> Rainbow Dash: The Loves and Losses > by revanrose > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Elements of Harmony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One: The Elements of Harmony Rainbow Dash knew she was awesome, she always had been certain of that. Yet, there was one thing she was always uncertain about, love. Two months ago her and her love and friend, Rarity had broken up. The reason had been simplistic enough. to anypony who knew the couple. Rarity, although a lovely fashionista and at time, caring lover, was not always loyal. She had cheated on Rainbow Dash countless times and with stallions to boot. This went on until finally Rainbow couldn’t take it anymore. The break up seemed consensual enough. Due to this, Rainbow had kept to herself and focused on her job instead. That was until the Summer Sun Celebration. Rainbow, quite like all the other ponies involved in setting up for the celebration, was visited by Twilight Sparkle. She knew she hadn’t made the best impression, but still Rainbow was yearning for a new friend. So when Nightmare Moon revealed herself and she saw Twilight running like lightning she knew she needed to confront her. Upon arriving at the library her confrontation could have gone a lot better. “She’s a spy!” Rainbow found herself shouting. After the words had been said, she knew it sounded silly, yet she couldn’t exactly take back the words and in seconds she felt herself tugged back by her tail. She looked over her shoulder to see Applejack, one of the Apple family, had been the one pulling her. “She ain’t no spy!” Applejack replied, “But Ah do think she knows whats goin’ on.” Rainbow nodded and soon there were joined by three other ponies. One of them Rainbow winced inwardly upon seeing, Rarity. She tried to focus on the issue at hoof and when Twilight announced they were heading into the Everfree Forest, she was hoping Rarity would turn tail and run, after all it was ‘dirty’. Much to Rainbow’s surprise, Rarity stayed. Although, through the walking Rarity tended to gravitate towards Fluttershy. Rainbow and Fluttershy had never really gotten to know each other. They went to FlightSchool together but hadn’t talked much and in Ponyville she only knew Fluttershy through Rarity. Rarity and her were best friends after all. About ten minutes into walking the ponies were discussing all the bad things that could happen and Rainbow couldn’t help herself. She started trying to freak them out, upon landing, the ground fell out underneath them. Fluttershy and Rainbow both flew on instinct when the ground left, but everypony else started falling. Rainbow Dash ran head first for Rarity, whether she liked to admit it or not, she still loved her. Fluttershy caught Pinkie Pie and before they knew it those two were on the ground. Looking up Fluttershy and Rainbow saw Twilight dangling off the cliff and they both bolted up to catch her just as she started to fall. They got her down on the ground and then went to save Applejack only to find her already on the ground with them. Rainbow smiled triumphantly and started bragging about the saves her and Fluttershy had pulled off. She finally glanced at Fluttershy and said, “You know, for being a shy pony, you are pretty awesome.” She gave a huge smile and all Fluttershy could do was blush. Rarity however was looking positively peeved. “Well darling, I think you and Fluttershy were simply doing what you had to do. If I could have flown I would have done the same.” She then trotted forward, clearly not amused with the situation that had transpired. As they continued through the Forest they came upon a terrible sight, a giant Manticore. Rarity shocked everypony as she called it a ruffian and kicked it in the face, yet, that seemed to do nothing expect mess up her mane. As each pony tried to ram into the Manticore they just kept hearing a small squeak. Finally five ponies lined up to ram it together until they heard Fluttershy, “Stop!” Everypony stopped and stared at Fluttershy. Fluttershy returned to a whisper, “I’m sorry everypony, but... let me just try something.” Fluttershy walked away from the group and approached the Manticore. Rainbow felt dread wash over her, Rarity had a worried look and the rest of the ponies stared on with unsureness. Yet right as Rainbow was about to make a dash for the Manticore, it licked Fluttershy. Rainbow didn’t know what to think except: ‘It licked her... What the buck?’ After they passed the Manticore, Rainbow Dash fell behind to talk to Fluttershy, “You know, that was pretty awesome. I have never seen a pony so calmly talk to a Manticore... I’ve also never seen a Manticore... you get what I mean though right?” Fluttershy blushed slightly, “Um... Yes... I understand. I just... figured he needed a little kindness.” Rainbow smiled brilliantly, “Kindness wasn’t my go to response, but... it is pretty awesome that it worked.” Their continuation down the path led them to a scarier part of the forest than they had seen yet. The trees had turned into grotesque monstrous faces. Five of the ponies started backing into a tight circle. Eventually Rainbow ran into Rarity, who instinctually clung to her ex-marefriend. Rainbow instinctually whispered to her, “It’ll be alright.” Rarity nodded and buried her head in Rainbows mane which she knew so well. As they all clung together, suddenly, laughter broke out. All five ponies looked over in time to witness Pinkie Pie burst into song. Eventually all of them were rolling on the floor laughing. They had to admit this was a much better way to handle their fears than simply being afraid. When the monsters were all gone, they again began to trek through the forest, this time giggling as they walked. Up ahead of them they could see a river. It was very choppy. Rainbow perked up curiously at it, “Look, I know me and Flutters could fly over it, but the rest of you guys can’t. I don’t think there is any way around it.” Fluttershy blinked furiously at being called Flutters and Rarity appeared indignant for some reason. Twilight however simply nodded, “I’m not sure we can either.” As they got closer to the river everyone began to realize that this was not just a rough river. There, in the middle of the river, was a giant purple Serpent. He was throwing a tantrum. Rainbow rolled her eyes when he revealed the cause of his pain and mumbled to herself, “That is such a Rarity thing to do.” Proving Rainbow’s point, Rarity stepped up to the plate, “Well that just will not do. I simply cannot allow you to be