> Daughter of War > by SammyRosePony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prologue War. The land of Equestria is was full of it. The land has been in war for as long as Rainbow Dash could remember. She could barely remember what life was like before the war. She remembered when she had lived in Cloudsdale when she was a filly. Life was happy back then. Just her and her best friend Fluttershy just flying through the clouds. Ever since her childhood, she always wanted to become a Wonderbolt. The Wonderbolts were a premiere flying squad who perform aerial performances, and were highly respected all over Equestria. They also were sort of an extra armed force next to the Royal Guards. When she became a young adult, Rainbow had moved to Ponyville. There, she got a job as one of the weather ponies. Rainbow enjoyed life at this age. She still had her best friend Fluttershy by her side. Rainbow became the leader of the weather team for Winter Wrap Up and was in charge of the rain tornado. Unfortunately, all that happy time soon came to an end. News spread all over Equestria that King Sombra, the old unicorn king from the Crystal Empire, had came back from his banishment to the Icy North. He built an army with the crystal ponies. He wanted revenge on the rest of Equestria. Soon, Princess Celestia had to take matters into her own hooves. She had to expand her army. Sure she had her royal guards, but that wasn’t enough. Ponies began to be drafted left and right. Both mares and stallions were drafted. Rainbow Dash was drafted as well. She was happy to find out all of the Wonderbolts were drafted as well, but she never had any intentions of fighting. She went through vigorous training, but she got through it better than anypony. She made good friends with most of the former Wonderbolts, one of them being a stallion named Soarin. The battlefield was horrific. The pegasi worked with many earth ponies and unicorns as well. Rainbow Dash made acquaintances with two earth ponies, sisters to be exact. One had a gray coat with a grayish-purple mane, and the other has a pink coat with a darker pink mane. Their names were Maud Pie and Pinkie Pie. They both had straight short hair. Rainbow could tell they hardly smiled ever. Sadly, it only went downhill from here. Rainbow Dash was severely injured on the battlefield. The pain was so unbearable she wanted to die, but she knew she couldn’t leave her fellow ponies. For some reason, she felt she needed to be loyal. Having a great sense of loyalty just felt right. Rainbow was rushed to nearest medical center. Doctors did their best to help her out. For the most part, they were able to heal all of her wounds, all except two. Part of her ear has been chipped of. Luckily, it wasn’t that big of a problem. The other injury was much worse. The nerves in her left wing were not responding. Rainbow could barely move it. The doctors decided it was best of she had it amputated. This is not what Rainbow wanted. She wanted to still be able to fight. She spoke to Soarin about this. By taking his advice, she went through with the procedure. In all her life, Rainbow never imagined something like this happening to her. To Rainbow’s surprise, the doctors suggested she get a fake wing made out of metal. The procedure was quite more painful than the last one, but Rainbow would do anything to be up in the air again. After she had completely healed, Rainbow was back in the air fighting for her nation. Fighting the Crystal Empire was hard, but it was worth it if it meant protecting all of the civilian ponies back home. Back home, everypony was helping with the cause whether it was providing food for Equestria or making new uniforms for the soldiers. Whatever the ponies of Equestria are doing, they are helping out with the cause and hoping for an end to this dark time. Overtime, Rainbow Dash and Soarin got closer. They became more than just friends. Just because the were out in a war, that didn’t mean the soldiers couldn’t have some things to make them happy when they weren’t fighting. Both Rainbow and Soarin developed feelings for each other. Thanks to their fellow soldiers, they were able to express their feelings for each other. The two of them dated for a very long time. They went on little dates at the base that the other soldiers helped set up. Both of them were glad to have a special somepony to take their minds away from the horror that could possibly come to them. Even while fighting, the two would glance at each other and give a