By Any Means Necessaryby One And Only RainbowDashChaptersCrossing Into the UnknownChainedThe Devil You Know...Forgive Me?Broken bondsCrossing Into the UnknownTwilight Sparkle groaned, hauling herself up over the rocky ledge as she and her friends ascended the first of several mountains that made for a natural border between Equestria and Altai, the kingdom of the griffins. She paused to catch her breath before extending a scuffed hoof to Pinkie and helping her up. While the pink mare’s constant diet of sweets had given her seemingly endless energy at home, it had done her no favors where hard physical activity was concerned. Heavy, rolling breaths escaped through Pinkie’s smile as the group scrambled up the mountain range’s many steep inclines and precipices. The trek through the foothills had been quite pleasant, like a Sunday morning stroll with all six friends chatting and laughing. As the foothills grew steeper and the group left the comfortable green grass behind, the chatter had died down. Rarity, however, still had enough energy to complain about the condition of her hooves and the metallic taste of the mountain air. If she ever fell quiet, then the group would know for certain that it was time for a rest. While Twilight did not share her friend’s penchant for complaining, her desire to punch whoever had the gall to name this jagged border between tectonic plates the Amity Mountains grew with every step. Of all the things to name this treacherous series of peaks and sheer cliffs… “Remind me again... why can't we just fly there, Twilight?” Rainbow groused, stretching her unused wings. “Rainbow, you already know the answer to that: we all have to stick together and less than half of us can fly. Not to mention our explicit instructions to 'keep a low profile.' Why even ask?” “Well of course I know that in my head, but my wings don’t want to accept that I’ll be walking for the next few days.” Rainbow fell into step beside Twilight, making a great show of how heavy each of her legs were to lift. Twilight rolled her eyes. “You don’t have brains in your wings.” “You know what I mean. They’re already starting to cramp up. And it’s not like we can’t still stick together; Hell, you could just teleport us across all this and we could skip this stupid climbing.” Rainbow nudged a small rock to punctuate her statement, sending it tumbling down the mountainside. “I can’t teleport anywhere I don’t already know well. Putting the fact that teleporting all six of us across an entire mountain range would totally exhaust me aside, if I don’t know the landscape we’ll be arriving at, we could all easily end up teleporting inside a boulder. Have you ever seen what happens when a unicorn tries to teleport into a space where something already is?” “No. I went to flight school, not egghead school,” Dash said with a smirk. No matter what was going on, it was fun to get a rise out of Twilight. Twilight, however, didn’t take the bait. “Two separate objects can’t exist in the same space at once, so the universe tries to reconcile this contradiction by fusing their atoms together. You get a nightmare of half rock, half flesh. No one’s done a full study, but I’d like to think they’re dead before they can realize what’s happened to them.” “Awesome…” Rainbow Dash whispered, causing Rarity to groan. “Awesome? Rainbow Dash, that’s gross.” “What? Gross is awesome. It’s edgy and stuff. And besides, if you gotta go someday, might as well turn into a wicked terror-fossil.” “No. On the contrary, it sounds absolutely horrible.” Rarity turned up her nose. “Oh really? Then how would you rather go?” “Honestly, I haven’t put too much thought into it, but since you ask… I suppose I’d like to be laying in an empress-size bed with silk sheets, with my husband and children by my side, my husband holding my hoof and telling me how much he loves me, then tenderly singing our favorite song so I leave filled with thoughts of when he and I first fell in love.” Twilight rolled her eyes. Haven’t put too much thought into it, my hindquarters. I bet she’s already made a list of preferred songs for her funeral. “Boooring,” Dash said as she wiped the sweat from her brow. Rarity was just about to reply when Fluttershy, who’d spent the journey in contemplative silence, spoke up. “Um… could we please not talk about dying? I don’t like it…” At the front of the group, Applejack scrambled up another cliff several body-heights tall before turning around to offer a strong hoof to help her friends up. “I’m with Fluttershy on this one. We gotta concentrate on getting ‘cross these mountains safely, and I’d really rather not be thinkin’ about how one misstep would send us tumblin’ down twenty hundred feet.” Fluttershy whimpered. Rainbow looked back over her shoulder and slowed down to walk side by side with her first and oldest friend. “Aw, Fluttershy, there’s nothing to worry about. We’ve got this climb in the bag. We were just having a bit of fun.” Fluttershy shook her head and ruffled her wings. “N-no. Talking about dying’s not fun… it’s scary. No matter what you do, it’s going to come for you eventually, and after that… I don’t know, and that’s what’s even worse.” Rainbow cocked her head as she tried to think about it. When it proved to be too hard, she did what she always did: bugged Twilight. “Hey, Twilight? You’re the egghead. What happens after you die?” “Rainbow, we are so not getting into those kinds of questions right now,” Twilight grunted, rubbing her temples with her forehooves. “Oh! Pick me! I know what’ll happen!” Pinkie chirped, waving a hoof frantically in the air. Just great… Fluttershy thought, keeping her eyes on the ground. I try to ask them not to talk about dying and end up making them talk about it even more. Me and my big mouth… “What, Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked, her ears pricking up. “I’m gonna donate my body to mad science!” Pinkie grinned. “Deep in a secret laboratory beneath Canterlot, intrepid scientists bold enough to go beyond the limits of conventional ethics shall create… Robo-Pinkie! Jet-powered baker, gospel singer, and terror of the high seas!” Silence reigned for nearly a minute as everyone tried to process how any of those things fit together. “Um, Pinkie…” Twilight said eventually, “there are literally a million questions I could ask you about that statement, but what does gospel singing have to do with the high seas?” Pinkie giggled. “Duh, silly! Wade in the Water is about walking the plank!” Everyone else turned and stared blankly at her. “Um… isn’t it?” “Pinkie… no. Just… no. Wade in the Water is about the Zebrican slaves crossing the Red River during their exodus from… you know what? Forget it. It’s a long story and I know your attention span well enough to know it’s not going to sink in.” “Aww, but I like stories. Especially long ones, but only when I have popcorn. And I don’t think I have any now, so I guess you’re right, Twilight.” “Yeah, maybe sometime when we’re not crossing treacherous mountains.” Throughout the conversation, Fluttershy stayed at the back of the pack, keeping her head down and trying to think about happier subjects. Applejack was focused on plotting the best route to take around each obstacle, Rarity with the ways she was going to fix the damage done to her mane and coat by the journey when they stopped to camp for the night, and Twilight and Pinkie with their chatter about death, robotics, and gospel singing. Trying to keep herself from staring at the many razor peaks surrounding them, Rainbow noticed her friend’s reticence and draped a protective wing over her. “Hey, it’s going to be all right, Fluttershy. We may not even have any reason to worry; maybe we’ll get to Altai and everything will be fine,” she said, guessing at what was troubling her friend. Fluttershy couldn’t put a hoof on what it was that was bothering her - a vague sense of unease, the brief cresting of some troublesome serpent among the rolling waves. Unable to articulate this, she simply said “Thank you, Rainbow… I don’t know what I’d do without you around.” “Natch.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “That’s what friends are for.” “Hey, y’all!” Applejack called down at the pair of pegasi, who had fallen behind their friends. “Come on up; we’ve reached a plateau and are gonna camp for the night.” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked up as one. Neither had noticed the sun beginning to set on their group of friends, and the sky had shifted from cheerful blue to a shimmering burnt orange. _ Twilight rubbed the soreness from her shoulder as she stared at the small fire they’d built in the middle of their circle of sleeping bags. The original plan was strictly “no fire,” as it could be seen easily from above and give their position away. However, the height of the mountains meant they were exposed to the harshness of the high winds, so after some debate they had compromised on a small fire with a canopy above to hide it from aerial view. With a frown, Twilight watched as the flames wavered and danced. They reminded her of Celestia’s eyes when she set them on their mission. The mixture of fear, impotent self-loathing, and anger hidden behind a calm motherly mask. The princess paced restlessly as she thought about how to begin. The six bearers of the Elements of Harmony shuffled their hooves and cleared their throats. Celestia knew all of the facts of what had transpired last night and had sent the missive out to each of them promptly, but now that they stood before her, words failed her. Taking a deep breath, she began. “I do not wish to alarm you, but this is a matter of the gravest importance. Currently, no one in Equestria save for Luna and myself knows what I am about to tell you. I apologize for not explaining anything to you in my letter, but once you are made aware of the situation at hoof, I hope you will understand the need for secrecy.” The six summoned ponies looked nervously at one another, wondering what could have happened. Celestia’s letters had only said that their presence was needed in Canterlot immediately, so they forewent the train and had Twilight teleport them to the palace at once. Twilight was still dizzy from the affair, and was leaning against Rainbow Dash for support. “Last night,” Celestia said solemnly, “Discord disappeared from the palace.” There was a collective intake of breath and all six began to speak at once, but Celestia silenced them with a raised hoof. “This may not mean anything dire; in truth, I hope that it does not. It’s entirely likely that he may simply be toying with us for a laugh. However, despite hoping for the best, we must also prepare for the worst. Luna told me that she thought she saw something passing over the border into the Altai, the griffin kingdom, though