& & &
Rainbow Dash had no sooner stepped outside of Town Hall before she was besieged by a multitude of ponies who were asking, pleading, and demanding to know what the Princess had told her, and how they were going to get their foals back. She tried to explain that they were going to go rescue them, but she couldn’t even make herself heard over the din. Finally she zoomed up over the crowd and flew off, leaving Celestia’s poor guards to contain and calm the crowd.
Sighing in relief, Rainbow landed in front of Ditzy’s house. She opened the door only to find herself face to face with Ditzy Doo and Cloud Kicker; the latter of whom was wearing her dusty guard’s armor and was strapping on her wing-blades with Ditzy’s help. They paused when they saw her walk through the door.
“Rainbow Dash!” Ditzy rushed over. “Did the Princess tell you where Dinky is? When are you going? Just give me a minute, I’ve already packed!” Her rapid-fire barrage of statements threatened to bowl the cyan pegasus over as she scrambled to respond.
“I—you, huh?”
Cloud Kicker rolled her eyes. “Eloquent as ever, RD. Look, we know you’re the Princess’ go-to mare for this sort of thing. And we want in.” She looked determined.
“You guys want to come too?” Rainbow groaned.
Kicker nodded. “If you mess with our foals, you mess with all of us.” She pawed at the floor. “And not just us! They took Carrot Top’s little sister and she wants in. They also took Twist and you know how much Bon-Bon loves that filly. And where Bon-Bon goes, Lyra goes too. Berry Punch is already liquored up and ready to go after whoever took Ruby Pinch and Cheerilee wants to make sure her sister doesn’t get in over her head. I’m sure Big Macintosh will want in too, and...” She spoke faster and faster, as if hoping that the more she got in the less likely Rainbow would say what she knew she was going to say.
“You’re not going. None of you are.” Dash shook her head.
Cloud narrowed her eyes as Ditzy’s wings opened in surprise. “Rainbow Dash, they took Dinky! That’s my muffin out there and if you think for a second that I’m just going to...to sit here and do nothing, then you don’t know me!”
“It’s because I know you so well that I know you’ll stay.” Dash replied gently. “Sparkler’s due to come back from Canterlot tonight. Do you really want her to arrive only to find out that both you and Dinky--her whole family--is just gone? She’s going to need you.” The gray pegasus shook her head, trying to deny what Rainbow was saying, only for her to press on. “Ditzy, you’re really awesome but this is going to be a really tough journey. If anything happened to you, what would I tell Dinky?”
Ditzy swayed on her hooves, numbly falling back on her rump. She sniffled miserably.
Dash sighed as she kneeled down next to her. “Ditz … I’m sorry. But the best place for you will be here with Sparkler. Okay?”
Ditzy’s tearfully swept Rainbow Dash up in a hug, burying her face in Rainbow’s neck. “Y-you better bring Dinky and yourself back safe and sound. If something happened to either of you...I-I swear I’ll--I’ll spank your rump ‘til its red!” she sobbed. Smiling, the rainbow-maned pony hugged her back.
“I promise.” She just held Ditzy for a moment before climbing back to her hooves. Ditzy left to pack a few things for Rainbow, excusing herself from the room.
Once she was gone, Rainbow Dash turned to the still armed and armored Cloud Kicker. “CK, you're in charge of Ponyville while I'm gone.” She paused then sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. “A heh. Not, that I'm, ya know, technically in charge or anything but...yeah.”
Cloud Kicker snorted dismissively. “Horsefeathers. That's make-work to keep me busy, and you know it.”
“CK...come on,” The blue pony implored. “Celestia herself isn't sure if the foalnapping was a trick to lure her away or not. That means that there could be another attack coming. And if we're off chasing down whatever took Dinky and Alula, who else is gonna keep Ponyville safe?”
There were several seconds of frustrated silence from Cloud Kicker as she wrestled with Rainbow’s logic--Rainbow Dash being logical, there was a scary thought--before she weakly protested, “But ... I could help.”
Dash nodded. “Yeah...I know.” She walked beside Cloud Kicker and draped a wing over her back. “But you could help even more here.” She winked. “I mean, between me, Shining Armor, Twilight and Applejack, I think we're all set for badflank heroic types. Can't have too much awesomeness in one place you know.”
