> Shadow of Loyalty
>  by Admiral Q Ponyform
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Reveal 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

											Shadow of Loyalty
By Admiral Q

Rainbow couldn't believe what she was seeing below her. Then again the last couple weeks have been odd. It started simple enough. She rescued a filly trapped in a well and got some praise for it. As she did other heroic feats the praise and adulation increased and she basked in it. This was a part of her dream. The reasons she wanted to be a Wonderbolt wasn't just to test her limits, but to be praised for it and inspire other ponies to push boundaries and succeed. 
Then this MARE DO WELL appeared. While she did save ponies and good for her to do so, the town quickly forgot Rainbow's achievements. Cast aside like she did nothing. Even Scootaloo raised Mare Do Well above her. She decided to confront the masked hero and unmask her. Which lead to the sight below her. Pinkie Pie in the Mare Do Well outfit smiling sheepishly at her. How did that even make sense!? She saw Mare Do Well with a horn at the dam. A cough sounded and Rainbow looked up to see another Mare Do Well in front of her. The mare lifted the mask to reveal Twilight. That explains the horn. Eventually all her friends showed up, Applejack wearing the same Mare Do Well outfit. Each explained what role they did as Mare Do Well. Twilight obviously handled the dam, Applejack the runaway carriage, Pinkie the construction site, Fluttershy the fly by, and Rarity designed the costume. Rainbow Walked away from them.
“I don't understand. WHY!? Don't you want me to be a hero?” She asked facing them.

“Of course we want you to be a hero.” Twilight answered.

“But a real hero doesn't brag.” Applejack interjected and winked at her. Rainbow lost it with that.

“You hypocrites!” Rainbow replied to the surprise of the others. “You have all bragged about one thing or another since I've know you all. You get on my case for bragging? YOU JUST DID THAT IN SUGAR CUBE CORNER YESTERDAY! OR EVEN THIS PARADE! If you were truly humble then your Mare Do Well would not have shown up. But you did. If you had a problem with my bragging you could have talked to me. The view of my friends do matter to me. But instead of doing that you STAB ME IN THE BACK!” She raced over and grabbed Pinkie, or more precisely her costume. “We were all heroes for dealing with Nightmare Moon and Discord. We all became heroes for doing what was right and that's exactly what I did with those incidents these past few weeks. Yet what did you do? You created this.” Rainbow shakes the cloth in her grasp. “You created Mare Do Well with the sole purpose to destroy my reputation. Well congratulations, you've done it. No pony even remembers my deeds here. They all only know Mare Do Well now.” She shoved Pinkie away who was in nearly in tears. Rainbow then looked at Fluttershy who was openly crying. Rainbow couldn't hold in the pain she felt anymore and tears formed in her eyes. “Fluttershy, I defend you not for any fame or glory but because I thought it was the right thing to do. Perhaps that was a mistake and you weren't worth defending if this is how you treat me.” Fluttershy buried her head in her hooves.

“RAINBOW!” Twilight began only to be cut off my Rainbow.

“DON'T YOU 'RAINBOW' ME! I TRUSTED YOU! I TRUSTED ALL OF YOU AS I THOUGHT YOU TRUSTED ME! Well. Now I know were I stand with all of you. You are not my friends anymore.” Rainbow faced away from them. “Enjoy your new fame as Mare Do Well. You have certainly paid for it.” With that she spread her wings and flew away and quickly went rainboom speeds. As fast as she could go she couldn't run from the tears...or the betrayal.

> The Aftermath 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow was in her house hours later doing a very rare thing for her. She was crying, not just a few tears. She was full-out wailing. Then again, it's not every day that ponies you once considered as close as family stab you in the back, so she felt justified in being a little girly right now. 

Eventually she cried herself out and her hunger had her head to the kitchen for some food. She chose a reheated cheese pizza and some soda pop, and she sat down and ate while she thought of what to do next. First off, she couldn't stay in Ponyville anymore. Her reputation was shot and she couldn't stand the sight of her ex-friends. She'd have to quit her job as weather manager here, but where to go? She could go to Cloudsdale, but they have plenty there with her skills in weather management. She'd have to go to the office tomorrow and see if any towns or cities have an opening for a weather pony. Before she could think further. she heard a knock on her door.

“Who is it?” she asked not expecting anypony.

“It's Twilight.” Twilight! Rainbow figured she must have used her cloud walking spell with her teleport abilities to get to her front door. “Rainbow, I just want to talk.”

“Oh, NOW you want to talk! You know for an egghead you are pretty stupid to think talking now after what you did to me is going to solve anything.”

“Rainbow, PLEASE!” Twilight asked tearfully.

“No! Nothing you can say can undo your actions against me. I value loyalty above all else. That's why I was the Element of Loyalty. But you and the others betrayed me. So I owe you nothing. Go away.”

"Rain--" Twilight tried again, and Rainbow's patience was gone.

“GO AWAY!” With a flash of purple, Twilight was gone. Rainbow felt tired, both physically and emotionally. She cleaned up and went to her bed. On the floor by her cloud bed was Tank. She stroked his shell and smiled. “Hey, Bud. At least you're loyal. I don't care if it was Fluttershy who gave you to me. You never wavered from me, so I won't abandon or betray you.” With that she lay down on her bed, still stroking the shell as she fell asleep. She dreamed of a world where Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were her friends instead of backstabbers.

* * * * * *

The sun woke her up the next morning. She yawned and saw Tank and stroked his shell before getting up. She had a lot to do today. She took out food for Tank before having breakfast. Waffles tasted good but couldn't lift her spirit the way they used to. After a bland breakfast she cleaned up a bit before heading out for Town Hall.

Town Hall served as the center for most of Ponyville's government activities. She walked into the weather section and went to the filing cabinet. There, she grabbed the papers showing openings for weather ponies all throughout Equestria. She spent an hour looking through them all before she found one she liked:  Mareapolis. It was a growing city to the northeast of Ponyville and settled next to a major river. They had an opening for a mare of her skills, and it wasn't too far away. Dragging her house, she could get there in three days or so. Its main industries were farming and factory work. Yeah, this would work, Rainbow thought. She then went over the roster of the local weather ponies and double-checked the records of some. With that done, she went to the mayor's office. She let the mayor's secretary know she was there to see the mayor and took a seat.

Ten minutes later, the mayor let her in. It was a small but cozy room filled with forms and file cabinets with a desk and two chairs. The mayor gestured to the chairs.

“Good morning, Miss Dash. Please have a seat and tell me what brings you here today.”

“Thank you, Miss Mayor. I've come to say I'm resigning from my position as Ponyville's Weather Manager, effective immediately. I also suggest that Raindrops replace me as Weather Manager. Her style is different than mine, but she knows her stuff and knows Ponyville.”

“May I ask why you are resigning? Your job performance has been done well, if not by the book. I certainly have no complaints on your job performance.”

“Because I'm leaving Ponyville. I have no future here, now, after everything. You and the townsfolk threw me under the carriage when Mare Do Well showed up. I can't stay because of that, so I'm heading to Mareapolis to apply for a job there.”

“Miss Dash, I'm sorry if my actions hurt you. Are you sure you need to do this? You can take a week off to think about it.”

“No, I'm sure. I appreciate the offer, but I can't live in this town anymore.”

“Very well. I'll send a letter of recommendation to them. For what it's worth, I'm sorry it came to this.”

“So am I.”

* * * * * *

Rainbow Dash was shopping to get supplies before the move. She bought carrots, some baking goods, a loaf of bread, and various other vegetables and fruit when she heard a familiar buzzing. It didn't take Rainbow long to see Scootaloo on her scooter, and the little filly saw her.

“Rainbow Dash!” The orange pegasus cheered and came over.

“Hey, Squirt, I've got something important to tell you. Let's go somewhere private.”

“Sure thing, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow lead them to a private area of the park.

“Okay, Squirt, here's the awful truth. I'm leaving Ponyville.” Squirt looked like Rainbow just said she was Nightmare Moon.

“What? Why?”

“Because I can't stand being here anymore. I discovered the truth about Mare Do Well, and it's not pretty. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all created Mare Do Well to 'teach me a lesson', not to save ponies. That was just a perk. Because of them, my reputation in Ponyville is ruined, and I can't stay in a town with those traitors anymore. So, I'm leaving as soon as I have all the supplies I need. I was going to find you before that, but you found me instead.” Rainbow was interrupted when Scootaloo jumped on her and hugged her.

“I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. I'm so sorry I cheered for Mare Do Well and not you.” Scootaloo said while crying. Rainbow couldn't stop the tears she now had, as well. Scootaloo was so much like her, she was almost a sister. She hugged the filly.

“It's okay, Squirt, you're young, and it seemed like Mare Do Well was doing a good thing. I don't blame you.” It took a few minutes for Scootaloo to calm down.

“That's it. I won't be friends with Sweetie Belle or Applebloom anymore. Not after what their sisters have done.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! I may hate their sisters for what they did, but those two are blameless. Don't end your friendship that way. I pray dearly to Celestia that your bonds of friendship don't meet the same fate as mine. Scoots, loyalty is a hard thing to gain but is easily lost. Take that, above all, to heart.” Scootaloo nodded and hugged Rainbow again.

“I'm gonna miss you, Rainbow Dash.”

“I'm gonna miss you too, Squirt. You remind me of myself when I was your age. I promise on my loyalty that I'll keep in touch.” Scootaloo nodded again, and after a few minutes, they broke apart, and Rainbow waved a farewell as she flew away.

She was home again a few minutes later. She unpacked her food and supplies before grabbing a rope specially designed to assist a pegasus in moving a cloud house. She wrapped it around the house before tying it around her barrel. After making sure it was secure, she started moving in the direction of Mareapolis, not once looking back at Ponyville as the sun began to set.
> Settling In and Lectures 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It took Rainbow nearly three days to get to Mareapolis, and she had to sleep a full day after arriving to recover her strength. The next day after a BIG breakfast she left to go look for City Hall. While three times the size of Ponyville and more industrious than the farm town, Mareapolis was still a small city, and Rainbow had no trouble finding City Hall, a five story brick building. Rainbow went in through the front door and went to the front desk. A mare with glasses was typing something at the desk until she noticed Rainbow.

“Welcome to City Hall, how can I help you?” the mare asked.

“I'm looking for your Weather Offices,” Rainbow replied.

“Fourth floor, on your right.”

“Thanks.” Rainbow flew up the right stairwell. She counted the floors until she got to the fourth. There, she landed and began scanning the doors until she came to a brown wooden door labeled "Weather Management". Before she could go through, though, she heard a voice.

“Can I help you miss?” Rainbow look to see a middle age mare looking at her inquisitively. Rainbow gave her a smile and answered.

“Just applying for a job, ma'am.”

“Oh, well I'm the head weather manager in the city, so let's go into my office.” The mare opened the door and led Rainbow into a conference room twice the size of Rainbow's office in Ponyville. Several side offices were along the walls. The mare led her to the office near the back. Upon entering, Rainbow glanced around and saw diplomas, certificates, and photos of several pegasi in group shots. The mare took a seat behind a desk and looked at Rainbow. “My name is Sky Rain, and I have been leading the weather team for the past ten years.”

“Mine's Rainbow Dash, and I used to head the weather team in Ponyville for the past two years, and I worked there for another four before that. I was winner of the last Young Fliers Competition, and I can do the Sonic Rainboom.” That last part may be bragging a bit, but it made her look good, so Rainbow mentioned it anyway.

“You have some documentation?” Sky Rain asked. Dash used her wing to open her saddle pack, and she handed over a folder with her documents. Sky Rain look over it and nodded. “Yes this matches what the mayor of Ponyville sent over. She gave you praise for the work you've done and let me know of your style of working. You appear lazy, but you'd always get the job done. However, she didn't mention why you left.”

“Personal reasons, ma'am, but I couldn't live there anymore.”

“Okay, I can respect that, but I always have my ears open if you need them. The farm section of our jurisdiction needs a new head since our last manager there moved away to take care of his parents. You match the requirements, and you are familiar with what is needed for a farm area. The pay is the same as your pay was in Ponyville. Can you start tomorrow if interested?”

“I am interested, ma'am, and I can easily start tomorrow.”

“Okay, report to the Fair Deal Office Building at nine in the morning. We have a small space in the building where your branch of our teams meet for assignments or announcements. Sky Walker will help you over there.”

“Thanks a lot, ma'am. Anything else?”

“No. Enjoy your day, Miss Dash.” With a nod, Rainbow left the office and took a stop to get her mailbox set up and be officially recognized as a resident of Mareapolis. That done, she left the building and decided to tour the city to get a feel for it. There wasn't much of a market place since, unlike Ponyville, farming wasn't its main industry, but what farmers there were set up stalls for those products buyers wanted fresh. Rainbow went down and got a few things to restock her food supply. She saw a Barnyard Bargains and similar stores. Hayburger and Dairy Princess were also present, of course. She did a quick flyby of what's to be her area and found five farms, each about half the size of Sweet Apple Acres. After that, she decided to practice her stunts for the rest of the day.

As the sun set, Rainbow entered her home and passed a counter. It was then she noticed the picture there. It was of her and the girls the day after beating Nightmare Moon, and Twilight had just heard she could stay in Ponyville. They were all happy, not knowing what the future was to be. She thought they were her friends back then.  With her hoof she slammed the picture frame down so she did have to see it anymore. It hurt too much to look at it now.

* * * * *

The next morning, Rainbow awoke tiredly.  Her sleep wasn't the most restful, as she relived the reveal of Mare Do Well and the others' treachery. What was weird, though, was that she could swear she saw Princess Luna in it. But she wasn't in Ponyville when that crap went down. Well, she thought, first day of work. Better grab some grub and head out.

She had already located the building yesterday, and she could she why Sky Rain rented an office there. The eighth floor had a balcony, perfect for pegasi and, thus, the weather team. She spotted the banner for her team and landed. A couple of pegasi were still on the balcony chatting when they noticed her. Rainbow waved at them and went inside. She looked around the space they had and noticed that it was simple. A break room, an office for herself, and a conference room that could fit ten ponies. She headed back to the office and noticed some papers there. Looking them over, she found it was the weather assignment for the week. So the workers would come to the office once a week. She could deal with that. Punching in from the break room she headed back into the conference room, seeing some of her team already there. She went over to study the map hanging on the wall. At the assigned time, the rest of her team came in.

“Morning, everypony. My name is Rainbow Dash, and I'm your new team leader.” She saw a few eyebrows go up as some recognized her. “The bosses want sunny, but partly cloudy, days till Friday, when they want a light drizzle over the farms. Which one of you is Sky Walker?” A stallion with white fur and a dirty blonde mane lifted a hoof. “Okay, I want you to assign who goes where for the time being. You know the team and what they are used to better than I do. I might change it later if I feel the need. Any questions?” Rainbow waited a minute before looking back at Sky Walker and giving him a nod. He got up and went to the map and started assigning sections, and Rainbow made note of who was who and where they were going. Sky Walker looked back at Rainbow and asked a question.

“Miss Dash, where would you prefer to go?”

“A farm area if one's available.” She said as she lounged in a chair.

“Well then, you can have the carrot farm and park area.”

Thank Celestia he didn't give me the apple farm; too many bad memories with that one, Rainbow thought as Sky Walker finished up.

“Okay, team, now head out to your assigned areas, and unless there's an emergency, we'll see each other Friday before the storm.” Rainbow ended the meeting with that. Everypony started to leave except one of the mares. She had yellow fur with a green mane in a style that was uncomfortably similar to Rarity's. Her name was Cloud Tipper if Rainbow remembered correctly.

“I just have to say I'm honored that the legendary Rainbow Dash is leading our team.”

That brought a smile to Rainbow's lips.  At least I still have good rep somewhere, she thought. “Thanks, Cloud Tipper. I'll see you in the sky.” Cloud Tipper nodded and both of them moved out.

* * * * *

Rainbow flew over her area and noticed too many clouds.

“Time for some old-fashioned bucking,” Rainbow said, beginning to zip in. She did various stunts as she bucked the clouds, getting her work done in ten seconds flat. Looking over the area again, she made sure the carrot fields were clear and sunny, while the park area had the bulk of the remaining clouds so ponies had some shaded areas, not to mention good napping spots. With that done, she decided to see how her team was doing.

She got more stunt practice done between the sections and spent a few minutes in each section watching her team work, seeing if they needed help or not. Luckily, it seemed she had a good team assigned to her, but it will take a few more days to be sure. With everypony in good shape, she flew back to the park. She found a good cloud and lay down on it, planning a good nap and forgetting Ponyville.

* * * * *

Twilight yawned as she awoke from a difficult sleep. The reveal the day before did not go as planned. While she had always planned on revealing who Mare Do Well was to Rainbow, she never had a set time. And when Pinkie was revealed, Twilight decided to wing it. She thought that, after the reveal and explanation, Rainbow would thank them for caring so much. Instead, she yelled at them and called them backstabbers and hypocrites. She must have missed something, but what? Well, maybe after a few days, Rainbow will calm down and realize what they were doing. Twilight will explain that she never meant to hurt Rainbow, just teach her a lesson.  She washed up and was heading downstairs to the kitchen when she heard a knock on the door.

