Weeks ago, Rainbow Dash was murdered and now her 5 best friends are left to find her murderer. Will they ever find the culprit?
Just weeks ago, Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty was murdered by an unidentified pony. A member of the town of Ponyville(?). Everyone is heartbroken to know that she is dead, especially her sister, Scootaloo. Just what will she do without her, and better yet, what will her friends do without her?
''I-I just can't believe shes gone, girls. Rainbow is gone.'' Scootaloo moped as she sat in the clubhouse with her fellow crusaders, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They were all just as upset of each other, tears covering their cheeks as they recollected memories of their times with the rainbow-maned Pegasus. The time when she encouraged Scootaloo to go back to her friends and go to the Equestria Games when she didn't believe in herself, worried she would let them down, especially Rainbow.
The time they all went camping together. Sisters Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Applejack along with Rainbow and Scootaloo, just before Rainbow adopted her as a sister. Every time she'd think of that memory, it would make her tear up. But she knew she couldn't change the past. Rainbow was gone, and she guessed things are how they are, but why would anypony in all of Equestria have anything that bad against Rainbow to make them want to murder her? What possible reason was there to want her dead?
''I know you're upset, Scoots. We all are. She was a good friend to us all.'' Sweetie Belle said, her voice a little cracked from her crying.
''She wasn't just my friend, girls. She was my sister. I loved her as much as I love you girls.''
''We love ya too, Scoots. 'Tis just who would wanna kill somepony like Rainbow Dash in 'ta first place? Who?'' Apple Bloom said as a tear slid down her face.
''Gosh, its been a week now, and we are acting like it was yesterday. I'm sure Rainbow wouldn't want us crying over her. I think we should try to get our minds off of things. Do you two wanna go crusading today?'' Sweetie Belle asked, earning a skeptical look from her two friends.
''Naw. I don't feel like it.''
''Me neither.''
''Aw, come on, girls. We can't mourn her forever. We eventually have to move on with our lives.''
''Maybe you're right, Sweetie. Its just so hard ta take in that somepony could be cruel enough to murder Rainbow.'' Apple Bloom said as Sweetie pulled her and Scootaloo into a hug.
''Come on. We've got to hold it together.''
''Girls, you two can stay here if you want, I'm just gonna go for a walk and try to think of something else other than crusading and murder.'' Scootaloo said as she broke from the hug and made for the door of the clubhouse.
The weather outside was sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and that only made Scootaloo even more upset. These were the kinds of days Rainbow enjoyed flying in. Perfect temperature, open skies and unlimited freedom. It was just saddening to not see a flash of Rainbow in the skies today. Maybe ponies will never hear the sound of a sonic rainboom again. Maybe those days were gone forever.
Scootaloo walked among the well-worn path towards Ponyville, looking down the whole way with tears glistening in her eyes. On the way she was thinking about all the good times she had with Rainbow, and when they'd both hang out. Even though they made her sad, it also made her smile a bit. As she walked, she couldn't help but see Rainbow's mansion in the distance. The flows of the rainbow rivers seeped and ran down the sides of the house and onto the ground below. Just looking at it made her smile turn into a small frown. She let out a sigh and continued walking.
''I really miss you, Rainbow...'' She muttered quietly as she continued walking, only to bump into Fluttershy. She looked up, meeting her gaze with a pair of sweet, teal eyes. She smiled at Scootaloo, but she didn't smile back, turning Fluttershy's smile into a weak frown.
''Hi, Fluttershy.''
''Hey, Scootaloo. W-What are you doing all alone?''
''I just want to be on my own, Fluttershy.''
At her statement, Fluttershy backed away a little bit, noticing the saddened look on the young filly's face, concerning her but making it quickly apparent that something was wrong.
''Um...is something wrong, Scootaloo? You look...sad.''
''Fluttershy...I just wish Rainbow wasn't ever murdered. She was my sister!'' Scootaloo said in a raised tone with tears dripping from her cheeks.
Fluttershy looked at her for a moment before she herself started shedding tears.
''I miss her too, Scootaloo. She was my very best and closest friend, you know.''
''R-Really?''
''Yeah, we both go way back. I just can't believe that anypony in all of Equestria could be so heartless and take her life.''
''She was the best as a friend to me, but more importantly she was my sister. I loved her.''
''Me too, Scootaloo. Me too.'' Fluttershy said as she pulled Scootaloo into a hug, rubbing her cheek into Scootaloo's scruffy, purple mane.
''Scoots, do you wanna come back to my cottage? You know, just try to relax?''
''Sure, Fluttershy. That'd be nice. Thanks.''
At Fluttershy's cottage, both Pegasus sat down on the couch, sipping cups of hot herbal tea as they tried to unwind. Fluttershy kept her gaze mostly on Scootaloo, noticing that she hadn't changed in mood. Well, she wasn't really surprised about it, either. It is perfectly understandable seeing as she lost her dear friend, idol and sister to a gruesome act. Scootaloo placed her cup down on the table gently before looking up to Fluttershy.
''Fluttershy? Can I ask you something?''
''Sure you can. What is it?''
''Well, its about Rainbow...'' Scootaloo started, seeing Fluttershy's expression become a little uneasy. ''W-What happened to her exactly? Who did it do her?''
The yellow Pegasus put down her cup of tea, falling silent for a few moments as her eyes began to well up with tears. She looked at Scootaloo for a few brief moments before she spoke.
''Scootaloo...um...I really can't tell you. You're a bit too young to understand what happened.''
''Please, Fluttershy. Somepony killed my sister, and I want to know what happened to her. Please?''
''No. I can't, Scoots. I just can't tell you. I know you're upset and eager to know what happened to Dashie, but I can't tell you anything about it. Sorry...''
''You know what? I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I shouldn't of brought it up. I just wanted to know what happened to her before she died..''
''Its okay, Scootaloo. I know what its like to lose something or somepony you care about.''
''Well...thanks for the tea, Fluttershy. I gotta go.''
Another week passed on in Ponyville since the murder of Rainbow Dash occurred. Since then, most of the ponies in town had come to eventually get over it and accept it. Well, all apart from Scootaloo. She was determined to find out who killed her sister, no matter what it takes. Was it somepony in town? Did sompony have a grudge against her or something? Sompony might know the answer, and that somepony has to be Twilight.
Scootaloo walked over to Twilight's house one afternoon, knocking on the door a few times before it was opened by a certain, lavender unicorn. She looked kinda tired, as if she hasn't been to sleep for at least a couple days.
''Oh, hey, Scootaloo. Something I can help you with?''
''Hey, Twilight. I was just wondering if I could talk to you for a moment. Please?''
''Yeah, sure. Come in.''
Twilight moved aside, letting the young orange filly enter her library. Twilight motioned over to the couch, so the little filly sat down and so did Twilight.
''So, what did you wanna talk about?''
''Well...its about Rainbow, Twi.''
''Rainbow? What about her?'' Twilight said, a little uneasy.
''I want to find out who killed her.''
''Scoots, I can't help you with that...it could of been anypony!''
''Yes, I know, but she was my sister, for Celestia's sake! Somepony murdered my sister and I want to know who did it to her!''
''Scoots...I-I can't help you with this one. Sorry.''
Scootaloo frowned, a tear stroking down her cheek and hitting the floor.
''P-Please, Twilight...she was all I had...''
Seeing Scootaloo cry like that made Twilight's heart ache. She knew Scootaloo wanted the truth, but what could she tell her? Even now nopony in town, or even Celestia for that matter have any clue on who murdered the Element of Loyalty, so what was she meant to tell her about it? Rainbow Dash was dead, and there was no bringing her back.
''I-I-I Can't...''
Twilight said before she saw the look on Scootaloo's face, making her stop. She saw her lip quivering and her eyes welling with tears as some already ran freely down her face. Without saying anything, Twilight pulled Scootaloo into a hug, comforting her as she let her cry on her shoulder. She held her close as she rubbed her back lovingly with her hoof.
''Scoots, I'm sorry, but I don't know who did it. Nopony does. I know you miss her, we all do, but we are just gonna have to accept it sooner than later.''
''T-Twili-ight, w-who could be so heartlessly cruel to even do such a thing?!''
''I-I dunno, squirt. Whoever they are, they'll get whats coming to them eventually.''
Scootaloo walked to Sugarcube Corner and sat down at one of the empty tables. She slumped back in the seat as she let out a sigh. Why did everypony she go to act the same way? Did they know something that they didn't want to tell her? Do they actually know who did it? Her thoughts were quickly ended as she felt a hoof being placed to her shoulder. She looked next to her to see her friend Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat next to her. They both had the same worried expression plastered on their faces as they looked at their Pegasus friend.
