Code Lyoko: EG

by Azure Sandora


19: Crushed

Theme Song: A World Without Danger

19: Crushed

Even though Twilight now had a plan against XANA, she was still terrified of him. Sure, she had an idea of how to destroy him, but she wasn't sure if it would work. Also, she didn't know what XANA would do next. Him not being in the super computer made him very unpredictable, and recent attacks showed that he was indeed stronger not being bound in the computer.

Twilight wondered if the remaining source codes were with XANA himself or if they were in Sector 5. At the moment she was in her room with Fluttershy and Rarity, analyzing the Kindness and Generosity source codes. After rejoining the team, Rarity and Fluttershy became inseparable, acting a lot like sisters. Even now, Rarity had a make-up kit with her applying it on Fluttershy.

“When I'm done, you will have to beat boys away with stick,” Rarity said.

“You really like this sort of stuff a lot, don't you?” Fluttershy asked.

“It's a bit of hobby of mine. I like making things beautiful,” Rarity said.

“Hey Rarity,” Twilight said still focused on the computer, “What do you want to go to college for?”

“College?” Rarity asked.

“Well, it just hit me that you're a year ahead of us, so you'll be graduating before we do. I was just wondering what you'd be studying in college,” Twilight explained. Rarity smiled to herself before answering.

“You might be surprised, but I actually want to study fashion design,” Rarity said. That… did surprise Twilight actually.

“Fashion?” Twilight asked, “Like, designing dresses?”

Dah,” Rarity said, “It's… passion of mine. Lately I haven't had time to really think about it too much, but I have sketch book I keep updating, and I practice sewing whenever I have free time.”

“Oh Rarity,” Fluttershy said, “I'm so sorry. It's because of Lyoko that you can't focus on your craft, isn't it?”

“XANA does get in way,” Rarity admitted, “But I don't mind at all. As long as I get to spend time with you and be useful, my craft can wait. Besides, I'm going to take year off after school.”

“So you can wait for Applejack?” Twilight asked with a cheeky smile. Rarity blush looking aside.

“M-maybe…” Rarity said, “But it's also to be available just in case we're still fighting XANA after I graduate.”

“But that won't be for a while, right?” Fluttershy asked, “You're still a junior.”

Dah, but end of year is coming fast. Before we know it, I'll be senior. I don't want to take risks.”

“You're so amazing, Rarity,” Fluttershy said, “So mature, and beautiful. I wish I were like you.”

“Oh Fluttershy, you are radiant in your own way,” Rarity said, “Yours is natural beauty, both inside and out. I'm not nearly as lovely as you.”

Twilight sighed to herself. After the whole thing with XANA, Rarity had been a lot more critical of herself, and had started this horrible habit of downing herself. It wasn't a whole lot, but it was enough for Twilight and the others to notice.

She would probably never fully recover from what XANA did to her.

The door to Twilight's room swung open, and a panicked Rainbow Dash stormed in slamming the door closed behind her.

“Girls, I have a problem! A big problem!” Dash said. Immediately, everyone turned to her seriously.

“Is it XANA?” Twilight asked.

“Did you find specter?” Rarity asked.

“The super scan didn't go off!” Fluttershy said, “Oh no! XANA must have finished his replica Lyoko! We have to-”

“No, no, no! I wish it were XANA, at least then I could handle it!” Dash said, oddly looking terrified.

“Is it your dad then?” Twilight asked.

Dash shook her head, grabbed Twilight's arm, and pulled out out of the room. Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other, shrugged, and ran after the pair.

Dash lead them all to the gymnasium, which was being set up for the Spring Dance. When they got to the gym, Dash pointed to the center of the gym. They all looked and saw Applejack holding a ladder for someone.

“Applejack…?” Fluttershy asked, “You're panicking because of her?”

Dash shook her head violently and then pointed again, not saying anything. She made a sound sort of like a moan and scream rolled into one, and she looked like she was on the verge of tears. What in the world would do this to Rainbow Dash?

They all looked back at the ladder, this time their eyes being drawn to the top. It was then that they saw it. Or rather, they saw him.

He was a young man, with tanned skin, short blond hair, and wearing a red shirt, brown pants, and brown boots. He was tall, had a strong yet lean build, and had the most laid back look on his face. Even though all three of them were in female relationships, they couldn't deny it. That guy was hot.

“Oh my...” Fluttershy said blushing.

“He's… so handsome...” Rarity said actually fanning herself.

“Dash...” Twilight said, “Who is that?”

“T-that's… uh… w-well I mean… his name is...” Dash stammered.

“Hey!” Applejack called out happily, snapping all of them out of their daze, “Decided ta come out an' give us a hand?”

“A-Applejack,” Twilight said, “Sorry. Dash brought us here. She said something was-”

“Applejack!” Dash said, “You look tired! Why don't I take your place?”

“All Ah was doin was-” before Applejack could finish, Dash ran over to the ladder and was holding it for her.

“H-hey!” Dash called out, “Um… I'll take over for Applejack! Um… is that okay?”

The man looked down at Rainbow Dash, making her flinch back and blush. The man just smiled slightly, nodded, and got back to work putting up the lights. Applejack just shrugged.

“Mac, Ah'm gonna take a break, alright?” Applejack asked.

“Eeyup,” the man said, not taking his eyes off his work.

Applejack walked over to the others, who were now looking at Dash. She looked oddly happy, yet still really nervous.

“So, y'all like the sight?” Applejack asked.

“Who in the world is that?” Twilight asked.

“That's my older brother, Macintosh,” Applejack said, “We all call him Big Macintosh or Big Mac at the farm.”

“Oh I'm sure he's big,” Fluttershy said, her voice slightly lower and surprising everyone. Once she realized they were all looking at her, she blushed and hid behind her hair.

“Yeah, he has that effect on people,” Applejack said rolling her eyes, “He's still single too funny enough. Said that he's lookin fer the “right girl”, someone with substance, ya know?”

“I can relate,” Twilight said, “When he's got everyone looking at him like he's a delicious sack of meat he'd want someone who actually likes him for him,” she said that, yet she couldn't take her eyes off of him either.

“He's somethin, sure,” Applejack said, “He's gonna be helpin set up the dance, an' is stayin in the dorms fer a bit.”

“That's wonderful,” Rarity said, “Even though I'm already in relationship, I'd love to get to know him. If nothing else, since I'm dating his sister.”

“You all would love him,” Applejack said, “He don't talk much, but he's real smart. Ah'm gonna go get somethin ta drink. Could y'all keep an eye on Dash? She's been actin real weird since Mac got here.”

“Sure,” Twilight said. As Applejack left the gym, Twilight's eyes fell on Dash, who was looking up at Macintosh with the oddest expression, at least odd for her. She was smiling, as if she was happier than she had ever been.

Was she…?


After Macintosh finished with the lights and Applejack came back, Twilight led Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy outside near the statue in order to learn exactly what was going on with Rainbow Dash, even if they all sort of knew what was going on.

“So, you were freaking out because you have crush on Macintosh?” Rarity asked Dash, who was sitting with her back against the statue hugging her knees.

“Was I that obvious?” Dash asked somberly. Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy all looked at each other awkwardly.

Nyet!” Rarity said.

“Not at all!” Twilight said.

“I thought you hated him!” Fluttershy said.

