All her life Rainbow always dreamed of becoming a Wonder bolt and she finally has a chance to become one but something goes terribly wrong.
All her life Rainbow always dreamed of becoming a Wonder bolt and she finally has a chance to become one but something goes terribly wrong. This could possibly change her life and her friends life forever, she loses everything near and dear to her heart and cant remember who any pony is and is no longer the element of loyalty.
“OH RAINBOW DASH!” Pinkie shouted with excitement from outside Dash's home.
Dash poked her head out from her bedroom window and waved to her pink pony friend below. “Hey Pinkie Pie what’s up?”
“Ooooh, nothing I just wanted to say good luck today on your addition to becoming an official Wonderbolt!” Pinkie then pulls out a party cannon from out of thin air and proceeds to pull on the cannon's string sending an explosion of confetti and streamers through the air.
Dash chuckles as a green streamer gently land's on her snout and blow's it off.
“Thanks, Pinkie I was starting to get really nervous about my audition but seeing you here made me feel a little better. Hold on... Pinkie how did you get up here, and how are you not falling through the clouds?”
“Silly Dashie don’t you remember us coming to your young flyers competition? Twilight used her magic on us so we can walk on clouds.” Pinkie Pie starts to bounce up and down on the fluffy clouds.
“Oh right, but how did you get up here then?”
“Twilight's hot air balloon.” Pinkie smiled widely.
“Oh.. yeah.. sorry I guess I'm still a little out of it. I just can’t seem to focus on anything but the competition. Now that I know my friends will be there for me I'm sure ill be fine. Speaking of where is every pony?”
“Well Applejack is outside the stadium selling her delicious apples, Fluttershy is practicing with her singing birds for the opening performance, Spike and Twilight went to go talk to the Princesses, and Rarity is making adjustments to your new outfit for your performance.” Pinkie Pie started jumping up and down on the clouds excitedly.
"That makes sense at least I got to see you Pinkie thank you for coming."
“Aww it's no problem and you are going to do so great I love watching you do your daring tricks, and stunts I have no doubt in my mind that they will accept you.”
“Thanks, Pink.” Rainbow flies down next to her friend and puts a hoof on her shoulder.
“No problem Dashie, well I better go and try to get a good seat for us I'll see you later Dashie!!”
“See ya’ pink!”
Rainbow dash watched as her pink friend bounced happily on the fluffy clouds all the way to the entrance of the stadium. Dash took a shaky deep breath and flew behind the stadium where the competitors are to wait. After Dash signs in and receives her number, she walks into her dressing room where she would find the outfit Rarity had made for her. To her surprise she found Rarity waiting for her in the room with the outfit hidden behind a purple curtain.
Rarity sang as she welcomed Dash.
“Hello, darling! I just got done finishing your outfit, and I'm sure you will find it to your liking.” Rarity said as she brushed her main to the side.
“Awesome I cant wait to see it.”
“Yes, yes but first let me put some finishing touches on it."
Rarity disappeared behind the curtain and started humming a song to herself as she finished the outfit.
As Rainbow waited she pulled a Daring Do book from her saddlebag, and started reading it. She didn't have much of a chance to get to the next chapter before Rarity called for her.
"It's done Rainbow Dash!"
Rarity stepped out from the curtain and positioned Dash on the spot where she would get a full view of the outfit.
"Now if you will just stand right here, and close your eyes, and on the count of three open them."
Rarity stepped over to where a golden-colored rope hung from the curtain and started counting down.
"1....2.....3!!!"
Rarity tugged on the gold-colored rope and revealed her masterpiece.
“Well, what do you think?”
Rarity stood next to the outfit with a huge smile on her face, and her eyes sparkling.
Rainbow dash opened her eyes excited to see her outfit, but to her surprise, it was an exact replica of an official Wonderbolt uniform. Rainbow's smile faded as she looked over at Rarity.
“It needs to be 20% cooler.”
Rarity’s heart skipped a beat as her mouth dropped to the floor. Rarity spoke in a panicked voice.
“Don't you like it darling? I thought you might like that you would look like you were an official Wonderbolt, and I worked so hard on it and… and… I thought you would love it.”
Rarity’s eyes started to tear up, but before a tear could drop Rainbow started to laugh and fall back to the ground.
“HA HA!! I got you good Rarity!”
“Wha- whatever do you mean Rainbow dash?” Rarity sniffled.
“I was kidding around with you I love the outfit you made me it looks so awesome it really will make me look like an official Wonderbolt now, and the best part is that one of my best friends made it for me thanks Rarity I owe you one.”
Rainbow walked up to Rarity and gave her a hug.
“That's a relief darling I really believed you hated it, but I'm glad that you like it.”
“I sure do, mind if I try it out now?”
“Not at all dear it's yours now do whatever you like with it.”
Rainbow shrieked in excitement, but quickly cleared her thoughts and tried to stay cool.
“Awesome I’ll be right back.”
Rarity giggled as Rainbow took her new uniform to the dressing room and slipped it on, she then took a step back and looked in the mirror, she looked just like a Wonderbolt. Her heart swelled with pride and her eyes started to water. This was her childhood dream and seeing herself in uniform made it all the more real to her. She worked so hard to get to this point in her life that she could barely contain herself. She stepped out from the curtain and stepped up on the catwalk.
Rarity watched in amazement as Dash struck multiple poses in her new outfit.
“Oh, darling you look simply amazing in that outfit it fits so well on you.”
“Yeah!! Now I look 20% more awesome. We should go show every pony else the totally amazing new outfit you made me.”