smile. If anything, their relationship helped them during the actual fight. They were actually fighting for somepony they loved. After about two years of dating, their lives seemed to get even better. Soarin had told Rainbow that he had planned a very special date that she will never forget for that night. Rainbow wondered to herself: “How could any date be a very special one. They’re all very special.” Rainbow both hated and loved the feelings Soarin brought to her. She was glad to be with him during this hard time, but she had never imagined herself actually having a very special somepony. When she was younger, and even now, she had a very tomboyish attitude. The ponies back in Cloudsdale and Ponyville would be surprised to find out she had a very special somepony. The rest of the soldier mares helped Rainbow get ready for this “special night”. They, for some reason, looked like they knew what was going to happen. Some giggled with glee and others just smiled. Rainbow soon met Soarin at the area they were having their date. They ate their dinner and had a good time being in each others’ presence, both with very happy smiles. “Tonight has been amazing,” Rainbow said. “It has,” Soarin replied. “I don’t want it ever to end.” “Neither do I, but all good things must come to an end.” “Why do you have to be such a debbie-downer,” Rainbow chuckled. Soarin looked at Rainbow. Her magenta eyes shimmered in the night sky. Her mane may be a little bit of a mess due to the war, but it looked amazing on the mare. Soarin looked at her metal wing. He remembered the day she was injured. He remembered that, of all ponies, she had come to him for advice on what to do with her wing that she did not want to lose. “Your night is about to get even more amazing,” Soarin said getting up from his seat. “What do you mean?” Rainbow asked in confusion. Soarin began kneeling down in front of her. Rainbow dash gasped and covered her mouth with her hoof. She knew exactly what he meant. Her eyes suddenly caught eye of something else. The other mares were watching. This is why they were all giggly; they knew exactly what was going to happen. Rainbow began tearing up. “Rainbow Dash, I love you so much,” Soarin started. “Even if it is suddenly shortened, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” Rainbow Dash was so happy she didn’t know how to react. Soon, she gathered up all her emotions and responded. “Yes! Yes Soarin, I will marry you.” The two hugged each other tightly. Tears were now pouring down her face. After letting go of their embraces, the two look at each other and leaned in for a kiss. Obviously, the two couldn’t have a full blown wedding due to the current circumstances, but they did have a little thing on the base. They didn’t care much about the wedding; they were excited for the many years they were going to spend with each other. The two spent the next few years happily. They encouraged each other and helped each other out. Many of their friends have come and gone, but they stayed together. They wanted to fight together. They wanted to protect the ones they loved together. Little did they know that their life was going change a lot. > The Discovery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Discovery Today was another day of no fighting at the base. The soldiers were happy for days like this. It gives them time to relax from their near-death experiences. Some ponies would train while others actually spent some time to relax. Soarin and Rainbow were on both sides of the spectrum. Soarin enjoyed the time he had to relax while Rainbow wanted to train. Soarin knew his wife wanted to train, but he couldn’t help but feel worried about her. Over the past few weeks, Rainbow has changed. She’s getting tired more easily, and she isn’t as happy as she usually is when she trains. Soarin decided to take a look at where the soldiers were training. He spotted Rainbow in an instant. She wasn’t running as fast as the others, and she was becoming fatigued every so often. Soarin walked over the Sergeant Spitfire. Soarin was on really good terms with Spitfire since they had been Wonderbolts together. Because Spitfire was the captain of the Wonderbolts, she was offered the spot of sergeant. Because Soarin was on really good terms with her, she didn’t mind if he sometimes interrupted. “Hey Spitfire,” Soarin said. “Hey Soar,” she replied. “I thought you would be relaxing on your day off. Sombra hasn’t come near in awhile. He could come at any minute.” “I know. I just