So far Equestria's is moving along just find. So why is Rainbow Dash constantly looking over her shoulder? Why is she suddenly afraid the shadows are going to come and get her? That's crazy! Right?
Rainbow Dash is fearless! Everypony knows that! But she suddenly gets a creepy feeling she being watched. She starts seeing things in the shadows; in the dark. Her minds playing tricks on her. That explains it! But then what explains the creepy hooded pony who seems to be following her, and the fact that Celestia is more jumpy then usual. Or the fact that she has nightmares every night about a colt who keeps giving her answers, but leaving her with more questions.
Note: In this series, some events that took place in the show, don't take place in this fanfiction. Therefore, some things are different from the TV show. Also, the cover image was created by me, using some images off the internet and the website picmonkey.
A special thanks to my editor and assistant, Shade Av-Dragen!
"Finally", the smoke spoke in a raspy voice," The time has come. Soon my power will return, and Equestria will see what true power is."
The smoke heard a distant voice. She whipped around in the darkness, trying to hear the voice better. Why yes, it was Rainbow Dash. Such a sweet child. The smoke used what little bit of magic she had, and opened up a small view. Rainbow Dash was talking to her turtle Tank; laughing. The smoke use to be fond of laughter as well. When she too has happy and carefree. But thousands of years ago, and those days are gone now. The smoke heard another voice far out in the distance. This voice was different. It was full of wisdom and sound quite mature. It made her coil.
"Celestia", she hissed.
She open another view that reveal Celestia, using her small free time to take a nap. After all, she has been up all night. She talking to Luna. Something about the Galloping Gala arriving soon. Celestia talked about a year of peace finally upon them. The smoke gave a look that, if possible, would indeed kill. She couldn't let Celestia feel safe. It is easier to attack ponies when they're scared. The mind would be clouded with too much fear to think straight. She use what little magic she had left to whisper something to Celestia. She made connection with Celestia's mind.
"Hi Celestia", the smoke whispered," remember me."
Celestia donned a look of horror.
"I am tearing down that wall work so hard to keep up", the smoke said mockingly," And when I return, I'm taking what is rightfully mine."
Before Celestia say anything back the connection broke. Even if the smoke wasn't done speaking the connection would still break. She only hold the link for so long. But it was okay. She done her job. Now she had to hope her children and followers kept their end of the bargain. Her children were very important to her. Everypony called them monsters. She couldn't bare to see them out there all alone in the cold. So she called them to her. Told them of a plan that will give them a place to live. A place where they would not to feel like monsters. The smoke followers were ponies who weren't scared of her magic or scared of her. The would do anything for her. Even die. Although she not ask them to do that. They are too loyal for that.
She shut the view of Celestia and went back to looking at Rainbow Dash. The smoke didn't know exactly what will be the first thing she would do when she claimed the throne. Guess she'll haunt all the ones she hated for so long with nightmares. She gave a sly smile. After all, she is Nightmare Moon. ***
It was probably around 10:00 A.M., when Rainbow Dash picked up the latest Daring Do book. Today had been planned out very carefully. She was going to read her book, drink her chocolate milkshake, and do absolutely nothing. Nothing could interfere with this day.
Knock, knock, knock
Of course. Rainbow Dash let out a sigh. She jumped out of her bed and walked towards the door. As soon as she opened it, a freaked-out Twilight Sparkle immediately began to talk all at once.
Rainbow Dash only had enough time to blink before she was teleported from her home to Canterlot Castle. She gazed around the room and saw that her friends were also dragged here by Twilight. Fluttershy was rubbing sleep from her eyes, Pinkie Pie was holding a spoon probably because she was having breakfast at the time, Applejack's hat was nowhere to be seen, and Rarity was still wearing her robe. Rainbow Dash frowned. At least Rarity's mane was brushed.
"Good, you came as quickly as possible"
Rainbow Dash turned around and saw Princess Celestia. Celestia's mane seem matted and she looked as if she hadn't slept for days. She watched the windows carefully as if somepony might be spying on them. She turned back to them.
"I fear that something is just around the corner. That an unwanted presence is closing in."
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow. What was she talking about?
Celestia twisted around took off down the hall. She stopped and motioned for them to follow. Rainbow stood there, wondering what Celestia was so worried about. It took her a moment to realize that her friends were leaving her behind. She ran after them, sliding across the floor, just barely missing each twist and turn they took. She finally came to a room that seem sorta old. It was covered in dust and a faded tapestry of two alicorns was hung on the wall before them. One of the alicorns was white with a golden mane and a set of golden eyes. She was wielding six stones, quite similar to the elements of harmony. The other was black with a dark blue mane and was wearing dark blue armor. She had sea-green eyes. Rainbow Dash looked over at Twilight, who seemed to show a great deal of interest in the artwork.
Rainbow Dash jumped at the sound of a thud. She turned around and saw that Princess Celestia had dropped an assortment of different scrolls onto the table. Some seemed that they were recently made and other seemed as if they were practically ancient.
"Here are some scrolls I would like for you to read", Celestia said," But before that, I would like to explained something first. I been keeping a secret from you."
What secret?
"In fact been keeping it a secret from everypony. Nopony knows except a select few who promised to keep it a secret. There are a set of walls. And beyond this set of walls are many, many dangers. I tried to keep them out, but now the walls are crumbling. They are falling. And I am afraid...", She took a deep breath. "I am afraid that Nightmare Moon is returning."
Everypony gasped. Rarity fainted. Rainbow Dash immediately rejected this craziness.
"What", Rainbow Dash yelled," That is impossible! We defeated her!"
"Yeah", Applejack said in agreement.
"Actually", Twilight began," we freed Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon's grasp, but we never defeated Nightmare Moon herself."
Celestia nodded," I just need an explanation. I also been having strange nightmares lately."
Rainbow Dash wanted to go home, but Twilight was eating this stuff up." I'm guessing we're here to research."
Nope! "Peace guys", Rainbow Dash quickly said," As you should know I suck at research, and I get very... ummm... distracted. Yeah. Distracted."
Twilight gave her a look, but before she could say anything, Rainbow Dash was out in a flash! Rainbow made back to her cloud home in no time. Now time for a nap! Rainbow Dash snuggle deep into the covers and welcomed the darkness.
***
Cold. She felt cold. Why was she cold? She opened her eyes and there she was. Rainbow Dash was in complete darkness. Well, crap! What kind of dream is this! She sighed.
"Wait", Rainbow Dash said out load," How do I wake up?"
"Rainbow Dash."
"Who's there!"
"Walls."
Rainbow Dash cocked her head. "What?"
"Walls falling. Darkness returning. Power rising."
"Ummmm-"
"Castle of Two Sisters. Dungeon. Secret."
"Again, who's there."
"Loss family. Loss heir. Heir of Darkness."
Rainbow Dash was mad, irritated, and annoyed!
"WHO THE HECK IS THIS AND WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!!"
"Secret."
***
Rainbow Dash woke up in her bed. She looked the clock. 6:30. Outside her window the sun was rising. She slept for an entire day! But how? That dream seemed pretty short. Oh well, better get ready for practice while I am up. She slipped her Wonderbolts uniform on flew out the door. Her flight was pretty long and boring. She yawned. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a dark figure. She stopped and turned around for a better look. The pony was gone, or at least she thought it was a pony. She looked around in the clouds for a moment or two before she confirmed that the pony was gone. She shook her head. Stop being ridiculous. Your brain is playing tricks on you.
She landed onto the runway and trotted over to Spitfire. Spitfire gave her a friendly wave and a worried smile. That's not good. She called three other Wonderbolts she didn't know.
" Celestia assigned us with a mission. We must go to the wall," Spitfire said.
"There's a wall", Soarin asked?
Spitfire shrugged," Apparently so."
Spitfire gave the signal, and everypony took flight. Rainbow Dash followed Spitfire down to the train station. Rainbow Dash landed on the smooth, wooden surface. The train appeared to be almost completely empty except for the engineer, couple of passengers, and the conductor. Rainbow Dash try not to question Spitfire, but her curiosity got the best of her.
"Spitfire",she finally ask," Why are we heading to the train station?"
"The Wall is too faraway to fly there. So were taking the train", Spitfire answer.
Rainbow Dash hopped on the train and took a seat which just happened to be next to Soarin, and behind Spitfire and Fleetfoot. Not really. Totally on purpose! The train pulled out and Rainbow Dash didn't know what for happened the first part of the train ride beside everypony passing around snacks every now and then. She actually hadn't been paying attention until Soarin started to elbow her.
"Hey, Dash", he called.
"Huh"
"What's your family like", Fleetfoot asked. Her and Spitfire turned around in her chair facing Rainbow Dash. She could felt the stares of the other three Wonderbolts behind her.
"Oh", Rainbow Dash quickly said," Well my dad is a stay-at-home dad, and my mom works as a waitress. I two brothers, Wisp and Hope, and we're triplets. I also have three younger siblings, Colby, Shadow, and Lighting Bolt, who are also triplets."
"Wow", Spitfire said," That a lot of ponies."
Rainbow Dash nodded.
Spitfire let out a sigh," My dad was all about the Wonderbolts."
"My dad told stories", Rainbow Dash said with a widening grin," About ponies who rode on dragons, and princesses who were also knights.
"That's interesting", Fleetfoot said.
"We're here", Spitfire said.
Everypony jumped off the train. Immediately Rainbow Dash notice that the sun was setting. It just peaked out behind the mountains.
"We better hurry", Soarin said.
Rainbow Dash twisted her head around and looked at him.
"Sun setting", Soarin said pointing at the horizon.
"Well let's get going", one of Wonderbolts said running towards the woods ahead of them. His black mane with blue highlights stood out against his pale yellow colt.
"Be careful Dark Meadow.", Spitfire called out, following him," You don't know what's in there."
"I know what's in there. Nature. And I hate nature.", said a mint green mare with a yellow mane.
"Oh come one Painted Wind. You paint pictures of woods and wild life all the time", the third one said. Her silver and pink braid laid gently against her black body.
"But Silverlining, you don't have to be in the forest to paint the forest", Painted Wind whine.
"Come on", Fleetfoot said ushering them into the woods," Don't got all day."
15 minutes later, Rainbow Dash was hungry, tired and miserable. Too tired to watch her hooves that is. She tripped over a root and began tumble down hill.
"Rainbow Dash", Soarin cried.
Rainbow Dash kept tumbling through underbrush until she hit something. Hard. She yelped in pain. Now with a huge headache, Rainbow Dash identified the thing she hit as the Wall.
"Found it!",Rainbow Dash yelled as the Wonderbolts came running out of the woods.
"Actually we found it first", a voice said.
Rainbow Dash looked up to find something she only saw once. Something she never thought she would see again. Something she hope to never see again. What stood before her was group of ponies she knew as the Shadowbolts. The mare in the front gave her wicked smile.
Even though Rainbow Dash knew that they were Shadowbolts, she didn't know who they were. Like, there was seven of them and none of them look like the Shadowbolts she met in the Everfree Forest. They all gave Rainbow Dash a sickening grin, and they all looked almost exactly the same. All of their coats and manes were dark, but their eyes were bright.
"You know", the mare standing in the front said," We are really honored to come face to face with Spitfire and The Element of Loyalty." Her coat was dark grey, and her pitch black mane's silver tips shimmered in the light of the rising moon. Her eyes was blood red, and her coat was a grey that almost looked black. For some reason, she stood out the most to Rainbow Dash. Maybe she's the leader. "Aren't we guys", she addressed her group. They all murmured in agreement. Spitfire was the first to speak to them.
"Who are you and what do you want?"
"Who are we", mare repeated," Let's just put it this way. We're your worst nightmare."
"I don't like the sound of that", Soarin said backing away.
"Me neither", cried Dark Meadow," I am outta here!"
Rainbow Dash watched as one of the stallions disappeared to back of the group, and reappeared in front Dark Meadow. How he did he do that! Dark Meadow tried every way possible to slip past, but the stallion had him block. Rainbow Dash knew there was no getting past that stallion. He was bigger,and appeared to be stronger. In fact, all of Shadowbolts seemed that way. Finally, Dark Meadow walked slowly back to them. Rainbow Dash could tell that he was terrified.
"So any last words before we take you all out", their leader said with a hissed.
Rainbow Dash saw Spitfire shaking, but her voice remain calm when she replied.
"Fine", their leader said with a sly smile," We are the Shadowbolts, and we are here to take over Equestria."
Horror was the only thing Rainbow Dash could feel. And then a couple second later after she heard the word attack, all she could feel was pain. Rainbow Dash felt a throbbing pain in her head and it shot down through out her spine. Rainbow Dash got up as fast as she could only to be struck again in the jaw. She open her eyes and looked up to see the leader smiling down on her. The leader had grip on Rainbow Dash's uniform, and jerked her upwards. Luckily, Rainbow Dash was quick enough to kick her in the stomach, sending tumbling over backwards. This also made her let go of Rainbow Dash. Unluckily, Rainbow Dash only crawled a few feet away before she was pulled backwards by her tail. Rainbow Dash felt the leader jump on top of her, and stuck some blade into her. Rainbow Dash screamed in pain. Suddenly, the weight that was her was gone. She looked up to see the leader being flung into a tree. By a black figure.
"Moonlit Mist", cried a Shadowbolt mare who was on top of Spitfire. While the mare was distracted, Spitfire flung her off. The black figure ran out of woods and back into the woods; over and over. Each time, it slammed another Shadowbolt into the ground.
"Quick, retreat", Moonlit Mist cried. She looked directly at Rainbow Dash. "We will be back."
The Shadowbolts ran off, disappearing into the darkness. Rainbow Dash looked around for the black figure, but it gone.
"I thank whoever that was who saved us", Silverlining said panting.
"Yeah, well I'm not sticking around to see if it changes it's mind", Dark Meadow yelled, already fleeing into the woods.
Rainbow Dash took the blade that was in her right foreleg. It was a dagger. A very pretty dagger with a strange patterns and shapes on the blade. She couldn't explain it, but there was a type of strange sensation when she touched it. Spitfire called out to her, interrupting her thoughts. She stood up and ran after everypony, not wanted to get left behind. When Spitfire saw the dagger, she asked for it. So, Rainbow Dash gave it to her. Rainbow Dash didn't know why Spitfire wanted the dagger, but she decided not to question her. 7 or 8 minutes later, which was about half the time it took to get to the wall, they made it to the railroad. Unfortunately, there was something missing.
"WHERE IS THE TRAIN", Painted Wind yelled.
"Where are we suppose to do now", Soarin groaned," We all obviously need to go to the hospital."
Rainbow Dash glanced down the railroad. Why did this place seem awfully familiar? Then she saw it. An old wooded sign with intricate patterns and ivy all over it. Even though it was faraway, she knew for sure it had Welcome To Shadowfalls written across it.
"Follow me", Rainbow Dash said," I know where to go."
***
"Ms. Dash, I know you said you knew where you were going, but are you 100% sure", Painted Wind asked nervously.
They been walking through town for half an hour, watching houses turn into apartments. This change happened pretty quickly because Shadowfalls is small town. Rainbow Dash knew this because this was her hometown. She also knew she was mad, because this was probably the 100th time she had answered this question.
"Yes", Rainbow Dash said irritably," I know where I am going because this where I am from."
"I thought you were from Cloudsdale", Soarin said obviously confused.
"I am", Rainbow Dash quickly said," I mean I lived here before Cloudsdale. Like, this is my hometown. I was born here, and lived here until I was nine or so."
"Oooooooooohhhhhh", they all said at once.
"Yeah", Rainbow Dash said nodding.
She looked up and saw the hospital, smiling. Then, she looked at her right foreleg where the dagger was. Silverlining helped her stop the bleeding, by tying a part of her uniform she ripped off around the wound. She said she could get another uniform later. Rainbow Dash sighed. She walked in and trotted up to the desk.
"My name is Rainbow Dash, and I-"
"Say no more", the mare behind the counter said," I'm getting Felix." She got out behind the counter, and ran down the hallway.
"Who's Felix", Spitfire asked.
"He's the doctor that I see when I break something", Rainbow Dash answered.
"Interesting name", Fleetfoot commented.
Two minutes later, Felix comes running down the hall. His mane was blonde at the roots and black at the ends. He had green eyes, a white coat, and the bottom of his legs were black. Rainbow Dash knew for a fact that he had surgical tape and a scalpel for a cutie mark. He immediately grabbed Rainbow Dash by the hoof and dragged her down hall.
"Follow me", he said in a firm voice.
She could hear the Wonderbolts chasing after her.
"We been doing a lot of following lately", Dark Meadow called out to her.
Yes. Yes we have.
Before Rainbow Dash knew it, she was sitting on a hospital bed. They were all crammed into one, tiny little room. Well, it wasn't tiny, but wasn't made for seven ponies. And the number turn into eight when Felix came in. Rainbow Dash and Wonderbolts were patched up, which was good. The only bad thing was she had to sit there listening to Felix's lecture. He yells a lot when she injured. Mostly because ever since she learn how to fly, she got hurt on a daily basis. Rainbow Dash learned how to fly when she was four. Luckily for Felix, and for her, he began to work at the hospital when she was a little younger than seven. Rainbow Dash was pretty sure that ponies could here his yelling all the way in Saddle Arabia.
"How many times have said to do something safer."
"Well", Rainbow Dash said slowly," I was kinda doing my job at the time."
"Then find a safer job", Felix snapped at her.
Rainbow Dash jumped back. It startle her but she wasn't surprised he did this. It was one of those things where you didn't know when it was coming, but you knew it was coming. Felix sighed, pressing his hoof against his forehead, and then he began ranting again.
"Rainbow Dash", he said," You broke and sprang your wings about six times by the time you were eight. You know how bad that is?"
"Bad", she halfway said, halfway asked.
"Yeah that's bad", Felix said rising his voice," And that's not counting leg injuries, head injuries, and time you got your head stuck in a metal fence!"
Everypony burst out laughing. She let out a heavy sigh. She remembered that. Long story short, she was flying really fast, wasn't watching where she was going, and somehow manged to lodge her head in between the bars of a metal fence. The hero of that day was lots and lots of butter. Her mother rushed her the hospital, and then smothered her with love. She still heard the others laughing until Felix jumped all over them.
"What are you laughing about", he asked looking at each and every one of them," Because you were with her when see got injured, you will be dealing with something I don't have to! Her mother!"
This shut them all up real quick, but snapped Rainbow Dash out of her silent shame.
"What", she cried.
Felix nodded and said," I'm getting your parents."
"Uuuuuuuggggggghhhhh", Rainbow Dash cried.
She knew how her mom got. She plopped backward onto the hospital bed. Great. She was prepared to be humiliated, and to have the Wonderbolts pee themselves.
***
"So, which one of you idiots put my daughter's life risk", Rainbow Dash's mother said, glaring daggers at them.
Rainbow Dash looked a lot like her mom. The both had a cyan coat and magenta eyes. The only difference was that Rainbow Dash had a rainbow mane. Her mothers mane was light blue and dark blue at the tips. And her mane was also put up in a spiky bun. She also had three rain drops on her flank. Usually, her mom can keep a cool head. Usually. But that wasn't happening today. Rainbow Dash could tell that the Wonderbolts were trying so hard not to pee themselves. Rainbow Dash didn't know for certain how everypony felt about her mom, but personally, she thought her mom was pretty scary when she was angry. Rainbow Dash winced as her mom began to yelled at them about being idiots, and how they were terrible at their own job. To focus on something else, Rainbow Dash looked up at her dad.
Her dad didn't look much like her. He had a purplish, grey coat with piercing yellow eyes. His cutie mark was a white ball with three streaks coming out of it; one red, yellow, and blue. What they did have in common was their rainbow mane. All of her siblings, her dad, and herself of course, have something rainbow about their mane. Weather it's the entire mane or just a small portion of it, it was there. Her dad also had a calmness about him. She couldn't remember last time he yelled. That why looking at him made her feel better. He was always reasonable, always caring, but was never a pushover. You couldn't guilt trip him, or make him feel bad. That what she admired about him. He was almost perfect balance, but he wasn't completely perfect. Her dad was keeping something from her. Her mom was in on it too, but Rainbow Dash could never could figure it out. So, she didn't think about it much. The one thing she got from both her parents was wings. Her entire family was made up of Pegasi.
"Rainbow Dash", her mom called her to attention.
"Yes", Rainbow Dash answer.
"Your friends can stay at our house until morning. If the want to stay any longer, they're sleeping in the shed. Let's go home."
Rainbow Dash nodded. Her mom was very strict about strangers coming into the house. The fact that Rainbow Dash knows them is the only reason why their allow to stay one night in house. Probably, after that one night, they won't be able to step one hoof in the house again. Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts followed Rainbow Dash's parents down the streets, making another long trip back to the suburbs. Finally, the made it to her house. A house that was a soft blue, and had a black roof. It's huge for one pony, but decent for eight. Well, her and her brother Hope moved out already. Wisp didn't leave because he was thinking about moving to Ponyville, and was saving up for it.
Rainbow Dash stepped inside and immediately felt the need for sleep over come her. She would've hit the floor her dad hadn't be right behind and caught her. Her dad lifted her up into his forelegs, and began to hover slightly off the ground. Rainbow Dash try to fight sleep, but it was useless. Her eye lid closed, and the last thing she could remember was the smell of earth and some type of flower.
Rainbow Dash open her eyes. She was in a forest. Yup, she thought, totally a dream. She gazed across the...... strange forest. The bark of the trees were completely black, and the leaves were a dark green. There was an abundance of plants that were black or dark grey. They mostly blend into their surroundings except they had patches of bright colors in complex patterns. She looked up and saw a full moon way up into the sky. Suddenly, she heard something rustling in the bushes
"Hello", she called out," Who's there?"
A young colt stood up out the bushes. His coat was dark grey, and his mane was light grey. His mane also appeared kind of smokey. The young colt had small portion of his mane that was rainbow. What surprised Rainbow Dash the most was that the colt was an alicorn. The colt looked her straight in the eye. His emotions were unreadable.
"Who are you", Rainbow Dash asked calmly, glad he wasn't a terrifying monster.
"Smoke", he said.
Their was something about his voice. Something familiar. Then it hit her. She knew who he was.
"You're that colt from my last dream!"
"Secret", Smoke whispered. He took off into the forest, not even looking back.
"Hey", Rainbow Dash yelled after him, but another voice caught her attention.
"Rainbow Dash", the voice called.
Before Rainbow Dash knew it she was plunged into darkness.
***
Rainbow Dash cracked her eyes open. Her nose was instantly flooded with a smell; earth and some type of flower. She looked up at her dad who was smiling down at her. Rainbow Dash could never pinpoint exactly what the flower was. She did know it had a sweet, smokey smell to it. She also knew it was flower for sure because it had that flowery smell to it. She let out a yawned.
"Were you having a dream", her dad asked.
"Yeah", Rainbow Dash answered. Rainbow Dash cocked her head in curiosity," How did you know?"
"You were muttering something while you were sleeping", he simply replied.
Rainbow Dash looked around the room she was in. It was her old room, and everything was where she left. The see-through blue curtains were closed tightly to keep the sunlight out. The walls were covered in Wonderbolt posters. There was a little table that had little knickknacks on it. A microscope, a trophy from flight camp, and it had a chaotic pile of comic books and novels. The one thing she didn't like telling anypony was that she loved reading. Love reading such as learning history. Rainbow Dash love learning how thing became the way they are now. She never told anypony because the fact that she love reading kinda made her feel like a nerd. Especially because of a certain group of bullies.
"Wanna come down for breakfast", he asked gently.
"Yeah, be down in a second", Rainbow Dash said smiling.
As soon as her dad left, Rainbow Dash jumped up out of bed. She went to the bathroom to splash some water on her face. Just to refresh herself. Rainbow Dash looked into the mirror. She saw herself, slightly bruised and one forelegs wrapped in gauze. Then for a split second, she saw a young, bright eye filly with two braids down her back. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but grin. Her memories of her childhood were bliss. Before Rainbow Dash knew what she was doing, her hair was in two long braids. The braids kind of looked okay on her. In fact, they looked great on her. Rainbow Dash exited the bathroom, and began to go down stairs when she heard her little brother Lightening Bolt.
"So you're really the captain of the Wonderbolts?!"
"Yep", Spitfire replied proudly. Rainbow Dash walked into the kitchen, and began to help herself to a stack of pancakes. Her entire family was there. Her brothers Hope, Wisp, Lighting, and Colby, along with her sister Shadow was sitting at the table. Both her parents were just starting to make their plates. She continued to listen to Lightening and Spitfire's conversation.
"What's it like being the captain", Lighting asked excitedly.
"A lot of work, but it's a great honor", Spitfire said happily.
Lighting was a light brown colt with a rainbow mane and tail that turn into a dark brown around the edges. He had electric blue eyes, and a camera with a blue lightening bolt on the side for a cutie mark. As soon as Rainbow Dash sat down, Lightening jumped into her lap, and began to attack her questions.
"Dashie, Dashie! I missed you so much! Where have you been?"
Rainbow Dash laughed," Whoa Lighting I missed you too!"
Lighting looked at Rainbow Dash's wound," Are you okay?" . Soarin opened his mouth to say something, but Rainbow Dash quickly stopped him.
"It's was just an accident. Nothing to worry about!"
Lighting's ears perked up. Soarin gave her an odd look, but Rainbow Dash ignored him. Everything was going smoothly so far. Her parents hadn't brought up anything embarrassing. Her siblings hadn't shared anything personal. Everything was great!
"So, when did Dash get her head stuck in metal fence", Soarin asked slyly.
Everything was awful!
"Oh", Hope cried with pure joy. Hope was a canary yellow stallion with a rainbow mane, which the back was smoothed down. He also was gifted with a pair of emerald eyes, and tri-colored flame cutie mark, similar to Rainbow Dash's. "It was most hilarious thing of the century! Me and Dash were racing each other! She thought she could out fly me but, as if the universe were granting my wish, she went smack! Right into Jewlie's fence!"
"I beat Shadow in a race once", Lighting said, attempting to change the topic.
"You cheated", Shadow shouted, pointing an accusing hoof at Lightening. Shadow was a turquoise filly with a mane that was half rainbow, half black. She had turquoise eyes and a needle and thread for a cutie mark.
"Really, how", Lighting asked.
"I don't know! Magic! Pony aren't supposed to grow three inches overnight!"