Cloud Kicker gave a weak snort of laughter. “You would think about it that way.”
"You know it," Rainbow winked. "If we run into anything dangerous I’ll just have to love and tolerate them.” She made a quick jab with her front hooves. “Meet love,” she held out her right hoof “and tolerate!” she gently punched CK’s shoulder with her left.
The two shared a brief chuckle. There was a friendly silence for a bit before Cloud Kicker suddenly glomped her friend. “Hey, you come back in one piece, okay?”
The cyan pegasus grunted in surprise before shooting Cloud Kicker her best, most confident smirk. “Hey...it's me!”
Cloud rolled her eyes. Rainbow didn’t notice Ditzy's return until she hefted her saddlebags over onto her back. Dash turned around just in time to have her old friend embrace her again. “I-I thought I’d pack you some supplies.” Ditzy’s voice was quivering. “I hope it’s enough for your big journey…dress warmly a-and be sure to get plenty to eat and…and…”
“I’ll be fine.” Rainbow hugged her back. “Don’t worry. We’ll be back with Dinky and the foals by Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
The gray pegasus shook as she gave her friend one last nuzzle. “O-okay, Rainbow Dash. I trust you.”
Rainbow smiled, but couldn’t help suddenly feeling ten pounds heavier than she had a moment ago.
& & &
Having marshaled their forces and supplies, Rainbow Dash was ready to tear out of Ponyville to save the missing foals and deck Sombra in the snoz. However she was forced to wait for their transportation to arrive. As the others stood at the Ponyville train station—the subject of no few stares from the curious populace, eager to see the heroes set off—Dash was tapping her hoof impatiently against the ground.
“You know, when I imagined us setting off on a mission to save Equestria...I didn't think it would be us waiting to catch a train,” she groused.
Pinkie Pie bounced and flounced around her, putting a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Silly Dashie, we’re riding a train, not catching one! Catching a train would be painful... and messy.” She made a face. “Besides we’d need like a big, big, biiiiig rope to catch it! Hey Applejack, do you have any rope?”
The farmpony chuckled as she dipped her head into her saddle bag. “Sure as shootin’ do! Got mah best lasso all wound and ready for whatever varmints nabbed Apple Bloom and the others.” Her face took on a look of grim determination; her eyes set as she tugged the brim of her hat down. “They better not have so much as put a single hair in her mane out of place, or so help me Celestia…”
Twilight reached out a hoof and put it on Applejack’s withers. “I’m sure they’re okay…King Sombra wouldn’t have gone through all the trouble of sneaking them out of their homes if he just wanted to hurt them. He could’ve done that here, but he didn’t. That means he wants them in the Crystal Empire.”
“I sure hope so.” Applejack let out a shuddering breath, somewhat soothed by her friend’s steady logic. “…thanks Twi.” She added gratefully.
Rainbow, agitated as ever, looked impatiently down the track for any sign of their train. “Come on! Grah, that’s it! If that train isn’t here soon, I say we walk!”
Rarity nickered. “Oh come now, Rainbow Dash. Surely you aren’t suggesting that we WALK all the way to the frozen north? It’s much better to wait a little while for a train that can get us there sooner, and indeed, more comfortably than journeying on hoof.”
“Anything’s better than standing here doing nothing!” snapped the irritated pegasus. “We gotta get moving—and I think finding your sister is a little more important than your comfort!”
Rarity scowled. “Do NOT cast aspersions on my love for my little sister! There is nothing I wouldn’t face, no danger, no discomfort or even—” she shuddered. “…mess—if it meant bringing Sweetie Belle back safely. But the train is the fastest,” she stressed, “way to get to the north, which I think is something you of all ponies should appreciate. And if it happens to be more comfortable than slogging through Equestria on hoof, then I for one am not going to complain.”
Cadence took a step forward. “Girls, please…I know you’re all tense and worried about your loved ones. But this is going to be a long journey. The only way we’ll save them and stop Sombra will be if we work together.”
Pinkie Pie just smiled. “Yeah! This trip isn’t going to be any fun if we’re all frowny, grumpy mcgrump pants at each other.”
“Fun? Pinkie, how can you be smiling at a time like this?” Rainbow asked incredulously.
