//------------------------------// // When The Light Fades // Story: Into Darkness We Ride // by Rated Ponystar //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash could barely remember the smells of spring after five years of living in the Crystal Empire. The shades of green grass, blue sky, and warm sun were nothing more than fickle memories after so long living in a dark, colorless, and near-lifeless world. She stared from the Commander’s HQ Tower towards the distant snowy void that separated the Empire from the lands she once called home. A home that was long gone. She looked up at the black sky and red clouds. There was no sunlight, moonlight, or starlight to shine above; it was a sight she could scarcely get used to even after all this time . She’d never imagined that this would be the life she and Applejack would be forced to live by. A life of grief, sorrow, darkness, and death. “Commander Dash? I have the death reports from the latest insurrection,” announced a private. He was a crystal pony, but it was sometimes hard to tell anymore due to the lack of shine. Then again, none of them had anything to be shining about. Rainbow Dash took the paper and scowled. Another four recruits dead, and not one of them by the hooves of Sombra’s forces. “Did Cadence give the sentencing for the rebels?” “Death by hanging. It’s scheduled for tomorrow morning. Will you be there, sir?” asked the private. “No. I’ve seen enough hangings to last me a lifetime,” muttered Dash, as she sat down on her seat. Her silver and white crystal armor, marred enough to invite a seasoned general’s envy, made it uncomfortable to sit, but she was used to ignoring it. Leaning back on her seat, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and sighed. “This is the fourth rebellion this year. Hay, I wouldn’t even call it a rebellion. Just one big long riot.” “They were hanging Equestrians and burning their homes. They blame the immigrants for all the disasters over the past five years,” said the private, shaking his head. This angered Dash enough that she slammed her hoof on the table, kicking up her scrolls and day-old coffee. “Idiots! Don’t they know that Sombra’s coming here regardless and enslaving them or killing them all anyway?! We’re better off fighting together; not against each other!” “Th-they’re afraid, sir. Rations are low, more ponies are being drafted by the day, and the curfew laws were unpopular from the beginning. And we’re barely able to keep our army stocked and supplied, much less the common citizen. Maybe if we tried going on the offensive it would give everypony hope,” said the private. Rainbow Dash winced in response and wished she hadn’t run out of her alcohol. She would have killed for a cider.  The private had brought up one of the most disastrous operations of the entire war. Two years building their forces, fighting small armies who attempted to breach the city, and Shining Armor decided to make an effort to break out and regain control of the Equestrian homeland. It had been a mission of hope too. Calling it a disaster was the nice way of putting it. She had been there as a captain at the time. They never made it out of the empire’s frozen wastelands. The storms and lack of viable transportation had hindered their progress. Without cover or a base to help supply them, they were forced to wait halfway for new supplies from the city. By then, Sombra’s corrupted army had been given enough time to rush in and wipe out half their forces in one catastrophic pincer maneuver. What remained of their ground forces barely made it back to the city as Sombra’s troops continued to hound them. It took the last of the energy from the Crystal Heart to keep them safe and the city standing. Those two long weeks had put an indefinite hold on any future offenses. They had survived, but had lost so many good ponies for it. Worse, the Crystal Heart lay in useless fragments, its energy all but depleted. Shining Armor still hadn’t forgiven himself for his mistake. Ever since, it had turned into a defensive war against numerous sieges year after year. And while the city still stood, its spirit had long since faded. “Head home, Private. Go see your family,” muttered Dash receiving a salute in return. When he was gone, Rainbow Dash got up, shed her armor and returned it to its stand. She looked mournfully at the neck-mounted crest. The flag of Equestria with both Luna and Celestia circling as one, surrounded by four cutie marks of the greatest friends she had ever known. Along with those was a symbol used by three fillies, one of which she once called her little sister. She shed a tear in remembrance. The final gem was carved out as a pink cloud for somepony she had once known nothing but hatred for, yet she owed her life to for his sacrifice. It was for all of them, all of the fallen, that she continued to fight. Many didn’t care about defeating Sombra. Most cared only about living to see another day. Some even called it the “End Times”. But Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at the symbols of those she chose to honor. She would not give up for their sake. Not until she had slain Sombra himself or died trying. She was still the Element of Loyalty. Speaking of Elements, I should get home and see what AJ’s got cooking for dinner, thought Dash, feeling her stomach growling. She spread her wings and flew out of the window, doing a quick fly-by of her own forces before turning back south for home. So many faces she knew were long gone. And even those of them that yet remained were no longer the ponies she had once known. Everypony had changed. And it was not always for the better. * * * While the Crystal Empire only had one city, it was large enough to be a small country in its own right. It was divided into twelve districts, each named after the birthstones of the month. The thirteenth central Platinum district, where the Palace and other important buildings of the government resided, had been offered as a home to the two. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, however, had chosen to remain with their fellow Ponyville refugees in the Sapphire District. Yet home, such as it was, was anything but a jewel. Ever since the Crystal Heart’s destruction; the crystalline structures had begun to dull and lose their luster, much like the hearts of everypony who lived there. What had once been a shining, blue neighborhood had become as grey and mottled as a rain cloud. Rainbow Dash came to a landing on the street her house was located on, garnering the attention of both Equestrian and Crystal ponies who bowed before her. It unnerved her a bit, a feeling that the old Rainbow Dash would have been shocked to feel. The truth was that they were latching onto her. Being one of the two remaining Elements of Harmony, it was their belief—even if they never outright said it—that somehow she and Applejack could save the world with some kind of miracle. But the world didn’t need two Elements. It needed six. Still, she wouldn’t shatter what glimmer of hope remained, no matter how small, and she still owed her loyalty to those who looked up to her. She waved and smiled at them, giving some light to their dark and dreary lives. “Rainbow Dash!” A voice cried out, catching her attention. She turned around and saw Rumble flying towards her with a smile on his face. “I thought I saw you. What are you doing here so early?” “Just decided to take the rest of the day off. No sightings of Sombra’s goons and I’m pretty sure the military meat-heads can run stuff without me. Barely,” joked Dash as she held out her hoof. The teenager hoofbumped back. “So what are you up to?” “I’ve been talking to ponies about that rebellion a couple days ago. I heard they're gonna be hanging the ponies that led it. Is that true?” he asked excitedly. Dash frowned. “Is that really something to get so worked up about?” Rumble noticed his fault and lowered his head in shame. “S-sorry. But you know they could be corrupted by Sombra. Just like... just like last time...” A small tear dripped down Rumble’s cheek as Dash walked over and gave him a hug. “Rumble, I’m sorry for what happened to your brother. I know you miss him, but you don’t need to go on a one-pony crusade to make sure that there aren’t any corrupted ponies in the city. You can’t go through them all and we have to have some measure of trust,” said Rainbow Dash. “We trusted Miss Cheerilee and looked what happened then...” muttered Rumble in a dark tone, almost as if saying his former teacher’s name was a curse. “That wasn’t Cheerilee, kid. You know that. She died the second he got a hold of her...” Rainbow Dash sighed and closed her eyes, wishing Cheerilee had just told somepony. Nopony knew how it came to pass, or whether it was before or after she started her group for better conditions for Equestrian ponies. By the time they learned she had incited another rebellion it was too late, and even more lives were lost. “Just… try remember who she was before all this started.” Rumble kicked the ground and growled. “I barely even remember those days anymore! All I can think about is how we’re stuck in this stupid place and we can’t get out! And then my brother joins the army to protect me and a pony from Ponyville gets him. He deserved better than that...” “They all do,” said Dash patting him on the back. “Look, squirt, why don’t you head back to your folks? We’ll talk more later.” “Can you help me get into the military early?” asked Rumble, with a renewed smile and a faint hint of bloodlust in his eyes. “I want to protect my home like everypony else!” Home... thought Rainbow Dash as she looked down the street. The poor skin-and-bones ponies, begging for food while vendors only sold small amounts of it or other necessities. Crystal ponies passed by, glaring at the “intruders” who were taking up their rightful home. The streets were lined with growing numbers of houses with black ribbons wrapped around their lampposts or mailboxes, symbolizing yet another dead loved one who had joined the millions already lost to the calamity. All this misery, suffering, hatred, and more... it wasn’t home. This is hell. “Yeah, we’ll talk about it later,” muttered Dash as she turned away and made for her house on the corner. She didn’t even bother saying goodbye. She just wanted off the street. * * * “I’m home!” Rainbow announced with a smirk, kicking the door shut behind her. She could smell the soup being made in the kitchen... again. She wanted nothing more than to complain but knew better than to do so. Food was scarce enough and had to be rationed carefully. Nopony ate a three course meal anymore, and no five-star restaurant was open for business. Rich or poor, it was reality. What I would do for a hayburger with fries, she thought. Applejack soon appeared and smiled. “Welcome back, Rainbow.” Rainbow Dash gave a small smile back. “Hey, smells like heaven in the kitchen.” Smirking, Applejack guided her back towards the dining room where she laid out the seat cushions. “Well, Ah managed to bargain for some crystal zucchini and rosemary for the soup. Problem was Ah had to give up the last of our ‘taters.” “Fine by me. I’d skip another day of potato soup and bread. At least the soup’ll taste different this time,” she said, sitting down. Applejack fetched the utensils while the soup simmered. Applejack hadn’t changed much from the old days. When she wasn’t minding the household, she was out in the streets helping however she could. Even during the Apocalypse, Applejack was still her dependable self. It was like a little taste of home, and it made Rainbow smile. She, on the other hand, had a working job on the front line. Applejack had joined the reserves, but only saw action during major sieges. It had surprised both of them how quickly they had adapted to their new roles in life, but necessity could push ponies into anything. Those who knew them had the playful habit of calling them a married couple, much to their chagrin. It hadn’t been an easy life. There were riots, looters, and of course a lack of food and the constant threat of death. Despite it all, however, they had each other and their friendship was strong as ever. Applejack came in with the soup and placed it on the table. Dash rubbed her hooves together and reached to claim a helping before AJ smacked her hoof away. “Ouch!”  