Even though Shadow was being a little over dramatic, Lighting was tall for a colt his age. All her younger siblings were about the same age as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and the CMC's would probably be two-thirds his size.
"Your just jealous", he shouted back at her.
"If anypony should be jealous, it should be me", Colby said quite sadly.
Colby was a white colt with an orange mane that had a small portion of it rainbow. He had the same emerald eyes as Hope, and a color pencil drawing a scribble as a cutie mark. Colby, unlike Lighting, was a short for his age. When ponies said he was short, he took this very personally. Rainbow Dash gave Colby a soft smile. She didn't like seeing him sad.
"Hey Dash, what with the braids",Fleetfoot asked.
"Oh, they-"
"She likes putting her hair in braids", Wisp said.
This shocked Rainbow Dash. Wisp doesn't like to talk to strangers. Wisp was white with a rainbow mane. The back of his mane stuck straight up. He had bright yellow orbs for eyes. There was no pupil. The doctors thought he was blind at first, but he could see just find. Then Wisp shared a very important secret with Rainbow Dash. He claimed he could see little, faint orbs inside of ponies. At first she thought he was making it up, but then he grew very serious about it. Sometimes, she wished she could see what he saw. At first they all stared at Wisp strangely; a treatment he got a lot.
Silverlining stood up and announced," I going to see if the train's here."
She went to leave, but Rainbow Dash's dad called out," Don't bother." Silverlining turn around and gave him a strange look.
Rainbow Dash's dad began to explain himself," Train shows up every three days. So unless you plan on walking home, better get comfortable."
"Crap", Soarin said.
Crap. Crap indeed, Rainbow Dash thought to herself. She knew exactly what was going to happen next. Her mother stood up went directly to the bookshelf. Spitfire looked up at Rainbow Dash's dad and smiled.
"Thank you so much Mr.-", but Spitfire was interrupted by her dad's laughing.
"Just call me Thunder Dash", he said with a smile," My wife's Raindrop."
"Ah, here it is", Mom called out.
"Nooooooo", Rainbow Dash groaned.
"Now Rainbow Dash, let's see friends think of your baby photos", Mom cried with triumph.
"Why Mom, why?!"
"Blame my mother", Mom said smiling," She said when I had kids, I could torture them. Now, this photo of Rainbow Dash when she was born."
"Awwww", Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot whispered in harmony.
"Let me see."
"I wanna see."
"She's adorable."
"I just wanna hold a baby Dashie now."
Rainbow Dash didn't know who was saying what, and frankly, she didn't care. She just felt every ounce of self respect had, every strip of dignity, wash away. She was sure she was going to die right on the spot. She knew her face was turning red. This can not be happening. This just can't. Rainbow Dash ran out of there as fast as her legs could carry her. She found herself in her room; crying. It wasn't because of her mom. This had happened to her before, and it hadn't bothered her. It was because of those stupid bullies! They picked on her so much she actually became ashamed of who she was. Cloudsdale sent her into shock. Like being dumped into a freezing lake kind of shock. They were her first bullies, and they made feel downright terrible. Now, she's living a double life. The real her and the one everypony just likes. There some things that are real, like her sarcastic humor, or her loyalty to others. But Rainbow Dash, the bragging, boundless, cool, awesome pony, was just traits she took from her friends and her brother, Hope. Rainbow Dash, best flyer in all of Equestria, was made up. Not real. Rainbow Dash, the history interested, chemistry loving, flying obsessed pony, was real. All in all, she was nopony. And she cried.
She felt better after crying. Rainbow Dash didn't know why, but crying always helped.
That's right. Get out of your system.
Rainbow Dash almost jumped right out of her skin. She didn't know what just happen, but that wasn't her thoughts.
"Who's there", Rainbow Dash asked out loud.
Just think the sentence in your head, don't say it out loud. Ponies will think your crazy.
Who's there?
Better. I'm a friend. My name is Smoke. I can help. But not right now.
Smoke! I know you! Tell me what's going on!
Nothing. He was gone. Rainbow Dash knew she was going crazy at this point. She ran to the bathroom to splashed water onto her face, and began to reach blindly for a towel. She looked up a the mirror, and to her horror she saw her refection was beat up, cut up, and looked half starved. She stumbled backward, into the tub pulling the shower curtains on top of herself. Rainbow Dash looked around frantically.
"Rainbow Dash", she heard Dad yell.
Her vision slowly grew black around the edges. She felt hot and dizzy. Rainbow Dash swear she saw Smoke standing in front of her.
You will be fine.
I highly doubt that," Rainbow dash whispered, as the darkness swallowed her whole.
Those were the sounds that Rainbow Dash heard just moments before opening her eyes. She shivered. She never understood why the hospital was so cold. Rainbow Dash sat up to get a better look at her surroundings. White walls and bright lights. Common. Rainbow Dash tried to stand up, but then she heard voices.
"Well Felix, what's wrong with her!"
Mom, she thought.
"I don't know. Some mysterious sickness."
Felix.
"Rainbow Dash gonna be alright."
Lighting.
"Of course."
Dad.
"I really hope she's okay."
Spitfire.
Rainbow Dash stood up, and began to slowly make her way to the door. She cracked the door open. Her family was there, so was Spitfire. Rainbow Dash stood there watched them for a moment, then she began to return to her bed. As soon as she looked at her bed, a shiver went down her spine. Rainbow Dash was still in bed.
But how?!
She turn back around and a young colt stood in front of her. Mane, tail, and coat was almost completely black, except for a strip of rainbow. He was also an Alicorn.
"Run Rainbow Dash, run", he cried.
Rainbow Dash looked up and saw a black wave coming straight for her. She couldn't help it. She froze. And the wave slammed down on top of her.
***
Rainbow Dash jerked up, almost falling off the bed. She was in the hospital. And somepony was their with her.
"Rainbow Dash", a young stallion said kindly," It's me. Twister."
Rainbow Dash looked up and found the light brown Pegasus standing over the bed. His dark brown mane and tail with a purple tint was in it's usual unkempt hairdo, sticking up every which way. His cutie mark was a tornado. He had grey eyes, but they weren't stone grey eyes. They were a soft grey. A kind grey. Rainbow Dash smiled up at him.
"Hello Twister", she whispered.
"Hello Dashie", Twister replied in the quite tone.
Rainbow Dash immediately try to get out of the bed, but Twister stopped her. She gave him a very confused look.
"You're sick", Twister whispered. He suddenly grew very serious," They don't know what's wrong with you."
Rainbow Dash let out a whimper. That was something you didn't want to wake up hearing. To comfort her, Twister sat her up and wrapped his wing around her. Twister's wing felt more like a blanket; covering almost every part of her. His wings were much bigger than normal Pegasi. Rainbow Dash was pretty sure his wings were as big as Celestia's. So how, he manages to compact them when he folds them up, making them smaller then they really were. This baffled Rainbow Dash. She could never figured out how he did it.
"So what now", Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
"You go back to Ponyville", Twister said,keeping a quiet manner," But I'm coming with you. The doctors wanna make sure that you don't overwork yourself."
"What about my family?!"
Rainbow Dash just saw them, she didn't want to leave them right away.
"Don't worry. You know how the next Grand Galloping Gala is coming up", Twister said while a huge grin spread across his face.
Rainbow Dash nodded.
"Well, they're going. In fact, all your friends and family are going!"
"Really", Rainbow Dash asked excitedly.
"Really", Twister confirmed.
A smile spread across her face. The Grand Galloping Gala was in three days. Three days! That wasn't long at all. Rainbow Dash couldn't wait! Then sudden sorrow filled her heart. Before she could see her family again she had to leave them first. She wasn't quiet ready to leave them, not yet anyways. Rainbow Dash waved Twister over to help her off the bed. She trotted out of the hospital with Twister by her side.
They made the journey down to the train station. Everypony said there good byes, but one certain light brown colt was crying. Lightning. He wasn't Rainbow Dash favorite sibling, because she loved all her siblings equally. Although, at the same time she hang out lot with Lightning, and Lightning looked up to her. Kind of like Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash lean down gave Lightning a hug. She felt like she was gonna start crying too. Shadow had a very displeased look on her face
"For Celestia sake, go with her", Shadow blurted out.
"Really", Lighting asked sniffling. He looked up at Mom and Dad for permission. Dad looked up at Mom.
"It will only be three days", Dad pouted, trying to win Rainbow Dash's mother over. He was cool like that.
"Fine", mom said with a exasperated sigh," But after the Gala is over you're coming straight home!"
"Yay", Lightening cried, extremely thrilled with this idea.
"See you soon Dashie", her Dad said gleefully.
"Bye", Rainbow Dash responded, trying to old back her tears. She hadn't seen her family in so long. She was probably a tad younger than Scootaloo when she first went to Flight School. The first year, her dad move into an apartment in Cloudsdale she could go, but the cost was too much for her family to handle. So, they sent Rainbow Dash to go live with a good friend of theirs, since their friend was moving to Cloudsdale. At first, she visited them every time she got the chance, but as Rainbow Dash got older, her job and being the Element of Loyalty took up most of her time. Now that she was a Wonderbolt, almost all her time was taken up. Rainbow Dash slumped down into her seat.
"So how long I been out", she asked.
Twister was about to answer, but another voice interrupted him.
"A couple hours or so", Soarin answered. He was sitting right in front of her.
"But how", Rainbow Dash puzzled," Train shouldn't be back until three more days."
"Your friend managed to get the train to come early", Spitfire replied. She stopped and gave Twister a questioning look," Never caught your name."
"Twister. I just wanted to help. It was nothing", Twister said modestly.
"Well, it was a very helpful nothing", Spitfire declared," Thank you."
"Yup", Lightening said, nodding his head vigorously.
Rainbow Dash peered out the window, running over what's happened so far. The wall, the dark figure, the sickness... Smoke. It's all been a little scary for her. Rainbow Dash wished she could close her eyes and forget everything. Hopefully, things will only get better.
Hopefully.
***
Rainbow Dash, Twister, and Lightening flew up to her cloud home. The Wonderbolts left to go home, but, to Rainbow Dash dismay, Spitfire said Rainbow Dash should take a day off. Rainbow Dash open the door, inviting her guest inside. She curled up on her couch, while Twister placed his suitcase under the coffee table that sat in front the couch. Lightening jumped around, trying to take everything in at once. Then, Lightening spotted Tank hanging out on the floor.
"Is that your pet", Lightening asked.
"Yes. His name is Tank. He's a tortoise", Rainbow Dash answered.
"He's cool", Lightening said picking Tank up.
"Be gentle with him", Rainbow Dash cautioned.
"Okay."
"So", Twister began", Will I be sleeping on the couch?"
Rainbow Dash gave a sad smile," Sorry, I just don't have any other place for you to sleep."
"It's okay", Twister said with a wide smile," If I have to, I sleep on the floor. Clouds are naturally soft anyway."
Rainbow Dash could help, but let a snicker escape. Rainbow Dash got up and headed for the room. She grabbed a pillow and a blanket for Twister, and caught Lightening in the kitchen. Lightening was feeding Tank a strawberry that he got from the fridge.
"Hey, it's getting late kiddo", Rainbow Dash warned.
"Okay", Lightening said in defeat.
Rainbow Dash gave Twister the pillow and blanket, and ushered Lightening in her bedroom. She laid Tank down on a pillow beside the bed. Rainbow Dash worried a little that Tank might get squished, now that there are two ponies sleeping in the bed. She watched her brother chest rise and fall, slowly became rhythmic. Rainbow Dash reached out, touching his coat. Brushing Lightening's mane out of his face. After a while, she began to get drowsy. Rainbow Dash snuggled her face into Lightening's side, feeling happy to have her brother. Feeling happy not to be so alone in her home anymore.
Feeling like her home was finally home.
***
Rainbow Dash was just standing there in the darkness when a voice rang out.
"Hello?"
Rainbow Dash looked around to find the source of the voice. A colt perhaps, but nopony was there. She tried to answer, but another colt replied instead, and they each went back and forth between each other.
"Go away!"
"I just want to help."
"Nopony wants your stupid help!" . "But you're so lonely."
"Thanks to you, I am!"
"Lunimist, you can't hide forever."
"I know Moonstone, but can't run forever either."
"We need help."
"Yeah, but who?"
Rainbow Dash wondered about these colts. What was going on? Suddenly, the smell of smoke filled her nose. But, it didn't smell like wood burning, it smelled like toast. Toast?
***
"Lightening, what are you doing?!"
Rainbow Dash be aroused by Twister's frantic cry. She got up and went to kitchen. To her surprise, more or less, the room was filled with smoke. Lightening was leaning over the toaster, with two black pieces of... toast?
"Must be Monday", Lightening said with a shrug," I always burn toast on Mondays."
Twister raised his eyebrow. Rainbow Dash just shook her head.
"Hey, why don't we grab a bite at Sugar Cube Corner", Rainbow Dash suggested, trying to get Lightening away from the toaster before he burns down the cloud house.
If that was even possible.
After a short flight, the land in the middle of Ponyville. A place where it was also bustling of some type of activity. The markets were up and running, the gardens were being tended, and everypony seemed to have a smile on their face. They walked into Sugar Cube Corner, Rainbow Dash was famished. Just as they took a seat, Pinkie Pie popped up. Crap, I forgot Pinkie Pie worked her, Rainbow Dash silently scolded herself, just as Pinkie Pie let out a gigantic gasp.
"Rainbow Dash", Pinkie Pie shouted, and Rainbow Dash was sure everypony was staring at them right that second," I thought you were gone forever, and you were never, ever, ever coming back, or kidnapped, or you hurt, or you disappeared off the face of Equestria, but now you're back it is so exciting, we need a 'Rainbow Dash Hasn't Been Kidnapped And She's Back Home' party, because I missed you so, so, so, so, so much, I mean everypony has missed you, but the fact is that missed you, and you didn't tell me where you were going, and I was all alooooooone!"
Pinkie sat trying to catch her breath, while Twister was in some type of shock from Pinkie's melt down. Lightening, on the other hoof, was impressed about how Pinkie was able to say all of that in one breath.
"That was cool! How did you do that?"
"Practice", Pinkie cried proudly, some how gaining her breath back in a couple of seconds. You could spend your whole life with Pinkie Pie, but she always find a way of surprising you.
"Well Pinkie", Rainbow Dash said slowly," I went on a mission for the Wonderbolts, and we were attacked, but I am okay, except I am a little sick, so I am taking a day off from work."
"Okie-dokie-pokie", Pinkie said, obviously satisfied with Rainbow Dash's answer," Now, what would like?"
"A Chocolate-Peanut Cheesecake and three Chocolate Crème Filled Doughnuts", Rainbow Dash order. It seemed weird to eat at a sweet shop for breakfast, but the food was just that good.
"Coming right up", Pinkie sang as she hopped away behind the counter.
"That's you're... friend", Twister asked.
"Yeah", Rainbow Dash said with a laugh," She can be a little too much at times."
Twister laid a hoof across his chest," A little too much? I think she gave me a heart attack!"
Rainbow Dash busted out laughing. Twister frowned at first, but he started laughing too. Lightening was leaning over the table, looking for something... or somepony.
"When is she coming back", Lightening asked," I like her."
"I bet you do", Rainbow Dash agreed, knowing how hyper Lightening can be.
Pinkie reappeared in front of their eyes with a tray of food balancing on her head. She sat it down, and began to swarm Rainbow Dash with question.
"Rainbow Dash, where have you been? What mission did you have? Is that your little brother? Who attacked you? What is your sickness? Is it the feather flu, because if it is, I don't think you and your coltfriend should be that close to-"
Rainbow Dash began to choke on a bite of cheesecake.
"Who told you that Twister was my coltfriend", Rainbow Dash demanded. She could feel the heat in her cheeks as the word was being said again.
"Oh I don't, I just have a hunch that you like each other, so I assumed", Pinkie said.
Lightening gave a devilish smile," Twister and Rainbow Dash sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-."
Rainbow Dash quickly shoved a doughnut in his mouth.
"Well, you're wrong Pinkie! Me and Twister are not a couple!", Rainbow Dash stated firmly.
Actually, Twister and Rainbow Dash both liked each other. It was that they never got around to dating, mostly because Rainbow Dash left town.
"But, the narrator gave all those clues", Pinkie whisper to herself.
"The narr- what", Rainbow Dash asked confused.
"Nothing", Pinkie Pie said all too quickly," Bye!" Then she bolted behind the counter.
"That was very awkward and very strange", Twister said.
"Forget it", Rainbow Dash said shaking her head," Eat your doughnut."
Rainbow Dash, Twister, and Lightening made their way down the dirt path the led straight to Twilight's castle. Rainbow Dash really wanted Twister and Lightening to meet her friends, well, the rest of her friends. Running into Pinkie Pie was practically inevitable. When they enter the castle, Rainbow Dash found a little surprise waiting for her.
"Oh Rainbow Dash!"
Fluttershy ran towards her, giving Rainbow Dash a tight hug," Are you okay?"
"Yes Fluttershy, I will be once you allow me to breathe again", Rainbow Dash manage to grunt out.
When Fluttershy released her, Rainbow Dash gasped for air. So you really can be hugged to death, Rainbow Dash thought while she gazed across the room. All her friends were there... and seemed very worried.
"Pinkie Pie told us you were sick", Twilight explained.
"Pinkieeeeeeeeeeee", Rainbow Dash groaned.
"You didn't make me Pinkie Promise anything", Pinkie cried in defense.
"She also said something about a coltfriend", Twilight added.
"PINKIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE", Rainbow Dash growled through a clenched jaw.
"It slipped out", Pinkie whined.
Rainbow Dash sighed," I will start from the beginning."
After about thirty minutes of talking about what had happen on the mission to the strange wall, everypony began to get even more worried about Rainbow Dash.
"Wait, ya mean your sick", Applejack said with concern.
"And they don't what it is", Rarity gasped.
"And you been having strange nightmares", Twilight asked with interest.
"And you been attacked", Fluttershy said in a high pitched voice.
"And there was foal pictures of you", Pinkie whined.
Everypony just starred at her.
"Should of been there", Pinkie said shaking her head.
"Pinkie, you're missing the point", Twilight snapped," Rainbow Dash could be in life threating situation!"
"I know, but... the foal pictures! Rainbow Dash probably looked adorable", Pinkie pouted.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. She was terrified about what was happing to her, and if she had her way, her friends would've never found out. Rainbow Dash shifted uncomfortably, mostly cause she didn't what was going to happened to her.
"Hello, little brother forgotten down here", Lightening called out.
Rainbow Dash forgotten all about him," Sorry Lightening."
"Lightening", Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.
Applejack seemed a little mad about this," Rainbow, ya got lot of explain' to-"
"Oh will you look at the time", Rainbow Dash said nervous, ushering Twister and Lightening out the door. She knew she had to face this problem eventually, but she just now realized she wasn't ready yet.
"Rainbow, ah wasn't finished speaking", Applejack scolded, jumping in front of them," You're not going anywhere until you tell us what's goin' on 'cause ah know you ain't telling us somethin'."
Rainbow Dash faked left and went right. She faked right and left, but every way out was blocked by a very stubborn earth pony. Rainbow Dash frown. Unlike Applejack, Rainbow Dash knew when to give up, even when she was totally against it.
"Fine, I will tell about where I came from. Backstory and everything.", Rainbow Dash growled.
After another thirty minutes, the Story of Rainbow Dash had basically been told, and Rarity started to fake cry, although it seemed real.
"How c-could you not us something like t-that", Rarity sobbed.
"Rarity, you're bein' a little overdramatic, don't ya think", Applejack said giving a slight flick of her ear.
"Are you not a little upset", Rarity asked, her crying stopping her fake crying in a split second.
"Yes, ah'm a little mad, but mostly concern", Applejack said sadly," Why would you lie to us?"
"Well, I didn't mean to. Honest! I just forgot mention them for awhile, and then forgot so long it was hard to bring up", Rainbow Dash said guilty.
"But sugar cube-", Applejack try to reason.
"Well... what was I supposed to say! Hey Applejack, you need help with that apple cart! By the way I have a secret family I never told you about! Hey look, there's Twilight", Rainbow Dash yelled.
"Rainbow ah... ah'm sorry. Ah didn't realize how hard this must of been on you", Applejack said apologetically.
Rainbow Dash let out a heavy sigh," No, I'm sorry. My life is just... screwed up right now."
Rainbow Dash looked up at Twister and Lightening. Twister shifted from side to side awkwardly, while Lightening sat there with big, sad eyes, taking everything that his sister just said in.
"Can we go home now", Lightening asked.
"Yes", Rainbow Dash turn around, looking at her friends," Bye."
Rainbow Dash, Twister, and Lightening took to the air. Then Lightening asked a question that broke Rainbow Dash's heart.
"Dashie, why doesn't your friends know about me? Do not like me?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head," No Lightening, I love you. It was just misunderstanding that needed to be solved. I will explain it later, okay? It not you, and don't you ever think I don't like you."
"Okay", Lightening said, looking a little bit more happy, but Rainbow Dash could still tell he was hurt.
Twister raised his eyebrow, also wondering about the 'misunderstanding', but Rainbow Dash shook her head slightly as if to say not now. Twister seemed to get the message and looked away.
When the got home, Rainbow Dash got really tired all the sudden, like all her energy just zapped right out of her. Twister noticed this right away.
"Are you okay", Twister asked, holding Rainbow Dash up right," I think you need to get to bed."
"It's not even that late", Rainbow Dash protested.
"You're right", Twister agreed, looking at the clock that sat on the coffee table," It's 2:37 p.m., but you're tired. I can tell, and you need to rest. After all, the doctors said you need to rest and take it easy."
"Fine", Rainbow Dash groaned.
Rainbow Dash staggered to her bed, and laid there. She stared at the ceiling, feeling her eyes get heavy. Why? Why is I'm suddenly getting tired for no reason? Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, ready to face the colt who was haunting her dreams.
***
Rainbow Dash open her eyes, finding herself in a deep, dark cave. She frown at the new scenery.
"My head loves putting me in strange places."
"Actually, it's us doing this to you", a familiar voice said.
Rainbow Dash turn around, and found three colts staring at her. There was Smoke, the first colt she met when her strange dreams first started to come. The other colt was the same one from her last dream, yet to be named. The third colt had a grey coat and blood red eyes. He also shared two similar qualities with the other two colts; his rainbow mane and the fact of being an Alicorn. His rainbow mane was full and complete, like hers. While the first two were probably Scootaloo's age, the third colt was older, but not as old as Rainbow Dash. Maybe... thirteen at the most. Rainbow Dash didn't remember meeting this colt yet. Smoke was the first to speak.
"Rainbow Dash, we have met already. This my brother Fractured Light", he said pointing to the black Alicorn," And this my nephew Color Streak."
Rainbow Dash gave him a look," Ummm... aren't you a little young to have a nephew. One that's also older than you."
"Magic got involved. Made things complicated", Fracture Light replied.
Rainbow Dash shrugged," Makes sense to me."
"We need your help", Color Streak said, worriedly.
Smoke nodded," You may be worried about Nightmare Moon's return, but she isn't the real threat. The threat is that all the evil that the Elements of Harmony defeated in the past will return with a vengeance. Nightmare Moon is just a variable in that equation. You are what they are all after."
"What", Rainbow Dash yelled," Why me? What makes me special?"
"The reason why you can communicate with us. The reason why we are in your head. Because you have a power within you. A power so powerful, if in the hooves of evil, could destroy everything. You are the one that they all want. Rainbow Dash you have to be careful", Fracture Light explained.
Just as Rainbow Dash open her mouth to ask about Nightmare Moon, the cave began to shudder like there was an earthquake. Rocks began to fall from the ceiling, one almost hitting Rainbow Dash.
"What's happening", Rainbow Dash screamed over the rumbling sound.
"You're departing from the Dream Realm! You're waking up", Smoke yelled back.
"But what about Nightmare-"
Before Rainbow Dash could ask, the cave slowly grew dark. Each of the colts disappeared one by one leaving Rainbow Dash alone to face the depths of the darkness.
***
Rainbow Dash open her eyes. Twister was standing over her.
"Rainbow Dash", Twister said softly.
"What", Rainbow Dash mumbled.
"You're late Wonderbolt practice", Twister said bluntly.
"What!"
Rainbow Dash jumped up and ran to her bathroom, knocking everything over in the process. She put on her uniform and goggles.Practice didn't start until, 7:00 a.m.! I couldn't sleep that long! I couldn't be late! How I be late! Why wasn't I woken up!
"Twister, why didn't you wake me up", Rainbow Dash yelled frantically.
"I tried, but you wouldn't get up", Twister defended himself.
Rainbow Dash flew out the door, leaving Twister and Lightening at the cloud house. Rainbow Dash raced through the sky, leaving a colorful rainbow behind. She soared down to the headquarters, making a quick land on the runway. She trotted up to Spitfire, ready to apologize.
"Come on. We need you to get ready so we can practice for the show that will be preformed at the Grand Galloping Gala."
Rainbow Dash and Spitfire walked up to the others, ready to take position, but the last pony Rainbow Dash thought would arrive came. Princess Luna walked up to Spitfire and her, she donned a serious expression.
"Spitfire, I'm here to sadly inform you that the show that the Wonderbolts put on every year is cancelled."
Spitfire eyes widen," What! Why!"
Princess Luna shook her head," My sister fears of Nightmare Moon's return, and she fears for your safety. It would be a shame if you were hurt. After all, you reported that a group known as the Shadowbolts attacked you near the Wall. Perhaps, they will return with back up this time. We need you to be ready for them."
Spitfire stared in confusion," Princess Luna, shouldn't the Royal Guards be focused on that issue."
"Well, yes but it would be wise to have you keep a watchful eye as well. Besides, the Wonderbolts, at a time, were a specialize flight team that was specifically organized for aerial combat. Although, the skills were never taught to you, because over time the need for the Wonderbolts decreased, reducing you to simple stunt flyers", Princess Luna said flatly.
"Hey", Rainbow Dash said, offended.
"No offence", Princess Luna said with a shrug," Rainbow Dash I would like for you to come with me. You need meet up with your friends to discuss the matters of Nightmare Moon, but I also need to talk to you. In private."