wanted to check on Rainbow. To be honest, I’m kind of worried about her.” The two looked out to Rainbow. She was still struggling during her training. At some times, she even had to stop herself from running just so she could catch her breathe. This was something she never did; she usually pulled through easily during these types of things. “I’m a little nervous for her too. Dash hasn’t been acting like herself for the past few weeks. She’s become weaker and has needed to take another break. In fact…” Spitfire said. “Dash! Please report over here!” Rainbow flew over to Spitfire. “What. Do. You. Need. Ma’am?” Rainbow Dash said in between breathes. Both Spitfire and Soarin could see something was very wrong with Rainbow Dash. “Dash, take a break.” “What?” Rainbow surprised. “I said take a break. You need it. You don’t look so good. You might even want to go to the infirmary. Maybe then we’ll find out what’s goin’ on with ya.” “Ma’am, I’m fine!” “No you’re not!” Spitfire said raising her voice. “You are not fine! Both your husband and I can see that! You are taking a break whether you like it or not! Understand me?” Rainbow Dash looked over to Soarin. She saw that he was worried. Very worried. Rainbow Dash knew that something was wrong, but she never wanted to admit it. What if whatever is wrong with her sends her back home away from her husband? What if something happens when she’s not here? How will Soarin do without her? “Yes ma’am,” Rainbow replied in defeat. “Come on Rainbow, let’s get you to the doctor,” Soarin said putting a wing over his wife. “I hate the doctor.” “Why? They’re here to help you.” “I know. I don’t hate them personally? I’m just not a fan of getting medical attention,” Rainbow said wiggling her metal wing. “I know, but we really got to see what’s wrong with you.” “Fine, but after can we go to the mess hall. I’m starving.” “You’re starving? Just this morning you were complaining that your stomach was hurting. You were nauseous, throwing up, and everything.” “I know, but I’m fine now.” “Okay we really need you to see a doctor,” Soarin replied. Soarin sat waiting while Rainbow got checked out. He thought of all the possibilities that could be wrong with her. He began examining all of her symptoms in his head. “Okay, she’s been having fatigue, stomach aches and other body aches, nausea, and has been eating in big portions the last few weeks,” he thought to himself for awhile. “What could it possibly be?” After examining all the symptoms, it hot Soarin like a ton of bricks. “No, she can’t be,” he thought. “We only-” “Excuse me,” the nurse said to Soarin. “Your wife is ready to see you.” Soarin walked over to the door and nodded. “I’ll give you two alone time,” she said as she walked away. Soarin looked over to Rainbow who was sitting on a little bed. She had tears in her eyes and seemed very shocked. Soarin didn’t know how to react, and tried his best to talk to her. “Hey Rainbow, everything alright?” “Soarin I’m-” Rainbow couldn’t find the words on how to tell Soarin what she was about to say. “We’re-We-I’m-” “Just breathe in and breathe out. Everything’s going to be okay.” “Were…having a baby,” she said looking into Soarin’s eyes. His hypothesis was correct. He was just as shocked as Rainbow. How did they let this happen? Now was not the right time to have a foal, and Rainbow was currently in the worst place to be while with foal. Rainbow Dash began sobbing. Soarin pulled her in and embraced her tightly. “I-I don’t know what to do Soarin,” Rainbow Dash cried. “I don’t want anything to happen to it.” “W-We’ll make it work.” “How? We’re at a base where the opposing side could strike at any minute. I don’t want to put our baby at risk.” “Technically, it’s already put at risk by you being here.” “I know, but what are we going to do? Obviously I can’t fight. I don’t want to go back home though. What are we gonna do when it’s born? I don’t think I can bring myself to giving it up.” “Rainbow, we might have to do that.” “Please no!” Soarin looked down at his wife. He had never seen her like this. For the time that he has known her, she has never acted like this. She was all about being tough and being the best she could ever be. Now, she was gaining a soft side to her. Soarin knew she wanted to keep the baby. He even wanted to keep the baby. “Please Soarin,” she cried. “I wouldn’t feel like myself if we did that.” “Why is that.” “I don’t know why, but I have always felt like I needed to be loyal to almost everypony. If we give up this foal, I