“Easy!” Pinkie winked at her as she cleared her throat. This could only mean one thing...
Even when trouble’s knocking at my door,
You can always find a smile on my face!
And just when the thunder storm begins to pour
You can always find a smile on my face!
Rainbow facehooved. She had to ask... “Pinkie...” But there was no stopping her. She was on a roll!
Ready for adventure, always on the go
I’ll be there to help against the meanest foe
Don’t have to be afraid ‘cause I always know
That things will turn out right!
The pink pony suddenly turned around and popped in between Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, hugging them both tightly.
Even when I’m last, in a race
You’ll always find a smile, always find a smile,
always find a smile on my face!
Smile! Smiiile! Smiling! Smiiiiling!
She appeared standing atop of a surprised Shining Armor, grabbing his horn for support.
Even when I’m surrounded and there’s trouble ahead
You can always find a smile on my face!
I stare down my fears and be brave instead
That’s why you’ll find a smile on my face!
Ready for adventure, always on the go
I’ll be there to help against the meanest foe
Don’t have to be afraid ‘cause I always know
That things will turn out right
Hopping off the confused unicorn, Pinkie did a somersault that took her back to the ground. She landed on her hindlegs, spreading her hooves widely as she came to the big finish.
Even when I’m last, in a race
You’ll always find a smile, always find a smile,
always find a smile on my face
Smile! Smiile!
Somepony’s gonna help, some things will turn out fine,
That’s why you’ll always find a smile on my face!
As if perfectly timed to coincide with the end of Pinkie’s little number, the train pulled into the station. “Yay the train’s here!” She bounced up and down.
Shining Armor blinked. “How did she…?”
“Don’t.” Rainbow warned him, shaking her head. “Just…don’t.” She sighed. This was going to be a long trip.
&&&
Nice chapter, but you made a few mistakes.
Shouldn't that be trusted?
Should be "more comfortable".
My thoughts on the chapter: I like how Rainbow managed to prevent Ditzy and Cloud Kicker from also going on a potentially dangerous journey.
Is that a Mysterious Mare-Do-Well reference I spy, with Rainbow Dash being the one to make it?
1788811
No...just a creative repurposing of 'to love and tolerate'
1788837 I see. Now fix those mistakes that I pointed out!
Hah, awesome. Shining's getting properly acclimated to Pinkie on the trip for sure. Liking the alternate take so far. (CK is still worst pony.)
leaving
trusted
much fun to
feeling
Another update? Excellent.
It's strange jumping from Winningverse Cloud Kicker, who doesn't go after any of the Mane 6 for very good reasons, to Dashverse Cloud Kicker who has no such reservations. Even if it makes sense, because all the flight camp crap never happened, it's still a little weird. Not that I'm complaining though.
Considering how Kicker feels about her mom it probably isn't very effective to insult her, since Cloudy probably feels the same way.
More of Pinkie singing is always nice and I bet we'll get to see Zecora soon. This thing is gonna be good.
Thanks Trinary
I loved this part so much, it really made me smile x3
Cloudkicker is hilarious. And I can see that she's just doing this to get RD to relax and focus on something other than the problems at hand. Go CK.
It's hilarious that Shining both recognized the name Cloud Kicker and took it as an explanation for her behavior.
1789134
that incident with Celestia must have been a popular story with the guards, eh?
Meanwhile in Tartarus: "Yeah mom, I'm doing the babysitting job as you asked. What? No I don't need any help I can handle it on m-- MOM, I'm a hundred thousand years old, I can handle a few kids..."
1789493
Remember, Cloud Kicker went to West Hoof and there are a lot of Kickers in the Royal Guard. I'm sure her reputation preceeds her.
1789513
...Okay, now THAT would make for a really great story.
1788857
Yeah, avoiding the whole Flight Camp fiasco made for some changes to Cloud Kicker's personality. There are no rules against chasing Rainbow's friends (or Rainbow herself, for that matter) and she probably doesn't have nearly as many commitment issues. I'm actually kinda hoping Trinary gives us some Cloud/Dash. Sure, Dashversh Rainbow appears to be straight so far, but Rainbow wouldn't be the first mare who was straight until she wound up in Cloud Kicker's bed (Winningverse Derpy, for example).