Odd, we aren't open for another hour. Maybe it's Rainbow wanting to talk, she thought as she went over to the door and opened it. It revealed Scootaloo, one of Applebloom's friends. She was scowling at Twilight.

”Scootaloo? What are you doing here?”

“Here to give these to YOU!” Scootaloo threw Mare Do Well cape and hat at her.

“Why?” Twilight asked, shocked at the filly's actions.

“Because I know about you, MARE DO WELL. But you are only one part of the so-called hero, aren't you. But considering that you saved Winter Wrap Up, I figured you had to be the head part. Thanks to you, Rainbow Dash is gone. I was going to ask her to take me under her wing one day, but that will never happen. ALL THANKS TO YOU! Rainbow deserved better friends than you five,” Scootaloo said with tears in her eyes. She jumped on her scooter and took off for school. Twilight stood there in shock for a few minutes before taking the cape and hat inside. She looked out a window for Rainbow's home.

It was gone.

Her eyes became pinpricks. This couldn't be true. Rainbow, gone? Wait. Rainbow was the weather manager. She had to go the mayor to quit. Twilight raced over to Townhall and into the mayor's office.

“Miss Sparkle!?” was all the mayor managed to say before Twilight interrupted.

“Mayor Mare, where's Rainbow Dash?”

“If she's gone, then she's likely on her way to Mareapolis. She resigned from her position yesterday claiming we all threw her under the carriage for Mare Do Well and that she couldn't stay anymore.” Twilight left the office barely giving the mayor a goodbye. On her mind was only how her plan had blown up in her face. They wanted to teach Rainbow humility, but instead they drove her away. How could it have gone so wrong? She was so focused on her plan's colossal failure that she didn't notice the white mare in front of her until Twilight bumped into her. Twilight shook her head and looked up.

“Princess Celestia! I'm so sorry.”

Celestia smiled at her before saying, “It's okay, Twilight, but I have come with disturbing news.”

“Disturbing news?” she asked. Just what I need right now.

Celestia's smile vanished and she explained, “Twilight, I was inspecting the Elements when I discovered this.” Using her magic Celestia presented the Element of Loyalty. It looked the same except for one glaring difference. The lightning bolt-shaped jewel, the shape signifying its bond to Rainbow Dash, was gray instead of the dark red it usually was. “Twilight, I can only conclude something has happened to Rainbow Dash. Any idea on what that may be?”

Twilight sighed and told Princess Celestia about the events leading up to and during the Mare Do Well incident, finishing up with how Rainbow initially reacted.

“And now, I just heard that Rainbow has left for Mareapolis. I just don't know what went wrong.” Twilight looked up at her Princess, who had a frown on her face.

“Twilight, gather your friends together. We need to have a talk.” All the warmth the Princess usually had was gone. Twilight hurried to do her task. It was fairly easy to get most of them. Fluttershy was the hardest since she was bawling in her cottage with Angel running interference. But a Princess's summons managed to get her out.

It was an hour later when she had all her friends minus Rainbow Dash with her in the library and Celestia began.

“Twilight has told me of recent events, and I am disappointed in you all with your actions in this issue. I know that Rainbow Dash has a strong ego which tends to get to her head, but it sounds to me that you didn't even talk to her about it. Yes, Mare Do Well was a viable option, but it should only have been a last resort, just like my having to use the Elements on my own sister.” Twilight heard Princess Celestia's voice crack a bit on that one. “I had tried everything else first before using them on her. I carry the guilt of not paying attention to her pain earlier and having been forced to do that. But what makes your actions worse was that you did this to the bearer of the Element of Loyalty. As its bearer, Rainbow Dash values loyalty above all else, and the clearest sign we see of how she feels about your actions is this!” She showed them all the gray Element of Loyalty. They all gasped at the sight. “Thanks to your actions, Equestria's first line of defense is gone. Harmony is broken, and now it is up to you girls to renew the bonds of friendship if it is possible. Next time, try thinking things through before acting, or you may make the same mistake I made a thousand years ago.” With that, Celestia teleported away, leaving the five mares with shame on their faces.
> Reimagining an Image
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow was chilling out at her home enjoying her first day off from work. She's been living in Mareapolis for a week now and it's not a bad place. Decent food and good night clubs. She even saw Vinyl doing her DJ-P0N3 gig.

Yeah, not bad. Not too many friends, though, but that's okay. Her smile turned into a frown. Less chance of being stabbed in the back again. I'll be more cautious in making friends this time around. She was getting back into a good mood again when she heard her doorbell ring. Wonder who that is? She got up, went over to the door, and opened it. Her neutral expression fell back into a frown as she saw five mares she never wanted to see again.

“What are you doing here?” She asked coldly. They all winced at her cold greeting, and Rainbow did notice that Pinkie's hair was considerably less poofy then usual. It was Twilight who answered for them.

“We came to apologize, Rainbow. We screwed up and I failed as a friend to not understand how you would take our actions. What we did, as stupid as it ended up being, was done because we care about you. We..we were afraid that if your ego grew too big you would end up costing somepony their life. Imagine, Rainbow, if somepony died because you miscalculated how long it would take you to sign an autograph and rescue them in time. Could you live with yourself if that had happened?” Rainbow looked down and thought about that. Hay, that nearly happen with that balloonist.

“Please come back, Rainbow.” Fluttershy started. “You helped me many times, and we just wanted to help you for once.” The shy pegasus started crying. “I never wanted to hurt you. You're my oldest friend. Please forgive me.” Rainbow's resolve was faltering. Fluttershy should get an award if this was an act.

“We need ya, Dash.” Applejack stated. She had her hat off, a rare sight, to be sure. “We're a team, Dash, and we're incomplete without you. Even the Elements show that.” Rainbow's anger returned.

“So that's what this is all about. Your precious Elements don't work anymore. Maybe you should have thought about that before you betrayed me!”

“Wait, Rainbow. It's more than--”

“I don't care what you say. You can say the prettiest things to try to earn my forgiveness, but actions define you. And your actions have made it pretty clear.” She stepped away from them to the side of her porch. “Leave me alone. I don't want to see any of you again.” Her anger and, to be honest, her disappointment have gotten the better of her, and she took off before they could say any more. Without even thinking, she focused all her rage and sadness into her flight and she soon heard the distinctive sound of a Rainboom, but even that couldn't lift her spirits. She eventually found a cloud and lay down on it, and it turned into a thundercloud to match her mood.

* * * * * *

She was there for a couple of hours when she heard a metallic groan and yelling. She looked over and saw a skyscraper under construction. But something was wrong with the crane attached to it. It was leaning towards the street, and smoke was coming from the gears. Rainbow did a quick check and that crane was surely coming down and could kill ponies. She dove off the cloud toward the crane. She couldn't stop it from falling, but she could direct it away from the street. With a might clang and a numb feeling in her front hooves, she hit the crane. The damaged crane paused a bit before she heard more metal groaning, and she started to see it fall towards the building. Rainbow raced over to the operator cab and got the door open to see a terrified earth pony.

“Grab on!” Rainbow yelled, and the earth pony did. With the operator holding on, Rainbow broke away from the crane as it started its final descent. It clanged into several metal struts before getting caught halfway down the building. Rainbow glided down. Her front hooves were a little sore, but hey, no pony died as far as she could see. It was a victory in her mind. Landing, she let go of the earth pony and just now noticed it was a mare.

“THANK YOU! THANK YOU! YOU SAVED MY LIFE!” the mare said with tears in her eyes.

“Hey, it's what heroes do.” Rainbow started to fly away when the mare asked one last thing.

“Can you please tell me your name?” 

Rainbow looked back and smirked at the mare. “It's Rainbow Dash.” With that she headed back home.

Rainbow was relieved not to see the girls on her porch. She figured they gave up for now. She wished that they give up for good. She wanted nothing to do with them. She went to her bed room and lay down. She did good things today. She saved lives. She was still a hero. Rainbow hated to admit it, but Twilight was right about one thing: She had to keep her ego in check. She glanced at her closet and noticed something. It was purple, black, and gold. Flying over, she grabbed it to reveal her Shadowbolt costume. She looked at it for a minute when an idea formed in her head.

This can be my check. I'd be a hero and still be me. And unlike Mare Do Well, I'll be a true hero. Born to be a hero, not just a lesson. Rainbow's smirk came back, but faded as she looked over the outfit. It was hoof stitched, and it showed. This was meant for Nightmare Night, not for saving the day. Well, she did hear one of her workers talk about a clothing shop that did flight suits. Grabbing her saddlebags and stuffing the costume in it, she headed out.

Flying, she looked around until she found the place. Once inside, she saw a mare at a counter near the back of the show room. Thankfully, the place was less frou-frouy than Rarity's shop.

“Welcome to Fashion Passion, how can I help you?”

“I need a flight suit done up like this.” Rainbow took out the Shadowbolt costume and placed it on the counter. The mare looked over the design.

“Yeah, I can do that. We have copies of  the Wonderbolt design, so all I have to do is change the colors. Should have that done tomorrow, and it will cost you a hundred bits or ten gems.” Rainbow handed over the bits and left. Her stomach grumbled, so she stopped by a pizza place and grabbed a pizza to eat when she got home.

* * * * * *

When she got home again, the sun was setting, and she received a surprise.  Princess Celestia was in her living room, her horn glowing as the sun set behind Rainbow.

“Good evening, Rainbow Dash. How have you been?” Rainbow shrugged and walked over to the table to put her pizza down.

“Been better, Princess.”

“I heard about the crane accident. I am very proud of you for doing that, but you weren't hurt, were you?”

“Nah, just sore front hooves. Do you mind if I eat? I'm pretty hungry.”

“Not at all.” Rainbow took a slice of pizza and gave a knowing look at the princess. When she was done eating the slice she faced the 100-pound gorilla in the room.

“You're here about the elements, aren't you.”

“Yes, I am.”  Princess Celestia made the Element of Loyalty appear. While it still had the lightning bolt shape, it was all gray and cracked. “As you can see, it is broken. Now, I'm quite disappointed in what Twilight and the others did with Mare Do Well. They are sincere in their apology. I forgave my sister for what she did, what she forced me to do. Can't you do the same for them? They did what they did because they love you. I ignored my sister's issue until it was too late, so I can see why they did it and in a way they were better than I in that regard.  Is it so hard to forgive?” Rainbow finished another slice while the princess talked.

“The thing is, Princess, it actually is. I trusted those girls, loved them like family. Then they did Mare Do Well. That was a betrayal, and I never expected them to do that. I can't trust them right now.” Rainbow pointed at the Element of Loyalty. “I can't be that anymore. I hold no loyalty to those girls. It's hard to look at it and not take it and throw it out the window. You need help? I'll be there, but as myself, not as the Bearer of Loyalty. You'll need to find a new mare for that because it's not me anymore.” Princess Celestia looked sad and lowered the Element.

“Nothing I say will change your mind, will it?”

“Nope. Not right now, at any rate."

Princess Celestia lowered her head. “I will stop wasting your time, then.” She started walking for the door.

“Hey, Princess.” She stopped and looked back at Rainbow. “It wasn't a waste. You now know where I stand, and at least you tried to talk to me. I can't be loyal to the girls, but I meant what I said. You ever need my help, I'm there.”

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash. Good night.”

“Good night, Princess.” With that, Celestia went to the porch and, with a bright light, teleported away. Rainbow closed the door and went back to her meal.

* * * * * *

Celestia appeared in the private dinning room she shared with her sister. Luna was already there with her breakfast. Luna noticed her sister's look.

“I take it that thy talk did not go so well?”

“No, Luna, she is too hurt to forgive them.”

“Well, I can't blame her. That was an underhooved move they pulled. Perhaps I should take care of this situation.”

“How?” Celestia asked, confused.

“Oh, I have an idea, dear sister. But first, I will let Rainbow Dash have some space. Oh yes, I will be monitoring our dear friend Rainbow Dash.”

“I will trust you, sister, and pray you good luck.”

* * * * *

Rainbow was psyched. The day (or, more accurately, the night) she's been waiting for had arrived. She put on what she needed minus one last detail. Then, she looked into the nearby full-length mirror and smirked. There she was in her new Shadowbolt uniform. It was a tad tight, but that decreased her air resistance and thus increased her speed. It was exactly like the outfit the phantom Shadowbolts had except that it had no logo on the flank. But that was okay. This was hers to make. She looked awesome.

“And now for the final touch.” She took the goggles, the only part she kept from the costume.  Her world took on a yellow tint as she lowered them over her eyes. She looked at herself with the goggles on.

“Oh yeah, twenty percent cooler.” She walked over to the door and leaped into the night sky.

* * * * * *

Rainbow was cruising the night sky when she heard a scream. Looking around, she saw a unicorn mare run into an alley as some gangsters chased her.  Rainbow dove down and into the alley. It was almost cliche. The alley was a dead end, and the mare was pinned to the wall as the gang closed in. None of the gang members was a pegasus. That made this easier.  Putting her hoof out front she slammed it into one member's head. He was out like a light. She then floated in front of the mare.

“Six on one mare? Totally uncool, guys. Take your buddy and leave.”

An earth pony mare with a short-cut mane eyed Rainbow evilly. “Nah, I think we'll beat you both up, rob you, and have some fun with you.” Her remaining goons closed in, and Rainbow shrugged.

“Don't say you weren't warned.” She dashed forward and knocked another goon to the ground before landing. A mare leapt at her, but Rainbow bucked, sending her flying. Some goons tackled Rainbow to the ground, and Rainbow felt some pain as she took a hoof to the face. She kicked with her hind legs and managed a lucky hit. The stallion groaned and curled up on himself. Rainbow flipped up into the air and with a strike of her wing knocked the stallion out. She landed, only to get bucked in the side and sent flying into a wall. Rainbow managed to turn herself so her hooves faced the wall and using her pegasus magic slowed herself down a bit. Her hooves hit the wall, and she bent her legs before pushing off, regaining speed as she uppercut the mare leader and turned her flight into a flying kick to hit another mare. She followed her kick with some quick jabs with her front hooves. That mare fell over, unconscious. The last fled the alley. Rainbow checked the remaining gang members, who were all still out cold, before checking on the unicorn mare.

“You okay, ma'am?” Rainbow asked.

The mare answered shakily, “Y-yes, thanks to you. I was j-just heading home from w-work when they started chasing me. They...they didn't touch me. Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“I'm just your friendly neighborhood Shadowbolt. You better head home to your family.” The mare nodded and galloped away.

“Thank you again, Shadowbolt.”  Rainbow smiled at her till she disappeared, then she dropped it and found the lead mare. She was starting to wake up, so Rainbow went over to grab her and lifted her up so they were muzzle-to-muzzle.

“Listen closely. This city is under the protection of Shadowbolt. You and your fellow criminals either change your ways or meet my hooves. Spread that word to your fellow losers.” With that, she knocked the mare out again and flew away. She winced as her wounds made themselves known. She was sore where she was hit. Crap, she was rusty; it's been awhile since she trained any combat techniques. Hay, the last time she remembered even donning her karate outfit was when she helped Applebloom try to get her Cutie Mark. Something to do in her off time.

She flew for an hour more before heading home, and after stripping off her suit and goggles, she took a warm shower that felt good on her sores. She took an aspirin and crashed on her bed and fell fast asleep, dreaming of heroic dreams as Shadowbolt. But she didn't notice an outline of an alicorn in her dreams.
> Lunar Apprentice 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow finally returned home after a rough night as Shadowbolt.  One of the gangs tried to ambush her. She defeated them, but she was so sore. After a shower and some aspirin, she collapsed on her cloud bed and fell asleep.

She found herself in a large room with two thrones, one gold, the other blue. Banners of the sun and moon hung above them.

“Okay, where the hay am I?” she asked aloud.

“In my dream realm,” a voice said. Rainbow whipped around and saw Princess Luna. “Good evening, Rainbow Dash,” the Night Princess greeted her.

“Hey, Luna,” Rainbow answered back, but then she grew suspicious. “You're not trying your hoof to have me go back to those girls, are you?”

“While that would be a nice thing, I am not here for that. I can more than understand the feeling of betrayal. No, I'm here for you.”

“Me?”

“Indeed. I have been watching you since you left your friends, or former friends, as the case may be. I was seeing if I could do something to help mend this division when I discovered what you have done. You have resurrected by dream for the Shadowbolts.”

“Really?”

“Indeed. The Wonderbolts are actually a pale copy of my idea. My sister and I cannot be everywhere at once. This has always been true. I suggested forming a team of skilled ponies that could either react quickly or stealthily. Part of that team would have been the Shadowbolts. They would be the top pegasi that I felt had the potential to go further than all others, and I would teach them some of the lost or hidden arts I know for pegasi. However, I became Nightmare Moon before I could fully implement the plan. My sister knew of the idea but modified it. While the Wonderbolts can react quickly to a crisis, they are still, at their core, a stunt team. You, Rainbow Dash, you I want to train in those arts.”