honestly feel like I would be abandoning it. I know that’s not what is really happening, but you don’t know what this kid is going to feel is he or she is given away to another family. I know we have to do what’s best, but I just can’t. I wouldn’t feel loyal especially to my own son or daughter.” Soarin didn’t know how to react. The only thing he could do is bring his distressed wife closer. She breathed heavily and cried into his chest. Soarin, like his wife, hated the idea of giving up his own child. Soarin imagined what it would be like once the foal is born. Would it be safe for him or her to live on the base with them? What would the relationship between them be like? All these thoughts were scrambled across his brain. Despite the dark situation they were in, Soarin couldn’t help but feel happy about these thoughts. “Hey,” he started. “Let’s talk with Spitfire. Let’s see what she thinks we should do.” “She’ll probably say to give up the foal,” Rainbow said quietly. “She might, but she may know how to help the situation. What do you say?” Rainbow looked up to her husband. He had a small smile on his face. His smile made her smile. She felt a warm feeling inside of her. “Okay,” Rainbow started. “I’m ready to go.” The couple walked out of the room and thanked the doctors on their way out. On there way to speak with Spitfire, the both of them became very nervous. Soarin was nervous for his wife and kid while Rainbow was nervous about Spitfire’s response. Once they met with Spitfire, they told her everything that had happened. Spitfire was shocked at what she was hearing. “How far along are you,” Spitfire asked. “About four months.” “If it was up to me,” Spitfire started. “I would have you on your way back home. This is no place for a foal or an expecting mother.” “I know,” Rainbow replied solemnly. “Unfortunately, there currently is no way of getting you, or anypony for that matter, back home.” “Why is that?” Soarin questioned. “I’m not sure, but they aren’t letting anypony in or out of the base. I guess you’re lucky that we are pretty far away from the front lines.” Rainbow was slightly relieved that she wouldn’t have to go home. She wouldn’t know what to do if Soarin wasn’t there to help and guide her. “Once we get the all clear that it is safe to travel back home, you will be the first one sent. You understand me Dash?” “Yes ma’am,” Rainbow replied. Soarin and Rainbow walked back to their part of the bunkers. Both of them were filled with different emotions. Fear. Joy. Anticipation. They were happy for the little filly or colt that would soon enter their lives, but they feared what the future holds for them. Just to lighten the mood, Rainbow asked Soarin a simple question. Or two. Maybe even three. “So, do you think the foal will be a colt or a filly? Are we positive it will even be a pegasus? I’m pretty sure both of us are pure breed pegasi, but anything could happen. What about names? What could we possibly name it?” “So many questions. We still have seven months before it arrives. To be honest, I don’t care if it’s a filly or a colt, if it’s a pegasus or not, or what it’s name is going to be. Well, I mean I do care, but you get what I am trying to say. No matter what our foal turns out to be, as long as it’s happy and healthy, I will love it with all my heart.” The happy couple trotted to the bunkers with hearts filled with joy. > Aura Mist > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aura Mist ~7 Months Later~ Soarin paced back and forth. Beads of sweat fell down his face. His heart seemed to beat faster than the speed of light. He would flap his wings every so often to let out some of the sweat that would form from under them. He’s been through many battles, but he has never been this nervous. “Calm down Soar,” Spitfire told him. “Calm? How can I stay calm? My wife is in there having our foal!” Soarin sat in front of the door to the room where Rainbow was. Soarin was told to stay out of the room since he couldn’t stay calm. He put his ear against the door. He couldn’t hear a sound. “Is there anything else that is bothering you?” Fleetfoot asked. “I guess I’m just really nervous about this baby,” Soarin explained. “We aren’t in the safest place to raise a child, and there’s almost no way to get back home at the moment. I think the biggest thing I’m the most nervous about is that I don’t know how I’m going to be as a father. Even Rainbow has been questioning her ability to be a mother. I guess we’re just not prepared for this. We aren’t