> Broken Promise
>  by Nailah
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lightning Dust’s hoofsteps grew heavy. She was exhausted. She didn’t remember how long she’d be walking, or how far she had come. All she knew was that there was no turning back. It was the same everywhere: she’d arrive into a new town, and the ponies would give her dirty scowls and whisper behind her back. She sighed heavily as she walked out of the city she had just entered. Back into the open wide world known as Equestria. The land known for magic and friendship, and yet she was alone. It was all her fault, she thought. If it hadn’t been for Rainbow Dash, she’d still be in the Wonderbolt Academy. 
“She was right, though,” she admitted to herself, as she watched the sun rising in the distance. “I endangered the lives of countless ponies just so I could stand out. It’s no wonder no one wants to give me a chance.” 
Lightning Dust couldn’t keep living like this. She was barely making it by as it was. Her fur was stained from how long she had been on the road. Her eyes beamed with a desperation for something to go right. 
“What am I going to do?” she asked herself, sighing. She hated herself for what she was about to do. Muttering under her breath, she couldn’t believe she was considering...asking for help. From her. Her sworn enemy. She found herself biting the bottom of her lip as she took off into the sky.
Flapping her wings, she soared towards Ponyville. She gritted her teeth as she spiraled straight down into the town. Lightning Dust dusted her wings off and shook her head as she landed, surprised to find herself face to face with not Rainbow Dash, but a large female griffon. Standing right beside her was Rainbow Dash herself. Lightning just raised a brow. Since when was Rainbow Dash friends with a griffon?
Lightning Dust approached Rainbow Dash, giving her a good shove forward.
“Hey Crash,” she shouted at her as she pushed Rainbow Dash forward, her face landing in the ground at the unexpected shove. Suddenly Lightning was nose to beak with the gryphon.
“Do you have any idea what you just did?” she growled as she put her claws around the pony’s throat. “No one messes with my friend. She’s my dweeb, not yours.” 
“Oh my, I’m so scared. If you’ll excuse me, I’m here to talk to Rainbow Dash, so you can butt out of my business,” Lightning Dust retorted with a raise of her eyebrows. She wasn’t scared of this griffon. Lightning stared her down, the two glaring at one other.
The grip on her neck tightened, and she felt herself choking and gasping for breath.
“Gilda, let her go,” Rainbow Dash said as she stood up dusting herself off.
“But...Rainbow she…” began Gilda giving her a simple look. Man, she just wanted to pummel this little pony into the ground, but she respected Dash, so she just flicked her tail against the dirt as she let out a slightly more threatening roar towards the pony.
“What do you want, Lightning? We all know you were kicked out of the academy. You have no business with me, and if you dare try anything to any of the Wonderbolts to get revenge, I will personally see to it you never fly again.” Rainbow Dash snarled. 
“Nice one, Rainbow Dash. You tell her,” smirked Gilda, giving her friend a wing high five before growling at the other pony.
“You heard her. Now spread those puny little wings of yours and fly away before she changes her mind.” Gilda snarled at Lightning Dust.
Lightning Dust could tell this wasn’t going the way she had hoped. She let out a heavy sigh, and her lips curled downwards, and she pouted in front of her.
“Rainbow...I realize that what I did was wrong. And I know you’ll never be able to forgive me, but I really have changed,” she admitted, her ears drooping to the sides of her face.
“You know, why don’t you try actually telling me the truth. I may actually listen then,” Rainbow Dash retorted, with a slight rise of her eyebrows. She huffed, and gritted her teeth.
“The truth? I am telling the truth. Why would I even bother coming here and asking for help, if I wasn’t sincere?” asked Lightning Dust, scowling and biting her bottom lip. “It pains me to admit it, but I’m in a rough spot. I haven’t been able to do much since the academy. I just need some funds to help get me by. I thought maybe you’d understand,” she explained, as she shifted her forehoof against the ground. She’s never going to believe me...
“Well, maybe if you didn’t endanger the lives of countless ponies by your actions you wouldn’t be in this spot. Lightning...I admired you, even thought you were cool, but then you went and broke a rule of the sky. You endangered others just so you could have fun,” Rainbow Dash said as she sighed. Shaking her head, she looked to Gilda.
“Dude, you mind giving us some space?” asked Rainbow Dash to her partner. This was between her and Lightning, she didn't feel she needed to get Gilda involved in this.
“Yeah...sure,” Gilda said as she backed away from the two of them. She was going to keep her eyes on this traitor. If she dared hurt her pony, she’d pummel her into the ground.
“Why should I help you?” asked Rainbow Dash, raising her eyebrow at Lightning, Rainbow rolled her eyes.	
Lightning Dust sighed. She expected this response. She kept up a brave face though, not about to let it get to her. Rainbow Dash had ruined her reputation, nopony respected her anymore, and she couldn’t even get into most places without being scorned from her past actions. 
“Rainbow Dash, I didn’t come here to cause a fight. I came to talk to you. I need help. If I wasn’t desperate I wouldn’t dare show my face. Especially to you.”
“Watch it, pony, before I give you a fight of my own.” Gilda growled, as she demonstrated with her clawed talons, holding one into a fist, and hitting her hand against it.
“Gilda...back off.” Rainbow Dash warned, as she shook her head. “You want me to help you? Give me one good reason why I should care.”
 	“You’re a good pony, it’s against your morals to leave someone stranded. You might hate me, but would you really leave me to suffer?”
Rainbow Dash thought long and hard about her response. She felt like in the back of her mind, Twilight was doing her “every pony deserves a second chance” speech, but she had to make this decision on her own. Could she really trust Lightning Dust to not do the same things she had done before? She could feel it in her voice: she was at her wits end. Rainbow bit her bottom lip, as she made her decision.
“Maybe...depends on my mood. I still can’t believe the things you did, and now you show up here asking me to help you!” Rainbow Dash groaned. Part of her could see the desperation in her eyes, but the other part of her still held a grudge against Lightning for the things she had done.
She felt a clawed talon on her shoulder. 
“Hey dweeb...maybe you should give her the benefit of the doubt. Just remember us.” Gilda spoke up, as she nuzzled against Rainbow Dash.
“This is different, Gilda. I mean, yeah, you messed up pretty bad when you first came here, but you were just trying to show me how cool you were. I don’t like that you hurt Fluttershy, and made fun of Pinkie, but we’re past that now. This one here...she has done far worse. I don’t know if I can simply forgive her.”
“I’m not asking forgiveness, Rainbow, I just need help to get me by. Just some bits so I can make a new path for myself. I can’t stay in Cloudsdale anymore. I can’t take it,” Lightning Dust sighed as her ears drooped down to her sides and she dug her forehoof into the ground. 
“I’m not giving you anything. You can leave the same way you came. With nothing.” Rainbow Dash snorted, turning so her flank was facing Lightning.
“I should’ve known. Some Wonderbolt you’ll be. Won’t even help an old friend,” she pouted, sulking away from them.
Rainbow ignored her, not about to fall for her gimmicks. This was all just a setup. She was planning something, even if she didn’t know what it was. She wasn’t about to give her anything.
“Fine...I’ll go. But I won’t forget this! I’ll show you. I’ll show you all.” Lightning Dust felt teardrops falling down her face, as she spread out her wings, and  took off into the sky. She felt the guilt weighing on her. If Rainbow Dash wouldn’t help her, no pony would. She’ll regret this...I swear on it. Something that would put her in her place
Gilda spread her wingtips and was about to go after her, when she felt Rainbow Dash putting her foreleg in front of her chest fluff.
“No, Gilda. She left, let it go. I am way better than she’ll ever be, and if we play into her games, we’re letting her win. And we’re too awesome to be losers, right?” she smirked a grin.
“Yeah, you got that right. We’re way too cool for her. She’s so lame.” Gilda said as she folded her wings against her sides, and looked to Rainbow Dash. “Were you really going to rip her wings off? I didn’t think you were so violent. I like it.” she snickered.
“Oh, nawh. I was just messing around. But if she messed with my friends or the Bolts, she would pay.” Rainbow Dash retorted, with a slight snarl of her own. Rainbow Dash was at least glad one problem was out of the way, for now. She had this feeling this wasn’t the end, but if Lightning Dust returned, she’d be ready. There would be no more ponies hurt by her actions. Rainbow Dash would not allow her to harm anyone else as long as she was there to put a stop to it. She never should’ve come here. Not to her turf. She felt Gilda wrapping her strong wing around her, and pulling her close.
“Hey now. None of that. She’s gone now.” Gilda smirked, and teased Rainbow’s feathers with her strong wingtips, caressing over them, but also holding her possessively. “Besides, I believe we were about to enjoy some action.”
“You’re right. I can’t let her get to me. Let’s go fly.” Rainbow Dash smiled back, and nuzzled against Gilda secretly, making quick note that no one was watching her.
Gilda chuckled, and rubbed her fist into Rainbow’s mane teasing her, causing her cheeks to darken, a deep shade of red as bright as a tomato.
“I love you, dweeb. You’re so cute when no one is looking.” she teased her.
“Ssshh! Do you want every pony in town to hear?”
“Maybe...hearing you scream out my name could be fun.” Gilda retorted with a smirk, and a wink. She saw Rainbow Dash’s face getting redder by the minute. Lightning Dust may be a thorn in Rainbow’s side, but as long as Gilda was here, no one would mess with her, she’d make certain of that.
********
Lightning Dust had left Ponyville, glancing back one last time, as a single tear streamed down her face. Biting her lip, she cursed under her breath. 
“You’ll regret this, wingpony. I thought you’d understand,” she whimpered, as she wiped the tear from her face with her forehoof and puffed out her chest. She began walking away from the life she had known. It was her dream to be a Wonderbolt, but that dream seemed to be shrouded by her past, and now there was clearly only one way forward. She had to make her own path, her own future, and with that in mind, she began the long trek forward, knowing in her heart not to rely on any pony but herself. Ponies won’t help you. No one will help you. No pony would give her a second chance to prove herself.
“I wish things could have been different, Rainbow. I thought perhaps. Maybe it was foolish. But I hoped we could have started over again, on a new leaf, but it seems you have moved on without me. It’s time I move on too.”
What future was there for a pony no one trusted, a pony that no one would even give a chance? Her ears drooped to her sides, as she landed in  an empty part of Equestria. She felt the ground shift beneath her hooves. She folded her wings tightly against her body. Looking out to the empty horizon ahead of her, she knew in her heart there was no turning back. There’s no forgiving a pony like me, and if she can’t forgive me, then how can I live with myself?
> Chapter 2: Delusions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lightning Dust had nowhere to go, no place to call home. She felt her hoofsteps continuing to grow heavy as she walked. Where was she going? How long would she suffer because of her mistakes? She felt the sting of tears streaming down her face, she bit her bottom lip, scowling at the horizon ahead of her. Everything she had ever hoped for was all in the past. What was there for her now? A road of bitterness, anguish, and constantly being alone. This was not the road she wanted to be on. Rainbow Dash had taken her place, she had gotten all the glory, and now here she was alone. 
“Hey…” whispered a voice.
Lightning blinked as she tilted her head from side to side, snarling and lowering her head while getting down into an aggressive stance.
“Who’s there? Show yourself, you coward!” shouted Lightning Dust, as she dug her front forehoof into the ground and snorted air from her nostrils. 
“Settle down, I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to talk,” said the mysterious voice. The wind blew by them, like a knife cutting through butter, as the strange aura of silence surrounded Lightning Dust.