''Oh, hey, girls.'' Scootaloo said tiredly.
''Y'all alright, Scoots?'' Apple Bloom said, keeping her gaze fixed to her friends.
''Yeah, just dandy. How about you? Been crusading lately?''
''Naw. We've been looking for you for the entire day, Scoots. We're worried about you. This whole thing about Rainbows murder seems to be getting to you. You've gotta try to forget about it.''
''How can I? I shared so many memories with Rainbow that its impossible to forget anything we did. Like the time we went camping.''
''Well, whats wrong, exactly? I know Rainbow isn't around anymore, but it looks as though its not just that.'' Sweetie Belle said, as if she could read Scootaloo's mind.
''Fine. You got me.'' Scootaloo said, exhaling deeply through her nostrils. ''Its that somepony murdered Rainbow Dash and I want to know who. I've been to see Fluttershy and Twilight, but I think they are not telling me something that I should know about. They just won't tell me!''
''Scoots, its alright. They'll get found out eventually, don't worry about it. ''
''But its not alright, Sweetie. My sister is dead, and I want to know who did it, but I dunno who. And when I find 'em...''
''Whoa, whoa! Calm it, will ya, Scoots. I'll tell ya what. If it'll make y'all feel better, hows about we go and try and find who did it?''
''Now your talking! But there's one problem with this plan - when we find him or them, what do we do?''
''We'll tell Twilight, of course! She'll know what to do.''
Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat together in the clubhouse, face in hooves and staring lifelessly at the floor as all three of them remained quiet.
''Ah can't believe we didn't find anypony suspicious, girls. We failed...'' Apple Bloom said dryly.
''It could of been anypony, Apple Bloom. Its not our fault.'' Sweetie Belle reassured.
''I guess that means we've just gotta try and accept it then.'' Scootaloo said, looking up from the floor and at her fellow crusader friends. ''Rainbow is gone, and we're never going to see her again.''
''Yeah...'' Sweetie and Apple Bloom said quietly and sadly in unison followed by a sigh.
''G-Girls? You know what? I think I'm just gonna go home. I'm not in the mood...''
And with that, Apple Bloom got up and left, not once looking back to her friends as she walked through the door, head hung low and ears flopped back on her head.
''Scoots? Are you gonna be okay? Ya know, because you haven't really been yourself since Rainbow...''
Scootaloo waved her off with a hoof, stopping her from talking.
''Yeah, I'll be fine. Just don't bring it up again, okay? Its bad enough I won't see her again.'' She let out a heavy sigh through her nostrils. ''I think I'm just gonna go for a walk. Seeya, Sweetie.''
Not far from Fluttershy's cottage, Scootaloo was walking down her path, as usual while she tried to empty her thoughts, but her misery didn't help in the slightest. All she could think of was the good times she had with Rainbow Dash and the times they'd both hang out together. Not far behind her, she could make out the figure of her cloud palace, the rainbow flows making her smile a little bit, but making her heart ache even more. It reminded her of the trail of rainbow that Rainbow Dash made when she flew at insane speeds through the air, pulling off stunts and trying to go as fast as she could go, creating sonic rainbooms.
She continued onwards, approaching Fluttershy's cottage, and knocked on the door with three light taps. And soon enough, a butter-colored pink-maned Pegasus answered the door.
''Oh, hi, Scootaloo. Something I can help you with?''
''Hey, Fluttershy. C-Can I talk to you for a minute?''
''Sure, C'mon in.''
Fluttershy moved aside and allowed Scootaloo entry. When Scootaloo was inside, she took a place on the couch, Fluttershy coming down next to her.
''So, what is it you wanted to talk about?''
''Well, to be honest, as much as I don't like to talk about it, it was about Rainbow.''
''Um...Rainbow? Didn't we already talk about this, Scoots?''
''Yeah, I know, but I can't stop thinking about her. Every time I come here, I always see her mansion just floating there, and those rainbow flows seeping from the edges. It makes me thing about her when shes flying through the skies, performing stunts and her usual daredevil acts. I just don't know why its so hard to forget!''
Fluttershy paused, trying to process what the little filly was saying. After a moment she let out a sigh and looked Scootaloo firm in the eye.
''Look, Scootaloo. Some things are just hard to forget. I can't forget about it either! I remember all our moments together at Summer Flight Camp. How she caused me to learn my talent that got me my cutie mark, how she stands up for me to Hoops and Dumbbell. I even remember when I found her bleeding on a-''
Fluttershy stopped, shoving her hooves over her mouth as she realized what she had just said. Scootaloo looked at her, her mouth agape as she saw Fluttershy's eyes glisten with what was unmistakably tears forming in her eyes as her eyes went small.
''Oh, no...''
''Y-You...saw Rainbow dead?'' Scootaloo said, dumbstruck and her voice near silent.
''I-I-I'm s-sorry, Scootaloo! I shouldn't of mentioned-''
''What happened, Fluttershy..?''
''No! I-I can't tell you...''
''Please? Please? Please? Please?''
Fluttershy froze as she let out a long, soft sigh.
''I...uh...found her one evening. I was out, taking some frogs to the bog when, on the way back, I found Rainbow...'' Fluttershy froze again, choking back a sob as tears fell down her face and wet her cheeks.
''I found her dead on a cloud! Bleeding! She had so many cuts and bruises...I went to go and get some help, and when I came back with Applejack and Twilight...her body was gone! All that was left was her blood staining the cloud! There was so much of it...and...and...''
Scootaloo didn't say nothing. She was frozen as a statue, tears going down her own face as she took in what Fluttershy had told her. Instead of responding, she moved closer to Fluttershy and wrapped her small, orange hooves around her waist, cuddling her close. The whole time they shared the warm embrace, neither of them spoke a single word. The only noise that filled the room were the choked sobs coming from both of the weeping Pegasus's.
About an hour or so later, it was beginning to get dark in Ponyville. Fluttershy had walked Scootaloo home, and now she was off to go see her friend, Twilight Sparkle. She thought it was the best thing to do before anything else was said about Rainbow. When she got to Twilight's library, she hesitantly placed three gentle taps on the door.
''Oh, my. Is this a bad time, Twilight?''
''No,no, its just that I've been up reading a few things. So, is there something going on? Not like you to come here often.''
''Well...we both need to talk, Twilight. Its about Rainbow Dash...''
Twilight's eyes widened a little bit, staring her Pegasus friend in the eyes. Wearily, she stepped aside and allowed her friend entry. When she was in, Twilight closed the library door and turned to face Fluttershy, noticing her scared but sad look.
''What is it we need to talk about, Fluttershy? Did something happen?''
''Well...um...you see...Scootaloo came over earlier, wanting to talk about Rainbow, and...I kinda told her about the thing...''
''Wait...WHAT?!''
''I'm so sorry, Twilight! I didn't mean to! It just came out! Please don't be mad at me!''
''Fluttershy!'' Twilight gripped Fluttershy's shoulders, bringing her muzzle just inches away from Fluttershy's. ''I'm not mad at you!''
''Scootaloo now knows what happened to Rainbow! Me, you and Applejack are the only ones who know where she was murdered! The only things we have no clue of is who did it and where her body went!''
''Twilight, please...you're hurting me...''
''Sorry...''
She released the grip from her friend's shoulders, giving an apologetic smile, but saw that Fluttershy was crying.
''Fluttershy?''
''You're mad at me, aren't you?''
''What? No! I'm not mad at you.''
''Yes you are! Scootaloo knows the truth, and the only thing she wants back is Rainbow! This is all too much for her to handle, Twilight! Its too much for all of us to handle!''
''Fluttershy...''
Without saying anything more, Fluttershy hid behind her mane, crying hard as she ran out of the door and flew back to her cottage, leaving a stunned Twilight behind her.
Rainbow Dash remained in the small room, sat on the very uncomfortable wooden chair that Lightning Dust had tied her down to. Her body had gone cold and shows no signs of her being alive, that being from the heavy blood loss. Soon enough, she knew she was going to die, and she had.
Rainbow Dash was dead.
The door to the room unlocked, and a mint-green pegasus walked in and went up to Rainbow Dash's dead form.
''Rainbow. Are you awake yet?'' She said, getting no response. ''Rainbow Dash!''. Still no response.