Rarity's eyes started to sparkle at the thought of her being recognized by an important pony who is interested in the costume she had made. Rarity jumped up in excitement towards Rainbow.
"What an absolutely fabulous idea Dash was must hurry and show off my-" Rarity giggled
"I mean your new outfit."
Dash nodded in agreement and laughed.
"Come on Rarity let's go."
Rarity and Dash walked out of the dressing room and met up with every pony at the entrance of the arena.
“Howdy there sugar cube how ya feeling?”
"Hey Applejack I'm feeling pretty good, but ill be honest I'm also a little nervous."
“Awe shuck's Dash there's nothing to worry about you’ll do just fine, and with that there snazzy new outfit you are a shoo-in.”
Rainbow rubbed the back of her mane and blushed from her friend's compassion and total confidence for her.
“Oh, Rarity you did an amazing job. I especially love the way it already makes Rainbow look like an official member,” Fluttershy said in a hushed voice.
“Oh it was nothing really darling, but I must say I did do a fantastic job. I just wish I could have added my own personal touch but I know how much it would mean if I kept the original design.”
“I cant wait to see you perform out there Rainbow, and Princess Celestia wanted me to tell you that you will no doubt do amazingly, and be a fantastic addition to the Wonderbolts” Said Twilight
Dashes eye grew wide at the thought of Princess Celestia rooting for her.
“WHOA! She really said that about me? OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH!!”
“Of course.. we all think you will do fantastically out there.” Twilight smiled.
Rainbow looked at all her friends and started to tear up.
“You guys are the best friends I could ever ask for. I don't know what I would do without you all.”
Rainbow dash then gave all her friends a hug and started to feel more confident in herself than ever before. She no doubt had what it took to win not only for herself but for her friends as well. Just as they let go of one another horns started to play signaling the start of the competition.
“Come on girls let's go meet up with Pinkie Pie I heard she was able to get front row seats. Good luck to you Dash I'm sure you will do fantastically.” Said Twilight as she walked through the cloud gates.
“Yes, and darling do be careful out there, I would hate to see you get hurt and also ruin your new outfit.”
"Don't worry Rarity I won't get a scratch on it."
Rarity smiled and trotted close behind Twilight.
“I'll be cheering you on Dash. I've been practicing on my cheer. Watch.”
Fluttershy took a few steps back and took a huge breath in and let out a small cheer.
“Woohoo..”
Dash smiled at her friend's attempt but was happy that she had been trying.
“Thanks, Fluttershy that was really good, and I can't believe you practiced for me.”
Fluttershy blushed and went through the gate.
“No matter what happens Dash we will always be there for you now go on sugar cube get going or you will be late.”
“Oh yeah see you later girls! I'll do my best!”
Dash jumped in the air and flew past the gate and into the waiting room where she will get one last medical check-up, once she was finished getting her checkup she was cleared of any health issues and was well enough to compete, she sat down on a cloud chair and looked around to see if she knew any pony, she noticed a dark grey stallion with a light blue mane standing on the other side of the room. Dash whispered to herself.
“Thunderlane?”
Rainbow laughed at the thought of Thunderlane becoming a Wonderbolt and decided he was not some pony to worry about. She looked around some more and spotted some more ponies she knew, Flitter, Cloudchaser, Cloudkicker, and Derpy. Not much of the competitor-type ponies, Dash then gives up the search and starts to stretch out her wings. Confident in her easy victory.
All of a sudden a voice cracked on the intercom and called number one to the arena. Dash looked over at the starting platform and saw a pure white mare with a cherry-colored mane step up, and readied herself for a horn to sound for her to start. Dash didn't recognize her and stepped over to the viewing glass to watch her mystery opponent. As soon as the horn sounded the mare jumped straight up into the air and performed her stunts she was fast.. too fast… Rainbows heart started racing thinking that she would not be able to compete with the unknown mares speed, she shook her head and thought to herself.
"What am I so worried about I'm the fastest flyer in all of Ponyville. No! In all of Equestria!! She's nothing compared to me."
The mare then finished her routine with a perfect swan dive onto the platform below and took a bow. The crowd cheers and throws flowers at the pony's hooves.
Dash watched closely as each pony performed their stunts. Some were super fast, some were strong, and some could kick 1000 clouds in under a minute. Dash hadn't realized how tough her opponents would be, but she was more determined to win than ever she loved a good challenge. After about half an hour the announcer once again called a number, number 15 Rainbow held her breath and looked at her number it was her turn to perform. She slowly walked towards the platform and cleared her mind.
“Ok Rainbow you can do this nothing to be afraid of this is your chance to show the Wonderbolts what you've got. Win or lose I will always have my friends there to support me.”
Rainbow stepped on the platform and out to the arena the sun was shining bright and there were little to no clouds left from the other contestants. She had little to work with, but wasn't worried about it, she looked around for her friends and soon found them sitting next to the Princess. She laughed as she saw pinkie start to hold up a huge banner with the words “GO RAINBOW DASH!!” written on it. She then looked at the judging table where the Wonderbolt's were seated they seemed impressed with Rainbows outfit and smiled at her with interest. She especially noticed Soarin staring at her intensively and started to blush. Rainbow also started blushing and turned away from the judges and readied herself on the other side of the platform putting on her flight goggles and waited for the horn to sound, she cleared her mind once again and focused on the open sky. She crouched down low and held her wing's up ready to lift her into the sky above. She could hear her heartbeat loudly in her chest, and her legs twitching with excitement. Then a loud horn rang out sending adrenaline surging through her veins, she pushed off the platform leaving a cloud of dust behind her.
