Wind whipped at Rainbow's mane as she pushed her limits. She was still at Rainboom speeds and was trying to go faster as she flew to Ponyville and Scootaloo. The sun was rising on her left when she caught site of Ponyville. At one time, the sight would fill her with happiness, but now it took effort to stop tears from coming out. But Squirt was worth dealing with the pain. She adjusted her flight to head for Ponyville General and saw the large building at the edge of town. She landed hard at the front door, leaving a dent in the ground. She walked into the hospital and the mare at the desk greeted her.
“Which room is Scootaloo in?” Rainbow asked.
The mare started looking through a folder. “And your relation to her?”
Rainbow rubbed her neck. “Well I'm the closest thing she has to a sister.”
“I'm sorry, but right now only family is allowed to see her.” Rainbow was about to plead more when she heard a voice behind her.
“Rainbow, is that you?” Rainbow looked behind her and pulled up her goggles to see her friend Jetaloo. Jetaloo had fur that matched Scootaloo's, a cyan mane and tail, and Squirt's eyes. They've been friends for a year through Scootaloo. Hay, Rainbow has even babysat a couple times for her.
“Hey, Jets. I'm here to see Squirt, but she won't let me.”
Jets went over to the desk and said, “She can come. My Scootaloo will want to see her.”
The mare at the desk shrugged. “As long as a parent gives the okay.”
“Follow me, Dash. She's in room 75.”
“What happened this time?”
“They tried getting their skydiving cutie marks, and one of the ropes on Scootaloo's parachute snapped. She slammed into the cliff face before landing in a tree. The other girls were fine and got Applejack as soon as they could.”
“So how is she?”
“She'll be bedridden for a while but should make a full recovery. I'm just glad you showed. I know you don't like Ponyville much anymore but--”
She couldn't continue, for Rainbow had put her hoof to the older mare's mouth. “Hey, Squirt's recovery is more important than my emotional pain.”
“You've grown, Rainbow. You're much more mature than I last saw you.” Rainbow just shrugged as they arrived to the room. Jetaloo opened the door, and Rainbow saw Scootaloo for the first time in months.
Scootaloo was sleeping in the large hospital bed with tubes and a heartbeat monitor. The filly looked small and weak. It was hard to see for Rainbow. The filly was always so full of life and energy when Rainbow saw her, but not now. Rainbow put her goggles on the chair next to the window and sat down on it, waiting for her to wake up.
Rainbow was on the verge of falling asleep when she heard a weak voice say, “Rainbow?” Rainbow woke up a bit and looked over to see Squirt looking at her with sleepy eyes. “You're really here.”
“Of course I'm here. Came as soon as I learned about it. Next time, have an adult pegasus with you so this doesn't happen again.”
“You got it, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow yawned, and Squirt commented, “You don't look so good.”
“Came straight here after a job, hence my Shadowbolt outfit.” Rainbow yawned again, then she tapped the bed. “I'll be staying in Ponyville a bit, so I'll see you tomorrow, Squirt.”
“So glad you're here, Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow smiled and stroked Squirt's mane. “Hey, you're my number one fan. I'll never leave you hanging. Now, get some rest.” Scootaloo quickly fell back asleep with a smile on her lips, and Rainbow quietly walked out.
Rainbow was just walking into Ponyville proper when she heard a familiar voice saying, “Rainbow?”
Rainbow looked and saw Twilight there with a concerned look. “Not in the mood, Twilight.”
“What? Oh, please tell me Scootaloo hasn't gotten worse!”
“No, she's recovering, but I haven't slept at all, and I flew all the way from Mareapolis to see her. So I'm BUCKING tired. I just want to get to a hotel and sleep, right now.” Rainbow started walking away, when a flash of purple shined in front of her, and she saw Twilight.
“Rainbow, you can stay at my place. I have a spare room, and I won't charge you for it like a hotel will.”
“Why? So you can hurt me again?” Twilight wilted a bit at that. “Why should I ever trust you or the others again?”
“Because we're willing to do anything to regain that trust. Also, do you have any bits in that outfit?”
'Okay Twilight's got me there. I don't have any.' Rainbow let out a deep breath and looked Twilight square in the eye. “I don't, so I will stay with you, but let me make one thing clear: I am here for Scoots and Scoots alone. Any attempt to make me part of your group again, and I'll get a hotel room. Even if that means a shorter stay. Understood?”