Rainbow Dash heard murmurs and whispers break out across the Wonderbolts. She felt like a little filly, being called out in front of class. The way all fillies and colts would quietly talk about her, coming up with ideas. Rumors to spread. Lies to tell. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. Rainbow Dash followed Princess Luna, taking flight to the air. Once they were out of earshot, Princess Luna began talk something surprised Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow Dash, what dreams have you been having lately."
"Wait, what", Rainbow Dash asked startled by the question.
"I know it sounds intrusive, but I ask with concern."
"Well, nothing extremely frightening. Why?"
"As Princess of the Night, I watch over all ponies dreams. I have notice that your dreams bring you great uneasiness and stress, but I can not enter your dreams."
"I don't follow."
"I can not access your dreams, for something or somepony is keeping me out. So ask again, what dreams have you been having lately. But do answer at your own time."
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath," I been having dreams about three colts. Only one of them came into most of my dreams. The other two didn't come until later."
"Any specific names?"
"Smoke, Fracture Light, and Color Streak."
Princess Luna nodded," When we get to the castle and meet up with the others, I would like for you to give a description, then tell your friends and I every aspect of your dream. There may be something about your dreams, for it is the most peculiar set of dreams I have ever come across."
Rainbow Dash nodded as well, while a small shiver went down her back like somepony was watching.
Rainbow Dash had already given the description of the colts, and had told Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash's friends about what had happened in her dreams. Even when there was still awkwardness between them, they were terrified for her. Twilight was interested by how Rainbow Dash's dreams worked.
"So you're awake while you're dreaming."
Rainbow Dash shrugged," Yup, and I can remember every detail too."
Twilight shook her head," Sounds like a lucid dream."
Rainbow Dash couldn't shake a strange feeling," It has to be more than that. It's to vivid and it feels so real."
Twilight took out a spell book," Well, if you're correct about the dream being something more, maybe this spell can help. If you really did visit the Dream Realm, you'll go back to sleep and revisit."
"Okay", Rainbow Dash said nodding her head
"So, lay right there on that sofa", Twilight said pointing at a blue couch," and I will cast the spell when you're ready."
Rainbow Dash propped herself on the couch, staring back up at the ceiling. Got a little nervous about the spell. She worried that Twilight might mess it up. So instead, Rainbow Dash focused on the shadows. She tried making figures out of them. When Rainbow Dash was calmed, she nodded to give Twilight the signal.
"This may feel a little like a pinch", Twilight cautioned.
As Twilight's magic aura began to glow, Rainbow Dash felt a slight pull on her brain. At first, sleep didn't come. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash's eyes began to get heavy as she return to the dream world for the hundredth millionth time.
***
"Rainbow Dash, what you doing here."
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, and found Color Streak standing before her. His mane and tail was ruff and wild looking, and his wings seemed battered. He was scarred from head to hoof.
"Are you okay", Rainbow Dash asked terrified.
"I'm fine", Color Streak insisted," I may appear injured, but I'm not in pain. The Dream Realm does this sometimes. Outward appearances mean nothing here."
Rainbow Dash watched as his scars disappeared, his wings returned to perfect condition, and his mane once more became scruffy, but retained to a certain level neatness. Color Streak gave her a smug look.
"Although, you naïve ponies of this era wouldn't know that."
Rainbow Dash scowled at him, angry that Color Streak tried to belittle her, but her smile returned. After all, he did it very smoothly. Color Streak smile widen, then disappeared completely.
"Seriously though, why are you here", he asked suspiciously.
"Princess Luna found out about you and my dreams and... wait," Rainbow Dash stopped, thinking about what he said," What does 'of this era' mean, huh?"
"You know. The Age of Friendship", Color Streak said nudging her. Then after a moment or two, his smile disappeared," You don't even know what time period this would be consider."
"No, not really. We don't keep up with things like that."
"You are pathetic."
"Hey!"
Rainbow Dash's smile quickly turn into a frown. How dare he call her pathetic! But before she could say a word, her vision started growing dark. She watched as Color Streak began to say something to her before all went dark. Sadly, she couldn't hear the words.
***
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes. She sat up, rubbing her throbbing head. Geez, why didn't Twilight tell me it was going to give me a headache? Rainbow Dash stood up notice one thing that was wrong.
The room was empty.
"Hello? Twilight? Princess Luna? Somepony", Rainbow Dash called out, but nopony answered.
Rainbow Dash slid off the couch. She began to leave the room when she notice a paper on a table in the corner of the room. She picked up the paper, and read the title.
The Story of The Tamed
Rainbow Dash stared at it. Why does this title seem so familiar? She continued to read it.
Once upon a time, there was two princesses. The ruled over the land and brought peace and harmony. Princess Lucy was the younger sister. Everyday she brought forth the sun, and kept the ponies, or the Day Dwellers, happy. The elder sister, Princess Moon, brought forth the moon every night, keeping peace with the Night Dwellers. One day, Princess Lucy declared that she would take in the Night Dwellers; the creatures of the dark. The Changelings, the Werewolves, the Bat Ponies, and the Halflings. She would Tame them. It meant that she would make them civilized, like ponies. Princess Moon did not agree with this. She claimed the Tamed would only be Tamed for so long. Soon the wild in them would resurface only more terrifying. Princess Lucy insisted, so the Night Dwellers were introduced to the Day Dwellers. At first the Day Dwellers were frighten by the change, but soon grew accustomed to it. But then, as Princess Moon predicted, some of the Night Dwellers lost it. Princess Lucy was baffled by this. She later asked her sister way the Night Dwellers became this way. Princess Moon simply looked at her replied," They are ponies. They may looked different, but they are just like you and me. And sometimes, hiding what you truly are can drive a pony mad." From that day forth, the princesses allowed only the Night Dwellers to come out at night, so they could let their true self free. So could let what they really were be seen on the outside. Because in place like this, to ponies, looks only matter. And some can't see past them.
Hey, I remember this, Rainbow dash thought. This was a short version of one of the many stories her dad use to tell her. She loved this story as a filly. It made her wonder about the Night Dwellers. It made her sad, knowing that ponies didn't like the Night Dwellers' true selves. She knew how it felt, hiding who she really was. Sometimes, she felt like she couldn't do it anymore. Then fear kicked in, making her feel like there was no choice. Rainbow Dash pushed the thoughts away. She looked down at the bottom of the paper.
That is one of the stories you asked for. The others will come soon. I still do not know why you want to know about our history. It never interested you before. After all you said they were just fables; stories. Nothing more.
TD
TD? Whose TD?
Rainbow Dash put it back down. She walked to the door and cracked it open. She looked around for her friends, Princess Luna, or any guards. Left, nopony. Right, nopony. The hall was empty, and not voice could be heard. Rainbow Dash walked down the hall, passing room after room. It was as if everypony just... disappeared. Finally, she reached the throne room, but... Princess Celestia wasn't there. No guards, no Princess Luna, and no friends. She open the doors to leave the castle.
Nopony. Empty. Canterlot was abandon. It frighten Rainbow Dash.
Come Rainbow, stay sane, Rainbow Dash thought to herself. There has to be reasonable answer to this.
I know! We were attacked, cried the reasonable part of Rainbow Dash's brain cried.
Why did your friends leave you, huh, the rage part growled.
Maybe they couldn't get to you in time, Reasonable answered back.
They were in the same room, Rage yelled.
What if something happened to them, a lost voice know as Fear trickled into her mind.
Rainbow Dash began to sink to the floor as her brain began to argue with itself. She hated when this happened. There was so many voices, so many thoughts, but it only left her confused. And when this happened, there was only one way to make them stop.
"I don't know", Rainbow Dash whispered. They all became silent, not saying a single word. She stood up and continued walking down the lonely path to the train station. Hopefully, she will find the somepony who would tell her what was going on.
***
"A true, true friend helps a friend in need", sang at the top of her lungs.
She been singing every song she knew, from lullabies to songs she hadn't heard in six years. There was an eerie quiet that hung over the town. There was nopony in Canterlot, so she traveled to Ponyville. Just like before, there was nopony, but it wasn't the only thing that frighten her. There was no noise. No birds chirping, no distant chatter of ponies, and no soft call of any animals. Just Rainbow Dash's voice, the soft sound of the clopping of her hooves, and the whistling wind.
It was too much to take.
"No. No, no, no, no, no, no. This isn't real. This is not real. This is a..."
Rainbow Dash stopped.
"This is a dream", she whispered.
Suddenly, the ground broke beneath her. Rainbow Dash fell, and a scream ripped through her lungs, probably damaging her vocal cords. She felt a warm sensation from the bottom of her hooves to the tips of her ears. Then, the warm sensation felt like fire, burning through her skin and melting her insides. Her head pound as she grew dizzy. She continue screaming, praying to wake up.
***
Rainbow Dash shoot up. She was pouring sweat. Her head throbbed, and her chest felt as if a knife was slicing her lungs. After a moment, the pain eased out of her chest. Then she felt somepony place their hoof on her shoulder. Rainbow Dash turned her head around, and found Twilight standing behind her. Twilight's wings were slightly unfolded, and she wore a worried expression.
"Rainbow Dash, are you okay?"
"No. Not really", Rainbow Dash said shaking her head.
"What happened?"
"I saw one of the colts again. Color Streak. Then, I went to this place. It was Equestria, except nopony was there. It was...", Rainbow Dash paused as a shiver went down her spine," It was scary."
Twilight shook her head," I don't understand. The spell wasn't supposed to that."
"It is part of the Dream Realm."
Rainbow Dash and Twilight's looked at the doorway and found Princess Luna standing there. Princess Luna carrying a stack of papers with her magic. She walked towards a table that sat in the corner. And picked up a piece of paper, putting it in the stack with the other papers. Princess Luna looked at Rainbow Dash and Twilight, and gazed out the window.
"You must leave now. I have to have a talk with my sister."
"Yes Princess Luna", Rainbow Dash and Twilight said at the same time.
They left the room, and the guards lead them out of the castle. To Rainbow Dash's surprise she saw Twister and Lightening standing at the gates waiting. Oh crap, I forgot about them! I am the worst friend/sister ever, she thought as she ran to them. Rainbow Dash immediately tried to explain.
"Oh, Twister I am so, so sorry! I didn't mean too leave you behind! I just was trying to hurry and get to Wonderbolt practice, and then Princes Luna came, and then she wanted me come with her, and the-"
"It's okay", Twister said with smile.
"Really?"
"Yeah." Rainbow Dash sighed with relief. At least Twister wasn't mad at her. She knew if she gone and done that to A.J., she never would of been forgiven that quickly. Rainbow Dash gave him smile. She looked down at Lightening and ruffled his mane.
"Hey squirt."
Lightening laughed," Dashie, where we going now?"
"Well...", Twilight began," Rarity had new ideas for our knew Grand Galloping Gala dresses."
"Cool", Rainbow Dash said flatly. Rarity made nice dresses, it was the fact that Rainbow Dash didn't like trying on clothes. She never had. She remembered her mom trying to get her into some cute outfit, and then Rainbow Dash would just pout and whine.
"Come on Dashie! I want to see you in a dress," Lightening said excitedly," I bet you're pretty."
"Aw, thank you Lightening", Rainbow Dash said as Twilight let out a snicker.
"Okay everypony", Twilight said smiling," Off to Rarity's we go!"
Rainbow Dash followed Twilight, Twister, and Lightening to Rarity's, but a haunting thought in her head kept her from joining their laughter. She didn't know why, but she always had that feeling that her mom and dad were hiding something. And today, that feeling was stronger than ever. And tonight was the Grand Galloping Gala. Whatever was, going on was going to happen tonight. Whatever it was... it was bad. Very, very bad
"Let's get this over with", Rainbow Dash mumbled, rolling her eyes.
"Oh", Rarity said with a smile," In that case, Rainbow Dash, you go first."
Rainbow Dash looked at Twister and Lightening. Then she looked at all her friends. They have all gathered to see what Rarity had put together for them. Rainbow Dash didn't like dresses all that much, but the reason why she was reluctant to put the dress on was because of Twister. The last time he saw her in a dress was when she was six. It was a plain yellow dress that she wore for picture day at school. Rainbow Dash sighed, and went into the backroom of the shop. She looked at the line of mannequins. Even though the style of the dress were somewhat changed, the all kept to their themes.
Fluttershy's dress was decorated with flower petals and vines. A vine was wrapped around her waist and the dress was a pale green color. The shoes were pink and the dress was made of silk. Applejack's dress was green with brown accents, and had an apple pattern along the waist. The dress, of course, came with a pair of cowgirl boots. Pinkie Pie's was pink accented with a lighter pink. The dress had a variety of candies covering the bottom edge of the dress. A big, blue bow was placed on the ear of the mannequin, and blue shoes to match. Twilight's dress was a bit fancier. It was made of satin and lace, and was a purplish-blue. The stars on the dress made a swirl pattern, and shoes were indeed blue. It also came with a gold necklace that had a purple gemstone, probably to match Twilight's crown. Rarity's dress was a blue layered dress with light purple gemstones decorating it. It had white shoes and a small, white tiara with a blue gemstone. Then, Rainbow Dash's eyes came across her own dress.
It had a pink top and a rainbow skirt with a black band around the waist. At the bottom of the skirt was a grey cloud border. The sleeves were made out of netting fabric. They had black shoes, and a hairband was placed on the mannequin's head. The dress was beautiful. Rainbow Dash carefully slip the dress on, and slid her hooves into the shoes. She placed the hairband on the best she could and looked at the mirror. The dress fit perfectly. Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and left the backroom. Everypony looked up at her.
"Now ah be darned. You look great Rainbow", Applejack said smiling.
"You're beautiful", Twister said softly. He stared into Rainbow Dash eyes, and she stared back. When they did this she felt the urge to kiss him.
"You're not gonna kiss, are you", Lightening asked with a look of disgust.
"Really Lightening", Rainbow Dash hissed.
He busted out in laughter. Twister blushed. Yup, he was thinking about it too. Rainbow Dash began to walk back to the backroom when Rarity stopped her.
"Where are you going? We were going to try different mane styles", she pouted.
Rainbow Dash tried her best not to laugh at Rarity," I'm going to meet my friends and family from the train station."
"Oh, oh", Pinkie said excitedly," Can we go with you and meet them?"
Rainbow Dash shrugged," I don't see why not..."
"YAY", Pinkie Pie yelled, jumping up and down.
Rainbow Dash shook her head and looked over at Twister and Lightening," You should head back to the house. I will meet up with you later."
Twister nodded and left with Lightening. Rainbow Dash nodded towards the door.
"What are you waiting for", she asked smiling.
***
The train pulled it to the station. The wind was blowing hard, and thunder rumbled in the distant. As soon as the train door open, a grey and brown mass shot out and began to smother Rainbow Dash. With hugs. Rainbow Dash manage to pull away from the creature to get a better look of it. It was Crash. He was a grey Pegasus with a solid, brown mane. He had a crash symbol for a cutie mark, kind of like the ones you see in comic books. He was small for a stallion, but then again most of the stallions back home were a bit smaller than average. His brown eyes shimmered, just like they always do.
"Dashie! I missed you so much", Crash said burrowing his head into her chest. Rainbow Dash chuckled, remembering Crash's playful personality.
"We all missed you", a voice came from the train.
Rainbow Dash looked up to see her best friend in the whole world, Fireball. Fireball was a yellow Pegasus with a red and orange mane that was spiked up in the front, tied with a ribbon at the end, kind of like Applejack's. She had blazing red eyes that stood out, like her red-and-orange, curving, fireball cutie mark. Behind her followed Parker, Eon, Nutmeg, and Tails. Parker was a reddish-brownish Pegasus with dark blue mane and eyes. He was Fireball's brother, and had a DNA model of some sort for a cuie mark. Eon was a grey Pegasus with a sky blue mane and sky blue eyes. He had a trail of flames for a cutie mark.
Nutmeg was a white Unicorn with a brown mane and a light brown splotch on the top of her mane. The splotch sort of looked like it was sprinkled on her head. She had light pink eyes and a tablespoon of nutmeg for a cutie mark. Tails was Nutmeg's thirteen-year-old brother. He was light brown Earth Pony with light green eyes, freckles, and a dark red and light red striped mane. He had a measuring cup for a cutie mark. The reason for his odd name was the fact that one part of his tail curves upwards, while the other curves downwards.
After the jumped off her mom, her dad, Hope, Wisp, Shadow, and Colby came out. Quickly, Rainbow Dash began to introduce everypony.
"Mom, Dad, Hope, Wisp, Shadow, Colby, Tails, Nutmeg, Eon, Parker, Fireball, and Crash. Meet Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. And vice versa."
"YOU'RE FRIENDS WITH A PRINCESS", Nutmeg shrieked.
"Um... yeah", Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her ears.
"Awww... no fair", Nutmeg whimpered.
Rainbow Dash snickered. She turned around to head back to her house," All right, that's everypony."
"Wait!"
Rainbow Dash turned around to see a grey Pegasus with a purple, black, and pink mane. She had purple eyes, and three earrings going down each ear. She was the owner of a feather pen cutie mark. Rainbow Dash recognized her instantly.
"Marcy", Rainbow Dash whisper.
"Well don't just stand there", Marcy said grinning," Give me a hug!"
Rainbow Dash accepted Marcy's warm embrace," I didn't think you would come!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"Who's this... um if you don't mind telling", Fluttershy asked softly.
"This is Marcy", Rainbow Dash said smiling," Her and Fireball are my first friends ever. Also my bestest friends, beside you guys."
"Great", Pinkie shouted," Now we need a 'Meeting Rainbow Dash's First Friends Ever' party! Would that be great! Oh course we would have to have it after the Grand Galloping Gala, but still!"
"He was right behind me, I swear", Marcy said starting to panic. She quickly turn around looking around for him. Just as the train doors began to close, a young colt about Lightening age squeezed through just in time. He was almost an exact replica of Twister except for a few difference. The colt's mane had a reddish tint to it, and he was about nine. His mane was a little spikey, but wasn't wild looking like Twister's. His cutie mark was a record, and Twister was his older brother.
"So", Rarity began," Do you have any formal wear for the Gala."
Nutmeg's ears perked up," I have this one dress that made out of silk, and its pink, and it has flowers! It is absolutely amazing! You just have to see it for yourself because it-"
Rainbow Dash began to head back to her cloud house, so everypony could get their dress and suits on. Then she was going to head back to Rarity's to put on her dress. Rainbow Dash still had bad idea about the Gala. Geez, I really hope I'm wrong, Rainbow Dash thought to herself, but a little voice seem to think she was right. And that was the scariest thing of all.
***
"Come on Eon! We need to look nice", Nutmeg scolded Eon for the 100th time.
"Can't just wear the jacket with out the tie", Eon whined.
"No", Fireball snapped," If I have to wear a dress with my jacket, you have to wear a tie with your jacket, and that's final!"
Eon groaned. Everypony was putting on their best clothes, which was decent by Rainbow Dash's standards, but was plain by Canterlot's standards. All the stallions and colts wore a nice jacket and a tie, and the mare and fillies wore a dress. Fireball wanted to wear a jacket with her dress. Nutmeg tried to convince her other wise, but Fireball, as usual, was stubborn. Lightening wore a fedora that he usually wore on special occasions. Her Dad and her Mom also dressed up.
"Here", her Mom said, adjusting her Dad's tie," Let me fix that."
"Thank you", her Dad said, allowing her Mom to fix it.
"I got go put my dress on", Rainbow Dash told them," I'll meet you at the castle gates."
"Are you sure Dashie", Crash asked," We can stay with you if you like."
"No its fine Crash, but thank you anyways", Rainbow Dash replied.
Rainbow Dash stepped outside her house and flew to Rarity's Boutique. She meet up her friends and quick slipped into her dress and shoes. Now she had to sit down as Rarity began to play mane salon with her mane.
"Hold still Rainbow Dash", Rarity hissed," You're making this more difficult than it has to be!"
"Well you're pulling my- OW", Rainbow Dash yelped in pain.
"There! Done!"
Rainbow Dash stood up and headed to the mirror to see what Rarity had down to her mane. She gasped to see that her rough looking mane was transformed. Her mane was braided into three braids, all flipped on one side. A headband weighed her bangs down. She... actually like this mane style.
"How do you like it", Rarity asked worriedly," Too many braids! I knew I should just stuck with one!"
"I love it", Rainbow Dash said admiring her new look.
"Really?"
"Yes!"
Rarity sighed with relief," Oh good! I was really worried there for a second."
Rainbow Dash turned around. Twilight's mane was curled and Rarity's mane was put up in a bun. Applejack's mane was braided and tied at the ends with green ribbon. Fluttershy's mane was all flipped to the side with flowers in her mane. Pinkie Pie's was flipped over on one side too, and a blue bow was placed next to her ear. Everypony talked about the outfits and mane styles and how beautiful they were. Twilight got up and began to head towards the door.
"All right girls, let's get going", Twilight said smiling," I have a feeling that this year is going to be the best Grand Galloping Gala yet!"
"I feel the exact opposite", Rainbow Dash muttered darkly, but nopony heard her. So Rainbow Dash was left all alone, worrying by herself.
The Gala was definitely grand. Music echo through the hall, and the castle was filled with lively chatter. Rainbow Dash like the Gala. It was just really fancy, and Rainbow Dash never grew up around really fancy things. She just didn't know how to act, so she just ended up walking aimlessly around, pretending like she knew what she was doing. As Rainbow Dash continue doing just that, she bumped into somepony. She looked to see her Dad.
"Oh, hi Dashie", her Dad greeted.
"Hi Dad", Rainbow Dash replied, giving a nervous smile.
"You know, this place is extremely fancy. I never grow around this kind of stuff. When I was a colt, my mom gave me a stick, and told me it was a sword", her Dad laughed," I looked at her like she was crazy and she said,' You were born with an imagination for a reason'."
Rainbow Dash laughed, imagining what her Dad looked like when he was young. She never seen any pictures of her Dad, and never knew anything about his family. She asked him countless times if she could see them, but always made up some excuse why Rainbow Dash couldn't. Eventually, Rainbow Dash stopped asking. Her Dad just became a complete mystery to her. She looked across the palace to see Twister talking to Hurricane, although Hurricane ignored him because he was too busy devouring the food from the banquet table.
"Hurricane, seriously! You're going to make yourself sick", Twister said, giving Hurricane a disbelieving look.
"Listen here! Mom told you to make sure I don't die, not monitor my eating", Hurricane shot back.
Twister rolled his eyes as Hurricane shoved another slice of pie into his mouth.
"What am I supposed to tell Mom when I bring you back home throwing up", Twister pointed out.
"I don't know. That's your problem. I'm just a colt", Hurricane said with a mouth full of food.
"Hi Twister", Rainbow Dash said, trying to catch his attention.
Twister turned around," Oh... hi Rainbow Dash."
Hurricane turn back to the table, realizing his brother was distracted. Rainbow Dash navigated her why through the crowd of ponies to get to Twister. She smiled and then did a little twirl in her dress.
"What do you think", Rainbow Dash asked smiling. Then her face fell when she remembered Twister already seen the dress," I-I mean what you think about the mane style and the finishing touches and everything. Cause you are you already-"
"You're beautiful", Twister said starring at her. He had the look of shock, like the kind of shock you feel when you see the most amazing thing in the world.
"So", Rainbow Dash continued," Why weren't you at the gates? We plan to meet there remember?"
"Oh, Rainbow Dash", Twister said, looking guilty. He shifted his body slightly, pulling his ears down," The Hurricane ran in and we couldn't stop him, so we had go inside after him. Sorry."
"It's okay Twister. No big deal", Rainbow Dash assured him.
"Are you sure", Twister asked nervously.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes," If I say it's no big deal, it's no big deal."
"Attention everypony", Princess Celestia's voice rang out. Rainbow Dash turned around to find her on balcony high up," It is great to see all your smiling faces today. I hope you are all having a wonderful time here at the Grand Galloping Gala. There have been a few bumps this Gala, but it is nothing to worry about. Princess Twilight Sparkle, and her friends, are here today to keep everything under control-"
"Just love how she refer to you and the rest of your friends as you all were an afterthought", a voice said behind her. Rainbow Dash glance behind to see Fireball. Rainbow Dash turn back to Princess Celestia, trying to ignore what Fireball just said. In Princess Celestia's eyes we are all equal. Right?
"-and today we are here to have the best Grand Galloping Gala in history, and nothing will stop that."
Just Princess Celestia finish, a bright light hit her, flinging her across the room. Everypony gasp. The lights dimmed, making the stars more clear. Something about the air change, some type of strange sensation. A purplish-blue smoke took Princess Celestia's place on the balcony. The smoke slowly began to form a shape of an Alicorn. It became an Alicorn with a grey coat and an dark blue mane. She had a set of turquoise dragon eyes, and wore a set of dark blue armor. Her mane wasn't sparkly or flowing like Princess Celestia's or Luna's, but was like Rainbow Dash's. This Alicorn seem all too familiar, but Rainbow Dash didn't know why.
"Well hello you precious little ponies. Long time, no see", the Alicorn spoke. Her voice sounded smooth and sweet, yet so cruel.
"WHO DARES HARMS MY SISTER", Princess Luna shouted from below. She was kneeling beside her injured Princess Celestia, who's fur was singed around her shoulder and wing.
"Oh Lulu", the Alicorn laughed," Don't you remember me? You really should. We spent a thousand years on the moon together."
Rainbow Dash stared in horror. No! Nononono! This wasn't happening, Rainbow Dash screamed inside.
Sorry Rainbow Dash, but it is, Smoke's voice said from inside her head.
"No! It can't be", Princess Luna cried.
"Hello Lulu. How are you? Haven't talk in such a long time", Nightmare Moon asked smiling.
"No! I will not allow you to use me again! Not this time", Princess Luna cried. She was on the verge of tears.
"HA", Nightmare Moon shouted," I don't need you anymore, Luna. I have something better. My own body, for I have regain my physical form. Although, I do admit. I had a little help."
Suddenly, bat-like ponies wearing armor appeared, unarming the Royal Guards.
Smoke, what do I do, Rainbow Dash asked.
Run! Run and don't look back!, Smoke yelled.
"And also, Princess Twilight", Nightmare Moon hissed, levitating Twilight into the air by the collar by ," I have very special punishment for you."
Rainbow Dash watched as Twilight just stared at Nightmare Moon, pure horror spreading across her face. It was all she could take... and Rainbow Dash snapped.
"You leave her alone you sorry excuse for an Alicorn", Rainbow Dash shouted.