“You don't have to pretend,” Dash said with a sigh, “I appreciate you trying to preserve my reputation, but I know how I probably looked. I turn into a lovesick puppy whenever he's around.”

“Well, since we're not trying to pretend that didn't happen,” Fluttershy said, “I thought you looked adorable.”

“Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the show,” Dash said, “Because that's sadly as far as I'm going to get.”

“What?!” Rarity exclaimed, “Whatever do you mean?”

“First of all, he's already got a whole waiting list of girls after him,” Dash said, “You three couldn't even take your eyes off him, and you're all lesbians.”

They all looked at each other, taking in what Dash said. Sure, the way she worded it was a little crass, but when she was right, she was right.

“Second of all,” Dash continued, “look at me. I'm like, the complete opposite of what guys usually go for! Hell, the guys on the soccer team let me into their locker room calling me “one of the guys”. Yeah, it's cool and all, but I'm still a girl, you know?”

“Well, I can fix that easily,” Rarity said with a smirk, “You are much prettier than you let on. With little work, I can make you absolutely stunning.”

“She's telling the truth,” Twilight said, “She could make Ditsy Doo into prom queen if she got her hands on her.

“Yeah, well that won't be necessary,” Dash said sadly, “Let's see, third thing standing in my way, is that whenever I get near him I become this giggling mess. Anything I want to say to him gets lost the second he looks at me.”

“That… could be a problem,” Twilight said.

“Oh yes. I get nervous just answering questions in class,” Fluttershy said, “Even though I generally know the answer all the time.”

“But that can be fixed in time,” Rarity said, “Why don't you just ask Applejack to help you? I'm sure she'd love to help out, dah?

“And we get to the last and biggest problem,” Dash said, “That's my friend's older brother. I can't go out with him.”

Everyone turned to each other confused.

“Why not?” Twilight asked.

“Oh come on! That's like Girl Code rule number one!” Dash said, “You don't date your friend's brother without their permission!”

“So ask for permission,” Twilight said, as if it were the easiest thing ever.

“She's not going to give me permission,” Dash said somberly, “Like I said, he's got a freaking waiting list of girls wanting him. How do you think she'd feel if her friend slash rival was after him? Assuming he even showed interest, which he wouldn't, every time she and I saw each other it would be so awkward. Trust me, the last thing she wants is for her friend dating her older brother, and I don't want to risk our friendship over what's probably a stupid crush.”

“So what will you do?” Fluttershy asked.

“I'm just going to forget it,” Dash said, sounding so depressed, “He's only going to stay here for the dance anyway. After that he'll be gone, and I can get back to normal.”

“But what if this isn't just a passing crush?” Twilight asked, “With him being Applejack's brother, you'll see him again.”

“If that's the case, then I'll just try to not think about it,” Dash said getting up, “Like I said, I'm not going to risk my friendship with Applejack, even if it hurts me.”

With that, Dash walked off back to the school. With how slowly she walked off, it was pretty clear that she felt pretty strongly about this.

“What do you two think?” Twilight asked.

“I'm worried about her,” Fluttershy said, “I've never seen her like this.”

“I doubt she's going to just get over this,” Rarity said, “This doesn't just seem like minor crush.”

“We'll know throughout the day,” Twilight said, “Let's keep an eye on her for now.”


Thus the three of them kept an eye on Rainbow Dash as she moved throughout the school. The more they watched her though, the more apparent it became that this wasn't just a passing crush for her.

Twilight found Rainbow Dash looking out the window at Macintosh while he was moving crates from what appeared to be his truck. Dash never took her eyes off him, and was biting her lip. She didn't even notice when Twilight stood next to her.


Later that day, Fluttershy saw Dash sitting on a bench with Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich. It looked like Cheese was telling a very funny story, but Dash looked distracted. When Macintosh walked into view, all of her attention went to him as he got a drink from a nearby vending machine. Dash placed a hand over her chest and gave a very audible lovesick sigh.

“Um… Dashie?” Pinkie Pie asked, “Are you okay?”

Realizing that she was caught, Dash laughed it off, “Sorry I spaced out there. Um, what were you saying?”

Fluttershy frowned. She was clearly getting worse as time went on.


It was Rarity that witnessed the final straw though. She was walking back to the dorms when she saw Rainbow Dash outside practicing soccer with her team. Dash seemed really focused on the task at hand, but that changed when, of course, Macintosh walked to the field carrying crates of water for the team. Dash stopped moving completely and stared at him from a distance, but when two girls who always watched practice moved over to Macintosh and started talking to him, Rarity noticed something interesting.

Dash tightened her fists.

One of the other players passed the ball over to Dash, but as she wasn't paying attention, said ball hit her right in the head knocking her down.

“Whoa!” team captain, Soarin, cried running to her, “You okay Dash?”

“Y-yeah, I'm fine,” Dash said getting up. She looked at Macintosh again, noticing how the two girls were clearly flirting with him as he looked at them with the same laid back expression he always had.

Rarity saw her fist tighten again.

“You wanna take five?” Soarin asked, “You seem a little distracted.”

“Sure,” Dash said getting up, “I'll be in the locker rooms. I need some time alone.”

With that Dash ran off the field. Soarin shrugged to the team and rallied them all back to practice. Rarity took off after Dash to see if she was okay, but was surprised by what she heard inside.

She heard sobbing.

Rarity peeked inside and saw Rainbow Dash leaning against a locker crying. It wasn't too loud or intense, but it was enough to show Rarity that her suspicions were true.

She didn't just have a minor crush on Macintosh.


That night, Rainbow Dash went back to her room feeling really depressed. She hadn't ever felt this way about anyone before, and it frustrated her to no end. Hell, at least with XANA she could just throw a kunai at the problem and call it a day. This wouldn't go away that easily.

Why did the first guy she ever had a thing for have to be Applejack's older brother?

As she lay on her bed, her thoughts went back to Macintosh. She tried her absolute best to not think about him as it was too painful for her, but she couldn't help herself. He was literally all she could think about.

“How am I supposed to get over this if I keep thinking about him?” Dash asked herself in frustration, “Damn it!”

“Dashie?”

Dash froze, realizing that she probably woke Pinkie Pie. She turned around and saw her best friend sitting up in her bed looking at her concerned.

“Pinkie Pie, um… sorry if I woke you,” Dash said. Pinkie Pie shook her head.

“I couldn't sleep either,” Pinkie Pie said, “I was worried about you all day.”

“You were?”

“Dashie, what's wrong? Who can't you stop thinking about?”

“It's nothing, Pinkie Pie,” Dash dismissed, “I'll deal with it.”

She tried to turn away and get to sleep, but she felt a weight suddenly on top of her. She looked up and saw Pinkie Pie over her, looking really worried.

“Please tell me, Dashie. You always help me, but I can never help you outside of Lyoko.”

Geez, Pinkie Pie was just too sweet. Dash couldn't understand how anyone could not love this girl. Still, she couldn't not tell Pinkie Pie now. Dash had seen Pinkie Pie at her worst, and held her when she cried. It was only fair that she trust Pinkie Pie with herself at her weakest.

“Alright, I'll tell you,” Dash said sitting back up, “You know Applejack's brother, Big Macintosh, right?”

