//------------------------------// // Dash of Grimmjow // Story: Fragments of the Past // by Hidemain //------------------------------// GET AWAY Rainbow Dash screamed as she galloped through the desert under a forever crescent moon. Rainbow was not one to admit her fears to many but at this moment all she could think of was that beast closing in on her. She felt helpless like no matter how fast she ran or flew it would be there to torment her till end of her days. Her first thought was to fight the being, but those steel blue eyes portrayed nothing. It was not the creature’s sheer size, being easily three times that of a pony or the bone like armor it was encased in. No it was the eyes they were uncaring unmoving. Focused but without purpose like if the being had the slightest whim it destroy all in its path to reach it’s temporary goal and not look back. Rainbow sneaked a look back on to see the creature gaining on her with neither hurry or rush. The creature cantered steadily forward while she tried desperately to distance herself from the beast. She suddenly tripped and rolled through the sand. She rolled around quickly shaking her head from the dizzy spell. When she looked back the creature was gone and breathed a sigh of relief only sharply inhale after turning forward coming muzzle to muzzle with it. Her heart stopped as the creature just stared at her. Her deep magenta eyes locked onto it’s steely blue ones. The creature opened its maw wide and bit into her shoulder. She screamed in agony as it’s jaws tore into her flesh and bone. ~ “EEEAAAAAHHHH!!” Rainbow screamed bolting up right on her cloud bed dripping in sweat and tears. She looked out her window and stared at the full moon and Luna’s beautiful night. “Just… a... Nightmare.” She laid back down but sleep would not come the rainbow maned Pegasus. No she would spend the rest of the night trying to fight the images out of her head. Ch. 1 “Fresh Homegrown Apples!!! Two bits a bushel!!” Applejack was in the market selling her wares where she could. Business in Ponyville was slow this morning the main rush had already died down and everypony else had their own work to get to after all. Applejack sighed and shook her head then started making her way back to her farm when she noticed Rainbow Dash not flying and actually seemed depressed. Applejack walked up behind the mare poked her with a hoof “Ya’ll alrig-“ She was cut off when Dash gasped and took to the air like Fluttershy on well any occasion. Dash’s eyes darted back and forth looking for something and she was in hyperventilating. “Dash your more jumpy than a hen in fox’s nest.” Applejacks words seemed to calm her down some. “Sorry Applejack I’ve just not been sleeping well.” Applejack could tell there were obvious rings around her eyes. And her mane and coat were more matted than usual. And although she wasn’t a Pegasus Applejack could tell her wings hadn’t been preened in a while. All in all her friend was is in rough shape. “Ya’ll look terrible what’s wrong Dash.” Dash looked at her concerned friend. “It’s NOTHING!!” she hastly replied not wanting to explain her constant nightmares. “I’ve just been over working myself on some routines that’s all! Actually I’m just gonna find a place for a nap should do me a lot of good.” Dash took off before Applejack could stop her. Rainbow Dash flew fast as her tired wings could taker. How was she supposed to tell her best friend and rival that she hadn’t gotten any sleep in weeks because of the nightmares. She kept wondering why Princess Luna hadn’t come to her aid at all. By now she’s lucky to get two or three hours a night leaving her extremely tired. And unfocused throughout the day. She landed and laid her head back on one of the Apple family’s apple trees. She knew that Applejack or Big Mac would find her here eventually. Maybe she could confide in him, he wasn’t type to blab secrets and these nightmares have only continued to get worse. She shook her head at the memory of them and stared up in the tree. Exhaustion took her over and she fell asleep right there. ~ Rainbow was in a large stone room with tiled floors. In front of her was a large pillar with a throne made of stone. The being that sat on it looked like a pink hairless ape (except for the head) wearing a black and white hakama. Both its hair and eyes were a dark brown. It had a friendly looking face one that didn’t show any ill intent. ‘Reminds me of Princess Celestia In a way’ she thought to herself. “Welcome back Grimmjow” It spoke in a definite male tone. Rainbow was now made aware of the other being in the room just to her left another hairless ape this one with chocolate covered skin. It’s hair long and black, the eyes were covered with a white ribbon. This one’s clothes were similar to the one on the thrones but it was sleeveless and all white. It was also closed at the front with long orange ropes hanging off and around its shoulders. “Well” It spoke in a deep whisper but was again obviously male. “Don’t you have something to say Grimmjow?” “Not really” came another voice. She looked around trying to find its owner only to find they were the only ones in the room. Rainbow was confused where was this other voice coming from? The