Lightning searched all around her for signs of where the sounds were projecting from. All she could see was the ground beneath her hooves, the sky open, and the emptiness that constantly plagued her. 
“Hurt me? Listen, whoever you are, you are talking to the wrong mare. If you even dare try anything, you’ll regret it,” said Lightning Dust as she scowled, furrowing her brows.
“Let me speak with you,” whispered the voice as hoofsteps shifted onto the earth beneath their hooves as they descended from the sky.
The first thing that she noticed was their look. She couldn’t tell if it was a stallion or a mare, as they were dressed in a purple suit, with lightning bolts down the side and dark goggles over their eyes. The only thing that stuck out was their mane and tail: a dark blue shade. The pegasus walked right up to her, not even waiting for her response. Lightning hunkered down and prepared herself for a fight.
“There’s no need to fight, you are one of us. Are you not?” the pony asked her. 
Lightning Dust hesitated, before blinking. “One of us?” She had no bucking idea what they were talking about, and she wanted answers. 
“Who are you? Reveal yourself to me, and then I might talk,” said Lightning Dust, as she narrowed her brows, glaring at the strange pony in the uniform. It clearly wasn’t a Wonderbolts uniform. Just who was this pony, and why did they take interest in her? She felt the emptiness in her heart aching.
The pony removed their goggles and pushed back the hood of their suit. His green eyes stared her down, admiring the muscles on her calves, and how she looked ready to rip him to shreds.
“My name is Thunder Cloud, I am a Shadow Bolt. I can only assume by your reaction that you’ve never heard of a flying team other than the Wonderbolts. Know this and hear me well, little filly. The Wonderbolts are nothing but a team of washouts. They prepare aerial stunts, and make ponies cheer for them, but they are nothing in comparison to what we have. What we could offer you.” 
“Shadowbolts?” she repeated, as she gawked at the stallion before her. She had never heard of them before. She only heard whispers of another aerial team, but she never expected them to be true. And yet here he was, offering her a spot. “Go on, I’m listening.” 
“We have watched you for some time, we see the way these ponies have treated you. That is why I came to give you this offer. Join the Shadowolts, become something more than you’d ever be as a simple pawn of the Wonderbolts. Nothing but stunts and tricks, when there’s so much more to flying. To success. There’s much more of a pony within you, and you know it. You know I’m right. Join us, unless...you’d rather go on alone, isolated from the world, with nothing but your tail between your legs,” explained Thunder Cloud, as his lips rose into a smug grin, and waited, anitpicating he had this mare right where he wanted her.
Lightning Dust hated that he was right. She bit her bottom lip, and lifted herself so she was back to a normal, more relaxed stance. He wasn’t here to fight. She felt her heart weighing heavily on her mind. Should I accept his offer? I have nowhere to go, no home, no friends. I have nothing. I’ve been reduced to a pony with nothing. No future, no hope, and yet here comes this pony out of nowhere, offering me this chance to change things. To finally get that second chance. 
“Thunder Cloud…” she hesitated as she raised her forehoof, extending it forward to shake his hoof, with a slight smirk raising to her lips. “I’d be honored to join the Shadowbolts. The name’s Lightning Dust.” 
“Lightning Dust, it’s a pleasure to meet you formally,” said Thunder Cloud, as he lifted his own forehoof, and shook, but also leaned his muzzle down, and kissed her hoof gently. “I’ve been admiring you for some time. Seeing how those ponies shunned you, it resonated with me, that is why I knew I had to come. I had to see you, and speak with you, no matter what the risks might be.”
“Risks?” asked Lightning Dust as he shifted his hood back over his head, fixing his goggles upon his face.
“Yes, risks. We didn’t know how you might react to us. We Shadowbolts are feared by ponies. They cower before our might, but you are no coward. You are a pony of sheer determination. You rise above the standards of others. Lightning, you’ve shown yourself in a way that draws us to you, Lightning, you aren’t nothing, you are an idol. I hope that you can show me exactly that is,” said Thunder Cloud.
“Well, it wasn’t like the other choice sounded any better. I figured why not. Besides, I’m eager to get back at a certain pony…” Said Lightning, muttering under her breath. Rainbow Dash will regret turning me away. I will make her see the truth!
“Would that pony be Rainbow Dash?” he asked with a slight smirk. “Don’t worry Lightning, you will get an opportunity to get back at her. First, I must take you to our home. It isn’t too terribly far, we could walk or fly if you’d be up for it. I wouldn’t mind testing my wings against yours,” said Thunder smirking a smug grin. “Come with me, to the Everfree forest, to the Castle of the Two Sisters.”
“I hope you’re ready to be left in my dust, Thunder,” said Lightning, as she spread out her wings fully, letting her feel the breeze of the wind. He flapped her wings a few times, before lifting herself into the air. The feel of the wind against her mane felt like bliss. She bolted forward, spiraling ahead of him. She soared through the clouds with ease, showing off a bit by doing a few flips, and letting him taste her trail of dirt behind her. 
Flying through the air, she felt free. All the burdens, the doubts, it was like none of it existed when she felt the freedom of the sky at her wingtips, but she knew this feeling was only temporary. The very second her hooves would touch upon the ground of the earth beneath her, this unease would flood through her, and she would clench her teeth together, eyes lidding shut, and feeling that same feeling she had since she left the academy. “I’m alone. No one wants a dust of lightning at their side. No one wants to be around a pony like me.”
Thunder Cloud wasn’t far behind. He quickly caught up with her, as he gave her a little snarky smirk as he did a few flips of his own, showing his talent for flying in the way he carried himself. It reminded her of the Wonderbolts. Was it possible? She tucked the thought away into the back of her mind as she landed in front of the Castle of the Two Sisters. Though, she couldn’t help glancing at the sky, as Thunder Cloud landed beside her dusting off his wingtips.
“Nice moves, Lightning. It’s clear for me to see you’ll fit in here smoothly,” said Thunder as he extended his wingtip towards her in a way of shaking wings with her. “Welcome to the Shadowbolts. Let’s get you into the castle, show you around, and get you sized up. You’ll have time to get settled in before meeting with our leader, the founder of the Shadowbolts,” he explained as he led the way after she shook her wing against his, giving him a smug grin.
“How’d that dirt taste, Thunder?” she asked him, mocking him a bit.
He didn’t respond verbally, but led the way inside the castle. Inside the whole atmosphere felt dark. There was this certain air of mystery to it. She felt a brush of wind against her fur, making her jump ever so slightly, thinking she had felt something tickling her forehooves.
“Now, don’t tell me the famous Lightning is scared of a little mouse,” he teased as he looked down to one of the mice as it ran over to it’s hole.
“Oh, course not. I was just acting startled, so you wouldn’t feel so lame about losing to me,” retorted Lightning, tilting her head to the side.
Thunder Cloud chuckled. Cute. He began to show Lightning around the interior of the castle. The throne room itself was relatively standard. There were two thrones where Celestia and Luna must have sat once upon a time, with banners hanging on the walls. The throne room was massive. and the space around them felt so grand She swallowed a gulp. She hadn’t really been to Canterlot much, so this was the first time she was really experiencing what it was like to be in a castle. A castle that had been long since abandoned. Just like she had been abandoned by every pony, and left to rot.
“Hey now, what’s wrong Lightning?” he asked her, as he turned to notice how she seemed to look as pale as a ghost. This place seemed to have this sort of chilling effect on most ponies, but he hadn’t expected her to react like this. He stared at her for quite awhile. He admired her struggle, and sought her out on his own.
“Nothing. Let’s see about that outfit you spoke of.” said Lightning, quickly changing the conservation. She couldn’t change what happened. She knew that. She felt the bitter sting of defeat in the back of her mind, as she followed Thunder down the long hallways to the armory. That was where the uniforms were proudly on display. He took one down that he thought to be about her size and hooved it over to her, waiting for her to try it on.
Lightning Dust remembered suiting up in a Wonderbolts academy uniform. She sighed heavily as she began strapping herself into the suit, feeling as it pressed tightly against her fur. She pulled the hood up as she felt the uniform fitting her like a boot. She looked at herself in the mirror there for the new recruits to see themselves in the armor of a Shadowbolt for the first time. As she stared into the mirror, doubt clouded her.
“Have I changed?”
The words cut her like a blade to butter. She cringed, lidding her eyes, as she shook her head quickly. Looking over to Thunder.
“So you said about taking me to your leader. I’m eager to meet them, and discover just what it means to be a Shadowbolt.”
“In due time Lightning. I’d like you to get settled in. I can see there’s a lot on your mind. Rest here, I’ll take you to your quarters and you can retire for the night.”
“I suppose that is fair. Though tell me Thunder...what’s your story? Why did you become a Shadowbolt?” asked Lightning Dust, as she was rather intrigued by this pony, this mysterious dark blue-maned stallion that had come to her in her darkest hour.
“My story? You wish to hear the tale of how the Wonderbolts kicked me out of the academy? Perhaps I will tell you someday. I think you and I have much in common, Lightning. Much more than you might even be aware of. Now, do try to get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us, and we won’t stop until we reach our goals,” said Thunder, as he gave Lightning a slight pat on her shoulder, and with that trotted out of the armory, gesturing for her to follow.
Lightning Dust paused for a moment to take one last look at herself in the mirror. Lidding her eyes, and taking a deep breath in, and a steady breath outwards. She then nodded to herself, following in Thunder’s steps. She would show them, she thought to herself. 
Thunder Cloud glanced back at Lightning as he led the way down the hallways.
“Much like you, I was an academy ‘bolt once upon a time. And just like you, I was kicked out for causing damages to the Wonderbolt training grounds, but unlike you, I had no desire to go back to my old life. I pledged my loyalty to the Shadowbolts, and now here we are, together at last. Lightning and Thunder, I think we were destined to meet. This is your room.” He gestured to a door with a number on it. She nodded to him, and opened the door as she walked in. The room was a standard size, not so large that she felt tiny, but also cozy enough she wasn’t cramped like a sardine. She trotted in, and touched her hoof to the bed. The blankets felt soft, but firm. She looked back to Thunder, and just like that he was gone, her to the quiet serenity of her own thoughts. As she stood there in front of her bed, in her new home, the only thought on her mind now was where do I go from here? How can I show them? How can I show that I’m not the Lightning Dust they once knew. How I have changed. Right now, she was weary from travel. The bed was a sight for sore eyes, she dove her head face first into the pillows, and groaned.
“Tomorrow is another day, Lightning. I'll Show Rainbow. I’ll show them all just who I can be. Now if only they’d actually listen…” she grumbled into her pillows, covering her body in the blankets, curling them around her frame, and struggling as she tossed and turned to get to sleep. Eventually she felt herself shifting into a steady dream, where she dreamt of what might have been, had things been different. Things would never be the same for Lightning. She knew that, but that didn’t mean she had to accept it.
> Chapter 3: The Talk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The air felt quiet and calm, but Gilda sensed Rainbow Dash was anything but relaxed. Even now, as they laid together snuggled up, Gilda’s long feathered wings wrapped around her lover, she heard her grumbling, snorting under her breath, and talking to herself. “You’re such a dweeb. You know we could talk about it right? I know it’s an old wound, but bottling up your anger isn’t good for you. Or haven’t you been listening to Twilight’s lessons?”