“Yeah, I've seen him,” Pinkie Pie said looking thoughtful, “He's not exactly my type though.”

“Well, you're better than all the other girls in this school,” Dash said, “Including me.”

“You?” Pinkie Pie asked, her eyes going wide once she realized what she was saying, “Wait, you?!”

Dash sighed, “Yep. Me. I'm one of the many girls that's going crrazy over Applejack's big brother. Hilarious, right? I keep hoping it's just a passing crush, but the more I try to not think about him, the harder it is.”

“Have you talked to Applejack about it yet?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Oh sure, “Hey Applejack, you know your big, handsome brother that all the girls are going crazy over? Yeah, I'm one of them. Can I ask him out on a date?” That would totally go well,” Dash said rolling her eyes.

“Well, when you put it that way, I can understand your problem,” Pinkie Pie said, “Maybe just try and distract yourself.”

“I already tried that!” Dash cried, “I've tried everything to get him out of my mind, but nothing works! I even tried convincing myself that he wasn't really that great of a guy, and that I was just picturing how I thought he was. You know what happened to that?” Pinkie Pie shook her head, “I hear Apple Bloom talking to her friends about this time he dressed up as a girl just to be Apple Bloom's partner in some contest for sisters.”

“Um… what?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Who does that sort of thing for their younger sibling?! A damn good brother, that's who! He's a great guy! Sure, he's not the most talkative person in the world, but that's just because he's listening to everything. Also, according to Applejack, he's super smart, like Twilight level smart. And he's got this weird sense of humor that's almost deadpanned,” Dash fell back on the bed, “He's great.”

“Sounds like you're falling in love with him,” Pinkie Pie said.

“I think I am,” Dash admitted, “I don't want to fall in love with Macintosh though, cause I don't want to put Applejack in a funny place.”

“But you can't just ignore these feelings,” Pinkie Pie said, “Take it from me, the longer you hold in your feelings, the worst it's going to get. Maybe talk to him privately or something.”

“Can't do that either,” Dash sighed, “I tend to forget how to talk whenever he's around.”

“Geez, you've got it bad girl,” Pinkie Pie said, “If you can't talk to Macintosh though, I'd say at least talk to Applejack.”

“Didn't you hear me-”

“I know, and it's understandable that you'd be worried, but if you value your friendship with Applejack, you have to at least tell her. Who knows, you might be able to handle your feelings after talking to her.”

Dash really hated to say it, but Pinkie Pie was right. She had to tell Applejack at least. She owed it to her.

“Alright,” Dash said, “I'll talk to Applejack about it in the morning.”

“Pinkie Promise?” Pinkie Pie asked holding her pinkie out to Dash, who smiled and locked pinkies with her.

“Pinkie Promise.”

“Good, then all is right in the world,” Pinkie Pie said with a yawn, “Now that I've made someone smile for the day, I'm going to dreamland with Cheese Sandwich. If you want, you can play Tales of the Abyss on my 3DS.”

“Thanks Pinkie Pie,” Dash said, “I think I'll play it outside though, so I don't disturb you.”

“Okie dokie. Night night,” Pinkie Pie said softly. Dash went to get her 3DS, but stopped when she realized something Pinkie Pie said.

“By the way, just what are you and Cheese Sandwich, anyway?” Dash asked, her question going unanswered. Instead, she looked to see Pinkie Pie already asleep. Was she actually dreaming of Cheese Sandwich?

Knowing that girl, she probably found a way for her and Cheese to actually meet in their dreams.

After getting dressed, Dash quietly sneaked out of the dorms to the soccer field. This place looked so pretty at night under the full moon. There was something awfully romantic about it.

So of course she had to see Macintosh sitting on a bench reading a book.

Right when she was about to turn away, Macintosh looked up from his book right at her. Shit, she was caught.

“Um… sorry,” Dash said, “I… uh… was coming here… ahh… hmm...” she stammered, trying her best to come up with something coherent to say, “Couldn't sleep… so… I… um… yeah…”

Smooth Rainbow Dash! Real smooth!

Macintosh chuckled shaking his head, going right back to his book. Something in the way he did that said that he didn't mind her being there. Should she take a chance and try to sit next to him?

“You… won't tell… anyone… about…?”

“Nope,” Macintosh said simply. Truly a man of few words. More of the strong, silent type, only speaking when necessary. He probably never put his foot in his mouth.

Dash took a deep breath and sat down on the bench, a good few feet away from Macintosh. She was blushing so much right now, and she wanted so badly to sit closer to him. Her eyes wandered over to him slightly, but when he met eyes with her, she immediately looked away.

“S-sorry…” Dash said, “You probably… w-want this spot… to uh…”

“You can stay,” he said to Dash. That was the first full sentence she heard him speak. Holy hell his voice sounded cool. So deep, so powerful.

Dash looked down at her lap, smiling to herself. Feeling a little bolder, she scooted closer to him. When she noticed that he didn't move at all, she moved a little closer, then closer, eventually stopping until she was right next to him. Still, he didn't seem uncomfortable. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, and then tried to strike a conversation.

“So… what 'cha reading?” Dash asked, immediately cursing herself in her head for how dorky she sounded saying that. Instead of answering her outright, Macintosh showed her the cover. It was a book on meditation, “You… meditate?”

“Eeyup,” Macintosh said with a soft smile. No wonder this guy was so chill.

“That's really cool,” Dash said looking away, “I'm always moving… so I don't really…” Dash looked at Macintosh nervously, “I'm sorry! I'm keeping you from reading your book! I'll… uh… I'll shut up for now if…” Macintosh set his book down and took Dash's hand, “W-what are you-” he then began massaging her hand and arm. Interestingly, her entire body suddenly felt relaxed, as if he were sending a wave of relaxation throughout her body.

“Better?” he asked with a smile.

“Yeah...” Dash said, “That felt… amazing...”

“There are a bunch of ways ta relax the body an' mind,” Macintosh said, “You'd be surprised ta see how the smallest energy center can affect the entire body.”

His accent was a little more subtle than Applejack's, and went well with his deep voice.

“Thanks,” Dash said, “I feel a lot more relaxed now. You said energy centers?”

Macintosh nodded, “Ah doubt you'd be too interested though.”

“You kidding? After what you just did I'm so interested,” Dash said, suddenly feeling a lot more relaxed near Macintosh.

Macintosh looked a little surprised, but soon smiled, “Alright then, well first ya need ta know about the seven chakras...”


“So, did y'all enjoy the show?”

Twilight turned around from her computer to see Applejack sitting on her bed with a knowing smirk.

“Um… what do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Ah saw you, Rares, an' Fluttershy eyein my older brother,” Applejack said, “He's a real looker, ain't he?”

Twilight sighed, “He's… handsome, I'll give you that. He probably has a ton of girls lined up to be with him.”

“Yeah, sadly,” Applejack said with a laugh, “Most women go after Macintosh for his physique, but once they learn the stuff he's into they usually turn away.”

“Really? What sort of stuff is he into?” Twilight asked.

“Meditation, chakras, the kind of stuff ya wouldn't expect from a hard workin farmhand. Most women think he's this tough guy that lives in the gym, but then they learn he's a big old teddy bear an' they turn the other way.”

Twilight actually thought that was really cool. Yeah, it was different, but different wasn't a bad thing.

