The End of the Rainbow

by JTH

Chapter 17

Even though the sky couldn't show that another day had come to Equestria, years of daily chores made the Apples know when morning had arrived. While morning chores were customary for the Apple family on the farm, this particular morning had greater importance. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big MacIntosh had just finished another run of filling bushels of apples; everything from red, to gold, to green alike. Filling up as many barrels as possible. Usually, these apples would be brought to town to sell, but all the apples bucked today would be used for emergency food, along with haystacks and tools for back-up supplies.

After dragging another heavy haystack onto their wagon crate, the youngest Apple groaned loudly. "How much more we gotta do Applejack?" She asked to her older sister, who followed close behind balancing a barrel of apples on both her flank and her head. Yet amazingly when she plopped the barrel off her head, the hat she always wore showed no signs of getting scrunched or damaged...it just popped back into its usual look.

"As many as we can Sugarcube." AJ told the youngin' with a bit of regret. "If we gotta evacuate town, we'll need plenty of food to help everypony."

"But, we ain't gonna need to leave town, are we?" AJ's sister asked another question, followed by another. "I mean, Dash is gonna come through, right Applejack?"

"Of course she is Apple Bloom." Applejack said with confidence. "But in order for her to do her part, we need to do our part too." The honest mare then grabbed another tied-up haystack and plopped it onto her back. "So let's keep at it. It won't be much longer."

The Apples continued on. So hard even to the point that Applejack herself began to work up a sweat, but they had to trudge on. Poor little Apple Bloom was exhausted to the point where she thought she was beginning to see things. At the barn opening, a blurry image of a pony with wings emerged into sight. The little apple blinked repeatedly to put the image into focus, and when she realized what it was, she gasped with delight.

"Hey sis, look." The youngest apple called to her sister, but the eldest had her backed turned and still working tirelessly to observe.

"Not right now Sugarcube, keep focused on the task at hoof." Thinking that the youngin' would put the conversation behind them, AJ continued to work, but Apple Bloom ran over and shook her sister's hoof to get her attention for real this time around.

"Applejack, I'm serious. Look, it's Rainbow Dash! She's here!"

The ears of Applejack perked up upon the statement while Bloom pointed a hoof to the entrance. And when she turned to observe, the brightness of the sky outside made the figure at the doorway look like a shadow. It wasn't until the one the attention was drawn upon began to step further into the barn, and once so...the figure became far more clear of the pony they had mentioned just earlier.

Rainbow Dash stood before the three apple siblings, looking in surprising high spirits, but also with a look that a sense of importance for her presence. But to break the ice, she gave the littlest apple a welcome with a hoofrub atop the filly's mane, which both seemed to enjoy very much so.

"Oh, Dash. We weren't expecting to see you on the farm." AJ chuckled briefly. "Here for a cider?"

The look that Rainbow had was different from usual, and all the apples noticed it. The mere mention of "cider" would normally send the rainbow pegasus into a demeanor of utter delight, but this time Dash just simply gave a slight shake of the head. A response like that from Rainbow Dash would worry ponies, but Dash's smile on her face showed something else was on her mind.

"Something more important than cider? You sure you're okay?" Apple Bloom chuckled, placing her hoof over Dash's forehead, thinking the pegasus must be sick to think such a thing. But Rainbow just smiled once more and ruffled the hair of the filly again, making the young apple giggle.

"Never better," Dash responded. "Actually, that's why I'm here." Everyapple gathered around with a smile. Dash a deep inhale in and began. "Well, I fell like I'm in good enough shape now. So I was wondering if you could help me train some."

"You mean like some real "Apple Family" training?" AJ spoke allowed, getting a smirk from Dash.

"Is there any other way?" Dash said back in her vintage Rainbow Dash brashness.

"Big Mac, do ya wanna lend a hoof?" AJ turned to her older brother, who gave his patient, "Yep."

