The door shut behind Twilight, leaving her alone in the hallway with her teacher. Wordlessly, the Princess began making her way down the hall, leaving Twilight to stand there apprehensively. After a moment of contemplation, Twilight galloped ahead to close the distance. Once she was trotting next to her mentor, Twilight turned to ask her a question.
“Um, Princess? Why didn’t you tell Anon what happened to him?” Celestia stopped in her tracks and turned to face her apprentice.
“Because Twilight, right now Anon is in a very fragile state, both physically and mentally. I think it’s best we give him time to acclimate to his new way of life before we add any unnecessary stressors.” She turned away and stared straight ahead. “Besides, the responsibility for admitting to the truth of the matter lies with another.” She then started walking down the hall with Twilight in tow.
“Now Twilight, have you ever learned the cloud walking spell? I believe it’s time we spoke with Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow Dash lay on her couch attempting to distract herself from the tormenting thoughts that raced around in her head. She attempted to lose herself in a Daring Doo novel, but try as she might, she couldn’t escape the burning fire of guilt that burned in the back of her mind. She focused as hard as she could on the words in front of her, trying to lose herself in the story.
Daring Doo gave a mighty and desperate flap from her wings, launching herself into the air just as the Chimera pounced. It’s paw just grazed her tail, severing several stray strands of hair. They floated down to the ground as she rocketed into the air. She landed with a heavy breath on a drifting cloud.
‘Just like the cloud you used to ATTACK ANON YOU MONSTER!’
She tried to shake the thoughts from her head and returned her focus to the book in front of her.
Daring surveyed the land around her. There was a forest of trees as far as she could see. She pulled out a compass from her saddle bag and watched as the little red needle pointed north.
“If I”m going to get the Talisman back to the Temple of Techomet before sundown, I need to hurry! But I can’t be reckless either!”
‘Reckless like you Rainbow Dash!’ Rainbow slammed the book shut and placed it beside her. She let out a deep sigh as she ran her hoof through her mane. ‘I have to talk to him. I need to tell him that I’m sorry, and hope he’ll forgive me.’
Just as she stood up from her couch, there was a stern knock at her door. So unexpected was it that her heart skipped a beat and she let out a surprised yelp.
‘Who could that be?’ She wasn’t expecting anypony. She made her way to her foyer, and opened the door. Her eyes shrunk to the size of pinpricks as she saw the impending form of none other than Princess Celestia standing on her doorstep. Rainbow’s mouth stood open as she struggled to find any words address her monarch.
“Good evening Rainbow Dash,” greeted Celestia in a formal tone. “May we come in?” Rainbow’s eyes darted past the princess to see her friend Twilight standing behind her, eyes downcast. Returning her gaze to Celestia, Rainbow gulped, and nodded. She knew what this was about.
“Y-yes. Come in.” Rainbow held the door open for the two ponies as they entered her home. Celestia held her head high, while Twilight was sunk low with an uncertain look on her face. Rainbow led them into her living room, and offered her guests seats on a few of her chairs. When everyone was settled, Celestia broke the tense silence.
“Would it be correct of me to assume that you know why we’re here?” She asked. Rainbow nodded.
“Is he okay?” Rainbow asked.
“That would depend on your definition of okay,” replied Celestia.
“W-what do you mean?” Rainbow questioned, nearly as quiet as Fluttershy.
“Well, he’s alive, thank the maker. However the quality of that life has been hampered to put it lightly.” Rainbow could only look on, dreading the news the princess was delivering. “According to the doctors, the lighting bolt that you launched at him overloaded and destroyed several key nerve endings in his spinal column. Anonymous is now paralyzed from the neck down.”
“P-p-paralzyed?!” Screeched Rainbow Dash. Of all the horrible news she believed she would be prepared to hear, this caught her completely off guard. She couldn’t have imagined such a simple prank could do so much harm! “H-how…I…I….”
“Do you understand the severity of the situation Rainbow Dash?”questioned the Princess. “Imagine losing your wings. To no longer be able to look down at Ponyville as you pass by overhead. To lose the freedom to soar through the sky. As bad as that is, the situation Anon now finds himself in is incomprehensibly worse. I hope you realize that.”