Applejack scowled at her. “Dash...” Rainbow blinked. “Oh right, sorry,” apologized the flyer as she and Applejack turned to a photo hanging over their fireplace. It was the only photo they had left of the six of them and their once favorite dragon back in the good old days. All of them, smiling without a care in the world. Five candles in the respective fallen’s colors were beside it in mourning as the two looked at the photo. Their prayers were silent ones. It had been something the two of them had taken up since their second year in the Crystal Empire. Before, they would have said grace to Celestia or Luna, but with both alicorns gone it seemed like a waste. So instead, they offered their graces to their friends, praying they were happy and watching over them. “I miss them,” muttered Applejack, sighing with melancholy. “I wonder what they would be doing if they were with us now?” Dash thought about it long and hard. “Well, Rarity would be trying to fix the Crystal Heart and make it sparkle again and see if she can chip pieces off for a dress.” Applejack gave her a raised eyebrow. “Kidding. She’d do it to give everypony hope. And let’s see… Fluttershy would help at the hospitals or orphanages, but she’d hide under a table whenever something blew up.” She smiled thinking upon her oldest friend. “Twilight would be doing what she did... before she died; finding a way to stop Sombra. And Spike would be there making sure she didn’t push herself too much.” “And Pinkie?” asked AJ, smirking as if she knew the answer. “Making everypony smile.” She sighed. “It sure is something I think we need more of,” said Dash as she dug into her soup. “Probably an end-of-the-world party or something, knowing that mare.” Applejack nodded in agreement before feasting herself. Dinner remained quiet for the most part and that was what worried Dash. Applejack always had something to say at dinner unless it was bad news. Then she would keep it to herself until Dash had to force the issue. With a heavy sigh, Dash said, “Look, just tell me what it is so we don’t have to beat the bush and I have to hoofwrestle you for it. I’ve got three-hundred and sixty wins, and I’m itching for three-hundred sixty-one.” “First off, yer on three hundred and fifty-nine,” pointed out Applejack. Rubbing the back of her neck, Applejack shook her head and frowned. “Lyra and Bon Bon killed themselves this mornin’.” If it had been three years ago, Rainbow Dash would have been shocked. Time and repetition had numbed her to the news, however. Rainbow Dash sighed. “At least they‘re together.” She looked up from the table and over to her friend. “How?” “Poison. They found ‘em in bed, wrapped up together,” answered Applejack. “Want to go to the funeral? Or are we skippin’ this one too?” It was a sad thing in life when you had to make a decision to go to a funeral or skip it. Considering there was one almost every day, however, made it a necessity at times if one wanted to live a life. The graveyards were running out of room and ponies had started to cremate their dead, anyway. “I guess we should go. At least we knew them better than we did with the last pony we knew who died. Who was it again?” “Colgate.” “Right, her.” There was a pause. “Ya ever think about it?” asked Applejack, lazily earning Dash’s raised eyebrow. “Killin’ yerself? Endin’ it all? Gettin’ away from this whole thing?” “No,” quickly answered Rainbow Dash, pushing her soup away. Suddenly, she wasn’t feeling hungry anymore. “I’m not taking the coward’s way out. I’m going to beat Sombra for all that he’s done to us or die trying.” Dash narrowed her eyes and glared at Applejack. “Why? Have you?” “Once...” confessed Applejack, lowering her hat over her eyes. “When Apple Bloom died...” Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and slowly reached her hoof over the table. Applejack extended her own and held Rainbow’s as tight as she could. The two of them opened their eyes and stared at the only other pony they knew who knew their pain. After all the tragedy, all the pain, and all the suffering, they still had each other. It was them against the world and nothing else. “This can’t go on anymore, something has to be done,” muttered Rainbow Dash. Groaning she used her other foreleg to smash the table. “I wish I knew what that was.” “It’s gonna end somehow, sugarcube. One way or another,” muttered Applejack, letting go. Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, but before she could speak there was a frantic knock at the door. The two looked at each other with curious glances before Rainbow got up and opened it. Another soldier pegasus saluted her. “Commander Dash? His Majesty, Prince Shining Armor, and Her Majesty, Princess Cadence, would like you to come to the palace at once. It’s an emergency.” Rainbow frowned. “What’s the state of the emergency?” “That, I don’t know. I’m sorry, sir.” She sighed and dismissed the messenger. Applejack was already up and heading for the door. “What do you think it is?” Dash had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. “I don’t know, but something tells me we’re in for, as Pinkie would say, a doozie.”