Lightning Dust went even closer, placing a hoof to Dash's chin, feeling that she was cold. Much too cold to be alive. At this point she started thinking the worst. She placed a hoof to her neck, searching for a pulse but found none. Her eyes shrunk to the size of needle-tips, her breathing becoming heavy as panic started to brew up within her.
''Rainbow?!'' She gripped Rainbow's shoulders, shaking her body in hopes she would wake up. ''Rainbow!? Wake up!''
Nothing.
''Oh, no...I never wanted this to happen! What have I done?!'' Lightning Dust weeped.
What can I do?! WHAT DO I DO!?
You've gotta hide the body!
How?! Where would I put her?! I can't risk getting caught! I never intended to kill her!
Bury her body, Lightning!
Lightning Dust carried Rainbow Dash on her back as she flew through the cold, night sky. At this time, barely anypony was awake, so Lightning Dust saw it as a better moment than any to bury Rainbow without any witnesses to spot her. As she flew, she could feel the cold blood off Rainbow Dash trickle off of her body and run down hers, staining small areas of her mint-green coat. After about a ten minute flight, Lightning Dust was running out of stamina and had to set herself down on a cloud somewhere, due to the extra weight of the dead Pegasus on her back, and surprisingly, she was heavier than she thought she would be.
She sat on the cloud just after setting Dash's bloody body down. She looked at her body, just imagining what would happen if anypony found her body, or worse - if they saw her burying her. After a short rest, Lightning Dust was about to get up when she saw a faint yellow figure come into sight. Panicking, she looked for a place to hide. She, without thinking, dove downwards and quickly found a bush to hide in. She looked up, recognizing the features of the yellow Pegasus above her. She had a long, pretty pink mane and tail and her cutie mark was that of three butterflies. It was Flutteshy.
From where she was, it didn't take much to know that Fluttershy could clearly see Rainbow on the cloud bleeding out, and on top of that, she could hear what she was saying.
''Rainbow? What are you- AHHHHHHHHH!!! RAINBOW!'' Fluttershy exclaimed as she set down next to her still bleeding, dead friend.
She touched Rainbow's shoulder softly, feeling that she was colder than ice, making her panic ever more. The next thing Fluttershy saw was the blood staining the cloud her dead friend was laying on. The blood was oozing softly from Rainbow's cuts and was touching Fluttershy's yellow hooves, coating them in a thin layer of crimson. From below, Lightning Dust could see fresh tears pouring from her eyes, and in an instant, Fluttershy flew away crying.
Seeing her chance, Lightning Dust hurriedly zipped back up to the cloud and almost immediately scooped up the body of Rainbow Dash and continued on with her plan to hide the body.
Somewhere at the edge of the Everfree forest, Lightning Dust was flying around with the dead, bloody mare who was once Rainbow Dash, looking for a discrete place to bury her body. Around after an hour of searching in various spaces, she found one. There was a lot of trees covering the part she chose, so if anypony saw her, which was highly doubtful, they wouldn't be able to identify her fully. She gently landed in the area and placed the pony's carcass on the floor and took the shovel she was carrying in her mouth in her hooves and began digging a hole.
By time Lightning Dust was finished, dawn was just setting in. She picked up Rainbow's body and gently placed her in the hole. Before she refilled the hole, she took one last look at Rainbow Dash's form. Her blood stained her now dulling, cyan coat and her eyes were closed, blood still seeping lightly from underneath her left eye.
''I'm sorry about this, Rainbow.''
And then Lightning Dust filled in the hole and left the area.
Noon had just gone by right before the memorial service ended. The event took place in the town hall and everypony, fans and non-fans of Rainbow Dash turned up, wearing a formal black attire to fit the mood of the saddening event. The five friends, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy were all saying their goodbyes for the afternoon, presumably to try and clear their minds, and just before Twilight left, Fluttershy had stopped her, wanting to have a talk with her.
''Twilight!'' Fluttershy softly called, catching the lavender unicorn's attention and making her turn on the spot to face her friend.
''Oh, hey, Fluttershy. Are you okay?''
''Twilight, I know I should of said something sooner, but please promise me you won't be mad...''
''Huh? What are you talking about?''
''Here.''
Fluttershy reached underneath her wing, pulling out three single mint-green feathers and presented them to Twilight, confusion shown clearly on her face.
''I don't get it.''
''Remember when I came to you the night I found Rainbow dead?'' She said softly, earning a nod from Twilight. ''Well, when we went to where I found her with Applejack, I found these near a bush. I know it sounds stupid, but I think it could help find whatever killed Rainbow.''
''Fluttershy...''
''Pleeeeeease, Twilight?''
''Fluttershy.'' Twilight said quietly, placing a hoof to Fluttershy's shoulder. ''I know you're upset, but so is everyone else. Anything could of done that to her. You saw how many cuts she had. I don't think this will prove anything...''
''But, you don't know if you don't try. All I'm asking you is to try once, Twilight. Please?''
Twilight stopped for a moment. She look deep in the eyes of her yellow Pegasus friend and saw her desperation, so much that it hurt her. She didn't want to let her friend down or upset her, but she couldn't fight it. Sighing quietly through her nostrils, Twilight spoke up.
''Alright, Fluttershy. I'll give it a try. But I probably won't have any results for about a week.''
As a response, Fluttershy snapped her hooves around Twilight's neck and hugged her tightly.
''Oh, thank you, Twilight!''
It had been a short while since Fluttershy had gave those feathers to Twilight, and she had already started to get a raised suspicion to whom they belonged to, but she wanted to make sure before she made a scene about it. She paced back and forth in her library basement, her lab equipment set up and in the process of finding a match to the feathers. The only progress so far is that she knew those feathers didn't belong to a bird, but a Pegasus. Now she knows that she is looking for a pony suspect, the only question is ''who?''. They certainly didn't belong to anypony around Ponyville, especially since there was barely anypony in town with a mint-green coat apart from Lyra, but she wasn't a Pegasus; she was a unicorn. Well, no matter what it takes, Twilight wasn't about to give up. She wanted to find whoever was responsible for killing her best friend.
Lightning Dust said with an evil smirk as she delivered one last hard punch to Rainbow's snout, making her cry out in pain as fresh blood poured freely from her nostrils.
Rainbow Dash was tied up on a chair, the ropes digging into her flesh tightly, making her limbs numb. The room she was in was made of wooden logs, and the flooring was that of oak wood planks. To the left of the room was a metal tray with medical bags of all sizes and on the one next to it lay an assortment of equally deadly tools and supplies.
Lightning Dust looked down on her, seeing her scared, bloodshot eyes meet with her golden eyes. She chuckled at how weak and pathetic she currently was. The once strong and fearless Rainbow Dash was now a scared and fearful Rainbow Dash. Her body was battered and bruised in several places, her left eye had a heavily bleeding gash beneath it and several small and large cuts around her hooves and upper body and face let her blood run freely down onto the floor.
Lighting Dust came closer to her, placing her hoof to her chin and raising her head to meet her gaze. Dash groaned and coughed lightly, letting some blood dribble out her mouth and down her lip.
''W-W-Why are you d-doing this?'' Dash croaked.
''Ha. Why am I doing this? Did you really forget the reason as to why I'm doing this? Because of you, I was banned from the Wonderbolts Academy! I lost my dream, and it is all thanks to you! Do you even know what I do for a living now? I work in the Celestia-damn weather factory! I have to repair the machines and go around checking things all week! And because of what you made me become, I'm going to do the same to you!''
''Dust, listen...''
''No! You listen! I've had enough of living like this! I hate living like this and I sure as hell hate you! You ruined my life, and I want payback!''
''It wasn't my fault, Dust! It was yours! You created that tornado, and it nearly killed my friends! If I didn't save them, they'd be dead because of you! You've only got yourself to blame!''
''Do I? You help out, remember? You helped me create that tornado!''
''Yes, I know, but even I make mistakes, and that one was helping you!''
''You know what, Rainbow? I'm actually surprised you managed to get away when you were beaten as badly as you were, but I'm gonna make sure you won't ever again...''
Lightning Dust walked towards one of the metal tables trays and looked through the assortment of tools that were spread across it. After a few moments, she came back towards Rainbow and what Dash saw made her eyes shrink to the size of pin tips.
It was a pair of hedge clippers.
''I'm going to make sure you never fly again.''
''No! DON'T!''
''Pfft. Do you hear yourself cry, Dashie? You sound like a filly who just had a lolli taken from her.''