she couldn’t be certain. I believe this thing she saw must have been Discord, and I shudder to think of what he may be up to there. “Again, this could simply be a trick of his. He did promise that he was reformed, and could well be hiding nearby and laughing as we panic, but I will not gamble the safety of Equestria’s citizens on optimism. What I ask of you six is simple: travel to the Altai and investigate whether there is truly any cause for concern. As a safety precaution, you will carry the Elements of Harmony with you. You will also have to cross over the border between our kingdoms in secret. I’m sorry for the trouble, but if Discord is truly working his dark magics in the griffins' homeland, there’s no telling what effect he could already have had on the populace. You may not be met with a… warm reception…” Spike had no small amount of complaints about being left in Ponyville to stay at Sweet Apple Acres: He was her Number One Assistant, he’d proven himself during the dragon migration, Twilight needed someone to talk some sense into her when she worried too much, and so on. In the end, though, Twilight’s authority won out and he agreed to stay behind, though she could see in his eyes that he did not agree with her decision. “I’m sorry, Spike. I really am,” Twilight whispered to the dancing flames, “but if I let you come with us and something were to happen to you, I could never forgive myself…” _ Twilight could not be sure when she had fallen asleep by the fire, but she was roused from slumber by a cacophony on all sides. “Hey, lemme go!” “You beasts!” “Y’all are gonna regret this!” “P-please!” Whipping her head around, Twilight saw a group of at least twenty griffins in rough leather armor, ragged red cloth masks obscuring their faces save for their eyes. “W-what’s going on?!” she cried. “Who are y-” A sharp jolt of pain at the back of her skull was her only answer. The scene grew fuzzy before her, then dark. She could hear the harsh, indistinct barking of orders between their assailants. Then, sound too began to fade. As Twilight fell into the cold blackness, all she found herself able to think about was that old slave song Pinkie had mentioned. Wade in the water. Wade in the water, children. Wade in the water. God’s a-gonna trouble the water. ChainedI did tell him how I suffer, In the dungeon and the chain, And the days were with head bowed down, And my broken flesh and pain. -Unknown, 1865 Clank… thud… clank… thud… Twilight’s eyes creaked open. The world came into focus like a slow descent into madness. Memories of her friends’ cries for help and getting struck from behind flashed through her mind all at once. Instinctively, she checked over her body starting with the space between her legs. No bruising or blood… she thought, so at least I haven’t been raped. As she looked around the room, the comfort that offered shrank. She, along with all her friends, had her back legs chained to the wall. They rattled when she tried to move, which was difficult in itself because every muscle and joint ached. The others were all still unconscious, save for Rainbow Dash who was attempting to launch herself from the wall hard enough to break her chains. Over and over, she would throw herself from the wall only to be snapped back by the chains and land on the dirt floor with a thud. “Ow! Come ooooooon!” Rainbow groaned after she checked the bolts holding the chains to the wall and found they weren’t even loose. “Oh, Twilight! Thank Celestia you’re awake! You gotta get us out of here!” Twilight smiled to herself. “Whoever thought chains could hold us must’ve been really dumb,” she said as she started channeling magic through her horn. “Why, any unicorn worth her salt could easily— Aaaaaaaagh!” she screamed as the warmth of her magic turned to raw pain in her skull. For several seconds, Twilight could neither see nor hear. Rainbow Dash gradually came back into focus, spouting frantic questions silently. Twilight reached up and touched the base of her horn, cringing at how hot it was. A small metal band had been affixed there. Must be a magic blocker of some kind. But they usually just make it impossible to cast, not turn magic into pain. “I… I’m sorry, Rainbow, but I can’t hear you…” The silence gave way to a growing ringing in Twilight's ears. At least her spellcasting attempt hadn't deafened her. “…said, are you okay?” Twilight only caught the back half of Rainbow’s sentence, but was grateful she was speaking slowly and clearly rather than shouting. “I think I will be all right, but I have to say this isn’t looking good. They’ve put some kind of dampener on my horn; I can’t use magic. Doubtlessly, they’ve put one on Rarity as well.” “Damn!” Rainbow kicked the ground, making a small gouge in the dirt. “Whuzzat?” “No, Mom, I dun wanna push rocks…” “Huh? Oh my goodness oh my goodness!” “Ah! Dirt!” Twilight and Rainbow Dash didn’t need to look around to realize who said what, Twilight groaning when Rarity’s first thought was to worry about the dirt “Where’s a mirror? I need a mirror! I must look hideouuuuuus.” Rarity whimpered. “Oh, and these chains chafe terribly.” “Twilight? Rainbow? What’s going on? Did either of you see anything?” Applejack asked. She reared up on her front legs and bucked the wall as hard as she could. If the stone even registered the impact, it gave no sign. “Don’t bother, AJ,” Rainbow said glumly. “I’ve already been trying that. Whatever they’ve made these out of, it’s a lot stronger than your average iron.” “Don’t bother? Are you sayin’ ah cain’t—” “I agree with Rainbow Dash,” Twilight interrupted. Applejack’s eyes widened and she started to reply, but Twilight continued with an explanation. “We’ll need to conserve our strength if we’re going to break out of here.” She rattled her chains. “If they simply wanted to kill us or… worse, they had plenty of opportunity back at our base camp. They must have something special in store for us, and as much as I don’t want to find out what that is, it will have to involve removing us from these chains at some point, which will give us the opportunity to fight back and escape. “Rainbow Dash,” she looked at her friend with a nod, “we’ll need to convince them to release your chains first. Being the strongest, you stand the best chance of overpowering them and gaining the opportunity to set the rest of us free.” Rarity looked confused as her eyes flicked from Twilight to Rainbow Dash and back. “But Twilight, why don’t you or I simply use our—” “Rarity, don’t!” Twilight’s shout broke Rarity’s concentration just as she was beginning to focus her magic. “But why not? It seems to be the obvious solution. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one.” “Yes, it is the obvious solution, which is why they’ve thought of it. They placed some kind of magic dampeners on our horns to stop us from using magic to escape. I’ve never seen any like these before; they send all the magical force you channel straight into your brain as pain. I haven’t tested this, but my theory is the more magic you channel, the worse it gets.” Rarity dispelled the smidgeon of magic she’d started to channel like it was a wet rat. Even so, she rubbed her forehead. “Oww… it feels like a migraine, and I didn’t even do anything. That’s just not fair…” Rarity trailed off as she put two and two together. “Twilight,” she said softly, “you knew to warn me because you tried to use magic, didn’t you?” Twilight nodded. “But if I have this pounding headache just from— Darling, are you all right?” “I’ll be all right, Rarity. I may have lost hearing and vision for a little bit," she paused when she noticed everyone staring. "Just a little bit, though! They seem to have returned fine.” Not comforted by that caveat, Fluttershy curled into a quivering ball. “R-rainbow Dash…” she whimpered. “I’m scared.” “Oh Fluttershy…” Rainbow said as she walked over as close to her friend as possible. “Everything will be all right. We’ve gotten out of worse than this before.” She put on her usual smile, throwing in a wink for good measure. At its corners, her mouth twitched ever so slightly. “How can you say that? Twilight just went blind and deaf, and she’s… Twilight! What if we can’t get out of here? What if they just- just come down here and kill us?” Fluttershy breathed heavily, eyes squeezed shut. “Fluttershy, that wouldn’t make any sense. They’ve had ample opportunity to—” Twilight found herself cut off by a glare from Rainbow Dash.j “Not helping,” Rainbow hissed before turning back to Fluttershy and holding out a hoof. She was just a few inches out of reach of comfort. “Come here, Fluttershy. I promise that I’ll do everything to keep anything bad from happening to you.” Aside from what’s already happened, but I can’t exactly change the past. Can I? Fluttershy crept toward Rainbow Dash and collapsed into her forelegs. “We’re all going to die. I just know it. We’ll never get to go home again!” Her lower lip trembled and she buried her face against Rainbow’s body so the others wouldn’t have to see her cry. “I’ll m-miss you all so much. And p-poor Angel Bunny. He’ll be all alone.” “Fluttershy, please look at me.” Rainbow’s voice was still caring, but there was an edge of a commander’s strength in it. Fluttershy sniffled and complied, looking Rainbow in the eyes. “No matter what happens, I’ll be here for you. We all will. We made it through Flight School together, and there’s no way I’m going to let anyone hurt you so long as I live.” That’s the part that I’m afraid of… Fluttershy couldn’t manage to say. “Please don’t say that, Rainbow Dash,” she squeaked. “If something bad happened to you just to save me, I could never forgive myself! I know you fought for me in Flight School, but don’t you dare even think about letting yourself get killed because of me.” Fluttershy sniffled, taking a step back from Rainbow and sitting on her haunches. “You’re worth so much more than an… an earthbound like me.” Rainbow stepped forward to put a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, but she shrank back out of Dash’s reach. She was just about to speak, when— “Hey! Cheer up, Fluttershy! I’m sure this is all just one big joke,” Pinkie said with her unfailing grin. “This is Discord we’re talking about, and he loves to have a good laugh. Almost as much as me! Ooh! I know what’ll cheer you up. Have you ever heard this one? A priest, a rabbit, and a royal guard all walk into a bar, and the bartender says—” “Not now, Pinkie,” Twilight groaned. She was just about to turn and try to actually cheer Fluttershy up, when she heard them. Three heavy sets of footsteps coming down the stairs on the other side of the heavy wooden door. “is this some… kind of… joke?” Pinkie trailed off as she too listened intently to the approaching footsteps. The door slammed