//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Purloined Heart // by Harmonious Tempest //------------------------------// The night was long for the two torn lovers as they faced the all revealing dawn. What should have been a beautiful morning was now shrouded with gloomy despair, but this was not about to stand in the way of one lovestruck pegasus. Rainbow Dash was going to do everything in her power to make this right, but she didn't know where to start. Hoping that by some miracle Twilight could have slept off last nights exchange was a long shot. The look of devastation that had washed over those royal, purple eyes was proof enough that time alone couldn't fix these wounds. Having slept for no more than an hour or two, Rainbow's eyes slowly revealed the effects of her long night of self-pity. Weary and disdained, Rainbow struggled to free herself from her bed. Touching ground her wings achingly spread from her sides in an attempt to lift herself off of the floor. Nauseous and pale she clumsily hovered into her bathroom and slouched in front of her mirror. The rainbow pony could barely look at the disappointment she had become. Her eyes expressed her exhaustion as her mane showcased her stress. Not even the cool water of the sink could wash away the pain coursing through her head, but in truth she was glad. Though her skull felt like it was struck by lightning, it was all she needed to know that she was still real. With the sun still crawling over the horizon there was no point in rushing over to Twilight's home and pleading for forgiveness. If anything this would only exacerbate the situation. If Twilight was still asleep she was not about to be the one to wake her, and if she was awake there was a good chance she was still pretty upset. Either way it was in her best interest to take a flight and clear her mind. She had already caused enough damage, and flying in half-cocked wouldn't help her odds. If she was truly going to capture the affection of the fair maiden she had to be at her best. To do this she needed to reconnect with herself. Only with the refreshing breath of the world rippling through her mane was Rainbow Dash really able to find peace. Flying was her life, her passion, and her world, and up until recently there was nothing that surpassed it. Nothing, until Twilight. Lightly casting off of her cloud sculpted home Rainbow floated into the heavens as the morning sun graced the citizens below. Breathing in the fresh air allowed her mind to focus. Touring the city Rainbow's body slipped the surly bonds of earth. Frozen like a still drying painting, Ponyville watched as Rainbow Dash raced through her streets. Her speed and determination were unmatched as the warm air funneled around her. Reaching the peak of ascension her wings opened wide allowing for a powerful breeze to pass over her feathers. Her eyes leisurely closed as the vision of her beloved city raced through her mind, and then like a clap of thunder Rainbow plummeted from the sky. Spiraling toward the ground Rainbow's face showed no fear. It was funny how mere inches from certain death Rainbow remained as cool as an ice cube, but when presented with the opportunity for happiness she was terrified. Why did she freeze? If only she had said how she felt. Whatever the case she knew that Twilight wasn't going anywhere. As long as she didn't wait too long she would still have a chance to make things right. Feeling her confidence grow, Rainbow Dash started her descent toward the still awe-inspiring Castle of Friendship. Its crystal exterior glistened in the sun as it casted a colorful array over the frightened mare. The beautiful monument of friendship could not stifle her fear. Though her face held a certain ferocity her hooves couldn't hide the truth. She was scared. Gracefully landing in the grand hallway Rainbow was soon overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions. Lost in a hypnotic state she stumbled her way through the castle's interior as she searched for her love. Before she could back out she soon found herself staring down the door to Twilight's bedroom. The air in the hallway hung stagnate as the shadows danced across the walls. Frozen against the soft glow of candlelight the cyan pony exhaled a long breath of air as she steadied her shaking hooves. Hesitant Rainbow raised her hoof to the door and produced a singular knock upon its wooden frame. “Twilight? Its me, Rainbow Dash. Can we talk?” Rainbow's ear pressed tight against the cold door as she secretly hoped for no one to answer. “Twilight?” Still waiting for some sign of life, Rainbow crept into the lavish chamber only to find that it was empty. The silk sheets of the bed remained untouched and perfectly made as the rest of Twilight's adornments awaited her return. By the looks of it, no one had step hoof into the chamber since yesterday. Did Twilight make it home last night? Confused and a little alarmed Rainbow's pace steadily increased as she turned her attention toward searching the rest of the castle. Twilight had to be here somewhere. Consumed by Twilight's whereabouts Rainbow's thoughts struggled to maintain their sanity. The last thing she needed to do was jump to conclusions. Now rocketing through every corridor of the castle, Rainbow's search drew to an end as it proved a futile effort. Twilight was gone. Having exhausted every theory to her location, Rainbow slowly returned