“Clear as day.” With that, Rainbow followed Twilight to her library, yawning all the way.
They entered the library, and Rainbow heard Spike greet Twilight. Afterward, he noticed Rainbow.
“Hey, Rainbow, what are you doing back? Making up with the girls?”
“No. I'm here for Scootaloo, and Twilight offered me your spare bedroom.” Rainbow took to the air and landed next to the guest bedroom.
“Want me to wake you when lunch is ready?” Twilight asked.
“Dinner sounds better; I really need my rest.”
“Alright. Sleep well, Rainbow.” Rainbow didn't respond. She entered the room, closed the door, and stripped out of her costume before collapsing on the bed. It was no cloud bed, but at this point, Rainbow didn't care, and she fell asleep seconds after landing on it.
* * * * * *
Rainbow Dash was in her cloud house, but it was overlooking Ponyville again. This had to be a dream, but Rainbow didn't interact with it; she was too deep in thought. She then saw a part of her cloud rise up and Luna emerge from it.
“Dash, my Prized Student, are you okay?”
“Just a lot on my mind, Luna. Scootaloo got hurt bad in one of their crusades and is in the hospital. She'll be fine in time, but right now I'm in Ponyville. In fact, I'm in Twilight's library, since she offered and I didn't have bits on me at the time. I'm still hurt, Luna. I feel pain every time I see them. What should I do?” Rainbow felt Luna sit close to her and drape a wing around the pegasus.
“My dear friend, my Prized Student, I know how you feel. Before I as Nightmare Moon appeared before you all, I faced my sister. She tried talking me down, but in my pain and anger, I did not listen. After the Elements of Harmony struck me, she was more successful. When we arrived at Canterlot after the party at Ponyville, we had a long talk. In the end, we forgave each other for our mistakes, but we have not forgotten them. If we forget them, we could make them again. So watch them. See how they act. If you feel you can forgive them, then do so, but do not forget what they did or why they did it. I have seen their dreams, and they do miss you. So, be there for young Scootaloo, but be mindful of what Twilight and the others do. Things will never be the same between you. The same is true with me and my sister. However, that does not mean the bonds cannot be stronger from that. As you modern ponies say, 'The ball is in their court'. I have taught you well, my Rainbow Dash, not only physically," Luna put a hoof to Rainbow's head, "But up here, as well. Decide for yourself if what they say is genuine. Do not let your pain blind you.”
Rainbow put a hoof around Luna and sighed, “Thanks, Luna. I needed that.”
“You are more than welcome, Dash. I once bore the Element of Loyalty, myself, and I have come to value it more than ever since my return. You are very important to me. You were among my saviors, and seeing the rift between you six pains me. Unlike others, you did not fear me, not even as Nightmare Moon. You are as important to me as my sister. If you ever need help, please let me know. I will tell your boss in Mareapolis that you are doing a task for me and will return when finished, so you do not have to worry about the time you can spend with young Scootaloo. You leave Ponyville when you want to.”
“Thanks again, Luna.”
“What are friends for?” Luna stayed with her, and the pegasus mare took comfort from it. She didn't mind letting her guard down with the lunar princess.
* * * * * *
When Rainbow awoke, she saw, through the window by her bed, that the sun was setting. She yawned and stretched, feeling more rested than she was earlier. She looked around and noticed her outfit was missing. Her goggles were hanging up on a scarf rack nearby, but there was no sign of her outfit. She raced out the door and onto the balcony to the main room. She saw Twilight reading a book on a couch.
“Twilight, where's my Shadowbolt outfit?”
“It's being washed. Judging by your state when you showed up, you've been in it for a while, so while you slept, I went in and took it to be washed. It's drying right now.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“Anytime. Spike said dinner should be ready in a few minutes. I was going to wake you after I finished this chapter.” Twilight closed her book and looked at Rainbow. “You look much better. Slept well?”
“I did when Luna showed up.” Rainbow flew over and took one of the other couches.
“How has Princess Luna been as a teacher?”
“She's been awesome. She taught me techniques that pegasi have forgotten, and the training has been intense.”
“I'll say. You look a lot more buff than the last time I saw you.”
“That's not all. I can do this.” Rainbow extended a wing, and a ball of lightning appeared.
“Uh, Rainbow!”