With an evil grin, Dust moved behind Dash's back and opened the razor-sharp blades and gave them a test cut in the air, making Dash flinch a bit. She chuckled at Dash's jerky movements.
''Hehe. Say goodbye to flying, Dash!''
And with that, she placed the blades above the joint of Rainbow's wing and cut through the muscle, making Rainbow let out a blood-curdling scream as tears flowed down her face and her cut muscle bled fiercely, sending a warm feeling down Dash's side. Then Dust moved to the next joint and cut through her tissue and muscle.
Rainbow's body cringed and jolted with pain and in mere seconds, the pain was becoming too much for her to handle, and she fainted, dropping her head low and lifelessly.
''Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Please just come to the door!'' Twilight said as she pounded softly on the door of her friend's cottage.
No response. Just more weeping noises from inside.
''Fluttershy, I'm sorry! I'm not mad!''
''Leave me alone, Twilight.'' Fluttershy responded, followed by a sob.
''Fluttershy, please! I'm sorry about earlier, can we just talk?''
Within moments, Twilight heard the door unlock and open slowly, revealing a messy-maned and saddened Fluttershy on the other side. Twilight didn't say anything, but pull her into a comforting hug as she caressed her mane.
''I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I guess I let Rainbow's death get to me...I-I shouldn't of taken it out on you.''
''Its alright, Twilight. I guess its been messing with all of us. I'm sorry, too.''
''Oh, Fluttershy, you have nothing to be sorry about. Your my friend, and I'll always love you like family, no matter what happens between us.''
''I love you too, Twilight.'' Fluttershy mumbled as she snuggled into Twilight's mane.
''C'mon. I think we should go and see Applejack. Once we tell her about all of whats happened, maybe she could help us out. I'll go and get the others. I'll be back, Fluttershy.''
At Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity sat together in the farmhouse in the living room. Applejack didn't know how to take in the news that she'd heard from Twilight and Fluttershy. Consequently, neither did Pinkie Pie or Rarity.
''So let me get this straight. Scootaloo now knows for true that Rainbow Dash was murdered and nopony ever found her body after it went missing because Fluttershy accidentally said something 'bout it?''
Applejack said, earning a nod from both Fluttershy and Twilight.
''Well, to be honest, girls, I dunno what all the fuss is about. Its not like its a joke or something, and I do admit its been toying with our minds since her passing. ''
''Not a joke?! Our friend is dead, Applejack! Its a very big deal. She's the Element of Loyalty, for Celestia's sake! Without her, the other Elements have no power! Its one of Equestria's most important means of defense!'' Twilight snapped at Applejack, making her etch towards the door a little bit.
''Jus' calm down, Twi. This is what I meant when I said its been toying with our minds. We need to try and hold it together before one or all of us loses their minds.''
''Pinkie? Rarity?''
''Well, I really don't see anything bad coming from Scootaloo knowing about what happened to Rainbow.''
''How about you Pinkie? Don't you have anything to say about this?''
''No, not really. The only thing I know is that we'll never see Rainbow again. She was my best friend!'' Pinkie said as she began shedding tears.
''Pinkie, I know she was your best friend, but we're just gonna have to face it and move on with our lives. We won't ever see her again, its saddening, I know, but we have to hold it together, girls. Would Rainbow want us crying over her?''
Everypony in the room shook their heads slowly in response.
''Pinkie, I know this is especially hard for you, but I think we should all do something so we all remember her forever. I think we should hold a memorial service for her. Its what she'd of wanted.''
Early morning set in Ponyville, and already awake (well partly) was Twilight Sparkle. Her mind was racing, but even though she was tired, she couldn't rest until this one got out. She paced back and forth at what she had just found out. Those feathers, those mint-green feathers. The Pegasus they belonged to was one she hadn't seen for a long time! They belonged to Lightning Dust.
''No,no,no,no! This cant be right! It just can't be!'' Twilight breathed heavily, pacing faster around her library. ''How could she do this?! Why would she do this?! Was it because she had something against Rainbow Dash?
So many horrible thoughts swam through Twilight's head, puzzling her as to why somepony such as Lightning Dust could do such a terrible thing. She knew she had to tell the others, but how would they react? How would everypony in town react to the news of the crime? The only one who she knew she could think of to tell first were her friends, but something stopped her. She could tell the princess, but what devastation would that cause? How in the world will she react to it? She was royalty, but that doesn't mean that she would actually do something about this whole situation, but yet again, maybe Twilight was just being stupid due to her lack of sleep.
She did the only thing she could do for the time being: write a letter to Princess Celestia and hope they could work something out.
Later that morning, Twilight had called all of her friends to her house, the lot of them unaware that there were in for a shock. The first thing Twilight did is tell them to take a seat and wait while she went downstairs to get something. The friends all exchanged glances, clueless as to why they were there. It wasn't normally something Twilight would ask them to do out of the ordinary. Normally it would just be individual time together to catch up on various things. Minutes later, Twilight came back upstairs with a few mint-green feathers encased in a see-through bag. Upon seeing the feathers, Fluttershy and Applejack shared an expectant look. Has she finally identified who got Rainbow?
She put them down on the table in between the six of them, and Applejack was the first to speak.
''Well?'' She asked, fixing her gaze on Twilight's. ''Whats all this about, Twilight?''
''Those feathers were brought to me by Fluttershy just after the memorial service.'' Twilight explained. ''She asked me to see if they belong to a suspect...''
''Belong to who, Twilight?'' Rarity asked, growing slowly impatient for an answer.
''....Lightning Dust...''
The friends all let out a surprised gasp, their blood going cold at the news.
''L-Lightning Dust..?'' Fluttershy said quietly. ''She did this?''
''I'm afraid so, girls.''
''But...how could she do something like this? What does she have against Rainbow? I hope it was nothing bad...''
''Twilight, what do you suppose we do about this? We can't just let her get away with murder!'' Rarity said, anger running through her.
''Don't worry, girls. I've written a letter to Princess Celestia. I'm sure she'll send a letter back at some point. We've just gotta wait for her orders.''
Dear, Twilight, I had just received your letter, and I have to say I'm shocked at this news. I'm afraid I can't quite find the words to express my mood towards this, so quite simply, I'll be there tomorrow as soon as I can. I'll meet you and the others at the library in the morning.
Yours sincerely, Princess Celestia
Twilight read the letter and placed it down on the table after releasing it from her magical grasp. She wiped her teary eye with a hoof, letting out a loud yawn. She had been up all night awaiting a response from her, not wanting to miss out hearing her course of action. Though it had been a few hours since she found out who murdered Rainbow Dash, she still couldn't quite get over the fact of why Lightning Dust would do something so cruel and result in killing her best friend.
It was getting about 5:00 and already it was already getting dark outside. Twilight was about to turn around and call it a day just before she heard three gentle taps at her door, stopping her in her tracks before she descended to the stairs. Letting out a tired sigh, she quietly trotted up to the door and used her magic to turn the knob and open it. At the other side stood a worried looking Fluttershy.
''Oh, Twilight. Is it a bad time? I can come back later if that's-''
''No, Fluttershy. Its alright. But, what are you doing up at this time? I thought you'd be at home or something?'' Twilight said as she allowed the yellow pegasus inside, motioning for her to take a seat.
''Twilight, are you feeling alright? We haven't heard much from you since we last got together.'' Fluttershy said worriedly as she watched Twilight's eye twitch slightly as she sat down next to her.
''Hmm? Oh, yeah. I'm alright. I don't want any of you to worry about me, Fluttershy. I'll be alright. So howcome you're here? Something wrong?''
Fluttershy didn't respond but instead hid behind her mane, softly breathing as she looked into Twilight's pretty purple eyes.
''Fluttershy?''
''Sorry, Twilight. Its just...''
''Hmm? What?''
''...About when you found out those feathers were Lightning Dust's...do you...do you think she did it because she wanted r-r-revenge on Rainbow for what happened at flight camp? After that tornado she created?'' Her tone was quiet, nearly a whisper.
Twilight didn't respond for a while, thinking quietly as she tried to piece it all together. Granted, Fluttershy's hunch did make sense, but enough to make Lightning Dust want revenge? Even Twilight didn't expect her to do something so cruel in an act of revenge. To her, Lightning overreacted when it all happened. Even though she created that tornado to get work done faster, endangering the other members in flight camp, she blamed it all on Rainbow for getting her kicked out. It wasn't Rainbow's fault.
''I dunno, Fluttershy.'' Twilight said tiredly. ''Even though it might be true, I wish it isn't.''
