//------------------------------// // Loyal till the very end // Story: Equestria's Warriors: A whole new World // by Wildcard25 //------------------------------// One morning at the mall, Aria, Alice, Jade, Alicia, and Eu were with the pony girls in a clothing shop looking at swimwear. Dustin had decided that it was time they all had a beach day, plus secretly he and Alistair were curious to see Wild's reaction when seeing Muse in swimwear. Aria and her troops stood before the pony girls in the swimsuit department, "Listen up girls, one of the most important choices in a human girls life is their choice in swimwear." the girl began. "Why is it such a big deal, aren't they all the same?" Rainbow Dash asked, not getting the picture. "You'd be surprised at how many types there are." Alicia retorted. "And the swimsuit can reflect the very girl you are." Eu added, as Jade held up a one piece for example and spoke. "Are you a modest shy violet?" she then held up a two piece, "Or a fun loving party girl?" "Ooh ooh that's me!" Pinkie cheered. "I can see what you're getting at, girls," Rarity began, as she observed the two swimsuit choices, "So many choices, and the single choice will reflect your very personality." "Just as the dress can say a thousand words, so can the swimsuit." Aria concluded. "I wonder if the boys are having a riot with Wild?" Applejack said to Twilight who shrugged. In the men's clothing store, Dustin, Jethro, Ralph, Dean, Alistair, Elroy, and Topher were showing Wildcard multiple choices in men's swimwear, "Just remember Wild, the best kind of swimwear for a guy is a pair that makes you feel comfortable in." Dean explained. "And trust us, below the belt is one of the most important places a guy wants to feel comfortable." Dustin added. "I see what you mean," Wild began, before noticing a rack of speedos, "Hey what about these?" "YOU STAY AWAY FROM THOSE!" Alistair warned him. Wild was surprised at Alistair's outburst, and noticed the guys were giving him the serious look as Alistair continued, "Do not think about wearing a pair like that!" "Ok-ok." Wild said, calming the boy down. "Trust us. If Muse saw you in a pair like that she'd run a mile away from you." Dustin warned him. "Whoa." Wild gasped, as he stepped away from the speedos. Later on at noon time, the group had arrived at the beach where the boys were in their swim trunks, while carrying the beach supplies, with Spike, Domino, and the other animals at their side. Dustin was in his red and black trunks, and Alistair was in his blue pair. Elroy was in a pair of green trunks, Dean's was royal blue, Ralph's was crimson red, Topher was wearing a teal colored pair, Jethro was wearing black ones with Ewoks decorated on it, and Wild was decked out in a pair of silver swim trunks with little hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades decorated on it. They waited for the girls who were still in the changing room. "How long can it possibly take for them to get changed?" Wild asked the boys. The boys turned to him, as Jethro spoke, "You'd be surprised at how much of a delicate procedure it can be." "Besides this is the girls first time wearing such attire," Dustin added, "You can't blame them if it takes awhile." "Well you got a point." Wild admitted, as they waited. Soon the girls stepped out and the boys eyes widened in shock. The group of girls stood in their swimsuits with some like Fluttershy and Alice looking modest. Alicia was in a black and white two piece bikini with the top being bandeau and her bottom being skirted, Alice was in a white one piece with frills on the edges, Jade was in a green two piece with the top being underwire and the bottoms being hipster style, Eu was in a purple two piece with the top being a halter type and the bottoms being a side tie type, and Aria was in an emerald green tankini with hipster bottoms. As for the pony girls, Twilight was in a magenta tankini top with the bottoms being high waisted, Rainbow Dash was in a red, orange, and yellow mixture two piece with the top being bandeau and the bottoms being brazilian while she posed athletically, Pinkie was in a hot pink two piece with the top being triangle and the bottoms being hipster, Rarity was wearing a white and purple two piece with the top being bandeau and her bottoms being brazilian which Spike salivated over, Fluttershy was in a yellow one piece while standing with her legs crossed in modesty, Applejack was wearing an orange two piece with