Rainbow smirked at the look on Twilight's face. “Chillax, Twilight. I have full control of the Lightning Ball.” She absorbed the ball and folded her wing back. Twilight looked on in awe.
“And that is one of the lost techniques?”
“Yup. I can also make Wind Bursts. A Wind Burst is focused air that can cut things. Luna blew up a rock with it.”
“I didn't know pegasi were capable of such things.”
“Turns out the standard training of today's pegasi is very inefficient. More pegasi would be capable of doing the Sonic Rainboom with even the basics of the Gale Wing.” Rainbow look up and tapped her hoof to her chin. “I wonder why it was abandoned?”
“Maybe that's something I can find out, Rainbow.”
“Dinner's ready!” Spike yelled from the kitchen.
“Well, let's get going,” Twilight said. Rainbow got up to follow, but Twilight stopped. “I have to ask, Rainbow: Why Shadowbolt?”
Rainbow paused and thought for a second before answering, “It's symbolic. The Shadowbolt illusions Nightmare Moon made were to try to get me to betray my Element. When you and the others became Mare Do Well, it was a betrayal, so I thought Shadowbolt was appropriate. Not to mention what I'm doing as Shadowbolt is what Luna always had in mind for the group.”
“I would like to hear about that.” Twilight looked down a bit before looking at Rainbow. “I'm also glad you are doing so well. Princess Celestia told me how proud her sister was of you, and I'm happy for that.”
Rainbow gave her a small smile and replied, “Let's go eat, and I'll tell you all about it.”
What?
Good chapter, though! Can't wait for more!
6251392 There is a slight reference in the chapter title.
6251423 Yeah, but it says 'you guesses'.
6251425 fixed.
Dash is softening just a liitttllleee bit around twilight huh?
And also, when referring to Scootaloo don't use 'squirt' in a sentence too much just say- she, Scootaloo, or even scoots
6255413 she uses it to ponies who know that term for her.
6303985 I had to give honor to the true Mr. Freeze in this and it fit with the universe.
why would RD think Twilight would betray her? Just what would she do? It's clear that everything they did, they did because they care about RD a lot.
6388042 what they did you don't do to a friend unless your tried everything else first.
the issues with MDW episode itself are these.
1: They never once actually talked to RD about their concerns. they just talked behind her back.
2: If MDW is supposed to be humble then why did she go to a celebration. Complete hypocracy to me.
the girls know her goals and dreams yet the crushed her confidence.
I put it simply the girls did the wrong thing for the right reasons and RD was just too hurt by it to trust them anymore.
6388567
But Twilight herself said that there is nothing wrong with celebrating your achievements but that you shouldn't rub them in.
Also she said that she was wary that Twilight would "betray" her when she was with her and I just don't get that. Twilight is never going to purposefully hurt her so what is she afraid of that Twilight will do?
6388602 She just doesn't trust them. and again they BRAGGED about their achievements. Heck in the Sugarcube Corner they could have complamented each others contribute to MDW instead of her own.
6388661
you didn't answer my question. Just what does RD expect Twilight to do?
6389010 leave her alone. Scootaloo's situation has forced her to deal with the girls again.
6389317
you said that she would "betray her" while she is in the library, just what was RD afraid of Twilight would do while she was there?
6390723 well right now she is afriad of being hurt more. Right now Twilight has a rare chance to make progress with Dash in this.
If a friend betrayed your trust would you easily trust them again?
6390758
But just how is Twilight going to hurt her more?
6391179 she doesn't know. But right now she figures they will say anything to get the Elements working again. That's her concern that she is just a tool for the Elements for them. Again she currently doesn't trust them.
6391194
Doesn't she miss them? I mean they all have been through so much.
Not to mention that Equestria needs to have the elements. It needs it to defend itself, they have a duty to them.
Also why wouldn't she trust them now? She knows that they love her and only want what's best for them. I don't think she can remain angry at them for long. Their bond is simply too powerful.
Also she is acting as if they might kill her in her sleep. She knows very well they will never do that.
6391496 It's this. they were close when they went in pony to Mareapolis but poor words my Applejack made her think they were there solely for the need of the Elements, not her personally. She did love them as sisters but what they did hurt her ALOT. She doesn't want harm to come to them but she doesn't want to be a part of them anymore. As she told Celestia she just can't be the Element of Loyalty anymore for she feels no loyalty to them now. She is in Ponyville for Scootaloo and Scootaloo only. She is staying at Twilight's because she had rushed over and didn't really bring any money. So Twilight has the chance to change things if she doesn't screw up again.