Rainbow did all kinds of flips and tricks in and around the stadium, she spun clouds round and round and cut them into intricate designs with quick swipes of her powerful wings. She then formed a small rainbow-colored tornado and blew it towards the judge's the tornado burst into rainbow-colored confetti that seemed to gently fall like snow around the judges. They stood from their chairs and watched as the snow-like confetti fell around them. She had them right where she wanted them, a few more tricks and she would be in for sure. She then flew into a waterfall that was flowing right next to the starting platform she flew so fast that a mist of water trailed right behind her and when she suddenly stopped to land on the platform the water splash against the back of her mane and caused a small rainbow glow to form around her as the sun beamed on her and made a striking pose. The crowd roared, but she wasn't done yet she had one more stunt to perform a stunt no pony else could do but her. The Sonic Rainboom. The crowd of ponies still cheering in amazement and with that Rainbow gathered all her strength and once again launched herself into the sky she flew so high that she could hardly breathe the air growing thinner as she climbed. She stopped and looked down below at the stadium Rainbow breathed heavily, and she cleared her mind once more and pulled her wings in by her side. Dash started to rocket back down towards the stadium. She could have sworn she could almost hear Fluttershy cheering for her over the gasps of ponies watching her plummet. Rainbow stretched out her body making it as thin as possible and held her hooves out in front to help guide her descent to the earth below. The wind stinging her face making her eyes water, her lips forcefully being pulled back causing her to drool. She felt the sound barrier starting to break and readied her wings to lift her back into the sky breaking the barrier. She counted.
“5...4...3...2...1..NOW!!”
Rainbow spread her wings out and pull up, but she was going too fast and when the force of the wind pushed up against her wings it pushed too hard. Dash heard a loud snap coming from her left-wing. She cried out an ear-shattering scream and fell towards the earth. Every pony watching was in horror as they too heard the loud snap of Rainbows wing and gut-wrenching scream. Paralyzed from shock to react even the Wonderbolt's didn't move a muscle. However, a sudden yellow blur bolted from the stadium seats and headed straight for Dash. Fluttershy was the first to react when she heard the snap of Dash's wing. She was followed immediately by Twilight both trying desperately to reach Rainbow in time, but they were nowhere near as fast as Dash was, and it would be impossible to catch up in time. Fluttershy's heart raced and tears began to form in her eyes. Fluttershy shouted to Twilight.
“TWILIGHT USE YOUR MAGIC TO MAKE ME FLY FASTER!!”
Twilight didn't know a spell to make them fly faster but was determined to try anyway. Her horn began to glow and Twi strained to make her friend's desperate request come to pass but was unsuccessful. She felt her heart sink and tears ran down her face.
"DO SOMETHING!!" Fluttershy cried.
Twilight felt anger surge through her and she wiped her face and came to a stop. She felt her power grow in her and felt a spark run through her body. Her eyes glowed white and she focused all her attention on Fluttershy and her horn began to glow brightly again and zapped Fluttershy with her magic. Fluttershy made a slight yelp from the sting of her magic but was now flying faster. She flapped her wings inching closer and closer to Dash. Fluttershy could see the ground getting closer from behind her friend and screamed.
“RAINBOW DASH GRAB ON TO ME PLEASE!!”
Rainbow didn't move a muscle her eyes were closed and her body limp. She had passed out after her wing had snapped the pain of her injury overwhelming. Fluttershy could see the bones jutting through Rainbow's skin and was profusely bleeding. Fluttershy flapped her wings harder, and faster. She never flew this fast before it felt like her wings were about to be ripped from her sides. She was inches from Rainbows hoof, tears flew from Fluttershy's eyes she didn't care if she hit the ground as well she wasn't about to abandon her friend. As a last attempt to reach Rainbow she stretched out her hoof brushing against Rainbow's fur, but before she could grab Dash, Fluttershy was suddenly stopped by Twilight's magic. She looked up at Twilight and saw her crying.
"TWILIGHT WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LET ME GO!"
Fluttershy struggled and tried to escape from Twilight's magical grip she turned and watched as Rainbow plummeted the last 15 feet towards the ground time seemed to slow, and all Fluttershy could do was watch in horror as Rainbow crashed down into the earth. Fluttershy screamed in pain and horror.
Every pony was silent, they could not believe what had happened. Rarity, AJ, and Pinkie Pie all ran to Twilight's balloon, and started descending towards the ground. Twilight released Fluttershy and they both flew towards Rainbow. Once the others tracked down where Dash had landed they all stood above her broken body. Rainbow was drenched in a pool of her own blood her wing snapped in half, and her head was gushing out blood coloring her Rainbow mane red. Applejack and Twilight both sprung into action working to stop the blood gushing from Dashes head while they waited for Rarity and Pinkie to come back with help. Fluttershy stood behind Twilight and stared at Rainbow's mangled body. Tears streaming down her face as she whispered.
“Why?..”
Twilight paused for a moment and turned towards Fluttershy.
“What was that Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy glared at Twilight and spoke louder.
“Why did you stop me?! I had her in my reach, and you held me back!! WHY?!”
Fluttershy moved closer to Twilight her eyes burning as more tears fell. Twilight let Aj take over and turned towards Fluttershy and spoke.
“Fluttershy I had to. If I didn't stop you, you would have met the same fate as Dash did!”
Fluttershy reared herself up and shoved Twilight to the ground.