Dark one turned to her “How dare you-“ “It’s alright Kaname” Kaname was cut off by the other one. “I’m not upset.” “Aizen-sama?” Kaname questioned. “I believe Grimmjow’s actions were an attempt to please me but got a bit carried away.” Aizen continued before sitting straight up with the same stoic expression. “Is that correct? Grimmjow.” He asked with shrunken pupils. “That’s right.” The voice said again this time Rainbow knew where the voice came from. It was coming from her but it clearly wasn’t her voice. And yet it clearly came from her. Kaname grabbed her should and instinctively tried to get away, flapping her wings useless trying to pry it’s vice grip paws off her. “What the hell’s your problem, Tousen” the voice asked again speaking through her. Kaname only turned to Aizen. “Aizen-sama give me permission to execute him!” This made Rainbow stop struggling and stare wide-eyed at Kaname.‘How could somepony just bring up execution like that! She mentally screamed. “Kaname…” was Aizen’s only reply before something threw Kaname’s arm off her. “Ha... You wish!” That other voice said in tone much like her own when someone thought they could beat her in a race. “You just can’t stand me, can you? Is it ok for a commanding officer to act like that?” the voice arrogantly chided. “I believe that those who disturb the peace should not be forgiven.” That was it? Somepony was being too loud or something this thing felt they deserved to die for it?! “That is all.” “For the group’s sake?” the voice asked. In low tone. “For Aizen-sama” Kaname replied not looking at her again. The voice made a short laugh “Ha! Your always thinking about your morals aren’t you?” “That’s right I always act based on my morals.” Well duh Dash thought everypony does that. Kaname gripped his sword which Dash was only just then noticing. “Which your actions completely lack. Without a higher cause behind it, justice is nothing more than slaughter.” Kaname drew just a bit of the sword from its sheath. Rainbow was getting scared and didn’t know what to think anymore. “But slaughter in the name of a higher cause…” Dash couldn’t even the see the blade coming and heard a bare whisper “is justice.” Rainbow screamed as her foreleg and wing were sliced clean off. ~ Rainbow bolted awake with a gasp. She steadily calmed herself, before taking in her surroundings. Its about midday somehow she managed to get an extra few hours of sleep. Much needed she surmised. “Ugh… well at least this one wasn’t too bad.” She said allowed. Then paused “AH CRUD!!! IM LATE!” She had forgotten that she was supposed to meet her friends for picnic lunch. She took off as fast as she could to the rendezvous. Upon arrival she saw everything already set up, and everypony huddled around Twilight who was looking at a letter with Spike. Her friends seemed pretty excited about something. Except for Twilight anyway she seemed more upset. When Rainbow landed all of her friends instantly greeted her. “Isn’t it superific Rainbow we all get to go to Canterlot for a wedding?! And you’ll be able to do your sonic rainboom for when they do their vows!!!!” Pinkie pie excitedly exclaimed. “Say what now?” was all Dash could think of to say. “Wellll when we all got here we noticed that you weren’t here and then Applejack said that you weren’t looking all that good earlier today and said you were sleeping out in her orchard again. I wanted to go get you but Applejack said you needed rest and we all agreed that we’d go and get you later then. And then Spike came here with a letter from Princess Celestia saying she our help with a wedding between twilights BBBFF, that’s big-brother-best-friends-forever for short, and a Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Still don’t know who that is. But anyway Fluttershy is doing the music, I’m doing the reception, Applejack is doing the catering, Rarity is doing the dresses for the bride and bridesmaids, Twilight will be organizing.” She breathed for the first time “AAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNDDDD Celestia wants you to perform a sonic rainboom when they do their ‘I dos.” She finished. “That’sss AWESOMS!!!” Dash exclaimed pumping herself up for the best wedding in the century. “Uh will you be alright Rainbow I mean Applejack was right you really don’t look all that well.” Fluttershy asked noticed the worn and tired look of her friend. “Yeah sugar cube I know your hyped and all that but you look like you’d drop dead at any moment.” Applejack added. Dash looked over to Twilight who was obviously upset about her brother. “Course I’ll be fine. I’m not gonna let Twilight’s brother not get the best performance of his life on his wedding day!! Besides that little nap earlier made me feel a lot better.” She wasn’t lying even though she still had a nightmare it was actually one of the tamer ones she’s had and actually got a bit of sleep from it. And maybe I can talk to Princess Luna about this. She thought. The group took the train to Canterlot. The others were all busy talking about how exciting it was going to be to set up the wedding. Rainbow was too afraid to try and rest in fear of getting another nightmare in front of her friends. She opted to chatting with her