apple designs with the top being halter and the bottoms being high waisted, and finally Muse was in a halter with a skirted bottom colored rose pink with black flower patterns. The boys were wide eyed at how the pony girls pulled the swimsuit look off, as Twilight asked on behalf of herself and her friends, "So what do you think?" The boys and Spike announced together, "IT WORKS!" The pony girls blushed sheepishly, while Aria and the human girls rolled their eyes. Just as Wild couldn't take his eyes off Muse, the girl couldn't take hers off him, "Well guys let's find us a spot and set up." Alistair suggested as they did so. They walked along the beach looking for a spot. As they searched Twilight and the rest of the pony girls noticed most of the guys on the beach were giving them excited and tantalized looks, but Aria and the girls led them along and not wanting them to get hit on. Eventually they found a spot where they sat up some beach umbrellas and blankets for each of them to lie down on, "Ah, this is awesome ain't it?" Dustin asked his group, as he fixed his sunglasses. "For real, bro." Ralph agreed, as he popped open a cooler and tossed everyone each a drink. "This is the perfect day for a beach day, right?" Dean asked the group. "Ya got that right." Applejack agreed as she took a swig of her drink. The group continued relaxing, until Dustin's head shot up like a deer looking cautious. Seeing this Twilight spoke up, "Dustin, are you ok?" Dustin shushed them, "Quiet. I sense a disturbance here." "A disturbance?" Fluttershy gasped in worry. "Is it Felix?" Muse asked, but Dustin hushed her and put a hand to his ear before looking across from where they were. He saw three girls about his and his friends ages walking the beach. The first one had brown hair in twin pigtails, freckles on her face, blue eyes, and braces on her teeth. Her swimsuit was a black and white classic tank one piece. The second girl had bug eyed looking glasses over her green eyes, and blonde curly hair like Shirley Temple, and her swimsuit was a frilly pink one piece. The third girl had buck teeth, blue eyes, black unkempt and unruly hair, and a portly body, and her swimsuit was a gray classic tank one piece. When Dustin saw the three, his eyes widened beneath his sunglasses as he looked horrified, "Oh God, no! NO!" he cried, as he backed away into Alicia and Alice, surprising everyone. "Dustin, what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked in concern. "We got company." Dustin answered in fright. "Who?" Rarity asked curiously. "Them!" he motioned up ahead to the three girls. Dustin's group looked and sighed, "Them again." Alistair sighed. "You know them?" Wild asked the group. "Yes. Mostly Dustin at least." Jethro answered. "Who are they?" Rainbow inquired. "The one with tin teeth is Janie Sandra, bug eyes over there is Suzy Montgomery, and the hippo there is Rhonda Ellsworth. Together they are The Psycho Hosebeast Trinity!" Dustin trembled. The girls were surprised at his description, as Appleajck spoke in surprise, "Now that doesn't sound nice." "Applejack, you don't understand," Dustin continued, "Those three are absolute nutcases who have it in for me!" "They're his stalkers with an obsessed crush." Dean explained. "And aren't afraid to hide it." Jade added dryly. "For years those three have been hounding me to go out with them or be their boyfriend, and every time I turn them down they just keep coming back," Dustin continued in irritation, "Those three are more of a pain than Clara, because they actually know me as me!" "You want us to huddle?" Alice offered. Dustin looked seeing the three started walking their direction, answered frantically, "Yes, immediately!" and so Dustin's group huddled around him so he wouldn't be spotted. The pony/humans were confused, but played along and acted casually as the three girls walked past them being too caught up in looking to even notice the group, "You sure Dustin's here?" Suzy asked the two. "I was sure of it." Janie answered. "Well he can't be too far." Rhonda said, as the three continued on. Once they were out of sight, the group uncovered Dustin, "Oh thank God." Dustin sighed in relief. "Are they really that much of a bother to you, Dustin?" Muse asked. "'Bother' is an understatement," Dustin retorted, "They are the embodiment of hell on earth." "Well they're gone now, so you can relax." Alice said, as she calmed him. "Yeah, you're right." Dustin said, as he was finally able to