“There’s nothing to talk about. That pony is nothing but trouble. I don’t want her...having any influence on you. Or any creature else for that matter,” said Rainbow Dash, grumbling and blowing hot air against the tip of her rainbow mane to get it out of her eyes.

Gilda reached her clawed talon over Rainbow’s head, giving her a rough headpat before moving the lock of mane out of her eyes and behind her ears, to which she nibbled on ever so slightly, causing Rainbow to squirm and groan in protest.

“Gilda! Knock that off,” muttered Rainbow Dash. Gosh, I love when she messes with me, it’s never dull being with her.

	“And why should I? You’d better start talking or I’ll go for your sweet spot…” teased Gilda, licking her lips, and lightly moving her clawed talon to the back of her neck. She felt Rainbow Dash tensing up, and trying her best to not breathe heavily, but it wasn’t working. Gilda knew the signs, and she knew she had Rainbow right where she wanted her. Now, she just had to wait to see what she’d do in response.

“ACK! No...Okay. Fine! I’ll talk, but I don’t really see the point,” Rainbow Dash muttered. “Lightning Dust is a bad pony. She almost injured a bunch of recruits just so she could look good in front of the Wonderbolts! That’s not right, and it never will be. Like, I know you messed up too, but I can’t forgive her.” 

“Yeah, I messed up pretty bad huh? The worst part of the whole thing was feeling alone,” admitted Gilda, as she pressed herself tighter against her lover. Lightly running her clawed talon down her rainbow mane. “To think I’d lost any chance to be with you. That bucking hurt.”

“It hurt me too. You were my friend and it pained me to see you go. To think we’d come this far. I must say it was quite surprising you wanted Pinkie Pie to help with arranging our little getting together officially party,” Rainbow chuckled.

“Well, she is the best party planner around. Besides, she’s not too annoying. And she really did help me out with her baking tips, but that’s not the point. The point I am trying to make is that ponies and other creatures make mistakes, and when they realize that, they want to make it right. I don’t want to force you to change your mind, but I think there’s more to this. At least think about it?”

“Yeah...I can do that. Now enough talk about the past. Right now I want some action with my awesome griffon.” Rainbow Dash snickered, giving Gilda that wide eyed, bushy tailed look she knew well.

“Pfft. You’re such a dweeb, but I love you.” Gilda smirked, as she wrapped her wings more securely around Rainbow Dash. Gilda felt herself sigh, as in this moment her world was perfect. There was nothing she wanted more than for Rainbow to be hers, but she felt this turmoil inside of her when she thought about Lightning Dust. Gilda realized quickly that this would bother her. Even if Rainbow Dash couldn’t forgive her, Gilda had to know her. She had to try, because after all, that’s what ponies did, right? Help others see the light, and she had been in her hooves once. And gladly to know everything had worked out for her. 

*********

Gilda laid there, with Rainbow curled around her, sleeping soundly. Listening to her soft coo’s,Gilda very slowly and very carefully removed herself from Rainbow Dash. Observing with caution to not stir her lover awake. Once she was freed, she let out a heavy sigh, and ruffled the top of her rainbow mane. 

Gilda stood to her full height and walked away from Rainbow for the time being. Her mind was heavy. She didn’t know this Lightning Dust, but yet she felt this connection to her. Was it simply because they both had messed up? Possibly. Or was it their connection to Rainbow Dash? Gilda didn’t know, but she knew one thing. Things couldn’t end this way. Rainbow Dash was the element of Loyalty, and while Gilda could understand how her loyalty to her teammates kept her from being able to forgive Lightning Dust, it just didn’t sit right with her.

“I was like her once. I messed up and it hurt Rainbow Dash, but she forgave me. I don’t understand these ponies. They are so difficult to grasp.” Gilda shrugged, as she lifted her clawed talon to scratch at her feathers atop her head. Sitting there, watching Rainbow Dash sleep so soundly, it gave her time to reflect.

“Have I changed?” she asked herself. Of course I have! Gilda snorted, and let out a huff of annoyance. Why would she even question that? She wouldn’t be here with Rainbow if she hadn’t changed. Sure, she still had difficulties dealing with ponies. They weren’t like griffons. Griffons were tough, and cared little to none about the meaning of friendship. Most griffons only cared about bits. She was a griffon, but she loved Rainbow Dash, and she cared more about her than anything else in the whole world.

“Argh...why do I feel sympathetic towards a pony I don’t even know?” she asked herself. 

Perhaps she should seek out Lightning Dust. Though, really she had no clue where she had gone, and what would she even say? Something like ‘I was you once, I know what you have gone through’ seemed the obvious answer, but with everything that had transpired between the three of them, Gilda didn’t think she’d heed her words so kindly. Rainbow Dash would. And she was the one who had to be convinced there was more to this, than she thought. 

Gilda nuzzled her beak into Rainbow’s mane, stroking the feathertips of her cyan wings ever so slightly, teasingly, tracing against every feather, and listening to her as she cooed in her sleep. She leaned her beak over to her ear, and began to nibble at the inside, sticking her tongue into her earlobe, and biting down on the outside of her ear, with just the right pressure that she was sure it wouldn’t harm Dash, but gave her the tingling sensation she knew she adored.

“Gilda…” Rainbow pouted, half asleep, groaning, and trying to lid her eyes once more. Rainbow Dash’s tail flickered ever so slightly, just the tiny hint of annoyance.

Gilda stroked her clawed talon over the length of Rainbow’s back, giving her a firm, yet sensational back scratch, that caused her to arch her back ever gently, dipping her head down into her pillow, letting out an moan of secret delight, as she could see the faintest tint of a blush forming on the side of her cheeks.

“Since when have you told me to stop me from teasing you before?” 

Rainbow opened her lips to speak, but stopped herself short, and let out a disgruntled snort, and a slight whinny, as she rolled her eyes. “What is so gosh darn important that you had to wake me up?”

“Maybe I wasn’t done with you yet. Can’t have you going to sleep on me, that’s no fun at all.” Gilda snickered.

“While I can believe that, I don’t think that’s why you woke me up. This is about her isn’t it?” she asked, giving her that look. Rainbow Dash stared at Gilda, and she felt her staring back, the two met gazes, nose to nose with another, close enough to kiss, and yet there was this tension between the two.

“Yes, it is about her, but it’s also about us too. But yeah you’re right, I just can’t stand by and do nothing. Once upon a time you said you’d never be friends with me again. I think your anger over the past is clouding your judgement of the present.” began Gilda. She steadied herself for the storm she felt would transpire. She knew full well that Rainbow would not respond favorably to her words, even if they were the truth.

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to speak, but found herself at a loss for words. She felt so angry. Her tail twitched more aggressively back and forth, as she kept her gaze upon Gilda.

“Yeah, so? What’s your point?” asked Rainbow Dash. 