RD does seem to be whining a lot. They only did what they did because they loved her. Maybe it was a little rash and maybe they did resort to drastic measures too quickly but she can still trust that they will never purposefully hurt her. She can trust that no matter what they have her back, even if they don't always make the right decisions. I also think it's quite selfish of RD to leave them like that, they miss her and they have been through so much together. Also she abandoned Scootaloo just because she couldn't put her own pride aside and make up with her friends.
They are still loyal to her despite all the rotten things that RD has said to them. Although they seem a little passive. Twilight could just force RD to truly listen to them. RD is powerless against her magic after all and if she still refuses to listen then maybe Twilight will just have to do that. I actually hope she will, cast a spell so RD can't leave for at least a week. RD is just being so stubborn that maybe it's time for some tough love, again.
It's actually quite pathetic that RD can't get over it, I think this will do more to ruin her reputation than mare-do-well ever could.
6392165 She isn't whining. Heck she has only talked to them twice since the reveal and those didn't go well. Again friends should have never done that to her unless they have tried everything else. according to what we see i the show this was the very first thing they tried. Friendships have ended on less in our world. RD is still being on the side of good but can't be an element for she nolonger has the bond of friendship with them that the Elements need.
And she didn't abandon Scoots. They have shared letters since she left and notice as soon as she found out that Scoots was injured she raced to Ponyville. The town itself hurts her but is willing to endure that for Scoots sake.
6392191
she's whining to herself. She cares about them, the bond is so strong that it can't be broken by something as trivial as that. Friendship is magic after all, there is a lot more bonding them together than just liking each other. There is magic in it and they will be connected.
Maybe they should have tried talking first but they said sorry, just what more does RD want from them? Is she going to abandon everything they have achieved just because she can't accept their apology?
Just when is RD going to call the suffering to an end?
She did abandon Scootaloo, also I feel like Scootaloo blaming the others is extremely unfairly. It's RD that is leaving after all, she could just stay and make up with her friends. The only thing standing in the way is her own pride. Her friends are more than willing to make up and are sorry for what they did.
Also her reputation will recover certainly, if anything I think the others saved it because RD was making a fool out of herself. They put an end to that before RD made things any worse for herself.
6392237 Sorry but I disagree. also note this story is not done yet.
6392242
I understand that she is mad at them but RD is simply going way too far. She is acting as if they wanted to ruin everything in her life and that's not true.
6392250 Her life is her reputation. Their MDW act destroyed it in Ponyville (In her mind which is important to the story). She left to tried to salvage what she could till Luna took her on as an apprentice.
Note at least I didn't have her go evil like some writers have to this.
6392274
I think RD destroyed it herself by acting like such a fool. There is more to her life than that, she has her friends still that SHE abandoned. Her friends would be willing to pay for what they did but she won't let them. She is the only one that wants to hold on to this grudge.
6392291 she may have gone a tad overboard but she still saved lives. after only a few days MDW gets a celebration while Dash got nothing for her genuine efforts.
They betrayed her, remember that. they may not have meant to but they did and that's the worse thing you can do to the Element of Loyalty. Anymore i can't say yet.
6392323
What do you mean RD got nothing? She got too much, that was the problem.
It wasn't betrayal because they didn't mean it. It is only treason if you truly meant what you did and they didn't want it to go that far. They just wanted to show RD how rediculais she was being but RD then made a fool out of herself.
6392327 did Rd ever get such a celebration. sure she got photos and a few interviews but the town shutting down for a day for her? Nope.
you can betray and not mean for it to be so. She trusted them to talk to her if they had concerns, whether she would use the advice is debatable but they did matter to her. They didn't trust her to listen so they are more foolish then she was. I laid this all out in the first two chapters.
6392346
She would have soon enough. It doesn't really matter anyway.
The definition of betrayal means that you hurt someone on purpose that believed in you. The others didn't want to hurt her feelings so it was simply foolishness, not betrayal. They just need to do it differently than before. She can still trust them, they will help her when she asks them and even when she asks them not to. She can trust that they will never do anything to hurt her and that she is safe with them. Just what more does she want?