“THEN I WOULD HAVE DIED TRYING!!" Fluttershy growled. "I COULD HAVE CUSHIONED HER FALL!!”
Stunned by Fluttershy's outburst Twilight slowly lifted herself up from the ground.
“Fluttershy please calm down I did what I had to. Believe me when I tell you I didn't want to stop you, and let dash fall but I just couldn't risk losing you too... I'm sorry Fluttershy...” Twilight choked back tears.
Fluttershy pushed past Twilight and over to Dash, and fell next to her she held Dash close with her wing, and started to cry.
“Please be ok Dash I don't want to lose you. You’re my best friend, and I can't go on living if you are gone. You were always there for me… and.. and..”
Fluttershy held on to Dash tightly she didn't want to leave her side. Twilight put her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder to comfort her but was smacked away. Twilight felt the guilt well up inside and turned away to give Fluttershy her space when she spotted an ambulance heading towards them with Rarity and Pinkie in tow.
“They're here!" Twilight shouted, "The paramedics are coming!”
Twilight nodded towards AJ and told Fluttershy she had to let go of Rainbow now. Fluttershy clung on to Dash harder and told everypony to back away.
“NO, I WON’T EVER LEAVE HER!!”
“Fluttershy please the doctors are here to save Dash, and they need you to get out of the way. Please Fluttershy, it's the only way to save her.” Twilight pleaded.
Fluttershy looked down at Dash and nuzzled the side of her face.
“Please be ok...” She loosened her grip and stood beside Applejack.
The doctors rushed to Dash's side and took over to stop the bleeding and bandaged up her broken wing. She was then carefully put on a stretcher and was airlifted by pegasus ponies. Fluttershy watched as they raised Rainbow in the air and flew in the direction of the hospital. In a calm voice, Fluttershy spoke.
“Come on every pony Rainbow needs us.”
“She’s right girls Rainbow needs us more than ever,” Twilight said
“Twilight can you use your magic to teleport us to the hospital.” Applejack suggested.
“Good idea AJ alright everypony make a circle around me.”
Twilight closed her eyes and focused on getting every pony to Dash. Her horn glowed a bright purple that surrounded every pony and flashed them to the emergency room.
“W-we are here..” Twilight said exhaustively.
AJ ran to the front desk and asked for Rainbow Dash. The nurse looked through her files and told AJ that the doctors are going to perform surgery on her as soon as she is transported here.
“Do ya’ know when we can see her after she's out?” Aj's voice breaking.
“She's in pretty bad shape I'm not so sure she will make it through the surgery. You all should prepare yourselves for when the doctor comes out of surgery." The nurse lowered her eyes.
Applejack took a step back and hung her head letting her hat hide her face. She spoke in a soft voice. "Thank you kindly, nurse.”
“What did the nurse say Apple Jack” Twilight asked as Aj made her way back to the group.
Applejack lifted her head she didn't wanna tell her friends the truth, “The nurse wanted me to say that we should be prepared for the worse." She felt her heartbreak inside and a lump formed in the throat.
Twilight's heart skipped a beat. She quickly replied.
“She might still have a chance to pull through. Why don't we all go to the gift shop and decorate her room that will surely lift her spirits and help her recover faster.”
Twilight looked around at everypony but saw little to no hope on their faces. Aj then stepped up and said.
“I'll bake her some of the most delicious Sweet Apple Acre treats, and give her the best Apple Cider she's ever had.”
Rarity sniffled and wiped her face.
“I'll make her a new outfit, and ill fix up her uniform for her as well.”
“I'll bring her some Daring Do books from my library to keep her company while she’s recovering,” Twilight said.
Pinkie Pie just stood still eyes staring into nothing while streams of tears rolled down her face her mane and tail had deflated and her bright pink coat had faded.
“What about you Fluttershy? What are you going to-... Fluttershy?”
Twilight looked around and tried to find the shy pony, but she was nowhere to be seen.
“Girls, have you seen Fluttershy anywhere? She was just here.”
Every pony started looking around for Fluttershy but no pony could find her anywhere. AJ then recalled seeing Fluttershy covered in blood and maybe went to the bathroom to clean up. She nudged Twilight and told her that she thinks she knows where she might be.
"I think I know where she might be."
"Where?" Twilight said panic in her tone.
"I think she might be in the bathroom don't you recall her being covered in..." Aj stopped.
"You're probably right AJ why don't you go get her the rest of us will go home and meet here tomorrow."
"Sure thing Twilight see yall later."
Applejack trotted over to the bathroom, and almost immediately noticed drops of blood on the floor leading her to the farthest stall. She heard faint cries on the other side and knocked on the door.
“Fluttershy you in there sugar cube?”
Fluttershy continues to sob and ignore AJ. Aj leans against the stall and tries to console her friend.
“I know it's hard for you Fluttershy its hard on every pony, but you can’t just sit and cry all day long we have to be here for Rainbow's sake. She needs you Fluttershy.”
“WHY? IT'S BECAUSE OF ME SHE'S HURT!!”
“What do you mean? I saw the whole thing you tried your hardest to save her Fluttershy you risked your own life to try to save Rainbow. I know how you feel about watching some pony you love get hurt, or worse. When my parents were sick all I could do was watch, and take advantage of the time we had left together. I felt like I could have done something to have made them live longer, but I had to face the facts I couldn't do anything about it. I had to move on Fluttershy and you need to be there for Rainbow in her time of need.” Aj didn't want to sound insensitive but she was barely holding herself together.