to the throne room. Tired and upset the young mare sluggishly lowered into her seat. Where could Twilight have gone? The truth of the matter was Twilight most likely went out for some breakfast or took a trip to the store, but if that was the case then why did she feel so bad. Could it be that Twilight never made it home? Rainbow's mind swirled with doubt allowing her hope to dwindle. Wallowing in her own self-pity, her head slowly fell into her hooves. What was she going to do? Suddenly a sound erupted from a nearby passage. Distant at first the noise soon echoed throughout the grand hall until it came to a sudden stop. “Hey Rainbow, what are you up to?” Rainbow's s perked with excitement at the presence of Spike's cheery voice. “Just ruining my life. Hey Spike, you wouldn't happen to know where Twilight is, would you? I really need to talk to her.” Rainbow's eyes were locked on the marble floor as she tried to hide the tears flowing down her face. “Oh, she didn't tell anyone?” “Tell us what? “Well that makes sense. I mean, it just happened late last night.” Spike leisurely climbed into his stone cathedra. Making himself comfortable the purple dragon carefully broke the spine to his latest issue of Power Ponies. “Spike, will you just tell me already?” “Alright, alright, calm down. Last night Twilight received a letter from Princess Celestia about needing her help. So Twilight gathered her things and took off.” “Did the letter mention where she was going or how long she would be gone?” “Yeah, I think she said something about going to the Macintosh Hills. I believe the dragon migration is passing through that area, and Celestia wanted Twilight to take this opportunity to really study their migration behaviors. Whatever the case Twilight felt like she needed to leave right away.” Never looking up from his printed heroes Spike carried on like all was right with the world. “Well, why didn't you go with her?” Rainbow ascended to the ceiling as her voice grew stern. The young pegasus remembered all to well what happened the last time they crossed paths with those dragons, and Twilight's safety was the only thing on her mind. “Hey it's not like she gave me much choice in the matter. Twilight told me that she was just going to be gone a few days. She also said that I had to stay here and watch after the castle. Besides I am positive that if she needed my help she would have brought me along. I am her number one assistant after all.” “Well, was there anything else before she left?” Rainbow trotted in place as she grew more and more impatience. “You know, now that you mention it. She seemed awfully focused on her work. You know, not in the way she normally is, but really focused. The only time I have seen her like that was when she was upset.” “And you let her leave like that?” “I'm not worried. She's just doing some research for Celestia. She'll be fine.” Pacing back and forth, Rainbow struggled with her conscious. Judging by how quick Twilight left town, it was clear she wanted to distance herself from the whole situation. On the other hoof Twilight might have just ran headlong into trouble. Spike was right. Twilight was more than capable of taking care of herself. She did single hoofedly defeat Tirek. Besides how much trouble can one pony get into. That being said this was Twilight she was talking about. Trouble came with the territory. “So she is heading toward the Macintosh Hills, right?” “That's what the letter said.” “Okay, that's South of Ponyville. So that means I would have to fly over the Everfree Forest, pass over the town of Appaloosa, and final make my way up the mountain side. Okay, seems easy enough. No problem there. Got it.” Speaking aloud Rainbow planned out her trip. Twilight had an several hour lead, and if Rainbow was going to catch up to her she couldn't stop for anything. It was going to be an endurance test, but Rainbow was wanting a opportunity to push her flying ability. “So, when do we leave?” Spike eagerly sprung from his seat as he triumphantly posed for his audience. “Sorry Spike, I need you to stay here. Not that I don't enjoy your company, but I will move faster on my own. Besides someone needs to stay behind and tell the others where we went.” “You sound just like Twilight. Fine, I'll stay here with the owl.” Spike threw up his arms in defeat as he slowly turned away from the excited mare. Before Spike could return to his book, Rainbow had exploded out of the crystal hall and out the grand entry way. Equipped with nothing more than her driving passion for Twilight, she tore through the streets like a bat out of Tartarus. She was on a mission and nothing was going to stand in her way. More importantly she wasn't going to let her emotions tear her down. Rainbow knew that if she was going to be any help she needed to be calm and collected. All Rainbow wanted was a chance to share in Twilight's love, and maybe spend some time together. Mostly she just wanted to look upon her gorgeous allure one more time. Rainbow had no doubt that Twilight was safe, but she would feel better seeing it for herself. “Next stop, the Macintosh Hills. Twilight, I won't be long, I promise.” With the sun on her left Rainbow sailed through the endless ocean of the sky. With determination as her sword and love as her armor the young pegasus had her heading. Nothing in her life truly made sense until now. Her future had arrived, and she was ready to go.