“Me?” Rainbow said in shock.

“Indeed. You have performed the Sonic Rainboom. Very few pegasi can accomplish such a feat. In all my life I have seen only three pegasi succeed. You are the fourth. I can train you to perform the Rainboom more easily, and I can train you in combat so that you are not going to bed with as many bruises as you are now. I know you havve had some martial training, but I can extend that. I can teach you techniques that will make you a terror on the battlefield. I can make you a true Shadowbolt. Will you become my apprentice?”

Rainbow thought on that. The girls she thought were her friends didn't respect her. She still hasn't been approached by the Wonderbolts even though she could now do the Sonic Rainboom on command, she won the Young Fliers Competition, and she helped beat both Nightmare Moon and Discord. She hasn't gotten anywhere with her goals. Yet here was a co-ruler, a bucking alicorn wanting to teach her lost pegasus techniques. To make her the greatest pegasus ever.

“Luna, you've got a deal.”

“Huzzah! You shall not regret this, Rainbow Dash.”

“I hope so. I've had enough go wrong recently.”

“Indeed, but we shall change that tonight.”

“You know you say that a lot.”

Luna looked back at her quizzically. “What?” she asked.

“'Indeed'.”

“Oh,” Luna said in shock. “I had not noticed.”

Rainbow put a hoof around Luna's neck. “Stick with me, Princess, and I'll teach you all about the modern times.” Rainbow saw Luna give her a heartfelt smile.

“I will take you on that, Rainbow Dash, and please, call me 'Luna'.”

“Only if you call me 'Rainbow' or 'Dash'.”

“We are in accord. Now, before this night is done, let us begin some training.” With a stomp of her hoof, they were now outside the old castle. “Now Rainbow, current pegasus training is very inefficient. You become exhausted performing the Rainboom, correct?” Rainbow nodded. “Well, when I get done with you, Rainbow, you will be able to perform consecutive Rainbooms before being even remotely tired. Now I want you to stand here, extend your wings, close your eyes, and focus on your wings.” Rainbow did as asked. “I know that we are in the dream realm, but you should still feel the magic in your body.”

“Yeah, I feel it, Luna.”

“Good. When you have time during the day, take this stance. Feel your magic and slowly breathe. When you exhale, send it to your wings and let it build, then direct it downwards. Push against any resistance you feel.” Rainbow did so till her wings felt tired. She stopped and opened her eyes.

Only to see herself in midair.

“AAAAAHHHH!” She screamed till she got her wings back out and glided back to Luna. “How did I do that!?” she asked her new teacher.

“Your magic. Now this really did not do anything, but when you have time in the waking world perform this exercise. Every time you feel tired, glide back to the ground and, when ready, do it again. Your magic is like a muscle. It needs to be used to get stronger. Current pegasus training does not exercise it enough. Just enough for basic flight and some tricks. The Wonderbolts get a little further than average, but not much. You manage to go further on your own. This is why the Rainboom is so rare. Most pegasi do not have the muscles in their magic to pull it off.”

“Awesome. I'll do that. Hey, Luna, who came up with all of this?”

Luna smirked at her. “Commander Gale Wing, a successor to Commander Hurricane, before Discord's reign. Because of his training, my sister and I survived our first battle with Discord to find the elements.”

“You mean he actually kills?” Rainbow asked.

“What do you think happened to the other alicorns? There used to be quite a few of us, but our combined might could easily threaten him, so over the eons he had killed us off. The Hearth's Warming was needed because the alicorns used to help mediate disagreement between the tribes. My mother and father were the last to try and died from it. Starswirl the Bearded kept me and my sister safe until we were old enough to be on our own. His arrogance has always been his weakness. That and his need for fun allowed us the chance to use the Elements then. When he confronted you and your fellow bearers. he already had the Elements, and he always thought of the mortal ponies more as toys than threats until, again, it was too late.”

“So why did he take over Equestira if he's been around so long?”

“I think it was because he never did it before and came to like it. Well, the day has begun and you have a job to go to. I bid you a good day, Rainbow. Work on those exercises.” A bright light appeared and engulfed the world around Rainbow. When she could see again, she was on her bed with the sun glaring down at her. She rubbed her eyes and checked the time. Enough time for breakfast before work. Awesome.

* * * * * *

A week and a half later, Luna wanted to meet in the real world, not her dream realm. Rainbow did a quick check of the town, but crime was dropping since she became Shadowbolt. With Mareapolis safe, she flew out and, when far enough, Rainboomed to the location. She spotted Luna in an old quarry, and she dove in for a landing.  A cloud of dust billowed from her landing. Luna smirked at the sight.

“Impressive entrance and landing, Rainbow. Do you feel at all winded from that Rainboom?”

“Nah, I'm good.”

“Excellent. We can most certainly move to the next level of training.” Luna started to turn away before she looked back at the pegasus. “Any reason for wearing your uniform?”

“Did a patrol before coming here.”

“Very well. Now watch that boulder,” Luna said, pointing to a large boulder nearby. Rainbow did, and when Luna saw that her student was watching, she folded her wings before whipping out the right wing. Rainbow saw a distortion emitted from the wing in a small wave. It hit the boulder and blew it apart.

“That. Was. AWESOME! How did you do that?” Rainbow asked, giddy from the sight. Luna looked back at her with a smirk on her face.

“That was the Wind Burst, the next step in the Gale Wing art. That was highly focused air. Imagine the wind from a tornado, but in a smaller area, yet retaining that same force or stronger. Thus, we have that.” She gestured with a wing to the pebbles that were once the boulder.

“Whoa,” Rainbow said in awe at the implications of the technique, “And I can learn that?” Luna nodded. “So awesome,” Rainbow squeaked, earning a chuckle from Luna.

“Rainbow, shall we begin?” Rainbow gave her several quick nods. “Good. Now, focus you magic like you did for the exercises, but contain it and focus it on your wing tips.” Rainbow did so. She didn't even need to close her eyes to do it anymore; it's become instinctive to her. “Now sweep the wing of your choice out and release the magic at the midpoint of your arc.” Rainbow swept her left wing out, but she didn't see the distortion of air. Just Luna's mane and tail softly fluttering behind her.

“Nice try, but you need to focus more on the release.” Rainbow got back into position and tried again.

It took Rainbow an hour before she got anything resembling what Luna did. “I think that is enough for tonight. Find a safe place for yourself and keep practicing. That is for later, though. I am in the mood for some flying. Let us see if you can keep up with me.”

“Oh, you're on, Luna!” Over the next hour, the two flew throughout the sky doing barrel rolls, loop-de-loops and many other basic tricks and stunts before the two called it a night and went their separate ways.

* * * * * * *

Days later, Rainbow had wanted to keep her end of the deal and further help Luna adjust to the modern world. So, instead of training, they were going to spend the night hanging out. At about nine, she saw Luna on the horizon, and within minutes, the Lunar Princess was next to her.

“Good evening, Rainbow.”

“Heya, Luna.”

“So, what do you have planned for us, my dear friend?”

“Unlike Ponyville, this place has a nightclub. I figured you haven't been to one, since I doubt your aides or the nobles would ever let you near one.”

“What happens in these nightclubs?”

“Ponies dance, drink, and have fun.”

“I like the sound of that.”

Rainbow smirked. “I though you might like it. So, you wanna go as yourself or in disguise?” Luna raised her head with a determined look.

“As myself. I want my subjects to see me as me.”

“Hey, just had to give a fair warning. I wouldn't be surprised if some paper got a picture of you there and tried to paint it some way.”

Luna put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. “Your concern for me is touching, my dear friend. I care not what the nobles say. It has been a long time since they have properly lived up to the title and an even longer time since we have seen eye-to-eye. I have more in common with the 'common' pony than I ever have with them. Why do you think I like Ponyville so much? Once we got past the difficulties, they treated me like everypony else. Now, the night is young, and I want to see this nightclub of yours.” Rainbow smirked at that and took to the air with Luna right behind.

Minutes later, the two landed near a building covered with neon lights that had a sign that read, 'Neon Glow Club'. There was a line of ponies, but it immediately parted as Luna walked to the doors. An earth pony stallion the size of Big Mac saw them coming and bowed to Luna.

“Princess, you honor us with your presence.”

“Thank you. Now, my friend and I would like to see this establishment.”

“Of course. Enjoy your time here, Princess,” he replied, moving the rope out of the way. Luna and Rainbow passed by and into the club. Rainbow soon noticed Luna staring in awe of what she saw. The main floor had two bars paralleling each other with a few couches near both. The center held a dance floor, which was made of lights that changed in sequence to the song playing. They both saw several ponies there either dancing alone or in pairs.  On the other side of the floor from them was the DJ booth. There, they saw a unicorn mare nodding to the beat that she messed with the lights and effects. Rainbow elbowed Luna.

“Come on, Luna. Time to have some fun and let loose.” Luna nodded and a smile graced her lips. And they immediately went to the dance floor.

* * * * * *

Luna had THE BIGGEST GRIN when they finally left the club.

“OH, SO JOYOUS A NIGHT! Thank you, my good friend. I, indeed, had fun.” Rainbow gave a tired smile. Luna had a wild streak that she had hidden before now. She really cut loose on the dance floor, and many ponies cheered her on. She hasn't seen Luna this happy since Nightmare Night.

“I'm glad ya liked it,” Rainbow replied, yawning as she spoke. Luna took a good look at her, and before Rainbow could react, a blue light flashed. The next thing Rainbow knew was that she was in her bedroom. She felt herself be lifted into the air and placed on her bed.

“Sleep, my dear friend. Be rested for my sister's day.” Unbeknownst to Rainbow, Luna used her magic to make Rainbow fall into a good, deep sleep so that she wouldn't suffer the next day. Luna set Rainbow's alarm clock and left her dear friend's home for the night.

* * * * * *

As Rainbow predicted, the story of Luna's visit did get out. The nobles made a bit of a fuss on how improper it was for a Princess to visit such a common venue. Luna just ignored them and paid attention to the average pony. Most seemed neutral, but it seemed many thought it made the Night Princess more relatable. The next few nights saw an increase of petitions to the Night Court. Celestia was happy to see her sister's image improve among their ponies. While she was still worried that Equestria's best line of defense was not usable, at least the situation has helping her sister. Celestia looked up from a letter from Twilight. Twilight still sent the friendship reports, but it seemed her heart wasn't as into them as it used to be. Both sides have been affected by the fallout of Mare Do Well. Twilight occasionally asked how Rainbow was doing since she learned that Luna had taken the pegasus on as an apprentice. Celestia shared what she knew with Twilight, but some things Luna kept from her. As annoying as that was, Celestia trusted her sister. She hoped she would succeed somehow where she failed and restore harmony.
> Heart of Ice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow was out flying as Shadowbolt patrolling her new hometown. It has been more peaceful around town, lately. She figured the gangs had disbanded after the whooping she has been giving them lately. She scanned around till she heard the sound of fighting. She stopped to listen and heard it come from an alley to the her left. She dove down and saw five ponies beating up somepony. She even recognized the group as one of the more stubborn gangs around.

“Seriously, guys, how many times to I have to beat the crap out of you to get you to stop?” she said as she landed.

“SHADOWBOLT!” they cried out.

“Yup, and you've got one chance to scram before you get your next lesson in pain.” The leader's eyes narrowed, and Rainbow noticed some cuts on his face that weren't there the last time she sent him on his flank. They charged at her front and her side. Ponies lacking intelligence, it seemed. She channeled her magic and with a swipe of her wing sent a Wind Burst outward, blowing the gang members into the air above their victim. They landed hard. She barely used any power in that attack. At her full strength, there would be nothing but blood and guts left of them, if even that. She was totally awesome now, thanks to Luna. The gang leader managed to get up, but he fled instead of continuing the fight, his gang right behind him. Rainbow decided to check who they attacked. It was a griffon of eagle subtype. She was beat bad, but her wounds weren't life-threatening at all. Rainbow moved the wing covering the griffon's head so that she could see more than just the beak. What she saw underneath shocked her. The white feathered head with purple highlights could only belong to Gilda.

“Gilda?” It just came out of her in shock. Rainbow saw an eye flutter open.

“D-dash?” Gilda manage to say before passing out. Rainbow did a quick check and Gilda was indeed just passed out. Rainbow did a quick check of her wounds. They weren't too bad. Yeah, Rainbow could take her to the hospital, but thanks to Luna's training, she was a qualified medic. Luna insisted she know that much of first aid, and since Luna was her mentor and Princess, Rainbow had no choice. This would work out for her, though. She needed to ask Gilda questions, like why was she even here. Carefully picking the griffon up, she flew to her house and steeled herself for a discussion that would be hard.

* * * * * *

Gilda woke up slowly. She was sore all over from the beating she took. Granted, she left her mark on a few of them, but four on one weren't the best odds to begin with. She looked around and recognized the room she was in. It was the guest room in Rainbow Dash's house. How did she end up in Ponyville? With a grunt, she got up and limped towards the door. She opened it and saw the living room just as she last remembered it, except for one thing. The picture frame that had her and her lame-o friends in it was face-down on the table where she last saw it. She walked out a bit farther before a familiar voice spoke out.

“Good to see you awake, Gilda. How are you feeling?” Gilda whipped her head around to the voice and saw Rainbow sitting in a chair. Rainbow looked different than the last time she saw her. She was more muscular and fit than last time, and the steel in her eyes was a totally new thing in her former friend.

“Sore, but that's expected, but how did I end up in Ponyville?”

“You're not in Ponyville. I don't live there anymore. We're still in Mareapolis.”

“So you finally left those dweebs, then?”

Fire appeared in Rainbows eyes. “They left me first with their backstabbing. I couldn't stay in Ponyville after that, so I came here,” Rainbow replied with clearly supressed rage.

“So you know how I feel, then,” Gilda shot back.

Rainbow stood up and was immediately in a fighting stance. Her wings were spread and lightning bolts arced through them. “I didn't betray you! You were treating my friends badly with your attitude. I had hoped you could all be friends. You were the one who left that day, and that hurt, Gilda. You were my friend, Gilda, and I didn't see that side of you.” Gilda saw Rainbow deflate, and Gilda was left in shock. She just had to ask.

“What happened to you, Dash?” she asked with real concern.

“What happened? What happened? What happened was this: I save a girl from a well and got praise for it. As time went on, more bad things happened, and I saved lives and got more praise for it. I soaked up that praise and, admittedly, bragged about what I have done. However, my so-called friends didn't like the way things were going, but instead of talking to me about it, they created a hero to knock me down. When I found out the hero was them, I quit my job and left Ponyville.” There was silence as Rainbow finished, Gilda processing what she just heard while Rainbow relived the pain of that day. It was Rainbow that finally broke it.

“So, what are you doing in Mareapolis, Gilda?”

“Well, I didn't want to go back to Griffonstone. Why did you think I went to Ponyville, in the first place, besides seeing a friend. I came here looking for work and a better life than the junkyard that is Griffonstone."

Rainbow seemed to think on that before she responded, “Okay, you rest up. You can stay here while you start looking for work. But I'll make one thing clear. Change the attitude you had at Ponyville. Nopony will hire you with it, and I know you weren't always like that.”

Gilda sighed. “I'll try Rainbow, but the attitude of Griffonstone can really infect a person.”

“That's all I ask, Gilda.” A growling from Gilda came then, and Rainbow followed with, “Let's get you some lunch.”

* * * * * *

That night, Rainbow donned her Shadowbolt uniform and left her room.

“Dash, what's with the getup?” Gilda asked from a couch nearby. Rainbow smirked at her.

“This is my hero uniform. I'm Shadowbolt.”

“I heard rumors of a hero by that name. That's you?” Rainbow nodded. “Got to admit, Dash: That's cool. Well, see ya later.” Rainbow nodded and took off into the night.

She was a half an hour in her patrol when it started getting suddenly cooler out. She looked around, and, to her surprise, she saw a building partially covered in snow. It was not even close to winter. She banked over and saw a group of ponies in the snow carrying things to a wagon. The one directing them was white-furred with a light-blue mane and tail.

“Hurry up. We don't have much time.” She said.

'Okay, they aren't employees,' Rainbow thought to herself. She dove in and knocked the leader over. “Okay, stop what you're doing.”

The ponies paused, and the lead mare got up. Rainbow spotted her cutie mark. It was an icicle. The leader's eyes were almost a glowing red. “Stay out of this, Shadowbolt. It does not concern you.”

“When you steal stuff, it does.”

The mare shook her head. “If you side with Mare Tech, then you are my enemy.” With a surprisingly quick action, the mare fired magic from her horn at Rainbow, and Rainbow had to move quickly to dodge. The mare fired blast after blast at her, and Rainbow was just ahead of it.