relax again. "Hey, I'm heading for the water anyone coming?" Ralph asked. "Right behind ya!" Pinkie called, as she followed him. "Wait for me!" Topher called, as he followed. "Coming with ya!" Rainbow got up. "Sounds fun!" Applejack added. "Wait for me!" Jethro followed. "On my way!" Dean added. So that group went for the water to swim and splash around in enjoyment. The others continued enjoying their time in the sun, as Alicia spoke up, "Dustin?" "Yeah?" he asked. "Would you rub some sunblock on my back?" she asked casually. Dustin gasped, "Uh, sure." "Then can you do mine after hers?" Alice pleaded while giving him the puppy eyes. "Ok, Alice." Dustin chuckled, knowing it was going to escalate into another squabble between the twins. Alistair chuckled seeing how Dustin had his hands full, until Eu tapped his shoulder, "Rub some on me, Alistair." "You got it." Alistair answered. As Dustin did Alicia's back he looked to Wild, "You might want to try this on Muse, Wild. Trust me you'll love it." Wild blushed at the thought, as Alicia spoke to Muse while enjoying her treatment, "And you'll love this feeling as well, Muse." "Well I guess we could try." Muse said, while blushing as Wild was offered some sunblock by Elroy who winked at him. So Muse laid face down on her chest and lowered her top so her back was exposed some more, "So how do I do this?" Wild asked Alistair. "Watch me," the disguised dark warrior began, as he gently squirted some in his hands and rubbed them together. Wild watched as Alistair put his hands on Eu's back, and slowly started moving them all around it as Eu moaned in enjoyment, "And that's all there is to it." "Looks easy enough," Wild admitted, "Ok, here I go." he did the exact same maneuver as Alistair. As he did Muse began moaning in enjoyment. "Oh wow. Wild, that feels so good." "Really?" he asked hopefully. "Yeah. I didn't know this was actually doable." "Guys, I have a new found respect for hands." Wild told the guys, who chuckled. As Dustin moved to Alice, Spike watched in envy while glancing at Rarity while thinking, 'I wish I had hands so I could do that to Rarity. It's just not fair I have to be turned into a dog in this world.' he sulked. Rarity looked at her side seeing Spike looking dismal, "Spike, whatever is the matter dear?" "Oh it's nothing, Rarity," Spike began, "I just wished I had hands so that I could rub sunblock on your back." Rarity blushed and smiled, "Oh, Spikey-Wikey," she picked the pup up and held him close to her chest while nuzzling his head, "It's so thoughtful and sweet of you to wish you could do such a thing for me. But you don't have to worry, because after all I can give you the same kind of treatment as you wish you could give me." she started scratching Spike's back. "Oh, oh that feels good, Rarity." Spike panted in enjoyment. "I'm so glad you like it." Rarity said, as she continued to scratch his back. After Dustin finished rubbing sunblock on Alice, he got up, "I'm gonna grab a hotdog, anybody want anything?" he asked. When the others told him they were good, he walked to one of the food stands with Domino perching on his shoulder. After purchasing a hot dog, Dustin was walking around eating it, "Boy Domino, this was a great idea of mine." "I'll say. The girls are sure enjoying themselves." Domino agreed, as they saw some of them were playing in the sand by burying Ralph beneath it. "And they deserve it as much as we do," Dustin added, "I sure hope today can go smoothly for them and us." "Dusty-kins!" three female voices called out, as he froze in place. "I got to stop saying things like that out loud." he said to himself, as he spun around coming face to face with the famous trio he dubbed the Psycho Hosebeast Trinity. "We knew you were here!" Janie said joyfully. "Girls, what's up?" Dustin asked, while wishing to slip away from them. "We were looking all around the beach for you." Rhonda explained. "How'd you even know I was at the beach today?" he asked in fright. "You can't fool our senses." Suzy said while waving a finger. "Can't blame me for trying." he replied dryly. "So now that we found you, let's go for a dip together!" Janie suggested, as the other two cheered. Dustin getting more creeped out, was slowly backing away, "Yeah sorry girls, but I'm kinda in the middle of something." "Come on, just an hour or two?" Rhonda pleaded. "Really cannot be done, bye!" Dustin started running. "Come back, dumpling!" the three called, as they chased after him. By