Twilight laid down on the couch, her eyes drooping a little. Fluttershy noticed this and etched closer to her, also laying down.
''Twilight? Twi?''
Her answer was met with quiet breathes as Twilight inhaled and exhaled slowly while she slept. Fluttershy smiled as she watched her sleep. Carefully, Fluttershy placed herself at her side, so they were touching. Fluttershy's warmth being transferred to Twilight's cold body as she cast a wing over her and snuggled her cheek into her side lovingly moments before she herself fell asleep.
When morning came around, Fluttershy awoke first. Yawning quietly as she stretched her hooves. She turned around and looked at Twilight, whom was still sleeping softly with a weak smile spread across her face. Slowly, Twilight cracked open an eye, a little confused as to why Fluttershy was there. She yawned loudly, opening both her eyes and looked at Fluttershy, seeing her giggle at her as she woke up.
''Morning. sleepyhead. Feel better?''
''Yeah, much better, thanks.'' Twilight said with a smile.
''So, I guess you were pretty tired last night, huh?''
''I guess I was. Did I drop off or something?''
''Yeah, you did.''
Fluttershy offered a hoof to help Twilight off the couch, to which she accepted and got to her hooves. Fluttershy blushed a little at her gaze, she doing the same, but shortly, their moment was put to a halt as Princess Celestia entered the library along with two royal guards. Noticing her, the two turned around, bowing before her.
''There's no need to be so formal, Twilight.'' She said softly with with a smile spread on her face. ''I believe there was something for us to discuss, Twilight?''
''Oh, right! Hold on just a second!'' Twilight said before quickly galloping off and soon coming back with a few mint-green feathers. Celestia gently took them in her magical grasp and inspected them. After a short while, she handed them back to Twilight with her magic.
''So, Twilight.'' She started. ''I assume those were from Lightning Dust?'' Earning a confirming nod from Twilight, she continued. ''Right. Well, how do you know they are actually from Lightning Dust and not from a bird?''
''Well, you see, I was given them by Fluttershy not long ago to do a DNA test, and when I got the results back, it came up with Lightning Dust's name.'' Twilight explained.
Celestia simply nodded, slowly taking in what she was being told.
''Um...I found them not far from Rainbow's house...'' Fluttershy said quietly, all eyes focusing on her, making her feel a little scared. ''I was flying that night, but when I saw Rainbow laying on a cloud and not moving, I went to go see if she was hurt. When I got there...she wasn't moving. She was covered in so many cuts and bruises...there was blood all over!'' Fluttershy explained as she tried to hold back sobs, but to no avail.
''And you found those feathers near where you found her body?'' Celestia asked with a raised brow.
Fluttershy nodded sadly, tears glazing her eyes.
''Twilight?''
''Yes, Princess?''
''I think you should round up the others. We might need you to go with us if we are to find Lightning Dust.''
''Alright. C'mon, Fluttershy.''
Nodding, Fluttershy and Twilight ran out of the library and went to find the rest of their friends, leaving Celestia and her guards alone. She turned to face her two guards.
''Captain, I need you to go back to Canterlot and assemble the search team. If we are to find Lightning Dust, we need to conduct a thorough search of Ponyville and its surrounding areas. Now, go!''
''Yes, ma'am!'' He shouted, saluting the princess before taking off to the skies with the other guard.
Dead Loyalty Chapter 7: Friendly Reunion and Suspect
Night was setting into Ponyville, and Twilight and the others gathered at her library to stay over for the night. They figured it to be a better time as any to spend time with one another seeing as they were all partly getting on with their lives and didn't see each other as often as they used to. But with Rainbow Dash gone, it seemed to draw them back to each other. That was another thing: was this ever going to be the same without Rainbow there? Would it just change things in future without her at their side, and what of the Elements? Without all of the Element bearers together, there is a very high chance of them never being functional again! What would Equestria do then? They would be defenseless!
When all of them arrived, they all sat together in the basement of the library on some sleeping bags. For a while, none of them talked. In fact, they all seemed glummer than ever, mostly Pinkie and Fluttershy. Fluttershy sat next to Twilight, and obviously, Twilight wanted to ask her and Pinkie what was wrong, but then decided not to, because judging from that look it seemed to be bothering her a lot.
Applejack sat with Pinkie, while Rarity sat next to her, and Twilight next to her with Fluttershy by her side. For some reason, The whole lot of them didn't seem to want to be apart from each other, Twilight figured out. Of course, it was judging from how close they were sitting to each others sides. Surprisingly, Fluttershy had etched herself just a little closer to Twilight's side, enough that they were touching.
''Fluttershy?'' Twilight said quietly, looking at her with concern clearly visible in her eyes. She also noted a small tear in Fluttershy's eye.
Fluttershy didn't respond. She just remained quiet and stared lifelessly at the floor. After a moment of awaiting a response, she asked again, but she still remained silent. Quietly, Twilight decided to handle this one her way, because right now her friends needed her more than ever. The loss of Rainbow Dash seemed to take their very emotions. Twilight gently reached a hoof over Fluttershy's back and pulled her closer, cuddling her warmly as she rubbed her cheek into her long, pink mane. Feeling the comfort of her friend, Fluttershy let her tears trickle freely down her cheeks, matting her pretty, yellow coat.
''Twilight...I-I-I just miss her....s-s-so m-much!'' Fluttershy cried aloud, tears stinging her eyes and dripping onto the floor.
''I know, Fluttershy.'' Twilight said as she softly stroked her friend's back. ''We all miss her. She was family to us.''
As the moment passed, Applejack was hugging Pinkie in a comforting manner, sadly, it didn't really seem to move her in the slightest, but she returned the embrace and cuddled with her as Rarity did the same, they themselves crying openly.
''Ah jus' dunno why Lightning woulda done somethin' as cruel as that to Rainbow. I swear, when Ah find Lightning, Ah'm gonna buck her into next week!'' Applejack said through gritted teeth, anger and hate brewing slowly within her.
''I know you do, darling. I think we all want to, but violence just won't solve anything.'' Rarity stated, trying to hold back her anger and tears, but to no avail.
''Rarity's right, everyone. I know she may of done something as cruel and heartless to Rainbow, but what good would it do even if we did try to get back at her? It wouldn't solve anything.'' Twilight told them, seeing their hurt.
''Maybe you're right, Twi. I just can't believe anypony such as Lightning could do such a terrible thing to Rainbow! She was my best friend! HOW COULD SHE BE SO HEARTLESS?!'' Pinkie yelled, her tears now burning her eyes as she felt herself begin to break.
Twilight didn't respond, but she did feel tears invade her eyes, dripping onto the floor below her. She didn't want to show how hurt she'd been by it, but her true feeling for Rainbow are what made it only much more worse than she wanted it. Since the day she met Rainbow, she already like her, and from there she began to even love her, but because of the evilness that took her from her friends, she never got to tell her about how she truly felt about her. There was only one thing Twilight knew for true, and it made her hurt more inside, just the fact that she and her friends would never see her again, and have to move with their lives without her.
''Well, girls, its getting late.'' Twilight yawned softly. ''I think we should all try to get some sleep. Things might turn out better in the morning.''
''Twilight! Wake up!'' Applejack shouted as she shook Twilight's shoulder roughly, awakening her from her sleep.
''Huh? What? What's wrong?'' Twilight said dully as she opened her eyes and got to her hooves slowly, shaking the sleep from her hooves.
''Quick! They found her!''
''What? Found who? Rainbow?''
''No! Lightning Dust! Hurry!''
Without being given a chance to respond, Applejack ran upstairs to the library, shortly being follow by Twilight, who was still a little confused. When she got to the top the stairs, the first thing that she saw was a couple guards restraining a frightened looking Lightning Dust with their magic. And waiting with them was Princess Celestia, herself. Seeing Twilight, she motioned for her to come closer. The rest of her friends were waiting for her beside her, all with angry and hateful expressions towards the mint Pegasus.
''P-Princess?'' Twilight said quietly before bowing to Celestia, ''What are you doing here?''
''Isn't it quite clear, Twilight? We found Lightning. And I do believe there are some matters we need to discuss in private.'' Celestia's tone was sad yet somehow filled with a hint of hate. Twilight couldn't really blame her for it, though.
''Guards? Care to explain?'' Celestia said as she looked at one of the two guards.
The guard on the left of Lightning nodded to his princess and looked back to Twilight and her friends.