"What are you doing Rainbow Dash", Fireball hissed in a hushed voice. But Nightmare Moon ignored her, and continued to torment Twilight.
"Oh Twilight, what's wrong. Don't you want to discuss your punishment. After all, I'm being the nice pony here. At least I'm giving you a choice.", Nightmare Moon said, smiling her twisted smile," You didn't give me one. You just blasted me away without any mercy. Now... should we banish you to the moon... or just burn you alive!"
How dare she treat Twilight like that! Nightmare Moon has no right! No right at all, Rainbow Dash growled inside her head.
Rainbow Dash, don't! I know what your thinking, but you're just going to make it worse!, Smoke shouted, but it was to late. Before Rainbow Dash could stop herself, she flew up as high as she could get, and flew down at top speed directly at Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon turn to her and frown. Something grabbed Rainbow Dash's hind leg. She looked behind her to see a black vine wrapping itself around her, squeezing her. The more Rainbow Dash fought the tighter it squeezed. By the time Rainbow Dash gave up, it had wound so tightly she could barely breathe. Oddly enough, Rainbow Dash's pain didn't pleased Nightmare Moon. She seemed almost disappointed.
"Oh you really thought it'll be that easy. Saving your precious friend", She replied in monotone," All you did, Rainbow Dash, is make things worse for yourself." Rainbow Dash watched as Nightmare Moon's gaze went to a young Bat Pony that walked up right beside her. His grey, silvery coat and deep blue mane shimmered in the moonlight. His almost white, lavender eyes burrowed into Rainbow Dash skull.
"Remove everypony", Nightmare Moon said with nod," This castle is at it's end."
Rainbow Dash began to panic. She watched as Twilight was dropped onto the balcony. The Bat Ponies surrounded her, trapping her in chains. Rainbow Dash heard ponies screaming with terror and her friends and families call out her name. Fireball and Hope were tackled to the ground when the tried to save Rainbow Dash. The whole palace was in chaos. She looked back towards the balcony. Nightmare Moon gave Rainbow Dash a smile. Her horn lit up, ready to blast Rainbow Dash to dust. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and... nothing. She heard small ping sound, like something hitting metal. She open her eyes to see Nightmare rubbing her forehead, glaring towards the place doors. Rainbow Dash twisted around to see a figure wearing a black cloak. The hood covered the figure's face with a shadow, leaving two red orbs glowing within.
"You! Come here", Nightmare Moon hissed, pointing her hoof at him.
The figure extended a blue hoof, dropping a crystal on to the ground. A huge red wave of energy washed over the castle. The chains around Twilight broke, all Bat Ponies and Nightmare Moon were thrown back, and the vines around Rainbow Dash disappeared. Rainbow Dash jerked her head over to Nightmare Moon, ready to pound her to a pulp.
No Rainbow! Find your family! Find your friends! That's more important , Smoke scolded her.
He was right. Rainbow Dash needed keep her friends safe. She made a quick dive for Twilight, scooping her up. She landed down on the ground. She looked at Twilight who was still frozen with horror.
"TWILIGHT", Rainbow Dash shouted. Twilight's ears perked up, and her eyes focus onto her," I know right now is scary, but I need you here with me!"
Twilight nodded. Rainbow Dash continued, hoping Twilight was able to pull through," I need you to find everypony! Find Pinkie, Rarity, AJ, Fluttershy, your family, Celestia, Luna! Grab as many ponies as you can run towards the EverFree Forest, okay?"
Suddenly, Twilight snapped out of her daze," Oh no! Spike and Starlight are back at the castle! They just returned from their trip to the Crystal Empire, and decided that they would come later! I need to get them!" Twilight tried to run towards the doors, but Rainbow Dash stopped her.
"No! I'll get them! You stay here and get everypony else to safety!"
Twilight nodded again. Rainbow Dash zipped over the crowd of ponies. Below her, she spotted her Mom and Dad. Rainbow Dash landed on to the marble floor with a thud and turned to her parents who were full of relief to find her.
"Mom! Dad! Find everypony and then find Twilight! She'll lead you to the Everfree Forest where it's safe! I have to go to Ponyville!", Rainbow Dash shouted over the screams.
"No Rainbow Dash", her Mom argued," You can't-"
"If you think this is what needs to be done, we'll do it", her Dad interjected," You are make these decisions." He nodded his head towards the castle doors," Go."
Rainbow Dash took flight once more, flew out the castle doors. She manage to sneak away with out the Bat Ponies following her. Although, she couldn't help feeling watched. Who was that pony, dropping that crystal? What did that crystal do? Was it the same shadow-like figure that had fought off the Shadowbolts? And why did Nightmare Moon say that the castle was 'at it's end'? Suddenly, Rainbow Dash heard a loud crashing sound, like rocks falling off a mountain. She turn around to watch in horror as the Canterlot Castle fell to the ground, leaving nothing but ruble.
Canterlot has fallen.
***
The young Bat Pony hid in the shadows, watching the young mare as she began to sob. He knew how feels to think you lost somepony dear to your heart, but like him, the mare will learn friends and family are safe. The mare... no. Rainbow Dash will be okay. Her family got away just in time. If they were in the castle, some type of magic that Nightmare Moon conjured up would protect them. Save them. He knew Nightmare Moon well. She spoke with him. Through his mind and at the meetings during the Great Moon. She appointed him as commander. Leader of the army. A great honor, but great pressure came with it.
He look to the mountain where Canterlot Castle had once been. A rumbling noise echo through the air. He watched as a dark grey castle, a bigger castle, rose from the ruble. It was home, something he hadn't had in awhile. He looked down at Rainbow Dash who had already wiped her tears away, and ran to find her friends. He looked up at the full moon that was now high in the sky. He let the moonlight trickled through his blue mane, and soak into his silver coat. His lavender eyes stared at the moon and the beauty of the night. He loved it all.
"Echo", his fellow solder and dear brother, Night Whisper, said softly," Do apprehend her?"
"No", Echo said staring at the small town of Ponyville," We follow her."
With that the all took to the shadows and the trees. Echo looked ahead, willing himself to finish his mission with success. He will build home for him and his brother. He will help Nightmare Moon make peace between the Day Dwellers and the Night Dwellers.
Rainbow Dash dried her eyes, stood up, and walked away. Her family had to be safe. Twilight was an Alicorn, and could easily protect them. Although Twilight's recent behavior gave Rainbow Dash doubt, she couldn't think about the terrible assumptions that whispered in the back her mind. Not right now. Rainbow Dash slowly began to make her way to Ponyville, trying not to be seen from the sky. She couldn't fly; the Bat-Pony-Guards are probably hording the sky. She moved her hooves lightly, and tried to mask her scent in some mud she found near the outskirts of Ponyville. Do bats have a keen sense of smell? Do bat-pony-hybrids have a keen sense of smell? Rainbow Dash shook her head and slipped through the allies. Finally, she came across Twilight's castle.
Crap, Rainbow Dash thought, there's no trees for cover! Gonna have to make run for it.
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, and ran out in to the open field. OH CRAP, OH CRAP, OH CRAP, Rainbow Dash chanted in her head as she neared the castle. Luckily, she made it inside and wasn't brutally attacked by the Bat Ponies. Wait, Rainbow Dash thought, should I call them Bat Ponies or Vamponies. Rainbow Dash looked outside to check for any signs for the guards. Well... since they're not running around sticking their fangs into anypony, sucking their blood out, I'm gonna go with Bat Pony. Rainbow Dash slowly backed away from the window, and began to head towards the thrones. It was eraily quiet. She softly, called out for Spike and Starlight.
"Spike. Starlight. Where are you?"
Suddenly, a purple-and-green blur pounce on her.
"Go back where you came from, you mutant bat thingy", Spike's voice rang out.
"Spike, get off! It's me, Rainbow Dash", Rainbow Dash hissed.
"Rainbow Dash", another voice whispered. Rainbow Dash looked up to find Starlight Glimmer slowly coming out from behind one of the thrones. Behind her followed Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. A sense of relief wash over her. Rainbow Dash ran up to Scootaloo and held onto her tightly.
"Thank Celestia you're okay", Rainbow Dash muttered to nopony but herself. She glance around the room realizing it was just them.
"Where's everypony else", she asked, looking at Starlight.
Starlight shook her head," These bat-like ponies came out nowhere, and started gathering everypony up. They took them to that castle over there; where Canterlot Castle once stood. It was terrible."
Rainbow Dash shuddered. She turned to the door," We got to go now."
"Wait", Spike called out. He disappeared up the stairs and came back with all the mane six's pets," I went got them as soon as a suspected something was wrong."
"Tank", Rainbow Dash said happily, grabbing her lovable tortoise," I can't believe I forgot about you!" Rainbow Dash smiled at Tank for a moment, but then she remembered where they were. She tucked Tank under her wing, and motioned everypony to the doors of the castle.
"Okay", she whispered," Scoots, Sweetie, Apple Bloom, and Spike, you're in the middle. Starlight, you guard from behind. Everypony carry a pet. I'll lead."
Rainbow Dash peeked outside. Nopony, she thought. She sprinted out onto the field, and stopped. She waved to the others to follow, and continued on. She needed to get to her family. That was all Rainbow Dash could think about.
***
"Mom! Dad! Twilight! Anypony!"
This was the tenth time she called for her friends and family, but like the last nine times, there was no answer. They already made it into the Everfree Forest, but they were still in danger. The Everfree Forest was a unpredictable place, and anything could happen. Rainbow Dash hugged Tank against her chest to comfort herself. She was getting worried. Starlight laid a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.
"I'm sure they'll answer soon", Starlight said cheerfully. At that very moment, a distant voice called out. Rainbow Dash jerked around, straining her ears to confirm she heard the sound. The voice sounded again, this time louder. Clearer. It was her Mom.
"Mom! Dad", Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Rainbow Dash", a distant muffled voice called once more.
Rainbow Dash took off racing through the dense forest, dragging Scootaloo behind her. The branches smacked into her face, and the briars pierced her skin, but she didn't stop. She kept on running until she came to a small cave... and her Mom and Dad were standing a the entrance. Rainbow Dash let go of Scootaloo's hoof, and ran into her parents embrace. She nuzzled her head into her their chests, seeking their warmth. Her Mom held her tightly while her Dad rubbed her back. Rainbow Dash felt a few tears slide through her tightly shut eyelids.
"I-I was scared when Canterlot C-castle fell down. I-I thought were dead", Rainbow Dash sobbed, completely loosing it.
"Shhhh", her Mom hushed," It's okay, Dashie. Nopony got hurt. We all made it out okay."
Rainbow Dash felt her eyes get heavy. She felt herself sinking to the ground, slowly slipping away. She breathed in her Dad's lily-earth smell, and closed her eyes.
***
Rainbow Dash. You need to get up.
Rainbow Dash eyes fluttered open. At first it was too dark to see anything, but her eyes slowly began to adjust. It was cold, and her bones ached. Rainbow Dash sat up, and notice she was in a dark cave. She was laying on a black jacket. It was thin, so the reason she ached was because she was laying on the stone ground. Rainbow Dash got up, and step outside the cave, gazed around the forest. There was thirty ponies at the most. Most of then looked confused or dazed.
Only thirty ponies, Rainbow Dash thought, there has to be more than that.
She looked up towards the sky. The sun was out, but it was mostly blocked out by the storm clouds. Rainbow Dash shuffled along to her brother Wisp, who sat separated from everypony else. Wisp was hiding behind a tree, trying to avoid any contact with anypony. Her brother always seemed... off to her, but the time he ever went off hiding like that was when he was scared. Rainbow Dash plopped right next to him. Wisp pulled his ears back, but said nothing.
"What's eating you", Rainbow Dash asked.
"Darkness coming", Wisp whispered. He looked over at Rainbow Dash, his eyes narrowing," Do you hear the voices too?"
Rainbow Dash stared at her brother as a chill went down her back. She had been taking to Smoke, Fractured Light, and Color Streak. Could they been the voices he was referring to.
"Everypony! Please listen", Princess Celestia called out, interrupting Rainbow Dash's train of thought," I understand that you are all frighten by the recent events of last night. The only option there is at the time is to retreat to Crystal Empire." As soon as the words left her mouth, the crowd broke out into gasps and whispers. Fortunately, Princess Celestia was able to silence them with a wave her hoof," We are not surrendering. We are just gathering everypony in a safe place until we come up with a plan. We leave now. Please find your family and friends, and stay together no matter what. Follow me."
Princess Celestia turn around, headed deeper into the forest. Rainbow Dash grabbed Wisp's hoof, and lead him to the rest of the crowd who were just now following Princess Celestia. Wisp tried to resisted. He never liked crowds much, and being around that many ponies he didn't know at one time frighten him. Slowly, Wisp's jerky pulls became more subtle. He lean against Rainbow Dash as she slipped into the crowd. She immediately spotted her Dad's rainbow mane in the colorful sea of ponies. Rainbow Dash shoved her way through the crowd, finally making it to her Dad. Her Mom was staring off into the distance, while her Dad tried to comfort her younger siblings. Rainbow Dash looked around for a second before realizing that her brother Hope was no where in sight. She began to panic.
"Looking for me?"
Rainbow Dash turned around to find Hope grinning like an idiot.
"That's not funny Hope", Rainbow Dash scowled," Right now is not a time for jokes."
"Right now is a perfect time for jokes", Hope argued, sticking his tongue out at her. He raced ahead of Rainbow Dash, and shoved his way through line.
"Why was that", Rainbow Dash grumbled.
Hope gave her a look, and slowed his pace to match hers," Are you okay Dashie? You seem a little off."
"Well", Rainbow Dash snapped," You would be a little off too if you saw Princess Celestia get shot down by some long gone she-demon, and your friend could've been killed, and your dealing with the guilt of not telling your friends about the real you when you haven't even told them the whole truth! So please, do tell me, what is off about me!"
"Oh Dash", Hope whispered. He put a comforting wing around her," I told you should have never tried to keep that a secret."
"I know."
"You should of just told them."
"I know."
"Really", Hope asked , raising an eyebrow," Because it looks like to me you don't know."
Rainbow Dash just shook her head," Where's Twister?"
"Up ahead."
"Thank you Hope."
"Anytime."
Rainbow Dash continued to dodge ponies until she came to Twister, and she tapped him on the shoulder. Twister jerked around and gave Rainbow Dash a warm smile.
"Hey Dash. You okay?"
"Yes Twister, I'm fine", Rainbow assured, putting on the best smile she could.
"Good, 'cause it looks like the Princess what to talk to you and your friends", Twister said nervously, pointing a Celestia who was up ahead.
"Of course", Rainbow Dash sighed. Why couldn't she talk to Twister with out being interrupted every five minutes. Does the world hate her or something? She struggled through some more ponies, which she is pretty sure one of them growled at her, and finally reached Princess Celestia.
"Yes Princess", Rainbow Dash asked, but came out more like a sigh. Luckily, it didn't seem like the Princess caught it.
"Rainbow Dash", Princess Celestia said," As soon as we get to the Crystal Empire, I am sending you and your friends on a special mission so we can-"
"Like heck you are", an all too familiar voice rang out. Rainbow Dash turned around to find her Mom quickly gaining speed as she raced right towards Princess Celestia. As soon as her Mom got in front of Princess Celestia, she gave her an intimidating glare. " Celestia, may I speak to you. In private", her Mom hissed.
Rainbow Dash watched in shock as her Mom started lecturing Princess Celestia. She looked like she was scolding Princess Celestia like a young child. What surprised her the most was that the Princess didn't seem the least bit mad at her Mom. As if her Mom was an old friend. Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow. Everything was just getting more and more confusing. Finally her Mom slowly backed away giving her an icy glare. Her Mom began to walk back into the crowd, disappearing into the sea of ponies. Rainbow Dash looked at the Princess.
"It was nothing serious", Princess Celestia said with a warm smile.
Really? She's a terrible liar.
Rainbow Dash almost jumped when the voice echoed in her head. Truth be told, she had gotten used to Smoke's voice whispering occasionally in her head. But this was a new voice. But it was one she still knew.
Fractured Light?
No, it's your long lost brother. What do you think?
Sorry. Gosh.
Listen, you have to go on that mission.
Why?
Don't ask questions, just do it!
Suddenly Rainbow Dash felt a his presence disappear. Odd. Before she couldn't tell when they were there, or when they were gone. There also was something different. She now felt... alone. Rainbow Dash shook the feeling away as she notice Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's horns started to glow. A blinding white light shined before them, forcing Rainbow Dash to squint. Slowly, the white light became more like a picture. Rainbow Dash could see crystal like streets and glistening houses. She knew very well what place the white had transform into. There before them was some type of portal to the Crystal Empire. Rainbow Dash watched as Princess Celestia looked towards the crowd of ponies, her horn still glowing with its powerful aura.
"Quickly Everypony. This is a portal to the Crystal Empire. Go through one at a time", Princess Celestia said calmly.
Rainbow Dash walked up to the portal. She wasn't very sure and had an unsettling feeling for some reason. Rainbow Dash shrugged it off, and took a deep breath. Finally, she walked through the portal as the world around her turned white.
Rainbow Dash felt fuzzy throughout her entire body. At first she couldn't see anything, but slowly her vision came back. The multi-color splotches before her became crystal ponies. They stared down at her in confusion. Rainbow Dash reached up, and rubbed her aching head. A crackling noise sounded behind her. Rainbow Dash backed up slowly as ponies started spilling out of the white portal. Finally, Princess Celestia stepped out of the portal. The empire was now filled with curious ponies, looking down upon them from their crystallized homes. Princess Celestia nodded her head for Rainbow Dash to follow her. Rainbow Dash couldn't help the growing knot in her stomach. Everything was falling apart before her. They came to the crystal castle that stood in the daylight. Rainbow Dash watched as Princess Cadence and Shining Armor came running from the castle entrance.
"Twily", Shining Armor cried running past Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash watched as Shining Armor wrapped her hooves around Twilight. He finally pulled back from her," What doing here?"
"Canterlot has fallen", Princess Celestia answered," And Nightmare Moon has returned."
A cries of horror and panic spread through the crowd like wildfire. Princess Cadence shook her head," That can't be true."
"But it is", Princess Luna stated calmly.
Princess Cadence stared at Princess Luna," Shouldn't you be-"
"Nightmare Moon has gain her physical form back", Princess Celestia said. After a moment she added," I will explain once my subjects have been taken care off."
"Of course", Shining Armor calmly, but his eyes were full of fear.
***
"... and now that Nightmare Moon free, we must come up with a plan", Princess Celestia said with a depressing sigh.
Princess Celestia looked at everypony who sat at the table. That included Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, Shining Armor, and Rainbow Dash's parents. She wasn't entirely sure why they were there, but if Princess Celestia wanted to include them in the meeting then Rainbow Dash guess it was okay. After getting everypony to calm down and telling everypony what had happen, they must figure out what to do. Rainbow Dash wasn't all that interested in the conversation. Princess Celestia was just repeating what Rainbow Dash already knew. Instead, Rainbow Dash pretended to be way more interested in the shiny crystal table.
"Can't we organize a sneak attack", Shining Armor asked.
"No. Too many guards", Princess Luna said bluntly.
"Aren't the bat-guard-thingies your guards", Pinkie asked.
"No. My Lunar Guards are ordinary Pegasus. They were just in costume", Princess Luna explain.
Everypony just stared at Princess Luna for a good momment.
"WHAT?! Did you expect us to show up at a Nightmare Night festival and NOT be in costume?"
"You didn't wear a costume", Twilight pointed out.
"Excuse me for being banished to the moon for a thousand years and NOT knowing that Nightmare Night was coming up so fast!"
"MOVING ON", Princess Celestia said loudly," I have a plan that might work."
"Might work", Shining Armor repeated.
"In this situation, 'might work' is a miracle", Princess Celestia declared," Anyway, there is an ancient vault that contains priceless items that have great power. With them we can possibly defeat Nightmare Moon."
Shining Armor waited for a moment, probably going over what he just heard," Where is this vault?"
"That is the tricky part", Princess Celestia said cringing," It is... over the Wall."
"Over the wall", Shining Armor asked, giving a look.
"Don't worry. We have two of our greatest experts right here", Princess Celestia said cheerfully. Rainbow Dash watched as her parents quickly shaking their heads, their eyes wide with horror. "Raindrop here was the captain of my very special team of royal guards, and Thunder Dash is from over the Wall."
Rainbow Dash eyes widen. What was Princess Celestia talking about? She turned to her parents. Her Dad was slowly sinking in his seat, and her Mom was banging her head on the table repeatedly. Rainbow Dash suddenly didn't know what to say. She was lost. Rainbow Dash got up and slowly walked towards the door.
"I-I... need to... g-go", Rainbow Dash stammered.
"Rainbow Dash, wait", her Mom cried, but Rainbow Dash took off running. She ran down the hall, ran into her room, and slammed the door shut. The secret was out. The thing they hid for so long was now found out.
And for some reason, Rainbow Dash felt nothing.
***
So... how you feel about the whole 'your Mom is a secret agent and your Dad is a immigrant and they lied to you all about it' thing?
That's one way to put it you moron!
She didn't know why, but listening to Smoke and Fracture Light argue made her feel worst. She threw some more supplies in her bag, along with Tank's necessities. Spike apparently was taking care of the pets when they were having the meeting, and decided to give Tank back. Rainbow Dash thought about leaving Tank here where it was safe, but she didn't what to leave him with a bunch of strangers. Was it selfish to decide not to leave your pet somewhere safe because you want to keep him by your side? At this point, she really didn't care anymore.
Do really you think it's a good idea to bring your turtle with you?
Tortoise.
Whatever.
Suddenly the door creaked open. Rainbow Dash looked up to see her Dad. She didn't say anything to him. There was nothing to say to him. She looked back down, packing away another cover. The thumping of hooves and the groan of the creaky bed that Rainbow Dash had her suitcase propped up on signified that her Dad sat down on her bed beside her.
"Rainbow Dash, I... you see...", her Dad stumbled over his words. Rainbow Dash looked back up to her Dad as he rubbed the temple of his head," I never wanted to keep this a secret."
"You're from over the Wall", Rainbow Dash snapped.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?!"
"Princess Celestia said not too."
"Really", Rainbow Dash said, giving her Dad a disbelieving look," Princess Celestia didn't look like she cared too much."
"Weeeell she once did."
There was an awkward silence between them.
Ask about the Wall.
Go on.
"So what's it like. Over the Wall", Rainbow Dash asked. She asked because she didn't want to fight with her Dad. Seeing him sad made her upset. She also asked because she was genuinely curious.
"Oh it's a beautiful place", her Dad said as his eyes gleamed with distant memory," There are ponies of every type, the weather was always a surprise, flowers of every sort appeared, and there wasn't two places that were exactly alike. There were stories and festivals and ponies that were so unique. Oh, you would of loved it Dashie." Then his eyes dulled as a sudden sadness washed over him," Princess Celestia didn't want your Mom to stay. She said Raindrop must return to Equestria."
"Wait. Isn't the other side of the Wall still in Equestria."
"No sweetie. On the other side of the Wall is an entirely different country. I'm from The Shadowlands."
Rainbow Dash stared down at her hooves. Another country? Did it work the same way as Equestria? There was so many questions and enough enough time.
"Does the rest of our family knows", Rainbow Dash asked.
Her Dad open his mouth to answer, but shouting started echoing through the halls.
"HA! I knew it, I knew it, I KNEW IT", Hope shouted joyfully.
"Sounds like Hope found out", her Dad said with a smile. " You should continued packing. This 'special mission' isn't gonna be the same without you."
Rainbow Dash began to zip up her suitcase when a thought hit her.
"Dad?"
"Yes Rainbow Dash?"
"I don't know how to feel since I never heard about the Wall. Is it a bad place?"
Her Dad stared at her for a minute," It's about as bad as Equestria. It just has trouble hidding it."
With that, he left, only leaving Rainbow Dash with more questions.
***
"Now, Princess, why did you say that you didn't want our children or anypony to find out, and then, sixteen years later, you tell everypony like it was no big deal."
Her Mom seemed very upset at Princess Celestia, but her Dad, on the other hoof, couldn't be happier. Apparently, finally getting a terrible secret out into the open can make one feel better.
"Well... in my defense, I thought you would have told them by now", Princess Celestia said innocently.
"Well", Rainbow Dash's Mom hissed," you could've warn somepony."
"What? I am sorry, okay?"
Rainbow Dash picked up her suitcase and began carrying it to the train station.
"Now the ponies I assigned to this mission are Shinning Armor, Flash Sentry, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Soarin, Thunder Dash, Rainbow Dash, and of course, you, Raindrop."
"We will complete the mission, Princess", Rainbow Dash's Mom replied with confidence.
"I do hope so", Princess Celestia whispered.
They all piled in the train, saying their goodbyes. Rainbow Dash was kind of disappointed. Her brothers, Hope and Wisp, and Twister didn't come to say bye. Where were they? Sadly, without saying goodbye, Rainbow Dash hopped aboard the train. She sat down and looked out of the window as the pulled out of the train station. There was a flash of blue, and then the train was transported into a world of white. Rainbow Dash sighed. Why was she constantly moving? Why couldn't she have a normal life, worrying about petty thing like no milk with cereal or not enough ice cream? She rested her head against the side of the train. Her whole life has been flipped upside down. Ever since those stupid elements. But, then again, without them she wouldn't have met her friends. Rainbow Dash let out another sigh. Why was life complicated?
She tried comforting herself by petting Tank on the head. Tank looked up at her with his caring eyes. They seemed to ask, why are you so sad, Rainbow Dash?You wouldn't want to know buddy, Rainbow Dash thought. Suddenly, the was a loud thud. Rainbow Dash jumped up out of her seat, sitting Tank down. She turned around to where the sound had come from. It was from the cart that the luggage was usually kept.
"What was that", Rainbow Dash asked aloud.
"I think there's sompony on the train", Twilight answered.
"Oh my", Fluttershy whispered.
Rainbow Dash slowly began to walk up to the door. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry had their hooves ready to grab their weapons. Rarity's eyes were wide with horror, and the Wonderbolts looked as if the were ready to pounce. Watching them prepare for the worse sent chills done Rainbow Dash's spine. Terrible thought of what was behind the door began to fog her mind. Rainbow Dash hesitantly reached for the handle.
"Careful Rainbow", her Mom called out.