“AAAAAHHH!” One of her henchmares screamed as she was hit instead of Rainbow. With some breathing room, Rainbow sent a couple of Wind Bursts at the leader. The leader dodged and cast a spell. At first, it didn't seem to do anything, but then Rainbow felt stings on her back. She looked behind her and saw that a cloud has formed behind her and that she was being pelted with hail. She had to find cover.

The leader observed as Shadowbolt dove for the cover of a nearby awning. She moved away and saw some of her crew trying to help the one she hit with her freeze ray.

“Leave her. She should have been more careful.”

“But she's one of us,” one of her mares replied.

“Perhaps you'd care to join her, then," Misty said with her horn charging. The other mares looked at each other before sadly moving away from the wounded mare. The wounded mare tried to grab a hoof as they walked past. Her fate was no longer the leader's concern.

“Hurry up. That spell won't keep Shadowbolt down long.”

“Yes, Freeze,” her head mare said, and the wagon took off.

* * * * * *

Rainbow was so sore by the time she returned home. She dropped the mare abandoned by the gang off at a hospital for treatment, and, after explaining to the doctors what happened, she left for home. Gilda told her she looked like crap and asked what happened. Rainbow gave her a light response and took a hot bath for an hour to soothe her aches. After that, she went to bed. She had her weather job tomorrow, so she might as well get some rest.

“Good evening, Dash.” Rainbow looked over to see Luna walking up to her.

“Hey, Luna. Sorry, I'm not in much mood for training, tonight. Rough day.”

“Well, what happened? My student's well-being is of great concern to me.” Rainbow told her of what happened that day and during her patrol. “Well, I am glad you are making up with a friend. Hopefully, it will go well.”

“Thanks, but what about that mare? It seemed that wasn't just a plain robbery. It felt more personal.”

Luna put on a thoughtful pose. “Hmm, that is something interesting. I shall look into it and get back to you. Since you're in no mood for training tonight, I shall get started now. Sleep well, my student.”

“Cya, Luna.” Rainbow replied, and Luna and their meeting area faded and was replaced by a pleasant dream.

* * * * * *

The next day was pretty average for Rainbow. Get up, shower, feed Tank, eat, and head out for weather duty. Though, checking up on Gilda was a new addition. She still looked bad and had a slight limp, but she moved on her own and didn't ask for help. Leaving instructions, she left home for work. Thankfully, it was an average day for work, and she headed home when her shift was done. She checked her mail and saw a letter from Ponyville. Only one family in Ponyville knew her address, and the letter brought a smile to her lips. She opened her front door, eager to read the Squirt's letter.

“Hello, my student.” The familiar voice of her coach made her jerk a bit. She looked up and saw a cowed and shocked Gilda and her Princess smirking at Rainbow. She smirked back.

“Hey, Luna, what's up?” Luna cocked an eyebrow for a moment before the light went on.

“Oh, that is one of your modern terms, is it not? You are asking what is going on, correct?”

“You got it, Luna.”

“Well, what is 'up' is about your encounter last night. Let us speak in your room.”

“Gotcha.” She followed Luna but paused at Gilda. “Sorry, G, royal business.”

“How...how do you know the Princess?” Gilda asked.

“Don't you remember me telling you about my being an Element of Harmony when you visited Ponyville?” Gilda nodded faintly. “Well, I know her from that, but more importantly, I'm her student now, so you're hanging with a royal student as well as a knighted pony, a perk from beating Discord. Well, see ya later.” Rainbow headed into her bedroom with an proud smirk as Gilda did a complete jawdrop.

“Well, Rainbow Dash, I looked into the dreams of the heads of Mare Tech and encouraged them to dream about the situation, and their worry is beyond the norm for robberies. The name 'Misty Freeze' kept popping up. I couldn't look deeper without alerting them, so I decided to look into the records. Nothing really stood out. They seem like a standard company with a good reputation. I believe they are receiving a reward tonight for being overall good ponies. But the biggest thing I found is that a year ago, they really slammed their records shut. They barely put anything into their records about that time. As for Misty Freeze herself, she is a smart mare. Many commendations for her work, which was winter-related. The records also had a note that she was married to an Autumn Breeze, a pegasus mare. However, Autumn Breeze was diagnosed with an incurable disease. She is likely dead by now. Misty Freeze herself disappeared at the same time Mare Tech went dark in their records.”

“So, they're connected?” Rainbow asked.

“Very likely. If I do this the normal way, they will likely destroy the records, so I want my Shadowbolt to infiltrate their office while they are busy at the ceremony being held for their award.” Luna made a scroll appear and put it on the bed. She unrolled it to reveal a blueprint. “I acquired this from the Royal Archives. Memorize the layout, and tonight, go in and find what we need. My guard will be coming in tonight, and on your signal, we'll close in.” Rainbow looked over the plans figuring out where they would keep their records. This will be like Daring Do, but twenty percent cooler.

“What do I use to signal you with?”

Luna lifted up and hoof ring. “This. Tap it twice in quick succession, and we'll come in.” Rainbow looked back at the map. This was the first real mission Luna has given her, and she wasn't going to let the Princess down.

* * * * * *

It was night, and Rainbow was in her Shadowbolt gear. Luna had made a note of it but said nothing. She glided over to a side door in the alley. Luna had scanned the building and said the door wasn't enchanted, just locked. She landed next to the door and noticed it was one of the new electronic ones that Twilight had talked about once, before everything went to Tartarus between them. With a smirk, she focused some of her weather magic and scrambled the lock's keypad thingy. She heard the door unlatch. She loved that trick. She moved the door open a bit and stuck her head inside. She saw nopony near so she entered fully, and she slowly went down the hallway.

When she approached what had to be the records room, she saw a pony standing guard at the door. Earth pony, by the looks of it. Their mistake. Focusing her magic to her wings again, she swiped one wing forward to make a sound on the opposite end of the hallway. The guard looked toward the sound, and Rainbow unleashed her second attack. It had enough force to do what she needed it to do, and the mare was out before she knew what hit her. Rainbow grabbed the guard mare, took the keys, and unlocked the previously guarded door. She looked in, and it, indeed, looked similar to her own office's record room. She dragged the mare inside and closed the door.

“Now what are you hiding, Mare Tech?” She took the flash light from the guard's belt and looked over the cabinets. She checked "M" for "Misty", but, searching through, she found nothing.

'Come on, Rainbow! You spent all that time with Twilight, so you can do this. Okay if not in "M" how about "F"?' She looked through "F" and found what she was looking for. She opened the folder bearing the name "Freeze, Misty". She looked it over, and what she saw horrified her. In a desperate bid to save her wife Autumn, Misty constructed a chamber to preserve her in ice till a cure could be found. However, the company's head Bit Coin didn't want to fund it, so he tried to shut it down. A fight ensued, and an accident happened. Both Misty and Autumn were believed dead. However, they found Autumn alive, but they could not find Misty. Autumn died weeks later at the hospital. Bit Coin then became very secretive trying to hide what happened, for the company would be in real serious trouble if it got out that he was a selfish jerk.

“By Celestia!” Rainbow said aloud.

“Yes, it would move me to tears, if I had any left to shed,” A cold, emotionless voice said. Rainbow looked behind her just in time to see Misty blast her with magic, and she saw nothing more.

* * * * * *

When Rainbow came to she saw snow...falling up? She looked around and saw that her hooves were frozen to the ceiling.

“Good, you're awake.” Rainbow looked to the voice and saw Misty below her. The mare gestured to the snow around them. “Snow is beautiful, don't you think? Clean, uncompromising--"

“And cold,” Rainbow interrupted.

Misty looked back at her. “Like the swift hand of vengeance.”

“For what it's worth, I'm sorry about what happened. That was totally uncool of them.”

“I'm beyond emotion. I used it all up when she died.”  Misty summoned a pocket dimension. Rainbow's seen Twilight do it a few times. From it came something interesting. It was a thin platform which had a pegasus mare spinning around atop it like one of those girly ballerinas. The figure spun and snow fell from a compartment at the top of the enclosed space in which the figure danced. “This is all I have left of her. Surrounded by winter, forever young, forever beautiful. The princesses preach harmony, generosity, and kindness.” Misty looked back at Rainbow. “I ask you, where were those pretty words when she needed them? My equipment will allow me to completely freeze this building, allowing me to finally avenge her.”

“Even if it means killing everypony here, whether they had a part in your wife's death or not?”

“Think of it, Shadowbolt: to never again walk on a summer beach with the one you love. Oh yes, I would KILL for that feeling again.” Misty started to walk away. “You should have stayed out of this. Now, you share the fate of all who are in this building.” With that, Misty left the room. Rainbow tried to move her hooves but they were frozen fast to the ceiling. Then, she remembered that lightning generates heat, and Misty didn't bind her wings.  Moving her wings to her hooves, Rainbow summoned her lightning, and in minutes she was free. She tapped her ring twice to call in Luna. She then raced out of the room, searching for Misty. A glance out the window showed a large wagon with high-tech stuff on it. Misty and her henchmares were also on it. Rainbow crashed through the window as Misty started her spell. With a quick Wind Burst, Rainbow knocked Misty to the ground, cancelling her spell, which had already covered half the building. Luna's guards suddenly showed up and attacked the henchmares. Misty, seeing her plan fail, teleported away. But she couldn't be fleeing, not after all she's worked toward. Rainbow figured she was going to find and kill Bit Coin.

Rainbow flew over to the ballroom, and she was just time time to hear, “S-stop please. I beg you.”

“You beg? In my nightmares, I see my Autumn behind a wall of glass, begging to me with frozen eyes.” Misty started charging her horn again. “How I have longed to see that look frozen on you.” Rainbow crashed through the window, summoned her lightning into a ball, and threw the ball at Misty. She hit Misty, and the mare yelped in pain. Before the mare could retaliate, a beam hit her and sent her flying. Rainbow looked over to see Luna and a pair of her guards. She smiled before looking back at Misty. She was on the floor, barely moving. “It can't end this way," Misty muttered, "Vengeance.”

Rainbow shook her head. "Not vengeance. Justice.” She looked at Luna. “A year ago, Misty worked for Mare Tech. When her wife got an incurable illness, Misty tried to freeze her so that she could live till a cure could be found. Who knows what that invention could have done to help so many? But Bit Coin here didn't want to go that route and tried to remove Autumn Breeze from her only chance to live. He succeeded, and Autumn lost her life. He has hidden it all, but all the proof is in the records room.”

“Very well. As Princess of Equestria, I place Bit Coin under arrest for murder.” Rainbow looked at her princess and swore the look in Luna's eyes was even colder than Misty's when the alicorn looked at the half-frozen stallion.

* * * * * *

Hours later, Rainbow was back at home. Both Bit and Misty were under arrest, though she was sure that Misty would be going through counselling soon enough. She was about to go hit the hay, even in her uniform, but she saw the letter from Ponyville. She could stay up long enough to read that. Squirt was worth it. She took it, lay down on a couch, and opened the letter. She started reading the letter and soon started trembling. She raced to Gilda's bedroom and burst open the door.

“GILDA!”

“Yeaaawwww!” the griffon screeched, “What the heck, Dash!?”

“Look, I need to head to Ponyville. Tell my boss I won't be coming in for today, maybe for a while after that.” Rainbow went over the the window. She looked over to Gilda, who looked like she was going to say something. “Oh, and take care of Tank for me. You know the routine.” With that, she raced out of the window and into the sky. A boom of a Sonic Rainboom sounded behind her as she raced to Ponyville.

Gilda looked on in wonder as her friend flew away at high-speed. She even created a shockwave of colors. Dash didn't even change out of her Shadowbolt costume. This had to be from that letter from Ponyville. She walked into the living room and saw the letter on the floor. She picked it up and began to read.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

This will be the last letter I send you for a while. I'm writing in my daughter's place because she and her friends went crusading again and Scootaloo got really hurt. She is in the hospital. If you can find time to come, I think my daughter would like that.

Your Friend,

Jetaloo

> The Wound of Ponyville Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Wind whipped at Rainbow's mane as she pushed her limits. She was still at Rainboom speeds and was trying to go faster as she flew to Ponyville and Scootaloo. The sun was rising on her left when she caught site of Ponyville. At one time, the sight would fill her with happiness, but now it took effort to stop tears from coming out. But Squirt was worth dealing with the pain. She adjusted her flight to head for Ponyville General  and saw the large building at the edge of town. She landed hard at the front door, leaving a dent in the ground. She walked into the hospital and the mare at the desk greeted her.

“Which room is Scootaloo in?” Rainbow asked.

The mare started looking through a folder. “And your relation to her?”

Rainbow rubbed her neck. “Well I'm the closest thing she has to a sister.”

“I'm sorry, but right now only family is allowed to see her.” Rainbow was about to plead more when she heard a voice behind her.

“Rainbow, is that you?” Rainbow looked behind her and pulled up her goggles to see her friend Jetaloo. Jetaloo had fur that matched Scootaloo's, a cyan mane and tail, and Squirt's eyes. They've been friends for a year through Scootaloo. Hay, Rainbow has even babysat a couple times for her.

“Hey, Jets. I'm here to see Squirt, but she won't let me.”

Jets went over to the desk and said, “She can come. My Scootaloo will want to see her.”

The mare at the desk shrugged. “As long as a parent gives the okay.”

“Follow me, Dash. She's in room 75.”

“What happened this time?”

“They tried getting their skydiving cutie marks, and one of the ropes on Scootaloo's parachute snapped. She slammed into the cliff face before landing in a tree. The other girls were fine and got Applejack as soon as they could.”

“So how is she?”

“She'll be bedridden for a while but should make a full recovery. I'm just glad you showed. I know you don't like Ponyville much anymore but--”

She couldn't continue, for Rainbow had put her hoof to the older mare's mouth. “Hey, Squirt's recovery is more important than my emotional pain.”

“You've grown, Rainbow. You're much more mature than I last saw you.” Rainbow just shrugged as they arrived to the room. Jetaloo opened the door, and Rainbow saw Scootaloo for the first time in months.

Scootaloo was sleeping in the large hospital bed with tubes and a heartbeat monitor. The filly looked small and weak. It was hard to see for Rainbow. The filly was always so full of life and energy when Rainbow saw her, but not now. Rainbow put her goggles on the chair next to the window and sat down on it, waiting for her to wake up.

Rainbow was on the verge of falling asleep when she heard a weak voice say, “Rainbow?” Rainbow woke up a bit and looked over to see Squirt looking at her with sleepy eyes. “You're really here.”

“Of course I'm here. Came as soon as I learned about it. Next time, have an adult pegasus with you so this doesn't happen again.”

“You got it, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow yawned, and Squirt commented, “You don't look so good.”

“Came straight here after a job, hence my Shadowbolt outfit.” Rainbow yawned again, then she tapped the bed. “I'll be staying in Ponyville a bit, so I'll see you tomorrow, Squirt.”

“So glad you're here, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow smiled and stroked Squirt's mane. “Hey, you're my number one fan. I'll never leave you hanging. Now, get some rest.” Scootaloo quickly fell back asleep with a smile on her lips, and Rainbow quietly walked out.

Rainbow was just walking into Ponyville proper when she heard a familiar voice saying, “Rainbow?” 

Rainbow looked and saw Twilight there with a concerned look. “Not in the mood, Twilight.”

“What? Oh, please tell me Scootaloo hasn't gotten worse!”

“No, she's recovering, but I haven't slept at all, and I flew all the way from Mareapolis to see her. So I'm BUCKING tired. I just want to get to a hotel and sleep, right now.” Rainbow started walking away, when a flash of purple shined in front of her, and she saw Twilight.

“Rainbow, you can stay at my place. I have a spare room, and I won't charge you for it like a hotel will.”

“Why? So you can hurt me again?” Twilight wilted a bit at that. “Why should I ever trust you or the others again?”

“Because we're willing to do anything to regain that trust. Also, do you have any bits in that outfit?”

'Okay Twilight's got me there. I don't have any.' Rainbow let out a deep breath and looked Twilight square in the eye. “I don't, so I will stay with you, but let me make one thing clear: I am here for Scoots and Scoots alone. Any attempt to make me part of your group again, and I'll get a hotel room. Even if that means a shorter stay. Understood?”

“Clear as day.” With that, Rainbow followed Twilight to her library, yawning all the way.

They entered the library, and Rainbow heard Spike greet Twilight. Afterward, he noticed Rainbow.

“Hey, Rainbow, what are you doing back? Making up with the girls?”

“No. I'm here for Scootaloo, and Twilight offered me your spare bedroom.” Rainbow took to the air and landed next to the guest bedroom.

“Want me to wake you when lunch is ready?” Twilight asked.

“Dinner sounds better; I really need my rest.”

“Alright. Sleep well, Rainbow.” Rainbow didn't respond. She entered the room, closed the door, and stripped out of her costume before collapsing on the bed. It was no cloud bed, but at this point, Rainbow didn't care, and she fell asleep seconds after landing on it.

* * * * * *

Rainbow Dash was in her cloud house, but it was overlooking Ponyville again. This had to be a dream, but Rainbow didn't interact with it; she was too deep in thought. She then saw a part of her cloud rise up and Luna emerge from it.