Fluttershy stopped crying and as she had a sudden flashback of the incident and saw Rainbow fall towards the earth. She could hear her screaming and the loud crash when Dash hit the ground. Fluttershy's heart raced and she started to breathe faster and faster and started to panic. She felt the walls closing in she felt hopeless, angry, sad but most of all she felt guilty. She jumped up and started kicking the stall door, and ripped a picture off the wall, and threw it down stomping onto the glass shattering it beneath her hooves. Aj stood up and shouted.
“FLUTTERSHY!? WHAT IN THE HAY ARE YOU DOING IN THERE STOP!”
Fluttershy didn't respond and kept breaking everything in her path, all she felt was rage. Applejack quickly turned her back to the stall door and bucked it open with her strong legs. She saw Fluttershy breaking a glass window with her hind leg, blood trickling down her leg AJ ran towards her and tried to restrain her, but Fluttershy just kept wiggling out of her grip hitting AJ in the face or side. AJ now fed up with being pushed around gathered up all her strength and pinned Fluttershy down to the ground.
“Fluttershy what are you trying to do?! Get yourself killed?! Look at your legs you're losing too much blood. What would Dash think about this?!”
Applejack looked Fluttershy dead in the eye to find an answer, but all she saw was terror in her eyes. AJ relaxed her grip a bit and spoke in a calmer tone.
“I'm sorry Fluttershy, but we need you to be strong for Dash… Please.”
Fluttershy slowed down her breathing and tried to calm down from her panic attack. She spoke to AJ in a shaky tone.
“I'm so sorry AJ, I didn't mean to hurt any pony.” Tears now forming in her eyes again as she started to shake.
“That's alright sugar cube it's ok to let your emotions out but not in a way that could hurt you or any pony else, why don’t you come to stay at my place until you feel better? Then tomorrow afternoon we can come to see how Rainbow's doing? That sound good?”
Fluttershy looked up at Applejack and saw a bruise beginning to form on Aj's cheek and her nose start to bleed from her outburst.
“I'm sorry Applejack, and I appreciate the offer I could use the company, thank you so much AJ.”
AJ let go of Fluttershy and helped her to her hooves.
“No problem sugar cube.”
AJ held Fluttershy in an embrace and they both started to clean up the mess in the stall. Then they tended to each other wounds and made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. When they got to the entrance of AJ’s farm they were greeted by Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac.
Granny Smith was the first one to speak.
“Hello there Butterfly you can stay here as long as you like dearie.” Granny Smith said with a small smile.
Every pony giggled at Granny Smith's mistake in calling Fluttershy Butterfly. Big Mac then held out his hoof and placed it on her shoulder and nodded.
Fluttershy smiled at the stallion and said.
“Thank you all so much for letting me stay here. How am I ever going to repay you?”
“Don’t worry about that Fluttershy you don’t have to worry a single bit. Applebloom here will show you to your room. Now run along and get some rest.” Aj nudged the yellow pegasus.
“Come on Fluttershy!” Applebloom said as she bounced in the air unaware of the tragic incident.
Applebloom led Fluttershy to the house and showed her around a little bit before showing Fluttershy her room.
“Here is where you will stay Flutter’s it has a bed and nightstand in the corner a closet and a bathroom right over there. It's not much but it's something.” Applebloom smiled.
Fluttershy turned to the young filly and forced a light smile back.
“It's perfect Applebloom. Thank you very much.”
“Oh good I was worried it would be a bit small but I’ll go tell AJ that you are all settled."
Applebloom trotted out of the room leaving Fluttershy alone. She walked inside the room and turned on the light. She noticed a small window on the opposite wall and looked outside. She could see the entire apple orchard from there and thought to herself how beautiful it looked. Fluttershy opened the window and felt the cool breeze brush against her face and mane. The wind rustled the bright green leaves shaking the big juicy apples on their branches and watched as a few fell to the ground. Fluttershy felt her stomach growl she hadn't noticed how hungry she had been. As she turned to leave the room Aj turned the corner at the same time startling the pegasus.
“AAH!”
AJ laughed at the scared pony and smiled.
“Whoa, there sugar cube no need to be scared it's just me.”
Fluttershy smiled back.
“I just didn't hear you coming AJ”
“Sorry about that sugar cube I’ll knock before I come in next time. Anyway, Applebloom said you are comfy in this here room right?”
Fluttershy nodded.
“It's perfect.”
“Well, if ya need anything at all my room and Big mac’s room is right across from you so holler if ya need anything.”
“Will do AJ.”
AJ then smiled and turned around to leave when Fluttershy stopped her.
“Um, AJ I hate to bother you but do you have anything to eat?”
AJ chuckled.
“Sure do come on let's see if we can whip up something right quick.”
They both headed down the stairs to the kitchen Fluttershy sat at a table while AJ looked around for something to eat.
“Here we are.”
AJ grabbed a plate of some leftover sandwiches they had made earlier to snack on.
“Will this do?”
Fluttershy nodded her head.
“Oh yes AJ thank you would you like to join me?”
AJ sat on the other side of the table and both started devouring the sandwiches. Within minutes the plate was picked clean and both pony’s laughed at their enlarged bellies. AJ then led Fluttershy back to her room and told her goodnight.
“Goodnight Fluttershy I'll see ya’ in the morning.”
“Goodnight AJ.”
Fluttershy closed the door behind her and got into bed. It wasn't long before her thoughts took over and replayed everything that had happened over and over and over again. Her body shivered with fear as she tried to clear her mind and think positively. Praying that Rainbow would pull through she closed her eyes and tried to rest and escape the painful day, but she couldn't escape the pain not even in her dreams.