Rainbow Dash tried to swallow her fear. She quickly grabbed handle and swung the door open.
"Hope, Wisp, Twister? Is that really you", Rainbow Dash asked.
"Hi Rainbow Dash", Hope said with a smile. Behind him was Wisp and Twister.
"What are you three doing here?"
"We wanted to go with you", Hope answered.
"You three are not supposed to be on this train. Only certain few ponies are allowed to come", said the guard that Rainbow Dash knew as Flash Sentry.
"Oh, and what are you gonna do", Hope teased," Throw us off the train."
A smile crept across Flash Sentry's face.
"I take that back", Hope quickly said. He took a seat next to Rainbow Dash. He looked at her," Soooooo... where we going?"
"Over the Wall", Rainbow Dash answered.
"Riiiiight", Hope said slowly," What's over the Wall."
"A whole other region", Twilight explain.
"Interesting. When we get there?"
"A couple days or so", Twilight said.
Hope's smile faltered," This is going to be boring."
***
Echo laid his body against the snow. The only thing keeping him barely warm was the cloak on his back, and his thick fur. He watched as the train ran down the tracks, puffing a stream of smoke out. Little did they know it, they lead them straight to the other kingdom. What was it called again? The Crystal Empire. Echo had already sent his brother back to inform Nightmare Moon of where the Crystal Empire was. The reason he couldn't have gone himself was because he had a different mission. His mission was to track down Rainbow Dash, and bring her to Nightmare Moon. He stood up and shook off the snow that piled up on him when he was laying down, and continued his mission. He willed himself through the cold, willed himself to capture her.
And nothing will stop him.
***
"OHHHHHH..... the boredom it kills", Hope shouted out loud.
"Well excuse me, but I'm bored", Hope whined," There's nothing to do, and nothing to talk about!"
Rainbow Dash sighed. She loved Hope. She really did, but sometimes he can be the most annoying pony ever! Rainbow Dash looked over at Hope who sat on the back of the booth. To cure his boredom, Hope would purposely put his tail in her face. Right now, Rainbow Dash wanted to kill him.
"I just wished something would happen already."
A loud thud rang out. The train jerked, throwing everypony into the floor. Rainbow Dash hit her head on the side of the booth. She quickly got up, and looked around for the pony who caused the train to jerk. There was nopony there... and it was dead quiet.
"What was that", her Mom whispered.
There was a click sound, and the train door was being pried open by somepony. Shining Armor order everypony to stay down as he moved towards the door. He stood right next to the door, hidden from sight. Finally the doors widen enough for the pony to slip in. This pony looked a few inches smaller than Rainbow Dash. His identity was hidden by the black cloak he wore. The only hint of information she could get from his looks was his pale blue hooves that peaked out of the bottom of his cloak. And then Rainbow Dash and his eyes met. His blazing red eyes.
And then Shining Armor hit him over the head with the hilt of his sword.
The pony drop the the ground, face-planting into the floor. Fluttershy, basically in tears, ran over the pony and flipped him over, revealing what appeared to be a young stallion. He was obviously unconscious. But his most striking feature was the one thing she saw only in her family. His rainbow mane. Rainbow Dash watched as Fluttershy checked his pulse. Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief, making Rainbow Dash guess the stallion was still alive. Although, Rainbow Dash doubt he was dead in the first place because there was no way Shining Armor would kill somepony like that.
"I take it back. This trip isn't boring at all", Hope muttered to nopony in particular.
Rainbow Dash just shook her head. She manage to carry the stallion to the cart with the bunks in the very back off the train. It wasn't hard since the stallion had to be the lightest pony she ever carried. She laid him down on the bunk, and pulled his cloak off. Rainbow Dash looked down upon the stallion and realized his right wing has completely wrapped in tattered bandages. She heard the clopping of hooves behind her. She turned around to find Fluttershy racing behind her, and Flash shuffling behind.
"Oh you poor dear", Fluttershy cried, taking a first aid kit out of her suitcase. She began to unwrapped the bandages off his wing. Rainbow Dash looked at Flash.
"How did he get on", Rainbow Dash asked.
"Not sure", Flash answered with a shrug. He then cuffed his hoof to the railing of the bunk. Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.
"What", Flash asked," Safety first."
Rainbow Dash nodded and looked back down at the stallion. She laid down on the bunk across from him. She needed to rest for awhile. So many things been happening lately, and she just needed time to process it all. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and went into a deep slumber.
***
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, hoping to find Color Streak, Fractured Light, or Smoke, but instead, she found herself in a hallway. A hallway of doors. Rainbow Dash looked down the hallway, trying to get a good look at the door at the end. Every single one of the doors had some type of way of showing that it shouldn't be opened. Some had simple 'keep out' signs on them, others were boarded up.
"Boo", a voice said behind her.
Rainbow Dash jumped and jerked around to see Nightmare Moon before here.
"You", Rainbow Dash growled.
"Nice to see you too", Nightmare Moon grumbled," And please just call me Moon. I do not know were the Nightmare part came from."
"Tell me why you're here", Rainbow Dash demanded.
"I want to help you", Moon said innocently.
"Yeah, right", Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes," Last time I checked, you wanted to kill Twilight."
"Sorry I got a little carried away", Moon said apologetically. She then laid one hoof over her eye ,"I Pinkie Promise I will never do it again to any of your friends."
"Wait...", Rainbow Dash said slowly," How do you know about the Pinkie Promise?"
Rainbow Dash was completely confused. How could a pony who was possible older then Princess Celestia, and didn't have contact with the outside world, know what a Pinkie Promise is? Rainbow Dash stared up at her questioningly, but Moon ignored her.
"Rainbow Dash, follow me", Moon simply said, opening up one of the closed doors.
Rainbow Dash watched as she disappeared into the room. Finally she decided to make the worst decision of her life. She followed Moon through the door, and found herself in a very familiar place. A forest and a small cabin next to a seemingly never ending lake. The sunlight shimmered through the small holes in the treetops. Three little fillies and three small colts stood were hanging around the lake. pushing each other around. Laughing. Running towards them was a filly that was a little smaller then the others, and she knew this filly well.
It was Rainbow Dash.
"Hey wait for me", the young Rainbow Dash cried out, chasing after her friends.
Rainbow Dash remembered this moment. The day she went to the Shadow Falls Flight Camp. The day she met her friends... the day she earn the title Rainbow Crash.
"Who are you", Eon asked young Rainbow Dash.
"I'm Rainbow Dash. I want to be apart of your group", she answered happily.
Her friends huddled together, whispering and murmuring to each other. The glance back at the young Rainbow Dash cautiously. They all nodded at each other, and looked back at the young filly.
"Sure. But first, you need to complete a task", Fireball said with a sly smile.
"Okay", little Dashie squeaked.
Rainbow Dash watched as the young colts and fillies of her past began to plot. Rainbow Dash winced as they began to talk a race. The race. The race that scarred her with that horrible nickname. She watched as her six-year-old self, take flight to the sky, flying so graceful, only to come back crashing to the ground. All because of her stupid uneven wings. The one that was smaller then the other, causing her shame. Rainbow Dash fought back her tears.
"Why", Rainbow Dash asked in a barely audible whisper," Why would you show me this?"
"Why would you let this change who are", Moon returned in question.
"You don't know me", Rainbow Dash shouted," You don't know what it like to be ashamed of yourself! To feel like nopony will accept you for who you are!"
"Really? Guess again", a dark voice growled.
Rainbow Dash turned around to find a monster in the place of Moon. Her blacked streaked mane. Her pupils of her dragon eyes were at pinpoint. She had razor sharp teeth, and she was battered and bruised. The monster laid her eyes upon Rainbow Dash.
"It is only going to get worse", Moon said in a raspy voice," They'll tear you apart. Beyond recognition. Lies destroy Rainbow Dash."
Moon now stood only inches from her face.
"Lies destroy."
***
Rainbow Dash nearly jumped out onto the floor. She tried telling herself that it was just a dream, but she could still feel Moon's icy breath on her coat.
Moon.
Rainbow Dash heard a rattling sound. Kinda like metal clanking together. She twist her head around to see the stallion from earlier pulling on the hoofcuffs as hard as he could. The stallion head was bandaged up. She also noticed that his right wing now had newer bandages. Rainbow Dash could see his cutie mark; a white star-like shape.
"Ahem", Rainbow Dash said loudly.
The stallion looked up at her and gave her his best charming smile.
"Heeeeeeeyyyyyy", the stallion said very cheerfully," You seem like a nice mare. Care to help a stallion out?"
Rainbow Dash just shook her head.
His smile vanished," Fine! I'll find my own way out!"
He raised his hoof into the air, and just held it there. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but stare. Just then she thought she saw a crackle of electricity. Like red lightening flickering around his hoof.
Then the hoofcuff started melting off of his hoof.
It fell to the floor as a red hot mass. Rainbow Dash's mouth hung open. How was he able to do that? Pegasus couldn't use magic! She slowly started to back away from the stallion. At first, the stallion looked up in confusion, and then let out a heavy sigh.
"Darn it. Forgot", he muttered under his breath. He looked over at Rainbow Dash," You better not freak out."
Rainbow Dash felt her jaw work for a moment, and then she said in a huge rush," Freak out! I'm not freaking out! Why would I be freaking out?! You know, besides the fact you're a Pegasus and Pegasus can't use magic! My dear sweet Celestia, how are you able to that?!"
The stallion just stared at her. "I could teach you", he offered.
"Nonononono! I'm good! I'm... good", Rainbow Dash quickly said, twisting around. She had to still be dreaming. There was no way possible that could really happen in real life. She look back the stallion. He was still there.
"The name's Spark", he said, extending his hoof.
Rainbow Dash hesitantly took his hoof," Yeah. Rainbow Dash."
"That's kind of sad", Spark snickered. Rainbow Dash shoot him a look. "Or not sad at all", Spark quickly said.
Rainbow Dash just stared at Spark. A question flickered through her mind." Do you have other powers or do you just melt things?"
"I have other powers", Spark said proudly.
"Come on. Follow me", Rainbow Dash said, turning towards the door. Her friends had to see this.
"Where are we going", Spark asked.
"To see my friends", Rainbow Dash simply said. She seen Nightmare Moon's return, found out the secret her parents been hiding, had a stallion sneak aboard the train, and now that same stallion could use magic.
"He can use magic", Twilight asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Yup", Rainbow Dash said.
"But how", Twilight asked, now staring at Spark intently as if he was about to open a portal to another world, or some other abnormal thing. "Do something right now", Twilight ordered.
"No", Spark simply said," And stop looking at me like that! I'm not apart of some freak show you know!"
Shining Armor was just standing behind Twilight, shaking his head," I hit him pretty hard. He shouldn't have been up already." He looked at Flash Sentry. "How long has he been out?"
"About twenty minutes", Flash replied.
"Yeah he should of been out for an hour or two", Shining Armor said with a frown.
"Wait a minute", Spark said, now sounded quite upset," So you're the guy who knock me out!" He jumped up and got into Shining's face. "So do just knock out strangers or do you knock out everypony you come across?!"
"I thought you were a spy or a some other danger", Shining Armor said defensively.
"Yeah that's what they all say", Spark said waving him off," Now anypony care to explain why you all knock me out, and where the heck this..." He looked around at his surroundings. "This pretty nice looking train's heading to?"
"I just told you why I knocked you out", Shining Armor pointed out.
"No", Spark argued," You just said you thought I was dangerous. The question is why did you think I was dangerous. I mean, I would just be an innocent pony on a normal daily basis, right?"
"Haven't you heard", Hope asked," Nightmare Moon return and totally took over Canterlot Castle."
"Nightmare who", Spark asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rainbow Dash starred at him in shock," You don't know who Nightmare Moon is?! She attacked awhile back!"
Spark let out a nervous chuckle," I'm not really from around here."
Rainbow Dash just shook her head," Anyways, we're heading to the Shadowlands."
It probably wasn't a good idea to tell Spark about where they were headed. He could easily be a spy for Nightmare Moon, and already having Nightmare Moon's guards ready to attack them when they get there. But there was something about him that made him seem familiar. Especially when he had his cloak on. She felt like she saw him somewhere but where. Then the pieces fell together.
"Wait", Rainbow Dash said," Were you the pony who dropped that crystal when Nightmare Moon returned at Canterlot Castle?"
"Uhhhhhhhhh", Spark said, looking up towards the ceiling. Then he lowered his head slightly," Yeah."
"And attacked the Shadowbolts back at the wall?"
"Yes."
"And followed me from my home to Wonderbolt practice?!"
There was an awkward silence before he said," You know in some kingdoms that is perfectly legal."
Some would say that Rainbow Dash was furious. That, sadly, was understatement.
"YOU WERE STALKING ME", she shouted. In fact, she shouted so loud she was pretty sure it would be consider the Royal Canterlot Voice.
Spark gave a forced smile," Would it really be consider stalking? Would it really, truly be?"
"YES!"
"Well then", Spark said," You would really hate to learn that I went inside your house."
"WHAT!"
***
He stared out into the sunset, looking past the force-field that comes from the magic of the Crystal Heart. He stared into the white blizzard, wondering why Rainbow Dash had to leave so soon. He missed her and she had only been gone for a few hours. He missed Mommy and Daddy and Wisp and Hope.
Why couldn't he go?
"Lightening, are you okay", he heard Fireball, Rainbow Dash's friend, asked.
"No", Lightening whimpered," I miss Dashie and Mommy. And Daddy. And Hope. And-" He sniffled, but he didn't want to cry.
Fireball patted his head let out a sigh," I do too."
"When will they be back", he asked.
"I don't know kiddo. Don't know."
Lightening looked out the balcony once more into the distant. Then saw a small black mass in the white snow. And it slowly began to grow. He looked closer and the black mass what began looked like a group of bat -like creature.
"Hey Fireball", Lightening called to her," What's that?"
Fireball looked off the balcony, and frown. She picked up the telescope that was next to her and looked through it. Then he watched as Fireball's face went from confused to terrified. Lightening took the telescope out of her hooves to see what she saw. He saw that the group of bat-like creature were those Bat-Ponies. And Nightmare Moon was leading them. Lightening tried to let a whimper out, but it seemly was caught in his throat. He threw himself into Fireball's chest. He just needed a hug. He just need somepony to tell him everything was going to be fine.
But Fireball didn't hug back. She didn't say it was going to be fine. Instead she said the most scariest thing.
"Sweet Celestia, help us."
Lightening closed his eyes, wishing it was just a nightmare and he'll just wake up.
But he didn't wake up.
He cried out for Dashie.
***
Spark was now a laughable mess. Rainbow Dash had totally wrecked him. She didn't just slap him across the face. She didn't just punched him in the shoulder. She threw him halfway across the train, bucked him in the stomach, and body slammed him. The greatest part was nopony tried to stop her. In fact, Hope was cheering her on.
"Go Rainbow Dash", Hope shouted," Knock the crap out of him!"
"You know what", Spark groaned," I probably, totally deserved that."
"You think", Rainbow Dash growled.
Spark open his mouth to say something, but the words never left his mouth. Immediately, the world around them was thrown into chaos. As Shining Armor began to shout, Rainbow Dash felt herself thrown into the wall. The train around her suddenly became a blur. Rainbow Dash felt herself slamming into things. Finally she came crashing down on the floor. She open her eyes her vision was blurry, and she heard voices but they didn't make sense. She tried to move but pain shot through her leg. She held in a scream. She turned her head slightly, rewarded with an enormous, pounding headache. Rainbow Dash saw the green turtle shell.
Tank.
She reached out and grabbed Tank, and held him to her chest. Tank's head came out slightly, but quickly went back in when a load moan sounded. Rainbow Dash looked up and saw her Dad. He seemed unscathed except for a few cuts. He lean towards Rainbow Dash and whispered something, but she didn't understand. They were words, she new that, but they didn't have any meaning. They the words were just noise. Her Dad picked her up and another sharp pain shot through her leg. Every breath now felt like fire. She heard screaming, but she couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Her vision began to go out.
Don't worry, Rainbow Dash , Color Streak's voice echo, Mother will take care of you.
Rainbow Dash felt herself leave the world behind her.
***
Rainbow Dash eyes flutter open. Her head pound. And a very unfamiliar stallion lean over her.
Rainbow Dash yelped and jerked up ready to run, but she was stopped by sharp pain that went up through her leg and up her back. She let out shout as she tried to stop the pain.
"Whoa", the stallion said, slowly laying her back down on the bed. "Calm down."
The stallion had a thick black mane and a pure white coat. He dark circles around his blood red eyes. He was a Pegasus and he had a scythe for a cutie mark. The stallion smile down upon her.
"Hi Rainbow Dash! My name's Grimm", the stallion chirped.
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow," Grimm."
"Yeah", he said, giving a small laugh," Strange name, huh?"
Rainbow Dash paused for a moment, realizing another strange thing. "How in Equestria did you know my name", she asked.
"E...quest...ria", Grimm said very slowly like a foal trying to pronounce a new word.
Rainbow Dash open her mouth to question him, but her Mom ran in the room. "Oh Rainbow Dash", her Mom whispered. She grabbed Rainbow Dash and held her in a tight hug. During that time, Rainbow Dash noticed she wasn't in a hospital. She was in a bedroom, and it look more like a guest bedroom. It didn't have anything that looked like personal belongings. In fact, the only things in the room was a bed, a nightstand, and a small dresser. Besides that, the room was empty. Her Mom finally released Rainbow Dash from her death grip.
"What happened", Rainbow Dash groaned.
"A group called the Shadowbolts attacked us. Are you okay", her Mom asked with concern.
"My hind legs hurt, my chest hurts, my back. Everything", Rainbow Dash sighed.
"I can help with that", a voice said.
She looked over and saw a white, Pegasus mare. Her red and black bangs fell into her face while the rest of her mane was pulled back in a high ponytail. She too shared Grimm's blood red eyes. Her cutie mark was a black thorn. The mare smile at her happily, pulling out a small tin container. Rainbow Dash stared at it, wondering what it's contents my be. The mare walked up to her, opening the container.
"Here", the mare said. The mare reached for her legs. Her legs. Rainbow Dash watched as the mare pulled her hind legs out from under the covers. The mare slowly unwrapped the bandages, revealing her cut up, scraped up legs. They looked absolutely awful. The mare began to rub a white cream on her legs. Rainbow Dash watched in awe as the cuts and scrapes disappeared. She looked back up to the mare.
"Thank you...", Rainbow Dash said before realizing that she didn't even know the mare's name.
"Thorn", the mare said with pride.
"Thank you Thorn", Rainbow Dash said with a small smile.
Thorn let out a sigh," I'm sorry but I can't do anything for your chest. Not until I find out the cause. This cream's only for cuts and scrapes."
"That's okay", Rainbow Dash said, trying to hide her disappointment," I feel much better then I did before."
"That's great", Thorn laughed and went to leave.
"Wait", Rainbow Dash called out. Thorn turned around and looked at her," Do you know where Tank is? My tortoise?"
Thorn's face brighten," Of course. He's upstairs. Your brother is watching him. Hope, I believe it is." With that she turned around and left.
Rainbow Dash pulled herself out of bed, shaking off the pain. Her Mom walked with her through the hall, and down the spiraling staircase. Grimm trotted up ahead of them, leading them to the kitchen. And there was Spark sitting in the chair across from a small, Pegasus filly. She also had a full rainbow mane, and was black. She had one magenta eye, like Rainbow Dash, and the other was a dark green, reminding her of Colby. She also lacked a cutie mark.
"This is important, Spark", the filly whined," I need a scooter! If I don't get one, I'll die!"
"Yeah, Iri", Spark said, rolling his eyes," I said the same exact thing when I wanted a scooter. And you know what? I didn't get mine until two years later, and I didn't die."
"Well that's because your boring", Iri argued. "And you did things like playing outside for...", she wrinkled her nose in disgust," fun."
"Irina, you are impossible", Spark said, putting his face into his hooves.
"Stop with the flattery", Iri, or Irina, said shaking her head.
"Hi", Rainbow Dash said, catching their attention.
Iri gasped and ran up to Rainbow Dash, looking her directly in the eyes. "Your eyes are like mine! Kind of", Iri said happily.
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows. Spark shrugged," Magenta is not the most common eye color around here."
"You must be our cousin", Iri said a matter-of-factly.
"Why would you say that", Rainbow Dash asked, curiously.
"Because you have a rainbow mane. Everypony has something rainbow about their mane in our family. Unless they're only related by marriage." She cocked her head to the side," Unless your mane is dyed. Did you dye your mane that way?"
"No. It's natural", Rainbow Dash smiled.
Iri returned Rainbow Dash's smile," Then you're part of our family!"
"Interesting", Rainbow Dash said, cocking her head. She looked at her Mom. "Where exactly are we."
"Were in the Shadowlands, Rainbow Dash", her Mom whispered," Nightlin, to be exact. This is your father's town." Her Mom looked her deep in the eye.
"This is where you father grew up."
Suddenly, everything begin to fall together. The rainbow manes, the strange ponies who seemed to be so friendly with her, the part when Grimm didn't know what Equestria was. It was her Dad's town. His home. In a way, Rainbow Dash was part of this. The amazing stories her Dad would tell her at night about his town, and his amazing adventures with his friends. The place she always wanted to see. To learn about. Now she was here. She was standing on the very soil of the Shadowlands. Breathing the very air of the Shadowlands. And even though there didn't seem to be anything different about this place.
Rainbow Dash ate like she was never going to eat again. Breakfast included eggs, buttered toast, pancakes, hash browns, grits, and cantaloupe. And that wasn't the end of what was being served. Earlier, Rainbow Dash's Dad decided to take her out to eat. Apparently, there was a little restaurant in the small town of Nightlin. Except, you didn't pay for the food. The way the town worked here was that everypony had a part to play and did their part. They also had group meetings when making important decisions. Every town, village, empire, kingdom, and city was basically a region of its own. Rainbow Dash wanted to know more. She hungered for this knowledge. But when her friends walked into the restaurant, Rainbow Dash held back her questions.
Even though her friends now knew about her friends and family, they still didn't know that the Rainbow Dash they knew wasn't the real Rainbow Dash. The Rainbow Dash they knew wouldn't ask questions that didn't serve a purpose. The Rainbow Dash they knew wouldn't ask question just out of curiosity. Rainbow Dash knew she couldn't keep her true self a secret for long. They were going to find out eventually, but she couldn't tell them to day. She had to wait until the time was right.
However long that might be.
"Wow", a young colt said in awe, observing Twister's wings," You're an actual Wind Pegasus."
Twister, who sat across from her, mirrored Rainbow Dash's reaction. They both held blank stares.
"What's a Wind Pegasus", Twister asked.
"You don't know what a Wind Pegasus is", the colt asked, staring at Twister with a disbelieving look. The young colt was a vanilla kind of white. His black mane was a rugged mess, and a yellow streak for a cutie mark. He also had deep brown eyes that always seemed to be looking at everything. Taking every little fact in like he had a never ending thirst for knowledge. The colt rolled his eyes.
"Well, a Wind Pegasus is a Pegasus who has a huge wingspan", the colt said, pulling out one of Twister's wings. "Wind Pegasus usually live on cliffs or mountains. Most likely, a place where the weather is very windy, hence the name Wind Pegasus." He looked up at Twister and Rainbow Dash. "My name's Raymond."
"That was very interesting", Twilight's voice sounded behind Rainbow Dash. Twilight walked up to Raymond. "Are there any other types of ponies?"
"Yes", Raymond answered," Pegasus are well adapted ponies. There are Wind Pegasus, Desert Pegasus, Snow Pegasus, Rain Pegasus, and Normal Pegasus."
"Normal Pegasus", Twilight asked, raising her eyebrow.
"By 'normal' I mean their wings have no special adaptations", Raymond replied with a shrug," For example, Snow Pegasus have wings with extra feathers to help them survive harsh winters. After winter, they loose most of their feathers to avoid having their wings getting too hot."
Twilight replied with a 'huh' and brought out a notepad. Rainbow Dash stared.
"What's with the notepad, Twi", Rainbow Dash asked.
"Oh, just writing down the things I learn here. Everything is so different and interesting."
"So what's the plan", Flash said, sitting down next to Twister.
"What plan", Rainbow Dash asked confused.
"The plan to get to that secret vault", Flash replied.
"Oh come on", Rainbow Dash groaned," We just got here. I'm still hurt. Can't we wait?"
"No", Flash said shaking his head," We have to leave as soon as possible."
"Not together, you're not", she heard her Mom's voice behind her. Rainbow Dash turned around to get a better look of her.
"Why not", Shining Armor asked standing up from his table.
"Because we can't travel in such a big group! The plan is some are staying and some are going, and that's final", her Mom shouted.
There was a awkward silence across the restaurant. Rainbow Dash watched as everypony started sifting uncomfortably in their seats. Final, her Mom stood up.
"Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Wisp, and Hope will be staying. Twister, I think you should stay behind-"
"No", Twister said," I'm going with Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash quickly tried to hide her blush.
"Alright then", her Mom said," Those who are coming are me, Shining Armor, Flash, Spitfire, Soarin, Fleetfoot, Twister, Thunder Dash, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Spark."
"What", Soarin said, sounding very upset," You're going to take that moron!"
"Well", Spark loudly said. Rainbow Dash watched as he climbed up on the table." At least I have charmingly good looks, and don't look like a moron. Such as yourself."
Soarin looked like he was about to beat the crap out of him, while Spitfire held him back. Rainbow Dash looked at Twister.
"What happened with those two? I thought Spark was just picking on Shining Armor and Flash", Rainbow Dash whispered.
"Well, while you were out, Irina said that Soarin looked stupid", Twister said with a shrug.
"What does that have to do with Spark?"
Twister bit his lip," Spark backed her up... encouraged... maybe."
"Oh", Rainbow Dash said looking away. Mom was already telling them what the should pack.
"We can't we stay in one place for more than a day", Rainbow Dash whispered.
"I love you", Twister whispered suddenly.
"What", Rainbow Dash asked confused.
"For years I loved you and you loved me back, but we never dated", Twister continued to whisper," I love you Dashie. After this is all over, I need you to be my special somepony. Please."
Rainbow Dash sighed. She grabbed his hoof. Rainbow Dash loved him. She knew that one day they needed to be open about how they felt. Rainbow Dash wanted him to know the terrible things she been dealing with. The dreams, the voices. Nightmare Moon. She needed somepony to talk to.