''Well, ladies, when we were ordered to find Lightning, here, we seemed to be searching for ages, but one of the patrols called the rest of us after him to follow, claiming he had a lead to the suspect.'' The guard explained, eying the Pegasus with a hatefully cold glare before looking back up. ''At first, we thought he had the wrong place to look, but soon enough, he led us all to a wooden cabin not far inside the Everfree forest. When we got closer, we still thought it was nothing but a small home for a small family. That is...until we came face to face with one of the most horrific things we ever saw.''
''W-What did y'all see?'' Applejack said, eager to hear the truth.
Feeling uneasy, the guard stopped a few times as he was about to continue with his story. But finding himself unable to continue, the guard on the right spoke up instead.
''Well, what we saw was just gruesome, and even upsetting to know anypony of Equestria coould have possession of. Through one of the windows were...were...'' Stopping, he looked at the floor, feeling just as uneasy as his partner. Not looking up, he continued, ''Weapons and tools covered in blood...''
Everyone gasped, horror show visibly on their faces as they all stared Lightning in the eyes with the same, cold and hate-filled emotion. Unexpectedly, Applejack pounced at her, but before she could get to her, Celestia restrained her in her magical glow, stopping her in mid-air.
''LEMME GO! I WANT PAYBACK! SHE KILLED MA FRIEND!'' Applejack yelled, causing Lightning to flinch, just imagining what would happen if Applejack got to her.
''Applejack, please calm down.'' Celestia said firmly. ''There is going to be a court session soon in Canterlot. Her fate will be decided there. Until now, nothing can be said for sure.''
''Calm down?! CALM DOWN?! She's a monster! A MONSTER! SHE KILL MY BEST FRIEND!!!''
''Applejack! Just calm down! You heard her, there's gonna be a court session soon, so it won't make a difference if you hurt her!'' Twilight told Applejack, but the stubborn pony didn't listen.
''I don't care if she gets sentenced to prison or not, I WANT PAYBACK!''
Suddenly, Applejack fell silent in the air and a small flash of light emitted from Celestia's horn, indicating that she had activated a sleep spell. Gently, Celestia lay Applejack down on Twilight's back.
''I put her in a deep sleep for now, but she should awake soon. In a few days, the court session will be ready to take place, so for now, I think its best that you ponies get some rest. Its going to be a long day. I'll see you all in Canterlot when its time for the court session to take place. Until then, I must return back to the castle.''
The day had come when the fate of Lightning Dust would be announced. At Canterlot Court, crowds of ponies filled the court room from all sides, and at the front of the room sat the remnants of the Element Bearers. The crowd of ponies sat together, eager and impatient to hear the news that would determine what should become of the murderer of Rainbow Dash.
Down at the end of the seats, two Pegasus ponies sat. One had a rainbow-colored mane, and the other had a rough, blue mane. Twilight guessed it was Rainbow's parents. Her mother had two blue lightning bolts for a cutie mark, the color matching her mane. The father had a star, shooting rainbow colored streaks from each point. He was cuddling her while she cried on his shoulder.
Before she could introduce herself and her friends, the judge who was taking the court session into action entered the room. She had a grey coat and even darker grey mane and had royal purple eyes. And her cutie mark displayed a small, wooden gavel.
Stepping up into her place, she cleared her throat and picked up her gavel, banging it on the table, the sound echoing through the room, catching everypony's attention as they stopped their conversations, presumably about the case.
Waiting for them to all pay attention to her before she started the case, one of Celestia's royal guards came into the court room with Lightning Dust, her hooves and wings chained tightly and making small clanks as she walked along in front of the guard, soon finding her way to the seat beside the judge. When she sat down, all eyes in the room were fixed upon her, including the friends of those she murdered, but with more hateful expressions that only displayed their true flame toward her very being. Rainbow's parents, however, didn't look her in the eye. Even her dad was crying as he held his wife close. Lightning hung her head low, now able to bear the feeling of what was to become of her. Out of her eye, she let a stray tear fall to the ground.
''Miss Lightning Dust.'' The judge began, her voice bellowing throughout the room. ''Do you know why you have been summoned here today?''
She looked down at Lightning, seeing her nod her head slowly, in a sad motion.
''Do you have anything to say for yourself, Miss Dust?''.
''N-No...'' She muttered quietly, barely audible.
''Would you speak up, please?'' The judge demanded, clearly not wanting to waste time.
''N-N-N-No.''
''Are we sure? Not a thing makes you guilty, you think?''
Lightning looked up to her, her nerves beginning to be pulled just from meeting her gaze. To say the least, she scared her.
''I didn't say that! Judge, you have to believe me, I never intended to kill Rainbow! I swear!'' Lightning defended herself, fear clearly heard in her voice.
''Oh? What do you mean by that? Do you care to explain?'' The judge inquired, placing down her gavel as she looked at Lightning, almost like she could sense the fear on her.
''Well...I guess it started off when we were training at the Wonderbolts Academy...''
As Lightning Dust explained her story, the audience and the judge started to understand more of the reason behind what she did. She told about how they met each other, the tornado they created, and even the part were Rainbow and her fell out because it nearly killed her friends when they came to visit her with the balloon getting torn to shreds, including when she ended up being kicked out of the Wonderbolt Academy because of her stupid actions.
''...And that's pretty much all there is to it, your honor.'' Lightning said, unaware that she was crying slightly, remembering all the good and bad moments they had together.
''I see...'' The judge murmured for a moment, tapping her chin a few times. ''Well, convincing story, Miss Dust, but...the thing that you haven't explained fully is the part leading as to why you committed a crime as gruesome as you did. Care to explain your actions?''
Her heart stopped, and her breathing became heavy. T-They wanted to know why she did it? For real? Even she had to admit it was a bit embarrassing... Taking in a deep breath, trying to regain her calm state, she gulped before she opened her mouth to speak.
''I...I...I just wanted you all to know...t-that I didn't hate Rainbow in any way, but I-I-I never meant for any of this to happen...'' She wiped a hoof across her eye, wiping away a few tears as quickly as they formed, not wanting to show herself break. ''I was just so angry at myself at the time. I liked Rainbow, I truly did, but as things went downhill in our friendship after I got booted from the Wonderbolts Academy, I started to hold a grudge against her.'' She stopped, noticing the few awkward stares that the ponies all gave her, making her feel a little uneasy. (Not like she wasn't already).
She gulped hard, trying to hold herself together, but finding that she couldn't, and eventually, she began to visibly show her tears as they flowed down her face like a water pipe had just burst.
''T-T-T-Then when I-I-I couldn't t-take it anymore, I-I kidnapped her a-a-and then I...I...'' She sobbed openly, trying to stop, but to no avail. ''....I killed her.''
Everyone in the court room gasped, trying to take in what she had just confessed to doing. They all started to mumble things to each other, shock flooding their minds. She actually did it: killed Rainbow Dash? Out of the crowd, a harsh voice called out to Lightning, making her shrink back. When she focused her eyes a bit more, she saw it was Applejack.
''Your a monster, Lightning!'' She yelled at her, seething anger visible in her emerald eyes, making them look like they were on fire with hate. ''You killed my best friend!'' She jumped from her seat, propelling herself towards the mint-green Pegasus, ready to forcefully kick her in the jaw. However, before she could, a purple aura grabbed hold of her tail and stopped her in mid-air.
''LEMME GO, TWILIGHT! I'M GONNA BUCK HER INTO NEXT WEEK!''
''Applejack! Please just calm down!''
''No! She killed Rainbow! I want vengeance!'' She kicked and flailed, strongly resisting against Twilight's magic, but to no avail could she escape the magical grip on her tail. Being as careful as she could, Twilight pulled Applejack back down to her seat, still not letting go of her with her magic.
''Now, do you promise you won't do that again?'' Twilight asked simply, trying to keep her friend out of trouble.
Applejack just huffed, blowing her mane from her face, but calmly said, ''Fine. I promise.'', and as soon as she said it, Twilight smiled and released her from her grip. Saying nothing, Twilight felt Applejack's hooves wrap around her pulling her into a hug. Unexpectedly, Applejack started to cry into her shoulder, taking her back a bit, but given the circumstances, it was understandable.
''I...Ah'm sorry, Twi. I just loved her so much...'' She whimpered, nuzzling Twilight's neck softly.
Before anypony spoke up, the judge cleared her throat, getting everypony's attention once more.
''Miss Lightning Dust.'' She said sharp and cold as she stare Lightning in the eyes. ''This court finds you guilty of the murder of Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, and sentences you to a life sentence in prison!'' Then she slammed down her gavel.