“Dash, my Prized Student, are you okay?”

“Just a lot on my mind, Luna. Scootaloo got hurt bad in one of their crusades and is in the hospital. She'll be fine in time, but right now I'm in Ponyville. In fact, I'm in Twilight's library, since she offered and I didn't have bits on me at the time. I'm still hurt, Luna. I feel pain every time I see them. What should I do?” Rainbow felt Luna sit close to her and drape a wing around the pegasus.

“My dear friend, my Prized Student, I know how you feel. Before I as Nightmare Moon appeared before you all, I faced my sister. She tried talking me down, but in my pain and anger, I did not listen. After the Elements of Harmony struck me, she was more successful.  When we arrived at Canterlot after the party at Ponyville, we had a long talk. In the end, we forgave each other for our mistakes, but we have not forgotten them. If we forget them, we could make them again. So watch them. See how they act. If you feel you can forgive them, then do so, but do not forget what they did or why they did it. I have seen their dreams, and they do miss you. So, be there for young Scootaloo, but be mindful of what Twilight and the others do. Things will never be the same between you. The same is true with me and my sister. However, that does not mean the bonds cannot be stronger from that. As you modern ponies say, 'The ball is in their court'. I have taught you well, my Rainbow Dash, not only physically," Luna put a hoof to Rainbow's head, "But up here, as well. Decide for yourself if what they say is genuine. Do not let your pain blind you.”

Rainbow put a hoof around Luna and sighed, “Thanks, Luna. I needed that.”

“You are more than welcome, Dash. I once bore the Element of Loyalty, myself, and I have come to value it more than ever since my return. You are very important to me. You were among my saviors, and seeing the rift between you six pains me. Unlike others, you did not fear me, not even as Nightmare Moon. You are as important to me as my sister. If you ever need help, please let me know. I will tell your boss in Mareapolis that you are doing a task for me and will return when finished, so you do not have to worry about the time you can spend with young Scootaloo. You leave Ponyville when you want to.”

“Thanks again, Luna.”

“What are friends for?” Luna stayed with her, and the pegasus mare took comfort from it. She didn't mind letting her guard down with the lunar princess.

* * * * * *

When Rainbow awoke, she saw, through the window by her bed, that the sun was setting. She yawned and stretched, feeling more rested than she was earlier. She looked around and noticed her outfit was missing. Her goggles were hanging up on a scarf rack nearby, but there was no sign of her outfit. She raced out the door and onto the balcony to the main room. She saw Twilight reading a book on a couch.

“Twilight, where's my Shadowbolt outfit?”

“It's being washed. Judging by your state when you showed up, you've been in it for a while, so while you slept, I went in and took it to be washed. It's drying right now.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Anytime. Spike said dinner should be ready in a few minutes. I was going to wake you after I finished this chapter.” Twilight closed her book and looked at Rainbow. “You look much better. Slept well?”

“I did when Luna showed up.” Rainbow flew over and took one of the other couches.

“How has Princess Luna been as a teacher?”

“She's been awesome. She taught me techniques that pegasi have forgotten, and the training has been intense.”

“I'll say. You look a lot more buff than the last time I saw you.”

“That's not all. I can do this.” Rainbow extended a wing, and a ball of lightning appeared.

“Uh, Rainbow!”

Rainbow smirked at the look on Twilight's face. “Chillax, Twilight. I have full control of the Lightning Ball.” She absorbed the ball and folded her wing back. Twilight looked on in awe.

“And that is one of the lost techniques?”

“Yup. I can also make Wind Bursts. A Wind Burst is focused air that can cut things. Luna blew up a rock with it.”

“I didn't know pegasi were capable of such things.”

“Turns out the standard training of today's pegasi is very inefficient. More pegasi would be capable of doing the Sonic Rainboom with even the basics of the Gale Wing.” Rainbow look up and tapped her hoof to her chin. “I wonder why it was abandoned?”

“Maybe that's something I can find out, Rainbow.”

“Dinner's ready!” Spike yelled from the kitchen.

“Well, let's get going,” Twilight said. Rainbow got up to follow, but Twilight stopped. “I have to ask, Rainbow: Why Shadowbolt?”

Rainbow paused and thought for a second before answering, “It's symbolic. The Shadowbolt illusions Nightmare Moon made were to try to get me to betray my Element. When you and the others became Mare Do Well, it was a betrayal, so I thought Shadowbolt was appropriate. Not to mention what I'm doing as Shadowbolt is what Luna always had in mind for the group.”

“I would like to hear about that.” Twilight looked down a bit before looking at Rainbow. “I'm also glad you are doing so well. Princess Celestia told me how proud her sister was of you, and I'm happy for that.”

Rainbow gave her a small smile and replied, “Let's go eat, and I'll tell you all about it.”
> The Wound of Ponyville: Part 2 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“So the building was on fire, and the fireponies were doing their best to get it out, but we heard that a colt was still in there.” Scootaloo grasped her blanket in her hooves as Dash regaled her with one of her tales as Shadowbolt. Her eyes were wide in excitement. “I couldn't let a colt die, so after hearing where the colt should be, I raced up to the floor and through an open window. Fire was everywhere, and it was hard to see. I was just glad my suit was fireproof. I search around, and the flames continue to engulf the building when I found the colt curled in on himself. I grabbed him and dashed out just as the building collapsed.”

“You are so awesome, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo cheered, while Rainbow herself just shrugged.

“Yeah, I am, but the important thing is that the colt is alive. I went in that building to save a life. That's one of the things Luna taught me. Being talented is cool, but using that talent to help others is awesome.”

“You really like Princess Luna, don't you?” Scootaloo asked.

She responded with a smile, “I can tell you this, Squirt. The ponies a thousand years ago were totally uncool. Luna is fun to be around. She may be my princess and mentor, but she is also my friend, and I'm hers.” The door opened, and she saw the other members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders appear. They were surprised to see her, and they looked away, rubbing their forehooves.

“Uh, hi, Rainbow Dash,” Applebloom said nervously.

Dash eyed them and asked, “Okay girls, what's going on? And I want the truth.”

“Well, we got Scootaloo hurt, and considering what happened between your and our sisters and...”

Rainbow sighed at hearing that and leaned back. “Okay, girls, gather around.” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle got closer and sat down, and she began, “First off, the issue between me and your sisters is only between me and your sisters. I don't hold that against you. You three have a great bond between you. Take what happened between me and your sisters and learn from it. Don't make the same mistakes we did, okay?” All three nodded. “Now, I am disappointed in you three. I understand your drive to get your cutie marks, but skydiving! First off, there are some things you aren't old enough to do right now, and then, there are some things you need training before you can try. Skydiving is one of those. We were lucky this time that Scootaloo was only hurt. She could have easily been killed, and could you live with yourselves if that happened?” They all shook their heads. “I have been reckless in the past, but that was just me alone at risk. Never another pony. So use those crazy genius brains of yours before you try anything. Now I'll, let you three hang out. See ya around, Squirt.”

“Bye, Rainbow Dash!” she heard as she left, waving a wing in a goodbye.

Once out of the hospital, she took to the air and wondered what to do, when her stomach growled. “Okay, hayburger it is, stomach.” She headed over to the fast food joint and went in.

As she approached the counter, the cashier asked, “What would you like, ma'am?”

“Two hayburgers, a large order of hayfries, and a chocolate milkshake.”

“That will be ten bits.” Thankfully she had stopped by the bank at this point and had a few bits taken out. She paid, got her food, and found a booth in the corner by one of the windows. She was about to take a bite  when she heard her name spoken and saw Jetaloo in a Hayburger uniform with a tray of food. Jet was a single mom; the stallion she was seeing got her pregnant and ran to join the Guard. The deadbeat died when the tyrant of Saddle Arabia attacked a border town. That attack caused Princess Celestia to openly support the opposition, which went into open rebellion after that. The civil war still waged, but things were looking up for the rebels.

“Mind if I sit with you?” Jet asked.

“Aren't you working, though?” Rainbow replied.

“On lunch break,” Jet said, sitting down across from Rainbow. “Wow, you were fit before, but you are way buffed now. And you're eating that meal.”

Rainbow just shrugged and ate a hayfry before answering, “Hey, I can splurge every now and again, and being like this happens when you go from being just a stunt flier to being a crime fighter and Luna's student.”

“What's that like, anyway?”

“Well, she can be harsh but fair and patient. At least when in training mode. When out and not doing royal stuff, she's like anypony. She wants to make friends, hang out, and have fun. I hope ponies treat her better this time around.”

“Were you with Scootaloo?” Jet asked, likely wanting to change the topic.

“Yup, left when her friends showed up so they could have time together. Her spirit is high.”

“That's good. To be honest, she hasn't been as cheerful as she used to be since you left. I know why you did leave and ever since you have, Mare Do Well hasn't appeared. Could you ever forgive them and move back? I know Scootaloo would like having you around again.”

She looked out the window and sighed before responding, “I just don't know, Jet. I still hurt from what they did, and the town did have a part to play in it. To just brush me off like that. Squirt reminds me of me, which is why I like her and why we know each other. Leaving her was the hardest part of it all.”

Jet looked down and ate a bit of her meal before responding again, “When Log Roll ran to the guard after hearing I was pregnant, that hurt a lot. He thought of himself and not me or Scootaloo. Your friends, as misguided as it was, became Mare Do Well because they wanted to help you.” Jet finished her meal, got up, and patted Dash on the shoulder. “They haven't been the same since you left, and I bet they'd do anything to get you back. They just need the chance.” Jet walked away and Dash thought about what was said as she ate her meal.

* * * * *

Twilight just finished checking over the notes she made talking with Rainbow and her training on the Gale Wing Art. It was a fascinating art, and she wondered why it was abandoned.

“Spike!” she yelled out, and in moments, the baby dragon showed up.

“Need something, Twi?”

“Could you put these scrolls away. I'm going to try to get Fluttershy out of her cottage again.”

“How long has she been in there?”

“At least a month, and I'm getting worried.”

“Why can't you all just make up with Rainbow?”

“We tried, but we hurt her so bad. I just don't know what to do.” She opened the door to the main library and continued, “Princess Luna has the best relation with Rainbow right now, and I wish I knew how she did that.”

“I could tell ya.” Twilight jerked and then looked to see Rainbow by the door. She seemed to be in the process of closing it. “What Luna did? Well, she treated me as a friend, and I did likewise. She didn't want me as an Element of Harmony or as one of Twilight's Gang or as a Future Wonderbolt. No, she saw me as Rainbow Dash, a talented pegasus and, now, a friend. When she has a problem with me, she tells me to my face, not behind my back. She doesn't make a fake hero to make a point. She respects me, and I return that. You girls did that once, but you lost it when you made Mare Do Well. Does that answer your question?”

“Yeah...Yeah, it does,” Twilight said sadly, “I am so sorry that I hurt you that way.” Looking for a change in subject, Twilight decided to ask Rainbow something else. “Uh, Rainbow, Fluttershy hasn't left her cottage in nearly a month. We've tried everything short of breaking down the door. You've known her a long time. Perhaps you can get her to come out?”

Rainbow let out a deep sigh and said, “Alright, I'll check on her, but this better not be some plot you guys came up with.” Rainbow went back outside, and Twilight hoped that Rainbow would succeed where she herself had failed and that Fluttershy was okay.

* * * * *

Dash was flying through the air on a familiar path to Fluttershy's place. She still didn't fully understand why she agreed to this. This could all be a plot to try to get her to be part of the team again, but some part of her drove her to do this. Maybe it was some part of her that still cared for them, even after their betrayal. The cottage was in sight, so she glided down. When she landed, she saw Angel at the window. She hated that bunny and could never figure out why Fluttershy took him, of all animals, as a pet. But, she admitted that evil bunny did seem to care for her at times. This time, though, he was frantic, and for the very first time, she saw fear on his face. That concerned her. The rodent never gets that scared. She went to the door but it was locked.

“Fluttershy! If you don't unlock this door, I'm busting it down!” She waited for a minute before she backed off and swung a wing around. The resulting wing burst blew the door off it's hinges, and she dashed in. She saw a crowd of animals all look at her, but she ignored them as she scanned the room and found Fluttershy. She was lying on her couch and was nothing but skin and bones.

“FLUTTERSHY!” She raced over and checked on the pegasus. She was unconscious but still alive. Looking over to Harry the bear, she commanded, “Harry! Get her on my back!” The bear took Fluttershy, and Dash aimed herself at the door. The bear gently placed Fluttershy on her back, and she zipped out and headed for the hospital. She would have Rainboomed, but that would have blown Fluttershy off, so she went as fast and as safely as she could.

In what felt like hours, but was in truth only a couple of minutes, she saw the hospital and started down. She burst through the doors and yelled out, “I need help!” Nurse Redheart was the first to arrive.

“Rainbow, what is--OH, CELESTIA! DOCTOR!” Doctor Stable rushed in as Dash and Redheart got Fluttershy on a gurney. He did a quick glance at his newest patient.

“This poor mare is nearly starved to death.” He looked over to Dash and asked, “How long has she not eaten?”

“Don't know, best guess is a month.”

“By Celestia. Okay let's get her to the OR stat and get some fluids in her.” Dash watched them race away with one of her oldest friends at death's door. She took a seat and waited for news on her old friend.

* * * * *

It didn't take long for the girls to show up. Twilight was first to arrive with Spike, and she sent Spike out to get the others. Pinkie was next with her mane all straight, followed by Rarity, then Applejack. None said a word as they all waited. Any grudges they had were forgotten for the moment.

The door finally opened to reveal Doctor Stable, and all looked at him in hope.

“Miss Fluttershy will live.” There was a collective sigh among the mares. “However, she is still in critical condition. She will be with us for a few weeks before I even consider letting her go home. We got lucky; she didn't have much time left before it was too late.”

“Can we see her?” Rarity asked.

“She is still in intensive care, so no. Not for a few days, likely. All of you need rest, not just her.” With reluctance, they all silently nodded and left.

* * * * *

Three days later, Fluttershy was moved out of intensive care and into the inpatient wing of the hospital. All of the girls took shifts being by Fluttershy during visiting hours. Dash was among them, and she helped at Sweet Apple Acres while Applejack did her shift. Fluttershy slept through it all with an IV feeding her.

A week after being in the hospital, Flutteshy woke up during Dash's shift. She was reading a Daring Do book when she heard Fluttershy moan. She quickly put down the book and went to the side of the bed.

“Fluttershy, how do you feel?” she asked.

“Rainbow Dash?” She blinked her eyes a couple of times. When she finally saw Dash, she cringed and turned away. “Please, go away before I hurt you again. Let my cruelness die.”

“No!” she replied, using her hoof to make Fluttershy look at her. “I hate what you girls did to me, but to think I hate you enough to want you dead! Where did you get such an idea!? I don't want any of you dead.” She  put her head against Fluttershy's, who was now crying. “Don't you ever scare me like this again. Now, you eat what they give you, and when you finally get home, you will eat whatever your animal friends give. If I hear otherwise, I will come and personally stuff food down your throat. Am I clear?” Fluttershy weakly nodded. “Good.” The door opened and a nurse was coming in to, from the looks of things, change the IV.

“Oh, Miss Fluttershy is awake.”

“Yeah, you might want to get some food for her now.”  The nurse eyed Dash before leaving, and Rainbow helped Fluttershy take a drink of water so she wasn't parched when she next spoke.

“You look good, Rainbow.”

Dash just shrugged. “Luna's had me train hard, and I got some totally awesome moves from it.”

“I'm glad you're doing well, Rainbow. I...” She started crying again. “I always wanted the best for you. Please forgive me, even if a cruel mare like me doesn't deserve it.”

Dash took a deep breath before she responded, “Fluttershy, I forgive you.” She saw a smile smile as tension left the butter-colored mare. “And cruel?” She shook her head. “Fluttershy, you are the kindest pony I know. You just made a mistake, and I was really hurt by it." After a pause, she continued, “Look, when you get out of here, get some help. I don't want this to happen again. I will even pay for it if necessary, so please do it. For me.” Fluttershy nodded, and the nurse came in with a bowl of soup and jello. Dash took it from her and returned to Fluttershy's bed. “I know this isn't great-tasting. We'll get ya some better grub when you're out, but you need this.” With that, Rainbow helped feed Fluttershy, and the broken bonds of friendship started to mend.
> The Wound of Ponyville Part 3 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Looking good, Squirt. Try to hold it a little longer,” Dash said as she watched Scootaloo. A week ago, the filly started going out again, and Dash decided it was time to fulfill her promise and teach Scootaloo how to fly. Since standard methods didn't work, she was using the Gale Wing, hoping for better results.

Results, she was starting to see. It took a few days to get Scootaloo to focus to use her pegasus magic that way and not for her habit of rapid flapping she used to power her scooter. She was only a couple of hooves off the ground, but she been there more than a minute. Eventually, Squirt tired out and fell bad to the ground.