open. Three of the red-clad griffins they’d met earlier entered, heads held stoically high. The tallest one, whom the captive ponies identified as the officer due to his uniform being lined with what Rarity recognized as gold silk, scanned the room with no legible emotion on his face. His gaze fell upon Fluttershy, who was peeking out at them from between her pinion feathers as she’d instinctively wrapped her wings around her body. He nodded curtly to the two other griffins, and they strode over to her. One unbolted the shackles with a strange handheld device none of them had ever seen before, while the other clapped a metal collar around her neck. A thick metal cord leading from the collar was wrapped around the griffin’s wrist. “Schwert and Buckler are going to undo your chains now.” Applejack had the chance to flash a knowing look to Twilight before the officer cleared his throat and continued. “Any escape attempts,” he enunciated, having caught the nonverbal exchange, “and my associate will pull the collar’s cord. It’s a fascinating piece of machinery, lined with nearly a hundred curved blades that overlap when drawn taut. If any of you try to fight us or escape — Hell, if any of you even give me cause to feel nervous, and I’m a nervous guy even though I may not look it — the cord is drawn taut and your pretty little friend’s head goes rolling to the floor. Are we clear?” Everyone gasped. Twilight and Applejack exchanged worried glances. Rainbow Dash bit her lip. “F-Fluttershy…” She pulled against the chains in an attempt to reach her. “Keep your distance,” the officer warned coolly. “No! You let her go! Fluttershyyy!” Rainbow continued to pull against her chains, hooves digging into the ground. “Schwert, if you will.” His eyes never left Rainbow as she struggled. Schwert gave the cord a light, slow tug. “Yieeeeeeeee!” Blood trickled from beneath the collar. “Stop it! You bastards; I’ll kill you!” Rainbow wailed. “If you wish her dead, then by all means keep talking.” “I’ll kill you I’ll kill you I’ll kill you!” “Rainbow! Shut UP!” All the ponies looked in surprise at the last pony they’d have expected to say such a thing: Rarity. Her eyes were wide, eyebrows flickering up and down. In the newfound quiet, Fluttershy could be heard sobbing quietly. “Listen, please. There’s nothing you can do at the moment to help Fluttershy. I know you’re angry — we all are — but the most important thing is that we get out alive, not ‘go down swinging,’ I believe the term is. And you,” she continued, directing her gaze and hoof at the griffin officer. “We have laws about how prisoners are to be treated. You owe us your name, rank, and reason for incarceration, after which we are to be held in reasonable accommodation and given the opportunity to contact our embassy so our two governments can work together to resolve this matter.” The officer, Schwert, and Buckler exchanged glances before breaking into laughter. The former composed himself rather quickly while the other two carried on. “You want my name? Fine. Krieg. My rank? Leftennant. And since I’m so nice, here’s a fun little fact you may find interesting. As of last night, Altai is no longer part of the League of Nations. For the first time in two-thousand years, we are completely independent as a country. And that means that there is no Equestrian embassy for you to run crying to…” he stroked Rarity’s cheek with the back of his hand, “and no Wartime Convention to protect you. Whether you live, die, get fed, or are tortured, will be entirely at the discretion of the High King.” He clapped his hands and Schwert and Buckler undid the chains on the remaining five ponies. Rainbow immediately trotted over to Fluttershy. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Come,” said Krieg as he turned his back and opened the door they’d thought might lead to their freedom. “You are going to meet him.” Author's Note Chapter 3 is gonna take a while, but follow me and keep yourself updated :3 -Rainbow CliffsNotes: It gets worse. Actually, I could say that about most chapters. -Cormac The Devil You Know...“What the hell do you mean you don’t want to? You said you were down!” Gilda groaned, choosing to look at the window rather than Swift. The sun was approaching its zenith. She hadn’t slept. “I was.” She held a bottle of Old Crow by the neck, the brown-gold liquid sloshing with every step as she paced. “But now I’m not; I’m as dry as a salt block.” “Come on,” Swift pleaded. “I know how to fix that. Just give me five— no, two minutes.” “This was a bad idea.” Gilda closed her eyes, letting her forehead rest on her open palm. “You should go.” “You can’t just invite me over saying you’re DTF and just say no. I’m not some toy you can just turn on and off whenever you want! This is bullshit!” Gilda ran her tongue over the inside of her mouth. She could still taste his tongue, heavy with the rough flavor of liquor. “Look, this whole thing with the king’s death, the funeral tonight... I’m just… this was a mistake. I said you should go. Just go.” “You’re seriously gonna be a bitch about this? If you really want me to go, I’ll go, but you can forget about this ever happening again, no matter how much you want it.” He said without taking a step toward the door. Gilda thought it over for a moment. Swift Justice had always been the strong, flag-waving patriot her father had wanted her to be. Joining Altai’s royal guard – a stupid name for a full-on military, she thought – had been the easiest decision he’d ever made. Gilda had more or less stumbled into it after her final visit to Equestria. To that one particular town which housed one particular pony. Joining up with the guard seemed the best way to ensure that no matter what she felt, she’d never have to see that stupid little hick town again. Swift was powerful, courageous, dashing… everything she should want, but even after several tries to make herself care, all she could see when she looked at him was another nobody. She looked into his eyes, which were wide with exasperation. Shouldn’t I feel something stir when I look into his eyes? Shouldn’t I be able to lose myself in them for days; shouldn’t my chest get tight? Even for a hookup, shouldn’t I at least blush at thinking of him in me? I feel none of these things. Looking at him is just like looking at a stranger passing by on the street. “I guess I am,” she said, breaking the agonizingly long silence. “We should be at the chancellor’s coronation anyway.” Gilda repeated the order they’d received dully. Swift frowned, but nodded. “Come with me, then. You’re not thinking straight.” “No.” Gilda would have been content to leave it at that, but Swift raised a querying eyebrow. “I… have some thinking to do. I’ll catch up to you in a minute.” “Fine,” Swift snorted and left. He hadn’t closed the door properly behind him. Gilda kicked it shut. The use of force felt good. “A lot of whining, but no real fight. Guess I’m not that important to you, either.” The door, stoic as always, did not respond. Gilda threw the Old Crow bottle as hard as she could. She wasn’t sure why, but its shattering against the door felt extremely satisfying. Another bottle would come cheaply anyway. She stared at the dripping remains on the tile floor. Cleaning it up would be a pain, but it was worth the satisfaction of destroying it. Fuck it; I'll deal with it later. She shuffled to the bed to try and get some sleep, and to dream of anything but Ponyville. _ Rarity squealed as she was kicked through the doorway into the Grand Hall. She was adamant that the last of the dirt from their prison had to be brushed off her hooves before meeting royalty, regardless of the circumstances. She brushed herself off with as much dignity as she could muster, then took her first look around the lavish room. Rows upon rows of griffins in similar garb to their captors filled the room save for the five foot wide aisle the ponies were led down. They stood with their necks straight, their shoulders pulled back, reared up on their hind legs with their arms at their sides. All of their gazes converged on one point: the massive gold throne at the end of the room and its occupant. “Discord!” Twilight hissed, echoed by her friends. “But of course!” he replied, taking a bow. “We’re you expecting anyone else? You wound me.” “King Janus III, for one. Where is he? What have you done?” Discord’s lion paw flew to his mouth. “You mean you don’t know? Oh, you poor things!” he fawned. “What’re you talkin’ about?” Applejack growled. A handkerchief that hadn’t been there a second ago dabbed at Discord’s glistening eyes. “I’m sorry to inform you that dear King Janus passed away shortly before I arrived. Or was it after?” The handkerchief returned to the nothingness from which it had been produced. “Linear time is so confusing.” “More like you killed him!” Rainbow Dash growled. “Why Rainbow Dash, you wound me! I’ve never killed anyone in my whole life… well, not directly. Although it is interesting that you bring up murder. It’s sort of why you’re here, which I’ll explain in a moment. “As I’m sure you’re aware, Altai has a long and storied history of warfare. What you may not know, thanks to an equally storied history of whitewashing the more unpleasant aspects of their history, is how prisoners of war were treated in the ‘good old days.’” Discord made quotes in the air with his fingers. “Because strength and independence were core values among the griffins rather than harmony, prisoners were forced to face one another in combat. The last one left standing had, in their minds, proved his worth to enter griffinn society. Actually, we’re not even a mile from where so many fought and died, in what’s now called the—” “The Stadium Massiva!” Twilight exclaimed. “It’s the second most elegant performing arts center in the entire world, next to the one in Canterlot.” Discord rolled his eyes. “When I want your opinion on the best theater, miss Sparkle, I’ll ask for it.” “I saw a hearth’s warming pageant there with Gilda one year…” Rainbow said quietly. “Are you really saying it used to be used for… that?” “Yes, and to cut to the chase before I’m interrupted, it will resume its original purpose shortly. The reason you six have been brought here…” he grinned, “is to kill one another in a series of bouts for fun and education.” “WHAT?” all six asked at once, followed by a “That doesn’t sound fun at all!” from Pinkie. “I should have known you’d ask ‘what.’ But why ask ‘what’ when the more delicious question is ‘why?’ Oh, there are so many reasons. I’ve actually prepared a little list—” A scroll appeared in Discord’s hands, which unrolled to the floor, down the aisle, and out the door, “—which I’ll now read to you, because there’s no sense in the six of you suffering your punishment without knowing why.” All six of the captive ponies stared at the list. “I admit it’s a bit long, but if any of you interrupt, I’ll start again from the top even if I’m on the last word. You should know me well enough by now to know that I will.” “But what about all your troops you have gathered here?” Rainbow butted in. “You really can’t expect them to go along with something so barbaric if they hate your guts. I may not be an egghead, but I know hated rulers don’t last very long.” “I’d say we’ve found our volunteer for the first match,” Discord grinned. “Your point would be valid under most circumstances… but you forget that I have a certain… commanding presence. So, for your edification, Rainbow Dash, allow me to demonstrate to you true loyalty. “You!” he pointed to a teenaged griffin in the front row, long-limbed and spindly, whom they could tell had joined up straight out of flight school. “Your eyes displease me. Remove them.” The young griffin drove his clawed thumbs into his eyes soundlessly, blood spraying around them in a mist followed by the slow drip of his vitreous humour. Fluttershy screamed. Rarity looked away, quivering. He returned his hands to his sides and stood at attention. Blood still oozed from his shredded eye sockets, matting his feathers. “H-how… how could you!” Rainbow yelled. “Quite easily, dear Rainbow Dash. Were you not paying attention? Pure, unquestioning loyalty is a beautiful thing, is it not?” “You’re a monster, making him hurt himself like that!” Applejack fumed. “Really, now? Don’t put words in the poor bird’s mouth. How do you feel about this?” “What pain exists in this world…” the griffin moaned, “that could outweigh the wrath of God?” “And there you have it,” Discord crowed, clapping his hands. “Straight from the horse’s mouth. Or beak, rather.” He snapped his fingers and the griffin’s eyes returned. “A sightless soldier will do me no good. Waste not, as they say. Now then, shall we get on with the list?” “Just suppose for a moment that the world you live in has many, many layers beyond what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Try and imagine every single sight, sound, smell, feeling, emotion, and thought you’ve ever felt in your entire life — past, present, and future — all at once. That is the essence of true chaos, and it was the state of this world long before you beings of… order,” he spat it like a curse, “took over.” “It could be something quite simple, something even the six of you could understand: Hate. Let’s let that word echo for a moment. Hate… Let me tell you how much I have come to hate you ponies since I was cast into this weak, mortal shell. There are approximately one-hundred trillion cells in my body at this moment, each with an average of seventeen organelles. If every organelle in every cell in my body were inscribed with the word hate, it would not equal one one billionth of the hate I feel for your kind in a single second.” “That’s from a book!” yelled Twilight, whose ears had pricked up at the first word and had grown steadily angrier as the spiel went on. “Twilight!” the other five hissed at her. “Ah, yes, I should have known miss Smarty Pants would catch me on that one. It is, in fact, from a book. And I did say that I would start from the top at any interruption, but I will forgive you just this once. And only because I don’t think I could have nailed the line delivery any better than I just did. Don’t you just love it when something goes perfectly the first time?” The six ponies looked at each other. None spoke. “That’s a question. There won’t be any penalty for answering it.” They shuffled their hooves, remaining silent. Discord’s fist pounded against the throne’s armrest. “Answer the damn question!” “Um… yes?” Twilight squeaked. “Hm. I was hoping for more enthusiasm, but I suppose it’ll have to do.” “It could be any one of those things; take your pick. Did you know I was a terrible test taker in school? Well, I would have been if the aether had schools. After my first imprisonment in stone, Celestia often tried to talk to me — by which I of course mean interrogate me — and whenever I was presented with a multiple choice answer, I’d choose all of them. I mean, it doesn’t really seem fair, does it? Selecting one answer over another when in the multiverse, all of them can be true at once.” _ The individual cells weren't any better than the group cell earlier. As the heavy metal door slammed shut behind her, Pinkie found herself enveloped in darkness. Poor Rainbow Dash. It just wasn’t fair! Picked first just like that. But then, who would it have been fair to make go first? No one, that’s who. Suddenly, brightness loomed at the end of the tunnel. Maybe if Rainbow Dash and whoever got teamed up with her put on a good enough show, everyone would be so impressed that they’d let them go! A smile started to grow, but Discord’s words replayed in her head as if cued up by her optimism and it quickly fell. “He’s not going to let any of us go, is he? Maybe the winner at the end of it, but what kind of a win is that if you lose your very best friends?” Pinkie curled up on the floor and was just about to cry her way into a comfortable sleep — it’d been a long time since she’d done that, and nopony feels better than right after having a big cry — when she noticed something sparkling just in front of her nose. “Poor little Pinkie Pie…” Discord’s voice crooned. “You’re supposed to be the one to cheer everyone else up when they’re sad. Now how can you do that if you’re all saddy waddy?” The little ball of light coalesced into a shiny but transparent image of Discord parading about on her muzzle. “You should know very well, you b-big meanie! How could you do that to Rainbow Dash?” “To be honest, Pinkie Pie, I’d be more worried about her opponent. Especially since when I spoke to her just now, she specifically requested you.” The little Discord tapped her nose. “W-what?” “I’d hate to have to lose any of my friends…” Dash’s voice warbled as a tiny vision of her glimmered into existence next to Discord, chest puffed out with bravado. “I mean, me winning is pretty much a foregone conclusion, since none of them could handle the Dash. But if there was one friend I could do without, it’s definitely Pinkie Pie.” Little Dash glared at her and Pinkie whimpered. “You’re lying! Dash would never say something so mean!” “Perhaps, but she’ll be trying to kill you in just a few minutes. Are you really willing to take that chance.” “Yes!” “Hmm…” Discord stroked his inch-long goatee. “Then perhaps you need to look at this from another angle, Pinkie. After all, you can’t just let Rainbow Dash kill you without a fight. You’re an adult with responsibilities. Just think of all the ponies back in Ponyville who will be sad without Pinkie around. How many are there, Pinkie? A hundred? Two hundred?” “…two-hundred and fifteen,” Pinkie sighed. “Two-hundred and seventeen if you count Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake.” “And who will miss Rainbow Dash half so dearly? The five of you? That one little cripple? Maybe one of her co-workers on the weather team? Even added together, that’s such a small fraction compared to how many will miss you. Why, you might even say you’d be doing all of Ponyville a favor by not robbing them of your presence.” “It’s still not fair! You can’t just do math with lives!” Pinkie squealed, eyes shut tight. A massive bell rang deeply. Discord smiled. “And there’s the signal. Think about what I’ve said while you’re out there, will you? Wanna do the countdown with me? No? I’ll just do it myself then… five, four, three, two, one!” _ Rainbow Dash was ushered into darkness. The door slammed behind her so quickly that she feared her tail may have been caught in it. Thankfully, she found herself free to move about the cell. She hadn’t taken three steps before she tripped over something small and quivering in the darkness. “F-fluttershy? Is that you?” “Huh? Rainbow Dash? Oh thank goodness! I thought they were going to bring in something to hurt me.” Fluttershy sniffled. “Never fear… your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash is here,” Dash offered with a half-hearted laugh. “Come here; let me see your neck.” “My neck? But it’s too dark.” Fluttershy rose to her hooves slowly. “I’m a weather pony, remember? I can look with my hooves.” “Oh… please, no. It still hurts.” “I’ll be gentle. I need to know how bad it is. If it’s going to heal over on its own or if we need to bandage it.” "Um… okay, Rainbow Dash. I’ll trust you. It really hurt a lot, but I don’t think it went very deep.” Rainbow Dash reached out into the black with her hooves, moving them carefully. After finding Fluttershy’s face, she traced them down gingerly to her neck. She felt a slight ridge of crusted flesh. Fluttershy cringed. “Sorry,” Rainbow said quickly. “Well, at least it’s scabbing over. I don’t know what I would do if it was worse; I don’t think there’s anything here we can use for bandages.” “But then, why—” “I just needed to be sure you’re okay, okay?” Rainbow interrupted. “Oh. Then, um, thank you.” Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around Rainbow in a hug, which Rainbow returned carefully. “Aww, how sweet.” Discord’s voice echoed through the cell. “Now kiss,” he laughed. “Huh? Where are you! Show yourself!” Rainbow let go of Fluttershy, whipping her head around in the vain hope of spotting a gnarled horn or golden eye in the dark. “You won’t find me in there, Rainbow Dash. I’m back on the throne, but I couldn’t help listening in on such a cute widdle couple like you two.” “Shut up!” Rainbow growled, looking down. “You said individual cells, anyway!” A foot-tall apparition of Discord appeared and began pacing in the dirt. “Ah, yes. I did, didn’t I? Well, what’s the point of making a rule if you don’t plan to break it? Speaking of breaking… rules, things, wanton destruction, yadda yadda, your opponent has been selected for your fight, so you’d better get ready.” Rainbow and Fluttershy looked at one another. “It’s not Fluttershy, is it? Is that why she’s here?” There was a slight quaver in Rainbow’s voice. Discord responded by breaking into laughter. “Oh, no no no. Sometimes reasons are just so boring, anyway.” He regained his composure. “I offered the chance to go first to your other four friends, and Pinkie Pie jumped right on it. Did you do something recently to piss her off?” He looked down at a watch that had just appeared on his wrist. “Oh my, would you look at the time. Sorry to cut this short, but it turns out running a country, getting revenge, and preparing for war can keep you frightfully busy. I wouldn’t recommend it. Ta ta!” And with that, he was gone. “Do you think Pinkie would really want to hurt you?” Fluttershy asked softly. Dash shook her head. “No way; this is