“So don’t you think your answer was a bit harsh? She could have been sincere. What if she has changed? Doesn’t every pony deserve a second chance? After all, that’s what you ponies seem to do. You help others, and what you did is only going to cause more...issues,” explained Gilda, as clearly as she could. She wanted Rainbow to understand, to see that really there was no difference between herself and Lightning Dust. They both had made mistakes that caused Rainbow Dash to scorn them, so why was Gilda forgiven but not Lightning Dust? Rainbow said to her previously, it was because her mistakes weren’t as bad, but even that didn’t sit right with her.

“Harsh? No. If anything I let her off too easily. After what she did, she should’ve been reprimanded more severely, but I allowed her to leave.” Rainbow Dash replied with a huff. She stared at Gilda, not understanding what her goal was. Did she actually feel sorry for Lightning Dust? Why did she even care? It wasn’t like Gilda and Lightning Dust knew each other. The only connection the two had was their bond with her.

“Rainbow...I can’t just stand by and do nothing. You forgave me, I cannot understand why you wouldn’t even give her a second chance.” sighed Gilda, as she stared right back at Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash sighed slightly, as she parted her lips to speak once more, shaking her head. 

“Listen, Twilight preaches about friendship, and yeah, sometimes she does have a point, but not every pony is good. There’s always going to be the ones you can’t save. Or ones that simply don’t want to be helped. I tried helping Lightning Dust, and showing her the right way. She chose her fate, there isn’t more to it then that.” 

“You dweeb, you don’t get it do you? She came here for help. She asked you to help her, and what did you do? You turned her away like...a piece of dirt. I can’t say I’d blame her if she wanted vengeance against you. Rainbow...consider for a moment giving her a chance.”

“You can ask me all day long, my answer is still going to be no. Gilda, she almost injured the recruits. Do you even realize that if not for my quick reaction some of those recruits might have been severely injured or worse? I can’t. I’m sorry, I can’t forgive her,” Rainbow Dash said adamantly. Her mind was made up. 

Gilda sighed heavily, this was getting her nowhere fast. What could she say? She bit at her bottom lip, as she dropped the subject for now. However, this wasn’t over. Gilda stood up from the spot she had been laying, as she glanced back towards Rainbow.

“I’m going to go out and get some air.” With that she trotted out, as her long lion tail flickered back and forth. She shouldn’t even care about this pony, but if there was one thing that ponies had taught her, it was that things weren’t always so clear. Lightning Dust, that was the name of the pony, and that pony would either be saved like she was, or she’d become another thorn in Rainbow Dash’s side, and if that happened, Gilda wouldn’t hesitate to take care of her once and for all. There’d be no more second chances if she dared harm the one she loved.

As she stepped outside of their little cottage, she jumped halfway up into the air when she heard the frantic bouncy voice she knew as Pinkie Pie. This pony was quite difficult for Gilda to figure out. She was annoying, but she was also helpful

“Hey Gilda. What’s the sour look for? Did someone take all your tasty treats?” asked Pinkie Pie as she bounced up and down, like she was on some kind of sugar rush. But really, this was normal for her.

“Ugh...Pinkie. Is there a reason you are bothering me?” asked Gilda, as she let out an annoyed huff, her tail continuing to twitch. She rolled her eyes. Really, this pony was a mystery alright. But right now, there was a different pony on her mind. 

“Well...I was just on my way to visit actually. Though I really didn’t want to interrupt anything, so I figured I’d wait outside, and like magic you appeared!” explained Pinkie Pie, as she nodded her head, as she seemed somewhat absorbed in thought.

“Oh...You want to talk to Rainbow or me, or both?” she asked, trying not to sink her talons into her throat. She took a deep breath, as she tried to push thoughts of the pony out of her mind. She wasn’t about to let some random pony she hardly knew ruin everything she had earned.

“Both of you, silly Gilda. But, like, I can always come back some other time if now’s not good…” whispered Pinkie Pie, as her own tail twitched and she smiled bright enough to bring light into the darkest corners of her soul.

“Actually, now’s a perfect time. I think you should come in, and do whatever it is, you wanted to do.” Gilda smiled softly, wrapping her arm around Pinkie Pie. This was perfect. With Rainbow Dash upset by their argument, there was no better time for the party pony to enter the dynamic, and perhaps bring some light into the tension between the two.

“Oh? That was actually a pleasant response. You are doing so great with friendship!” Pinkie Pie chuckled as she followed Gilda inside.

Rainbow Dash was sprawled across the floor, her wings folded tightly against her frame, and her rainbow mane looked a bit “frazzled” as Rarity might say. Pinkie Pie immediately noticed the twitch of her tail, as she let out deep breaths, muttering something.

“Pinkie Pie. What’s up?’ asked Rainbow Dash, perking up ever so slightly.

“Lots of things! The sky, the clouds, my smile. Gilda’s attitude!” Pinkie Pie chuckled softly.

“Pinkie...get to the point please. I’m not really in the mood for games.”

“Oh no. Did someone take your cupcakes?” 

“No. More like my chilling downtime was ruined by an argument over...ugh. I don’t even want to think about it.”

“Over? What were you two arguing about? As far as I knew, the two of you were quite happy together. Not to mention adorable!” 

“Lightning Dust.” The words came out of Gilda’s lips so naturally, even as Rainbow Dash’s tail flickered, as she growled, letting out a clear disliking of the name.

“Oh...I think I see. Well I wanted to give you girls a gift! After all, today is the day that the three of us forged a new bond and became the best of friends,” smiled Pinkie Pie, attempting to ease the mood. It wasn’t easy for any pony to sense the different opinions of the two. It seemed that Gilda was sympathetic? At least that’s what Pinkie got from her body language, and she was good at reading ponies. It was her job to bring smiles all across Equestria.

“That’s wonderful Pinkie. Sorry if I’m in a bit of a sour mood for the occasion, but let’s see it,” smirked Rainbow Dash, her eyes lighting up at the thought of a gift. Though it was for her and Gilda, so it was likely something the two could share. Even though right now, Rainbow Dash would rather be alone and allow herself to calm down fully, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. Just like she wasn’t going to forgive Lightning Dust.

Pinkie Pie set the gift down in front of the two, and eagerly stepped back to allow them to open it together. She didn’t speak anything about Lightning Dust, or the fight they had. Right now, it was a special moment that couldn’t be ruined by anything. Rainbow Dash started untying the bow, and Gilda began tearing the paper to shreds, revealing the gift underneath.

Underneath all the wrapping was something Gilda had never seen in all her days of living in Griffonstone. An actual oven. She blinked as she stepped back, and admired the beautiful piece set before her.

“Woah. This is like an amazing gift, Pinkie. And it’s ours?” she asked, even if she knew such a question was dumb. She felt adrift in the moment.

“Oh course. I’m glad you like it so much.” 

“This is actually a really awesome gift, though I get the feeling Gilda will be using it more than me. I don’t really do the whole baking thing. Or cooking, either. But it’s a very thoughtful gift. Thanks Pinkie Pie,” smiled 
Rainbow Dash, going over and embracing her friend. 

“Oh it was nothing really! I’m just glad to see the two of you doing so well. Some didn’t think it would work, you know a griffon and a pony, but you two are just proof that anything is possible!”

“Damn straight. Now...Gilda.” Dash gazed over to her. “Think we can focus on each other now without interruptions?” questioned Rainbow Dash.

Gilda’s cheeks flushed slightly as she sniffled a cough. Her wings tensed slightly.

“Yeah, I think so. Sorry Dweeb.” sighed Gilda, as she scratched the back of her feathers atop her head.

“Good. Let’s get back to us, and no more talks about HER.” she spoke with an annoyed snort, as she pulled Gilda over to her, and looked at Pinkie. “Thanks again for the gift, but now I think we’d like to be alone.”

“Oh course! You two have fun!” giggled Pinkie Pie as she bounced out with a giddy in her step.

Even as she laid there next to Rainbow Dash, snuggling her long feathery wing around her, nuzzling into the top of her rainbow mane, she couldn’t help wandering, what would happen to that pony? Surely, if there was hope for her, then Lightning Dust deserved a second chance to show she had changed. But right now, Gilda knew convincing Rainbow Dash was going to be a lot harder if not impossible, and with that in mind, she just embraced her lover. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on a pony she didn’t even know.
> Chapter 4:Fight or Flight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The morning sunlight shone into the windowsill of her room. She cringed and attempted to shield her eyes with her wingtip. 

“Ugh. Morning already?” she asked.

“Good morning Lightning, hopefully you had a good night’s rest. We have a lot of work to do for you to become a full-fledged Shadow Bolt,” Thunder Cloud spoke, just walked into the room without knocking. He just walked into her room like he owned the place, or maybe he never heard of such a thing as privacy. 

“I’d like to learn more about your team as a whole before any training,” retorted Lightning Dust, bluntly crossing her upper forelegs and giving him a look.

“Don’t worry Lightning, I am more than willing to answer any and all questions you have intime. But for now it is most urgent you meet our leader.” 

“Fine…” replied Lightning Dust, sighing heavily. It wasn’t like she had anything to lose. She thought of Rainbow Dash, and felt another sigh escape her lips. We could’ve been friends...we could’ve been the best team the Wonderbolts ever saw. But...no. You always were thinking of yourself first, you always thought you were better. She’d see with time, they all would, the wrath of Lightning Dust.

	Lightning Dust followed Thunder Cloud out of the room she had been staying in. She glanced back at the bed that had given her a brief reprieve from all the hardships she had been through and her ears drooped slightly.

Thunder Cloud led the way through the long and mysterious hallways of the Shadowbolts headquarters. He was silent as he walked, and she noticed his stance was calm and composed. It spoke of such confidence, it made her a bit jealous that she didn’t feel nearly as calm as he was. Butterflies stirred throughout her, but she wasn’t about to back out now. There was no going back. She was in this for the long haul, even if she wasn’t sure what it meant to be a Shadowbolt. She didn’t even know the leader’s name. 

Every step she took forward, within her mind, she was always looking back. Have I changed? She shook her head, as she continued following after Thunder. No matter how much time passed, she still felt certain doubt, and this unease made her nervous about what the future for her might look like.