And Twister was perfect.
"Twister. I'm scared. If you are willing to be my special somepony, can I trust you with my secrets? Because I have some I need to share."
Twister smiled," You know you can trust me with anything."
He looked deep into her eyes.
"Anything at all."
***
"You hear voices in your head?"
Rainbow Dash sighed. Twister was the easiest to tell since he wouldn't totally freak out like her Mom, but still a close friend she comfortable telling this to. Maybe he something even more then a close friend. But she could help but think that Twister thought she was crazy. If she was him, she would've thought she was crazy!
"Yes", Rainbow Dash answered," But they're not bad voices. And they're not crazy voices either. They have names. And faces. I seen them in my dreams."
"Do your friends know", Twister asked.
"Twilight and them? No. At least, not all of it. I only told them about them being in my dreams. Telling them that they talk to me inside my head seemed like to much information." Rainbow Dash rested her head on Twister shoulder. "They might even think I'm crazy."
She sat next to Twister on a bench on the balcony, staring off into the distance. She eventually found out that the place she woke up in was a mansion. The only mansion in Nightlin, and everypony there was very proud of it. It belonged to Grimm, Thorn, Thorn's twin sister, Treble, and their younger brother Chip. Apparently, their parents were out of town, and it was up to them to take care of the old mansion. The mansion had been in their family for years, and was inherited. Rainbow Dash would of said it was a hunted mansion if it wasn't for the colorful garden in the front and back of the mansion. It was black and grey, and it's age definitely showed. But it was stable. It had black, iron gates and big stone wall. All it needed was a little sprucing up and it will be good as new. But Thorn and her siblings could never find the time.
Thorn also said that the mansion was converted into a hospital after a terrible illness struck them years ago. Ever since then, the mansion remained a hospital. 102 rooms Thorn said. Not counting the kitchen, the dining room, and the living room. The balcony of the mansion had breathtaking views of the forests and mountains. Rainbow Dash knew that every artist that ever lived would be furious because they would never be able to capture it's beauty. It was just too beautiful.
"I don't", Twister said.
"Hmmm", Rainbow Dash said, turning to him.
"Crazy. I don't think your crazy", Twister said with a sigh," You're not crazy because I know you can think straight. You're not a liar because you wouldn't lie about something like this. The only reasonable answer is that you're telling the truth."
After a long pause Rainbow Dash spoke up.
"Nightmare Moon visited me in my dreams", Rainbow Dash said in a hushed voice. Twister's grip on her tighten. "She wants something from me. I can feel it", Rainbow Dash continued," But I don't know what."
"What... what would you have that she needs", Twister asked slowly.
"I am the element of loyalty. Maybe she needs that... for some reason", Rainbow Dash whisper.
"Maybe", Twister shrugged.
Rainbow Dash nodded.
"Maybe."
***
"Come on Flash! You to Soarin! Get moving", Raindrop, Rainbow Dash's mother, called to the back. Twilight turned around and saw Flash Sentry and Soarin a couple yards behind her, dragging their hooves.
As Twilight's eyes looked upon Flash Sentry, her heart fluttered and her stomach did somersaults. She quickly looked away before Flash could see that she was blushing. Twilight sighed and looked ahead of her, and saw Rainbow Dash and Twister strangely close. It wasn't the friendship close, it was almost like they were something more. Rainbow Dash rested her head on Twister, and Twister wrapped one of his extremely large wings around Rainbow Dash. Twilight looked away from them and found herself staring at Rainbow Dash's father, Thunder Dash. Thunder Dash was born and grew up here. He was in fact, not from Equestria. And Princess Celestia didn't bother to tell anypony. Twilight's eyes finally came upon Rainbow Dash's mother.
Raindrop.
The way Raindrop talks to Princess Celestia... it was if Princess Celestia were an old friend. Twilight looked back at Rainbow Dash. She have learn more about Rainbow Dash more than she did in the last few years. Twilight wasn't handling this very well, although she had been trying to hide it. She wonder how Rainbow Dash was. Twilight quickly ran up to Rainbow Dash and Twister.
"Hey Dash. Are you alright? I know you been through some tough things lately", Twilight asked.
Rainbow Dash looked her in the eyes.
"I'm fine", she whispered.
Twilight nodded, but she knew Rainbow Dash was lying. She didn't need to be Applejack to see it. It was in her eyes. Something was bothering Rainbow Dash.
But what?
***
Rainbow Dash trotted next to Twister, never leaving his side. It wasn't like she was afraid to. She just needed somepony to be there for her. With her every step of the way.
The forest was beautiful. The tall dark trees loomed over their heads, and the plants and flowers gave it a pop of color. But the creepy thing was there was no sound. No squirrels scurrying in the treetops, no birds chirping joyful songs. Just silence except for everypony and the wind. A shiver went down her spine. Rainbow Dash shrank back into Twister's wing. Then she realized why the silence freaked her out so much. It was like her dream. Walking through Canterlot and Ponyville. Everypony gone and not a creature left. Except for her.
"Twilight. Twister", Rainbow Dash whispered," I don't like this."
"What's wrong, Rainbow Dash", Twilight asked very concerned.
Rainbow Dash watched as Spark slowed his pace to a stop.
"She's right", Spark said," It is too quiet."
Rainbow Dash stopped and looked from side to side. She tried to prepare herself for what was going to happened. Rainbow Dash slowly position herself in fight mode, and-
DUCK!
Following Fractured Light's command, Rainbow Dash grabbed Twister dragged him to the ground.
"Rainbow Dash! What are you-", Twister yelped, but before he could finish a huge wolf leaped out of the forest.
The wolf was grey with black marking on it's back and around it's face. It was much bigger than a Timber Wolf. It's yellow eyes gleamed with hate, and a nasty smile appeared on it's face.
"Shadow Wolf", she heard her Dad whimper.
"Well, well, well", the Shadow Wolf laughed a cruel laugh," Looks like I found myself a buffet."
The Shadow Wolf pounce towards Rainbow Dash and Twister. Rainbow Dash quickly moved out of the way. The wolf swung it's paws at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash jumped backwards, while the wolf's sharp claws only slightly scraped her coat. She tripped backwards, and fell down on the hard ground. Rainbow Dash watched as Soarin and Flash Sentry tried to attack the wolf from behind, but they were quickly taken out by a swing of his tail. Twilight flew into the air, and ready her horn. Rainbow Dash watched in horror as the wolf slammed his paw down on Twilight. Shining Armor screamed Twilight's name, and her Mom was trying to get Soarin and Flash back up. The wolf growled, and sank his claws into Twister. Twister screamed out in agony. The wolf dragged he backwards, and raised his other paw into the air.
"I'll be nice and make it quick", the Shadow Wolf said with a grin.
"NO", Rainbow Dash screamed out, reaching out her hooves.
She felt an electric shock in her hooves, and her body felt as light as air. Everything around her began to glow. Then she felt a force throw her backwards into something hard. Everything hurt. Her back, her neck, her wings. The worse thing was she was on fire. Her chest burn, and then the flames spread to her throat. She tried to scream, but nothing came out. Only strangled cries escaped. Soon, Rainbow Dash's body was being lifted up by somepony. Her Mom and Dad came into view.
"Don't worry Rainbow Dash", her Mom said, fear filling her eyes. "Mommy's here! You're going to be okay!"
Her Dad held Rainbow Dash hoof to his chest. Rainbow Dash heard Spitfire shouting something.
"Did you just see that", Spitfire shouted," What did she do?"
Rainbow Dash started breathing in sharply. Her vision was slowly turning black. Her Dad said something, but no words came out. She was plunged into the darkness, with only one thing on her mind.
Rainbow Dash's eyes fluttered open to find a sky of bright stars above. She slowly sat herself up to find that the burning sensation in her chest was gone. There wasn't any trace of it being there at all, but her head hurt. Rainbow Dash rubbed it, and looked around her surroundings. She was laying next to a fire in the woods. She shivered.
"Well, its about time you woken up", Spark said behind her.
Rainbow Dash just stared at him. She couldn't find it in her to talk.
"Okay then", Spark said, breaking the silence. "That was pretty impressive. What you did before you fell to the ground, screaming. Never thought I would ever see somepony with that kind of magic."
Rainbow Dash frowned.
"I don't have magic", Rainbow Dash said.
"Yeah you do", Spark argued," A few hours ago you-"
"Rainbow Dash", another voice called.
She turned around to find her Dad coming out of the woods. Her Dad held her in his embrace, and just sat there for a minute.
"I'll be keeping an eye out for Shadow Wolves", Spark said uncomfortably. He pointed to the woods behind them. "Waaaaaaay over there."
As soon as Spark was out of earshot, her Dad let out a huge sigh.
"I'm so sorry Rainbow-"
"Dad, what happened to me", Rainbow Dash interrupted.
Her Dad held her gaze. Then he held her hoof.
"When you were a foal, your mother and I knew you and your brothers were special. And I mean really special. Your brother Wisp... he's a seer. I know you and siblings thought Wisp's eyes were strange, but that was because he is seer. He's able to see through disguises and illusions. And Hope. You know how he can tell when somepony is lying. He also has magical abilities. But you Dash..." Rainbow Dash watched as her Dad shook his head. "Your abilities are much different. You threw that Shadow Wolf back without even touching it. You... you have magic."
Rainbow Dash pulled her hoof away from her Dad. What was he talking about? He's crazy! But Rainbow Dash knew it wasn't true. Just like Twister said about her, her Dad wasn't crazy. He definitely would never lie to her about something lie this. The only explanation was...
He was telling the truth.
Rainbow Dash held her hoover to her chest and squeezed her eye shut. It was all she could do from panicking. Her Dad went to brush her mane out of her face, but Rainbow Dash jerked away.
"I know what it feels like to be you", her Dad whispered.
"How", Rainbow Dash said, trying to keep her voice even. But it just came out as a squeak.
"Cause I have abilities too."
Rainbow Dash turned to look at her Dad to find him glowing. He was brighter than the fire next to them. His piercing yellow eyes shined like the sun, and his wings flickered like a candle with every movement. A white light seemed to come off of him. Rainbow Dash watched in awe. Then all the light faded from him, leaving him normal again.
"You see", her Dad whispered," We're special."
Rainbow Dash rested her head on her Dad's shoulder.
"What are we", Rainbow Dash asked.
"We are Power Surges, and if we tried we could be more powerful than Alicorns."
"Then why didn't you tell us", Rainbow Dash asked," Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because Princess Celestia didn't want you to know."
"And why's that?"
Rainbow Dash stared into her Dad's eyes. He looked back her. His eyes, for the first time she could ever remember, held great concern and worry. He wrapped a wing around Rainbow Dash, and pulled her closer to him.
"Because she is afraid us."
***
Echo watched as the two held each other in their embrace. It made him long for his family. But his parents were dead. He only had his little brother left, and couldn't bare the thought of losing him too. Echo quickly shook the thoughts out of his head. He couldn't think these kind of things. He had to focus. His mission was to retrieve Rainbow Dash and bring her to Princess Moon, and nothing was going to stop him. He crouched in the trees, and watched them very carefully before sinking back into the darkness.
He will please his princess.
It was the only way to find peace.
***
"Rainbow Dash is what now", Twilight asked completely in confusion.
"A Power Surge", Raindrop said rolling her eyes.
Twilight was still confused. What was a Power Surge, and what did it have to do with Rainbow Dash? But Twilight kept silent, and waited for Raindrop to continue.
"A Power Surge is a pony who has an extreme amount of power, as in magic. They can do extraordinary things. But what makes them so dangerous is that their magic is linked to their emotion. Fear and anger are the most dangerous emotions they can have. Having those emotions can really hurt somepony."
"So... Rainbow Dash is a pony who can use magic, but isn't a Unicorn", Twilight said thoughtfully.
"Actually", Spark said, worming his way into their conversation, making Twilight wonder where he came from," Pegasus and Earth Ponies can, in fact, use magic. It just in little ways, such as if an Earth Pony seemingly is stronger than a Unicorn. Or the fact that a Pegasus can walk on clouds. Just like Mister Stupid-Looking over there", Spark said very loudly, gesturing to Soarin.
"What have I done to deserve this", Soarin shouted at him.
"Everything", Spark shouted back.
"Anyway", Raindrop said, shaking her head," Spark's right. All ponies have magic."
"I knew that", Twilight said, frowning. "I meant, real magic. Like Unicorn magic."
"Well they do have real magic", Raindrop replied with a shrug. "The only reason why we don't see it other then the everyday things, is because ponies don't know their able to, or don't feel like putting the effort or determination in it. It is hard to strengthen your magic. Mostly, because there aren't any wizards to show you how."
"Wizards", Shining Armor said with a chuckle.
"I'm serious", Raindrop snapped," And if you don't believe me, so be it! But if you come face to face with an Earth Pony who can blast you with magic, don't come crying to me!"
"I thought you said there aren't anymore wizards", Twilight asked.
"There aren't", Raindrop growled, obviously becoming frustrated. "Wizards can use advance spells, such as teleportation, or even more advance; age regression. But we only know a fraction of the spells and training exercises they used to preform. Today, ponies that would learn that fraction of spells, can only blast you with concentrated magic. It's not as powerful, but it still hurts," Raindrop looked back at Twilight," Rainbow Dash's magic is much different from that kind of magic. As I said, that kind of magic is can be controlled by her emotions."
"So does Rainbow Dash now about that", Pinkie asked worriedly.
"No", Raindrop answered, lowering her head," Celestia didn't want her to."
"Why not", Twilight asked.
"I don't know! 'Cause she scared", Raindrop shouted. She then lowered her voice," If you want to know, asked Celestia. She casted the containment spell."
"Containment spell", Twilight repeated.
"It's a spell that limits a pony's magic. Rainbow Dash had one casted on her to keep her from using her magic. She was limited to the average magic of a Pegasus." Raindrop's expression suddenly darken. "Little did Celestia know, or didn't cared, a Power Surge must learn how to control their magic. If they don't, they can accidently hurt a lot of ponies."
"If Rainbow Dash has a containment spell cast on her, how can she use magic", Flash chirped.
Raindrop scowled. "It wore of off! On ponies like you and me, the caster can keep you under the spell as long as they want, but it doesn't work that way on Power Surges. A Power Surge's magic is too powerful to be contained, depending on the magic and how powerful they are."
"Question", Spitfire said, raising her hoof.
"Yes", Raindrop said, pointing to her.
"Is being a Power Surge inheritable?"
"It has a higher chance of happening, but is mostly random."
"Oh... okay."
"Alright everypony", Raindrop said," Let's get our sticks back to camp. The fire's gonna need it."
Twilight watched as Raindrop picked up her bundle. She couldn't believe what happened. Watching Rainbow Dash knock back that Shadow Wolf was amazing. The only thing that she couldn't figure out is Princess Celestia's reasons for keeping all of this from Rainbow Dash. That is...
if Princess Celestia had any good reasons.
***
Rainbow Dash leaned against a tree staring up at the starry sky. She had magic, and she didn't even know it. She closed her eyes. She opened them back up.
"Dad?"
"Yes Rainbow Dash", her Dad answered.
"How do I control it", she asked. Rainbow Dash now knew she had magic. At least she could learn how to use it properly.
"First lesson. Close your eyes", her Dad simply said. Rainbow Dash did just that. "Now concentrate. Look for an energy that is hidden deep inside of you."
At first, she didn't feel anything. In fact, she didn't know what she was looking for. But slowly, she began to feel an 'energy'. It made her feel just like when she blasted that Shadow Wolf, but this time it didn't hurt. She felt like she was on fire, but it didn't burn. It was more like a gut feeling than an actual feeling. Like she her gut told her she was on fire, but she didn't know for sure. It was... relaxing.
"The more focus on that energy", her Dad continued," The more you will be aware of it."
"So when do we get to lesson two", Rainbow Dash asked.
She felt her Dad lay his hoof on her shoulder.
"When you can feel that energy without closing your eyes."
"Hey everybody", Spark shouted, not caring he was interrupting a moment between Rainbow Dash and her Dad. He marched out of the woods straight to the campsite, followed by everypony else. "Everypony now knows your a Power Surge Rainbow Dash! But right now, at this very moment, nopony cares because they're too busy trying to find some vault or something!"
Rainbow Dash watched him very closely as he threw a bundle of wood into the fire.
"You can't just do that", Rainbow Dash whispered.
"Hmmm", Spark said, looking back at her.
"You can't do that", Rainbow Dash said again, speaking much louder," You might put the fire out. You need to give it room to breathe, or you'll smother it."
"Oh", Spark said, looking back the fire. He took another stick and began to move the logs around in the fire.
Rainbow Dash sighed. She looked over at Twister, who was sound asleep next to her. Dad said he hasn't woken up since the Shadow Wolf attack. She watched Twister as his right ear twitched in his sleep. Suddenly, he breathed in sharply and a look of horror spread across his face, but just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished. Rainbow Dash, worriedly, brushed her hoof across his mane. Twister let out a soft groan, and curled up into a ball.
"Dad? Is Twister going to be okay", Rainbow Dash asked.
"He should be", her Dad replied calmly," Being scratched by a Shadow Wolf is painful, but it won't kill you. Well... depending on the wounds. But his wounds are not life threatening."
Rainbow Dash looked down at Twister again," He just seems to be in some pain. Can't we do anything?"
"Well we could go to the Lunar Capital", her Dad said slowly," But... it's to dangerous. The Lunar Capital doesn't like outsiders all that much, and they may take him, and... experiment on him."
"What", Rainbow Dash asked. She looked around and noticed all eyes were trained on her Dad.
"Well", her Dad began, looking very uncomfortable," The Lunar Capital doesn't like outsiders. And by outsiders, I mean anypony outside their walls. The Lunar Capital is completely surrounded by walls of their own, and they don't like lending outsiders anything. If they do happen to give you something, such as food or medical attention, they believe you owe them your life. They would take you and... well... experiment on you. Magic, medicine, altering your DNA. It doesn't matter. They'll find use of you."
"That wrong", Twilight said angrily.
"It is", her Dad agreed with a nod," but they care. The horrible thing is that the citizens don't even know about it. It's all their leaders doing. He keeps all this a secret from them."
"Haven't anypony told them this", Twilight said, raising her voice.
"Well, to them, their leader, Golden Wing, is like Celestia. If somepony came up to you and said Princess Celestia was experimenting on ponies, you wouldn't believe them."
Twilight let out a 'hmmpf' and turned away. Rainbow Dash did see where she was coming from. It was very wrong for somepony to do such a thing. Rainbow Dash sighed. She hoped that Twister wouldn't get any worse. If he did, they'll would have to find another way. Rainbow Dash laid her head on the ground next to Twister, hoping to get some sleep.
Luckily, sleep came.
***
"Rainbow Dash! Get up!", a voice hissed.
Rainbow Dash slowly lifted her head, and let out a yawn.
"Morning already", Rainbow Dash asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Hush", the voice hissed again.
As Rainbow Dash's eyes adjusted, she found herself looking at Fractured Light.
"Fractured Light", Rainbow Dash nearly shouted.
"Hush! What did I say?! Hush", Fractured Light yelled-whispered.
Rainbow Dash watched everypony around her very carefully. Some of them moved, but nopony woke up. She quietly walked over to Fractured Light, watching her steps carefully. She followed him into the woods until she couldn't she the campsite anymore. Finally, Fractured Light came to a stop.
"What's going on, and why did you make me come all the way out here", Rainbow Dash demanded.
"One", Fracture, Rainbow Dash decided to nickname him, growled," I don't know how you feel, but personally I don't enjoy being awoken from my nap. Two, I think your friends here would think you went mad if you were talking to nopony."
"What do mean", Rainbow Dash asked in confusion," Isn't this a dream?"
"No", Fracture said shaking his head," I'm really here. Sort of."
"What do you 'sort of' ", she asked, growing impatient.
"I'm under a spell. Right now, if any of your friends come out here, they won't see me. I can try to make my presence known, but they probably won't notice me. The shadows cling to me too much. You can see me because I cast a spell, one of the only spells I can cast, on you so you can see me." He paused and gave Rainbow Dash a smile. "I look quite handsome, don't I", he said, running his hoof through his messy hair.
"Was there something else you wanted to tell me. Maybe something actually important", Rainbow Dash said, crossing her forelegs.
Fracture scowled at her. "Well you're no fun. Okay, the thing is Twister is hurt."
"What a shocker", Rainbow Dash said, mocking a surprised tone.
"That is not what I meant!"
"Really?"
"Yes, really", Fracture hissed," He has Nightmare Sickness."
Rainbow Dash felt her stomach drop.
"What's Nightmare Sickness", Rainbow Dash asked as her stomach started doing flips.
"It an illness that traps a pony in a deep sleep. Creates nightmares that can kill you."
"Is there a cure?"
Fractured Light nodded," Yes... but it's only known by few."
"What is it?"
Fracture moved backwards. He gave Rainbow Dash a depressing look. "I don't know, but I'm working on it."
Rainbow Dash sat down on the ground, and hugged herself.
"H-how could he get this", Rainbow Dash asked in a shaky voice.
Fractured Light just stared at her. "By simply being pricked by the thorns of the a flower known as Waking Nightmare. He was... pricked while they were dragging him. A simple thing."
Rainbow Dash closed her eyes tightly and focused on her breathing for a moment. When she finally open her eyes, Fractured Light was sitting inches from her. He rested his hoof on her shoulder. His lightless hoof.
"I'll fix this Rainbow Dash. I promise."
Then stood up and walked off into the woods. When he was a few yards in, he disappeared in a puff of smoke. His words echoed in her head. I'll fix this Rainbow Dash. I promise.
Rainbow Dash awoken in the woods, far from here campsite. She picked herself off the ground. What the hay am I doing in the woods? She didn't have to wonder for long. The memories of last night came flooding back to her. She sighed. Why can't anything be normal? Then overwhelming sorrow sunk into her heart, making her sick. Twister's sick, dying even. If I can't save him or Fractured Light can't find the cure, he'll-
Alarms went off in her head.
Twister!
She ran off back to the campsite, trying to remember the way she came. Her heart began to pound, but she found her way back... and unharmed. There were dangerous plants, and dangerous creatures like Shadow Wolves on the prowl, and if she happened to run into them, she... well, she couldn't even bare the thought, let alone, imagine it. When she came stumbling back to camp, she found Spark sitting on a large boulder looking straight at her.
"Glad your here Dashie", Spark laughed," I was about to wake everypony up and send them looking for you!" He slid down the boulder and walked towards with a giddy expression. "Today's a big day! I can feel it!"
Rainbow Dash open her mouth, but a thought came to her," Did you call me... Dashie?"
Spark immediately lowered his head," I didn't mean to offend you."
"No! It's not that", Rainbow Dash quickly said," I... I just didn't expect it... coming from you."
Spark's ears perked up," Well I thought, your family calls you that, why can't I?"
"Yes of course", Rainbow Dash said looking down at her hooves. She then felt Spark's hoof lift her head back up. He stared at her with an intensity. It didn't seem like an angry glare, but a curious gaze, like a young foal looking at a pony he never saw before.
"You seem different", Spark whispered.
"I don't know what you mean", Rainbow Dash replied.
"You just seem more comfortable. More like... yourself."
She stared back into his eyes for moment. "How could you know that? You don't even know me."
He pulled his hoof away. "Call it a hunch." Then his usual childish smile return. "I also notice you got something stuck in your teeth!"
Rainbow Dash gave him a hard blow in the shoulder, but he just laughed like there was no tomorrow. But his words still echoed in her head, and still gave her a fright.
More like... yourself. What could he mean by that!
What could he mean.
***
After a few hours, the campsite came to life. Everypony was moving, packing, preparing for the long journey ahead of them.
All except Twister.
Rainbow Dash was worried. Could it be possible that Twister really did have Nightmare Sickness? Part of her believed what Fractured Light had said, but another part argued and hoped he was wrong. But Twisted moaned in his sleep, and he tossed and turned. He didn't even come close to waking up. Rainbow Dash felt her heart break, but she hid her feelings away. Should I tell them about Twister? No I can't. If I do, they would all think I lost my mind! But Twister's life might depend on it. As she thought, she became distant from everypony else.
"Dashie", she heard Pinkie Pie's voice chirped. Rainbow Dash looked up to see her friend. While Pinkie Pie kept a smile on her face, she saw great concern in her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"Yes Pinkie I'm fine", Rainbow Dash answered.
Pinkie Pie nodded but she still seemed worried. She quickly ran off back to Twilight to help her pack.
"Alright everypony were going to go see three of the most smartest, and most scariest, kids you will ever meet in your lifetime. But in order to get there, we need to get inside the Lunar Capitol", Spark shouted," Any questions?!"
"Yes", Soarin said frown," Isn't the Lunar Capitol the place we are suppose to avoid?"
"Very good question Soarin", Spark congratulated him like colt in a classroom," I'll answer that question after we go there and possibly die."
"Why not now", Flash asked utterly confused.
Spark stood there, and then shrugged," I don't know. I just feel like it."
"What kind of answer is that", Shining Armor demanded.
Spark leaned towards him and whispered," An honest answer." Then he gave Shining Armor a wink.
Shining Armor growled at him, but said nothing else. They quickly packed the rest of their belongings, and headed towards the Lunar Capitol even though there was a crippling amount of dread. When they finally came to the walls of the Lunar Capitol, Rainbow Dash felt her stomach dropped. The walls were like the ones that separated the Shadowlands and Equestria, but bigger. The gates was made out of a silver metal, and the design of them reminder her of vines. Two guards stood at each side, wearing silver armor and a dark blue crescent on the front. Rainbow Dash was about to walk up to them when Spark jumped out in front of her.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa", Spark said, waving his hooves at her," As silly as this my sound, your gonna have to put this on." He walked over to a hollow log, and pulled out a black mass. It took Rainbow Dash a moment to realize it was a bunch of black cloaks similar to Spark's. "Here", Spark said, giving Rainbow Dash one. Flash on the other hoof, frown at this idea.
"Why do we have to put this on", Flash asked.
"Yeah! Why can't we go in just like this", Soarin agreed," It's not like anypony's gonna recognize us."
"Why, why, why, why, why", Spark mocked," You two asked too many questions. But if have to know, the ponies here feel that it's inappropriate not to."