“Not bad, Squirt. That was the longest you stayed up.”

“But I didn't fly,” Scootaloo complained.

Dash rubbed Scootaloo's back. “I didn't expect you to yet. This isn't going to be a simple thing, Squirt. It's gonna take time and effort, but you’ll get there. I can see it. Luna has worked hard to make me more patient, though I admit she hasn't fully succeeded. One day, Squirt. That's all that needs to go through your mind. One day, you will fly.” That seemed to relieve the filly. Dash looked up to see Applebloom and Sweetie Belle racing to their location in one of Ponyville's parks. “Looks like your friends want you. Go on and have fun with them, Squirt. You need a break before we do more anyway.” Scootaloo looked at her approaching friends, then looked back at Dash.

“You sure, Rainbow Dash?”

“Of course I'm sure. Friends you can trust are a treasure, Squirt. Don't waste them. Now go have fun with them, and I'll see you later.” She then nudged Scootaloo towards her friends, and that was all that was needed.

Rainbow watched Scootaloo race towards her friends, and a smile came to her lips. The little pegasus didn't know how good she had it. In some ways, she was jealous of Scootaloo. She had friends she could trust so well. The type of friends she thought she had not too long ago. She prayed to the moon that Scootaloo never went through what she did.

Once Scootaloo was out of sight, she took to the air, enjoying the thrill and freedom flying brought to her. She flew over Ponyville and saw Jetaloo entering her home.

'Must have gotten off from work,' she thought and headed down.

“Hey, Jets!” The other pegasus mare looked up and smiled.

“Dash! Come in. I was just going to make lunch.”

“Awesome!” Jets allowed her in, and Rainbow took a look around.

It wasn’t a big place; Jets couldn't afford one since she was a single mom, but she and Scootaloo made it a homey place. Pictures of Scootaloo and her friends, as well as many of the mother-daughter duo, lined the walls. The sight brought a smile to her lips. She followed Jets into the kitchen, and the older mare got started on lunch.

“So, how did Scootaloo's practice went?”

“Squirt did awesome. She managed to hover in the air for five minutes. She has the drive to get there, but I have to pace her. She's out with her friends right now.”

“I hope this works. I tried everything else, and they just wouldn't work.” There was a hint of sadness in Jets voice on commenting that.

“Me too, Jets. It wasn't easy seeing her struggle like that. It seems to be working, and I’ve been scouring the books in Golden Oaks looking for why the art was abandoned. Even Twilight looked into it and swore she was going to check out the Royal Library the next time she heads there.”

“Does that mean you and Twilight are making up?” Jets asked as she was making some sandwiches. Dash thought on that a bit. Where did she and Twilight stand now? She decided to voice her thoughts.

“There has been progress. She has stayed to our agreement and never once talked about me rejoining their team. She has been nothing but supportive. Hay, I've seen her visit Fluttershy at the hospital and when she was let go.” She paused for a bit before continuing, “Part of me wants to forgive them and maybe even move back, but another part of me is afraid of being hurt again. Jets, they were practicality family to me. I would have done anything for them...within reason.” Jet gave a knowing smirk. Dash wouldn't be surprised if Jets had fallen victim to Rarity's Fashion sense. “All we went through, and they did that to me. My Element is Loyalty, Jets. To me, it’s the most important virtue. Discord couldn't make me disloyal when he was loose but divided it between my friends and Cloudsdale. That's how strong my sense of loyalty is. Their betrayal hurt, Jets, and it hurt bad. I admit to being afraid to being hurt that bad again.” She grabbed a sandwich that Jets made and took a bite.

Jet took her time before she responded, “What you gone through is tough, Rainbow. It's hard for me to look for a stallion after I was left alone with Scootaloo. Log Roll left me pregnant, and while I love Scootaloo, that still hurts. But you know what, Rainbow? I don't let that fear of hurt control me. I may find Mr. Right out there somewhere.” Jets looked sadly at Rainbow. “I have also seen the effect this has had on your friends. Fluttershy, you already know, but all of them have suffered to some extent. They don't meet as much, and the bright smiles they always seemed to have are gone. There was something special about the friendship you shared with each other. We all saw it after the Summer Sun Celebration. Isn't something that special worth regaining if possible?”

Rainbow sat back and thought as she mindlessly ate the lunch. After they finished lunch, she still didn't have an answer. “Thanks for lunch, Jets, and for the talk. Gave me something to think about when I get home.”

Jets put a forehoof on her shoulder. “Do you really have to leave? Scootaloo is so happy when you’re around.”

“Can't ignore my responsibilities, Jets. If Luna wasn't backing me, I would’ve lost my job a long time ago.”

“I understand, but please visit, Rainbow.”

Rainbow gave Jets her smug smile. “That's a promise, Jets.” She opened the door and noticed ponies heading for the town square. Looking back to her friend, she said, "Hey, was any event planned today?"

“Not that I know of.” The pair decided to follow the crowd and see what was going on.


*	*	*	*	*


When they got to the town square, they saw a platform assembled with a pile of wood in front of it.  Rainbow and Jets picked a spot and waited. Soon, it seemed all of Ponyville had come, and that was when Twilight appeared on the platform, followed by the rest of her friends.

“Thank you all for coming. The reason I called for this meeting is to answer some questions and to right a wrong done to a dear friend of mine. You all are wondering why the Mysterious Mare Do Well had disappeared. Well, I will tell you why.”

Twilight extended a hoof to her friends as she continued, “We were Mare Do Well. But Mare Do Well was not made for heroic reasons but in a misguided attempt to aid a friend. Rainbow Dash's ego was building with her heroic deeds, and we thought she needed to be taken down a peg. Believing her to be too stubborn to listen to us, we made Mare Do Well to humble her. However, in our quest to leash Rainbow's pride, we let our own loose.

“When she found out the truth, it hit her harder than we thought possible. Instead of teaching her to be more humble, we just drove her away. We are proud of what she has done since she has left. She has become the Student of Princess Luna like I am for Princess Celestia. She has done great feats where she now lives. But, as proud of her as we are, we also miss her dearly. Our actions hurt her, and nothing we can say can truly undo them. She told us actions speak louder than words, so we’re here to let our actions speak.”

She and the others revealed Mare Do Well costumes and tossed them onto the wood pile. “Mares and stallions, Mare Do Well is no more. We will never be her again.” With that, Twilight used her magic to set fire to the pile, and everypony watched the costumes burn. Dash saw Rarity having teary eyes, but she could understand that. Rarity just destroyed her own works, works she took time and effort to make not once but four times.

Many ponies started to leave, and it seemed they didn't know how to take this move by Twilight and her friends. Soon, the fire started to die out. Then, they finally noticed Rainbow.

Rainbow said, “Let's head to Twilight's Library. We have things to talk about.” She nodded to Jets, who took the hint and headed home.

The group silently entered the library, and when the door closed, she broke the silence. “First off, that meant something to me.” She pointed a hoof in the direction of the fire. “Right now, I'm torn. A part of me wants to forgive you. You girls meant the world to me. I imagined the day I became a Wonderbolt, and you five would be there cheering me on. That's how much you meant to me. That's why what you did hurts so much, and I'm afraid that you will hurt me like that again.”

Applejack took off her hat and walked forward a bit. “Rainbow, you are more to us than an Element of Harmony. You’ve always been more. Ah don't know about the others, but Ah considered you family. All of ya are like that to me. We all never wanted to hurt ya. Ah’m ashamed that what we did hurt ya so much, and Ah’m willing to do anything to make up for my mistake. Ah think we all do. So what can we do, Rainbow?”

Dash rubbed her head. “What I need right now is time to figure out what I want to do with you girls. That's part of the reason why I’m heading back to Mareapolis.”

“Okay, Sugarcube. Ya do what ya have to do.”

“Rainbow isn't the only one leaving.” Everypony looked to Fluttershy, wide-eyed.


“Darling, why!?” Rarity asked in shock. Fluttershy looked down.

“I hurt my dearest friend with Mare Do Well, and then, I hurt you all when I tried to starve myself. I need time away from everything. I’ll come back, though, so think of it as a long vacation.”

With tears in her eyes, Rarity walked up to Fluttershy and hugged her. “I’ll miss you, Fluttershy. Please try not to stay away too long.” With that, everypony, even Rainbow, joined into group hug. For the first time in months, the six mares were in agreement.

In Canterlot, an Element repaired a crack.

*	*	*	*	*

Dash was checking over her wings for her flight home. Fluttershy had left the day before, and all the girls saw her off and wished her luck. Squirt looked downtrodden.

“Do you really have to go, Rainbow Dash?” the young filly asked.

Dash gave a small smile and rubbed Squirt's mane. “Yeah, I do. I have responsibilities, Squirt. If Luna wasn't supporting me, I would have been fired already for how long I was gone. You’re all healed up and working on flying. I don't need to be here 24/7 anymore.” She saw tears starting to form in Squirt's eyes. “Now, that doesn't me you won't see me. I promise to come by every couple of weeks to train you more. Till then, just keep working on what I taught ya. And please, no more extreme stunts to get your cutie mark.”

It was a happy Squirt that replied, “You got it, Rainbow Dash!” With that, Rainbow nodded and took to the sky, doing a loop-de-loop for Squirt before heading to Mareaoplis.

*	*	*	*	*

Celestia was heading to the vault that held the Elements of Harmony. Twilight had reported that Fluttershy had left Ponyville for some needed time after the stress of the aftermath of Mare Do Well and her near suicide. That last worried Celestia greatly, though it fit that the Bearer of Kindness would be the most harmed after the bearer of Loyalty for that stunt. If not for her sister's faith in Rainbow Dash, Celestia herself would have raced to Ponyville and done all she could to repair the damage.

Thinking of her sister managed to bring a small smile to her muzzle. It's been ages since she had seen Luna so happy. It was the one silver lining in this whole affair. The pride Luna has for her apprentice shown brighter than the sun, and she wondered if that was what she herself looked like when she talked about Twilight.

The door to the vault stood before her, and using her horn, she unlocked the door and opened the chest that contained the Elements. Kindness seemed fine, and Celestia gave a sigh of relief at the sight. Then, she looked at Loyalty. While it was still gray, the crack that had been on it was gone. She couldn't stop the smile on her face.

“Sister, what are you doing?” Celstia looked behind her to see a sleepy Luna.

“Luna, shouldn't you be asleep?”


“After Discord took them, I wanted to be alerted the next time they were touched. So, has something happened to them, sister?”

Celestia smiled. “Indeed. Look, sister.” Celestia showed Luna the Element of Loyalty, and soon, both shared a knowing smile.
> Foreshadowing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Dash got home in late afternoon as the sun was starting it's descent. She unlocked the door and walked in.

“Dash, is that you?” she heard Gilda ask.

“Yup, it's me, G. I'm back.”

Gilda came out of the kitchen and gave her a slight smile as they brohoofed. “So how was that pony you went to see? She must be important to you to just take off like that.”

Dash took off her outfit as she answered, “Yeah, I'm her idol, and she's almost like a sister to me. Her name is Scootaloo, and she's doing great. She was in the hospital for a couple weeks, but now she's better than she was before her accident. I started teaching her the flight parts of the Gale Wing art.”

“Sounds good. Oh, did you meet the dweebs as well?”

Dash's smile faded a bit. “Yeah, I did.” She sighed. “Fluttershy nearly killed herself out of guilt, and I forgave her. As for the others... Well, progress was made.”

“You're not leaving, are you?” Gilda asked.

“No, I'll be visiting Scootaloo for training. My home is in Mareapolis for now.” Dash looked up at their ceiling. “The girls sound genuine in wanting me back, but I don't want to be hurt like that again. What should I do, G?”

“They did what I did, Dash. I threw away a friendship for stupid reasons. As much as I want to tell you to forget about them, I can't. I've been in the same position. I screwed up and lost you as a friend, and by some miracle, you showed up back in my life and gave me a second chance.  Don't they deserve one?” Gilda also looked up at the ceiling. “You know what, I never really thought I would have any pony friends besides you, yet while you were gone, I did make some, and they're pretty cool. I didn't expect that. Griffonstone really dragged me down. That place saps your soul. That night you saved me could've been my end, but instead, it was a new beginning for me. Forgive them, Dash. Just don't forget what they did.”

“Thanks for the advice, G. I'll think on it.” Her stomach grumbled. “Now to get some eats and crash for the night.”

“Make some for me. I need breakfast before I go to work.”

“Okay.”

After a good dinner, and after cleaning up, Dash fed and petted Tank before hitting the hay and entering Luna's realm.

*		*		*		*

She woke up the next day and stretched. She was well-rested and nearly ready for the day. She had a quick shower to further awaken herself and was soon down in the kitchen making breakfast. Given Tank his meal, she grabs hers and sat next to a tired Gilda.

“Morning, Dash.”

“Morning, G. How was the club last night?”

“The club itself went well, but one of my new friends has been having troubles. I was wondering if Shadowbolt could help her out?”

“Get me her address, and I'll check it out after work.”

“Thanks, Dash.”

“No probs, G.”

*		*		*		*		*

Dash walked into her office and started looking over the papers for the next few days. She was just getting settled when her door opened again and Sky Walker walked in.

“Boss, you're back.”

“Yup, got everything settled in Ponyville, and Luna's tasks are done. How has the crew been?”

“Well, Rose Feather is down with the feather flu, so it's a good thing you came back when you did.”

“Dang, that sucks. Well, I'll cover her area, then.” Sky Walker nodded and left.

An hour later, her team showed up, and they all seem to cheer up at seeing her. Seeing that she was missed cheered Dash up as well. After giving out assignments, she headed to the areas she needed to cover. It was a simple job today: Buck some clouds here, move some clouds there, and she even got in a good nap in there, as well. Overall, the day felt good, with no real stresses or wounds to prod her.

*		*		*		*		*

The sun was heading to the horizon when Dash returned home for a bite to eat before donning her suit and leaving as Shadowbolt. She headed for the address Gilda gave her and found a balcony on the property. She saw an earth pony mare walking inside that matched the descirption Gilda gave her. Dash landed on the balcony and knocked on the window. She saw the mare jump in surprise and, spotting Shadowbolt, race to the balcony door and open it.
“Sorry, you startled me. What are you doing here, Shadowbolt?” the mare asked.

“I came because a griffon I know asked me to help you out with something. So what's up?”

“Well, my name is Book Mark, and I work for my cousin Aura Blast at Blasto's Toys, a small, toy-making company. We have worked well for years and were starting to really make our company very profitable, but for the past month Aura has been acting odd. At first I thought it was just an off day or two, but for a month, she hasn't been acting herself, and the company is starting to suffer. I...I think she may have started doing something illegal. I just don't know what to do.”

Dash put a hoof on Book Mark's shoulder. “I'll look into it and see what I can find. You got a way in for me?” Dash asked. Book nodded and gave her a key.

“I made a copy of my key when I thought of hiring a private investigator. But I don't have access to everything.”

“It will help. I'll look around and figure out what is going on. Just work normally, but keep an ear out.” Book nodded, and with that, Dash took off after Book gave her the address to the factory.

In the past, Dash would have raced to the factory, but Luna has taught her better. She landed in her house and went to her room. There was a candle Luna had made in case Dash needed to contact the princess outside of sleep. She relayed the details and asked for equipment to break in. In minutes, the candle flared, and a belt and a note appeared. She took the note and opened it.

My Dearest Apprentice,

I'm glad to help you in this endeavor. Here are the tools you asked for, and I'm having a Lunar Guard who knows finances come by chariot. Please leave your door open, for she will likely beat you home. May the night be your ally.

Your princess,
Luna

Dash nodded, put the belt on, and headed out into the night.

*		*		*		*
Dash found the toy factory, and with the key, she got in easy. She had to admit, the place looked creepy even with her now-enchanted goggles allowing her to see well at night. She made her way past the assembly lines and to the office that loomed above the factory floor.

She landed in front of the door and took out the lockpicking equipment with her ear on the door. She listened intently for the sound of the tumblers giving. It took her a few minutes, but she got it and opened the door.

She scanned the room. It was a basic office with a desk, a single desk chair, a couple of filing cabinets, and other trinkets. She looked over the cabinets and found a couple of locked drawers. Picking the locks, she took several folders and opened them, placing them on the desk.

She took out another device: a portable camera. Luna showed it to her during their training session. It was designed for work like this. The image it captures is contained in a single gem--thus allowing its compact size--and needs a unicorn or an alicorn to remove it. Certainly sounded cool enough. Dash had no idea what the papers within the folders would contain, but she took pictures of everything and hoped the pony Luna was sending could make sense of it.

She spent the next hour taking pictures of every piece of paper. When she was done, she put the folders back. On the way out, she saw a picture. It depicted Book and Aura smiling at the camera. They looked close and happy. She hoped she could figure out what went wrong. With that in mind, she left, locking the doors and heading home. 

*		*		*		*		*

She arrived home, and upon opening the door, she saw a unicorn mare with sky-blue fur and a pink mane. “Oh, hello,” Dash said.