the group, they heard Dustin screaming. They looked seeing him being pursued by the three girls he was trying to avoid, "Oh boy, they found him." Jade sighed. "What do we do?" Alice asked in worry. "Don't worry, Dashie and I will save him!" Pinkie said, while standing proudly with Rainbow Dash at her side. "How?" Topher asked curiously. "With these." Pinkie pulled out a jar of peanut butter and a blowtorch. "Where did you suddenly get a blowtorch and peanut butter?" Jethro asked in shock. "That's my little secret." Pinkie winked. "Let's go!" Rainbow said, as she and Pinkie raced off to aid Dustin. Dustin continued running across the sidewalk with the trio in hot pursuit, 'If somebody loves me they'll save me.' he thought, until he saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie up ahead doing something to the sidewalk. What he saw was them using a blowtorch to heat up some peanut butter they paved on a spot to melt it a little. Smirking at their plan, he continued running before he got close and jumped above it. The trinity were surprised but continued after him, only to suddenly find themselves stuck to the sidewalk. "Hey, what's going on?" Suzy asked as she tried moving. "What are we stepping in?" Rhonda asked, as they saw their bare feet were stuck in the melted peanut butter that stuck to their feet. "Oh gross!" Janie cried. Dustin and Rainbow Dash laughed at their misfortune, as Dustin spoke to the two, "Thanks girls, I owe ya." "We'll hold that off for another time." Rainbow replied. "Dusty-kins, please help us." Suzy pleaded. Dustin looked at them, "Don't worry I'll go tell somebody to send help. Just stand tight," he joked before he walked off with Pinkie and Rainbow at his sides, "Once again you two, thanks a lot." "No problem... Dusty-kins." Pinkie joked as she and Rainbow laughed hysterically, while Dustin gave them a dry deadpan look. As the day went on the group continued having a good time at the beach, until it was getting late and they were packing it in, "Well this was a relaxing day wasn't it?" Alistair asked the group. "Yeah, it sure was." Twilight nodded with a smile. "And how did you like wearing actual swimwear?" Dustin asked curiously. "Well it did feel comfortable." Rainbow admitted. "I think it felt fabulous." Rarity added. "Well we're glad you all enjoyed yourselves, and even learned some new tricks." Dustin winked at Wild, who blushed. "By the way, what happened to those girls?" Muse asked curiously. "Don't worry, I was true to my word and had someone cool the stuff up so they could slip out," Dustin answered, "I may despise them with a passion, but I'm not a monster." "Yeah," Elroy began, "Like one time we were in Japan with Aria and Burai to celebrate his birthday. Those three tried to mail themselves to him, but Dean and Ralph caught wind of their scheme and made their package get delivered to China instead!" The boys laughed at that memory with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, while Twilight looked shocked at their stunt, until Dustin spoke up, "Don't worry, I had Darius send a jet over to bring them back to New York. Just a little reminder as to what happens when you try to pull one over on Dustin Bowers." That night at Felix's HQ, Felix and his partners were kicking back as Ebon was trying to think. Suddenly Ebon's head materialized in the mirror and spoke, "Boys!" The four quickly got up and to their feet before looking at the mirror, "Yeah, Ebon. What's up?" Felix asked. "I've devised a new way to take down the elements of harmony." Ebon began. "How so?" Clyde asked curiously. "There remain only two more elements that need to be powered up. We'll have to take them out one by one." Ebon explained. "And how're we gonna do that?" Omaddon asked. "By making sure they lose sight of their respective element." They started catching on, as Johan spoke, "Of course! If we try turning them against the quality of the element of harmony they embody then the element itself will be useless to them." "Precisely." Ebon nodded. "So who should we start with?" Felix inquired. "We'll start with the loyalest of the bunch," Ebon said as his face vanished from the mirror and appearing in the reflection was an image of Rainbow Dash, "This girl Rainbow Dash embodies the element of Loyalty. By playing on her loyalty and diverting away away from what is important to them she will lose sight of everything and her element of harmony will never power up." "Brilliant." Clyde complimented