Fluttershy tossed and turned in her bed her head violently thrashing back and forth throughout her nightmare. She was flying fast towards Rainbow her heart racing and adrenalin pumping through her body her lungs burning from her violent breathing to catch up to Dash. She inched closer to Dash but couldn't fly any faster she flapped her wings harder and harder than ever but it didn't work it felt like she couldn't move it seemed as though she was being held back by something but didn't know what. She never took her eyes off of Dash not even for a split second. Fluttershy screamed at Dash.
"DASH GRAB ON TO ME!! I CANT REACH YOU!!"
No response came from Dashe's mouth, her eyes were closed shut. Fluttershy not giving up tried stretching out her hoof farther to Dash she could now feel Dashe's coat and tried grabbing her hoof but Fluttershy stopped when she noticed something. Dashes coat and mane color were slowly fading away from her body, Fluttershy's eyes widened at what she saw next not only was Dash losing her vibrant colors but her body was now covered in blood and was torn to shred's and her mane and tail were splattered with blood. Fluttershy tried to scream at the sight of her friend's transformation, but no sound came out. Then Rainbows eyes began to open their magenta color also stripped away from them, and were now pure white and had trails of blood drip from them she spoke to Fluttershy in a broken disembodied tone as her jaw hung in an unnatural position it had been dislocated from its socket.
"Why didn't you save me Fluttershy? I thought we were best friends? Why did you let me fall?" Rainbow said in a gurgling voice as her mouth pooled with blood.
Fluttershy's heart stopped and was frozen with fear. Dash then spread out her broken wings and slowly started flying towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy stopped, and slowly backed up from the approaching pony.
"I-I tried to save you Dash... I really did... I had you in my reach but-.."
Dash interrupted Fluttershy and yelled.
"THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE ME!? I'VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR YOU I PROTECTED YOU FROM HARM'S WAY, BUT I GUESS THAT MEANS NOTHING TO YOU!! THAT I MEAN NOTHING TO YOU!!"
Rainbow's eyes now turned blood red and she seemed to double in size Rainbow charged towards Fluttershy, Fluttershy screamed in horror unable to move as Dash came closer and closer to her. Dash's mouth hung open wide as it was about to swallow Futtershy whole, but was startled awake from a loud crack of lighting. The roar of the crash shook the window violently Fluttershy breathed heavily and her heart pounded against her chest she was drenched in sweat and had tears running down her face. She started to cry and curled up in a ball. She thought to herself.
"Dash is right it's all my fault that she's hurt and I could have saved her.."
Fluttershy cried to herself for what felt like an eternity before she sat up in her bed and wiped away her tears and forced herself to forget the nightmare, but she couldn't forget what Dash had said to her. Her words ringing in her mind reminding her of her failure.
"Why didn't you save me Fluttershy? Why did you let me fall?"
She shook her head getting rid of the echoing voice in her mind and got up out of her bed. Fluttershy knew she couldn't go back to sleep again even if she wanted to. She opened her door and looked up and down the pitch-black hallway. She shuttered fearing she might see her dream stalking her somewhere in the shadows. She took a step forward out into the hallway and stared at the two rooms in front of her. She couldn't recall which one was AJ's. She looked closely at the symbols on the doors and tried to make out which one had three apples on it. She couldn't quite make them out and decided to choose the door on the left. She put her hoof on the handle trying carefully not to wake up any pony, but a loud clap of thunder startled her and she barged straight into the room and closed the door behind her. Her eyes widened when she saw Big Mac standing in the corner of the room next to his window. She spoke in a shaky voice.
"Oh! I- I'm so sorry Big Mac I didn't mean to come into your room and wake you, I was just trying to find AJ's room but I-..."
Big Mac held up a hoof to Fluttershy and spoke.
"Don't worry about it I wasn't even sleeping, and AJ's room is right next door."
"Oh thank you."
Fluttershy turned back to the door and put her hoof on the nob, but stopped when she remembered the dark hallway. Big Mac noticed her hesitation.
"What seems to be the problem Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy hid her face away from the stallion with her hair. Big Mac looked at the mare with concern.
"I- I had a terrible nightmare... about what happened today and I can't go back to sleep."
Big Mac's heart ached for her. Applejack had told him all about what happened. He had never seen his sister so torn down about something it killed him to see them suffering. He walked over to Fluttershy and gently rested his hoof on her head stroking her hair softly.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy. I think you better stay with me then. Besides AJ is fast asleep and there's no point in waking her up. You can sleep on my bed and I'll sleep on the floor next to ya' is that alright with you?"
Fluttershy looked up at the stallion and smiled.
"Yes, that's fine."
Big Mac then took his hoof away and watched as Fluttershy gently flew onto his bed and lay down on the soft mattress. He grabbed the sheets and placed them over her.
"Good night Fluttershy."
"Um... Big Mac, I change my mind."
Big Mac stood up in confusion.
"Whatchu talking about?"
Fluttershy fiddled with her hair nervously and quietly said.
"Do you mind sleeping next to me? I think I'll be able to sleep better knowing you are right beside me."
Big Mac didn't respond for a while he looked as though he didn't know what to say next, but he figured there would be no harm in it.
"Eeyup, whatever makes you more comfortable."