The mare looked at her and bowed. “Greetings, Lunar Apprentice. I am Burning Glow. Her Highness Princess Luna sent me.”

“Ah, well, just call me Dash. Kind of surprised to see a unicorn up here.”

“Twilight Sparkle is not the only one who knows the cloud-walking spell. More to the point, I am well-versed in corporate legalities, Miss Dash. Now, let's see what you got.” Dash hoofed over the camera, and Burning used her magic. Copies of the papers appeared before her. “Well, you got a lot. It will take me some time to go over it.”

“Well, I'll leave you to it. The guest bedroom is yours.” The mare nodded her acknowledgment, and Dash headed for bed.

*		*		*		*		*

It's been a week since Dash got started on the task she got from Gilda's friend. She got back from her weather job and saw Burning Glow at the table. The unicorn saw her and smiled. “Dash, I think I've got it.”

Dash went over the table. “Alright, spill,” Dash said.

“Well, all that paperwork documents some embezzling that's gone on for the past couple of months. That money is going to an account that didn't exist till it started. Before that, everything showed this company to be on the up-and-up, so why now? I decided to follow Aura Blast for a few days and took some pictures.” Burning Glow took out some pictures of Aura in several positions, all of them with her using magic.

“I'm guessing this is important somehow?” Dash asked.

Burning nodded, “Here are some pictures of Aura Blast taken five months ago by Book Mark. She was kind enough to give me copies.” Dash looked at the pictures. In the first set, Aura had a blue aura, while in the second set, which was older, she had a red aura.

“The magic color is different. How is that possible?” Dash asked.

“Well, unicorn or alicorn magic tends to takes on a color similar to either a pony's eyes or their cutie mark. So unless Aura found a powerful artifact, we're looking at an imposter. One with the skill and power to make them look and sound like the original but can't change their aura's color. While it's possible that Aura is wearing an artifact, the more likely scenario is that we have a fake Aura Blast. Notify the Princess and request that she send the guard. I'm afraid if we get the town guard, the impostor will be tipped off.”

“Got it,” Dash said with a nod, rushing to go write it.

The next day saw Dash in her Shadowbolt outfit with Burning in lunar armor and a dozen ponies of the Lunar Guard surrounding the factory Aura Blast owned and ran. The local guard was notified of a Lunar Guard operation but not where or when. Burning looked at Dash, and the pegasus nodded. Burning launched a flare from her horn, and the Guard stormed in.

“Freeze in the name of Princess Luna!” Dash heard them yell out. She went through a window and saw Aura trying to flee on the catwalk. A quick uppercut ended that.

“Aura Blast, you are under arrest for embezzlement. Come quietly,” Dash demanded.

Aura lifted her head and spit out a tooth. “Not on your life, birdy.” Aura rolled back and fired a blast at Dash. Dash spun in the air and dodged it while firing a low-power wing blast at Aura. It ripped the clothing of the unicorn mare, including a pendant.

Before Dash's eyes, Aura transformed into another unicorn mare with a very different color scheme. The mare glared at Dash and readied another spell. Dash threw a more powerful wing blast and saw the mare's horn crack under the pressure. The mare fell to the catwalk, crying in pain, her hooves on her forehead.

Dash walked up to the mare. “Where's the real Aura? Answer me, or I destroy your horn. I hear regrowing it's a very long and painful process.” She rotated her wing for emphasis.

“S-she's...in her...basement. Please...stop.”

“Burning, have a couple of guards head for Aura's house. The real one is in the basement. And let's have a couple put this mare in shackles.”

“Yes, Shadowbolt.”

With that, the clean-up began. Dash saw the reunion of Aura and Book Mark, the two mares hugging and crying. It touched Dash. When Book Mark saw Dash, she brought Aura over.

“THANK YOU! THANK YOU, SHADOWBOLT, FOR BRINGING MY COUSIN BACK TO ME!”

“No problem, ma'am. Glad to see she's not guilty. Happy to see friendships restored.” Okay, this was hitting close to home. “If you will excuse me.” She walked off as the mares went back to celebrating their reunion.


*		*		*		*		*

It was a couple of days later, and Dash was in her living room, reading a paper. It turned out that the mare was part of a mob group hoping to ruin the company because Aura wouldn't pay protection money. Said mob has been hit hard as a result, with Luna and Shadowbolt taking center stage.

Dash heard the bell signal the mailpony's arrival, and she put down the paper. She flew down and picked up the mail, going through it as she flew back. Bills, advertisements, oh, a letter from Squirt. There was another letter, but Squirt's letter took precedence as far as Dash cared.

She went through Squirt's letter. She and her friends were doing well, still trying crazy stuff to get their cutie marks but thankfully, no sky diving. She also looked forward to the next time Dash visited. It brought a smile to Dash's face.

Dash took the other letter in her hooves. Opening the envelope, she started reading. 

It was from Fluttershy.

Fluttershy wrote that she was doing well, visiting all the creatures of Equestria. She even made a new friend, an earth pony mare named Tree Hugger. Dash had to laugh; that name so fit for one of Fluttershy's friends. She was happy that Flutttershy was making new friends, and she hoped that meant her oldest friend was really healing.

She went to sleep that night a bit happier than she had been for a while.
> Celebration
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dash was nearing the end of her nightly patrol of the city. Things had calmed down over the past few months, as far as crime was concerned. Being Shadowbolt and Luna's apprentice made her leagues above others, and most gangs had disbanded or moved to other cities. She was making a difference, and that brought a smile to her face.

An alarm going off interrupted her thoughts, and after judging its location, she sped toward the sound. The building that was broken into was easy to spot, with giant tree roots coming out of the ground and rammed through the front of a building.

‘That something you don't see every day,’ Rainbow thought. ‘Not even when I still lived in Ponyville.’

She landed next to the opening just as the alarm was silenced. She peeked in and saw a disaster area. It looked worse than one of Twilight's experiments gone wrong. Everything was destroyed or damaged in some fashion. She entered the building with caution, wings halfway spread and wing senses at full. Halfway into the lobby, she felt something coming at her from the left. She twirled away as a plant root struck the spot she had just left.





"Shadowbolt? My quarrel is not with you. Leave this place," a sexy, feminine voice demanded.





"Sorry, but you're breaking the law," Dash replied, “so my ‘quarrel’ is with you.”





"If you side with Wood Fall, Inc., then you are my enemy." Several things rushed at her from her right. She swept a wing blade at them. A few nicked her, but no direct hits, thanks to her quick reactions. She heard a shout of rage and instinctively launched a lightning ball in its direction. Finally, she saw her target, a mare with green fur and a purple mane and tail that moved and waved like tentacles.

'Whoa, a real-life Mane-iac.' She launched several wing blades at the mare. The villain screamed in rage as more of her mane was cut before a massive tree root blocked Rainbow’s aim. She moved to get around as her wing sense told her something was approaching. She launched another wing blade, hitting the object dead-on. The thing exploded, spreading dust everywhere. Rainbow coughed and whirled to find her enemy, only for her eyelids to get heavier as the world spun around her. She collapsed to the ground, and sleep overtook her.





She found herself in a moonlit plain, no city in sight. Where in Tartarus was she? She bolted to her hooves, looking around and trying to get her bearings. No dice; the place was not familiar at all.

"Dash?" Rainbow turned to the voice and found Princess Luna.

"Princess? What are you doing here?” Rainbow asked. “Where is here?"

"We are in my dreamscape, my loyal apprentice. I come here to rest and recharge before continuing my duties. The real question is how you got here.”

"Don't know. I was fighting a mare that looked like a bootleg Mane-iac when she threw something at me. I shot it with a wing blade, but it covered me with something. Everything got all spinny, and then, I find myself here."

Luna looked pensive before replying, "Must have been a sleeping agent of some sort, and the fact you are here and not dead means she just knocked you out and completed whatever task she set out to do."

"Gee, that's a ray of sunshine," Dash said sarcastically.

Luna smirked at her. "Well, the plus side of this is that I can tell you about something,” she said. “I require your presence during the coming night. Please arrive in your Shadowbolt gear. Look for the balcony on the north side of the castle."

"Sure, but what you need me for?"

“No emergency, my dear friend. Just something I think my apprentice should be present for."

"Okay, I'll be there, Luna," Dash said with a smile.

Luna beamed at her. "Huzzah!" Luna was about to say something more, but suddenly, Rainbow’s world went white.

*************************

With a moan, Dash woke up, seeing a wrecked lobby and a cop in front of her. "You okay, Shadowbolt?" he asked.

"Yeah. She just gassed me, I guess." Rainbow wobbled a bit as she stood.

"Better let the EMTs looked at you, and you can tell us what you know of all of this."

"Fine," Rainbow said with a sigh, following him to a carriage with a red cross. As she was looked over, she related what she encountered. The officer wrote it down and bid her a good night. She nodded at him and took off for home.

She had enough for tonight. She went straight through the cloud wall leading to her bedroom and stripped off her Shadowbolt gear. In minutes, she was just Dash again. Heading over to the bed, lit only by the lamp she left on, she saw Tank was awake. With an eyebrow raised, she put her head down to his level. "You still up waiting for me, Tank?" Tank nodded with a small smile. Dash smiled back and muzzled him. "You silly tortoise." She laid on her bed and petted his shell until she fell asleep.

*************************

The morning came, and Dash woke with a cute yawn, not that she’d let anyone tell her it was cute. A perk she had ever since she became Luna’s apprentice was very restful sleep, so even if she only got four hours of sleep, it would feel like a full eight. She petted Tank before getting his food and placing it on his plate. As the tortoise began eating, Dash took her costume and tossed it in the washer and went to make her breakfast: some oatmeal, toast, and milk. She ate in peace and quiet.

And she hated it.

She like hearing the voices of others. Admittedly, most of those voices she enjoyed simply repeated how awesome she was, but any talk would be nice. But it wasn't to be, so she just finished her meal and headed out for work.

After arriving, she checked the schedule and assigned the duties before heading out for her own section. After lunch, she had a small nap before finishing her work and grabbing her Shadowbolt uniform and heading for Canterlot.

In a couple hours, she came upon the city and headed straight for Luna's tower. She saw her mentor walk to the balcony and smile as she spotted Dash. As Dash landed, the lunar princess spread her wings and cheered, "Huzzah! Welcome, My Loyal Dash."

"Hey, Luna," Dash responded as the alicorn hugged her. It took a moment for Dash to hug back. Luna kept her smile as she separated and lit her horn, and both mares watched as the sun set and the moon rose. As Luna released her hold on it, Rainbow said, "Is that what you wanted me to see? It was…beautiful. Much better than sunsets in Ponyville."

Luna's smile grew brighter. "Thank you, my friend, but that is not what I wanted to show you. Come." Luna led Dash into her tower, and Dash looked around, noting first the heavy drapes that likely blocked the sun during the day. The rest of the place was in colors of blue, light blue, purple and silver in a clear night motif. The furnishings—couches, chairs, tables, and desks—were surprisingly simple but personal.

Finally, Luna led Dash to a room with engravings on the floor. Luna pointed to one such engraved area. "Stand there please, Dash." Dash did so, and soon, there was a flash of light, and she found herself in a carved cavern with teal-colored flames lighting the place.  

"Where are we, Luna?" Dash asked.

"Follow me, and you will find out." Luna led her out of the chamber and into a room done up similarly to Luna's chambers. Soon, Dash was led to the balcony. "Rainbow Dash, I welcome you to the Night Realm!" With a flourish, Luna opened the balcony doors to reveal a massive city under a rocky ceiling, bat-winged ponies everywhere.

"Woah!” Dash said, marveling. “Why haven't I heard of this place?"

"For security. After my banishment, my thestrals feared they’d be hunted down despite their playing no part in my plans that night. So, they spent the last thousand years making this place. They showed it to me not long after my return. As for why you’re here, tonight is the anniversary of my reunion with them, and I wanted you to be here for the celebration. Now, follow me to the auditorium." Luna took to the air, and Dash followed. The place was like Mareapolis but bigger and enclosed; not a spot of sky was above them, only rocks. In minutes, Dash saw a sizable stadium ahead of them, with tiers upon tiers of seats, each tier slightly behind the one below it. and Luna swung and dove, with Dash following. Soon, they landed by a side door, where a guard stood.  

"Greetings, Sovereign. Your timing is spot on, as usual," the guard said.

"I could never be late for this event," Luna replied.

"And the mare behind you?" the guard inquired.

"She is my guest." Her look said she would brook no argument.

"Ah, apologies, Sovereign." The guard opened the door for them, and Luna lead them through the doorway. They walked through the hallways until they arrived backstage, where Luna spoke again.





"Wait until I introduce you, Dash." Dash nodded, and Luna entered the stage as cheers erupted from the crowd.

"SUBJECTS! I am very pleased to greet you tonight!" She smiled at the crowd as they cheered again. "Tonight, we celebrate our reunion and return to Equestria. I thank you all for supporting me still, despite my mistakes." Hooves thundered. "It is also with great pride that I introduce you all to a special mare, one who has become my apprentice and who has taken on the mantle of a dream I thought lost. I present to you...SHADOWBOLT!" Dash stepped out to the deafening roar of the crowd. Dash glanced at Luna, who was beaming in delight.

"Hey, everypony,” Dash said, basking in their praise. “I’m honored to be here tonight, and I’m even more honored that Luna chose me as her apprentice and taught me some awesome moves. She’s been there for me in my darkest hour when everypony else left me. I owe her my loyalty. LET'S HEAR FOR PRINCESS LUNA!" The crowd roared once more as Dash felt Luna get closer.

"Why don't you show them what my apprentice can do?" Luna asked. Dash gave her a knowing smirk, which Luna returned. Dash headed for the orchestral pit and exchanged words with the conductor. She then returned to the stage as Luna backed off to let her apprentice show her stuff. Soon, music styles from Mexicolt began, and Dash moved with its rhythm, using the forms of the Gale Wing as dance moves. Dash flew over the stage, putting enough power to produce a gust of wind but not enough to cause any damage. She summoned a pair of lighting balls, juggling them around her body as she danced. As the music reached its climax, she twirled and hit the balls with her wings, where they exploded into streaks of lightning. She struck a pose on the last, drawn-out note of the music.

Dash found herself panting, but it couldn't be heard over the deafening cheer of the crowd. She felt Luna run over and hug her, and though she tried to fight it, she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. Here, she was appreciated. Here...









SHE WAS LOVED.


 	

> The Wedding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I landed in front of my front door, exhausted from my flight from from Ponyville and my training sessions with Squirt. My little fan was flying now after months of training, and the filly was eager to learn more. With Luna's permission, I’ve even been teaching her the Gale Wing. She needs a lot of practice, but she’s coming along. Walking inside, I saw Gilda eating at the table.

“Hey, G. How've things been since I left?”

The griffon looked up and smiled. “Hey, Dash. Oh, the usual. The occasional troublemaker to boot out of the club and feeding your pet. How’s the filly?”

“She’s doing good. Can reliably fly and now learning the first form.”

“Good. Anybody with wings should be able to enjoy the air,” Gilda said. I nodded to that and went to the cupboard, getting some bread to make toast. As I put the bread in the toaster, a scroll appeared in front of me with Luna's mark. I quickly grabbed it and read it.

“What's that, Dash?” Gilda asked.

“It's from Princess Luna. Her niece is getting married, and she wants me to perform the Sonic Rainboom at the celebration.”

Gilda made a disgusted look. “Ick! Why would you ever go to that?”

“Because Luna is my friend and the princess,” I stated, the answer obvious.

Gilda looked at me, then shrugged. “Your choice, Dash. I bet the weather people won't be happy to have you gone again when you just got back.”

“Well, I don't have to leave for a week, and it's a royal summons. Not much they can do about that.”

“Guess not.” She watched me as I put my Shadowbolt costume on. “Have fun out there, Dash.”

“These days, you get more fun than me. Shadowbolt’s scared most of the underworld out of this city,” I commented as I left.


A week later, I was on my way to Canterlot with my Shadowbolt outfit in my saddle bags at Luna’s request. I kept a strong cruising speed the whole way. My stamina and wing efficiency have greatly improved under Luna's teaching. So, as I neared Canterlot, I was only winded.

As I approached the city, my concerns grew. A pinkish shield was covering the place. I frowned and found a pair of guards outside it by the tracks. I landed in front of them, and they shifted to a more defensive stance. “I was summoned by Princess Luna. How do I get in?”

“Your ID, ma'am?” I hoofed over my ID, and they compared it to something on a clipboard before returning it back to me. “You can go through here.” He tapped a section of the shield, and it rippled. I walked through and, after a tingling feeling, found myself in Canterlot. I took to the air again and flew to the castle. Along the way I saw more Royal Guard patrolling the streets, and as I neared the castle, I saw guards everywhere. I headed for Luna's balcony. A pair of thestrals were guarding and nodded to me as I passed.

“Luna?” I called out.