subjected to this world without fixing that beautiful mustache of yours.” Without further ado, Rarity grabbed one of his scales. Rainbow flew to protect her from the backlash she was sure would occur. Only to find Rarity chopping off her own tail. Rainbow in her shock crashed to the ground five feet from Rarity. Rarity quietly levitated her tail and connected it, using magic, with his mustache. She then told him how beautiful he looked and turned around to find Rainbow Dash had crashed at her feet. “Rainbow, Darling, I know I am magnificent to look at but please try to stop crashing into things while looking at me. I thought we solved this a year ago.” Rainbow blushed deeply, “I was trying to save you.” Rainbow mumbled. “Excuse me I didn’t quite hear you.” Rarity responded. Rainbow breathed deep and said louder, “I was trying to save you in case he attacked for pulling off his scale.” Rarity nodded with a small smile threatening to break loose. Meanwhile the other ponies were experiencing different emotions. Twilight was confused. Applejack was confused yet she had heard the rumors. Pinkie Pie wanted to throw a “They are getting back together” party but knew it was too soon to tell. Fluttershy on the other hoof was experiencing a spectrum of emotions. On one hoof Fluttershy was glad her best friend was possibly getting her marefriend back, but, on the other hoof was a small voice that had been growing louder for months. In the back of her head she could her herself ‘I could do better. I could treat Rainbow better. Rainbow is too good for Rarity.’ That particular voice had been gaining a lot of ground in the past few hours. She took a deep breath though and let it pass. The group figured they would discuss what was going on later, now they needed to save the Princess and all of Equestria. Together they leaped across the serpent until they arrived at the other side. Fluttershy quietly thanked him for the ride and together they began to walk again. Rarity was quietly complaining about the dirt and the pain in her hooves but no one paid any mind. They needed to save Equestria from eternal darkness. As they walked the ruins began to come into sight and they started to run towards them. Twilight however was the first to find out the bridge they needed to cross was broken. She almost fell trying to run across the bridge and was saved by Rainbow. Rainbow could now hear Rarity, “Well now what do we do.” “Uh, Rares, I have wings.” Rainbow retorted, rolled her eyes and then dove down to get the rope for the bridge. As Rainbow began tying it up she heard a voice calling her name and three ponies in awesome outfits approached her. “We are the ShadowColts and we have been lucky for a very special pony to Captain our team of elite fliers. We think that pony would be you.” Rainbow nearly died right there from happiness, “Oh my, you want me?” She would have swooned right there and then if only it wasn’t considered ‘uncool.’ She then smiled, “I’d love to but let me tie this first.” She then began to fly over to tie off the rope and they landed in front of her, “No, it is us, or them.” Rainbow blinked at them, “What?” “If you help them, you cannot join the ShadowColts.” Rainbow continued to blink and then glared. She closed her eyes and imagined all of the ponies on the other side of that bridge. All of the ponies who were counting on her. Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie, Rares... Flutters. “If that is what it takes, I will pick them any day,” She said with sincere and utter conviction. She then turned her back on her dream and tied off the rope. They all trekked into the ruins where Twilight had them retrieve the Elements of Harmony. Yet, there was still a missing Element. Twilight asked them to wait outside while she tested to try and make the spark that the book had spoke of. As they waited outside, Rainbow ended up talking with Fluttershy. “So, how are you doing?” “OH...um... I’m okay I suppose...I’ve been better. I really hope Angel is okay at home.” She started going on for a while about her animals before Rainbow stopped her by holding up a hoof. “I’m sure they are fine and we will be back shortly.” Rainbow stated which caused Fluttershy to nod in response. Rainbow then continued, “I have to ask you something.” “Oh dear, right now? We are... in the middle of a forest...” Fluttershy responded sounding scared of whatever she was going to be asked. “Is Rares...I mean is Rarity dating anypony?” Rainbow asked, her heart pounding in fear. Fluttershy looked sincerely surprised, “Well... yes... she is dating a stallion. He is an... odd fellow. He is very religious and kind of hard to please from what I’ve heard.” Fluttershy covered her mouth the second she realized what she had said, “Oh my... I’m so sorry... I should really keep that kind of stuff to myself.” Rainbow shook her head, “I’m glad you told me. So, I take it you don’t approve of him.” Fluttershy looked rather sheepish, “Not really.” “Well then I have an idea!” Rainbow announced grinning, “Help me get her back.” Fluttershy’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. It was clear she was unsure if that was a good idea or not, “Well... I suppose... you were very good to her and he is a jerk...” Fluttershy stumbled over her words, “I...maybe...” As Fluttershy was trying to respond a huge explosion sound came from inside the ruins. They all ran in just in time to see Twilight disappear along with the Elements. “What in tarnation!” Shouted Applejack. Shortly after that they figured out where Twilight had gone and raced to get there. There they saw Nightmare Moon and Twilight in a confrontation. Rainbow also noticed on the ground were the shattered Elements of Harmony. A sinking feeling filled her. Without the Elements there was no way to defeat her... there was no hope. Yet, Rainbow found her spirits rising as Twilight gave a speech about the Elements of Harmony and the spark of Friendship. Everything else felt like a blur and soon, Nightmare Moon was lying on the ground with Celestia standing over her. It seemed that they really were the Elements of Harmony and Dashie was Loyalty... She could see that. No matter what she was always Loyal to those she loved. She glanced over at the Element of Generosity. She knew Rarity was both generous and selfish. She found it odd that Rarity would get such an element but brushed it off. After all, it was time for a party as Pinkie put it. With that, at least for one day, the land of Equestria was safe, even if Rainbow’s love life was not.