Lightning gasped, as did a few ponies in the crowd. A life sentence? For real? Oh, well, she guessed she kind of deserved it for something as horrid as she'd done. What's done is done, and nothing can change the past.
''A-A-A life sentence?! B-But I-'' She was cut off by the royal guard pulling her from her seat and dragging her away from the audience and out of the room. Seeing that she was gone, the judge brought down her hammer again.
There was a collective sigh of relief from Rainbow Dash’s friends and parents when Lightning Dust was found guilty. Finally her killer was going to be put behind bars where she belonged. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off their shoulders.
Applejack tightened her grip around Twilight’s neck as She sobbed into her friend’s shoulder, letting out all of her grief, anger and sorrow all at once. She looked up from the unicorn’s shoulder just in time to see two royal guards walk up the the witness box and hold of a scared looking Lightning Dust.
“Time to go Lightning Dust", one royal guard said sternly but the frightened mare planted her hooves and refused to move. “I mean it now move it!” He said with more authority.
Panic had set in as Lightning Dust’s whole body stiffened up as she involuntarily struggled against the guard in the witness box. Soon enough the second guard joined his comrades and their combined strength was too much for the panicked mare as they started dragging her to the back of the courtroom.
“NO, PLEASE DON’T TAKE ME AWAY!” Lightning dust screamed as she was being dragged off. “I’M SORRY I’M SORRY I DIDN’T MEAN TO KILL HER!”
The guards paid no attention to the mare they were dragging.As they reached the back of the courtroom and swung the big double doors open, they continued on their way with the screaming pegasus in tow.
“IT WAS AN ACCIDENT, I SWEAR!” She continued to scream and thrash in vain. She made eye contact with Applejack for a brief second, before she was pulled through the doors and out of the courtroom. Applejack’s eyes sent shivers down her spine, she could tell that mare hated her more than anything. She would rather stare a cockatrice and turn to stone then have to look at those eyes. She was glad that unicorn always held her back when she tried to attack or she might be dead as well.
After a few moments, her screams faded to silence as she was taken out of the courthouse. When she got outside she and the two guards were instantly swarmed by the press. At least twenty microphones were shoved in there faces all at once and the ponies holding the microphones bombarded her with questions as flashes from many cameras went off constantly.
“Why did you murder Rainbow Dash?”
“Have you murdered anypony else before?”
“How do you feel about your life sentence?”
“Do you feel that you were wrongfully accused and found guilty of this crime?”
“Was this a plot against the element bearers?”
She ignored the endless stream of questions as the guards holding her forced carried her through the sea of press to the awaiting chariot. The guards were able to put the convicted pony into the the chariot, which was much easier than it was to to get her out of the courthouse because the sudden onslaught of press had abruptly ended her panicked struggle with the guards. As realized, it was futile and a matter of fact, hit her like a barrel of bricks. Accident or not , she had murdered Rainbow Dash and she was going to jail forever.
Once she was in the chariot, two Pegasus guards, one on the left side of her and the other on the right, flew quickly into the sky.
A few minutes after Lightning Dust was taken away, Rainbow’s friends and parents exited the courthouse and in an instant the eager press were on their hooves with millions of microphones, questions and camera flashes. They filled the air just like that, after Lightning Dust was brought out.
"How do you feel about the guilty verdict?"
“Do you have any explanation about what will happen with the elements?"
“Do you think Lightning Dust had any accomplices in this murder?"
Fluttershy hid behind her mane from the press, while Pinkie Pie just made silly faces at the cameras to keep her own spirits up and her hair from deflating. Applejack walked close to Twilight and had her head down. For Spike, he was trying to shoo camera ponies away from Rarity, as well as Rainbow’s parents. Everypony did there best to ignore the press, but they were relentless and soon they blocked their path to the second chariot that was waiting for them, but the questions kept coming non-stop.
“Miss Sparkle, can we get a word please?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Dash, is there anything you would like to say to Lightning Dust, if you must?”
“Since there has been nobody found as of yet, do you think Rainbow Dash is alive and trying to frame Lightning Dust for almost killing all of you?”
An emotional Twilight Sparkle had had enough of these ponies crowding around her friends. Her horn started to glow and every single camera and microphone the press had started to hover above Twilight’s head. She desperately wanted to crush them into one big mangled ball and launch them up into the upper atmosphere. The press ponies didn’t even have a chance to complain about their destroyed equipment. She used her magic to forcefully pick the ponies up, specifically the ones that were blocking their path.
“You have about two and a half minutes to get out of here before all of your equipment falls from the sky.” Twilight said to the now silent press who proceeded to scatter after her statement.
With the overly annoying press now gone and the camera meteor hurtling towards them, the seven ponies and little dragon squeezed in the chariot and left the courthouse.
It had been two days since Lightning Dust was found guilty of the murder of Rainbow Dash. Her parents went back to Cloudsdale and her friends went back to Ponyville to carry on their daily lives the best they could. But for one mare in particular, it was easier said than done.
Applejack didn't get much work done in the week prior, due to that day back at court. Her brother Big Macintosh had to deal with her daily morning routines in the orchard. Applejack, she would just stay in bed all day and cry after tragic death of her rainbow-named friend. She'd curse Lightning Dust until her throat was hoarse.
She didn’t know what to do anymore without Rainbow Dash, the pony she would never get to confess her love to. She did know one thing for sure though, it was the only clear thought in her head; Lightning Dust, the pony that murdered the mare she loved with all her heart. She hated every fiber of her being, she wanted to buck her face so hard.
Applejack found herself in Twilight’s library , surrounded by her friends sobbing into Twilight’s shoulder. The lost of another friend was the sadness no pony could bare to talk about. It was just too hard for Applejack, losing somepony she loved with all her heart. It was just too....hard to let her go.
“Shhh, It’s ok Applejack.” Twilight said in a soothing voice, rubbing the farmers back with her hoof. “Were all here for you.”
“It ain’t ok.” Applejack stuttered as she sobbed. “Ah loved Rainbow Dash and now she’s gone!” Applejack wailed again, soaking Twilight’s shoulder.
“We all loved her very much, dear.” Rarity said as she sat next to the sobbing mare and, rubbed her back along with Twilight. “We know how you feel darling, and we’re here for you always".
“ Ya'll didn't know how ah feel.” The apple farmer wailed again. “Ya’ll didn’t love her like ah did, ah wanted to be with her forever!” Applejack cried harder, letting her emotions pour out of her like a faucet.
That statement took her friends by surprise, considering they weren’t quite expecting it. For a few minutes, nothing but Applejacks sobbs filled the air.
“I’m truly sorry dear, we had no idea you loved her that way.” Rarity apologized, continuing to rub her back. “I’m sure she felt the same way about you honey.”
“You don’t know that!” Applejack said her voice rising slightly without her knowing. “Ah’ll never know how she felt towards me.”
Applejack’s grip tightened around her friend’s neck. Twilight didn’t realize just how strong the farmers grip could be, so she pried her off of her before she crushed her. She then raised Applejack’s head until they made eye contact.
“Applejack, listen",Twilight said to get the distraught mare’s attention. “Every time Rainbow Dash would come to read with me or help with anything at all, all she would do was talk about you.”
“Really?” Applejack said wiping her reddened eyes.
“Yes she did… she would always tell me how cool, tough and awesome you were. I'm positive those were the kind of feelings Rainbow had for you", she said, comforting the mare.
“Thank ya for tellin’ me Twi”. Applejack hugged Twilight, then the rest of her friends joined in on the hug as well. “It means a lot.” Applejack said taking deep breaths to calm herself down a bit.
Before anypony could say anything else, Spike came running downstairs with a letter he begin to burp out. Running straight to Twilight almost tripping over himself as he gave her the letter.
“It’s from Princess Celestia, Twilight.” Spike said catching his breath." What do you think it’s about?”
“I don’t know Spike, let’s see.” She opened up the letter and quickly read through it.
“They're reducing Lightning Dust’s sentence from life to thirty-five years.”
“Why the hell would they do that?!" an outraged Applejack interrupted. “She deserves to be locked away forever!”
Everypony else was also surprised by this,but nopony spoke up. They waited patiently as Twilight continued to read the letter suspended in her magic aura. A few moments later, she finished the letter and sat it down on the table next to her.
“They’re reducing her sentence because she has agreed to lead us to where she hid Rainbow’s body.” Twilight said semi-relieved that Rainbow could now give Rainbow a proper funeral.