him. "It'll work," Felix smirked, "And I know just the way to do it," he snapped his fingers and summoned five shadow soldiers, "Boys. I got a job for you." he snickered. The next morning, Rainbow Dash and Wild were outside Alistair and Xever's apartment getting some air, "Looks like a good day." Wildcard noted. "Oh yeah, a totally awesome day!" Rainbow pumped a fist up. Suddenly they heard some hooting and hollering. Curious they went to check it out to see five teenage boys on skateboards showing off their skills on some ramps and such, "Oh wow, those guys got game!" Rainbow gasped in amaze. "They are surprisingly skilled." Wild admitted, as Rainbow went over to where they were with Wild following her. As one skateboarder did a grind on a railing and landed perfectly on the bottom, Rainbow applauded, "You guys are awesome!" The five look at her as Wild spoke up, "Sorry for intruding, but my cousin and I saw you guys showing off and we were just so impressed." "No trouble at all," the first one who was wearing a hoody and beanie spoke up, "You obviously have good eyes for noticing. I'm Dregg, and this is my posse, Cobra, Egan, Zack, and M.C." "And you guys?" Zack asked. "I'm Rainbow Dash, and this is my cousin Wildcard." Rainbow introduced themselves. "A pleasure." Cobra answered. "Hmm," Dregg started analyzing Rainbow Dash, while the girl looked confused, "You know Rainbow Dash, I can see you got a lot of athletic ability in you." "Really, you think so?" Rainbow gasped in excitement, while Wildcard rolled his eyes at his cousin letting her ego inflate. "Oh yeah," Dregg offered her a board, "Here show us what you got." "What really? But I never really ridden a skateboard before." she admitted. "Hey we didn't back then, but we became pros at it." M.C replied. "Try it out. You may surprise yourself." Dregg encouraged her. "Well ok," Rainbow began, as she got on the board and went down a ramp before going up another before doing a 180 and went down it again. She continued doing some basic skateboarders moves, as the group watched. Wild thought in amaze, 'She really does maintain all her athleticism in this world, even if she's never ridden on a board before.' When Rainbow pulled to a stop on the ground, the group went to her, "Rainbow, you are by far the most awesome girl I've ever met." Dregg said in amaze. "Oh go on!" Rainbow said, while trying to be modest but was looking ready to hear more. "No really. On a scale of one to ten you are eleven." Dregg continued to praise her. "Oh Dregg, you're embarrassing me." Rainbow chuckled. Dregg pulled her close, "Seriously you got talent. I've never one aside from us with skill like that. You may be just the one we're looking for." "Looking for?" the two cousins asked curiously. "That's right," Dregg nodded, "How would you Ms. Dash love to join our little group?" "Seriously?" she gasped. "Oh yes. How about meeting us here this afternoon around three?" Dregg asked. "Ok I'll definitely be there." Rainbow promised as she went off. "Hey, Rainbow!" Wild called, as he chased after her. Once the two were out of sight, Dregg smirked with his and the other fours eyes glowing red, "All according to plan." he chuckled. As Rainbow and Wild were walking back to the Savage bros apartment, Wild spoke, "Rainbow, you're not seriously think about joining their group do you?" "Well it would be awesome. They're not Wonderbolts, but they are quite cool." Rainbow admitted. "Focus, Rainbow," Wild retorted in annoyance, "Remember we're on a mission here." "I know, Wild, but this doesn't involve what's going on. I'm sure it won't get in our way. Besides if I do join them I'll tell them that I'm just visiting and maybe I'll be a branch member or something." Rainbow explained, as her cousin looked at her in worry. "I sure hope you know what you're doing." "Oh come on, you worry too much!" Rainbow patted her cousin's back. Wild sighed as they went to the apartment, where Dustin and the rest of the girls were waiting, "There you guys are where were you?" Dustin asked. "We got sidetracked." Wild answered. "Sidetracked by what?" Applejack inquired. "Ok, get this!" Rainbow began all excitedly, "We saw these five skateboarders and they called us over." "Technically we went to them." Wild corrected her only to get shushed by Rainbow. "Don't ruin the moment," she continued, "And they had me do a few moves on one of their boards. They were so impressed they asked if they could meet me today around three." "Huh?" the