Rainbow did realize that. She couldn’t even imagine what that would be like. The guilt wracked every part of her body and she felt worse in this moment than she ever had in her entire life.
“I…I didn’t mean too….” Twilight was about to speak up and attempt to offer some comforting words to her friend, but Celestia was faster.
“I understand that Rainbow Dash. I know this was an act of negligence not malice. I don’t think you are a bad pony. You are the Element of Loyalty after all. However I cannot simply allow something like this to go unpunished. That wouldn’t be fair to Anon now would it?”
Rainbow couldn’t meet the Alicorn's eyes, instead staring wide eyed down at the cloud floor. She slowly and delicately shook her head in the negative.
“I’m glad you agree. Now Rainbow Dash I’ve thought about this, and decided that the method of punishment must first and foremost deprive you of the ability to do further harm.”
‘Is she going to send me to jail…or Tartarus!’ Sweat started to bead down Rainbow’s forehead as she anticipated what was coming.
“From this day forward,” stated Celestia. “I am personally revoking your Weather Handlers License, and fining you five hundred bits. I am also barring you from joining the Wonder Bolts.”
“What!” Rainbow screeched. She wasn’t sure if this was better or worse than jail! Celestia just took away her life long dream! And without her weather handlers license, she would’t be able to do her job! “F-for how long?” She questioned.
“Indefinitely,” replied Celestia. Rainbow almost couldn’t breath!
“B-but my job! I can’t do it without my license!”
“Then I suppose you will need to find a new one.”
“B-b-but…” Rainbow stuttered as she started to shake.
“But nothing Rainbow Dash. I hope you realize how merciful I am being right now. Trust me, your punishment could be a lot worse.” Rainbow knew this was true. All things considered, she’d gotten off easy. But still, how could she react to this situation with anything but dread? She knew she deserved this, knew it was her own negligence that brought this situation upon her, and she knew that thanks to her someone else was in an even worse situation. But still, she couldn’t help but mourn her own loss in addition to all she’d done.
“But…my house…” Rainbow weakly gestured around her.
“I will allow you to perform shaping work on your cloud house on the condition that you never, ever under any circumstances discharge another lighting bolt. But that is the ONLY exception and all other uses of your weather magic will result in imprisonment. Do you understand me Rainbow Dash?” Rainbow shuddered and gulped, not able to look her in the eye.
“Y-yes Princess….”
“Very good,” replied Celestia as she stood. She began making their way to the front of the house with Twilight in tow. Rainbow followed after them at a much slower pace. “And one more thing,” stated Celestia as she reached the doorway.
“Y-yes?”
“Anon is currently unaware that you are the one who hurt him. In fact, he believes you saved him from some random accident. I expect you to tell him the truth about what you have done. But not until he’s had time to acclimate. He is in a very fragile state right now and I think it’s best we allow him some recovery time before telling him that it was a trusted friend who paralyzed him. Until then, I would advise you to keep your distance. Twilight will keep me informed of his state of being, and I will decide when you will be allowed to see him.”
“He…thinks I SAVED him?” Muttered Rainbow.
“Yes. I’m sure you see the issue with this. I’d advise you to spend your time thinking up a proper apology. Until then, good day Miss Dash.” The Princes walked through the door, followed by Twilight, who offered her friend a sympathetic glance before the two departed. The door slammed shut, leaving Rainbow alone. Completely alone, with nothing but her thoughts.
Let's get controversial! #RainbowDashdidnothingwrong #Istandwithrainbowdash
Oh god. She’s probably making the situation worse.
Why don’t you give her a job?
11728864
You know what? I’m gonna join you in that just to piss some people off.
Too harsh
That message in the end is WILD
The punishment was so harsh that Celestia split into multiple Surfer Dudes.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if and when he finds out that it was just an accident RD caused, Anon is going far more mad at those that kept the truth from him than her.
But that's how I'd react personally.