"Oh, can I help too?" Cheered Apple Bloom also, hopping up and down in a frenzy.

"Absolutely!" The elder apple sister happily answered, making the youngin' jump with excitement. Applejack knowing Rainbow Dash knew that the pegasus would want to the most extreme, intense training in all of Equestria. The Apples would have to jerryrig some things together, but they would be sure to give a workout that would make Rainbow sweat colors by trainings end. And Dash would more than welcome it...

***

After some time was taken, Applejack and the rest of the Apples had turned the barn into a personal training ground, only for this occasion, it wasn't for an Apple to train.

"Come on Dash, you can do it!" AJ shouted out before blowing a whistle in cadence. Soon after, a series of grunts and gasps could be heard from what could only be described as "Applejack's Training Subject". From a wooden plank that was used as a support beam for the barn, Rainbow Dash was in the middle of a series of wing pull-ups from said plank, which was secure about ten feet over the barnyard floor. Now a rigorous training of elevated wing-ups would have been tough enough, but extra steps had to be taken to truly make this qualify to the level of "Apple Family Workout".

Upon each of Rainbow's hind quarters, AJ tied a long rope tightly, and to the other end of each rope was tied a massive bale of hay that touched the ground when Dash was at rest, but needing to finish a pull-up would lift and dangle the haybale in the air. And these bales of hay were typical size for the Apple's, so they were not only large...but heavy too, each weighed about fifty pounds a piece. And Dash needed to lift all that weight in order to do a single pull up at a time. But for R.D., it didn't stop there.

After while, little Apple Bloom used the nearby hay stack on the corner of the barn to hop onto Rainbow Dash's back as well. Of course, Bloom did it marely for moral support for her friend, but to Dash it was almost like having an additional haystack tied to her back. Making only that much more to lift each sequence. But Dash didn't stop, she kept fighting through the aches and anguish to continue to do one wing-up after another.

"Keep pushin', keep fightin'. We believe in you Rainbow!" Applejack called out, by this point Big Mac was alongside to make sure that both Rainbow and Apple Bloom would be alright while in the air like they were. One by one, Rainbow continued to impress and amaze all the Apples present, and to impress an Apple in an act of strength was no small feat. AJ continued to count the reps aloud. "Ninety-Eight...Ninety-Nine, one more Dash. YOU CAN DO IT!"

Rainbow felt like her wings were on fire, burning with strain. She felt like her hind quarters were about to be ripped off from the weight tied to them. The sweat was pouring from all pours, making Apple Bloom on Rainbow's back squirm around to keep a good grip on the pegasi's back. Slowly, but surely she began to creep herself to the plank for one final lift. But halfway up, the body of the pegasus began to shake like an earthquake. The littlest apple called out in a cheer. "Come on Dash! You can do it!" Still the pegasi's back.

"DAAAAHHH!!!" Rainbow screamed out in agony, making the youngin' on her back close her eyes sharply to the loudness. While the Apples below began to take a stance ready for action, they soon saw that Dash still was inching closer and closer...until Rainbow was at a height where she grabbed the flat side of the plank her hooves to finally give her now trembling wings a much needed rest. Rainbow in a state of panting told Bloom to hop off her back and jump onto the plank to relieve herself of the additional weight, while Mac and AJ untied the stacks to her legs. Rainbow Dash felt so free after this, but she was ready to get down, and after telling the Apples so, Dash just let go of the plank and began to free-fall to the barn floor below.

It caught the siblings off guard suspecting that Dash fly down instead of just drop. But Applejack acted fast and in a dash of herself, leaped in midair and caught the distressed on her back, still able to land on her feet and stick the landing. All of them then regathered to show their approval of Rainbow's fortitude and guts.

"Great job Dash! Couldn't have done better myself." AJ complimented her, still huffing and puffing for air on the honest one's flank, before plopping off trying to stretch her limbs.