group asked. "Meet them?" Twilight asked in confusion. "Yeah, they may be looking to recruit me into their ranks." Rainbow continued proudly. "Seriously?" Applejack asked dryly. "No joke." Rainbow answered. "Rainbow Dash, darling," Rarity began, "While we're joyed to hear how much of an impression you're making on the residents in this world you must remember we're on a mission." "I do know that, Rarity," Rainbow replied, "I'm just gonna meet them and see what they think of me. No big." The group looked at each other hoping it really wasn't a big deal. Meanwhile at Felix's HQ, the dark warrior yoko was pacing before Ebon's mirror before he froze and put his index and middle fingers to his ear as if listening to something before he tapped on Ebon's mirror, "Yo, Ebon. Wake up!" Ebon appears in the mirror's reflection, "What is it?" "I got word from the boys. The stage is set now." Felix explained, as a grin appeared on Ebon's face. "Excellent. Round up your men," he ordered, "It's time we put the next part of my plan in motion." "You got it!" Felix saluted before heading to round up the duo and Clyde. Soon enough it was nearing three o'clock, with Rainbow Dash looking ready to head off, until Dustin's watch beeped, "Zyphon, go!" "Bad news, master. Felix and his cronies are at it again. This time down by China Town." Zyphon's voice came from the watch. "Oh great," Dustin sighed, "Alert the guys, and have them meet us there." "On it." Zyphon ended transmission. "Come on, let's go." Alistair said, as they were ready to head out before seeing Rainbow Dash looking hesitant. "Rainbow, come on!" Wild ordered. "But... my meeting." Rainbow said in worry. "Rainbow Dash, there are more important matters at the moment!" Twilight reminded her in irritation. "Twilight's right," Alistair agreed, "Blaze said that Ebon's closer and closer to having enough energy to finally take form." "I know, but this was a great opportunity." Rainbow pleaded. "Rainbow, you're family," Wild began sounding disappointed, "But I expected you to make the right decision. The fact that you're hesitating only means you clearly don't know where you're needed the most." "Wildcard's right, Rainbow," Muse agreed, "Some things are more important than others." "We're wasting time. We better go." Dustin said. "What about Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy asked in worry. "We'll let her decide and hope she makes the right choice." Dustin answered firmly, as he left with the others following. Before Twilight left, she took Rainbow's element of harmony and placed in on the coffee table, "I hope you remember what you're really known for." she and Spike followed the others. Rainbow Dash watched in guilt, as Twilight closed the door behind her. She let her head hang down knowing she as always let her ego get the best of her. Meanwhile in the China Town district of New York, Felix, Johan, Omaddon, Clyde, and the shadow soldiers were causing trouble. Omaddon came out of a food shop and broke open a fortune cookie, "Hmm, enjoy your moment of glory while you can. Oh who believes these things?" he tossed it away. Felix was blasting dark fire all around in enjoyment, "Oh I love China Town." "Well we love a clean town!" a voice called, as Dustin, Alistair and the group arrive with Alice, Alicia, Jade, Aria, Eu, Dean, Ralph, and Thatch standing proudly. All but Twilight stood with their elements of harmony activated. "Ah there you are." Clyde said pleasantly. "We were wondering." Johan added. Felix looked at them pretending to be surprise, "Where's the obnoxious one with the tye dye hair?" "None of your business." Alistair answered with a frown. "No matter, we'll take you out just as fine," Felix said, as he ordered his boys, "Attack!" And so the two sides charged into battle. Meanwhile back at Alistair's apartment, Rainbow Dash was still debating, "Oh what do I do? I don't wanna abandon my friends, but these guys really were impressed with me. Being loyal is so hard." suddenly her element of harmony started glowing, and took her by surprise. It levitated off the table and connected to Rainbow Dash making her pass out. In her subconscious, she was lying on the ground, before regaining consciousness, "Oh what the?" she looked around seeing she was suddenly on a training ground where pony soldiers were trained, "Where am I?" "Rainbow Dash," a voice called her out. Rainbow Dash spun around and saw something approach. It was a unicorn with a red coat, brown mane