“I bet he'll find someone soon,” Twilight said, “There's someone out there for everyone.”

“Yeah, but he deserves the right kind of girl, ya know?” Applejack said, “Ah don't want him ta end up with anyone that'll jus' treat him like a sack of meat.”

“You're a good sister,” Twilight said, “You remind me of myself. The only reason I'm okay with the woman he's engaged to is because she's my old-”

TOWER ACTIVATED

LOCATION: FOREST SECTOR

16 LAT, 21 LONG

“Kind of late fer an attack, don't ya think?” Applejack asked.

“XANA must have been hoping to catch us off guard,” Twilight said, “We don't have a choice. We have to head to the factory.”

Applejack nodded and got up. Thankfully they were both still dressed. The two of them ran over to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash's room first, as it was the closest to theirs.

“Pinkie Pie, Dash!” Twilight called out knocking. After a second, Pinkie Pie opened the door rubbing her eyes.

“Heya, what's up?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“XANA activated a tower!” Twilight said, shocking Pinkie Pie awake.

“Now?! But it's like, ten at night!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Ah don't know what he's got planned, but it ain't good either way,” Applejack said, “Is Dash awake in there?”

“Dashie isn't even here!” Pinkie Pie said, “She couldn't sleep, so she went out to relax!”

“Shoot,” Twilight said, “Alright, you and me will get Fluttershy and Rarity and had to the factory. Applejack, find Dash and then join us when you can.”

“Got it,” Applejack said running off.

“Let's go Twilight!” Pinkie Pie said pushing past Twilight out the room.

“Um… don't you wanna get dressed first?” Twilight asked, as Pinkie Pie's sleepwear was… not exactly outerwear.

“No time! We have to hurry!” Pinkie Pie said running on ahead. Twilight rolled her eyes and ran after the nightgown wearing teenager.


After he finished explaining a bit about the basics of chakra control, Dash decided she wanted to try a few exercises out. She sat down on the ground and relaxed, focusing on her breathing like Macintosh had said.

“Okay, now what?” Dash asked softly, not opening her eyes.

“Now, feel the energy rise from yer root chakra to your naval chakra, and then keep going up. Slowly, though,” Macintosh said sitting next to her. Dash did as suggested, feeling her energy rise up the line of major chakras that Macintosh pointed out to her. She'd admit, at first she wasn't sure about the stuff he was explaining, but once she tried it, she was amazed.

Dash took in a deep breath, feeling the rush of energy flow through her.

“Impressive, right?” Macintosh asked.

“I feel it...” Dash said, “This is more energy than I've ever had at once.”

“Now, once it's at the crown chakra, release it, and let the root chakra recollect it so it'll continue ta flow,” Macintosh continued. Dash did as he said, and immediately felt not just energized, but relaxed too.

“Okay, not going to lie, that's crazy,” Dash said, “You do this everyday?”

“Eeyup,” Macintosh said, “Every mornin. It's how Ah'm able ta work so much in the daytime.”

“I honestly just thought it was because you were so strong,” Dash said opening her eyes and adjusting herself.

“Most people think that,” Macintosh said with a chuckle, “An' they ain't wrong, but strength is more than just yer physical abilities. True strength comes from control of both yer body an' spirit.”

“You're so cool,” Dash said, “Like, seriously, you're the coolest guy I've ever seen.”

“Ya really think so, huh?” Macintosh asked.

“Well, yeah. You're not just about physical labor, hard work, and being tough. You're smart, deep, nothing like the guys in my life most of the time.”

“What are they like, if ya don't mind me askin,” Macintosh said.

“I come from a military family,” Dash said, “Every man in my family was a soldier, including my dad. Because of that, they're all hard nosed, stern, and all about working till your exhausted to get anything in life.”

“That don't sound right ta me,” Macintosh said leaning back and looking up at the moon, “If ya spend yer entire life workin that hard, ya can't enjoy life. There's so much more ta life than jus' fightin an' work.”

“If my dad heard you say that, he'd have a fit,” Dash said looking down, “He hates anyone who likes fun. Literally, he says that “fun is for kids”.”

“Well, it's a good thing Ah ain't yer old man,” Macintosh said, “An' it's a good thing yer nothin like him.”

That actually hit Dash hard. No one had ever said that to her. Sure, Pinkie Pie loved Dash the way she was, but she loved everyone. Macintosh actually liked her for her?

“It is…?” Dash asked, her heart racing again.

“Ah enjoy talkin to ya,” Macintosh said, “Not too many people take actual interest in this sort of stuff, but Ah can tell yer really interested in the stuff Ah have ta say.”

“Well, you don't talk much otherwise,” Dash said, “I figure if you're saying something, it's probably worth listening to.”

Macintosh smiled at Dash, “Yer a sweet girl,” he said, “Shoot, Ah jus' realized that all this time Ah never asked yer name.”

“That's okay,” Dash said with a giggle, “My name is Rainbow Dash. Most people call me Dash though.”

“Well, it's real nice ta meet ya. Mind if Ah call ya Rainbow?” Macintosh asked, making Dash blush.

“Um… no, I don't mind...” she said, “No one has ever called me that before.”

“Well, Dash makes ya sound more like a boy, but Rainbow is more feminine and pretty, jus' like you,” Macintosh said. Now Dash knew her face was about as red as a cherry.

“Y-you're just saying that,” Dash said looking forward and hugging her knees.

“No one compliments ya like that, do they?” Macintosh asked. Dash bit her lip, trying her hardest to not cry.

“Not… really,” Dash said, “My friend Rarity keeps telling me that I'd look really pretty if I dolled up a bit, and I don't really have a problem with that sort of stuff, but…”

“But?” Macintosh asked.

“I never had the chance to really enjoy more girly things, trying to impress my dad all the time. I guess that's the reason I'm so much of a tomboy usually. Trying so hard to be the son he really wanted, I ended up becoming a boy with tits,” Dash chuckled sadly, “My own soccer team forgets I'm a girl sometimes.”

“How does that make ya feel?” Macintosh asked, “Bein treated like a boy all the time.”

“Normally I don't care,” Dash admitted, “But sometimes it would be nice to be treated like a lady, you know? You're actually the first guy to ever call me pretty.”

“Ah see,” Macintosh said sadly, “Well, if ya ask me, yer just hurtin yerself tryin ta impress yer dad at this point.”

“You think so?” Dash asked.

“Is he here right now?” Macintosh asked, “As far as I can tell, he ain't faculty.”

“No, he's not,” Dash said, “I've pretty much given up on trying to impress him.”

“Then what's stoppin ya from bein the kind of girl ya want ta be?”

Dash actually had to think about that. Truth was, after her father basically threw her away by sending her to boarding school she gave up on just about everything. She always thought she was being herself, but when she thought about it, she didn't know who she really was.

“Rainbow,” Macintosh said taking her hand, “Parents ain't supposed ta be happy with everythin their kids do, but if yer dad makes ya feel bad fer bein yerself, then he's the one in the wrong. Ah can look in yer eyes and tell that yer a wonderful person, someone Ah'm proud to have met.”

“M-Macintosh…” Dash said, unable to hold in her tears anymore. Macintosh pulled her in and embraced her. It was tight, and comforting, the kind she had always wanted from her father. But it didn't come from him. It came from Macintosh.