"HA!" Dash laughed in a form of gratitude. "Of course not, you wings to do a Wing-Up."

The two ponies chuckled at the comment for a bit, but Applejack felt she needed to say something to pegasus. Something heartfelt.

"Hey uh, Dash. I just wanted to apologize."

An eyebrow raised on the pony of the one the comment was directed towards. Followed by a somewhat sense of confusion. Applejack was honest, but she wasn't one to apologize about random things. "What for AJ?"

"Well..." Applejack began, looking down rummaging small pieces of straw her passing hoof. "F-For calling ya lazy before..."

After a brief pause, a giant "HA!" was responded by Rainbow Dash, followed by a hoof shot to the shoulder of the Apple next to her. "Come on Applejack, this isn't the time to be worrying about petty insults and regrets."

The reply was almost received with a snort after the chuckle. "Ya know Dash, that sounds like somethin' I'd say. Maybe ya do gotta little Apple in ya!"

Suddenly off in the distance, a familiar cheery voice was heard.

"OOH OOH! Are we in time for the big group hug gathering?"

Rainbow turned around to see the entrance of the rest of her friends, including the CMCs. Once everything was set up, Big Mac went around and told all the ponies where Dash was and all agreed to attend together as a semi surprise. And surprised Dash was; it was good to see all her friends here to give their full support and confidence.

Rarity soon approached in front of the rest present, she used her magic to float a wrapped package alongside and placed it in front of the pegasus. "While you were in Canterlot, I had the opportunity to make this for you Rainbow Dash..." Using her magic, Rarity untied the bow and opened the box. She then proceeded to float out of the box and unusual piece of full body clothing. It had a rubberish like texture to the eye, with a white tint though still a clear enough fabric to see through. "I think you may find this useful." Rarity finished up, and looked ready to help Rainbow put it on.

The ponies present smiled gleefully as Rarity "do do do'ed" a little melody aloud while helping Dash get clothed up. And with a final use of magic, Rarity zippered up the fabric under Rainbow Dash's neck. The outfit covered her whole body, wings included. In fact the only thing uncovered were Dash's eyes, tail, and mane; though the clear material made Dash's body still visible. Rainbow Dash observed the finished product while Rarity spoke again. "It may not be my most stylish form of un costume I've made, but I think it might be my best work. How does it fell on you?" She asked its wearer.

"A little tight, but not bad." Dash responded kindly, flapping her wings strongly to make sure the clothing wasn't too tight to constrict her flight ability. "Can still move pretty good."

"That's not all. Come see..." Princess Twilight asked her friend to come over to where the others were. Upon spacing out, a bucket of water was placed on the floor. "Stick your hoof in it Rainbow." The Princess requested.

Although hesitant, Dash slowly creeped her right hoof in the bucket of stagnant water. In it Dash stayed still for a couple seconds, and then Twilight told her she could remove it. Once Dash did, she noticed the submerged hoof was completely dry, the very minuscule amount of water beaded off as fast as Dash could fly. Rainbow was left in amazement when she looked up to her friends.

"Completely water resistant." Rarity announced. Also clarifying why the suit needed slightly tighter, to prevent any water from entering from the inside. Worked like charm, exactly like Rarity had hoped.

"Wow!" Rainbow Dash cried in excitement. "This is SO AWESOME! Thank you so much Rarity!" Giving her generous friend a flying hug.

Everypony was so happy, it truly looked like everything could be actually work out. If Rainbow Dash could stop Raindoom, all of Equestria could be saved. But Rainbow knew this wasn't the time to get too caught up in the moment, it was time to get back to work and to keep on training. Only now with all her closest friends by her side, it would only motivate her further.

***
After a while Rainbow Dash was back training again, only now with all her friends present. Seeing everypony working so hard made the CMCs filled with cheer.

CMCs:
You're faster than lightning,
And tougher than nails.
When trouble shows it's coming,
We know you will prevail!
We'll never frown,
when you're around,
because you're the best.
You will see your destiny,
and you'll rise above the rest!