For the second time, nopony spoke for awhile but Twilight could see the relief on each of their faces as they came to the same conclusion as she did. She could tell Applejack was still a little angry by this, but then again, she she had every right to be.
“So what now Twilight?” Spike asked, breaking several minutes of silence.
“Four royal guards are escorting Lightning Dust here now.” The unicorn answered her number one assistant. “They will be here in about two hours, and Princess Celestia wants us to go with them to identify the body.”
With that said, the five mares and dragon patiently awaited the arrival of the mare that murdered their best friend.
Two hours came and went and before they knew it, a golden chariot pulled by two identical looking royal guards landed in front of Twilight’s library. There was no doubt that Lightning Dust was inside. They were all a little uncomfortable having to see Rainbow’s killer again but it was necessary, and after today they hoped to never have to see her again.
There was a knock at the door shortly after the chariot had arrived and Twilight went to answer it, only to find a royal guard with the usual gold-clad armor that all of Celestia’s guards wore on the other side.
“Miss Sparkle, I assume you know why we are here today?” The guard asked in his usual emotionless expression, which never changed in the slightest.
“Yes, we are fully aware why you are here.” She answered him quickly looking back at he friends, who all nodded showing their understanding of the situation.
“Good, we will go whenever you and your friends are ready.” The guard said before turning around and walking back to the chariot. “We will wait out here, come when you are ready, we are in no rush.”
“They are ready when we are girls.” The lavender unicorn said as she shut the front door then turned around to face the other four mares and baby dragon. She was sure they heard the guard clearly but she repeated his words to them any way.
“So is everypony ready to go then?” Twilight questioned her friends who all answered yes. But when Applejack answered, there was anger in her voice and her facial expression was one of pure hatred. She could tell Applejack was still angry about the pony right outside the door, the one that murdered the mare she loved, the one who was no longer getting a life sentence.
She could clearly tell by her body language that Applejack was ready to break Lightning's neck the second she got the chance. She wasn't going to let Applejack ruin their chance to find Rainbow’s body in her emotional state. Truth be told, she knew she wanted to find her body just as bad as the rest of them and Applejack had every right to want to break the neck of the pegasus waiting outside.
“Applejack listen.” Twilight said, getting Applejack to look at her in the eye. “You have to promise me you will not try to attack Lightning Dust or do anything irrational, ok?”
“That nag mare should be locked up forever, this ain’t fair.” The farmer said, stomping the ground with her hoof. “She murdered Rainbow Dash damn it she doesn't deserve to get off so easy!”
“You may be right Applejack.” The librarian mare said, moving closer the the angry mare and rubbing her back again.
“Of course Ah’m right!” Applejack interjected.
“But would you rather her spend the rest of her life in jail and we never find Rainbow’s body,” Twilight continued. “Or she spends half her life in jail and find her body and give Rainbow the funeral she rightfully deserves?”
“Twilight is right dear. I don’t like Lightning Dust any more than you do, but at least this way we can have some closure.” Rarity chipped in to help.
“Ah guess y’all are right.” Applejack said, sighing as she took a deep breath. “Let’s go get this over with, I don’t wanna look at her any longer then I got to.”
“First you have to promise not let your emotions get the best of you again.” Twilight sternly insisted, still looking Applejack in the eye. “Because we aren’t going anywhere until you do.”
“Fine. Ah promise, Twilight” The cowpony said hesitantly. “Can we go now?”
“Pinkie promise me Applejack.” Twilight answered the frustrated mare.
“Fine, cross my heart hope to fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye.” Applejack said, doing the necessary motions to complete a Pinkie promise.
“Ok good we can go now.” Twilight said, satisfied with Applejack’s promise. “We all need to be prepared. Her body has been missing for a month now, so whatever we find, it won't be pretty.”
The fives mares and little dragon exited the library. Once outside, Twilight noticed that behind the the chariot was another royal guard harnessed to a simple wooden cart with two shovels and a tarp in the back. She could tell what that was going to be used for.
“Ok, we are ready to go now,” Twilight told the guard that had been waiting patiently by the front of the chariot.
He nodded and walked over to the chariot and pulled it open. Another guard stepped out, followed by the murderer herself, Lightning Dust. She was wearing orange clothes standard to most jails nowadays, and hoof cuffs around both her front and back hooves. She also had a leather strap holding her wings closed against her sides. After she stepped out a second guard followed behind her.
“Ok Lightning, where are we going?” The guard said sternly, obviously not wanting to have to ask again.
“Which way is the that creepy forest?” The shackled pony asked. “If you get me there, I can show you where she is.”
“The Everfree Forest is that way.” Twilight pointed with her hoof before she started walking in that direction, followed by her friends. “Let’s get going.”
They started their walk through the town, two guards leading Lightning Dust while two more guards followed behind her and another guard walked behind them pulling the cart. Their walk was a silent one for the most part as they continued down the dirts roads of Ponyville. After a while, they began to notice that more and more ponies were lining the streets and watching them.
“What’s going on, Twilight dear?” Rarity asked, confused as the ponies on the streets started whispering back and forth to one another.
“The whole town probably knows about the murder by now,” Twilight responded, looking around at the ponies lining streets. “They are probably just curious about what’s going on. Just try to ignore them.”
Trying to ignore the towns ponies proved to be impossible since the ones that knew Rainbow Dash fairly well were angry and took the group by surprise by starting to throw food, drinks, and the occasional rock at Lightning Dust and shouting nasty things at her. Lightning Dust, being shackled, could not defend herself and was forced to take several beverages and various different fruits and vegetables to the face and body.
Lightning Dust knew she deserved every bit of what she was getting, so she did her best to ignore it as she continued to be pelted with food and drinks, but suddenly the feeling of food splattering against her stopped and her vision went purple. It only took a few seconds for her to realize what had happened: that purple unicorn who had saved her from the other mare twice had encased her in a magical bubble that deflected the objects that were thrown at her.
“Why would you do this after what I did?” the confused mare asked. “I don’t get it.”
“You’ve already gotten what you deserve for what you did.” Twilight said, sounding as if she didn’t want to speak to her at all. “You are going to jail for a long time, so getting hit with food is unnecessary.”
“Umm ok, thanks, I guess.” Lightning said, still a little confused. After all she did murder her best friend, she would think the unicorn would be the one throwing stuff at her.
Twilight didn’t respond to her. She only continued her trek through town along with her friends, the guards, and Lightning Dust herself. After ten or so minutes, they had made it through town and its angry townsfolk to arrive at the edge of the Everfree Forest. The group stopped a few feet away from the tree line. Wanting to get away from the eerie presence of the forest as soon as possible, they waited for Lightning to give them further instructions.
Realizing there were eleven pairs of eyes burning holes in her head, she quickly started to look around to get her bearings, so as to not keep the other ponies waiting any longer than they had too.
“Umm, that way.” She motioned down the tree line with her head since she could not use her shackled hooves. “We need to go down that way a bit before going inside a little.”
The group continued forward as Lightning carefully examined each tree until she found the one she was looking for about fifty feet away from where they first started: it was given away by a small blood stain near the base of trunk.
“Here,” Lightning said as she stopped by said tree. “This is where I took her in the forest.” She made her way into the forest with the guards and Rainbow’s friends following close behind.
They didn’t have to walk for very long before Lightning Dust stopped near a small circular clearing with an old rusty shovel lying almost perfectly in the middle of what appeared to be a tiny mound of dirt.
“She’s over there, right where the shovel is,” the shackled pegasus said, finally answering the question that everypony had asked since the beginning. She kinda felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Almost as if she righted her wrong, even though she could never make it right.
The guards retrieved the shovels from the cart and slowly walked over to the small mound of dirt. After they moved the shovel off to the side, the two guards carefully started to dig the body up. It took less than five minutes before the body of Rainbow Dash was fully unearthed. Once her friends got their first look at her since before the murder they all had mixed reactions. Her body was ice cold to the touch, her multi-hued mane, tail and coat, messier than usual and matted with dirt and blood had lost its shine and looked dull. Most of her feathers had fallen out of her wings and her back was covered in dry blood from the two large cuts still clearly visible at the base of each of her wings.
“That’s her.” Twilight told the guard, who then nodded back at her. She had to look away. She couldn’t bear to see Dash that way, and, she realized, all of her friends looked away as well. Fluttershy and Rarity looked like they were ready to vomit but did their best not to. Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Spike weren’t much better off as they held back their tears.
After a brief silence in respect to Rainbow Dash the guards loaded her body into the cart, draping the tarp over her in the process as they all headed back into town.