Pinkie we’re talking about. I’ll bet he told her I was pissed too just so there’d be a good fight. Pinkie would never want to hurt one of her best friends.” Fluttershy didn’t smile, but appeared to be more at ease. The worry lines disappeared from her face. “I think so too. But what are you going to do, Rainbow? When you get out there, I mean.” “Way ahead of you, ‘Shy,” Rainbow smiled. “I was thinking we’d pantomime something that looks like an intense scuffle on the ground, giving me a chance to talk to her and make a plan. After that, it’s an old crumbly building and I’m the fastest pegasus alive. There’s just gotta be some weak spot I can bust through.” Fluttershy pulled Rainbow into a hug. “I’ll be cheering for you from in here, even though you won’t be able to hear it. Just please, promise me one thing?” “Anything, ‘Shy.” “No matter what happens, and I mean no matter what, you can’t let yourself die, Rainbow. No matter what you have to do.” “But…” Rainbow stammered, eyes widening as she thought about everything no matter whatmight encompass, “but, what about Pinkie? Are you saying that if it came to her or me, I should—” “I know it’s not fair!” Fluttershy wailed, “and I feel awful — just awful — even saying it. Losing Pinkie would be very hard on all of us, but losing you? You’re my oldest friend and you’ve always been there to help me and save me and… and I couldn’t imagine a second of my life without you in it. So please, Dash, no matter what happens, you have to come back.” “Fluttershy…” Dash bit her lip. “Promise me!” With a heavy sigh, Rainbow nodded. “I promise.” Somewhere above, a massive bell rang deeply. Author's Note It will take a while to write chapter 4 Forgive Me?Although both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie knew it was mid-afternoon, the preparation rooms they’d been guided into were pitch black save for a single torch in the center of each that made the armaments lining the walls seem to twist and dance as though each were eager to be chosen and taste blood. Many were rusted from their long period of disuse and some had even chipped or crumbled into fragments. Nearly all of them had ruddy marks at their edges that both ponies tried not to think about. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Rainbow Dash could make out the dim golden arch of the seam around the heavy stone doors. She could hear her heart beating behind her ears like an unsteady clock. In five minutes, maybe ten, those doors would open and she would trudge out to find herself face to face with one of her best friends. Possibly for the last time. I shouldn’t be so worried. I can trust Pinkie. We may not have been able to talk to each other, but she’ll understand what the plan is. She’s probably even made one up herself. Even if she hasn’t, she’s my friend and I can trust her... But still, the more times she said it to herself, the hollower it felt. Pushing it from her mind, Rainbow walked up and down the rows of weaponry looking for anything that might aid in their escape. She settled on a short sword that was light enough to fly with without slowing her down, but looked sturdy enough to be used as a tool once they’d made their escape. Maybe a lock would have to be pried off or something. Or a friend stabbed, her mind added. Sighing, Rainbow sat by the door and waited. Everything would be all right. Somehow. _ Pinkie stared at the floor, watching an overturned cockroach kick and struggle in the firelight. Most likely, it had eaten some poison. Its death was inevitable, slow and vicious, but all she could do was watch. Can I really do this? She took a step away from the slowly dying insects. Blades surrounded her on all sides. Am I strong enough? Pinkie turned to the racks of weapons. Her hoof floated from one to another and back before finally lowering. She walked over to the roach and crushed it under her hoof. I am strong enough for this. I have to be. Everyone needs me. She set aside two knives, thinking somberly as she looked over them. It’s better if there’s no fight. If it’s unexpected and quick. Painless... like when we had to put down Gummy Sr. She saw a sword that had corroded to the point that the rust had eaten away at the cracks and it had fallen into jagged pieces. She picked one up gingerly and hid in her her cotton candy mane. I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash. I just hope you- that everyone can forgive me for what I have to do... _ Surreal... was all Rainbow Dash could think as her eyes adjusted to the harsh magical lighting that lined the roof. She shouldn’t have ever thought it might be so easy as grabbing Pinkie and flying away. Of course a combat arena would be covered with a roof to keep any pegasi from fleeing. A massively thick steel cage surrounded the oblong arena, separating the condemned from the spectators. But what Rainbow Dash found surreal was the slow, rhythmic clapping from all sides. Every seat ringing the arena was occupied by one of Discord’s expressionless griffons, each staring not at her, but straight ahead without expression as they clapped in unison. At the northern end, atop an ornate dais of black marble that seemed to rise out of the colosseum’s very foundations, Discord sat in a matching throne clearly intended for the king. ”All right; settle down. Curb your wild enthusiasm!” he bellowed cheerfully. ”Our two lovely contestants have selected their weapons and are now ready to provide you with the very finest in entertainment. And so, ladies...” he bowed with a flourish that made Rainbow’s stomach turn, ”you may begin whenever you’re ready. Don’t let us down~” Here it goes... both ponies thought as they slowly walked across the broad sandy floor toward one another. With each step, Pinkie’s hooves felt like they gained another pound. After what seemed like an hour, the two stood not one meter apart. Rainbow scanned her friends eyes for any sign – even the slightest glimmer – that she too had the idea of escaping, but all she saw in their depths was fear. Fear she was certain her own eyes mirrored. Rainbow Dash needed to say something. There’d be no escape without communicating some kind of plan, but trying to force out words felt like trying to make herself vomit. ”P..Pinkie?” she squeaked. Pinkie swallowed hard and nodded, but said nothing. ”Circle with me... we need to talk.” They circled clockwise and counterclockwise, weapons at the ready as though they might swing at any moment, reversing direction often enough to give the impression that they were sizing each other up. ”We have to get out of here...” Dash hissed between clenched teeth. Pinkie looked dubious. ”I’m not going to hurt you, Pinks. I won’t let them play us like this. I need you to trust me and help me figure out how to bust outta here.” ”Y-you don’t want to?” Deep in Pinkie’s chest, hope started to flutter. It was quickly crushed out. Of course she’d say that. She wants you to let your guard down. I’ll bet she has the same idea you do. No! Dashie would never do that! So, she’s never lied to you? Never tricked you? Well... yes, but this isn’t some prank or surprise party! This is serious, and she’d never stab a friend in the back! You mean the exact thing you’re planning to do? ”Of course I don’t, Pinks. Now come on; I need your help here.” ”H-how do I know it’s not a trick?” Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed. ”Really? You know I don’t want to hurt you. Don’t be dumb.” Pinkie nodded slowly. ”Really. Sorry, Dashie, but you’re kind of pointing a sword at me.” ”So are you.” Dash hissed. ”Well I can’t be sure I won’t need them. Why don’t you put down your sword and I’ll put down my knives...” Dash tensed. ”No way! You first.” The magical lights overhead gleamed on their instruments of death. ”...on three then?” Pinkie offered. ”Fair enough... On three.” Together, they counted to three. True to their words, Rainbow tossed her sword aside and Pinkie dropped her knives. ”Look for anything we can use as an exit. I’ll stall for time.” Dash whispered before turning to face Discord on his throne. ”There. Do you see? Nothing can stand in the way of true friendship and get us to turn on each other. Not even you, Discord!” While Rainbow’s back was turned, Pinkie slowly fished the metal shard out of her mane. The edge bit into her hoof and she bit her lip to stifle her whimper. Trembling, she looked at the blade in her hoof, then at Rainbow Dash, then back again. It’s best this way. No fight. No pain. Nice and quick. She’ll never even know what hit her. ”It actually sounded kinda dumb when Twilight first said it, but friendship is the most powerful thing in the universe, and-” Pinkie wrapped a foreleg around Rainbow Dash tenderly. ”I’m so sorry, Dashie...” she whispered and drove the makeshift blade into her chest. Rather than crumpling to the ground instantly like Pinkie had imagined, Rainbow screamed. While her mind raced to process what had just happened as her whole body shook with the pain, she instinctively jammed an elbow into Pinkie’s stomach and tried to turn and face her. It was all too much in that moment and she fell to the ground, curling into a fetal position and holding her forehooves against her wound. ”Wh.. whyyy?” Rainbow gasped. She coughed and her mouth filled with a coppery taste she knew was blood. Her vision warped and distorted as she looked at her friend, a pink blotch against tan static. The wind had been knocked out of Pinkie when she was elbowed, and she rose back onto her hooves shakily. Why? The word echoed in her head. Why? Whywhywhywhy? As she looked at Rainbow Dash gasping on the ground, blood trickling over her lips like too much lipstick, she couldn’t stop the hot tears from rolling down her cheeks. She’s hurting so so so so much and it’s all my fault! ”I’m sorry!” she blubbered. She couldn’t bear to see her friend on the ground writhing in pain because of her. Pinkie scrambled to where Dash’s discarded sword lay, dragging it behind her in one hoof while the other three slowly brought her towards Rainbow Dash as she regained her breath. ”I have to... I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Rainbow Dash tried to get back on her hooves, but the pain was unbearable. Her knees gave out and she fell back onto her side. The impact forced more blood up her windpipe and she spat crimson. It was over. Pinkie had... had snapped or something, it didn’t even make sense anymore! Nothing did! She could feel the blade inching its way closer to her heart every time she tried to move. She could imagine the tip prodding it with each beat. Rainbow closed her eyes, resigned to what was coming... But in the darkness behind her eyes, she could see Fluttershy’s face, eyes wide and lips trembling. She heard her voice repeating what she’d said earlier. ”No matter