//------------------------------// // Consequences // Story: Then We'll Run // by maxxxxxx //------------------------------// “Alright Twi, this is it.” Dash said quietly as the couple crouched down into the bushes. The town lay directly in front of them. They could hear the sounds of ponies and steam engines hard at work. Peaking out from behind the brush, Dash scanned the town. No guards, that's a good start. We can't rely on Twi's spell to hide us the whole time we search the town. There's no telling how long that'll take. There has to be a better way “Twi, I think I have an idea, but I don't think you'll like it.” She said, apprehensively looking at her marefriend beside her. “What is it?” “There's a lot of clothes drying on lines behind that house over there...” “Wait, you mean you want to steal clothes for a disguise? Rainbow, if we do that were just helping validate what they think of us. There has to be a better way.” Twilight glanced over to the clothes in question, mulling over the options in her mind. I don't want to become a thief, it doesn't seem right. “Twilight, I know you don't want to do it, but there's no way would could search the entire town with your cloaking spell. You're exhausted and if anything happens and we make even a little sound we would be completely exposed. I don't like this any more than you do.” “If we steal, we're just giving them more reason to hate us. Even if we don't get caught it still feels wrong.” She couldn't shake the sense of her morals conflicting with her rational judgment. It doesn't just feel wrong, It is wrong... Or is it? If it's for our survival that's one thing, but this is different right? What do morals even matter when an entire family hangs in the balance? Is my pride worth their freedom? I- I just don't know anymore. Where do we draw the line of necessity? If Rainbow Dash got captured, would it be justified to kill in order to save her? Would it be alright to steal food so we don't go hungry, would it be right to hurt or kill somepony who sees us? In the end, our lives are at the end of the answers to those questions. Where's the line, and when is it justified to cross it? “Twilight, I understand how you feel about this, I really do. You don't have to follow me down that path okay. You can keep your hooves and conscious clean. Wait here Twilight, hide in your spell and don't move until I come back.” She doesn't want to lose herself through all this, I can understand that. We can't afford to be tied down to all our morals in a time like this. If somepony tries to take Twilight from me I'll kill them without a second thought! I don't care if it's her brother or Celestia herself. I don't care if she wouldn't do the same. If either of us deserve to come through this with ourselves intact, it should be her. “No Rainbow, I promised I would stay by your side and I meant it. We'll do this, but then we have to return them before we leave.” Pausing for a moment to consider Twilight's stipulation, she eventually nodded her agreement. “Alright Twi, we'll put it back before we go. Can you get us over there?” Dash whispered, motioning her head in the direction of their target. Twilight nodded, closing her eyes and charging her spell. I shouldn't have agreed to return them, It's too dangerous. Every minute we stay here the more chance we have of being captured. She should wait here, where it's safe. In a consuming flash of light, they became invisible. Silently, they walked around their leafy cover out into the open. The townsponies were hard at work, busily going about their average days not knowing the fugitives that stood, hidden in plain sight, in front of them. Only Twilight and Rainbow Dash could see each other. As quietly as they could they padded up to the inconspicuous home near the edge of the town, keeping a close eye out for trouble. As they dipped behind the house, Dash prodded Twilight's shoulder motioning to the far side of the yard, the only part that could be seen from the street then gestured to herself. With an understanding nod from Twilight, Dash left her marefriend to stand guard while she gathered their disguises. Her eyes rapidly darting from pony to pony in paranoid suspicion. Every glance in their direction, ever mumbled word and every shadow feeling like a potential life ender for Twilight and herself. Her heart raced and her body trembled as she tried to keep tabs on every pony walking by, her fear mounting with each second. Anyone of them could alert the guard, any one of them could be a guard in disguise. I have to keep Twi safe, I have to keep her safe. Everything is a threat, everything wants to hurt her. What do I do?! I can't protect her from everything! I- I have to- An unexpected but gentle tap on her shoulder made her jump. In a blur she spun around ready to attack teeth bared only to see a startled Twilight, her brow furrowed in worry. Several outfits were draped over her back. She stepped beside Rainbow and took her tail around hers. She could feel Dash's body shaking and her pulse racing. This isn't good. Twilight fretted to herself, as she pressed her side into her marefriend's, trying to quell her quivering. We have to get out of Equestria soon. If not, I don't know how much longer her body will last under this. As they ducked behind the relative safety of the obscuring bush Twilight released her spell with a heavy sigh. Looking to Rainbow Dash, she found the pegasus was still on guard, wearily keeping her eyes on the town through the bushes. Dash flinched as Twilight placed a tender hoof over hers. “We're safe for now Dashie. Let's get ready.” “Y-yeah, let's do that.” She stammered as she left her post. Twilight levitated a beret and a simple white summer gown that was long enough to obscure her cutie mark as well as much of her tail. “Try to keep your tail tucked down. We'll look around but if we don't find anything in half an hour we have to leave. I'm sorry but we just can't risk staying here long.” Twilight said sympathetically as Rainbow struggled to hide her conspicuous mane in the tan beret. “I understand.” She finished as she retracted her tail into her dress. Twilight bound her mane up in her magic and stuffed it into a dull grey bonnet and hid her wings and cutie mark in an equally dull frock. “Ready?” Twilight smiled, desperate to easy Dash's tension. Instead of ease, Dash's look of apprehension worsened as she looked towards the town. “Yeah, I'm ready. Stay close to me Twi, but if something happens I want you to run. You shouldn't have to see what will happen after that.” A dark look over took Dash's face. Anger, hate, and passion raged in her eyes. “It'll be alright Rainbow, I won’t let it come to that.” Twilight took a step forward and wrapped her forelegs behind Dash's neck. Placing her soft, warm lips over her lover's, they joined in a moment that, though they shared many times on this short but immense journey, always put their fears and anger into perspective. They were in love, and they knew of nothing more powerful. At once they both felt Dash's trembling stop. