Pinkie Pie suddenly, having been too stunned to say anything up until this point, “Oh my gosh! Twins! Two new babies! Oh my I’ll have to get the party supplies ready! We’ll have to arrange a ‘finding out Rainbow Dash is pregnant’ party! Uh! And then I’ll have to…” “Pinkie Pie, do calm down,” interjected Rarity, “This is a very serious situation, not one to be taken so lightly.” “Darn tootin!” added Applejack, “Hey doc, did she know that doing this could be dangerous?” Stable nodded, “Oh yes, we made it quite clear to her.” “Darn it Rainbow, what ya thinking?” “Let’s find out…” finished Twilight as she started to make her way towards Rainbow’s room, “Spike take the Crusaders home.” “Yes ma’am!” replied Spike quickly. “Wait!” said Scootaloo, “I wanna see Rainbow Dash!” “Tomorrow!” replied Twilight. “But…” “Tomorrow!” Twilight turned her head sharply; her expression said it all. Few had ever seen Twilight as serious as she looked right now. With the added impact her new princess form gave her it was enough to stop Scootaloo from talking immediately. The Pegasus was still upset, Dash had been like a sister to her ever since their trip to Winsome falls. This was a majorly important event, she wanted to be there…but she wasn’t going to back talk a princess. Together with Spike and the other two Crusaders she turned and headed towards the exit, still lost between shock and amazement at what she had heard. Twilight and the other four ponies meanwhile had made it to Rainbow’s room. For a moment they all waited outside the room before Twilight rose a hoof and pushed the door open. Rainbow didn’t seem to notice at first, the Pegasus gently sobbing into her pillow as she lay there. As the group moved in though the noise of their hooves caused Rainbow to stifle her sobs and quickly wipe her eyes. Even so it was easy to tell she had been crying; her eyes red and bloodshot. “Oh…hi guys…ah…” she began as she sat up. Applejack was the first to break the silence, the muscular earth pony visible restraining herself as she spoke, “Dammit Rainbow! What the hay are ya playing at?! First ya go and get yourself pregnant and don’t tell us and then you take part in the Iron Pony after the doctors have told you not to! Why ah ought to smack ya…” “That’s enough Applejack,” interrupted Twilight as she cast a glance at the raging pony before looking back at Rainbow, “Well Rainbow? We’re waiting…” Rainbow didn’t say anything. Her face was a mess of emotions; fear, sadness, anger, they flashed back and forth like the waves on a rough sea. In turn each pony looked back at her with their own emotion. Pinkie looked the happiest, the bouncy pony looking on the verge of exploding with confetti as she grinned at Rainbow. Rarity looked more concerned, the unicorn seemingly trying to work out what had been happening on her own. Fluttershy still looked terrified as she peeked out from behind Rarity, her green eyes quivering with relief and fear. Applejack still looked ready to pounce, her lower jaw quivering with rage as her eyes bore holes straight through Rainbow’s head. Twilight meanwhile remained cool, her expression giving away nothing and saying nothing; the perfect poker face. And yet Rainbow could see past it and what she saw scared her more than anything else, disappointment. “I…” started Rainbow as she looked away from her friends, “I’m fine…nothing to worry about…” “Forgive me darling,” cut in Rarity, “but you are anything but fine. Hiding this from all of us and then risking your health and the lives of your foals for some silly contest? I know you always like to win darling but this is a little over the top now.” “It shouldn’t have mattered…this was all supposed to be over by now…” murmured Rainbow. “What was supposed to be all over?” asked Applejack. Before Rainbow could say anything though Pinkie launched herself forward, seemingly unable to contain her excitement a moment longer, “Oh my gosh Rainbow Dash! You’re pregnant and that means you’re going to have foals! And that means I’ll have to throw a party! Oh goodie goodie goodie! Uh! I have to start planning right now! Can’t let a moment go to waste! Remember that big party I threw for the Cakes, well this one is going to be even bigger! Uh who is the father! I’ll have to invite him too! And then we’ll…” Rainbow couldn’t take it; the looks from her friends, the endless questions, the bouncing pink blob of excitement right in front of her face. They knew nothing of her pain! Nothing! “Pinkie Pie shut up!” she screamed, her voice silencing the party pony quicker than the time Trixie removed her muzzle. Rainbow glared at Pinkie for a moment, “I’m not having the foals! I’m aborting!” “WHAT?!” cried Pinkie as she bounced backwards away from Rainbow, “But but but but…” “Aborting?” gasped Applejack as her expression changed from rage to astonishment, “But what…” “Oh my…” murmured Fluttershy as the colour seemed to drain from her face. Rarity herself didn’t say anything, neither did Twilight although both ponies cast a sideways glance at each other. “Yes aborting! You want to know why?!” continued Rainbow, “I didn’t ask for this! I didn’t want to get pregnant! I don’t even remember who the father is, I don’t even know when it happened or how! But what I do know is that I’m not having these foals! I’m going to be a Wonderbolt! I’m going to be one of the greatest flyers Equestria has ever known! That’s my destiny! This is just another sick test that I have to overcome! Nothing is going to stand in my way! Nothi…” Rainbow suddenly stopped as the back of Twilight’s hoof met Rainbow’s cheek. The gathered ponies in the room had been so shocked by Rainbow’s outburst they hadn’t noticed Twilight approaching Rainbow…even the Pegasus herself had been oblivious to her. A red glow began to spread across Rainbow’s cheek as her face flushed from the impact; Rainbow slowly raising a hoof to her cheek as her eyes tracked upwards to look at Twilight. The alicorn’s expression had softened slightly from her earlier neutrality. She looked saddened, a single tear forming in the corner of her eye. Slowly she raised her own hoof and wiped the tear from her eye before turning her back and walking away towards the door. “Come on girls, let’s go,” is all she said as she walked from the room. Nopony said anything for a moment. Pinkie Pie was the next to turn away, her normally frizzy mane and tail deflated and hanging limp beside her. She looked depressed and sad, all the normal bounce and fun having left her. Behind Pinkie, Rarity slid from the room without a word; she didn’t even look back or flinch. For a moment Applejack and Fluttershy remained still staring at Rainbow. As Applejack turned to leave Rainbow finally found her voice. “Applejack wait!” she called, reaching out with her spare hoof towards her friend. “No Rainbow, ah ain’t waiting,” replied Applejack as she turned towards the door, “Ah think you’ve got some serious thinking to do.” “Applejack…wai…Fluttershy!” The yellow Pegasus looked like she was almost on the verge of tears. Her eyes watered as she looked helplessly around the room at her departing friends and Rainbow. For a moment her gaze met Rainbow’s, the blue Pegasus looking back with desperate hope and sadness. Fluttershy couldn’t take it, quickly bursting into tears as she fled the room. Rainbow’s out stretched hoof slowly fell to her side as she stared at the empty doorframe. A tear began to form in her eye and a moment later her earlier sobbing resumed.