and tail, and a cutie mark being the image of a sword surrounded by flames, "I've been waiting for you." Rainbow gawked in surprise, "You, you're one of the five unicorns!" "I am. My name is Flameburst." he introduced himself. "Oh wow. This is so awesome!" Rainbow began acting excitedly, only for Flameburst to calm her down, "But what's going on?" "I sensed you were distressed and knew it was time for me to contact you," Flameburst began as he stood by her side, "As you're aware I was originally the wielder of the element of Loyalty and leader as well." "Oh wow the leader that's so great!" Rainbow smiled. "Well being the leader does have it perks, but it also comes with big responsibilities." Flameburst began as they started walking around the training ground. Rainbow Dash saw a vision of Flameburst standing before the King and Queen with his fellow unicorns, "What's going on?" "This was when I was named leader of my group. I was the most loyal out of the bunch, never questioning or second guessing a command. However there was a time when my loyalty was strained." "How so?" Rainbow asked curiously, as the scene faded into an alleyway in a village where they saw a hooded Flameburst standing as if waiting for something. "Before me and my friends were the five unicorns, I was still just a common pony that ran with a wrong crowd unknown to my comrades. When we joined the ranks I tried putting that past behind me, but it caught up to me," he motioned to the memory of his past self sneaking some bits to a gray maned earth pony who accepted it and left, "One of my former partners had been stealing from various villagers. To keep him from doing it I'd meet up with him on certain nights to give him a cut of my own earnings. I knew the right thing to do would be to turn him in, but we grew up like brothers and I couldn't bring myself to do it." "Whoa," Rainbow gasped, "So then what happened?" "Me and my team were on a mission to capture some thieves and I ended up bumping into my friend. He was behind the whole operation and we were forced to bring him in. He called me a traitor for doing it to him, and my friends were torn by my own lies and disloyalty. I was more angry at myself than they were disappointed in me. I would've been stripped of my title as leader, but my team told the King and Queen to let me keep it. I was just as shocked at what they did to me, but they told me I would really have to make sure I knew where my loyalties truly resided. From then on I learned that you must always put others needs ahead of your own, because true loyalty will always keep your friends close to you." "Oh." Rainbow gasped, as she was getting it now. "Now you must continue to move forward and heed my lesson to you, Rainbow Dash," Flameburst continued, "Be loyal to those close to you, and they will always have your back in return." Rainbow smiled and nodded, as her element glowed and the scene plus Flameburst was fading out. Rainbow Dash suddenly woke up, with her element of harmony still glowing, "I'm back! And now I know what to do!" she said confidently. "Finally woke up, huh?" a voice asked, as Rainbow looked at the doorway seeing Jethro. "Jethro, what're you doing here?" "Dustin messaged me and told me to come here just in case." he answered. "I see," Rainbow replied, "Well now I know what to do." "And what are you going to do?" Jethro asked curiously. "I'm gonna help my friends!" Rainbow pumped her fists up. Jethro smiled, "Good choice. Come on they'll need us!" he ordered, as the two ran out of the room. When they got downstairs and outside the apartment, they saw Dregg and his crew waiting, "Dregg?" Rainbow Dash asked in confusion. "Where ya going?" he asked. "Sorry about your offer, but my friends need me right now." she explained trying not to put them down. "You're turning us down?" Egan asked firmly. "Sorry guys, but my friends really need my help." she answered. "I see, well too bad for you." Dregg said, as he and the five shredded their disguises, taking Jethro and Rainbow by surprise. "Shadow soldiers!" Jethro gasped. "What, you guys were..." Rainbow was in shock. "You just had to be all high and loyal." the shadow soldier formerly known as Dregg said. "Well we'll show you what happens when you deny us." the shadow soldier formerly known as M.C added, as the five were prepared to fight. "Well Rainbow, ready?" Jethro asked, as he got into a stance. "Just give me a second." she answered, before tapping into her element of harmony and started glowing. Suddenly emerging from her back was her wings. The shadow soldiers gasped in shock as Rainbow opened her eyes and smirked, "Rainbow." Jethro gasped. "Oh yeah, I feel awesome!" she cheered, as she started using her speed to fly around the shadow soldiers, confusing them and leaving Jethro stunned. 