what happens, and I mean no matter what, you can’t let yourself die, Rainbow. No matter what you have to do...” Gritting her teeth, Rainbow Dash tried again, growling with the effort as she regained her footing. Chest heaving, she stared at Pinkie, who stood frozen as she watched Rainbow get up. ”No... no, Dashie, please d-don’t... It’s gonna hurt so much worse if you fight it. Please...” Tears and snot ran down her scrunched face as she raised the sword behind her head, rising onto her hind legs to hold it in both forehooves. ”I don’t want to hurt you, Dashie... but- but I have to. Just let it be quick, please...” Pinkie brought the sword down with all her might. As she swung, Rainbow rushed forward, slamming into her and knocking her onto her back. The sword slipped from her hooves and flew into the air over Rainbow’s shoulder. It bit into her wing as it did so before landing on the sand with a soft thud. Pinkie felt something crack at the base of her spine when she landed and whimpered. ”Stop this, Pinkie. You can still stop it,” Rainbow panted. She grabbed the blade embedded in her chest. ”No, Dashie! Don’t!” Screaming with such force it tore at her throat, Rainbow Dash pulled as hard as she could on the metal fragment, ripping it from her chest. The open wound drooled bright red. She held it at her side, covering her wound with her other free hoof. Pinkie thought she’d come to terms with the idea of having to kill Rainbow Dash, but hearing her scream like that brought forth a fresh torrent of tears. ”Just stop this, Pinkie. We can still-” Rainbow coughed. ”Still go home. We just have to look hard enough.” Pinkie shook her head. ”No, Dashie...” she said shakily, ”there’s no happy ending for us here. You know how it has to be...” Groaning, she got back up and started walking toward Rainbow slowly, building to a gallop. Rainbow stepped to the side and drove her hoof into Pinkie’s stomach. ”Pinkie, don’t make me do this...” Pinkie gasped and clutched at her stomach before turning around to try again. Dash knocked her legs out from under her and she was sent sprawling. Pinkie lay where she fell, sobbing into the sand. Rainbow watched her for a moment before shaking her head and going over to her. She could see Pinkie’s will to fight was broken. It was over. ”Come here, Pinks,” she said softly. ”I know you don’t want to hurt me, and I don’t want to hurt you either. It’s not too late.” Rainbow reached out to stroke her friend’s mane. ”We can still figure this out. This thing on my chest is just...” she spat a glob of pink into the sand, ”just a scratch. Why don’t we just-” By the time Rainbow noticed Pinkie had moved, the hoof had already hit her jaw and made her teeth crunch together with agonizing force. She fell on her back, dropping the bloody hunk of metal. ”Whuh...” she said. It was hard to make out anything clearly after the trauma to her head, but she saw Pinkie was nearly on top of her, but just staying there. The pink mare was looking over at the sword, which seemed so far away. ”Juh... juh stoh ih....” Rainbow slurred as her senses starting to come back to her. ”Somehing ih my mouf?” She found something strange behind her gums with her tongue and spat it into the sand beside her. Half of a tooth. Jagged and bloody. Root exposed, fluttering under her hot breath. Pinkie was looking back and forth at Rainbow and the sword, which seemed so far away now. She picked up the bloody metal shard and knelt over Rainbow. ”You don’t want to do this...” Dash whimpered. Pinkie’s eyes squeezed shut. ”I know! But there’s no other way.” ”I’m sorry!” she screamed as she brought the blade down. All the effort caused a burning sensation where she first fell on her back, and her strike missed, burying the blade into the sand. She didn’t have long to think about it before Rainbow kicked her in the side of her head and leapt on top of her. The pair of them traded blows about the head and neck, rolling back and forth in an attempt to get the upper hoof. ”J-just... dammit! Stop it Pinkie!” Rainbow growled through clenched teeth. She wouldn’t make the same mistake twice, having narrowly avoided biting off a chunk of her own tongue. Pinkie managed to scramble atop Rainbow Dash and drove a hoof into her muzzle with a wet crunch. Blood sprayed over Rainbow’s lips from her broken nose. She couldn’t tell how many more times Pinkie managed to hit her after that, all accompanied by a slow but steady pitter patter of tears. ”You should have just not fought... it would have been so fast... it wouldn’t have hurt...” Pinkie bawled. Somehow, Rainbow round the strength to throw Pinkie off of her to the side. She had no idea what she was going to do next, but she had to get out from under her. Everything was still blurry, but Rainbow managed to get up and turn to face Pinkie. Then she noticed how Pinkie hadn’t attacked her again. And how quiet it was. How Pinkie wasn’t moving. Rubbing her eyes, Rainbow stumbled over to where Pinkie lay on the ground. Her breathing was ragged and erratic. Looking down, Rainbow saw why. The tip of the sword fragment was sticking up through Pinkie’s stomach. Pinkie’s mouth hung open, a breathless hiss escaping. She was trying to scream, but was too shocked to manage it. Immediately, Rainbow knelt beside her friend and lay a hoof on her chest. Feeling her friend’s warm hoof, Pinkie looked over at Rainbow slowly. ”D-Dashie...” she wheezed. ”I’m here, Pinkie. I’m here.” ”How... how bad is it?” Rainbow Dash bit her lip. ”It’s... pretty bad. But you’ll be okay. We’ll get you to Twilight. She can help you.” ”It hurts so much...” Pinkie whimpered, holding her stomach with her hooves. ”Shhh, don’t talk, Pinkie. Save your strength.” ”I’m dying... aren’t I?” ”No!” Rainbow shouted. ”No you’re not. Don’t say that!” Rainbow Dash stood and took a step away from Pinkie. ”No... please don’t leave me...” ”I’m not leaving you, Pinkie. I’m ending this. I’m saving you.” She looked up at the throne and locked eyes with Discord. ”It’s over!” she shouted. ”Really?” he said, holding a hand over his forehead. ”How’s that? It doesn’t look over to me.” ”It’s plain to see that she can’t fight anymore! This fight is over. Let us go!” Discord shook his head slowly, clicking his tongue. ”Now now, Rainbow Dash. You can’t go and stop the game just because you don’t like the way it’s going. It ruins the game’s sense of sportsmanship. This isn’t pro wrestling. There’s no tapping out.” ”You son of a bitch, let us go! Look at her! At me! You’ve had your fun! Now-” ”Dashie...” Pinkie croaked, coughing, ”it’s okay... Just please... I’m scared.” ”Don’t be scared, Pinkie. It’s going to be all right. You’re not going to die. You’re just.... you’re just going to sleep.” Pinkie shook her head. ”You don’t have to lie. Just hold me.” Her composure broke and she started crying again. ”I’m s-so scared, Dashie! What’s gonna happen to me?” Rainbow Dash had absolutely no idea how to answer that question. Where would Pinkie go? What would happen to her?”I don’t know. I’m sorry, but... I just don’t. But whatever it is,” she forced herself to smile, ”I know you’ll be all right. You’re Pinkie Pie. You can make friends wherever you go. You’ll be all right.” Pinkie smiled slowly, pushing the pain from her mind. ”I hope you’re right, Dashie. And...” she coughed, ”please don’t lose that smile.... whatever you do... don’t let this... kill... you too...” All signs of recognition in Pinkie’s eyes faded like the dimming of a lightbulb and she went completely limp. ”Aaaaand thus ends a very exciting piece of life and death drama, folks! Let’s have three cheers for wonderful winner, Miss Rainbow Dash!” ”No no no! Come on, Pinkie, snap out of it! Don’t you dare don’t you fucking dare die on Pinkie! Don’t you do this to me!” ”HIP HIP... HOORAY!” ”Why did this even have to happen? You idiot, we were going to get away! We would’ve figured something out! Why?” ”HIP HIP... HOORAY!” ”SHUT UP! You bastards! She’s gonna die if we don’t get help! And you’re cheering?! Somebody help her!” ”HIP HIP... HOORAY!” Rainbow Dash’s wails were drowned out by the rhythmic pounding of applause. Losing sensation across her body, she collapsed on top of her dead friend and fell into the black void _ “Ow!” Rainbow Dash winced. Fluttershy wilted. “Oh, I’m really sorry it hurts, Rainbow Dash, but I have to get these wounds clean or else they’re going to fester.” “Just…” Rainbow grunted as Fluttershy wiped a cloth over a long, but thankfully shallow cut just over her wing. “Just get it over with fast. I don’t like having to get fixed up. It just reminds me that I’m broken.” “You’re not broken, Rainbow…” Fluttershy said softly, “but you did get really hurt in that fight. It’s a miracle that you weren’t hurt worse.” “Yeah, a miracle…” Dash snorted. “I guess murdering your friends is a miracle now? I must have missed the memo.” “Oh Rainbow…” Fluttershy’s eyes watered, her lips trembling. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s all so awful, but you did what you had-” Rainbow Dash cut her off with a hoof over her mouth. “Let’s just- just not talk about it right now. If we do.. I’m g-gonna start crying, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop. I can feel all that pain in the back of my mind, and I know that I’m going to have a long, hard cry about it once this is all over, but I just can’t face that right now. It doesn’t even seem real! Pinkie? Gone? That makes no sense! And besides… if I’m a sobbing mess, then I’ll be useless to everyone. I won’t be able to protect the ones I love the most.” Rainbow Dash slumped over, staring blankly at her hooves. She could still feel the impact of her hooves on Pinkie’s face, but it felt like a bad dream she could wake up from if only she tried hard enough. Fluttershy lay down beside her, wrapping her wings around Rainbow protectively. They lay there together in silence for a few minutes, but then Rainbow said something that Fluttershy couldn’t quite make out. “I’m sorry. What was that?” Fluttershy felt really bad for not hearing it, but it was barely a whisper. “I… er, said that I realized something because of it.” “What is it?” “No matter how much it hurt, there was no way I could ever let myself be killed. Not just because they need me, but you need me, like you said. And also…” she trailed off, slowly looking up at Fluttershy, “I need you. You’re my oldest and best friend, and the closest one to me in the whole world. I can’t explain it, but I just can’t get by without you with me. Not even in heaven.” Fluttershy had no idea what to say. Thousands of words swept through her mind, but none of them were the right words. Judging by Rainbow Dash’s silence, she wasn’t sure what to say either. The two of them did the only thing they could think to do. Neither could explain