“Ah, Dash. You have arrived!” I looked toward the voice and saw a slightly tired Luna with a coffee mug with 'Don't make me release the batponies!' painted on its side. It made me smirk. I loved Luna's humor.

“Yeah, I have. What's with the guards?” I asked.

“A threat was made against the city. I asked Cadance to postpone her wedding because of it, but she insisted on it staying on schedule. Hence why I want my Shadowbolt—and my dear friend—here, as well.”  Luna took a sip of her drink. Clearly coffee.

“I'll keep my eyes out for anything. But right now, I could use some food,” I said, rubbing my stomach. Luna gave a hearty laugh.

“Of course, my dear friend.” She led me to the dining room, where Celestia was waiting.

“Rainbow Dash, thank you for agreeing to perform at the wedding,” Celestia said.

I shrugged. “Luna asked, and it sounded cool. It’ll be like the old days, back before…” I looked down as I relived the day of my friends’ betrayal.

“Still not willing to forgive them, Rainbow?”

“No. At least, not yet. The public reveal that they were Mare-Do-Well and burning their costumes was big, I’ll admit. But I don't want to be hurt like that again. I need more time.” I felt a wing on my back, and I looked up to see Celestia smiling at me.

“I understand, Rainbow. But please, don't ignore a chance to reconcile with them.”

“No guarantees, Princess.”

The food arrived and I ate eagerly; flying for that long really worked up an appetite.


I was walking with Celestia as she went to show me where she wanted the Rainboom. Luna had headed to bed since, with the alert up, she was needed more at night than usual, so she napped heavily during the day. It was pleasant till I heard some voices ahead of us. I groaned, praying I heard wrong. Around the corner, Twilight and the girls appeared. The went silent and stared at me, and I did the same. Then, I frowned and asked simply, “What are you doing here?” 

“Um, my brother is the groom and Celestia asked for our talents,” Twilight said sheepishly.

I looked over and glared at Celestia. “Not amused. Let's go to where you want my Sonic Rainboom.” The princess frowned but led us past the girls. I didn't look at them.

The next day, after some practice, I was forced to see Rarity. Princess Cadance had replaced her original bridesmaids with the five of us. Twilight was best mare. I entered Rarity's room. “Darling, please come in,” she said cheerfully. I did without comment and stood in the middle of her room. She quickly got to work, measuring me. “My, you have changed, Rainbow. Your muscle tone reminds me of Applejack, just sleeker.”

“Happens when you train under Luna and regularly work out,” I said neutrally.

“Yes, and it shows, Rainbow. I’m happy that’s working out for you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes. I made a grave mistake with you, and I do miss you, darling, but I am happy you are meeting success in your life. I just wish I could be a part of it.” I said nothing. I couldn't, as Rarity's words hit harder than I expected. The rest of the time passed in silence, and when she was done, I thanked her and left.

That night, we were all at the rehearsal. Well, all but Twilight. When she did arrive, she burst through the doors, accusing Cadance of being evil. There was some back and forth before Cadance fled in tears. Afterwards, her brother, the girls, Spike, and even Celestia abandoned her, leaving the mare in tears. I walked up to her. “Sucks, doesn't it?” After a pause, I continued. “Everypony you care about treating you like dirt? Welcome to the club.” Still, I didn’t leave her. I helped her up, and she rubbed her eyes.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, Rainbow Dash?” she asked spitefully. “Go ahead and laugh! Get it out of your system!”

“I’m not going to laugh, Twilight. I never wanted this for anypony. Now, come on. I need to pick up my suit and meet Luna.”

“Why?”

“Because I want a second opinion.” I headed for my room with Twilight following. I put on my outfit, and soon, I was no longer Dash but Shadowbolt. As I turned, I saw Twilight suddenly look away. I was confused but decided to deal with it later. Minutes later, we were in Luna's quarters, and Twilight relayed what she thought about Cadance. After she was done, Luna paced in thought.

“Sister, you are a foal. We have a threat against Canterlot, and you ignore your student's concerns about the odd behavior of a pony she knows so well,” Luna says to the air. “Twilight Sparkle, did you notice anything else odd about Princess Cadance?”

Twilight went into a thinking pose. After a few minutes, she answered. “Yes. Her magic aura was green. I remember it being cyan.”

Luna and I exchanged glances. “Apprentice, are you thinking what I am thinking?”. 

“Yep. We have an imposter.”

“What!? That isn't the real Cadance?”

We nodded. “Most likely, Twilight Sparkle.”

“A couple months ago, I was on a case where a mare had been replaced so her business would tank. Their disguise was perfect minus one thing: their magic aura. That can't change color. So, if the Cadance you remember had a cyan aura, and this one has green, then we have an imposter.”

“It also explains why Cadance didn't want to postpone the wedding despite my advice. She is part of the threat. Guards!”

The threstal guards rushed in. “Yes, Sovereign?” one asked.

“Mobilize the Night Guard immediately. Prepare for possible attack on the city and notify the Day Guard.” They saluted and left.

“Luna, if you foalnapped an alicorn in this city, where would you put them?” I asked.

Luna put a hoof to her chin for a minute. “The mines. They've been abandoned since before our rule. The ponies likely forgot about them. It's the perfect place, and I know an entrance.”

“Well, then, let's go!”

“Indeed.” Luna led the way through the hallways and outside the castle to an isolated pair of doors in the mountain side. Luna opened the doors, and the three of us went in. It was dark, so both Luna and Twilight lit their horns. Immediately, they saw three mares in bridesmaid dresses with strange, green eyes.

“You will go no further,” they said in monotone unison. Luna rolled her eyes as her horn brightens. A glow surrounded the heads of the mares, and they soon collapsed, deeply asleep.

“Wish I could do that,” I commented. Luna just smirked at me. We spent the next half-hour exploring deeper into the mines, Luna and Twilight calling out for Cadance, till we finally heard her voice. We raced to the source, finding a wall between us and her.

“Shadowbolt, wing blades, if you would.”

I smirked, and with both wings, I cut a triangle in the crystal wall. Twilight moved the piece out of the way, revealing a very roughed-up Cadance. 

“Twily!” Smiling, Cadance scrambled to Twilight.

“First things first, Cadance,” Twilight said. Cadance's smile faded, but it returned as she caught Twilight’s meaning. She and Twilight then exchanged a series of playful moves while singing, “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” The weirdest part was the end. The shook their flanks at each other almost like they were presenting themselves to an invisible stallion. The two then hugged as I watched, confused. 

“Twilight, how did you find me?”

“We figured you had been replaced by an imposter, and this was the most logical place to put you,” Luna said.

“She’s a changeling, aunty. Their queen, in fact. Queen Chrysalis,” Cadance replied.

“Then we must hurry. Can you travel, my niece?” Cadance nodded, and we headed out. Luna picked up the mares as we passed by, and in no time, they were placed under guard in the castle's medical wing. The staff wanted to see to Cadance, as well, but she refused. She wanted Chrysalis taken care of first. Luna agreed, and we headed for the throne room. Luna took her throne and had me and Twilight stand at her sides with Cadance hiding behind the throne. Luna then summoned her sister and the others. Ten minutes later, they all arrived.

“Sister, what is this all about?” Celestia asked. Luna responded by flying over and back-hoofing her sister. Gasps sounded throughout the crowd. Celestia held her cheek with a look that asked, 'Why?’

“You are a foal, dear sister. You think you would have learned after what happened to me, yet you discard your faithful student when she warns you of a threat, which you should pay attention to when we are on an alert for an attack. Well, she was correct. The Cadance beside you is evil. And we have proof.” The group looked confused, except for Shining and “Cadance”. “Cadance” looked fearful while Shining, I just realized, looked like a green-eyed zombie.

…Crap.

Luna continued, “Niece, you may come out now.” At that moment, Cadance walked out from behind the throne.

I leaned over to Twilight. “Get ready, Twilight. I don't like how your brother looks.” Twilight nodded just as the fake Cadance began chuckling.

“Well, the truth came out sooner than I planned, but no matter. Shining, be a dear and lower the shield.”

“Uh huh,” Shining replied, lazily nodding as his horn lit up. I glanced out a skylight and saw the pink shield collapse. Chrysalis smirked, green flames engulfing her. When the flames died, she no longer looked like Cadance. She was as tall as Celestia, with a glossy, black-and-green, carapace-like body, insect like wings, green eyes that resembled Nightmare Moon’s, fangs, a long, dark green mane, and most strikingly, holes all over her legs.

“Your abandoning of Twilight bought me the time I needed to finish my control over Shining Armor, and now, my drones can enter the city. Canterlot will be mine by dawn!” I heard buzzing and fighting outside, and the windows were smashed in as smaller, maneless versions of Chrysalis flew through them. The battle for Canterlot had begun.
> Battle and Recovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I didn't have time to fully think as the changelings attacked. With a swing of my wing I blew those closest to me away and took to the air  and threw our bolts at any target I could safely aim at. Soon several were down but I soon had to start dodging as bolts whizzed by me. I gave wing bursts in reply. One of these guys got way to close for comfort and I decked him with a hoof. More charged to me only to be it by several magic bolts. A glance had me see Pinkie using Twilight's tail as a crank as magic bolts fired from her horn. AJ was bucking a big into the wall. Rarity as firing off the window shards with her magic and riddling more bugs. Then saw Fluttershy huddling in a corner with a couple of bugs closing in. I dashed over and their heads met my front hooves and then met the wall. Their heads were flat after that . I saw Celestia go down against the queen. I moved to get in the way but a bug got in mine. Before I could make a move I her a blast whine and soon the bug was encased in ice. I looked to the source and saw Misty Freeze in Lunar Armor. She nodded to me and moved to the next target.

The way cleared I charged as the changeling queen foalishly was gloating over the down princess and got slammed into the wall for it. I backed of and threw a lightning bolt at her. She yelled in pain and anger and dodge my next bolt and looked at me with anger. She lit her horn to fire a blast at me. I hit the horn and like a unicorn her spell sputtered. But she decked me with her hoof. I spun and avoided the next one. She pushed her attack and dodged around most of them. But not all. I grunted with the hits.  And sent a vacuum blade at her. It grazed her cheek  and she screamed in pain. Her horn lifts and when screamed through the pain of doing soon after taking a hit to the horn. I sent a wing blast at her. She tanked it with a grunt and sent out many small blasts. Too many for me to dodge. I grunted more as I felt cuts and burns hit my body. I sent more wing bursts and lightning bolts. They hit as a major blast hits me sending me flying in a rare uncontrolled manner. I hit a wall and slide down it. I was dazed and it was hard to think. Then I saw pink and I passed out.

*  *  *  *

When I came to I ached all over, but was on something comfortable. I groaned as I open my eyes. I was in a room that was elegant. So still in the castle. Twilight appeared in view she had a slight smile on her face and asked how I was feeling.

“I ache all over.” I told her.

“Well you did take on a changeling Queen.” she said. I smirk at her.

“So what happened?”

“Cadance and my brother cast a shield and blew all the changelings out of Canterlot. Luna is running things as Princess Celestia and Cadance recover.”

“So how bad am I?”  I admit to being a little fearful of the answer.

“Several cuts, bruised and broken ribs. You will be bed ridden for a few more days and then light work for a couple weeks.” I groaned.

“Tut, tut. Doctor’s orders and Princess Luna's.” Dang that sucked. “Could be worse Rainbow. You took on a creature that can rival an alicorn. You should be dead or crippled. How did you do that?”

“Have to ask Luna. I just used the Gale Wing.” 

“Well rest for now. Cadance is postponing the wedding due to the damage.” I nodded and closed my eyes and was out.

The next time I came to I saw Luna beside my bed. She noticed I was up and smiled at me.

“Well done my apprentice. I am very proud of you. You did well considering your current level of training.”

“What?” She gave me a smirk.

“One of the big secrets of the Gale Wing. A fully trained pegasus can defeat an alicorn.” I know I was jaw dropping. Luna chuckled. “Yes, it is one of the secrets of the art. It is meant be a check on an alicorn. I am not the first alicorn to go mad and sadly will not be the last. We need more then my sister and niece. I hope you can be one my dear apprentice. But that is worry for another time. For now rest and recover my apprentice.”

*	* 	*  	*

It was days later and I was in a dining hall. Having my first lunch outside of my room in the medical wing. I was about to bite into my meal.

“Uh Hey Rainbow.” I look over and saw the girls minus Twilight. I looked at them coldly.

“What do you want?” 

“We wanted to see how you her doing?”

“Fine.” I took a bite. They look at each other.

“Look Rainbow. We want to amend things and be friends again.”

“And why should I do that? You apparently didn't learn from what happen with us. You all ABANDONED Twilight!” The flinched at that and I continued. “She had concerns and when she brought them forward you all ditched her. And guess what, she was right. The only she hot wrong was thinking it was Cadenza. That part though is understandable. But for you girls, especially you Fluttershy. You just dropped her for a mare you didn't know. Some empathy, some loyalty. Why should I ever be friends with you?”

“Because friends forgive each other for mistakes.” Fluttershy stated. “Especially when they admit they were wrong. And we were wrong with Twilight and she has forgiven us for that. And we were wrong in what we did to you. Please, please give us a chance to be friends again.” I was silent as I thought on it. I was getting tired of hating them. But wasn't ready to commit yet. 

“Let me talk with Twilight before I decide anything.” They nodded and left knowing to not push further. 

I was half way through my meal when I heard another voice. “May I see here?” it was a deep feminine voice with a cold edge to it. I look to see Misty Freeze with a food tray in her magic. I tapped the spot next to me.

“Sure thing Misty. Thanks for the save that night.”

“You owe me nothing. You helped me avenge my wife and Princess Luna has given me purpose. And that would not be without you. So thank you Shadowbolt.” She bowed to me.

“Don't call me Shadowbolt when I am not wearing the outfit.”

“Very well. I heard the tail end of that conversation with those mares. I would suggest trying. At least you have the chance. I will not see my wife till I die. So take the chance. The hadn't cause any deaths so forgive, but don't forget.” 

“I'll take that in mind. So you became a guard?” 

“Yeah, The princess saw my potential and basically conscripted me into her guard. But at this point I don't mind. She lets me prevent more from suffering my fate. My wife would want that.”

“Good to hear.” From there it went to small talk and we left lunch as friends.

I knocked on the tower Twilight used as her place while here. I had to walk thanks to my injures. Spike answered it and brightened seeing me.

“Rainbow! Come on in.”

“Thanks Spike, is Twilight here?” He opened the door more.

“Yeah, she's here.” Over his shoulder. “TWILIGHT! RAINBOW’S HERE!” I walked in as Twilight came down some stairs.

“Rainbow.” She smiled and came over and hugged me. I hissed in pain and she back off. “Sorry.”

“It's okay. Just no hugs for a bit. So heard you made up with the girls.”

“Yeah, we talk things out. They get this second chance. But that’s all they get. One more and I am done with them. I also got an apology from Princess Celestia. I nearly stopped being her student.” My eyes went wide. That was pretty serious. Twilight  saw Celestia was the perfect goddess. “Well I am staying as her student with conditions. Starting over a bit. Maybe you should do the same with the girls.” 

“I keep hearing this.”

“Then maybe you should listen.” I chuckled.

“So you are going back to Ponyville?”

“Yeah, its become home to me. I hope one day you could come back.”

“Well I am stuck here for another week. So there is that before anything else.”

“Well I am glad we’re friends again, but not how I wanted it done.”

“Same.” 

The next two days we chatted and rebonded. But she had to go back to Ponyville. I was feeling better but Luna called be to her chambers when night fell. The two bat ponies nodded to me and opened the door and I stepped in. I was liking the night theme Luna had.

“DASH!” I look and smiled as Luna came into the room. I smiled at her as she smiled at me. “How are you healing?” I shrugged as I reply.

“About ninety percent.”

“Good, before you head home I have something for you. Follow me.” She turned around and I followed and she lead me into a small room and she moved to the side and my jaw dropped. There, on a ponikin was a Shadowbolt suit. The one I was wearing during the battle was shredded. 

“I had planned to show you this after the wedding, but we both know what happened.”

“Why?”

“Because what you had before was just a flight suit. As Shadowbolt  you need more protection then it can provide. And Gale Wing is an attack and evasion art, not defense. This this new suit is made of mythril. A light but durable material. Perfect for pegasi.” I inspected the suit. It was a near perfect copy of her old suit. It was thicker, not much but clearly thicker. Go ahead. Try it on.” I raced over and put it on. It fit like a glove and though heavier it was not by much. This was not going to affect my flying and fighting abilities. I looked Luna beaming.

“This feels great Luna. Thanks!”

“No problem my apprentice. It was worth the bits.” I raised an eyebrow.

“How much did this cost you?”

“Quite a bit on bits but I also have a lot. A thousand years of not spending any and sister did not revoke my stipend leads to quite a bit on bits. Bit seeing you enjoy the suit gives me greater joy then those bits ever could.” I smiled at her.

“Well thanks Luna.”

“Any time my dear friend.”  Things were looking bright as Luna's stars.