11728884
I hope so. Atleast she and AJ wants to tell him.
Well that’s Dude Like of her, the Dood abides ;-)
He won’t even be able to wipe his tears when the realization of her confession hits.
Is Discord around at this point?
11728872
as much as I want to agree with you, dash took the guys life from him. Personally I'd rather die then be paralyzed from the neck down. Dash effed up and now Anon as to deal with the consequences.
I believe in my opinion, and this is strictly my opinion. Disagree or agree all you want. Dash’s next job should be taking care of Anon.
poor rainbow dash… it’s a fair punishment from Celestia since she knows Rainbow is important to the nation… so I guess she isn’t allowed to do anything with weather and Wonderbolts? I sounds like at least she could do racing since it’s not part of wonderbolts and weather control. Unless… you plan to give her the job from her original version back in G3
Poor Anon…
11728907
I wonder if Discord could heal him somehow. I mean he can make chocolate rain clouds he might be able to heal him.
Well.. Since Rainbow Dash needs a new job, why not learn how to take care of the disabled or paralyzed? That way she might prepare to make amends.
11728923
That would be the poetic solution, but if I was grievously crippled by the negligence of another person, I would want to spend as little time with them as possible.
11728939
Fair enough, like I said it was just strictly my opinion. Especially with how guilty Rainbow Dash is feeling. And Anon not knowing that she was the one who did it, eventually the guilt becomes too much to bear and she confesses. That’s what I am imagining. But again that’s just my opinion.
11728897
beat me to it
"Dood Day"
I believe Celestia's hooves are tied. She is not able to truly do anything more drastic without it affecting the Elements.
Otherwise, this is the current age Equestria, the time where Celestia went down the path of reformation. Unlike Earth, where not a small amount of convicts would have been a life sentence. Wouldn't be surprise if Rainbow's punishment is indefinitely until further notice or sufficient trust is rebuilt.
That is making it easy to rainbow, at least forbid her to also live in clouds and to fly with permission only, also to take care of Anon for life, or for as long as his paralyzing last, which most likely be forever, and also inform her parents.
11728928
Or transform him into a pony, so it becomes easier to cure, or just use the elements.
Dood chapter
11728864
#JeSuisDash
Honestly i was more concerned on how the guilt will continue to eat at Rainbow Dash and what it will drive her to do when it becomes too much to bear. I also want to know the outcome when Dash finally confesses to Anon and how he will understandably react.
So unlike other i won't "stop frothing at the mouth" lol til i see that outcome
11728907
He is not
11728991
I have corrected the error, and now the joke is DEAD! HAHAHAHAHAH now you're quotes look stupid and inaccurate! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHALOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
11728966
11728923
Forcing someone to essentially be a servant to another person is a quick way to make both of their lives hell. One will grow to resent the other and both of them will suffer for it.
11728872
Not sure if you were just joking or not, but Celestia went quite easy on Rainbow here. Anon pretty much lost everything that makes him him, and Rainbow is only losing access to:
1. Some jobs
2. Joining the wonderbolts
3. Manipulating clouds1
All of which she can still live a pretty good life without.
11728884
Yeah everyone is making a huge mistake here by letting it simmer. Anon'll be angry at Dash, sure, but he'll be livid with everyone else, especially when he learns that Celestia is effectively barring them from telling him what happened2.
Honestly, I'm curious if his memory of what happened will come back before Rainbow gets a chance to tell him.
1. She can still do this as long as she doesn't get caught. Especially so if she can just explain it away as "I was going to use it for my house..."
2. Yes, there wasn't any official order, but Celestia is essentially a god to most ponies, so what she says is going to majorly impact their decisions.
I understand that Celestia's looking out for Anon's best interests and wants Rainbow Dash to own up and eventually be the one to confess, but I would personally want someone to tell me right then and there what/who would have caused me to end up in the hospital. Especially if everyone around me keeps leaving the moment I say how I think it all went down.
Shoot, imagine what would happen when he does find out?
Anon ~ "You're the reason I'm like this!?"