Dash knew she was falling in love now.

Some sort of bright light shined at them from a distance, ruining the intimate moment. They looked and saw three bulldozers ahead of them.

“What the hell?” Macintosh asked getting up, even helping Dash up. The bulldozer in the center drove over to them, actually trying to run them over. Once she realized what was happening, Dash pushed Macintosh to the ground out of the way.

“No way!” Dash said looking at the driver, praying and hoping her fears were wrong. Sure enough though, the drivers eyes had the eye of XANA in them, “Shit! XANA!”

“Who?!” Macintosh asked.

“We have to move, now!” Dash said grabbing Macintosh's hand, “Come on!”

The two of them ran through the soccer field, but two of the bulldozers were driving right behind them. The last one drove across from them about to hit them, but Macintosh pulled Dash into him out of the way.

“Somethin's not right here,” Macintosh said looking at the three vehicles that were now driving in a circle around them, “They act like they're possessed or somethin.”

“They are possessed,” Dash said, surprising Macintosh.

“How do ya know that?” he asked.

“I can't explain right now,” Dash said pulling out her cellphone and calling Applejack, “Applejack, where are you?”

“Ah'm searchin fer you!” Applejack said on the phone, “XANA jus' activated a tower on Lyoko!”

“I know, I'm looking right at him,” Dash said, “Listen, I'm with your brother in the soccer fields. XANA has us trapped.”

“Macintosh is with ya?” Applejack asked, sounding worried, “Is he alright?”

“Confused as hell, but fine,” Dash said.

“Listen, Ah'm close to ya now. Ah'm on my way!”

Applejack hung up, and Dash put her phone away, “Applejack is coming to help us.”

“You act like ya know what's goin on,” Macintosh said.

“Believe me, you wouldn't believe me if I told you,” Dash said. Before Macintosh could say anything, one of the bulldozers drove into the circle almost running them over. Macintosh and Dash moved out of the way just in time and ran toward the entrance to the soccer field. One of the bulldozers was coming to their left about to hit them, but Dash pushed herself and Macintosh out of the way just in time.

Applejack reached the soccer field at that moment and jumped into one of the bulldozers kicking the driver out. She then took control of it and rammed into one of the other bulldozers knocking it off balance. As she drove back, the third one rammed into the vehicle she was driving knocking her out of it. She rolled to her feet and ran over to Macintosh and Dash, the latter still on the ground wincing in pain.

“Y'all alright?” Applejack asked.

“Ah am,” Macintosh said, “Rainbow, are ya okay?”

“I think I twisted my ankle,” Dash said, “Sorry AJ, I was careless.”

“Hey, ya protected my big brother,” Applejack said, “Ah'm jus' happy y'all 're okay.”

“Applejack, do ya know what's goin on here too?” Macintosh asked.

“Long story short, somethin evil took over the drivers of those construction vehicles an' is tryin ta kill us,” Applejack said, “Ah know how to stop it, but Dash here...”

“I'll just slow you down,” Dash said, “Besides, you know XANA. This isn't the only thing he has planned. You need to get to the factory and help the others.”

“Yeah, but...”

“Don't worry sis,” Macintosh said putting a hand on Applejack's shoulder, “Ah'll look after Rainbow. Ah don't know what's goin on, but do what ya have ta do, alright?”

“Thanks bro,” Applejack said hugging Macintosh, “Take care of her.”

“Ah won't let anythin happen ta her,” Macintosh said, “Ah promise.”

Applejack let go of her brother, nodded to Rainbow Dash, and then took off out of the soccer field. Macintosh put Rainbow Dash on his back and ran off in another direction.

“Yer gonna be okay, Rainbow,” Macintosh said as they ran, “A promise in my family is somethin ta be taken seriously.”

Dash couldn't stop her heart from racing, not just because she and Macintosh were still in danger, but because Macintosh was with her, and he was protecting her. Well, chances were that after this they'd sadly have to use Return to the Past, so she had no reason to hold back her feelings. After all, it wasn't like they could be together anyway.

So she embraced him tighter, actually leaning into him smiling. Normally she was the hero, but it felt nice being protected for once.


Applejack put on her skates and rode as fast as she could to the factory, where she saw a number of construction machines riding in the direction of the factory.

“That can't be good,” Applejack said. When she got to the bridge she saw Rarity running up to the factory. She was wearing a long pink robe, showing that she had just run out of the house.

“AJ!” Rarity called out.

“Did ya see the vehicles drivin ta the factory?” Applejack asked.

“I did. Do you think XANA's going to use those to destroy factory?”

“That's what Ah'd do if Ah were XANA,” Applejack said. At that moment, the manhole opened up, and they saw Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy come out, the latter two wearing their sleepwear. Rarity rolled her eyes when she saw Pinkie Pie attire.

“Oh good,” Fluttershy said, “I was hoping we wouldn't have to wait too long.”

“Where's Dash,” Twilight asked.

“She's hurt,” Applejack said, “We'll have ta go ourselves, but we need ta hurry. XANA's taken control of construction vehicles an' is sending them over here.”

“He's going to destroy the factory?!” Pinkie Pie cried, “We need to move!”

“Right, let's go!” Twilight said, leading everyone into the factory. They wasted no time swinging to the elevator and going to the scanner room, Twilight of course stopping at the computer room.

“We don't have a lot of time, so I'll transfer you as close to the tower as I can,” Twilight said setting up the transfer.

“Transfer Applejack!” Twilight said as Applejack stepped into her scanner.

“Transfer Rarity!” Twilight said as Rarity stepped into her scanner.

“Transfer Pinkie Pie!” Twilight said, Pinkie Pie practically jumping into her scanner.

“Transfer Fluttershy!” Twilight said as Fluttershy slowly stepped into her scanner.

“Scanner Applejack!” Twilight said connecting Applejack to her avatar.

“Scanner Rarity!” Twilight said connecting Rarity to her avatar.

“Scanner Pinkie Pie!” Twilight said connecting Pinkie Pie to her avatar.

“Scanner Fluttershy!” Twilight said, connecting Fluttershy to her avatar, “Virtualization!”

Twilight finished the transfer and pressed the enter key, her four friends vanishing from the real world and being sent into Lyoko.


The four of them rendered into the Forest Sector, and were dropped in the middle of a clearing. Immediately they were bombarded by laser fire, coming from three tarantulas. Rarity blocked their attacks with her sword as best as she could, but when they tried to run out of the clearing, a megatank rolled in the way blocking their exit.

“Twilight, we're trapped!” Fluttershy cried.

“Can you guys take cover?” Twilight asked. Applejack and Rarity looked around.

“Negative,” Applejack said, “There ain't any cover ta take!”

“XANA chose this tower for this strategy!” Rarity said, taking a hit from a krab in the stomach.

Rarity: 70 HP

“Rares!” Applejack said helping her up, immediately taking a shot in the back from above.

Applejack: 80 HP

“This is too much!” Pinkie Pie cried running around the field on all fours. A group of kankrelats walked shot at Pinkie Pie, one of them hitting her in the side knocking her down.

Pinkie Pie: 80 HP

Everyone gathered around Fluttershy in a circle defending her as all the monsters crowded around them. Four krabs, six hornets, six kankrelats, three tarantulas guarding the tower, and megatanks watching all the exits.