Cause when the going looks bleak,
You will protect the weak.
You'll show you're tough,
when times are rough.
Cause you're our hero!

CMCs:
We all know
That we will be together!
We know
That we'll be friends forever!
We know
That one way or another!
We know...

Apple Bloom:
Yes, I know
That you're going to win!
And you'll never give in!
As your colors soar into the sky!
Your fightin' spirit's flyin' so high!

CMCs:
We know!

(The joyful delight of the melodies sang only made Rainbow Dash more committed to train harder.)

CMCs:
The awesomeness inside you,
will light up the sky.
As your strength, and speed, and bravery
Continue to climb.
Like a streak of lightning, you'll be fighting
Fast as can be.
And your awesome might, burning so bright
For all ponies to see.

Your unbreakable will,
Will keep us hoping until
Your Rainboom flows,
And colors glow,
Like a true hero!

Yes, we know!
That no matter the weather!
We know
You will make things all better!
We know
That one way or another,
We know...

Sweetie Belle:
Yes, I know
That you are a great friend, that
We can always depend, on
Whether sun or rain, or wind or snow
Your winning spirit's going to show!

CMCs:
We know!

As all her friends continued to look on, Rainbow Dash continued her long rigorous series of wing-ups, but the exhaustion was starting to get the better of her. After another difficult lift, Dash grabbed the plank with her hooves, dangling above. Panting heavy, she couldn't help but begin to play out all the possibilities that could go wrong, the possibility of letting all her friends down. They had done so much for her, ...what if she failed them? As Dash continued to try and catch her breath, she couldn't help but remember what she said a couple of days ago to her friends...

But how can it be...
Why's it have to be me...
To save us all,
Set Equestria free...

The words just continued to play in her head, over and over again.

But how can it be...
Why's it have to be me...
(x2)

Just when Rainbow thought to stop, she began to hear new words in her head. Voices, familiar voices.

Rainbow, don't you see...
It's because we believe!
(x2)

Dash's ears perked up upon hearing those voices spoke, and she looked down behind to see all her friends. And even though they weren't speaking, she could still hear their voices calling to her.

Rainbow, don't you see...
It's because we believe!
(x2)

From Rarity to Pinkie Pie, Twilight to Spike. Applejack, Fluttershy, and the CMCs. All of them looking up to the pegasus with a gleam, cheering her on from inside. And it made Rainbow Dash realize the truth of all that was going on. That just because one can't help physically, doesn't mean they can't help. Sometimes the littlest thing can make all the difference. From a suit to wear, to a little support. As Rainbow continued to look down upon, the look on her face went to confidence and determination. She soon turned her attention back to her training and began to trudge on, knowing that her friends wouldn't let her down, and neither would she let them down. After one more wing-up after another, Dash's spirit was flying high...

Rainbow Dash:
And I'm starting to see
This is my destiny.
So now I know,
It's time to show
The Magic in me!

Rainbow Dash:
I know
That the future may look grey!

CMCs:
We know
That the happiness will stay!

Rainbow Dash:
I know
That I'll chase the clouds away!

CMCs:
We know... (Fluttershy flies up with Scootaloo in her hooves and sets the young filly on Rainbow's back as she embraces her "big sister")

Scootaloo:
Yes, I know
That you are my best friend,
And our world you'll defend!
As you're soaring high to victory!

Rainbow Dash:
Thank you all for helping me see...
The magic will always live in MEEE!!!

Before Rainbow Dash could finish speaking, the barn became engulfed in a bright golden light. So bright that all the ponies shielded their eyes from the light's sheer intensity. After about ten seconds, the light faded away. Princess Twilight shortly after reopened her eyes hesitantly and looked around. "Everypony alright?" Twilight asked the company around. Everypony nodded but Dash landed on her hooves with Scootaloo in tow, approaching everypony.