Dash ~ "I am...And I'm so...So sorry Anon!"
Anon ~ "...And the rest of you knew and didn't want to tell me?"
Twilight ~ "Anon, you where in a bad spot at the time, and we didn't want you to be even more upset."
Anon ~ "What do you think I gonna do? Throw a table!?"
11729009
I can see that.
11729032
Yeah…that’s why I said, job. Not indentured servitude. Jobs have breaks, overtime, payments, and time off. I never expressed that Rainbow should be FORCED to take care of Anon. But the guilt of the situation, especially with her being incredibly loyal would be a very likely scenario.
11729032
not joking. even if she fucked up, Celestia herself said it was negligence not malice. barring her from her job and her dream is way too much. if i was in dashs situation i wouldnt take that lying down. life is over either way why not go out on your own terms and leave equestria. as an element you can hold the world by the balls. you leave and oh look, no more elements to fix all of celestias problems
Celestia giving Rainbow her punishment:
11729033
Yea I can see anon being more pissed at everyone else and FOR Rainbow with her losing her job and dream. Yea he'll be pissed at dash for doing it, but everyone else decided that he shouldn't know "until he was ready".
Anon has already expressed he dislikes being coddled.
11729065
from a conservationist angle, R.D's ignorance of magical properties and negligence in using her ability has permanently crippled a creature wholly unique in the world of Equestria, the sentence she got is broadly similar to that of poaching, let alone of an endangered species. btw endangered status is 3 or 4 grades below whatever anon would be considered so yeah she got off lightly
11729032
That would be entirely Anons decision, if he doesn't want to, then is fine.
At first this seems super harsh, but. . . Rainbow Dash won't have any difficulty getting another job. I mean, express courier would be one obvious option. That's assuming she isn't blacklisted when word gets around. (But I don't think we need to assume pony society works that way. Ponies aren't mean.)
Being blocked out of the Wonderbolts "indefinitely" is harder to evaluate. Indefinitely sort of implies forever, but it also sort of implies that it might not be forever depending on what happens down the road. One presumes something compelling would have to happen to change Celestia's mind on this.
By chance, I just recently started reading The Right Stuff. This sort of reckless behavior is the kind of thing that Tom Wolfe ascribes to the fighter jocks and test pilots in his book. The brass sternly warn them against shenanigans, but there's also a sort of implied wink and understanding that breaking the rules is in their nature, and higher-ups will tend to look the other way—up to a point.
Celestia was merciful here but still just, as you would expect of her. A satisfying chapter but no surprises. Still don’t see where the story can go though: is the moral of Anons story in Magical Pony Land going to be “life sucks, no reason, The End”? We get enough of that back here in real life!
11729065
Harsh? For what she did? Reckless Endangerment or in some places Deadly Conduct would result in far more severe punishments than what Dash got, especially given the severity of the injuries caused and the lethal force used. Negligence would be a mitigating factor only if there was no reasonable way for her to know, which is not the case since she was specifically told of his vulnerability.
Her life isn't ruined because there are jobs a good flyer like her can do that don't require weather magic. If they don't give her a chance due to what she did, Celestia could have done nothing and that would have still happened if they heard about it. If anything this punishment is lenient.
Putting uninvolved lives in danger? Out of revenge? Over a lenient punishment? That she didn't even serve jail time or get labeled a felon for? After permanently and severely injuring someone? Seriously? Something isn't right here and it isn't Dash's punishment.
Taking away a license to do her job seems like an odd punishment. I get there's not really much else you could do to punish Rainbow in this sort of situation, other than jail time and the other punishments she got, but taking away her livelihood just seems like a bizarre choice, in the context of the story and Equestria I mean. 'You accidentally paralyzed someone, you can no longer earn money' like if someone accidentally paralyzed another with a spanner and their punishment was that they couldn't be a mechanic anymore. Just seems weird to me, but maybe I'm stupid, idk. If Rainbow wasn't able to find another job, say everyone around town heard about the incident and wouldn't take her on for it, Celestia has essentially sentenced her to homelessness, poverty, unable to contribute to the community, which in a way, PREVENTS Rainbow from paying back for what she did.