This was an ambush.

“Twilight, we're in a bit of a bind here,” Applejack said.


“I see it,” Twilight said, “Damn it, I wish Dash were here. Maybe Lulu's up.”

Twilight called Vice-Principal Luna's house phone.

Hello! You have reached the house number of Celestia-

And Luna.

We're so sorry we couldn't answer our phone at the moment, but if you leave us your name-

And your number, we'll return your call as soon as we can.

Have a good day! (both of them at the same time)

While their answering machine was extremely adorable, Twilight sighed in sadness. This meant they were alone on Lyoko. Even if they had a plan to defeat XANA, that didn't mean they had it easy. The one thing XANA was still better at than them.

Strategy…


“Alright, we should be safe in here,” Macintosh said looking out the window of the storage shed they were hiding in. They had seen a number of construction vehicles roaming around.

“I hope so,” Dash said sitting against a wall rubbing her arm, “Sorry I'm such a burden, Macintosh. Normally I'd be where Applejack is fighting too, but here you are being stuck protecting me.”

“There's nothin to apologize for, Rainbow,” Macintosh said smiling warmly, “Ah'm happy ta protect ya.”

“Does nobility run in the family or something?” Dash asked, “Cause Applejack is just like that with Rarity.”

Macintosh chuckled, “Ah'd say faithfulness is what runs in the family. Now, how about we take a look at that ankle,” Macintosh said walking over to Rainbow Dash. He knelt down next to her and slowly took off her shoe to examine her ankle.

“Huh, this ain't too bad,” Macintosh said thoughtfully, “Give me a bit. Ah'll know a way to lessen the pain.”

He then began massaging her ankle. It was a little painful at first, but soon Rainbow Dash noticed the pain was beginning to subside a bit.

“That feels a little better,” Dash said, “I'm… really happy to be here with you…”

“Ah'm happy ta be here with you,” Macintosh said.

“You are?” Rainbow Dash asked, slightly hopefully.

“Eeyup,” Macintosh said, “Truth is, Ah've noticed ya eyein me for a while now.”

“O-oh… yeah…?” Dash asked. Holy shit she was so embarrassed right now.

“Kinda hard not ta notice ya,” Macintosh said, “It's okay though, Ah sorta had a feelin ya fancied me.”

“Ahh...” Dash felt her heart sink, “Sorry Macintosh…”

“Like Ah said, it's okay,” Macintosh said, “Out of everyone here in this school, yer probably my favorite person here.”

“I am…?” Dash asked.

“You actually took interest in what Ah liked, an' yer not tryin ta flirt with me constantly,” Macintosh said, “Actually, yer a breath of fresh air.”

“Well, I already decided that I'm not going to pursue you, so yeah…” Dash said somberly.

“Oh? Why's that?” Macintosh asked still massaging her ankle.

“First of all, I don't have a shot in hell with an awesome guy like you,” Dash said, “And finally, you're my friend's older brother. I don't want to risk our friendship by dating her brother.”

“Well, Ah don't think she'd mind too much,” Macintosh said, “An' what's this whole thing about you not havin a chance in hell with me?”

“Well, I don't. Besides being really athletic and tough, I'm sort of average, you know? Someone like you deserves someone really graceful and soft spoken. Me, I'm loud, crass, short tempered, competitive, you'd be sick of me in a week.”

Macintosh actually laughed, “Actually, you sound like a lot of fun ta me. Ah like people who are energetic. Ah'm quiet enough as it is. Ah don't need someone ta not talk with me,” he finished massaging her ankle, “There, try ta stand on it.”

Dash stood up slowly and tested her ankle. It was still sore, but it felt stronger somehow, like she could still stand on it.

“That's amazing,” Dash said, “I think I could actually walk on this.”

“Well, Ah wouldn't strain it but so much,” Macintosh said, “All Ah did was strengthen the joint so it'll support ya, but if ya stress it too much it'll give out.”

“So I won't be running any marathons anytime soon,” Dash said, “I can take a break. Hey, maybe I could meditate while I wait for it to heal, right?”

Both she and Macintosh laughed. After a second, Dash looked into Macintosh's eyes, feeling really flushed again. She knew that they'd have to do Return to the Past, and she didn't want to miss her one chance to be with Macintosh. He wasn't going to remember any of this in a few minutes to an hour anyway, so…

“H-hey, Macintosh? What if I told you… that in a little bit, you weren't going to remember this meeting?”

“What do ya mean?” Macintosh asked.

“This is going to sound crazy, but after stopping the thing that's trying to kill us, we're going to do this thing where time goes back a day or so, and you won't remember anything that happened, so...”

“Yer sayin, Ah'll forget meetin ya like this?” Macintosh asked.

“It sucks, I know,” Dash turned her back to Macintosh and closed her eyes, trying to hide her tears, “You're the first guy in my life who's actually been nice to me, and being with you like this makes me feel like I actually have a shot, you know? I want to get to know you better, learn more about meditation, chakras, kundalini, go on dates with you, hug you, hold your hand, and a whole bunch of other real sappy things I can't do with anyone else,” Dash once again couldn't hold in her tears, “It's not fair! I finally meet a guy I like, that likes me for me, and XANA takes him away before I even get the chance to let him know how I really feel about him!”

“Rainbow…” Macintosh said placing his hands on her shoulders.

“You don't even understand what's really going on! You probably don't even believe me!”

“Ah believe ya,” Macintosh said, shocking Dash, “Ah'd be crazy ta not believe, with everythin that's happened an' how emotional yer gettin.”

“So… you don't think I'm crazy?” Dash asked slowly turning to Macintosh.

“Nope,” he said, “Seein ya like this tells me that yer sufferin more than Ah even thought before. Ah wish Ah could help ya Rainbow, but if what ya said is true, then after this, Ah won't even remember meetin ya,” Macintosh actually looked sad too.

“So… if I did something crazy,” Dash said, “Like, something I knew I'd never get to do otherwise, would you be okay with that?”

“Would you doin this crazy thing make ya happy?” Macintosh asked.

“It would… at least give me something I could take with me when I go back to the past,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Then, Ah say you should take this chance,” Macintosh said, “Since ya might not ever get this chance again. Fer the record though, I'd actually be interested in getting ta know ya better, teachin ya about meditation, kundalini, chakras, goin on dates with ya, holdin yer hand, huggin ya, an' all those other sappy things ya can't do with anyone else.”

It was official now. She was actually in love with Macintosh. Not a crush, not falling in love, she was in love with him. She didn't know him for very long, but she knew enough to know that he was the kind of guy she wanted. The kind of guy she could be a girl to.

So she did the most feminine thing she could do at that moment. She wrapped her arms around him, pulled him in, and kissed him. Just having her lips pressed against his was enough for her. After a few seconds, they parted and looked into each others eyes. Dash knew she was blushing, but she hadn't felt so wonderful in her life.

“There...” Dash said softly, “Now no matter what, I'll have the memory of this night. My first kiss ever, and it was with you.”

“Rainbow...” Macintosh said, clearly shocked but not turned off. Actually, he was blushing now too.

“I'm happy now, really,” Dash said, her voice cracking a bit as more tears built up, “At least I'm spending a single night with you. This is enough for me.”