'Wow she is fast,' he thought. Rainbow flew in and delivered a spin kick nailing all five in the face, "Ooh that'll hurt." he cringed. "Come on Jethro, show me whatcha got!" Rainbow winked at him. Jethro nodded as he powered his fist up with spirit energy before throwing it back and called out, "Shotgun!" his attack took out the five shadow soldiers as they were destroyed. "Oh yeah, that's awesome!" Rainbow gave Jethro a thumbs up as he gave it back to her, "Now to find the guys... Uh, where's China Town again?" Jethro rolled his eyes humorously before flying up to her, "Follow me!" he flew off with Rainbow following. Back at the battle, the group were at a stalemate against Felix and his enforcers, "Anybody got a plan, because I'm open for suggestions." Dustin called. "Hate to say this, but I got nothing." Twilight admitted regretfully. "Looks like your lucks about run out, guys," Felix chuckled as he stared them down, "And this time there is no one coming to your rescue!" he mocked them. "Hey, Felix!" a voice called, as Felix looked up and saw Rainbow Dash flying at him with her foot aiming for him, "Shut uuuuuup!" she nailed his face, knocking him to the ground taking everyone by surprise. "Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy gasped. "She's got her element of harmony powered up!" Twilight gasped in amaze. Felix got up growling revealing the shoe print on his face, "What're you doing here?! Weren't you supposed to be..." "I thought about it," she began, before smirking at her friends, "But I decided I'd rather be with my real friends more than others." her friends smiled, while Alistair and Dustin crossed their arms and nodded in approval of her choice. "What do we do now?" Omaddon asked Felix. "Keep fighting!" Felix ordered, as they continued fighting. Rainbow Dash saw her friends fighting and thought, 'There's only one thing that could take them out now. I just hope I can do it in this body. I have to try!' she flew up high above the city, confusing Felix and his cronies. "What's she doing?" Johan asked. "I don't know." Clyde answered in equal confusion. When Rainbow Dash she was up high enough she flew downward at her standard fast speed. She started getting a face lift, but still picked up the pace. Suddenly her force started forming around her before she zipped downward releasing a rainbow ring of energy behind her. Before making it close to the bottom before flying up releasing another Sonic Rainboom with the force so overwhelming the shadow soldiers faded into shadow, while Felix, Clyde, Johan, and Omaddon were knocked off their feet and sent flying into the wall of a shop. It was so powerful many windows had shattered, while leaves were blown off trees leaving them bare. "What was that?" Aria gasped in shock. Rainbow Dash touched down, "That my friends was a Sonic Rainboom!" Jethro who was not only stricken in awe at the phenomenon Rainbow performed, but with Rainbow as well, 'I think I'm in love.' he thought. Felix and his group peeled themselves off the wall, and escaped through a portal. They reappeared before Ebon who was confused at their state, "What happened?" "What happened was your plan failed, man!" Felix shot at the spirit, who roared in frustration. Back with the group, the girls and Wild were congratulating Rainbow, "Way to go, cuz. I knew you'd make the right choice." Wild congratulated her. "Thanks guys. I'm sorry I almost blew you off. I should never have thought to go with others when I promised I'd be there for you guys first." "What matters is you overcame that obstacle, and now you have your element of harmony powered up again." Twilight explained the good news. "Yeah, and hopefully yours will too, Twilight." Muse added. "Well anybody up for a fly?" Rainbow asked the group, "I've been grounded for weeks. I got to break these babies in again!" she motioned to her wings. "Count me in!" Dustin called. "Likewise." Alistair added. "Me too." Jade put in. "And me." Aria nodded. "Don't count me out!" Jethro added. "Well come on guys, let's fly!" Rainbow called, as she flew up into the air with the other following her as they raced through the skies above the city.