The interior of the castle? She honestly wasn’t sure. She could see the place was built with bricks, and there were multiple picture frames hanging upon the walls. As she walked by them, it was like they stared at her. She felt the glimpse of a sweat drop streaming down her face. This place felt old, and rustic, and yet it was full of such hope. That she might find a place to belong. That she might finally be able to rest her wings.

“We’re here. Your majesty, I have bought a new recruit for you to see, she used to be part of the Wonderbolts Academy and shows great promise,” bowed Thunder Cloud in front of a throne.

Lightning Dust entered and stared at the throne. At first it seemed empty, which made her raise her eyebrow at who Thunder was talking too, but then she saw her. Regal, and descending from above, it wasn’t Nightmare Moon, but she was every bit as mysterious. Her fur was a solid gray, and her mane a pure white flowing down her back. Her  cutie mark was a star within a bottle that looked sealed at the top. Her mane was quite long, but her stance was very formal and quite firm. She glanced at her, and hummed, as she cupped her chin with her upper foreleg.

“Hmm...Lightning Dust, eh. I’ve heard much about you, and sent my scout out to find you. My name is Lumina Wishes, do tell me are you prepared to become my devoted follower and do as I tell you?” asked Lumina. Her expression was still, unnerving and calculated. Lightning Dust could feel this sort of aura coming from her. She darted her eyes back and forth as she considered her reply.

“Before I commit to being a Shadowbolt, what exactly does that mean? I know nothing of your team, only rumors from when Nightmare Moon ruled. What makes you think you’re worthy of having some pony like me in your ranks?” retorted Lightning, unafraid to ask questions and test this pony. She had a lot of questions, and she was sure she wouldn’t get all the answers, but one thing was for sure she was going to find out.

“What does it mean? Very good question, but I am afraid it is a question that cannot be answered simply. Being a Shadowbolt requires integrity, leadership, and focus. We aren’t simply a stunt team like the Wonderbolts. I know it isn’t the answer you wanted, but it is the answer you’re getting. I assume you will have further questions.” she spoke gesturing with a forehoof for her to continue.

Lightning Dust paused in thought, as she considered her response. Figures I’d be left in doubt, but what other choice do I have?

“What made you interested in me?” asked Lightning Dust. She sighed slightly, as she lidded her eyes, before looking up towards the leader of the Shadowbolts once more.

“I believe you have much untapped potential, and we could use some pony like you to improve our team,” replied Lumina softly. Her voice was ever firm, and yet so soft and tender, almost like a concerned mother.

“Hmm…” began Lightning Dust. Somepony actually wants me, wants to give me a chance to shine, and yet my mind is still clouded with doubts. What does any of this mean? How will it help me? They don’t understand. How could any pony understand.

“I’m sure you have much to consider, and I will give you one more day if you need it, but if you refuse our offer, you must be on your way. These grounds are only for Shadowbolts, and we would like to keep it so. I’m sure you understand how important your decision is for the both of us. I am giving you a place to stay, and you become a member of my team. A fair exchange I’d say,” explained Lumina, as she gestured to Thunder Cloud.

“Thunder, take Lightning Dust to the training grounds. Allow her to see just what she could be if she says yes,” smirked Lumina. She didn’t fidget, she stood silently and solemnly still, like a predator about to claim its prey.

“Yes, m’lady as you wish,” he bowed, and glanced over towards Lightning. “Whenever you are ready, I will show you where we train.”

“I’m ready,” replied Lightning Dust as Thunder Cloud trotted towards the back of the grand room where Lumina resided. There was a flat road like path for flyers coming in from the sky, patches of grass to each side, and also many hoops floating in the air through some sort of magic for tricks. She could see the other members up in the sky. Most of them were just flying back and forth, up and down, and some even doing spirals.

“You’ll get to introduce yourself to the team, if you decide to join us. I’m hoping you will. After all, legends of how you broke the record on the Dizzytron are known far and wide. There’s so much more you can do than being a Washout,” Thunder Cloud said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. 

Lightning Dust felt her whole body twitching upon his touch. His words spoke volumes to her. She took a deep breath, composing herself.

“I’ve made my decision,” she spoke up. She looked directly into his eyes, trying to understand this mysterious stallion. Surely he had his reasons for being a Shadowbolt just as she had her reasons to not be left as a bitter memory. She was worth more than that, so much more than what they could see. She had a long way to go to prove herself, to even believe she herself could be redeemed when every pony, every creature was out to get her. “I will join your ranks and show the Wonderbolts what they’re missing out on.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. You will be a valuable asset to our team, and I have no doubt that with you by our side, we’ll show Equestria why we should be number one.”

Lightning Dust simply nodded. Her eyes twitched, and her muzzle tickled. I don’t care about being number one, all I really want is a place to belong. A place where I’m not just a washout.

Thunder Cloud showed her the rest of the Shadowbolts home. She of course already knew where the beds were, but she was also shown where the showers were, and where there was a simple plain field for the flyers to just relax in. A few bolts were already discussing events of the day, while enjoying a nice pincic. It didn’t seem like the Wonderbolts academy at all, it felt a lot more relaxed. There was no fear here, no judgement of past actions, and every pony seemed equal. She noticed there was no Lead pony and Wing pony. She was grateful. Though, everytime she thought of her, her mind went back to the academy. Rainbow…

“Everything alright, Lightning?” asked Thunder Cloud, reaching over and putting a hoof upon her shoulder. “You seem tense.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” replied Lightning Dust, forcing her lips upwards into a grin. “Just a little nervous is all. It’s been some 
time since I was part of a team.”

“You’ll do just fine. After all, you’re Lightning Dust, and we don’t just choose any pony to join us. Lumina feels you are quite the talented flyer, and I do as well. All you gotta do is not think about the past, and move on to a better future.”

He makes it sound so easy, but it’s not. How can I move on when I feel so trapped within myself? Have I changed?

After the tour was over, Lightning Dust spoke with Lumina again, and informed her of her decision to join the team. 

“Very good Lightning, you chose us and that decision will change you for the better. Welcome to the Shadowbolts. Do not hesitate to ask for anything, we are here as a team to support one another, no matter their past.”

Lightning Dust figured it was a good time to introduce herself to the other recruits. She went back to the practice field, but no pony was there, then she went to the area where the bolts had been relaxing, but it was also empty. She then went to the showers, and found the same conclusion. She then decided to go looking for Thunder Cloud.

“Thunder? Thunder? Where are you?” she called out to him, and yet the silence that surrounded her was ominous. What the buck was going on? Just a few minutes ago, this place was full of ponies, and now it was like she was the only one here.

Lightning Dust shook her head. “I must be going crazy. I’m sure they’re all asleep by now.” she tried reassuring herself. She headed back to her room, to lay down upon her bed once more. She couldn’t sleep. She groaned, and tossed and turned for what felt like hours. 

The morning sun shone brightly, causing Lightning Dust to groan, grab the pillow and shield her eyes from the light.

“Ugh...it’s morning already? Damn...I felt like I haven’t had an ounce of rest. Oh well.” she cursed under her breath, forcing herself up out of the bed. She could hear noise from outside her room. She saw the recruits out practicing in the training ground. I must’ve been delusional last evening. I have been traveling for so long...

“Hey Lightning!” called Thunder Cloud from the training grounds, waving over towards her, gesturing for her to join him.

Lightning Dust spread out her wings, and flew down into the training area, avoiding the hoops within the sky. She skidded to a halt, and flicked her mane back, with a smug smirk.

“Hey Thunder, where’d you go last evening? I attempted  to track you down but you just disappeared,” asked Lightning Dust.

“Nowhere, I was here perhaps you simply weren’t looking in the right spots. However, that isn’t important right now. Lumina asked me to supervise over your first mission, and it’s a very important one as well. We want you to go to Ponyville and steal a book from Twilight’s castle,” explained Thunder Cloud, calmly.

“A book? Wait, what does stealing a book have to do with speed and teamwork?” asked Lightning Dust, raising an eyebrow, her nose twitched.

“It shows us you are loyal to this team, and also stealing a book requires a lot of things that you’ll need in order to be a true Shadowbolt. After all you do want to be part of something great, do you not?”

“Oh, course I do. I wouldn’t have agreed otherwise,” replied Lightning Dust angrily, kicking at the dirt beneath her forehooves. 

Thunder Cloud grinned sheepishly, putting a hoof upon her shoulder.

“Don’t fret Lightning, you will understand us with time. Right now, we want to see what you're made of. Now if you have any further questions, now is the time to ask.”

Lightning Dust paused to think over her thoughts. She certainly felt she had a lot of questions to ask, but she also felt she wouldn’t get the answers so easily. It seemed the Shadowbolts were a lot more secretive and cautious then the Wonderbolts, who were known to be flashy and even elegant flyers that wanted to show off their stride and procession in aerial stunts.

“No. I don’t have anything to ask,” she lied, while holding a calm and almost careless expression. It wasn’t hard for her to seem like she didn’t give a damn. No pony had even given her a chance to make up for her past, and when she had been at her lowest, not even Rainbow Dash would listen. Lightning knew she shouldn’t have expected anything less, but she thought better of her former teammate. There was no changing the past, she couldn’t change what had happened, but she had changed. Why would no pony believe her?

“Very well, then you may head out whenever you are ready. Feel free to take your time to get to know the base of operations. I don’t want to have to come find you later,” spoke Thunder Cloud as he turned and trotted off silently. She watched him walk away, but in his shadow, she didn’t see a Shadowbolt. She watched as Rainbow Dash had walked away from their friendship. She sighed heavily. 

Lightning Dust didn’t wish to waste any more time. She spread out her wings, and flew up into the sky. She hoovered in the air for a brief moment, before flapping her wings, and speeding forward at a breakneck pace. She just wanted this to be over. No more being clouded by her past. She was a Shadowbolt now. She finally was part of a team, and after she proved herself to them, she would no longer be alone. Lightning felt the slight sting of a tear falling down her cheek, and shook her head. Lightning Dust pushed through, and landed once more in Ponyville. 