why, but it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Closing their eyes, they leaned in and pressed their lips together. Neither of them thought about what it meant about their orientation, their identities, the problems they might face when they returned home. None of that was important. Two souls that had never realized they were lonely were finding completion in each other. It felt like ours before they finally broke apart, taking heavy breaths of air they didn’t realize they were holding in. Fluttershy looked at Rainbow, her face hot with embarrassment and excitement. “Did-” she stammered. “Did we just…” “Mhm,” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Are we… going to…” “I think so.” Rainbow Dash whispered, gently stroking Fluttershy’s face. “Do you want to?” “I…” Fluttershy couldn’t say the words, so looking into Dash’s eyes, she squeaked and nodded. Rainbow Dash leaned in to kiss Fluttershy for the second time. It lacked the surprise of the first, but none of the passion. Rainbow kissed down Fluttershy’s chin and neck. It felt amazing, but Fluttershy noticed Rainbow cringing as she moved further down her. Tenderly, she brought Rainbow’s face back up to her own and into a kiss. “You’re still hurt, Rainbow…” she said sweetly. “Tonight, I’m taking care of you…” “But I’ve always – I should-” “Shhhh.” Fluttershy put a hoof to Rainbow’s lips before kissing down the side of her neck like Rainbow had just done to her. Rainbow squirmed. It didn’t feel right just sitting back and having Fluttershy do this for her. Not after she’d been the one looking out for her ever since they were both fillies. However, all arguments fell flat when weighed against the thudding ache in her chest. “But you don’t know what you’re doing,” she offered weakly. Fluttershy gave Rainbow’s shoulder a light nip and looked up at her. “Do you?” “Of course I do! Kinda. …well, I saw it before. In one of Dad’s magazines.” Fluttershy slowly kissed her way down Rainbow’s chest, taking care not to come near her wounds. “I think I know what I’m supposed to do. Just, um, tell me if anything doesn’t feel right.” Rainbow nodded and slowly Fluttershy placed a trail of kisses down Rainbow Dash’s chest and stomach. As she neared Rainbow’s waistline, Fluttershy could hear her… was friend still the right word?’s breathing deepen. “Friend” just wasn’t good enough, “lover” too cheesy. There had to be the right word for what Rainbow meant to her somewhere, but as Fluttershy nuzzled between Rainbow’s thighs and kissed along the inside of them, the only thing that mattered was how much she cared about the other pegasus and how badly she realized she wanted this. Rainbow bit her lip and closed her eyes. As much as she wanted to stare forever at Fluttershy to reassure herself that this was all real, they closed by instinct. It was so hard to believe that this dream she’d never understood was finally coming true. Holding Fluttershy close to comfort her after chasing off the bullies that plagued her had always stirred something other than friendship within her, but it had never felt safe to ask her mother or father about what it was she was feeling. They had always told her she could tell them anything, but the words felt like a lead weight in her gut, and trying to bring them up was so unpleasant that she just stopped trying. Right now, her best friend – the mare she’d fallen in love with, she realized – was between her legs, kissing and licking her with a passion she never would have expected from so gentle a mare. Suddenly, all the attention to her stopped. Her eyes fluttered open to see Fluttershy looking up at her sadly. “You’re, um, not saying anything. I’m not doing it right, am I?” “Oh, no-” Fluttershy shrank back. “No no no!” Rainbow stammered. “I mean no, you’re doing it great!” Fluttershy looked unsure, so Rainbow bent down and kissed her sweetly on the lips. Her brow furrowed a little and she smacked her lips. “So, that’s what I taste like, huh?” “It’s… different,” Fluttershy admitted, “but not in a bad way,” she added hastily. Rainbow shrugged, chuckling a little. “I think you might be just a little bit biased, ‘Shy.” Rainbow kissed her again. They just looked at each other for several moments, smiling. “So, um… should I… get going again?” Fluttershy asked with a blush and Rainbow found herself scrambling for a response that wouldn’t kill the mood. None came. “Umm… sure. That’d be… nice…” Rainbow grit her teeth. It sounded awful. Thankfully, Fluttershy only giggled and kissed her way back down to Rainbow’s marehood before beginning again. Rainbow Dash leaned back and allowed herself to forget about everything in the world but the sensation. _ With their hooves wrapped around one another, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy fell into sleep like sinking in a warm bathtub. Rainbow found herself trapped in a dream of Pinkie’s final moments. When she awoke crying, Fluttershy was there to comfort her. Author's Note If ya like what you read.... leave a like, comment and follow! :D Broken bondsGilda realized she was awake long before she managed to open her eyes. Even so, the orange light seeping through her eyelids burned. Everything hurt, as though she had been thrown to the ground and beaten by a mob. It felt like she hadn’t had water for days. She was dimly aware of the vinyl record having long since ended, the player’s needle scratching an endless loop of hisses and pops as it slowly cycled. Next to it, an old photograph of her and Rainbow Dash in front of the flight school office building, posed nonchalantly as though the building behind them meant nothing. She couldn’t look at it right now. Not when I’m like this. She’d probably laugh- agh! Even thinking caused dull pain at the front of her skull. This was going to be a bad one. “Water…” she groaned, barely able to muster anything beyond a whisper. No one was around to hear, and water wouldn’t come on its own. She remembered she threw Swift Justice out last night. Gilda flopped on her side, curling into the fetal position. “Fuuuuuuck…” Gilda couldn’t tell what was worse: the helplessness or the shame that came with being helpless. She wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was independent, tough, didn’t take no shit from nobody. So why did this keep happening? No, Rainbow wouldn’t laugh at me. She was always too soft. I’d laugh at me. This is pathetic. Several hours passed before she felt well enough to haul herself out of bed. Beyond the monotonous hiss of the still-spinning album, she could hear nothing. It was hard to tell whether any given sounds were pops from the record or movement from outside. Voices… why can’t I hear any voices? There wouldn’t necessarily be any footsteps since most gryphons preferred to fly if they had the option, but there would usually be a cavalcade of voices. Stern orders. Hushed complaints. Three hard knocks boomed in rapid succession. “What!?” Gilda snapped, wincing at her own volume. Silence. Was there anything important today that she might have missed? Her memory was too foggy. It was probably Swift, there either to apologize or to try and make her do so. “Swift, if you’re here to apologize, I don’t wanna hear it right now.” Knock. Knock. Knock. “Fuck off. I ain’t in the mood for this.” The knocking intensified, but whoever it was on the other side of the door remained silent. Gilda’s eyes squeezed shut as she yelled through her clenched beak. “Did you hear me? Fuck off! If you wanna get in here, you’ll have to break down the door!” Without a second’s hesitation, a concussive force blew the door off its hinges and across the room, crushing the record player. Three figures loomed in the doorway. They looked like members of the King’s Guard, but there was none of the usual light in their eyes. Like glass dolls, they stared straight ahead rather than at Gilda. “Gilda,” they said flatly. “You will come with us.” Something was clearly wrong. The King’s Guard never got involved unless it was a matter of national security, and last she checked, that didn’t include being depressed and getting drunk, even if it involved missing out on… it was something important. She couldn’t recall. “What for?” she asked, glancing at the broken record player. “I haven’t done anything wrong. If a crime or honor violation has not occurred, the arrested party is owed an explanation,” she paraphrased the regulations she’d been forced to memorize upon signing on. Citing regs never endeared her to anyone, but her rights were her rights, and flexing them was a good way to blow off steam after dealing with Swift. Saying nothing, they advanced upon her slowly. Gilda found herself backing up until she was pressed against the broken door. “H-hey! What do you think you’re doing!?” When they were mere feet away from her, there was no longer any alternative. Grabbing the door, Gilda swung it with all her might toward the nearest guard’s head. It connected with a loud crack accompanied by the wrenching of a breaking neck. He fell in a heap, glassy eyes still open. Gilda winced at the sound. She’d meant only to knock him unconscious, which movie heroes always seemed to manage without error. What was happening? Her life as a guard was over for sure, but everything else was still a mystery. Surprisingly enough, the remaining two did nothing to acknowledge the death of their comrade. They still moved forward undeterred. “C-come on! You want some too?” she shouted, forcing herself to sound confident despite her stomach feeling like it was caught in a taffy puller. She readied the door, and when they were mere steps away from her, she swung again. This time, instead of the sickening, yet satisfying crunch of a well-aimed strike connecting, there was only a muted thunk as they caught the door. For a while, it didn’t budge either way, but with two against one it wasn’t long before they started pushing her back. “Damn it…” she hissed, looking for a way out of this. If she stopped pushing, the door would smash her in the face and likely knock her out. She could try sweeping their legs, but it would be risky, leaving her with only half her leg strength for a while. Without warning, all the force pushing against her vanished and the two King’s Guard slumped to the floor. Gilda dropped the door on them for good measure before taking a look at them. They were dead, arrows protruding from the backs of their heads. “Gilda, are you all right?” Oh no... why’d it have to be him? “Swift?” Swift Justice stood in the doorway, bow lowered and one hand extended as though she should take it. “Come with me. I’ll explain everything on the way,” he said with a slight shortness of breath, as though he’d been waiting his whole life to play hero and rescue a damsel in distress. Unimpressed, Gilda folded her