I'm overthinking a fanfic again, somebody stop me.
That said, I'm not saying you shouldn't have wrote it the way you did or that you did a bad, I'm enjoying the story so far and looking forward to more! It's definitely more interesting than if you just sent Rainbow to jail and that was that, I didn't come here for realism, I'm here for the aftermath of a human dude getting blasted into a hospital bed in ponyland and Rainbow being eaten alive by guilt
A drunk driver still does time in prison, even when they paralysed someone else out of poor choices and not malice.
Engineers lose their licences and can never work in their field again when they certify construction designs with negligence.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyatt_Regency_walkway_collapse
After losing his license, that engineer chief made a new career as a touring lecturer on preventable disaster and failure of responsibility.
RD's punishment is life breaking. Actions and consequences. It's always sad for both parties.
I don't understand why so many users are reacting so passionately to Celestía's sentence, for me it was exactly what was expected.
When someone injures someone else due to improper use of a tool, whether it be a weapon or a vehicle, their license is revoked and removed.
A fine is expected.
And regarding the Wonderbolts, I see what Celestia says more as a statement of a fact, (I mean, it could very well be an imposition, after all she is the highest authority of the kingdom). I don't know what the status of the Wonderbolts is as an institution, but it's not incorrect to think that not having a criminal record is a necessity, as well as a license to manipulate the weather. Together or separately, these two things will prevent this Rainbow Dash from being hired by the Wonderbolts.
While I am aware this is less than what many expected of the punishment, including me, it honestly feels like the best possible way to do it.
It hits Dash on a personal level, making sure she forever remembers this day and what she has done, without restricting her freedom or well-being, except her access to more harm-causing activities.
It is harsh, but fair, feels right for Celestia.
Also, while I do not believe Dash will or should be forced to care for Anon as her new job, she will probably do it anyway, of her own volition. I mean, she is still the element of Loyalty, and she has a lifetime`s worth of guilt, there is no way she is not going to try to help.
11729249
I guess you're right, story's cancelled! Sorry everyone, you don’t have to go Home but you can’t stay here!
Damn this chapter is controversial, to say the least lmao.
We need to see the next chapter !
What will the Element of Loyalty do ?
1) Look after Anon.
2) Leave the country. No rules from the Princess in Gryphon lands. (so much for the elements of harmony... yeah I don't see this happening.)
3) Forge ahead with a new calling, teaching responsibility and the various forms of loyalty.
You know, as a form of "loyalty to ponykind", could you actually see her travelling and teaching younger ponies what it actually means to look after your friends?
I don't just mean in the nursing way that Anon now needs, think of loyalty/looking-out-for by understanding your friends and their needs, so that certain mistakes never happen.
She could actually make herself a more respected pillar of society, using her life and her mistakes as a tool.
That kind of humility does not come easy... what a test it would be for Rainbow Ego Dash.
But first she needs to pull herself together and have that chat with dear Anon.
EDIT: (further thoughts)
Events like this have a profound impact on what we decide to do with the rest of our lives.
One of my friends from school years is a chief safety officer in the mines. There is little doubt that this line of work called to him after his father was crushed to death by a truck when he was 15 years old.
My younger sister became a nurse and works full-time in intensive care units at hospital, directly inspired by the surgeon who gave her life changing orthopaedic surgery when she was 14.
Life changing/breaking things happen, and good people do what they can to better society.
11729249
I guess life is dukkha even in Equestria...
11728872
She literally paralyzed someone from the neck down
I guess it’s good for dash too. Her whole life always revolving around worshipping the wonderbolts and her self-esteemed is based on being an athlete Pegasus.
Didn’t look healthy at all. A growth up woman who still do practical joke on random strangers for fun like she was still mentally struck at high school didn’t looked healthy.
Hopefully eith those things forcefully taken away, she will grow more as a well-rounded person.
11728939
She wouldn’t have to spend time with that person in particular. You know she could always just get a retail job.