She didn’t see Rainbow Dash within eyesight, and thought it was for the best to avoid her, and carry out the mission. Get the book, get away without being seen, and return to the Shadowbolts with success in her wingtips. Now, all she had to do was avoid being noticed by annoying ponies like Rainbow Dash.

“Lightning Dust? Oooo. What brings you to Ponyville?” asked Pinkie Pie as she bounced all around Lightning Dust, in what felt to her like minutes, but was actually just a few mere seconds.

“Ugh,” Lightning Dust groaned. If there was one other pony other than Rainbow she didn’t want to deal with, it was Pinkie Pie. Her ears shifted downwards, and she let out a heavy sigh. “Just passing through. Don’t you have like cupcakes to bake, or something…”

“Oh yeah, I just finished delivering a present to Gilda and Rainbow Dash. You wouldn’t believe how happy Gilda was to get her very own oven. I can’t wait to see what she’ll bake! For a griffon, she’s actually not so bad when you get to know her.”

Lightning Dust simply nodded, really only hearing about half of what Pinkie was telling her, and thinking of how she could pull away from the pink pony and go to Twilight’s castle. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy to steal a book, but at least no one really expected her to come back after the way she had been rejected just a few days ago. 

The memories flooded back, and she found herself lost within those moments, of herself pleading for Rainbow to understand her, only to be stabbed in the heart, knowing Rainbow would never forgive her for her transgressions. They could never be friends and for Lightning Dust, that stung more than she’d like to admit.

It’s so good to see you again, Lightning! You should come by Sugarcube corner sometime and get some cupcakes! I gotta get going though, I have a party to plan!”

Lightning Dust pushed herself forward, there was no point dwelling in the past. She had changed. She headed over towards Twilight’s castle, observing those around her, trying to not cause attention to herself.

Ponyville was quiet, ponies went about their daily lives, like nothing was wrong. No pony even seemed to notice her, besides the annoying pink pony she’d rather have not had to deal with. She arrived at the castle, the two massive doors starring her in the face. She felt herself take a deep gulp of a breath. She had to prove herself to the Shadowbolts. She had to find this book, and take it without being noticed. Lightning opened the castle doors and headed inside.

The first problem she encountered was the fact that she wasn’t familiar with the layout of the castle. She had no idea where the library was, and if she happened to enter the wrong room and discover the Princess of Friendship, she had no idea what would happen. 

Lightning Dust continued through the hallways of the castle, carefully opening the doors, and surveying whether or not they were the library. It felt to her like hours had gone by, when it had only been roughly twenty minutes when she finally found the library. 

Steal a book, any book. They didn’t even care what it was, just so long as she returned with a book from the castle. She hovered around the library, seeming to consider her options. If she could take any book, she should take something good and not just something lame like “How to Friendship for Dummies.” 

Just then she noticed a book about magic. She smirked a smug grin as she grabbed it within her wingtip.

“Perfect. Now once I prove myself to the Shadowbolts, I’ll finally show Rainbow Dash why she should have given me a second chance.” she said to herself as she turned around and was ready to fly out of the castle and return to the Shadowbolts, but standing between her and the exit was a griffon she remembered from her first return to Ponyville.

“Where do you think you’re going, Dweeb?” asked Gilda with a huff, blocking her path.

“Why does it matter? Don’t you have better things to do…” replied Lightning Dust. Of all the things to go wrong. Why did she have to run into her? It was almost as bad as running into Rainbow Dash again.

“It matters because I understand you,” began Gilda, as she looked at Lightning Dust. Within her eyes, she could see guilt, regret and pain, without her ever needing to say a word.

“What? How could you possibly understand me? You’re nothing like me. You’ve got Rainbow Dash as your friend, you have other ponies give you gifts, and all I have is nothing...but regret and shame.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Lightning. I was you. Well, I used to be. I changed. I used to be gruff and nasty, and I felt Rainbow had betrayed me to be friends with Pinkie. Here all along, I had misjudged them both. Rainbow and Pinkie were just trying to show me a good time, and I let my feelings for Rainbow blind me,” began Gilda. She paused for a moment to glance around, to ensure they were alone.  

“I was jealous that she was spending time with other ponies, and ones I thought were lame. Listen, I know you feel like there’s nothing I can say to change your mind on your past, just know this. If you truly want to reconcile with Rainbow Dash, you must first look inside yourself, and ask what you want from yourself, and only then will you be able to truly change.”

Lighting Dust stood silently as she listened to Gilda confess she wasn’t always a good griffon. Since when were griffons nice or good in the first place? Not that she cared. 

“That’s nice and all, but if you don’t mind, I have places to be,” replied Lightning Dust as she surveyed Gilda, and was just waiting for her chance to zip out of here as fast as she had arrived.

She was surprised when Gilda moved out of the way of her own accord and was no longer blocking her path.

“If the path of vengeance is the one you choose, I can’t stop you. However, if you try to hurt Rainbow Dash. I’ll kill you,” Gilda growled, and held her talon out, claws drawn, to show she wasn’t joking around.

Lightning Dust flapped her wings, and flew into the sky, and began to head back to the Shadowbolts base. Gilda’s words were ringing through her mind, and she tried to shake them off. I have changed...I’m not a bad pony. 

Gilda sighed deeply after she had left. She looked over towards Rainbow Dash, who had been hiding in a corner out of sight.

“See Gilda. I told you. She was lying, she’ll never change. Now let’s go home.”

“I suppose you’re right. Not every creature or pony is the same.” replied Gilda, as she scratched the back of her head. If Lightning Dust was serious about her changing, then why wouldn’t she listen to what Gilda had to say? Well, what happened now was between Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust, Gilda only hoped Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be scarred more than she already was from the pain of losing a good friend.

Lightning Dust felt tears forming in her eyelids, as she landed on the ground, she stiffened slightly. She clung to the book she had stolen, but yet she felt empty. She went to find Thunder Cloud. Only to find where the base was, everything was like a barren wasteland. Nothing there, no Shadowbolts to be found. Just emptiness.

She closed her eyes and opened them again. She must be delusional. They were right here, the Shadowbolts. Opening her eyes once more, she realized now more than ever, she was delusional. She saw nothing but the earth beneath her hooves. Where did they go? She scrambled around looking for any signs of the Shadowbolts. Nothing. She looked again, surely, she was just exhausted from the trek. Still nothing, and no pony in sight. She felt sweat on her cheeks, and took a gulp of breath. 

“This can’t be real...They weren’t real? But...how is that possible,” she asked herself as she fell down to her knees, and put her forehooves against her eyes, as she let out a shriek of both horror and sadness.

“I made them up. They were never here were they?” she asked herself. Though the deafening quiet was more than enough of an answer. She looked at the book she had stolen. She looked to herself, and she asked herself. Have I changed?”
> Chapter 5: Never should've come here
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hey, dweeb how’s the new oven?” Gilda quirked, a smug smirk on her beak as she entered their home, embracing her lover in a strong grip. Gilda clutched onto Rainbow tightly, possessive and loving, ruffling the top of her rainbow-colored mane.

Rainbow Dash jerked slightly, but relaxed once she realized who it was that was hugging her. "Oh hey Gilda...where have you been? You've been gone like forever." 

“Eh, you know. Around. Here, there… and hey, I wasn’t gone that long. It’s almost like you missed me, you dweeb,” Gilda teased, ruffling her clawed talon through Rainbow’s mane. 

Gilda’s eyes darted from one side to the other, as she let out a heavy sigh. She had to tell her. Even though she knew that Rainbow might feel conflicted about it, Rainbow had to know.
 
“You must know something, Rainbow,” Gilda began, she released her hold, and scratched the back of her head.

Rainbow looked up towards Gilda. Rainbow saw her slouching awkwardly as she sat on the floor next to her. 

This wasn’t like Gilda, what happened?

\“What is it? Did some creature hurt you…?” she asked as her eyebrows furrowed. She snarled.

“No, just the opposite. I think you’ve hurt somepony. Somepony that is just like me. Or how I was, in the past…” Gilda began, tilting her head back, and trying to think. She scratched the back of her head, and bit her beak.

Rainbow sat down beside Gilda, crossing her front forelegs across her chest, as she sighed heavily. Her eyes narrowed, watching Gilda’s every movement.

“Go on… I’m listening.” Rainbow Dash said. 

“It’s about Lightning Dust. She came back to Ponyville again… and I bumped into her.”

“Lightning Dust… “ Rainbow Dash sighed with contempt,narrowing her gaze. “She’ll never change,” she muttered.

“Don’t you think she could change?” asked Gilda, her eyes widening, as she stared into Rainbow’s violet hues.

“No,” Rainbow Dash said flatly, as she stood up from her haunches, puffed out her chest, and looked directly at Gilda. Her solid silence-piercing gaze was hypnotizing. And yet, there was a certain somber bitterness in those deep purple hues.

“Then why did she come back here?” Gilda asked, tilting her head slightly away from Rainbow. She lifted herself off the floor, and she began to circle around aimlessly.

There had to be a reason for Lightning’s return, but Gilda couldn’t figure it out. She looked to Rainbow, hoping she might be able to get to the bottom of this. Gilda hissed under her breath, as she clenched her talon. If that other pony was trying to hurt her dweeb, she’d regret it.

“I really don’t know why she’d come back. Other than to remind me of how pathetic I was to trust her,” Rainbow Dash admitted, rolling her eyes. She stood up on all fours. 

“What was she like back at the academy?” Gilda asked, gazing right into Rainbow Dash’s eyes. Gilda shook her head. “Never mind, remembering the past won’t change anything. We need to know why she keeps coming back here, looking for you.”

Rainbow Dash sighed heavily, as she took a step towards Gilda. She leaned in and kissed Gilda’s cheek, delicately. “I reckon I never did tell you much about what happened back then. Lightning Dust, she was a pony I looked up to, some pony I could relate to, and it felt like we were destined to be great together. But then she put her ideals ahead of our safety, and she almost injured the rest of the recruits. She can’t be trusted.”