6392359 The thing that matters is how MDW responded to it. For a supposedly humble hero she is quick to make an appearance. Heck even when they are themselves they fail in this bragging about their own achieveness rather then praising the actions of their fellow MDWs. Twilight could have complamented on Rarity's designs, Applejack on Twilight's dam rescue, and Rarity on Applejack's save.
This leads into the other point. they in essence back stabbed her and be hypocrites to the very lesson they are trying to teach. Also it's her perception on their actions that are important. They betrayed her in her mind and as the Element of Loyalty that is more signifigant then the average pony. What she wants is for them to leave her alone. They aren't friends anymore in her mind and she is in Ponyville SOLELY for Scoots.
However the girls still consider her a friend, one they wronged badly. Their inital attempts failed to reconcile with her. Can't say anymore do to spoilers, except this. The Ball is now in the court of the girls. It's up to them to find the right shot to reconcile.
6392383
MMDW wasn't meant to be humble. It was to show RD what she had become.
RD has turned her back on her friends because she can't swallow her pride and accept that apology.
The only betrayal I think they are doing is by allowing RD to leave ponyville. They should have supported her more when she was hurt.
I think they have been far too soft on RD so far. Just demand that they accept her apology and make sure she can't leave until she does. Just what is in RD's way? why does she have to make it so difficult for everypony?
6392397 yes she was so hypocracy.
Trust gain is easily lost and even harder to regain if ever. I have a friend who was betrayed by another friend. They barely started to make amends when he was betrayed again. Since then he has nothing to do with him anymore. I witness the second one myself. SHe makes it hard because they hurt her that much.
As for trying to keep her to accept an apology. That would fail badly. She has been taught the Gale Wind art by Luna herself. And if you have ever read the Savage Skies series then you have an idea how powerful that art is since mind is a variation of it. So not only woulf the attmpt fail but she wouldn't go near them ever again.
6392426
They wanted to show RD what she was doing. Just like when Applejack wanted to show Rarity what she was doing when she wanted to impress Trenderhoof.
She makes it hard because she can't get over her pride. They have made a mistake but so has she. She turned her back on them after all after just one mistake.
It's powerful but no match for Twilight's magic. RD has only been with Luna for a few weeks while Twilight has been with Celestia for years. Twilight is the most powerful unicorn in the world so RD is helpless against her. I think it's within her power to put a disabling spell on RD so that she can't fly. That technique will not matter if she can't use her magic. Then they are just going to keep her there until she has accepted her apology and they know she means it.
I mean they tried it the gentle way and that didn't work so now they are going to have to try it the hard way. They seem far too passive, it is their duty after all.
6392448 that instance is different. Applejack did it one on one and did talk to her before that point.
Yes both sides did wrong in the whole affair. Yes RD went a bit overboard in the bragging. Yes the girls chose the wrong route. And all are suffering because of it. And it isn't pride it's pain.
Also while Twilight is powerful in magic she isn't combat trained. While she can fight in a pinch she isn't a student of any fighting art. RD had some martial art training before hand and luna has taught her since. Right now only the sisters can clearly beat her. Again check out Savage Skies for comparison.
Also if you want to contiinue this let's move to PMs
6672197 Thank you.
Forgiveness is happening in this so nope. Nope to this story.
6689118 you're choice.
6689125 Geez that was fast.
6689143 happen to be on and notice the comment. Note the forgiveness route will not be easy or instant.
6689152 Still don't like it, they don't deserve it man.
6689274 at least your honest and civil. That's all I can ask.
6689278 I've gotten a LOT better at that.
6768821 No I haven't She is the Element of Loyalty and the worst thing you can do is betray her. That's that the girls did in her mind. Remember how she reacted to Gilda in the Lost Treasure of Griffonstone?
Does she wish evil on the girls? No, she just doesn't want anything more to do with them. And yes the EOH out of comission is a big deal which is why Celestia and now Luna are involved.
6862843 Maybe, but maybe not.
Oh, The Hound of Baskerville. Neat.
I'm glad Rainbow's feeling better. This story was a boom n blast to read. Keep up the good work!
Wait a second...This is a reaction fic to Mare Do Well, right? If so, then...I might have to reread this from the beginning for how Scootaloo all of a sudden knows who Mare Do Well was even though in canon it was never actually explained to the other ponies in the town.
9260813
Dash told her
What if Rainbow joined the secondary mane six. Lyra, Bon Bon, Vinyl, Tavi, Derpy and Whooves?