"Why that", Rainbow Dash asked, but as soon as she asked it she bit her tongue. Great! He's gonna yell at me!
But Spark didn't. Instead, he just sighed and replied to Rainbow Dash in a sweeter tone than what he did with Soarin and Flash. "Because they feel that they're more sophisticated and civilized than we are. And besides, every town, city, empire, and so on has their own laws, rules, and government."
"Oh", Rainbow Dash said, nodding her head. It's strange that every place had it's on way of life, but it was all part of the same country. But who am I to complain.
"Now", Spark said with a smile," Who's ready to walk into enemy territory!"
"Wait", Rainbow Dash called to Spark before he approached the gates," What about Twister? Wouldn't it be strange to see an unconscious pony being carried through out the capitol."
"Hmmm", Spark hummed thoughtfully as he put his hoof on his chin. Then he quickly ran back to the place he got the cloaks, but this time, he went deeper into the forest. When he came back, he was pulling a white sled behind him. On closer inspection, she realized it was a dog sled.
"This is Snowy", Spark said with pride. Rainbow Dash looked on the handle to find 'SNOWY' craved into it.
"Snowy?", Flash laughed.
"Dude", Spark said, suddenly upset," I had this since I was six. Don't be a jerk." Spark picked Twister up, put his cloak on, and sat him down in the sled. "Okay. Anypony have any other complaints?"
Nopony said anything.
Spark put a huge grin on his face," Good."
***
Echo watched as they entered the gates of the Lunar Capitol. The guards just let them in just like that. Didn't even check them for weapons. How foolish of them. If they had been somepony else with evil intensions, they would of put the entire capitol in peril, Echo thought irritably. He couldn't understand why the Lunar Capitol would hire such careless ponies as guards. Echo sighed and waited for a moment and walked up to the gates. The guards blocked his path, and they looked down on him. At first they remained impassive, but then wicked smiles appeared on their faces.
"Well look what we have here", one of Guards jeered," It's another pathetic Bat Pony!"
"Listen I don't have time for this, so could you please allow me to be on my way", Echo said in a clam voice, trying to slip past the guards. But one of the guards pushed him back.
"Like heck we are", the other Guard growled," What kind of universe do you live in? Unless somepony else is traveling with you, you can't enter. And we mean actual ponies! None of your kind!"
"Yeah! We don't need monsters like you around here", the second Guard shouted, agreeing with colleague.
Echo sighed, and tried not to show the hurt that he felt. Instead, he placed the piece of cloth that dangled from his neck over his muzzle. Then he took out a small bottle filled with blue dust. The guards looked at each other in confusion, then back at Echo. Echo poured some in his hoof, and blew it in their faces. The guards flinch and coughed as they breathed in the dust, but slowly began to relax. They began to look extremely tired and slumped to the ground. After a moment, their coughs turned into soft snores. Echo carefully stepped over them, and slipped into the capitol. He caught a glimpse of a rainbow tail disappearing around a corner. He went in the same direction, leading him to a small bed and breakfast. He looked around until he came upon Rainbow Dash and her group who were heading inside the bed and breakfast. He followed them in, and tried to act natural. Echo watched Rainbow Dash carefully as an idea came to him.
There's a good chance she doesn't remember me from Canterlot. Maybe I could gain her trust and take her to Princess Moon that way.
Rainbow Dash's eyes met his, and he watched as fear filled her eyes. She quickly looked away, pulling her hood further down over her face. Echo looked down at her friend who was curled up in her hooves. Then he saw a dark mark on his shoulder. The stallion had Nightmare Sickness. A plan slowly began to form in his head.
Maybe I could.
***
Rainbow Dash glanced back at the Bat Pony. He didn't look like the Bat Ponies that attacked Canterlot. He wasn't wearing armor or an uniform, but instead, was wearing a thick coat and a piece of cloth that hung around his neck. But, still, he seemed familiar. His grey coat and his dark blue mane slightly covering one of his lavender eyes. The Bat Pony's eyes studied Rainbow Dash closely before looking away. A shiver went down her spine. She looked down at Twister who slept silently except for a few grunts and whimpers. Then her eyes came upon his shoulder. It was a dark swirl kind of pattern. It covered a small part of his shoulder, but it looked like it was slowly expanding. She reached down and tried to wipe it off, but it stayed put. Rainbow Dash looked away.
Is this one of the symptoms of Nightmare Sickness?
Rainbow Dash watched as Spark talked to the mare at the desk. The mare acted casual at first, but then slipped Spark a key under the desk. Then, she pretend as if she didn't do anything at all. Spark came back to them waving the key joyously around in the air.
"What was that about", Rainbow Dash asked.
"What", Spark asked confused. Then he looked back over to the mare," That? Oh. We, technically, can't stay overnight because we weren't born here. But she owes me a favor."
"Oh", Rainbow Dash replied, looking back down at the mark on Twister's shoulder. It seems bigger than last time she looked at it.
"Whatcha looking at", Spark asked.
Before Rainbow Dash could hide the mark, Spark saw it. Spark's eyes widen... then let out a nervous laugh. "Okay everypony! All of you, go look around town... enjoy the scenery... don't go too far. Me and Dashie... we are gonna... um go to our room... and look for the scary kids. Okay?"
"Yeah... about that", Soarin said rubbing his chin," How can kids be scary?"
"You do not wanna know", Spark said with a huge smile on his face. He stood there for a moment just smiling. Rainbow Dash started to wonder if he was broken or something. She stuck her hoof out and slightly tapped him. He jumped and turned around looking at Rainbow Dash," Grab your coltfriend, we gotta go!" He grabbed her and Twister and started dragging them up the stairs into their room. Spark locked the doors and turned around with a serious look on his face.
"Twister has Nightmare Sickness", Spark said in a dark voice.
"Really", Rainbow Dash said looking down. So he found out.
"But don't worry", Spark said, suddenly happy again," I know somepony who might be able to help. But first, scary kids. They know where the guy lives sooooo that would help... a lot."
"Are you sure he'll be fine", Rainbow Dash asked as Spark laid Twister on the bed.
"Oh course. We have a week... at the least, and if I wrong you can... you can..." Spark stopped for a moment, searching his brain for the right word. "You can punch me! In the face!"
"Okay... but I punch pretty hard", Rainbow Dash warned.
"I know that's why I'm hoping it doesn't comes down to that", Spark said laughing nervously.
Spark quickly ran out the door, and down the hall. Rainbow Dash followed. Only after she looked at Twister for one last time. I hope he's right, Rainbow Dash thought as she left their room and shut the door behind her.
***
Princess Moon sat on her throne. She watched through her window as the Canterlot ponies trembled with fear as the Bat Ponies marched to the castle with their princesses. Almost all the princesses have been taken prisoner. Almost. One still got away. Lucky, lucky, Twilight Sparkle.
"Not lucky for long", Moon hissed under her breath.
"Your Majesty", a guard called out, running into the throne room. He stopped in the center of the room, and gave a quick, awkward bow. She couldn't blame him for his awkwardness. None these Bat Ponies were like the ones in her time. The ones in her time were proud creatures with majestic abilities, and knew how to address royalty. Today, Bat Ponies were uncared for, and have forgotten to nurture their talents. The thought of a Bat Pony meeting royalty was consider a fantasy.
"Night Whisper, state your business", Princess Moon said looking back at the window.
"The prisoners are here."
"Good. Anything else."
"In order to keep the Crystal Empire from fighting back, we promise the return of their princess."
Princess Moon look back," I can do that. She isn't exactly needed."
The guard began to bit the inside of his cheek. After a long time of dealing with nightmares, she has been able to detect signs of distress.
"What is it", Princess Moon asked.
"We were unable to... find the stallion", Night Whisper said lowering his head," The one who tried to stop you on the night of your return."
"It is okay", Princess Moon sighed," Just keep an eye out."
"Yes your majesty", Night Whisper said nodding and turned around to leave.
"And bring in the prisoners", Princess Moon quickly added," I need some answers."
"Oh course your majesty", Night Whisper called back as he ran out of the throne room.
Princess Moon glared at the door impatiently. I hope that stallion isn't afraid of me because if he is, he's gonna have a bad time. She watched as the door flung open. Two guards walked in and revealed Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and a couple other ponies that she didn't recognize. Then the memories came to her. These were Rainbow Dash childhood friends. Fireball, Eon, Crash, and Nutmeg, and the two colts and filly were Lightening Bolt, Colby, and Shadow. The Princesses were chained and had magic locks on their horns they were completely defenseless. And this brought her joy.
Or maybe it was that foal Cadence was carrying. The same foal she heard so much about.
Princess Moon used her magic to levitate Flurry Heart to her. Princess Cadence was ready to charge, but the guards stopped her in her tracks.
"Hello little Flurry Heart", Princess Moon whisper," Are you the little destroyer I heard so much about. Nearly dooming the Crystal Empire at such a young age is quiet impressive."
"If you so much hurt a hair on her head-", Princess Cadence began, but Princess Moon interrupted her.
"I would never do such a thing", she said passing Flurry Heart to one of the guards. "Now you? That's another story." Princess Moon walked down the line stopping at Lightening Bolt.
"Lightening, is it", she asked, lowering herself to his eye level.
"Y-yes", the young colt manage to get out. He was trying so hard to be brave, but Moon knew he couldn't do it much longer.
Princess Moon stood back up.
"I'm taking this colt to the dining hall. Lock the others up. Me and Lightening are going to have a little chat."
Princess Moon watched as they were dragged away. "You monster", Celestia shouted before the doors slammed shut. Moon turned back to Lightening Bolt. She watched as the colt shook with fear.
Lightening sat in the chair right next to Nightmare Moon. She didn't look like the alicorn Dashie told him about. This mare was different. Instead of having a flowing mane that looked like the starry night sky, her mane was just like any other ponies mane. A long dark blue mane. One small braid covered her face while the rest was in a separate braid. Instead of a black coat, her coat was a light grey. She didn't wear blue armor, and she didn't have sharp teeth. But she did have dragon eyes. Maybe that's why being in her presence made him shiver. Nightmare Moon slowly lifted her hoof and rubbed the back of his neck.
Lightening flinched.
"So my child. Can you tell me where your sister is", Nightmare Moon asked. Lightening kept his mouth shut.
"Maybe after our meal you will be more talkative", she said, leaning back into her chair.
He watched as two Bat Pony mares came in holding trays of food. They sat the trays down and left without a single word. Nightmare Moon smiled.
"Brownie", she asked picking up a small brownie from one of the trays. Lightening stared at it for a moment before taking it from her hoof. He took a bite out of it.
"Lightening, do you know where Rainbow Dash is", Nightmare Moon asked again.
Lightening stayed quiet.
"You know, I do not wish to hurt Rainbow Dash", she said before taking a bite of salad.
Lightening looked up at her. "You don't", he whispered.
"Of course not", she laughed," I want to help her."
"Why would Dashie need help from Nightmare Moon", he asked quietly as he took another bite out of his brownie.
"Please Lightening", she said making him a bowl of salad. "Call me Moon."
Moon picked up the bowl of salad in front of Lightening. He stared at his salad. He was hungry, but too confused to eat. Rainbow Dash had said that Nightm-... Moon was bad. But she seems so nice. Dashie wouldn't have lied to him... but it wasn't making sense.
"Dashie said you were bad and really mean", Lightening told Moon.
"She was confused", Moon simply answered," Scared. And I was still very angry about past incidents. The truth is, I want to help her. Your sister has magic."
Lightening snickered," Dashie doesn't have magic."
"She does", she insisted," All ponies magic. It just that Pegasus and Earth Ponies don't know how to use that magic. They have a different way of using it. And your sister is special."
Lightening's eyes widen. He heard stories of Pegasus and Earth Ponies using magic before, but those were just stories. There was no way possible that they were true. Or was it? He looked up at Moon. It felt like her dragon eyes were looking into his soul. Before, it was earie feeling, but know it was almost comforting. The same feeling he felt when Rainbow Dash watched him. The feeling that somepony was always there.
"I can teach you how to use magic", she whispered.
"Really?"
"Yes. All you have to tell me, is what you know about your sister. All you know about where she is."
Lightening thought about this. Moon is very nice. She would never hurt Dashie. She only wants to help. And I really want to use magic.
"Okay! I'll tell you", Lightening said happily.
"Alright. You eat your salad, and I'll be right back. Okay?"
Lightening nodded. He quickly shoved the rest of the brownie before working on his salad.
***
Princess Moon left the dining hall and went to speak to the guard. The guard was a young mare, possible in her late teens, and held a stern expression on her face. Today, however, she seemed rather confused.
"Is there something troubling you", Princess Moon asked her.
"Why yes your majesty", the guard said lowering her head," Why are you asking this child about the mare's whereabouts? Not only is there the fact that he's a mere colt, Echo the Captain of the Guard is tracking her at this very moment. What's the point in figuring out her location."
"Simple", Princess Moon said as she felt a smile spread across her face," If the colt tells where his sister is headed, we can figure out what they are planning."
Moon picked up a dagger off a lonesome table, and turn back towards the dining hall.
"We can stop them before it is too late."
***
Rainbow Dash enter a long dark hallway that had know doors or exits. It lead to more long and twisting halls, and eventually, a dead end. She couldn't believe how big the place was compared on the outside. Rainbow Dash came to stop, and watched as Spark ran to the end of the hall.
"Spark", Rainbow Dash said, grabbing Spark's attention," That's a dead end."
"Or is it", Spark said with a grin. He pried on one of the boards, revealing a built in door. The wooden door open up to another door. This door was a metal door with a peephole at eye level. Spark knocked on the door and took a step back. The peephole open up and two bright red eyes looked through.
"What's the secret password", the pony chirped before slamming the peephole shut.
"There's no secret password", Spark said, looking confused.
"Yes there is", the pony chirped back.
"Since when", Spark asked. Rainbow Dash watched as Spark started getting slightly angry.
"Since now", the pony answered. "I just made it up."
Spark looked down at the floor, then look back up with a smile on his face as if he had an "Ah-ha" moment.
"Well I guess I don't know the password", Spark said with over the top sadness. "I'll never be able to share this chocolate bar that's in my secret pocket with you. I'll just have to eat myself."
There was a long paused, but then Rainbow Dash heard the clicking sound of locks. The door swung open, and on the other side was the pony who wouldn't let them in... but it wasn't a pony. It was... a Draconequus?
It didn't look lot like Discord, in fact, it looked quite different. He looked quite different. He looked mostly pony, and looked to be little older than Rainbow Dash's younger siblings. His features in his face looked like a pony's and he didn't have a long neck like Discord. And he had two perfect pony-like hooves, but only two. These two hooves were his hind legs and his forelegs, no, arms were two grey paws. He had a pair of batwings and two horns that came out of his head. One was smooth and the other was bumpy, reminding her of one of Discord's horns. They were both black, and had thin, red stripes around it. The draconequus also had a long red dragon tail with a grey triangular tip at the end of it. He had a grey mane and his head, torso, and legs were white.
At least, Rainbow Dash thought his legs were white. Oddly enough, he was wearing pants... with no shirt. He flash Rainbow Dash a smile, showing of his fangs.
"My names Spiral", he greeted her.
"Hi... I'm Rainbow Dash", she said, trying not stare at him too much.
"I'm okay with the staring", Spiral told her," It's not everyday you see a half Draconequus."
"Half Draconequus", Rainbow Dash repeated.
"Yup", Spiral said proudly.
Rainbow Dash watched as Spiral ran off further into the room, and that's when Rainbow Dash noticed how odd the room looked. The inside of the room reminded her of some sort of cave. There were no windows and there were small rooms that were ten feet or so up in the air with built in stairs. The only other way you could go besides back out, and not have to climb up a ladder either, was a short hall with picture frames hanging on the walls. Rainbow Dash looked back at Spark.
"So he's half draconequus", Rainbow Dash asked, hoping to get more of an explanation.
"Half draconequus and half pony to be precise", Spark answered. "Yeah. I should of given you a warning. These kids are quite eccentric, and they also have no parents. That's a touchy subject. Don't bring it up!"
"Okay", Rainbow Dash said shaking her head. That's a good thing to know.
"Do you want to take your cloak off", Spark asked.
"Thank you" Rainbow Dash said giving him her cloak. "Don't you want to take yours off?"
"No", Spark quickly said with a stern face. Realizing how harsh he may of came off as, he quickly apologized. Rainbow Dash gave him a smile to show there were no hard feelings. Spark turned from her and bang on the side of the wall.
"Lunimist! Moonstone! Get your tails down here", he shouted.
Rainbow Dash watched as two young colts, that looked about the same age as Spiral, came down from one of the rooms. One was a Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail with deep blue eyes. His coat was bright white and wore a expressionless look on his face. Rainbow Dash also caught a glimpse of the colt's cutie mark. It was a paint brush that painted a stroke of what appear to be the starry sky. The other colt was a Unicorn, and had also had a bright white coat. He had black mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a crescent that was slightly covered by grey mist. He also wore a white blindfold over his eyes.
"Rainbow Dash , this is Lunimist", Spark said, pointing at the Unicorn, and then pointed at the Pegasus," And this is Moonstone."
"Hey", Rainbow Dash said waving.
"Hi", Lunimist said cheerfully. Moonstone, on the other hoof, said nothing.
"Moonstone! You can at least say hi", Lunimist scolded his friend.
"Whatever", Moonstone growled.
"Moonstone", Spark said, getting his attention," Do you know where that old vault filled with treasure is?"
"Maybe", Moonstone said, glaring at the ground.
"Well can you show us now", Rainbow Dash asked. She was growing impatient. And the constant thought about Twister wasn't helping.
Twister...
"So if you're not willing to tell us where that vault is, will you tell us where Maxium and Jeffery are", Spark asked.
"We can't travel on an empty stomach", Lunimist argued.
A bell began to ring out, and young fillies and colts began to pour out from rooms and began to make their way into one of the biggest rooms. Rainbow Dash followed Spark into the room. There was long table with plates of food. Nuts, salad, fresh fruit; it was nothing fancy but there was plenty of it. The kids began to dig into the food, not showing any manners at all. If Rarity saw this she would have a fit.
"Lunimist! Can you read us the script to A Rainbow's Shadow", one colt, who looked like a cross between a pony and a dog, asked.
"Fine, but you know how long it takes to read this", Lunimist said with a sigh as he pulled out a stack of papers.
"Don't worry", the colt replied," We have all the time in the world."
But that's exactly what I don't have, Rainbow Dash thought as Lunimist began the story.
***
Twilight looked around at the different shops before being bumped into by somepony.
"Hey", Twilight shouted.
"Sorry", a voice apologized.
Twilight turned around to find a young stallion with bat wings and fangs and..... Twilight widen her eyes as she realized that the stallion before her was a Bat Pony.
"Hi", the stallion said giving her a toothy grin.
"Ummm.... hi", Twilight whisper.
"The name's Echo", the Bat Pony said, introducing himself.
"Twilight", she said quietly.
"Nice to meet you", he said politely.
What the hay, Twilight thought, This is a Bat Pony! Why did I tell him my name?! I mean, he would of recognize me anyways so..... why isn't he attacking me?
"Ummm.... what are doing out today", Twilight asked.
"Oh... I need to talk to Spark", Echo answered, looking away.
"Oh! You know him?"
"Yeah", he said slowly," Something like that...."
Twilight took the time to study the Bat Pony's features. Grey coat, dark blue mane, lavender eyes..... he seemed familiar. But why? What was so special about him? What made him stand out? Could he be one of the Bat Ponies that attacked Canterlot? And if that was it, how did he get here so fast? Twilight looked away. Why did she feel like he couldn't be trusted?
Echo," Is something wrong?"
Twilight forced a smile. "No."
"Twily!" Twilight turned around to see her brother running to her to her.
"Twilight", he said with a smile. Then he saw Echo. "We got to get going....."
"Ummm.... ok", Twilight said. She looked back at Echo," Goodbye Echo."
"Maybe sometime later", Echo replied, and then disappeared into the crowd. Twilight was pulled by her hoof into an alley. Her brother gave her a look.
"You shouldn't talk to Bat Ponies. What if they're part of Nightmare Moon's guard?"
"I'm sorry", Twilight snapped," I thought it wasn't such a big deal! He didn't look like he was part of any guard!"
"I'm trying to protect you", he shot back.
"Well I'm just having a hard time right now", Twilight said and crossed her hooves.
There was a long pause.
"I'm sorry", Shining Armor whispered.
Twilight sighed. "It's not your fault. I.... I just don't know who to believe anymore."
Twilight stared at the ground.
Everypony seems to be lying to me......
***
Rainbow Dash listen as the play came to a close. It was amazing. And sad. It was about a Alicorn princess who loses everything. Her mother, her brothers, her sons, her husband..... everything. Eventually her grief and rage made her become evil. She was imprison and never heard from again. But the last part snapped her to attention. It was about how her descendants each bared a certain mark. Something rainbow. And the very end has forever burned into her memory.
"And thus marking her descendants with her sadness and pain, Because you can't have a rainbow Without a little rain."
"And then they all died. The end", one colt said.
Lunimist looked down on him. "Will you shut up?"
"You shut up", the colt shouted back.
Spark patted the colt on the head," Now guys. Let's not fight."
Moonstone walked into the room and everypony went silent.
"Alright", Moonstone said, throwing a pile of scrolls on the table. "Jeffery is back at his house like usual. Maxium, on the other hoof, is in the Lunar Capital. I such you get moving."
"Can you please show us", Spark asked pleadingly.
Moonstone stared at him with an unblinking stare. "I may make an exception."
Spark smiled. " What do you want?"
Moonstone frowned. "We'll have that discussion later."
Spark gave him a look. "I feel like I'm being tricked. But I will agree with that despite by better judgement."
Rainbow Dash felt Spiral grab her hoof. "Come on", he said, puling on her.
Rainbow Dash watched as Spiral and Moonstone each strapped a bag on their back, while Lunimist wrapped a blindfold around his eyes. She followed Spiral, Lunimist, Moonstone, and Spark out the secret entrance. They went down the long, winding hallway until the reached their apartment. When Rainbow Dash opened it, all her friends and family were their waiting for her.
"Hi", Rainbow Dash said, waving.
"So", Flash Sentry said with an angry tone in his voice. "You got those scary kids you?"
"Shut up", Moonstone growled.
Flash looked at him," Did you tell me what to do?"
"Yeah! Get over it", Moonstone snapped. "I need clear table. NOW!"
Spark rushed over and cleared a table off for him. In the process, he revealed Spiral.
"What the-", Flash started, but Spark covered his mouth. Don't, Spark mouthed.
"Rainbow Dash, who's that", Twilight asked.
"That's Spiral", Rainbow Dash answered. " And that's Lunimist and Moonstone."
Spiral waved from the doorway.
"Well Moonstone is a jerk", Flash grumbled.
"I can hear you, idiot", Moonstone shouted.
Flash turned around and glared at Moonstone. Rainbow Dash could already tell it was going to be a long day.
"Would you stop throwing my stuff in the floor", Flash shouted at Moonstone.
They've been going back and forth between each other forever! Rainbow Dash looked over Moonstone's map to Jeffery and Maxium as Moonstone decided to give flash a piece of his mind.
"Well how about you find Jeffery and Maxium by yourself! Then it will be your fault when her coltfriend's dead", Moonstone shouted back.
Flash glared at him, but didn't say anything else. Rainbow Dash began fiddle with a pencil. She couldn't bear that thought. She quickly grabbed the map and turned to Moonstone.
"Will this get us to where we're going", she asked him.
"Depends", he said giving Flash a glare. "If you cooperate, we'll be there in no time. If you fight me, we'll never make it." He jerked around putting his muzzle into Flash's face. "Because I would have to kill a certain pony!"
"Now calm down", Rain Drop order," There is no need for that!"
Moonstone slowly walked away from Flash. "We'll see..."
"That was unsettling", Spark said very loudly," Ready to go?"
"Oh Spark", Twilight said suddenly," I just remembered. I met a Bat Pony who was looking for you. I think his name was Echo."
Spark went pale as he dove towards the window, carefully peeking outside. Rainbow Dash walked up behind him and place her hoof on his shoulder. Spark grabbed and pulled her against the wall where nopony could see her through the window.
"Spark what's wrong", Rainbow Dash asked.
"Echo is a Bat Pony who I owe a lot of money to. And I mean a lot", Spark replied as he peeked outside the window again.
"Why would you owe him money", Shining Armor asked.
"Ummm..... well....", Spark began," First thing must know about me is that I'm a thief."
"Oh great", Soarin mumbled.
"Spark", Rainbow Dash said slowly. Spark turned to her. "What did you steal?"
"A million bits worth of gems", Spark answered.
Everypony turned to him with wide eyes.
"Technically, Echo stole them. Then I stole them from him."
Rainbow Dash was about to say something to him, but there was a knock on the door.
"OPEN UP", a voice boomed," THIS IS THE LUNAR GUARD!"
"Crap", Spark shouted," Everypony out the door!"
.Everypony began to pile out the window onto the fire escape. Rainbow Dash was about to join them but then she remembered Twister. She turned around and saw him still unconscious on the bed. She lift him off the bed and begin the fly out window with him just as the guards buck the door down. She fell to the ground and found herself being pulled along by Moonstone.
"No time for that now", he snapped," We'll find them later."
Rainbow Dash followed Moonstone under a bridge where Spark, Pinkie Pie, Spiral, Lunimist, and her Mom and Dad was waiting on Snowy. As soon as Rainbow Dash got on, Spark took off running down a dark mine tunnel with the sled, and made everypony get off into the mine carts.
"Where's everypony else", Rainbow Dash asked Spark. She couldn't find Twilight or Flash or Spitfire. She also couldn't find Shining Armor or Soarin.
"I don't know", Spark said," But we have to go."
"But I-I-", Rainbow Dash stuttered.
"Well find them", Spark promised. He grabbed her hoof and pulled her into the mine cart. "But we have to go."
Rainbow Dash sat in the mine cart and lean against her Dad.
"It's okay Rainbow Dash", he said calmly. "We'll find them."
But Rainbow Dash couldn't help the feeling that it wasn't going to be that easy.
***
Twilight jumped out the window. With her brother by her side she made it to the very bottom. Her brother grabbed her by her cloak and dragged her into a nearby shop.
"Shining Armor what are you doing", Twilight yelled at him.
"Protecting you", Shining Armor growled. "I knew he wasn't any good."