Gilda didn’t say a word, but pulled Rainbow Dash firmly against her chest fluff, burying her face into her crest. She bit her bottom lip, trying to hide the snarl she felt towards Lightning Dust, while giving comfort and warmth to her dweeb.

“I’m sorry, Rainbow I shouldn’t have dug into old wounds. Forget it,” Gilda apologized, while continuing to nuzzle her affectionately, beginning to lick the top of her mane.

“No, I can’t forget it. She’s determined,” Rainbow snorted, as she stood up from the floor, sighing heavily. She lowered her gaze towards the floor for just a moment. Why? Why was Lightning Dust so obsessed with getting her forgiveness? It… just didn’t make sense. She walked out of the room, opening the door with the push of her wingtips. 

The sunlight hit her face, as beads of sweat trailed down her cheeks, as she held a wing over her, shielding her from the sun’s vibrant rays. Rainbow stopped, as she felt something bumping into her that smelled of cupcakes.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie shouted happily, bouncing up and down. She tilted her head slightly, her ear twitching. “Oh, what’s wrong Dashie? You’re frowning like someone stole your last cupcake.”

Rainbow groaned, admiring the dirt underneath her hooves. She rolled her eyes, and tilted her head at Pinkie. “I’m not in the mood,” Rainbow scoffed, dragging a hoof against the ground.

“But… Rainbow Dash, don’t you wanna know about how Lightning Dust was here, and stole a book from Twilight's library?” asked Pinkie Pie, halting her bounce, staring directly at Rainbow Dash.

“She did what?” asked Rainbow, leaning forward, nose pressing right against Pinkie’s. “What is her game?” 

“Stealing books from a royal Princess. Doesn’t seem like a game to me…” Pinkie stated as she started bouncing up and down once more.

Rainbow sighed heavily. “Listen, Pinkie… I don’t know why Lightning Dust is doing this, but I’m sick and tired of dealing with her.”

"Don't you remember last time? When Gilda was being a big old meanie/bully and didn't like the party I threw for her?" Pinkie asked, raising an eyebrow, while bouncing at the same time. 

“Yeah, so what?” Rainbow asked, swishing her tail back and forth.

“So, you know you really shouldn’t be so rude.” Pinkie began, putting a hoof to Rainbow’s snout. “I remember it like it was yesterday. Gilda was all mean and nasty, and she totally ruined the fun, but yet you forgave her, when we went to Griffonstone. So why, doesn’t Lightning even get a chance?”

“It’s not the same.” Rainbow retorted, snorting.

“Actually, it is the same.” Pinkie stated, matter of factly, holding out her front forelegs to each side, like a scale. She moved them up and down. “Really, the only difference I see, is Gilda’s a griffon, and Lightning is a pony.”

Rainbow turned back, swiveling to meet Pinkie Pie right in the eyes. Glaring daggers, she frowned. Her ears swiftly moved downwards, as her face scrunched up.

“Woah now, Rainbow. You don’t wanna give the wrong impression!” Pinkie Pie warned, holding her front forelegs out, and gently pushing Rainbow Dash away.

“Whatever,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. I don’t have time for this.

Pinkie blinked. “I don’t know, it seems to me like you had a lot of time to think about this,” Pinkie stated calmly. She began to walk away, but she halted, to speak once more.  “I mean how many years has it been since then?”

“It doesn’t matter how long it’s been… she’ll never change,” Rainbow scoffed, crossing her forelegs across her chest as she fell back onto her haunches.

Rainbow sat there, watching Pinkie Pie bounce away. Tilting her head from side to side, she stood up and dusted herself off. She spread her wings out, giving each a few solid flaps, before taking off like a rocket into the sky. 

“I’m going after her,” Rainbow declared to no pony but herself. There was no time like the present to confront the past.

Soaring through the sky, Rainbow forged ahead, not daring to look back for even a second. “I have to find her,” Rainbow said, eyeing the landscape, searching for any signs of Lightning Dust. Gritting her teeth, her eyes narrowed at the anger she felt coursing all through her veins.

Spotting a figure in the distance, she began her downward spiral towards the ground. She felt the force of the wind fighting against her, pressing further towards the ground, flapping her wings harder to adjust to the drag. No matter what, there would be no more chances, no more arguments, this would be the last time she had to taste the bitterness of the residue of dust on her lips. 





Lightning Dust quivered, her entire body trembling. She forced her eyelids shut, trying to erase the reality before her, the reality that there wasn’t hope for a pony like her. Her ears flickered down, and her chin rubbed against her chest as she was trying to bury her sorrow into herself.

“None of it was real,” Lightning said softly, whimpering. 

Without any hesitation, she tossed the book aside with all her might, causing it to spiral into the air. It promptly landed with a thud onto the harsh, unforgiving ground.

And then, silence.

Sighing, she stood up, angling her neck to look up towards the sky.
“What am I going to do?” Lightning asked herself, muttering. She began to pace back and forth, staring at the ground beneath her hooves. Kicking a rock, she grunted. 

“There’s nothing left in me, just a trail of dust scattered about in the wind,” Lightning scoffed, exhaling deeply.

“I should’ve known… that it would come to this again. I’m always on my own, with nothing but my shadow to guide me,” Lightning whispered, her head tilted towards the ground. Her lips opened, trembling, as she struggled to speak. Her voice was a mere whisper, desperately hoping to find something to cling onto.

After all the hardships she had faced, after all the emotions she had to endure, and after all that she had done, none of it really mattered. 

She would like to believe that she’d changed, but in truth…

She had not.

Her hooves shifted against the ground, digging into the dirt. The earth shifted against her, struggling. She let out a shrill shriek as she stomped the ground with a heavy blow. 

“Ugh!” Lightning groaned, her knees caving in on her.

Burying her head into her hooves, she began to sob. Her tears trailed down her cheeks. Coughing, struggling to hold herself together, she fell apart. 

Nothing. She was nothing.

“What hope is there for a washout like me? I never should’ve come here. No one will ever believe me! I don’t even believe in myself…” Lightning murmured. All her hard work, all the training, all the begging and pleading for anyone to listen, all for nothing. She sighed heavily, curling up around herself, gasping through ragged breaths, as she cried out to the void all around her.

“Please… help me. If anyone’s out there, please.” 

Lightning struck as Rainbow Dash landed in front of Lightning Dust. Standing there, looking directly into Lightning’s eyes, she scowled.

“Just what is your game?” Rainbow asked, snorting as she glared.

Lightning whimpered, her ears tucking against her mane as she cried out,
“Wingpony… I didn’t think you cared about me.”

“Really? I came all the way out here, and that’s the thing you say to me?” Rainbow asked, taking a step back, turning her head to the side, huffing.

“Do whatever you want… It doesn’t matter,” Lightning groaned, not bothering to even look up at Rainbow Dash. She pressed her front forehooves closer to herself, and trembled.

“What’s wrong with you?” Rainbow asked, tilting her head, ear flickering. She scratched at her rainbow mane, puzzled. 

Lightning didn’t move, or even budge. She just laid there, in front of Rainbow.
“Just end it. There’s nothing left for me. Nothing but dust. That’s all I am… just a speck of dust.”

Rainbow shoved Lightning Dust’s prone form, attempting to force her to look up.

“What happened to the Lightning Dust I knew?” Rainbow Dash began, “Because you aren’t the pony I remember.”

“Why do you care? You were the one who pushed me away, right when I needed you the most…” Lightning grimaced, then exhaled before turning away from Rainbow. 

There’s nothing for me now, nothing at all.

Rainbow stomped the ground with her forehoof, muttering something incoherent under her breath. The hot air escaped her nostrils as she pushed closer to Lightning. “Get up!”

Lightning didn’t falter.

“I came all the way out here to find you,” Rainbow began, grabbing a hold of Lightning by her shoulders and forcing their eyes to meet, “And you should know, I didn’t have to waste my time. So start talking.”

Lightning groaned, her eyes widening as her lips came together, pouting. She tried to form words, but as her mouth opened, she struggled to say anything at all.

Rainbow groaned, and shook Lightning Dust by her shoulders.

“Snap out of it! Listen, I definitely didn’t come all the way out here for nothing, so tell me… what is going on?”

Staring blankly back at her, Lightning whimpered. Her ears remained tucked to the sides of her face, as she tried to form words, but she coughed, continuing to gasp for audible breaths.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, using the hold she had on Lightning to keep her still. “Seriously? Come on, Lightning!” Rainbow shouted.

Lightning closed her eyes, withdrawing more into herself. What is the point? Why is Rainbow here? She never cared before…

Rainbow shoved Lightning to the ground with a fierce push, holding onto the other pony, forcing Lightning to look back at her.

Lightning exhaled, as she looked up into Rainbow’s violet hues. 

“D-d-d-d…” Lightning struggled as she tried to respond. “Dust… I am Lightning Dust.”

“Really? And here I thought you were some other pony,” Rainbow Dash stated sarcastically. “Snap out of it! I don’t know how to help a pony who can’t even help herself.”

Lightning’s ears tucked against her face as she heard Rainbow’s voice. Memories, thoughts, and gestures. Everything felt like a puzzle, and only she knew how to put the pieces back together.

The silence was deafening.

The land around them was a wasteland of nothing, much the same way that Lightning’s heart was full of nothing.

The way the sunlight reflected onto Rainbow’s vibrant mane, made Lightning Dust shiver. Her eyes glimmered with the barest hints of life. She looked up at Rainbow, and forced herself to respond.

“Rainbow Dash, I don’t know why you came, or why you care,” Lightning began trying to think even as her heart felt heavy, weighed down by her past.

“Lightning Dust… I came out here for a reason,” Rainbow started to say, “And if that means kicking you in the flank, so be it.”

Rolling her eyes, Lightning Dust sighed, “I’m not worth your time. I’m nothing but a washout.” Tilting her head to the side, she stared blankly into the distance.