friends and whatever she could keep mind occupied. As they approached canter a large pink force field surrounded the city. The bubble passed over them each of them safely. Then it hit Rainbow and she felt like she was being stabbed with needles all over body before the shield finished its course. “Ahh… did anypony else feel like they got mobbed by doctors.” She groaned. “It seemed fine with us.” Applejack pointed out. Looking around Rainbow noticed all her friends were perfectly fine. “What just me. What the hay!” Before anything else could be said the train stopped and the six mares left the train care. “What’s with all the guards?” Dash asked seeing the dozen guards waiting at the station. “Oh I’m sure they’re just taking precautions celebrity weddings attract the strangest of ponies.” Rarity assured. As if to emphasize her point Pinkie sneezed and confetti came out her nose. Twilight went off ahead to see her brother while, the rest of them wen to make preparations for the wedding. “Uh hey guys I need to go... stretch… sooo ill catch you guys later.” Dash pronounced as she too headed off towards the castle. “Ya’ll I’m really starting to worry bout that mare.” Applejack spoke as the group watched her fly away. “I know” Rarity said gaining everyone’s attention “during the entire train ride she looked like she was ready to pass out but she just wouldn’t let herself sleep.” “You noticed that too Rarity?” Applejack asked “Now I’m REALLY worried it’s not like rainbow to not want to sleep. And to top it off she lied just now, and this morning. She said she’d been overworking herself with a new routine. But she seems more like she hasn’t had a good night sleep in days.” “So if she lied just now where do you think she’s going?” Fluttershy asked. “It looked like she headed towards the castle, but we can’t follower we all have to prepare the wedding.” Rarity pointed out. ~ “Please can I see the Princess its really urgent.” Rainbow all but begged the guards outside the throne room. “Nopony is allowed to see the Princess until after the wedding. We are on high alert for a reason.” The black guard said not moving. “Pleeeaassee I might go crazy if I don’t get any answers.” Now rainbow was begging. The guards didn’t seem to care and didn’t move from their post. Luckily Dash was saved when Princess Celestia opened the doors with magic and addressed the guards. “It’s alright I’ll see her.” “Yes your highness.” The Guards replied in unison before lifting their spears and letting her through. “It’s good to see you again Rainbow Dash, though I must say you look tired. Tell me what’s troubling you my little pony.” The princess said after eyeing the Pegasus’s condition. “Thanks, your majesty but uh that’s just it I don’t know what’s troubling me.” She looked around making sure she was alone. “I’ve been having nightmares for weeks now and I barely get any sleep at all. Every night I see huge monsters that could devour a dragon or fights to the death. I’m afraid just to fall asleep anymore.” Rainbow frustratingly explained. Princess Celestia furrowed her brow. There is not lie in her words why has Luna not visited her? “Tell me has my sister visited during any of these nightmares? “No Princess that’s why I came to see if she knew what was going on. I was hoping at least she could make the nightmares stop.” Rainbow has always been a strong mare if these nightmares are causing even her to feel such fear, I shudder to think what these nightmares hold. This could be serious. “Come with me Rainbow Dash. Luna is away and will not return until sundown. But I will do what I can to shed some light on what ails you.” Celestia led the desperate mare to her private study. “I cannot see into your active dreams like Luna can, but I can see what you remember about them. I want you to remember your last nightmare can you do that.” Rainbow sat on a plush pillow in front of Celestia. The Princess casually raised her hoof to the mares’ head and her horn began to glow. Rainbow could remember it all every detail of the dream Aizen, Kaname this Grimmjow with no face and especially her foreleg and wing being severed. Celestia’s horn faded and she looked at the mare worriedly. These were not simple nightmares of any form that much Celestia knew. I’ve never seen such horrid nightmares in a pony. “Please tell me Rainbow was this the worst you’ve faced?” Celestia asked hopeful. Rainbow shook her head “Well no Princess this is actually one of the better ones I managed to get a couple hours form it. Before well you know.” “I see. This is very troubling Rainbow Dash. I want you to stay in the castle tonight until my sister can examine your dreams more thoroughly. And if these dreams are as bad as you say then I can only imagine you won’t want to sleep anytime soon.” “Thank you Princess.” Rainbow looked down upset that Celestia couldn’t help her. But there’s still Princess Luna and she is the princess of dreams after all. She reminded herself. “Will you be able to perform the Sonic Rainboom during the wedding, I know you’re exhausted.” Celestia asked with a concerned frown. Rainbow looked up at the Princess. She didn’t want to disappoint her but she also knew this wasn’t time to be stubborn. With a heavy