Suddenly Flash runs into the shop.
"Flash", Twilight said in surprise.
"Princess", Flash said, turning around," Thank goodness you're okay! There are guards everywhere!"
"Where do we go now", Shining asked, shaking his head.
"What about to that place Spark was heading", Twilight said taking out a notebook. Shining Armor stared at her. "What? I take lots of notes." Twilight began to draw the map down on the paper. "I can remember parts of the map. If we go there, maybe we'll find the others."
"Of course", Shining Armor said," We should wait until the streets are cleared though. Can't risk getting caught."
Twilight nodded but a pit in her stomach was slowly forming.
What if they didn't make it out okay.
***
Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Soarin were the first to make it out. Spitfire slip out the window and caught up with Soarin. Fleetfoot was right behind her.
"We need to wait for the others", Spitfire said to Soarin.
"No time", Soarin replied. "Look!"
Spitfire looked up as a group of guards were pushing their way through the crowd. Spitfire's heart began to race as she, Fleetfoot, and Soarin took of running down the alley. They took a sharp left and slip through a hole in a metal fence. Just as Spitfire thought they were going to get away, the came to a dead end. Spitfire turned around to see several guards cornering them. They pulled out their swords and slowing made their way to them. Spitfire prepared herself for the attack.
But the attack never came.
Instead, a group of Pegasus tackled the guards to the ground. They were wearing uniforms that resembled what the Wonderbolts wore, but the colors were different. They wore grey uniforms with black stripes and lightening bolts. The had goggles covering her eyes. They threw the guards into the walls, making loud crashing sounds echo threw the narrow allies. Spitfire wanted to help, but she couldn't move. She was frozen, feeling a mix of terror and awe.
Finally, the fight ended with the guards fleeing the scene, possibly to bring back up. The Pegasus looked at Spitfire and Soarin.
"Come on", one of them said," We can get you to someplace safe."
Spitfire followed the Pegasus with Soarin and Fleetfoot, as usual, trailing behind. What else could she do? These Pegasus just helped them out. Besides, the streets were now crawling with guards. It was there best option.
At least she hoped.
***
Rainbow Dash stared at the water. Spark had somehow turn Snowy the sled into a makeshift raft, and they had been floating steadily down the river. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe she got separated from her friends. And she couldn't help but wonder who's fault it was. Who made all this happened in the first place.
I can't blame Spark, she thought. How was he suppose to know that what he did was going to bite somepony else in the tail. What about her parents? They kept secrets from her, but the did it because Princess Celestia told them to. So was it the Princess's fault? Maybe it was her own fault. For lying to her friends. For lying about family. For lying about herself.
For lying to herself.
Rainbow Dash sighed. She had to be brave, and tough it out. The truth was that she just wanted to cry, but she couldn't because Pinkie Pie would see. She would see this sad, miserable mare, and that was the last thing she wanted Pinkie to see. It was the last thing she wanted anypony to see. And her parents weren't helping. They were constantly trying to hold her and comfort her. That was because Rainbow Dash used to accept this kind of treatment, but now? Now it made her look weak. A she didn't want any pony to look at her that way.
But she still longs for her parents embrace. At least it made her happy. Before everypony made her feel bad about it.
Moonstone grumbled something about maps and idiots. Spiral looked pretty happy. Spark, on the other hoof, look like he was going to be sick.
"Spark? Are you okay", Rainbow Dash asked.
"Water", he moaned. "My number one weakness."
Then he threw up.
"NO! NOT ON MY BAG", Lunimist shouted, jerking the saddle bad away from the pool of vomit.
Spark just fell over on his side. He obviously didn't want to start a fight.
"So were are we going first", Rainbow Dash asked," Maxium and Jeffery, or the vault?"
"Maxium and Jeffery", Spark answered," Doesn't make sense to let a pony die when you can help them."
"I thought you were sick", Rainbow Dash said confused.
"Well now I'm better", Spark said with a shrug. The raft bumped into a rock, causing it to rock back and forth. "And now I'm sick again", Spark said right before he lost his lunch into the river.
"We're here", Moonstone said.
Spark jumped up and threw himself off the boat onto the grass.
"Oh sweet land! How I missed you", Spark shouted, hugging the ground. Or at least trying to....
They jumped off the raft and headed for a old house that looked like it could collapse any second. The doors slowly open, making a loud moaning sound. A young stallion appeared. He had a mint coat, yellow eyes, and a rainbow mane.
"Well, well, well", the stallion said. "Spark finally came back."
"Nice to see you too Maxium", Spark said rolling his eyes.
"Who's that", Maxium asked, pointing at Rainbow Dash.
"That's our cousin Rainbow Dash", Spark answer. "Just found out about her not too long ago."
"Oh", Maxium said thoughtfully," Well come in."
"Thank you", Rainbow Dash said politely.
"Your welcome", Maxium answered. "By the way, call me Max. It's just easier."
Rainbow Dash nodded and entered the house. It reminded her of Twilight's castle. Books all over the floors, scrolls covering the tables. The only thing that bothered her was that it was really dark. So dark in fact, she could barely see the over side of the room. It just went into a dark void of emptiness. Rainbow Dash carefully watched her steps as she got out of the doorway so her father could take Twister inside. The mark had spread from his neck, down his shoulders, and slightly across his face. Twister let out a moaning sound as he was laid down on a lonesome couch in the dark room.
"Who's that", Max asked.
"Twister", Spark answered," He has Nightmare Sickness."
Max's eyes widen. "Welp he's dead", he quickly said and tried to run off.
"Max! Don't do this to us", Spark half scolded, half pleaded.
Max slowly turned around. He had a very guilty expression on his face.
"Where's the cure", Spark asked.
"Well about that", Max said slowly. "I kind of... lied."
Rainbow Dash stood up and stared Max directly in the eyes. "You what?" She came all this way, clawed her way past shadow wolves and guards. She had hope in her heart that Twister could be saved. And it was all a lie?
Max started sweating bullets. His eyes darted back and forth as if he were looking for an escape. Rainbow Dash stepped towards Max. Max pulled his ears flat against his head and stepped back.
"You mean..... that my only hope to save my coltfriend. The one that I love. It was all a lie", Rainbow Dash barely hissed out. She wanted to punch something. She wanted to hurt him. She couldn't even think straight.
Rainbow Dash was fed up.
Max took off running, but Rainbow Dash was right behind him. He squeezed out of a window, and began to stumble into the woods. Rainbow Dash gracefully, and faster than the speed of light, flew out of the window race into the woods. She dodged trees left and right, keeping him in sight. He lied. Not just lied, but lied about the one thing that could be the difference between life and death. Twister's life and death. She was just inches away from him, and then bam.
Rainbow Dash felt her fore hooves hit him right in the back. She heard the sound of the impact. She slammed Max into the ground,, making him hit his head on a tree. He rolled over, but Rainbow Dash was already punched him square in the jaw. Then she stopped. Was this what I want my friends see me doing, she thought. Is this what I want my parents see me doing.
She looked at Max. A bruise started to show up across his face already, and he sat there trembling.
"Tell me why", Rainbow Dash demanded," Why did you lie?"
"Jeffery and I been working on a cure for years", Max explained," Everypony was constantly worrying and breathing down our back. I thought that if I.... if I told them that it was done, we wouldn't be so stressed out. I-I thought we would find the cure before anypony found out. But there is no alternative to the original cure. Magic. A spell." He stared at Rainbow Dash as the news begin to sink in. "Only a extremely powerful pony could perform this, and wake him up from the inside. I-I.... I'm sorry."
Rainbow Dash dropped Max on his back and began to walk away deeper into the woods. Then her walk became a run. Tears poured out of her eyes as she tore through the woods.
Stupid, Rainbow Dash thought, How could I be so stupid?
Don't cry Rainbow Dash, Smoke said.
Yeah! You're not stupid, Fractured Light argued.
"Just leave me alone", Rainbow Dash told them.
But- , Fracture Light began to protest.
"Go", Rainbow Dash ordered. The voices no longer said a word.
Rainbow Dash began to cry silently.
"I can help you", a voice said.
Rainbow Dash looked up to find the same Bat Pony she found in the Lunar Capital. He had a blue mane, silver coat, and lavender eyes. He didn't have his ratty clothing on. He looked down upon her.
"I know somepony that can preform that type of magic", he answered," But you must follow me."
Rainbow Dash knew it wasn't the smartest thing to do. To follow a pony you just met. If she was thinking straight, she'll probably decline his offer. But she was running out of options. She was running out of time.
So she took his hoof and followed him.
***
Twilight looked cautiously around. She saw a lake, just like the one that was on the map Moonstone had. But she couldn't find the house. Like, come on! How hard is it to find a house! Twilight sighed.
"Something wrong Princess", Flash asked.
"No", Twilight simply replied.
She loved Flash, but this wasn't the Flash she new. This Flash didn't think of Twilight anymore than his Princess. It sadden her. She wish he new the things his double did. But then again, this Flash could be different. After all there are a lot of major differences between the two worlds. But an Alicorn can dream. Twilight looked across the water, hoping that they just were on the wrong side, and not at the wrong lake.
"Shining", Twilight called," Do you see a house anywhere?"
"Umm", Shining Armor trailed on as he scan the area. "Actually yes. It's right over there."
Shining pointed at a dark house that sat on the lake next to the woods. She watched closely as a very Spark like figure came out of the house.
"That must be it", Twilight declared as she began the journey to the other side of the lake.
***
Rainbow Dash followed the Bat Pony through the forest. Rainbow Dash had learn that his name was Echo. He was the same Bat Pony that Spark had been so worried about. So Rainbow Dash decided not to bring Spark up. She was afraid that Echo may not want to help her if he knew that she had any connections with Spark. Although, he probably already knew about Spark. But with stakes this high...
... who would want to risk it?
Rainbow Dash and Echo finally made it to a clearing in the woods just big enough for a couple of ponies. Rainbow Dash walked out to the middle of the clearing and stared up at the sky. The sun was starting to set.
"Are you ready", Echo asked.
"Of course", Rainbow Dash answered. "I'm trying to save my closest friend. Who wouldn't be ready for that?"
"I'm sorry", Echo quickly said.
Rainbow Dash gave him a look. What does he have to be sorry about?
"Hello Rainbow Dash", a cold voice greeted her.
Rainbow Dash looked straight ahead of her, and found herself looking at the last pony she wanted to see. Nightmare Moon. She was tricked. Rainbow Dash turned to Echo who was lowering his head. Rainbow Dash felt her heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
"You tricked me", she said, choking back tears. "You tricked me."
"Spitfire, along with Soarin and Fleetfoot, have been following these mysterious ponies for hours now. They have found themselves in the middle of the woods, next to a lake.
"Where are you taking us", Spitfire asked.
"Somewhere safe", a young, red coated stallion answered. "Were you three not listening?"
"Scales", a young, white coated mare hissed at the stallion. "Don't be so rude. We're heading to our base. By the way, if you tell anypony it's location we'll have no choice but to kill you."
"That's nice to know", Fleetfoot muttered.
The walked up to the bottom of the mountain. But the closer Spitfire looked, the more she realized that that mountain had doors. She watched as a stallion with a silver coat pulled a silver lever that was hidden behind a group of bushes. The doors slowly began to open up revealing a dark, cave like inside.
"Well, come on", Scales said.
Spitfire followed him in, and looked around the dark room. It was a fairly big room that had suits and goggles strolled out everywhere. As soon as they all got inside, the doors shut behind them with a load thud. Soarin yelp and jumped halfway across the room. The mysterious flyers started laughing at him. Soarin gave them a glare, obviously not thinking it was funny.
"Aw", said the white coated mare, giving Soarin a sorry look. "Don't feel bad. It got me on my first time too."
"So, who are you guys", Fleetfoot asked. "What organization are you from?"
"Well we don't really have an official tittle", the grey stallion said thoughtfully," But a lot of ponies refer to us as Shades."
Spitfire watched as the Pegasus began to take off their suits and goggles. The white coated mare also appeared to have a flame like mane that was long and wavy. On the top of her head was a strip of blue and the rest was orange and red. Her eyes was a light, sunset orange, and her cutie mark was a lily with flames for petals. The silver coated stallion had a blueish grey mane, and sharp yellow eyes. His mane was ruffled and all over the place. His cutie mark was a grey mark that reminded her of the symbol for wind.
The stallion known as Scales had a coat that was a very light red. He had a bright orange mane with fiery red eyes, and his cutie mark was a abstract symbol of a dragon. But there was on thing that Spitfire didn't seem to notice, which now seemed kind of obvious, that the guy looked as if he was a cross between a dragon and a pony. He had big dragon wings, three scale like marks on his neck, and two huge horns that came out the top of his head. Spitfire stared in shock.
"How come we didn't notice that from before", Spitfire asked, pointing at Scales.
"What", Scales asked said absentmindedly and looked at his back. "Oh you mean these?" He began to wiggle his dragon wings.
Spitfire nodded," And your horns? Where did that all come from?"
"You see", Scales began," I'm a Half Dragon. Half dragon, half pony? It's kind of a simple name. Anyway, I wear a special necklace that hides my dragon features because if the Lunars saw it, they would go nuts! Not in a good way..."
"Okay who's your leader", Spitfire demanded, shaking away her shock. "Who's the... um... captain?"
"Right here", a very familiar voice answered.
It was an all too familiar voice that answered, yet it was one she hadn't heard in years. Spitfire slowly turned around to the Pegasus that stood only feet away from her. She had dark mane that was in a similar style as Spitfire, slightly longer. A grey coat and blood red eyes that seemed to always be empty. A cutie mark that was a pair of shadowy wings.
"Hello Spitfire", the mare greeted. "Long time, no see."
Spitfire could only get her name out.
"Nightshade."
***
Celestia sighed as she sat in the dungeon. Luna sat beside her trying to comfort her, but she still felt like this was her fault. Celestia looked over at Cadence, who was worrying about her daughter. Flurry Heart didn't come back with them.
"Got any sixes", Fireball asked.
"No. Go fish", Eon replied.
Celestia looked over at them.
"What are you doing", Celestia demanded. "We are in the middle of a crisis!"
Fireball looked at her.
"You say crisis, I say time for Go Fish."
"Besides", Eon grumbled, "Unless you're planing on using Crash as a battling ram, I doubt we'll get out of here."
"And I don't really like that idea", Crash piped up.
Celestia glared at them. Why in the name of Equestria would Rainbow Dash have friends like these, Celestia thought. Do they just not care?!
"Can I play", Shadow asked. "I'm bored and Lightning is probably dead."
"Shadow don't say that", Colby snapped.
"Sorry! Geez!", Shadow quickly said in her defense.
Celestia stood up, looking down upon the young ponies. Her subjects. "As princess, I will not tolerate such behavior! Do you not want to save your friend?!"
She watched as Fireball raised her head. "Listen. Rainbow Dash is a big filly. She doesn't need to be saved." Celestia opened her mouth to argue, but Fireball cut her off. "But! But... she does need help. Nutmeg, what do you know that can help us?"
Celestia looked at the young mare know as Nutmeg who turned around and smiled. "I can pick a lock!"
Fireball gave her a look,"Why? Why would you willingly want to learn that in your own free time?"
Nutmeg gave Fireball an innocent look," So I can sneak into Eon's house and collect things for my shrine!"
Eon looked Celestia dead in the eyes mouthing the words "help me".
Fireball looked at Celestia," If she helps break us out of prison, it won't go on her record, right?"
Celestia frowned," Well, based on the given situation, of course not."
"Knock yourself out", Fireball said shaking her head.
Celestia began to prepare herself for the battle between her and Nightmare Moon that would take place in the future, while Nutmeg picked at the lock. She looked at Luna who, surprisingly, was happy.
"Why are you so happy for", Celestia asked.
Luna looked at her. "In all my years this is my first, actual prison break! It's very exciting!"
Celestia let out a heavy sigh. Oh dear...
***
Applejack sat at the booth. She hated waiting for answers. She hated waiting to see if her friends were okay. She hated waiting period. Fluttershy and Rarity sat across from her, talking about the town and how it held a certain "charm".
"I must say, it is quite a lovely town", Rarity remarked. "I never seen anything like it. The style of this place seems... new." Applejack knew what new meant. It meant it wasn't exactly what she had in mind. The house were close to each other in an almost perfect circle. The ponies who own shops would have their shops on the first floor while they had their actual homes on the second. Ivy covered most of the houses and some had wild plants growing around their fences. But the most peculiar thing was the fact that they didn't buy things. They like to barter. Fluttershy was the one who brought it up.
"I wanted to get this necklace from one of the shops, and all they wanted was for me to get a bat out of their attic." Fluttershy reached into her bag and pulled out a teal crystal that was on a silver chain. "It's a very nice necklace too."
Applejack let out a heavy sigh. Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other with a knowing look.
"Applejack, darling. Are you okay", Rarity asked.
"You seem a bit sad", Fluttershy added.
Applejack looked at them. "What's wrong with me is the fact that our friends are out there an' were here! An' ah'm a bit peeved!"
"You shouldn't be too upset."
Applejack turned around to see a young stallion serving the table behind her. "An' who are you", Applejack asked, trying to hide the hatred in her voice. She hated when ponies put their noses where they don't belong.
"I'm Jackpot. I, um, work here. This is my business."
Applejack gave him a look," What?!"
Jackpot pulled his ears back," I own this place."
Applejack sat there for a moment before realizing by "This is my business" he meant he own the diner they were eating at. Not that their conversation was his business.
"Oh ah'm so sorry...", Applejack began but Jackpot waved it off. "It's fine. Really! I just thought to tell you that you shouldn't be too upset. There's plenty you can do to help your friends."
Applejack lets out a heavy sigh. "Like what?"
"Well", Jackpot said thoughtfully," You can eat so you don't starve." He sat a daisy sandwich down in front of her. "And you can check out my library upstairs. It's not much, but it may teach you a thing or two about this place."
Applejack smiled at him. "Thank you."
A young colt busted through the doors. He was grey with dark circles around his eyes, and a messy white mane. His eyes were silver, and absolutely filled with shock.
"Guys", the colt shouted.
"What is it Chip", Jackpot looked at him with concern.
"The mansion, my mansion, just disappear into a vortex in the sky! It was so awesome... hey where are you all going", Chip asked as all the ponies in the diner ran outside to investigate.
Applejack looked at Fluttershy and Rarity. "Ah guess it time to do some helpin'!"
They ran outside to figure out what in tarnation was going on. And most importantly, what was going on in this town.
***
Twilight ran full speed towards Spark. "Spark! There you are! Is everypony okay?"
Spark turn around," Oh yeah. Except Twister because it turns out my cousin was lying, and there's no cure except a really powerful spell, and Rainbow Dash went after him like Loni running after a pudding thief."
Twilight raised her eyebrow.
"A story for another time", Spark quickly said. Suddenly a mint green stallion with a rainbow mane came trudging through the woods. He looked like he got into a fight with gravity.
And lost.
Spark looked at the stallion," Maxium, where's Rainbow Dash?"
"I don't know", he grumbled.
Spark glared at him. "What do you mean you don't know? Like you don't know, like you don't care, or you don't know, like you don't know?"
"I DON"T KNOW", Maxium shouted. "After she beat the crap out of me she ran off!"
Twilight heard Spark curse under his breath and take off into the trees. She looked over at Maxium, who just shrugged at her. Twilight didn't understand why Spark was so upset. What could happen to Rainbow Dash in the woods? Of course that's what she thought before she heard it.
The sound of a scream ripping through the air.
***
Oddly enough, at the same exact time in Princess Moon's Castle, Scootaloo just released a similar scream. Not in agony or pain, but in short-lived terror. Mostly because she was sneaking around the castle and was caught by one of the guards. She didn't realize the guard was right behind her, so when he grabbed her shoulder this scared crap out of her. Which, of course, is understandable but little does the young filly know, her sneaking around the castle probably just saved Spark's life.
Of course neither one of them, or anypony else will know this except for me and Princess Moon.
And me, Pinkie chirped.
And Pinkie Pie. Unless, of course, she decides to tell them, which she might do since she's Pinkie Pie.
No I won't, Pinkie argued.
Yes you will Pinkie, now hush. Anyway, Scootaloo was force to sit in a room, and wait for Apple Bloom's brother, Big Macintosh, to pick her up. The reason her parents couldn't pick her up was because she didn't have parents.
That so sad, Pinkie whimpered.
Well I guess it is pretty upsetting.
Why can't you let her have parents, Pinkie asked.
I'm a narrator, Pinkie. I narrate. I can't change the story.
Why not, Pinkie whined.
Because I just can't! I can put my own way of wording the story but that is it! Now hush and leave me alone! The narrator looks around the super awesome narrating studio in an unknown location to see if Pinkie Pie was still there. When the narrator was sure Pinkie was gone she began to tell why Scootaloo was in the castle. She was-
I can tell you where the super awesome narrating studio is, Pinkie shouted at the readers.
Scootaloo just wanted to see the infamous Nightmare Moon for herself! Oh for Pete's sake, just go back to Rainbow Dash! Hurry! I'm going to take care of Pinkie Pie!
Wait, Pinkie Pie shouted, the studio is-
***
Rainbow Dash looked at Nightmare Moon. She was tricked. Ever been told a joke but didn't get until later, but instead of laughing, you want to punch something because it was so obvious, but somehow you couldn't see that? That was what Rainbow Dash felt. In the nicest way she could possibly put it...
She was pissed.
"You", she hissed, feeling her words twisting into Nightmare Moon's flesh like a dagger. But apparently she was the only one aware of the pain she was causing with her words, because Nightmare Moon just frown at her.
"Hello Rainbow Dash", Nightmare Moon greeted her.
"I swear, Nightmare Moon, if you hurt my friends I'll-"
"I thought I told you it was Princess Moon", she simply interrupted.
"Princess Moon, Nightmare Moon, what's the difference", Rainbow Dash growl. "You're still going to pay."
"I wouldn't say such things to me if I were you. You might loose your chance at saving your lover." Nightmare brushed by Rainbow Dash, her mane shimmering in the moonlight.
"What", Rainbow said, her mouth going dry. "How can you help him."
"Well you see, I am a very powerful Alicorn, who knows a very powerful spell that can wake a pony up from the inside. That is what you need, no?"
"How would you know that", Rainbow Dash asked, trying to keep her cool.
"I have eyes everywhere", Nightmare Moon answered, gesturing to Echo.
Oh course, Rainbow Dash thought.
"But that is not the topic of tonight. I want to make a deal with you. If you come with me, I'll save Twister and... spare your friends. Unless they come after me. Then I might do something about that", Nightmare Moon said. She now stood in front of Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash sat there for a second. There was a chance this was a trick but Twister is running out of time. And she didn't have a lot of options left. But there was one question she had. One thing that really bugged her.
"What I'm I to you", Rainbow Dash asked looking Nightmare Moon in the eyes. "Why do you want me?"
Nightmare Moon smiled. "I'll let you on a little secret, Dashie. You and I are closer than you can possibly imagine."
Rainbow Dash glared at her. "And what's that", she hissed.
Nightmare Moon leaned in closely. "I was once a beautiful princess", she began. "Well I still am. But I had gotten much more respect, praise, and... love back then. I was once happy, but one day my world fell apart."
"And what does this have to do with me", Rainbow Dash asked, glaring.
"Well", Nightmare Moon began," I had a family you know. I had... children." Rainbow Dash tried imagine a monster like Nightmare Moon tucking a cute colt or filly in bed. She immediately found the task difficult. "And one of my children had children, and their children had children, and so forth. There was a certain gene they tend to carry. One that never failed to be passed down from generation to generation."
She bend down, putting her muzzle next to Rainbow Dash's ear. "They all had something rainbow about their mane", she whisper.
The words echoed through her head until they begin to sink in. Slowly things begin to piece together until everything was a perfect picture. Princess Moon, the play A Rainbow's Shadow, the stories her father told her when she was little. Even the attention she has gotten from Nightmare Moon. It all made sense and yet confused her at the same time. This mare wasn't just any monster. She was monster in her family.
This monster was family.
All a sudden a rainbow blur jumped on top of Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon flung her attacker into the air, and shoot a blast of magic at them. The figure let out a piercing scream and fell on their back. Rainbow Dash looked down and realize that it wasn't just anypony. It was Spark.
Nightmare Moon looked down at Spark, and, strangely, smiled. "Well look at that", she said with a laughed. "My own flesh and blood not only attacked me once but twice." She walked towards Spark, who was trying to bare through the pain of somewhat burned flesh. "What? Didn't think I knew it was you? The one who used that magic destabilizing crystal on the day of my return?"
"Don't hurt him", Rainbow Dash shouted. Idiot she already hurt him, she scolded herself, but see quickly pushed that thought aside. Nightmare Moon glared at Spark, looking like she was ready to fry him she suddenly froze. It looked as if she was trying to listen to something. Nightmare Moon shook her head. "Even if I wanted to completely liquefy his insides, I don't have time. Some filly is messing around the castle, and I have some important... paper work lying around."
Rainbow Dash shook her head. Nightmare Moon already hurt one of her friends... er, Spark was more or less of one but still. What if this was Twilight or Pinkie? What if this happened to be Wisp or Hope? Rainbow Dash knew what she had to do. "I'll go with you. Just save Twister, and don't hurt my friends and family."
"No, Rainbow! Don't", Spark hissed through clenched teeth.
Nightmare Moon walked slowly towards her, ignoring Spark's pleads. "Are you sure", Nightmare Moon asked. "Because once we make this deal, there's no going back unless under very special circumstances."
Rainbow Dash looked at Spark. She thought about Twister. She thought about her friends and family. This was for the best. Ponies were getting hurt, and Rainbow Dash could stop that. Besides, maybe she can figure out what Nightmare Moon wants. There has to be more of a reason behind why she wants her and not ant of her other descendants. Rainbow Dash could try to get some information this mare. She will go with her, but she didn't have to play along.
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. "Yes. I will go with you."
Nightmare Moon smiled a actual, sincere, happy smile. She wrapped her wings around Rainbow Dash and Echo. Holy crap! He just sat there and witness all of that, Rainbow Dash thought. "First we grab your coltfriend, and then we return to Canterlot", Nightmare Moon informed them. Rainbow Dash looked at Spark and gave him a wink. Spark gave her the most confused look in history. Then they were gone with a flash of light.