“Listen to me, Lightning. You may not believe me, but I really don’t care,” Rainbow bellowed towards her. “I believe any creature is worth it, no matter who they are, or what they’ve done.”

Lightning shook, as she braced herself to stand up from where she was laying. Dusting off her hooves, as she admired the firm ground beneath her. It was solid, unmoving, determined to never falter. The ground had a purpose, but did she?

Trembling, forcing herself to stand, Lightning looked back at Rainbow Dash, and stared back at her.

“Rainbow Dash… “ Lightning Dust began to say, as she felt her knees buckling underneath her. She fell to the ground, with a heavy thud. She stared blankly at Rainbow Dash. The last pony she ever expected to see was here offering to help her.

The last pony she ever expected to see, was here offering to help her, to start anew.

Lightning Dust bit her bottom lip, quivering. Was this reality, or was it simply another hallucination? Was there hope for me?

She felt weighed down, and tired. She closed her eyes, for a moment of reprieve as she began to fall into unconsciousness. Drifting off into slumber, laying there in front of Rainbow, helpless and broken.
> Chapter six: Dust
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lightning Dust groaned; she felt her body aching and struggled to gasp for air.  All around her, she realized that there was nothing left. Nothing but dust.


“Ugh… where am I?” Lightning Dust asked herself, rubbing the temples of her forehead. Her once brightly golden blonde mane was now a dusty dirty blonde. Her once fierce yellow eyes were now a dim golden brown. Her eyes shimmered as she held back a tear. Lightning Dust scoped the void. Its emptiness swallowed her. 

The immediate thing she noticed was the bleakness of the space she was in. If there was any light where she was, it was so dim and faint, it was 
almost a flicker. In the same way, she felt her heartbeat flickering with each and every breath.

Everything felt fuzzy, like she could feel her weight upon the ground, and yet she also felt as light as a feather. Reality shifted, and she didn’t know where to turn. No matter which way she glanced, or shifted, the entire area around her was lifeless. Lightning remembered feeling like she was on top of the world, when she had been made Lead Pony, and Rainbow wing pony, but this…

There was nothing left but dust.

“Is this how it ends?” 

Lightning arched her back as she shifted to stand up on all four hooves. Her body ached from the constant strain, and as she fought to stand, she felt herself aching for something. Anything, really. 

“I was once a Wonderbolt recruit, I had Rainbow Dash as my Wing pony, and now what do I have?” Lightning asked herself, even as she was already painfully aware of the answer she sought. Was she nothing more than a broken promise? 

Lightning could barely make out a sound, the growly fierce feminine voice, she recalled from before; it sounded like that griffon. The one that wanted her dead, if she dared to mess with her dweeb. She could just hardly make out what she was saying, but it sounded very much like she was shouting, directing her aggression not at her, but at Rainbow Dash.

“You’re an idiot! You never should have let it go this far,” Gilda growled, her voice raspy from the strain of raising her voice.

“What? How is this my fault?” Rainbow asked, her wings stiffening against her barrel, as she felt backed up into a corner. 

“Lightning Dust is unconscious because you wouldn’t listen!” Gilda shouted, as she pressed her figure snuggly to Rainbow Dash’s frame. 

“You know if this was any other situation this would be really hot…” Rainbow half whispered, half pouted as she saw Gilda’s cold stare glaring at her.

“Rainbow Dash!” shouted Pinkie suddenly.

“Wait, what? When did you get here?” Rainbow asked, half tilting her head to glance at Pinkie, but also trying not to choke on her own breath.

“Oh silly, that's easy. I just walked in through the door. You really should lock the door if you don’t want visitors!” Pinkie suggested, while bouncing over to where Lightning Dust laid on a bed. Pinkie stared at the pegasus with intense interest and seemed to “hmm” under her breath every few seconds.

Rainbow blinked, furrowing her brows and tilted her head to the side. “Huh?” She never really knew how to respond to Pinkie’s antics, and right now, she was already dealing with one problem, before another.

“So…” began Pinkie Pie. “Have you figured out why Lightning won’t wake up?” 

“Not really, no. I don’t even know why she went unconscious in the first place.” Rainbow Dash replied with a shrug of her shoulders.

"Oh my, she looks awful! Dashie, why haven't you called for a doctor?" Pinkie rushed forward and began frantically pacing around Lightning Dust. "Hmm...yep yeppers. I’m almost positive of it. I mean, I’m no doctor, but my Pinkie sense is all twitch, pull, ear wiggle. 

“Pinkie, can you please make half a lick of sense?” Rainbow Dash asked, groaning. 

“She’s not doing well,” Pinkie replied, looking at Rainbow Dash. “What are we going to do, Rainbow?”

“How am I supposed to know? It’s not like I have all the answers. I still don’t even know why she bothered coming to Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash shouted, quickly catching her breath. “Sorry, Pinkie. I shouldn’t be yelling at you, or Gilda. You two are both just trying to help.”

Pinkie Pie began to open her mouth again, when a claw covered her muzzle and shook her head. Gilda was right there beside her. 

“This is something  that only Rainbow can figure out. If we just tell her, she’ll never learn.” Gilda instructed Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie nodded her head in understanding, and only then did Gilda move her claw away from her mouth. 

Rainbow Dash took a moment to look at Gilda, really look at her. She still remembered their talk a few days ago, about how Gilda used to not be so good herself, and that the two of them managed to work things out, so why wasn’t she giving Lightning a chance?

The more she thought about it, the more of a headache she was getting. She rubbed at her temple, and looked over to the unconscious Lightning Dust laying on the bed. She was breathing heavily, and almost seemed to be gasping for air in her sleep, as her body seemed to tremble.

“Is she having a nightmare?” asked Pinkie Pie, noting the twitches of Lightning Dust, and tilting her head back and forth. “LIGHTNING, wake up! Whatever you are dreaming about isn't real, wake up!”

Rainbow Dash groaned, and hoof palmed. “Pinkie Pie, she’s unconscious. Shouting isn’t going to magically wake her up.”

Lightning heard a loud voice calling out to her  from the depths of nothingness. Struggling, but burning with a desire to cling  to something, she tried to stand up and move.

“Shut up the both of you, and look,” Gilda demanded pointing her claw right at Lightning Dust, who was starting to move.

Lightning Dust opened her eyes. She wasn’t sure what she expected to see but she felt almost relieved to see; the voices from her dream were very real. 

“Ugh. What happened to me?” Lightning asked, rubbing the temple of her forehead, groaning. She noticed how Gilda, Rainbow, and Pinkie Pie were just staring at her. Why are they looking at me like that? Do they enjoy humiliating me at my weakest point?

“Lightning Dust, we are so happy you’re awake!” Pinkie exclaimed, wrapping both hooves around her neck, and embracing her.

Lightning groaned, and bit her bottom lip at the gesture. 
Why does she care? I'm nothing. Nopony has wanted me around before, why is this different?
...Have I changed?

“Just let go,” Lightning Dust complained, pushing Pinkie pie off of her. Her amber eyes focused directly on Rainbow Dash. “I know you won’t believe me, I don’t care anymore. If you can’t forgive me, then there’s no point. There’s nothing left.`

Gilda put a claw on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder and looked at Lightning. The two of them were very similar, even if Gilda’s crimes weren’t as severe as the ones Lightning had caused. She related to the struggle Lightning was going through, fighting herself. 

“Please, Rainbow Dash,” Gilda said, her voice low and growly, but yet utterly vulnerable. It was very rare Gilda allowed anyone besides Rainbow to see her like this, to see that she was still weak. 

Rainbow Dash turnt to look at Gilda, her wings tightening against her barrel, sighing. 

“Listen, Lightning you did a lot of bad things and you just sort of showed up here, expecting me to forgive you,” began Rainbow Dash, feeling Gilda jab her in the side with her elbow, and coughing. “But, I can see that you are trying to be better, to improve on your failings.

Gilda hit her again, this time hard enough to make her twitch.

“Trying to be a better pony, and I will need time to truly forgive you, but I can accept you are improving.”

How long would it take? Days, months, years? I don’t know if I can handle waiting forever for a broken promise.
It was such a simple gesture, Rainbow Dash held out a hoof, offering to help her up. 

Lightning Dust bit her bottom lip, and hesitated to accept it. 

What if this was just another illusion? 

She cringed, and felt her body aching from being stiff for too long. If this wasn’t real, then why did her body ache so much?

I have to believe, I have to at least try. For if I don’t… Then what will become of me?

This was what she wanted right? So, why did she feel ashamed for accepting Rainbow’s help now. 

I’m not a good pony, but if there’s any hope for me, I have to be willing to accept it. In order to heal.

Lightning took her hoof, and allowed Rainbow’s strength to lift her to a sitting position on the bed. She swung her hindlegs over, feeling the floor beneath her. Feeling like it might cave out from under her, at any moment she stood up for the first time since the blackout.

Her memory was hazy at best, she remembered being here before, going to seek Rainbow Dash’s forgiveness and being turned away, and even now she was so unsure about everything. But, one thing was certainly different from then and now, Rainbow Dash was willing to try to forgive her, and that’s more than anyone else had offered to her.

“I’m sorry,” Gilda said, staring down at the floor, and rubbing a talon up and down her front left foreleg. “I shouldn’t have judged you, before I even knew you.”

“You still don’t know me,” Lightning replied defensively, and then remembered instantly, she needed to be better. “I mean, maybe that can change if Rainbow would allow us to be friends again.”

“Woah, there. One thing at a time,” Rainbow interjected. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you’re a good pony now, and not the ass I knew from the academy.”

“You truly are trying to forgive me…,” Lightning Dust said, biting her tongue. She turned away and looked up at the sky. 

Hope filled her yellow eyes, they burned with a desire to fly high again. To become the pony she always knew she could be. Lightning Dust wasn’t just a washout, she was a former Wonderbolt recruit, and she’d make everyone remember why.