Fluttershy then scooted over on the other side of the bed and lay back down facing the opposite direction of Big Mac. She felt the bed sink when Mac jumped on he then covered both of them with the covers. Fluttershy felt more relaxed and comfortable with Big Mac laying next to her she felt safe. She was about to close her eyes, and fall into a deep sleep when another clap of thunder shook the entire house. Fluttershy shrieked and turned towards Big Mac and held on to him. Big Mac didn't try to shake her off he just wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He whispered to her.
"Don't worry I got ya'." Big mac then looked down at Fluttershy and stroked her mane again.
Fluttershy held her tears back trying to stay calm, but couldn't. She buried her face in his soft coat and let her emotions consume her.
"I couldn't save her Big Mac... I failed Rainbow and now she might not make it..." Fluttershy continued to sob, and Big Mac tried his best to comfort her as he did for Applejack.
"Now, now you did everything you could Aj told me to tried your hardest, and I believe her. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You gotta focus on being there for Dash and hope she pulls through."
Fluttershy could smell the sweet scent of apples come off of Big Mac's fur and could hear his heartbeat slowly in his chest, and soon felt her own heart slow and start to beat along with his. She started to calm down and sniffled.
"You're right Big Mac I should be putting on a brave face, but I cant you don't understand what it's like to lose someone, and it is all your fault."
Big Mac took a deep breath.
"I do know what it's like to lose someone. Two in fact."
"What?" Fluttershy looked up at Big Mac confused.
"It's true. Aj and I were just teenagers and Applebloom was still a foal. Our parents were killed by timberwolves and it was all my fault. You see we went out for a family picnic over by the ever-free forest me and Applejack were playing kickball and I kicked the ball into the forest. Aj went to go get our parents to get it but I was impatient and went to go look for it myself. I found it lying at the bottom of a hill and went down to grab it. That's when I realized I heard something coming up from behind me. I panicked and started to run for my life but I tripped over a tree root and sprained my leg and I couldn't move. That's when I saw the wolves from behind the tall trees I didn't know what to do I thought I wouldn't make it. Then all of a sudden my father jumped from the bushes and started bucking at the timberwolves to stay away from me."
Big Mac cleared his throat and finished his story.
"That's when my mother grabbed me and started running to the edge of the forest. Once I was safe she went back into the forest to help my father. That's when I heard my mother scream we never saw them again after that. We sent search parties and found nothing the only thing we found was our father's cowboy hat."
Fluttershy gasps.
"That means Applejack's hat belongs to your dad?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac swallows hard holding back his pain.
"I do know what it's like to lose someone and have it be all your fault. I've lived with this guilt all my life and I would punish myself every day. Applejack made me realize that punishing myself won't fix nothin. So don't blame yourself for this unfortunate accident. It won't do any good to you, Rainbow Dash or yer friends."
Fluttershy had forgotten all about her nightmare and focused all her attention on Big Mac. She never really knew the stallion or talked to him much for she was always shy around stallions, she thought they looked big and scary, but this was different she didn't feel that way at all. She gently touched his cheek.
"I'm sorry I misjudged you. What you went through must have been horrible Applejack is right you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened." She moved her hoof back and lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry I have never taken the time to speak with you before your a good friend, and I appreciate you helping me."
Big Mac smiled.
"Anytime Fluttershy. Let's try and get some rest now you have a big day tomorrow. Goodnight Fluttershy."
Fluttershy tiredly smiled and wished Big Mac goodnight and closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep.
When morning came Applejack was the first to wake up her mane in a tangled mess and drool running down her chin. She slowly got up and went to the bathroom to wash her face with cold water. She could still see the redness in her eyes from crying all night. Good thing it was storming last night she thought. Hopefully, no one heard me. Applejack turned to walk out of her room when she stopped to grab her father's old cowboy hat and put it on her head.
As she made her way to Fluttershy's room she started to feel just how emotionally drained she actually was. Her mind was in a haze as the picture of Dash's mangled body came into view. Applejack put her hoof over her mouth ran to the bathroom and leaned over the toilet she knew nothing would come up for she had already emptied her stomach all last night in between her crying episodes.
"Oh for crying out loud Applejack pull yourself together." Applejack rubbed her face hard. "Rainbow would probably be getting a kick out of me crying so much. Might even brag a bit." Aj chuckled to herself. "You better pull through this Dash or I'll never forgive you for this."
Applejack then made her way back to Fluttershy's room and knocked.4
"Morning Fluttershy rise and shine sugar cube!!"
AJ listed for her to respond but didn't hear anything. She tried putting her ear up to the door to see if she could hear her to no avail, she knocked on the door again this time a little harder.
"Fluttershy you in there?"
She listened again and still nothing.
"Maybe she's still sleeping. I'll just wake up Big Mac instead."
AJ knocked on her brother's door and hollered.
"Get on up Big Mac!! We got a lot of bucking to do before I leave later on!!"
AJ heard no response from Big Mac either AJ thought to herself.
"Maybe I got up a tad too early."
AJ looked at the clock on the wall.
“It’s only 7:00 am I’ll let them sleep in been a rough few hours for all of us."
AJ turned towards the stairs and walked down into the kitchen and started to make some breakfast for every pony when they wake up. Soon after she left Fluttershy started to wake up when she heard hoof steps outside the door and tried to open her eyes but felt as though they were being weighed down and her head felt heavy. When she was able to open her eyes fully she realized she was still being held in Big Mac's arms. Big Mac was still fast asleep and was slightly snoring Fluttershy tried wiggling out of his strong grip but it only made Big Mac hold on to her even tighter. She tried once more to escape free but stopped when Big Mac's eyes fluttered open.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to wake you. I tried to be quiet."