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pulled Twilight close, her body warming and soothing her sore muscles and calming her heart. She leaned in, deepening the passionate kiss, their tongues lovingly caressing one another. Twilight's ever familiar scent filled her nose and, despite being on the run and in danger, the scent of the mare she loved made her feel at home in her hooves. This is something I will never lose. “I love you Twilight.” She held her tight, resting her head on her shoulder. Twilight could feel warm teardrops landing on her back and her eyes to began to water. “I love you too Rainbow Dash. I love you so much.” Twilight gently stroked the back of Dash's neck as she wept against her shoulder. We can't lose who we are, because I love Dashie just for who she is. If our love is what's going to keep us going, then we have to stay true to ourselves. We can't lose sight of the things that matter. A small, calm smile lightened her face. “You're doing the right thing Rainbow. I'm so proud of you. You reminded me that we can't give up on others, thank you.” “Don't thank me, I wouldn't have been able to leave it alone if I wanted to.” “And that's one of the things I love most about you.” She pulled away, but kept her hooves on her lover’s shoulder. Looking deep into her glistening eyes, she could see a renewed strength and life in Rainbow Dash. “Let's go, we don't have much time.” “Yeah, let's go.” Dash smiled before giving her marefriend one last peck on her lips before slipping out from the bushes. Even though they walked side by side, they felt a loneliness neither had known before. Though they were only inches apart, they couldn't touch, and that broke Dash's heart. ******************************************************************* The couple discretely walked through Appleloosa. Every passing stranger made their hearts race though none gave them a second look. Maybe our time on the run has changed us fundamentally somehow. Maybe we just have such a different air about us that nopony would recognize us, maybe even if they knew us. I hope I'm right. A blunt impact to her shoulder took her from her musings as she turned towards the source of the nudge. “What is it Rain-” She cut herself off as she fearfully looked around her. “What is it?” She repeated softly. Rainbow was facing away from her, eyes glued to a street stall that she stood beside. “Look at this...” So grim was Dash's tone that it sent a chill down Twilight's spine. With great foreboding she joined her at the vacant stand. It was a newspaper. Panic took hold in her heart as she read. 'The Apple family of Ponyville have been arrested on grounds of treason and aiding the fugitives Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. A local party planner and the family she resided with were also arrested in connection to the traitors. The former princess Twilight Sparkle is implicated in a plot to assassinate her highness Princess Celestia along with her cohort and fellow sexual deviant Rainbow Dash is deeply connected to the heinous conspiracy. It is recommended that children not read the following: She and her blasphemous partner engage in acts of, brace yourself, homosexuality. They are a threat to the very foundations on which our great land are reliant on. They wish to corrupt children and turn them to this despicable life. By order of Princess Celestia herself, any found aiding and abetting the criminals will be arrested and sentenced to punishment without trial. If you have any information report it to the authorities promptly. If found do not attempt to apprehend them, they are extremely dangerous and brutally assaulted members of the Royal Guard. Further more-' “It's our fault...” Rainbow Dash whispered through her gritted teeth, her jaw muscles balled tight beneath her skin. Her breathing became shallow and rapid as she fought her pent up rage. “I know, I know you're angry but we can't stay here any longer. We're beginning to attract attention. Please, we need to keep moving.” Twilight implored as she glanced behind her. Taking a deep but shaky breath, Dash nodded. “I know... Let's go.” Without another word she cantered away from the news stand. Twilight gave one last look at the paper before following after her. What have we done?! The entire Apple family?! Even Apple Bloom? She's just a filly! She didn't have anything to do with this. And what about the Cakes and their babies? Celestia wasn't above arresting a colt. If they got arrested for just being related to the ponies that helped us what's going to happen to Applejack and Pinkie Pie? “What have we done?” Twilight stifled her sobs but her tear filled eyes were nearly over flowing. Her chest was tight and a lump was forming in her throat. “We did what we had to... and it may have killed our only friends. Please, I- I know it hurts. I want to scream and cry and hold you right now, but if we don't want what they did to be for nothing, we have to hold it it. No matter how much it burns.” Twilight could almost feel the pain and anger in her words. What she was angry at she couldn't be sure. Anger at Celestia, at Herself, or maybe even at her friends for risking everything for them. Dash came to an abrupt stop as she stared into the window of a shop. Exquisitely crafted armor and trinkets adorn the window. The metal was decorated with golds and silvers but, another aspect of it caught Dash's attention, vibrant streaks of cobalt blue complemented the golds. The shops name was written on a large metal sign above the window. Cobalt Metallurgy. “Cobalt... I think this is it.” Dash whispered in disbelief. The anger from only moments ago had been transformed into astonishment. “Are you sure?” “Yeah. I can feel it, this is the place.” “Even if we go in there's no guarantee that they won’t report us.” Twilight cautioned looking cautiously at the door. “I know, but we can't turn back now. I'll protect you, I promise we'll make it out okay. Besides, her son and husband were both taken, I doubt she'll want to help Celestia.” Unless she uses us to bargain for their release. “I won't let anything happen to you either. There's no point if we don't make it out together.” “I know. After this we can get out of Equestria, to a place where we won’t be hunted anymore. We can live our lives peacefully together. Come on, we have a family to save.” And what about the families we put in prison? What about the lives we've ruined? Can we really just abandon them? I won't put Twilight in any more danger. I refuse to live without her. Even if- even if it means abandoning Applejack and Pinkie? This isn't fair! I just want to be with her! I love her, why is that wrong?! With hidden a storm of fury and confusion raging in her heart, Rainbow slowly pushed open the door. I'm so sorry girls ... For everything.