sigh she conceded “To be honest Princess the only way I’d be able to do that is with a full nights rest. And I’m fresh out of those.” She joked a little to ease herself from her shame. “It’s okay Rainbow Dash I understand I hope my sister will be able to help you, she should be here soon you may wait here while I look over the kingdom.” Celestia assured. “Also I’m worried that the threats to Canterlot might be connected to your dreams in some way. Just be on your guard.” With that Celestia left the room, Rainbow settled in. She didn’t have to wait long, Luna came through the door, with a hard expression. “My sister tells us that thine art having consistent nightmares is this so?” Rainbow bowed immediately before answering “Y-yes Princess I have been having similar nightmares for weeks now and truthfully I only thought to come now because we were invited to the wedding.” “Rise, we are friends are we not, thou dost not have to bow. Forgive us for sounding rude but we haven’t seen any nightmares in the vicinity of Ponyville.” Rainbow shook her head in disbelief “WHAT!! But I haven’t gotten any sleep at all!!! Sometimes I’m being ripped apart by monsters and other times I’m ripping them apart!” Her voice was now angry that she was being accused of lying. “HECK just this morning I had a dream where some naked ape sliced my leg and wing clean off!!” “We were not implying that thee were lying Rainbow Dash but stating an observation. Whatever has caused thine nightmares may well be the same thing that has threatened our kingdom.” Luna looked at the young mare with determination. “And no matter the case we will get to the bottom this friend Dash” Dash let her anger subside and looked up at the Princess of the night. “So if they’re not nightmares then what are they?” Dash asked now wanting very much to know. “Our abilities don’t just allow us to look into ongoing dreams but, dreams of the past as well.” Luna’s horn began to glow. “We are going to view every dream you’ve had in the past month. We want thee to relax and allow us to travel your mind.” Dash closed her eyes and allowed Luna’s magic to do its work. The first thing Luna noticed was that in every dream Rainbow Dash was never refered to by her name she was always called ‘Grimmjow’ it also became clear that these dreams were actually memories. While the dreams were terrifying to say the least, they lacked the personal feel nightmares have. All nightmares show fears contingent on the individual. These dreams were not aimed at Rainbow Dash specifically, they were recordings of somepony else’s life. Luna let her magic fade and looked down at the mare. “Rainbow Dash look at me.” Dash opened her eyes and looked up at the princess. “We now know for certain. These dreams you’ve been having are not dreams at all.” Rainbow looked at her confused but waited for her to continue “These are memories of the one named Grimmjow.” Dash’s eyes widened. “What… but how?” Rainbow now confused and scared. From her dreams she deemed this Grimmjow as a murderer and psychopath. How could his memories be in her head and for why were they in her dreams? “We have but one theory.” Luna said getting Dash’s attention again “Many ponies believe that when they die they become reincarnated as something else. It’s a long shot theory and we can’t rule out mental tampering from a unicorn magic but then that leaves the question why?” “Whoa whoa whoa you think I’m this monster!!!” Panic etched in her voice at the implications. But Luna cut it off before it could fester. “Nay Rainbow Dash we think that he is your past life not who you are.” Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief. “So can you… you know take him out of my head or his memories I mean.” She asked hopeful. “We cannot remove the memories I’m afraid they part of your being, and it is still a question on why your past memories are resurfacing now? However we can make it so you have a dreamless sleep tonight so you may perform well tomorrow.” Luna added with a smile “Oh and we were to inform you that you will also be the brides maid tomorrow. If you feel up to it that is.” “AWESOME. If you can just get me a good night’s sleep then ill be able to perform the rainboom and do the brides maid easy.” That night Rainbow Dash slept dreamlessly. And had gotten the best sleep she’d hand all month. Ch.2 The next morning the mane six, minus Twilight, were practicing for the big day. Rarity had informed Rainbow that she’d have to fix the dress later that day because she couldn’t rendezvous with them last night. Rainbow had to briefly explain that she exhausted herself with training so she fell asleep early. The mares giggled as they walked up the altar and stood to the side. Celestia proceeded to give Shinning and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza both of whom Rainbow had met for the first time that morning. ‘You don’t wanna be here.’ The voice sent a chill down Rainbow’s spine and she immediately looked around for the source. Though she knew who the voice belonged to without looking. “Grimmjow…” she whispered. Before looking around hoping nopony noticed. But now Celestia was eyeing her curiously. “I uh… INEEDTOUSETHEBATHROOM!!” Rainbow sprinted out the room without second thought passing Twilight just as she thrust the doors opened. The lavender mare gave her a surprised look before charging into room remembering what she had to do. Rainbow ran down hallway like her flank was on fire. She eventually stopped at the garden looking around impatiently to see if she was being chased. A cold laugh echoed in her head ‘You can’t out run memories stupid horse.’ “GRIMMJOW!!!” Rainbow screamed “Where are you?!!!” ‘I’m in your head idiot.’ Rainbow could swear he was smirking. “WELL GET OUT!!!” She screamed again. ‘Weren’t you listing to moony butt your my reincarnation so it’s as much my head as it is yours don’t you think.’ Grimmjow deadpanned. “DON’T INSULT THE PRINCESS LIKE THAT!!” Dash screamed again. ‘Oiy oiy settle down sheesh besides you were thinking it too’ he chuckled. “I WAS NOT!!” Dash yelled before trying to calm herself only successful after several breaths. ‘There feel better now’ Rainbow was about to comment but Grimmjow cut her off ‘Don’t care. NOW listen up and listen good.’ Rainbow stayed quiet. ‘I don’t know much about that bitch in there but she aint a pony.’ “WHAT!! WHO!?” Dash almost screamed again. “And how do you know?” ‘The cotton candy ass of course and I know because of our Pesquisa as an Arrancar we have the ability so sense reiatsu and tell the difference between species she doesn’t feel the same way as the rest of you.’ “Wait your saying Pinkie Pie’s not a pony?” Rainbow asked now just confused. ‘NO you idiot, the other candy ass. Cadenza if you’re still confused.’ Rainbow just sat on her haunches. “OK ok.” Rainbow taking a few breaths “Few questions number one why are just now talking to me and how? Question two if your in my head how are you using abilities I don’t have? I’m not an arrancar ya’ know. And Three why would you help me?” ‘In order because I couldn’t before, don’t know how. And the second you have my power in you don’t know how or why but yeah they’re there. And three why not I have your memories so in a way their my friends too.’ “YOU ATE YOUR FRIENDS!” Rainbow screamed again remembering a particularly unsettling memory from his past. ‘You already know the reason why I did it. And know that they wanted me too.’ He paused allowing his words to sink in. ‘and if you still don’t believe me wait and I’m sure she’ll tip her hand eventually.’ “Well I’m not ruining my best friend brother’s wedding based on just that.” ‘Whatever I think they’re still rehearsing shouldn’t you be in there.’ “Oh my gosh your right.” She paused before heading back inside “and please don’t say anything I don’t need everyone thinking I’m crazy.” ‘You’ve been talking to yourself for 20 minutes if anyone had been watching you’d have been on a stretcher to a mental home 5 minutes ago.’ “Right…” Dash continued inside to resume practice when her friends came out to meet her all of them had scowls on their faces. She didn’t like to angry look they all had. “uh… guys what’s goin on?” “Oh dear, Twilight just couldn’t let her brother go apparently.” Rarity stated sadly “The poor dear even made up a story on how Princess Cadence is evil. (sigh) I do hope she will forgive us but she needs to be supportive at this time not making up stories.” ‘Called it.’ “Shut uuup…” Rainbow whispered. “OH I know dear I couldn’t believe it either. But its true. She’s in there. Maybe you can talk some sense into her.” Rarity finished before walking off with the others to the dressing room. Rainbow fell behind part of her didn’t wana believe her friends would just abandon Twilight like that. ‘Some friends.’ Grimmjow mused in her head. Rainbow turned and headed to through to the chapel. She only got there in time to see Cadence exit through the other door. “Huh where is she?” Rainbow looked around the room for any sign of her friend. “Any ideas?” ‘Activate my Pesquisa again maybe we can track her down.’ “I can’t do that remember I’m not an arrancar.” Grimmjow sighed ‘You have all my abilities just look through my memories here I’ll help you.’ In a flash multiple images raced through Rainbow’s mind giving all the information she needed for the task. Rainbow closed her eyes and focused on the reiatsu. She now understood what Grimmjow meant all the reiatsu around her was varied in size and texture all being light blue. Cadence’s however was an eerie green, like that of the eyes of a timberwolf. Pin point Twilight amongst the multitudes of reiatsu. She started scanning franticly. Looking for anything that might be a lead. ‘Hold up you feel that there are two reiatsu signatures deep below the castle. I’m no Ulquiorra but I’d say that she bitch sent her somewhere after being called out.’ “THAT BITCH!” Rainbow screamed turning to chase after Cadence. ‘HOLD IT!’ Dash stopped in her tracks ‘If you chase her now you’ll be in the same predicament as Twilight. I suggest you tract down your friend first then comeback with back up.’ “But how do I get to her she’s that far below Canterlot I don’t even know where to start looking.” ‘Do I need to think of everything? Just search my memories I’m sure an idea will come to you.’ Rainbow smirked as the most obvious idea came to her. She took off out a nearby window and flew to the far side of the cliff bellow Canterlot. ‘Careful or you might incinerate your friend by mistake.’ Rainbow swallowed nervously ‘Just let the technique flow and you’ll get it on the first go.’ Rainbow took another breath making sure to get all the information before starting. Slowly she pointed her hoof towards rock face facing. A swirling red light around her hoof forming into a bright red ball. She felt her reiatsu continue build and the she released it. A large beam of light went straight through the rock face deep into the mountain. Rainbow’s mouth hung agape at the aftermath. “Did I do… THAT?! AWSOME!!” She proceeded to fly in circles pumping her hoof. ‘You’re an idiot you know that right.’ “And you’re a buzz kill.” She stated before flying down the newly made tunnel following the reiatsu. “Come on.” ‘I’m in your head I don’t have a choice!’ Rainbow flew as fast as she could down the tunnels. Soon coming to crystal catacombs she used her Pesquisa to follow the reiatsu. It still took the mare a good few hours to find her friend. ~This day was going to be perfect, the kind of day I’ve dreamed since I was small.~ ‘What are they doing?’ “Singing.” ~But instead of having cake, with all my friends to celebrate. ~ ‘Why haven’t they noticed us yet?’ Rainbow shrugged “Hey that’s the real princess or somthin?” ~My wedding bells may never ring for me at all.~ ‘Seems that way’ Rainbow nodded “HEEEY!!! You two want out or are you just gonna keep singing all day.” “RAINBOW?!” Twilight yelled just before tackling the mare. “It’s so good to see you. But why are you down here DID Chrysalis get you too?” “Well no actually. I left rehearsal just before you wen ape shit on the other Cadence. Grimmjow told me she wasn’t a pony and when I saw everyone’s angry faces walking out. I figured something up. Then I used the Pesquisa and followed the only two suspicious reiatsu, as in you’re the only two in the middle of the mountain. Kind of stick out like as sore thumb. So I used the cero to blast a hole in the side, WHICH WAS AWSOME!!! And then we made our way here.” Rainbow beamed brightly. ‘Dumbass’ and Rainbow facehooved. “OOoookaayyy” Twilight started slowly “um who’s Grimmjow??” Cadence finally walked up “Careful Twilight this might be another trick by Chrysalis.” “Right um… tell me something only Rainbow Dash would know.” Rainbow’s smile turned mischievous. “Oh well last month I fell asleep on your bed and when I woke uuuuup~” Twilight ran forward stuffed a hoof her mouth. “Ok Ok you’re the real Rainbow alright. Do you know how to get out of here?” Rainbow’s smirk never left. “Yeap just follow me cudlez” Rainbow start walking back the way they came. Cadence looked at twilight and raised a curious eyebrow at the lavender mare “he..he… she’s joking.” Twilight sped off after her friend. “Hey Grimmjow, I’ve been thinking.” ‘Did it hurt?’ “Ha ha smartass” Rainbow rolled her eyes “Why am I suddenly ok with you I mean you scared the hell out of me at first but now its… I don’t know like you’ve always been there.” ‘Well if I had to guess I’d say since you’re my reincarnation technically I have always been at least if moony butt right.’ Rainbow groaned ‘Well until we figure it all out I suggest you stop talking to yourself people are starting to stare.’ Rainbow looked back to see Twilight and Cadence giving her odd looks. “Heh…heh this way.” Dash led then down further into the caverns. Twilight knowing something was wrong spoke up. “Rainbow are you ok?” Rainbow scratched her head “I’m fine, just got a lot on my mind.” “But you were just talking to yourself and Applejack said you were exhausted before the wedding.” Rainbow looked around nervously. “And you didn’t meet us for dinner last night when we asked the guards they said you were resting.” “Look I’ll explain later but don’t, we have an evil princess to stop.” Rainbow pointed to their exit “and look we’re here.” Twilight gawked at the sight. A massive hole looked to be burned into the landscape. “Has this always been here I don’t remember a cave here?” “Uh… yeah here ill fly you up. Princess Cadence can you fly?” “I should be able to manage.” Cadence responded eager to get the ordeal over with. “But we need to hurry for my love’s sake.” “Alright.” Rainbow flew above twilight and carried her full-nelson style up to the streets of Canterlot. “Let’s get a move on.” Twilight, Cadence and Rainbow dash rushed to the cathedral as fast as they could. The three mares burst through the cathedral doors. “STOOOOP!!” Twilight screamed right as Celestia was about to finish the ceremony. Everyone in attendance groaned disapprovingly at her. Rarity put her a hoof to her face while the others. Made similar gestures of disapproval. The fake Cadence scoffed “Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother.” She quickly caught herself by fake crying “Why does she have to ruin my special day.” “Because it’s not yours it’s mine.” The real cadence stepped forward drawing attention to her. Her form was battered and beaten but she held determined and furious eyes. Everyone in the audience gasped. ‘Cliché much?’ “Totally.” “WHAT!? But how did you escape my bridesmaids!?” The fake Cadence continued. “There were Bridesmaids in there?” Rainbow asked. ‘Sounds like a weak security force if you ask me.’ “It Doesn’t matter your too late anyway.” The fake cadence continued. “ “Ah ah don’t understand how can there be two of them, and where have been Rainbow?” “Because she’s a changeling she takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off you love for them.” Cadence dramatically explained. ‘still cliché.’ “Dude shut up it’s getting to the good part.” The fake Cadence’s horn and eyes glowed and she encased in glowing green pillar of energy. When the light dissipated a Black pony clad in chitin stood. “Right you are princess. And as queen of the changelings its up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than anyplace I have ever encountered…..Blah BlahBlah ” “Hey I WANA listen to this!” Rainbow yelled at Grimmjow. Everyone went quiet and stared at her. Rainbow cleared her throat “uh yeah go ahead.” “Any way” Chrysilis continued “with all the love I’ve gathered I now have Shining armor in my complete control so he can’t perform his duties as captain of the royal guard. Even now my minions are chipping away at the shield.” ‘Can someone shut her up she’s FUCKING ANNOYING?!’ “First we take Canterlot then ALL OF EQUESTRIA.” “No you won’t.” Celestia ended her monologue. ‘Bout fucking time.’ “You may have made it impossible for Shining ‘ass’ to perform his spell.” ‘OH FOR FUCKS SAKE’ “Now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self.” The two rammed their heads together. ‘I thought you were horses not rams.’ Rainbow groaned and rolled her eyes. “I will protect my subjects from you” Celestia broke and flew into the air. She fired a straight beam of magic at Chrysilis who returned the gesture in kind. The two beams hit each other half way each struggling for dominance. ‘Well that’s fuckin more like it.’ Just as Grimmjow said those words, Celestia’s magic gave and became overpowered by Chrysalis. ‘figures.’ “Well seems Shining armors love was more powerful than I thought.” The mane 6 rushed over to Celestia’s side. “You must get the elements quickly.” These were Celestia’s last words before falling unconscious. “Come on girls!!” Twilight ordered. The 6 mares dashed out of the cathedral just as the shield shattered. Within moments the set upon by thousands of changelings. “Looks we got to do this the hard way.” Rainbow stated before charging the nearest changeling. It turned into Rainbow Dash she halted looking at it curiously. The changeling seized the opportunity and sucker punched her. The ensuing chaos was inevitable. Quickly her friends leapt into the fray, as the thousands of changeling attempted take each one of them down. The battle was quickly becoming one sided. Rainbow watched as Fluttershy was pinned down, and simultaneously knocked out. Rarity was the next one to go she got blindsided by a changeling posing as Applejack. Pinkie Pie was able to dodge for the longest time until she became cornered after firing her party canon. The changelings whipped the party canon around and smashed the pink pony into the side of the wall. Twilight accidently knocked out Applejack by mistake and she herself was taken out when she realized her mistake. Rainbow was the last standing but it didn’t take long for the changelings overwhelm her and force her to the ground. “DAMNIT ALL!!!” She screamed. Then everything stopped and it was quiet. The color drained from the area like it had all been gray scaled. The sound of footsteps drew her attention. ‘ahhaahh… look at you all beaten and battered. Ready to throw in the towel already.’ Rainbow knew the voice but the figure that stood in front of her was the first time she had ever seen him. He was tall with blue hair, half a jaw bone attached to the right side of his mouth. His eyes were the same pale blue as his hair and had some weird sea green eyeliner out the side. He was wearing a white and black jacket that hung open with scar down the middle of his chest. He wore the same white hakama as the others she’d seen before. On his hip was sword with a dark blue handle. And the thing that stood the most was the large gaping hole where his stomach should be. “Grimmjow…” Rainbow whispered taking in his form. ‘You gonna stay on the ground forever or are we gonna show these fucks what it means to mess with the sexta esparda.’ Rainbow felt her strength returning “Yeah we’ll teach them what it means to fuck with us.” ‘Well stop talking and start kicking.’ Grimmjow smiled dementedly. He walked forward and put his hand on her head. It was more than a second and Grimmjow’s body dispersed into particles of light and was absorbed by Rainbow Dash. For the Changeling it felt like there was a knife to each of their throats ready to murder each and everyone of them. Rainbow slowly stood up the changeling getting off her out of an instinctive fear. Dash looked up and her eyes once a deep magenta now a pale blue with that same sea green eyeliner underneath her eyes. A bone jaw formed on the right side of her face, an ominous six faded into existence over her cutie mark. And finally her chest opened up into large hole going through her being. Rainbow smiled at the changelings. Then she laughed, a laugh that only belonged to the deranged. The changelings now scared, took