Big Mac quickly let go of the small yellow pony and stretched out his legs as he jumped off the bed.
"It's no problem Fluttershy. I'm just glad you were able to get a goodnight rest I know we all needed it."
"Yes thank you for helping me get some sleep. I don't I would have if it wasn't for you."
Big Mac smiled.
"Eeyup."
They both laughed and went downstairs to the kitchen.
"Howdy there Fluttershy and Big Mac y'all sleep well?"
Fluttershy nodded.
"Oh yes AJ I slept wonderfully."
Big Mac smiled at AJ.
"Eeyup."
"That's good to hear y'all hungry? I got some freshly made oatmeal in the pot."
Fluttershy and Big Mac sat at the dining table and nodded to AJ.
"Oh yes, we would love some Applejack."
Big mac nodded in agreement.
"Eeyup."
AJ smiled.
"Alright coming right up!!"
AJ then grabbed three bowls from a cupboard and poured the hot oats in the bowl and topped it off with five apple slices in the shape of a flower and added a dash of cinnamon on the slices.
"Here y'all go be careful it's mighty hot."
AJ carefully placed a bowl next to every pony and sat down next to Fluttershy.
"So after we are done eating me and Big Mac are going to do some chores right quick and when we are finished we can go to Rainbow's house to pick up Tank and bring him with us to the hospital to see Rainbow I'm sure they will be happy when they are reunited. Don't ya' think?"
"Oh, I think that is a wonderful idea." Fluttershy smiled.
Once breakfast was finished Applejack turned to Big Mac and told him to go start feeding all the animals while she finished fixing up the barn. She then turned to Fluttershy and smiled.
“Fluttershy why don’t you go with Big Mac? He could use some help settling down the critters.”
“I'd be happy to help, but Applejack what about you?”
“Nah I can handle it besides I got to go clean up the kitchen before I get started. See y’all later on.”
AJ tipped her hat to them and headed back towards the house. She wanted to be alone for a while but couldn't bring herself to say that to Fluttershys face. She didn't want to unintentionally hurt her friend's feelings.
Fluttershy flies alongside Big Mac to the barn and helps load all kinds of feed into a cart to take to the animal pens. Once gathered Big Mac turns to Fluttershy.
“You mind pulling that other cart out for me Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy looked at the cart full of food and smiled.
“Sure.”
She walked over to the cart and stepped in between the two metal rails that will be strapped to her midsection. She then tightened the strap around her and tried moving forward to Big Mac, but the cart would not budge Fluttershy tried pulling on it again but the cart didn't move. Big Mac pointed towards a lever to Fluttershy's right and said.
“Ya’ have to take the break off first Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy looked down to her right and saw the small lever and pushed it down. At first, nothing happened but then the cart made a creaking noise and rolled back a tad. Fluttershy looked over at Big Mac and gave her a smile. She then pushed forward and the cart started to move along with her. She followed Big Mac all the way to the pens and set down the cart under a tree.
"Alrighty I'll start feeding the swine and you can go ahead and feed the goats on the other side of this here fence. Think ya' can handle it all by yourself?"
Fluttershy nodded. "I'll be fine this is my specialty after all."
Fluttershy then grabbed a hay bale from the cart and carried it to the goat pen. This isn't too bad she thought to herself it's just like taking care of her animals at her cottage. After she finished with the goats she went to the chicken coop to collect the freshly laid eggs. After she finished she went to go find Big Mac to see what she should do next but was told that he could handle the rest on his own as it involved plowing the field something Fluttershy was too weak to do. To help pass the time Fluttershy looked around for a place to rest her wings when she spotted a small grassy hill with a single apple tree at the top, she flew down towards the ground and landed on the soft grass below.
Fluttershy sat down at the base of the apple tree and relaxed her legs and wings, she thought about seeing Rainbow later on. Fluttershy hoped that Rainbow would be awake and well when they all go to see her. She shuddered at the thought that maybe the worse would come to pass, but quickly pushed it aside when she noticed a dangling object high above the ground in one of the apple tree branches. She stood up off the ground and flew up toward the object to get a closer look, and saw that it was some sort of blanket or fabric. She thought to herself.
"How did this get up here?"
When she got closer she noticed that there was more than just a blanket but also a white plush pillow leaning up against the tree trunk. At first, she wondered why some pony would just leave this laying here, but she soon realized that dash would sometimes take her afternoon naps in AJ's apple tree's, Fluttershy landed on the branch, and tears began to form in her eyes but stopped them from falling. Fluttershy leaned over and grabbed the blanket and held it close to her, her eyes starting to sting and she could no longer hold back this time and let out soft cries. Fluttershy felt her heart swell up she held the blanket tighter it felt just like Rainbows soft fur and smelled of her as well like freshly fallen rain. She looked down where the pillow lay and held the blanket in one arm and leaned over to grab the pillow.
Fluttershy grabbed the edge of the pillow and pulled it towards her, but something was wrong with the pillow it was a little too heavy. Fluttershy laid the pillow back down to examine it, nothing looked wrong with it she then picked up her hoof and gently stepped down on the center of the pillow. She felt something hard and felt around the edge of the object it had a large square shape almost like a book. She wanted to know what it was so she took a dead branch from the ground and pierced the pillow to make a small hole she grabbed the torn piece of cloth and pulled back on the case with a loud ripping sound. She looked at the pillow and saw that it was open enough to get whatever is inside. She reached inside and grabbed the object and pulled it out. Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat as she gasped at the sight of what she found.