“Yer a real special girl, ya know that?” Macintosh said smiling, “Shame Ah won't remember this night.”

“Well, if there's anything you'd like to do, you might wanna get it out of the way,” Dash said, “I don't know when they'll be finished.”

“In that case,” Macintosh went in for another kiss, shocking Dash at first, but she soon fell into the bliss of the kiss. XANA might take away her happiness, but he couldn't take this moment from her. For tonight at least, she could say that she was Macintosh's girlfriend.


Back on Lyoko, things were getting extremely intense. Everytime someone destroyed a monster, it was instantly replaced by something else.

“This is crazy!” Applejack said firing at three kankrelats, “Fluttershy, can ya try ta teleport to the tower?”

“I can't!” Fluttershy said, “I can't teleport to a place where a monster is standing, and if I do I'll be instantly devirtualized!”

Rarity was slowly pushed back by two krabs as the shot at her slowly walking forward. Rarity blocked their attacks with her sword, but took another shot to the stomach.

Rarity: 40 HP

“Ugh! This is too much! Pinkie Pie, try to take out those tarantulas!” Rarity urged. Pinkie Pie nodded to her and ran to the tarantulas on all fours, running out of the way of the monster's lasers. She jumped into the air above the tarantulas, rolled into a ball, and fired her homing attack at one of the tarantulas. The monster fell back and exploded, but when she landed another monster materialized right in its place.

A megatank.

“Uh oh,” Pinkie Pie said. The megatank opened up and charged up, but Pinkie Pie rolled into a ball and moved out of the way at high speed. The attack ended up getting Applejack instead, knocking her to the ground.

Applejack: 0 HP

“AJ!” Rarity cried as Applejack devirtualized. She quickly blocked an attack from a hornet and then rushed over to Fluttershy's side. She had used her Creation ability to make a wall to hide behind, but it was giving out fast.

“Can you make more of these?” Rarity asked.

“I'd love to, really,” Fluttershy said, “But this takes too much memory to use, so I lose hit points whenever I do this.”

“Twilight, how are things back in the real world?” Pinkie Pie asked.


“Looking at the cameras here,” Twilight said, “The bulldozers are right outside. Hold on,” Twilight saw something else she did not want to see. One of the vehicles had a wrecking ball.

“Twilight?” Pinkie Pie asked, “Why did you go silent?”

“XANA's going to use a wrecking ball to destroy the factory,” Twilight said somewhat panicked, unaware that Applejack had just opened the elevator and walked into the computer room.

“Not on my watch,” Applejack said, “Ah'll stop the wrecking ball. Y'all do whatever it takes ta get Fluttershy into that tower!”

She ran back into the elevator and went up to the surface. Twilight just hoped they could deactivate this tower soon. XANA planned this out almost too well. Worst of all, she couldn't go into Lyoko herself to help them, otherwise they wouldn't be able to monitor the outside.


After spending a few more minutes kissing, Dash and Macintosh lay on the floor of the storage closet holding one another. Dash wasn't sure if she should have been happy that Return to the Past hadn't been activated or concerned. Yeah, she was enjoying the closeness, it usually didn’t take this long to deactivate a tower.

Before she could think to call anyone for an update, there was a bright light right shined through the window. Macintosh stood up first and looked outside.

“Looks like they found our hidin spot,” Macintosh said.

“Shit!” Dash swore pulling out her phone to call Twilight, “Twilight, tell me you guys are almost done!”

“Sorry Dash,” Twilight said, “We're having trouble on Lyoko, and I think Vice-Principal Luna's asleep, so I can't go into Lyoko to help.”

“That's not good at all,” Dash said with a sigh, “Alright, I'll try to stay alive, but tell the others to hurry with that tower!” Dash said before hanging up, “We've got a problem.”

“My sis an' yer friends need more time?” Macintosh asked.

“Afraid so,” Dash said.

“Then we need ta get outta here,” Macintosh said, “Think you can run?”

“Not as fast as usual, but yeah,” Dash said.

“Good. The second Ah open this door, we need ta bolt.”

Dash nodded as Macintosh put his hand on the door nob. He silently counted to three, and swung the door open. He and Dash an out as fast as they could, right before the bulldozer rammed into the storage shed destroying it.

The two of them ran through the forest back to the school, but were met by another bulldozer that was driving toward them. They quickly ran to the side out of the way, but Macintosh glared at the driver and balled up his fist.

“Macintosh, what are you thinking?” Dash asked.

“Ah'm tired of runnin away, that's what!” Macintosh said running up to the bulldozer. Much like Applejack did earlier, Macintosh kicked the driver out of the machine, but this time he pulled Dash in with him, “Ready ta start fightin back?”

“Damn right I am!” Dash said. Macintosh drove the large vehicle into the bulldozer that was chasing them, knocking it aside, and then continued to drive off.

“Where's my sister?” Macintosh asked.

“The abandoned factory,” Dash said, “Just keep driving down this rode and we'll find it.”

“Good,” Macintosh said, “Hopefully we're not too late ta help out.”

Macintosh was amazing with how ready he was to help. Honestly, he'd make a pretty good Lyoko Warrior. Applejack wouldn't stand for it though. She had mentioned before that she didn't want any of her family involved with this fight.

Well, Dash could always dream, right?


Pinkie Pie did a series of back flips out of the way of the tarantulas shots.

“You know, I think XANA spiked the difficulty on us!” Pinkie Pie said, “I know I'm at a decent level!”

One tarantula was impaled by one of Fluttershy's light arrows, but as it died two bloks appeared in its place. One blok fired at Fluttershy, and the other fired at Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy: 60 HP

Pinkie Pie: 50 HP

“Sorry Pinkie Pie,” Fluttershy said getting up.

“Don't worry Fluttershy,” Pinkie Pie said, “It's not your fault XANA's a cheap bastard.”

A hornet was about to shoot Pinkie Pie in the back, but Rarity fired her shock wave attack at it killing it. She turned back around and was knocked back by a krab's shot.

Rarity: 10 HP

“I'm beginning to wish I still had that double heath upgrade from XANA,” Rarity groaned getting to her feet. Three hornets fired at her, but she rolled out of the way just in time landing right next to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.

“We need plan, and fast!” Rarity said.

“If any of us gets hit again, we're done for!” Fluttershy said.


Applejack ran to the bridge, where she saw three bulldozers and wrecking ball machine driving toward the factory. She had no idea how she was going to put a stop to this. The most she could do was buy time, but how?

She got her answer when another bulldozer rode up to the factory, but this one tackled the wrecking ball carrying machine and pushed it aside a bit. Applejack looked inside and saw Macintosh driving it, Dash right next to her.

“Hey!” Dash called out to Applejack. Applejack waved to her and skated over to her brother and Dash's machine.

“Decided ta join the party?” Applejack asked.

“You didn't think I was going to let you have all the fun, did you?” Dash asked before turning to Macintosh, “Hey, I gotta go help my friends.”

“Go on Rainbow,” Macintosh said, “Applejack an' Ah got it from here.”

“Thanks Macintosh,” Dash said hugging him, “I'll never forget how nice you were to me.”

Dash jumped out of the bulldozer and ran to the factory. Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash before turning to her brother and jumping into the machine with him.

“You an' Dash seem close,” Applejack said.