really prepared for parenthood.” “Soarin look at me,” Spitfire said. “I know you and Dash have your fears about this foal, but you can’t give up. I’m pretty sure every parent goes through something like this. All you can do is try your best. Additionally, you’re forgetting one important thing.” “What is that?” “You’re forgetting that we’re all here for you. We’ll help you and Dash. That’s a promise.” “Thank you Spitfire,” Soarin said with a sigh. “That made me feel a little better. It’s good to know all of your have Rainbow’s and my back.” “Soarin,” the doctor called. “You can come in now.” Soarin looked back at Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and the other soldiers who accompanied him. They all smiled at him. It made Soarin realize that even during this hard time, they would always be there for each other. He took a deep breath before he entered the room. Rainbow sat upright in the bed with many pillows propping her up. Her mane was a mess, and she had bags under her eyes due to exhaustion. Despite how she looked, she had a smile on her face. Along with her small, warm smile, she had tears of joy in her eyes. In her hooves, she held a small bundle sleeping peacefully. “Isn’t she beautiful?” Rainbow asked as Soarin walked closer. “She? You mean it’s a filly?” Soarin asked happily. Rainbow nodded. “You know,” she started. “My personality may have given the impression that I wanted the foal to be a colt, but I actually had a feeling the entire time that it was a filly.” Rainbow kissed her little filly’s forehead. “You want to hold her?” “What if I hurt her?” “You won’t. I promise,” Rainbow said reassuring him before placing the little filly in his hooves. The filly was light blue. Her coat was ever so slightly darker than Rainbow's, but it was hardly even noticeable. Her mane was dark blue like Soarin’s with light green, light blue, and light purple streaks. Of course, like her parents, the foal was a pegasus. She then opened her eyes for the first time. She was now awake. Soarin and Rainbow’s hearts melted. “She has your eyes,” Soarin told Rainbow. The foal, indeed, did have Rainbow’s magenta eyes. “She needs a name you know,” Rainbow told him. “I know. Why don’t we start thinking of names for the little filly.” The couple thought to themselves. “What about Skylar?” “Eh,” Rainbow said. “It’s kind of bland. What about Rainboom?” “No offense, but I feel that name would more fit a colt. I mean, it could work for a filly, but it would fit only if she had a personality like yours. What if she’s not like that?” “I guess you have a point,” Rainbow said. The couple thought even more. Suddenly, a small smile ran across his face. “What about….Aura Mist?” “Aura Mist?” Rainbow thought to herself. “Aura Mist? I think I like it.” Rainbow gasped at another thought. “We can call her Misty for short!” “Aura Mist it is,” Soarin said. “Our little Misty.” Soarin rocked his daughter in his hooves. Tears began falling from his eyes. Rainbow rested her head on Soarin’s shoulder. The both of them felt complete with Aura Mist now in their lives. All of their worries about being parents and the future of their foal disappeared. Spitfire and the other soldiers watched from outside the room. They crowded and watched the newly formed family. Some had tears in their eyes. Some could already imagine what kind of shenanigans the little filly would get herself into. Aura Mist’s arrival may have been a surprise and may have not been the best time for her arrival, but she was no doubt already loved by many. ~1 Month Later~ Life for, not just Rainbow and Soarin, but for all of the soldiers has changed. Aura Mist brought a new happiness to everypony. Her happiness was unlike no other. Sure she caused Rainbow and Soarin some trouble, but she definitely brought joy to their lives. Two soldiers stood in the halls of the base. “It’s been awhile since Sombra’s army last attacked,” one of them said. “What if it really is the end?” “I hope so. I can’t wait for the day where I can finally reunite with my family.” Suddenly, they heard a tiny giggle. “Speaking of family,” one started. “I think I hear a tiny voice.” The two soldiers walked around with smiles on their faces. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” “Come on little Misty. We’re gonna find you.” The little blue foal ran out. The two soldiers watched the little-diapered filly giggled as she ran around the soldiers. “Gotcha,” one of them said as he grabbed Misty. Misty laughed with excitement. “Sorry about that Silver Sword,” Rainbow said as she approached the soldiers. “Little Misty here won’t settle down and take her nap.” “It’s fine. No harm was done,” he said giving the filly to her mother. Rainbow nodded and flew off with her daughter. “Little one got out again,” Soarin asked. “Yep.” After Aura Mist was born, a separate bunker was made just for Soarin and Rainbow where they could raise their small daughter. They lived a pretty normal, happy life. Well, as normal as it could be while living in a time of war. Rainbow rested Misty in her crib. Misty became restless. “Come on Misty, it’s time for your nap.” “Why don’t you sing her a lullaby,” Soarin suggested. “Well, there is one my old friend Fluttershy grew up with.” Rainbow sang the lullaby to Misty. She fell asleep almost instantly. Memories of before the war came into Rainbow’s mind. She remembered when her and her childhood friend, Fluttershy, would play with each other in Cloudsdale. They lived in Ponyville together and made many friends. Suddenly, a loud explosion roared through the bunkers. Misty woke up and began to cry. “What was that?!” Rainbow asked in a panic with Misty in her hooves. “Stay here with Misty,” Soarin said sternly. “Don’t go anywhere.” “Where are you going?” “I’ll be right back.” Soarin ran out of the bunker. Rainbow stayed back trying to calm down Misty. “It’s alright Misty. My little Aura Mist, everything will be alright,” Rainbow said as she held the little filly close. Soarin ran back to their bunker. “Sombra’s army has attacked. Spitfire has ordered for me to stay back here with you.” The couple stayed put in their bunker with their daughter. They stayed close for each other. Explosions and screams could be heard. Both of them hated not being able to help, but they knew they had to stay put. It felt like an eternity before the two got the okay from Spitfire that it was safe. “That was the first attack we’ve had in a long time,” Spitfire explained. “We’ve been told that Sombra is just outside our borders getting ready for another.” “What does that mean for us,” Soarin asked with his wife under his wing who held their daughter closely. “We need all of our soldiers ready,” Spitfire said. She had a solemn look on her face. “Unfortunately, that means this place isn’t safe for Aura Mist.” “What?” Rainbow asked. “I’m sorry, but she can’t stay here. I know you love her. I do too, but this place has become completely unsafe for her. As parents, you two should probably start thinking what’s best for her. I do hate doing this to you guys, but it’s for the best.” The couple went back to their bunker. Rainbow didn’t speak. She held on to her little girl. She didn’t want to give her up. Rainbow wanted to be there for her daughter. Unfortunately, that can’t be anymore. “Don’t worry Rainbow, she’ll be fine,” Soarin said trying to comfort his wife. “I’ve talked to Spitfire, and she found a way to get us back home to find Misty a new family.” “Soarin, I can’t do this,” Rainbow replied. “I just can’t. I don’t want to be separated from her. I know Spitfire wants us to be here, but I don’t want to send Aura Mist away.” “You heard Spitfire, we really have no choice. Plus, we already knew this probably wouldn’t last long with her being here.” “I know, I know. I just never thought it would be this hard. If she has to go somewhere, I want her to go to the best family out there.” “You know what?” Soarin asked. “We’ll speak with Scarlett.” Scarlett was one of the navigators. “I bet she can help us find a good family for Misty.” The two of them went to speak with the unicorn navigator. Scarlett can practically find anything with her magic. “You want me to find one of the best families out there?” Scarlett asked. “Yes, please.” Soarin replied. Scarlett began using her magic to find ponies eligible. “I think I found a family. They live in Manehattan.” “Manehattan?” Rainbow asked. “Are we sure. Manehattan is a huge city.” “Yep, I’m sure. The couple I have found already have a daughter who seems to be roughly two, so Misty would have an older sister. From what my magic is telling me, this family is one of the best ones out there.” Rainbow and Soarin looked at each other with somber looks. Neither of them wanted to do this, but it had to be done. They didn’t want their daughter to live in this world of terror and destruction. They wanted Aura Mist to live in the safest environment possible during this hard time. “Okay,” Rainbow started. “Get a map up so we can take her there as soon as possible.”