1789134
One of those random bits of timeline I've worked out that I haven't gotten around to mentioning in-story yet is that Cloud Kicker was just starting at West Hoof during Shining's last year there, so he would have had some chance to get to know her by reputation. Granted, I'm not sure if that applies to the Dashverse or not.
1789527
Funny alternate one shot go?
1789532
I wouldn't mind a little Cloud/Dash either, especially since there's no chance of it happening in the Winningverse ( Unless you decide to make the whole love dodecahedron a bit more complicated ;) ) I feel that mashing their personalities would prove for an interesting relationship. It may even be possible here, since Dash did have a curious reaction to Twilight's dance last chapter, although I doubt Trinary is even remotely going in that direction.
1790075
Yeah, Cloud/Dash would never happen in the Winningverse. Way too much baggage on both sides for any kind of romance to work. Though I suppose one could say that Rainbow lost her virginity to Cloud Kicker in a very technical sense.
Comma before "and".
There's an extra comma.
I'm not sure if you're going for words-coming-out-in-a-jumble here, but if you aren't then there should be a comma before "and".
I think you know what I mean by now.
It's a sign of the end times!!! Or it could be a result of Princess Celestia's tutelage.
As was shown in "Life and Times".
Like in the most recent "Life and Times"???
Nice one.
You can't stop Cloud Kicker, she's the best!
And that explains everything.
Wait... Weren't you just using "Ah" (incorrectly).
Better advice was never given.
Let's see where this goes.
In before people tell me "The Crystal Empire". Also, calling Windigos.
"Just come home safe"
"Hey, it's me!"
RD must also be channeling Han Solo
So, Ditzy, Carrot Top, Lyra, and Cheerilee all want to come along too... what is this, the Lunaverse?
Suggest 'sock' instead of 'deck', for added alliterative appeal. (Also, I've usually seen it spelled 'schnozz', but I guess there isn't really any 'right' spelling for slang like that.)
d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/cm-23138-050624abe3a9e6.jpeg
And I hope you give Sombra more dialogue.
static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Dastardly+Discourse.+Sombra+is+not+the+most+articulate+of+villains.+I+m_f3763e_4236914.png
ClouDash new OTP.
Come on CloudDash!
Another solid chapter as everypony gets ready to head out. Kinda sad Cloud Kicker isn't coming, but that's the breaks. I look forward to seeing how this story progresses.
Loved that part. This is really good so far, and I don't know if its mentioned/dealt with later (as in, maybe they meet her when they actually find all the foals) but I'm noticing a distinct lack of Scootaloo. Well, anywho - Onward!
1788837 Heck, I did the same gag with cadance's twin gatling guns in FNTK.
... Cloud Kicker...
Celestia damnit...
1789134 Shining: "Fun Fact: before she left for Ponyville, running into her provided as much guard social rank as three tours of duty against Equestria's foes!"
God have mercy on their pitiful pony souls!
Not exactly Bucks Mcgilicuty or Kicks Mcgee, but they work!
"WONDERFUL PERSON AND YOU SHOULD FEEL VERY GOOD TO KNOW HER!"
:" Believe her. That way lies only anvils, doors, and Hydra attacks!"
Pinkie... *Massages forehead*
1793104
Lol.
1789532 1790145
Yeah, I honestly think I like this version of CK a little bit more, because of that. Or rather the relationship between her and Rainbow Dash (past, present & future). No offense of course.
But riddle me this: In another A/U, which pony do you think CK would want to bang (or at least try to) more?
A. A Rainbow Dash more like Fluttershy (sweet, sensitive, colourful and 20% kawaii-er)
B. A Fluttershy more like Rainbow Dash (brash and daring, always on top -in more ways than one, has some anger/ego issues)
C. Both (the winning has been doubled!)
D. "Hey Blossomforth, you feeling jelly?"
See here.
I'm honestly surprised that CK (the one with military training) didn't catch the flaw with that "logic". If Sombra wanted to take or kill anyone else in Ponyville, he would have done it last night when he had the entire town at his complete mercy. There is actually no tactical reason for CK to not go with them (storytelling reasons, on the other hand ...)
Okay, what and how... Someone really needs to ask Pinkie Pie