instinctive steps back from the mare. Dash blurred from existence only to reappear smashing a changeling head into the ground. The changeling scattered trying to get away from this maniac. She just opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue, swirling energy gathered at the tip just before firing at the fleeing changelings. The changelings fell from the sky landing as nothing more than charred husks. Now alone Dash looks at her friends and walks over to them. She carefully sits them up against each other before disappearing in a static boom. ~ Rainbow Dash blurred back into existence in the middle of the cathedral. Chrysalis was standing in front of the altar, shining armor and princess Cadence glued to the floor behind her. Her drones had just finished hanging the sun goddess like a piñata. Upon hearing the tell-tale boom Chrysalis whirled around “What is the-“ she was cut short upon taking in Dash’s new form. “Who… What are you?” Dash smiled insanely her eyes considerably smaller. She stared at Chrysalis for less than a second before disappearing in another static boom. Chrysalis looked around franticly but everywhere she looked she saw her changelings get beaten within in no more than one or two hits from the deranged pegasus. One after another each changeling was defeated and she’d disappear again. Chrysalis was stunned to say the least. And what happened next did not help her at all. A final two booms and the pegasus was standing at her side. She turned her head to face her but she was gone in an instant. Chrysalis finally registered a sheering pain in her right foreleg. She looked down and saw that it was twisted and broken. Chrysalis collapsed “AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!” She screamed in pain and horror at the mutilated leg. She barely registered another boom in front of her. “Question one I don’t know. Question two…” Rainbow bent down and whispered in her ear “I’m the sexta esparda” Rainbow brought her hoof down impacting chrysalis’s head. Her chitin cracked ah she was thrown back landing between Shining armor and Cadence who wore a face of horror at the display of violence. The changeling queen remained motionless as Rainbow stepped over her uncurious form. After rendering the queen unconscious Shining armor fell to the floor himself. Rainbows smile had faded into a board look as she approached the princess. Cadence was flinched and unconsciously trying to back away from the hollowed out pony in front of her. “R…Rainbow Dash?” she asked hopefully still scared out of her mind. Rainbow merely stomped her hoof destroying the hardened goop that trapped her hooves. “Mostly, I think. I don’t really know.” Rainbow flew up and brought princess Celestia back down to the ground. She was starting to wake as Rainbow used a small cero to cut her cocoon. Celestia steadily opened her eyes and gazed around the room before locking on Rainbow. Her eyes turned to pinpricks at the sight of the ghastly hole in mare’s chest. Rainbow just looked her over with bored eyes. “You okay Princess.” Celestia shakily raised her hoof up and caressed Dash’s face with it. “Rainbow… heavens above, what happened?” Rainbow frowned “Well after you sent us to get the elements we were ambushed by a SHIT ton of changelings. The others got out. I was almost a goner to, but Grimmjow came through, I guess he somehow gave me full access to his memories and then…” she gestured to herself “this happened, don’t worry I’m not like Grimmjow out to kill for the sport of it…” she stopped and put a hoof to her chin. “Actually I don’t think Grimmjow was like that either. He just enjoyed the fight more than anything else and he just didn’t care if the other person died in the process or not. Still a scum bag though.” Celestia furrowed her brow as she examined the pegasus. “You sound as though your not this Grimmjow but you don’t exactly sound like Rainbow Dash either so who is it I’m speaking with?” Rainbow broke into a fit of laughter. “No no I’m not Rainbow Dash, I am but the combination of both Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow turned to the side exposing her flank. Celestia gasped at the new addition to her cutie mark. Celestia could only stare as she attempted to wrap her mind around this event. How could something like this have happened? Luna hadn’t mentioned anything about the dreams the night before and if they were memories as Rainbow stated then how is it possible to make such a radical change in her physical appearance. Rainbow smirked at the diarchy “As much a love you staring at my ass princess. I think we need to take care of queen bitch and her cronies over there.” She motioned to the still unconscious queen and her slowly rising subjects. “You didn’t kill them?” Celestia asked shocked. Rainbow put on an appalled face “Why Princess I can’t believe you’d suggest that of me…” Rainbow trailed off in her joking “ok I killed some, but ONLY because I had to get them away from my friends!” Rainbow yelled the last part. Celestia stared hard at Rainbow Dash before sighing. “Once we take care of this, you me and my sister are going to have a talk.” Rainbow saluted. “As you wish Princess!” Celestia sighed and rubbed her temples.