"What happened to you all? You guys acted like you couldn't see anything..." Dash told them in a tone that made the others believed two things. One, that she felt they were acting kinda lame. But two, that Rainbow acted like nothing had just happened.

"The-the barn went brighter than the sun Sugarcube. You didn't see that?" Applejack questioned.

"Didn't see a thing. You didn't see anything either, right Scoot?" Rainbow looked down, but Scootaloo had a bit of a shiver to her that bugged Dash a bit.

"Well, actually that light was pretty bright! In fact, it looked like it came from you." Scoot said, pointing to Rainbow at the end.

Dash though just rolled her eyes at the statement. "Ah, you ponies are just getting caught in the moment." The others looked to each other, something definitely happened. And Rainbow Dash just tossing it aside felt strange. Dash began to stretch her wings and hooves out with a big grin of satisfaction. "Wow, I don't even feel tired anymore. So much for that intense Apple training, huh AJ?"

All the ponies were quite surprised by Dash's demeanor. Though her attitude, physically and emotionally seemed to confirm her words. And even when they would each ask if Rainbow was exhausted, even the slightest bit tired, Rainbow Dash gave the same answer.

"Nope, feel good as new." Dash happily clapped back.

"Ooh ooh ooh! Maybe Rainbow has super duper healing powers. Like a wolverine!" Pinkie Pie celebrated, shaking Fluttershy out of giddiness. But Fluttershy was confused.

"But, wolverines don't have healing powers..." Fluttershy explained, now confusing Pinkie.

"Really? Huh, where have I heard that before..." The party pony pondered, scratching her mane. But after the side story, the ponies returned to the matter at hoof.

"Rainbow..." Princess Twilight spoke to her friend. "This sounds like this happened before."

Dash and Twilight stared at each other for a moment, but Twilight began to explain a conversation that the Princess had with a friend the day before in the Everfree Forest. Everypony began to listen, for many of them had not heard what had occurred, before or currently.

*FLASHBACK*

Young Scootaloo and Princess Twilight listened in to what had transpired the day Rainbow flew into Everfree. Miss Zecora recalled the events that had occurred overtime; Dash's ailing health at their initial meeting, the treatment the zebra gave the pegasus throughout, and then...the moment she remembered the most of all. So hard to forget such a thing, for it was something Zecora had never seen in her life.

"Your friend started shining brightly like gold. It was certainly a sight to behold." Zecora told Twilight, who took the words in deeply, remembering them well. So to the next statement Zecora made, which was even more important than perhaps the first. "So remember what I have spoken Twilight. Remember the light. Blinding, golden, and bright."

*END FLASHBACK*

Twilight pondered what her zebra ally told her.

"Zecora told me you did the same exact thing when you visited her in the Everfree Forest." Placing a hoof under to chin to to think. "Something is causing this, I'm sure of it. But what's the connection?"

Twilight's train of thought was cut off quickly by a loud regurgitation sound coming from her dragon companion. All the ponies looked over as a magical scroll appeared that Spike began to read over. And upon finishing, the young dragon let out a loud gasp of panic.

"Twilight! It's from the Princesses!" Spike urgently stated, unraveling the scroll for the Princess to read over. "It says they can't contain the spell much longer, so they're heading for Ponyville...NOW!"

Almost as soon as Spike gave the announcement, the ponies noticed a disturbance in the sky. The once greyscale horizon of sky began constantly flashing bright and then changing to a dark, evil reddish overview. And that could only mean one thing, the spell was fading. Time was running out...Raindoom was coming.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked to each other. Both with a look of uncertainty, unclear as the sky behind them. Each of them knew that the time was drawing closer. Though soon after, Dash shot Twilight a smile, a look of confidence. One that filled the Princess, and the rest of the ponies in the barn with a feeling that everything would turn out alright.

All the ponies knew what the plan was, but what challenges would face them...nopony knew.