“She's real special,” Macintosh said, “You got a great friend in that one.”

“Yeah, Ah know,” Applejack said. She had a feeling she knew what went down between her and Macintosh. If she was right, she and Dash had a lot to talk about after this attack.


“Twilight, I'm here,” Dash said opening the elevator and running into the computer room.

“Oh thank God!” Twilight said, “Listen, I need you to take the helm while I go into Lyoko. Activate Return to the Past after Fluttershy deactivates the tower.”

“Roger that chief,” Dash said switching places with Twilight, who ran to the elevator and took it to the scanner room. Once she saw Twilight was in position she got to work.

“Transfer Twilight!” Dash said, closing Twilight's scanner once she stepped in.

“Scanner Twilight!” Dash continued, scanning Twilight and matching her with her Lyoko avatar, “Virtualization!”


Twilight rendered over the clearing and landed right in the middle of the assault. Once she landed, she immediately charged up her magic, spun around, bent all the way back lifting her leg into the air and fired a barrage of white homing darts at the hornets knocking them out of the sky.

“Quickly, before more come!” Twilight said, firing energy blasts at the krabs next. Fluttershy got behind Twilight and fired her arrows at the kankrelats and other krabs tat Twilight missed.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie ran over to the tarantulas and megatank, Pinkie Pie using her Homing Attack to knock the tarantulas back and Rarity holding her sword in front of her blocking the megatank's attack.

“Fluttershy, now!” Rarity called out. Fluttershy ran toward the tower, but two tarantulas materialized in front of her.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy cried. Twilight immediately changed her focus and fired two large lasers at the tarantulas killing them. Fluttershy wasted no time, this time spinning where she was, and teleporting right in front of the tower. She phased in just in time before a krab fired at her.


Fluttershy ran to the center of the tower, and allowed herself to be slowly lifted to the platform above her.


The wrecking ball whacked the bulldozer that Applejack and Macintosh were in, knocking them both out. Applejack managed to rise to her knees, but she saw that Macintosh was lying on the ground not moving.

“Mac! MAC!!!” Applejack cried running to his side. Not only did he have a pulse, but she heard him groan. A second later, he was rising to his feet.

“Applejack?” Macintosh asked, “Are you alright?”

“Ah'm fine,” Applejack said in relief, “But Ah'm worried about-” she looked up and saw a bulldozer about to ram into them.


After landing elegantly on the higher platform, Fluttershy calmly walked over to the holographic keyboard and got to work breaking the tower's security.


Applejack and Macintosh both rolled in opposite directions, but the wrecking ball actually swung in the direction of Macintosh.

In the computer room, Dash saw this on the security cameras.

“MACINTOSH!!!” Dash screamed. She prayed Fluttershy was almost done. If she wasn't, Macintosh would be-


Fluttershy finished breaking the security and placed her hand on the holographic touch screen.

FLUTTERSHY

CODE

LYOKO


The wrecking ball stopped mid swing, as if time itself had stopped. Applejack fell to her knees in exhaustion.

“They did it,” Applejack said sighing in relief, “They freaking did it.”


Dash was so relieved that she fell back in the chair in tears.

“Thank you Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said, “Thank you so much for saving him.”


“Tower deactivated,” Fluttershy said in relief, looking into the abyss as the coding on the walls floated into the darkness below, followed by a white light that engulfed everything.

“Return to the past… now…” Rainbow Dash said reluctantly, pushing the enter key to launch the program. It was fun while it lasted…


It was the morning when the white flash vanished. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all went searching for Rainbow Dash. They found her in the gym, sitting on a bleacher watching Macintosh work. This time she looked even more somber than before.

They were about to walk over to comfort her, but Applejack actually reached her first.

“So, anything ya wanna tell me?” Applejack asked Dash, who looked really surprised for a split second before looking away, “Like why you were with my brother before the XANA attack.”

Dash sighed before standing up and facing Applejack.

“I'm… in love with your brother, okay?” Dash said. Applejack was wide eyed.

“Ah… figured ya had a crush or somethin, but love?” Applejack asked.

“Well, I thought I was just a crush too, but… after last night I'm pretty sure. I mean, he's nice, he's smart, he knows really cool stuff like how to heal your body with just a massage, stuff about chakras, meditation, he's strong, and he protected me when my ankle got messed up. Oh, and he's really good looking.”

“Ah see…” Applejack said taking in what Dash was saying.

“But… if you don't want me dating him… that's okay,” Dash said.

“Yer… willin ta not pursue my brother… jus' cause it would make me uncomfortable?” Applejack asked slowly.

“You're more important to me than my feelings for Macintosh,” Dash explained, “I may not be the best person in the world, but if I have to choose between my friends or my own personal desires, I'll always choose my friends first,” she looked back at Macintosh sadly, “It hurts, don't get me wrong, but I mean it. I'll back off. I mean, you've got to watch every other girl in this school go gaga over him. The last thing you need is for your friend to be in that list too, you know?”

Applejack nodded, fully absorbing what Dash said, “Ya know what Dash, yer a good friend,” she said.

“Yeah?” Dash asked somberly.

“Damn right. Ta be willin ta put yer happiness on hold fer me, that's special, an' Ah appreciate yer loyalty.”

With that said, Applejack walked off over to Macintosh. Dash just sat down, trying to focus on letting go of her feelings, but was shocked to see both Applejack and Macintosh walking over to her.

“Macintosh, this is the friend Ah told ya about,” Applejack said, “Her name's Rainbow Dash. Dash, this is my big brother Macintosh.”

“Howdy,” Macintosh said with a smile.

“H-h-hi…” Dash said, slowly waving.

“She's curious about meditation, so Ah figured you'd like ta meet her, also,” Applejack leaned into Macintosh smirking, “She's single.”

Macintosh actually looked away slightly blushing, “Applejack…”

“Why don't y'all get ta know each other,” Applejack said, “Ah'll get those lights up,” Applejack winked to Dash and then walked off.

“So… yer name's Rainbow Dash?” Macintosh asked.

“Yeah, I am...” Dash said.

“Funny, Ah…” Macintosh suddenly shook his head cutting himself off.

“W-what? Is something wrong?” Dash asked.

“It's just… ya remind me of someone Ah met in a dream. She was real pretty, an' had rainbow colored hair just like yours. Ah think Ah really liked her in the dream. Silly, right? Fallin in love with a girl in my dream?”

Dash smiled, wiping a tear from her eyes, “No, I don't think that's silly at all. I bet she… really loved you too.”

Macintosh looked at Dash intently, and then smiled. The two of them sat down on the bench holding hands getting to know each other.

“I knew it would work itself out,” Rarity said.

“Yep, all she had to do was talk to Applejack about it,” Pinkie Pie said happily.

“I'm happy for Dash,” Fluttershy said smiling, “She deserves happiness.”

“She does,” Twilight said, “Come on, I think they're going to be just fine without us.”

As Twilight and her friends left, Sunset Shimmer looked at Twilight with a dangerous smirk.

“By this dance, I plan on making sure you're thinking about me, Twilight Sparkle,” Sunset Shimmer said to herself. She had nothing against Fluttershy, but she wanted Twilight, badly.

And Sunset Shimmer always got what she wanted.

Ending Theme: Can't Fight the Moonlight