arms. “What makes you think I’d be any safer with you? You all but raped me last night.” Swift’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, that is such-” he caught himself, wiping his forehead and groaning. “We can’t do this now. I’ll apologize or whatever you want once we’re safe, but I think you’ll agree that we have to get out of here. Now.” Apologize or whatever? Asshole. Still, whatever’s going on looks serious. I hate to say it, but I need all the help I can get. “Grr… fine,” Gilda snapped. “Just don’t think this changes anything. I’m still mad at you.” _ “I… I can’t believe it…” Twilight said quietly, barely able to hold her seated position. She wanted to curl up into a ball and scream until she woke up. It would all be some horrible dream. Spike would be cooking breakfast, greeting her with a cheerful good morning as he piled savory greens onto their plates and ground up a few gemstones over his own for flavor. He’d notice her sullen expression and gingerly urge her to recount her dream. “Oh Twilight, that sounds terrible!” he’d say, brushing breakfast aside to wrap her in a warm hug. “Tell you what. Why don’t we save this for later and head over to Sugarcube Corner for treats? I know, I know,” he’d wave off her inevitable objection to having sweets for breakfast. He was always so good at anticipating her responses. “It’s not good breakfast food, but you sound like you could use a cupcake or two.” “So, do you really just want to cheer me up, or do you just want an excuse to skip out on our planned healthy, balanced breakfast?” she’d reply with a knowing wink. “Can’t it be both?” he’d ask with a cherubic smile, and she’d giggle and ruffle the surprisingly soft spines on his head. And they’d go to Sugarcube Corner – it would be a gorgeous sunrise as always – and all of her friends would be there: Dash, Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity. And they’d all be laughing and smiling when they saw her. And none of them would be beaten or bruised. And Fluttershy wouldn’t have scars on her neck. And Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be dead. Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be dead. P-Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be dead! Twilight’s chest hurt, and she realized she’d been sobbing without taking a breath. She had no idea how long. Inhaling sharply, she held the calming oxygen in her lungs for a while before releasing what should have been a slow breath but came out as a howl. “Sh-she can’t be dead! It doesn’t make any sense! I mean… she’s Pinkie! It’s gotta be some kind of lie, some kind of trick!” Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I wish it was, sugarcube. But if wishes came true, none of us would be in this mess. We need to think about what we can so’s we don’t lose any more of our friends. And… we’ll need to figure out what we’re gonna do with Rainbow Dash,” she added solemnly. Twilight stopped sniffling, looking up at Applejack. “What do you mean by that?” “You saw what she did, Twilight. How are we supposed to trust her now? I mean, if it came between her freedom and killing you, do you think she’d hesitate?” “Of course she would. We’re friends!” “A few days ago, I’da said friends wouldn’t kill each other, no matter what.” Twilight bit her lip. Something about all this still didn’t feel right. She looked over at Rarity, who’d been crying silently with as much dignity as she could muster. “Rarity, what do you think? Something still seems a bit off to me. I know Rainbow Dash can be very competitive, but she’s also the most loyal friend anyone could ask for. It just… doesn’t seem like her.” Rarity wiped her eyes before replying. “I… honestly, I don’t know what to think. All at once, part of me wants to tear Rainbow Dash to pieces for taking Pinkie away from us, part of me can’t believe that she’d ever do such a thing, and part of me just wants to start screaming and never stop.” “I don’t believe she could either, Rarity,” Twilight said with a nod as soon as the other unicorn finished. Applejack huffed. “Why are y’all acting like we didn’t just see what we did? Like it didn’t even happen?” _ Less than an hour before, Discord had appeared before them as a dancing puppet and with his usual glee, conjured an overhead view of the arena on the rear wall of their cell. When they saw Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash walk to the center, all three of them had tensed up, having many hopes but no knowledge of what was going to happen. When Rainbow Dash leaned in toward Pinkie conspiratorially, their hopes had soared. Twilight whispered that they were probably planning some way to escape. It didn’t look like it would be easy, but if anything could solve this problem, it would be Pinkie’s remarkable ability to think outside of the box and Rainbow’s unwillingness to give up. Applejack had reckoned they’d fake a fight and run down the clock. Rarity had countered that there was no clock to run down and sided with Twilight. “This isn’t hoofball, Applejack. We’re not in school, after all.” she’d remarked wittily, and the mood was light all around. It was almost as if two of their friends weren’t in mortal danger. It was easier to pretend they weren’t. When Rainbow Dash pointed to something they couldn’t see on the projection, Twilight started to smile. “She’s noticed something!” she squealed. “They’re going to get out! And then they’re going to come for us, and everything will be okay!” When Rainbow Dash took the knife from its hiding place under her wing, jammed it into Pinkie’s neck, and yanked it across, a multitude of things happened at once. Applejack recoiled as if slapped, the color draining from her face as her mouth hung open. She tried to say something for some time, but gave up, gritting her teeth instead. Veins stood out on her neck and her breath became ragged as her stare bored a hole in the floor, refusing to look at the unfolding scene. Twilight gasped, squeezing her eyes as shut as she could make them before bawling into her hooves. After a second, her eyes snapped open again and she stared at the unfolding scene, unblinking. Rarity screamed, heaving great sobs, then suddenly turning away from her friends and vomiting. On the projection, Rainbow Dash stared upward, directly at them as though she could see them through the various magical channels and arrays. Her voice was icily stoic as she spoke slowly. “If you had to, you’d do it too.” Then the projection disappeared, leaving them to their shock and to their grief. _ “What were ya gonna say, Twilight? ‘Don’t hate the player; hate the game?’ We all know what we saw. Pinkie was scared, looking for help, and Rainbow Dash murdered her. And- and now Fluttershy’s alone with her and I’m scared more than I can say!” “You don’t think she’d hurt Fluttershy, do you?” Twilight balked. She’d been prepared to counter Applejack’s accusation – This is Discord we’re dealing with, the one for whom lies and deceit are part and parcel! - , but they’d been arguing in circles about it for an hour, and the mention of Fluttershy threw her off. “I wouldn’t have thought she’d hurt Pinkie, but I was wrong there.” “But –“ “No buts, Twilight. Yes, I know they’ve been friends the longest of all of us, ever since they were little, but that’s just the problem. Fluttershy practically worships Rainbow. She could tell her anything she liked about what happened and she’d believe it.” Applejack dug at the ground, sighing before looking back into Twilight’s eyes.. “I really do want to believe what you’re saying, Twilight. I want to believe it more than anything, but we have to consider the possibility that Rainbow really is lost to us. And if she is, I’m worried she’ll try and use Fluttershy’s devotion against us somehow.” “Use it against us? Applejack, we’re all just trying to survive. You make it sound like we’re going along with this whole competition idea that we’re trapped in.” Applejack’s answer was cold, and came after a great silence. “Aren’t we, Twilight? Aren’t we?” _ Rainbow Dash was out cold. She’d fallen asleep after they… after it. Fluttershy still could hardly believe it herself. Trying to figure out what to make of everything was just so confusing. She should be happy about having a – was it a girlfriend she had now? She couldn’t say, and Rainbow was too busy sawing logs to offer an opinion – but she couldn’t because of how horrible everything else had been. Even ‘horrible’ didn’t seem sufficient to describe it. The best thing that ever happened to her happened during the worst days of her life. Not to mention they might be the last days, Fluttershy thought with a shudder. Would that be better? To not have to face going on for years and years, waking up every morning to face the constant threat of global devastation now that the Elements of Harmony were useless? Fluttershy traced a hoof around the scar ringing her neck. Would it ever fade? Fluttershy had no illusions of going home and everything returning to normal. With one of the Elements of Harmony dead, there would be no going back to the way things were. Never again would they be called upon to defend the land from a changeling invasion or someone like Nightmare Moon, Discord, or Sombra. Discord… what was there to be done about him? Without the Elements of Harmony, how could he be defeated? She’d thought that befriending him, using whatever emotional core he had left against him to ensure that he behaved, would do some good. Perhaps naively, she’d hoped that the experience of having a friend would engender in Discord a desire for more friends and would eventually bring make him into a happy, healthy member of their society. I couldn’t do it. This… “This is all my fault!” she wailed. “I-I showed him as much kindness as I could, but it wasn’t enough.” She felt a hand on her shoulder, and whipped her head around to see its source. “There there, you poor thing,” Discord mewled like a mother cat. “There’s no need to cry. What’s the expression again? Ah yes: ‘tears are a waste of good sorrow.’ Revel in the experience while you can.” Fluttershy pulled away and shivered. “W-why are you here again? It’s not… it’s not time for another... is it?” Discord laughed. “Oh, no no no. It’s merely time that I reunite the two of you with your other friends. Your isolation seems to have served its purpose.” All the blood drained from Fluttershy’s face. Her lips trembled. “Y-you… saw?” Discord leaned in and patted her head. “Not a word of a whisper nor trick of the tail goes unnoticed by me within these walls, dearest Fluttershy. And you positively reek of sex. You really do need to shower. I suppose I should have built some in. Oh well.” Fluttershy’s face was caught in a twisted mix of embarrassment, fear, and revulsion. “Oh don’t look at me like that. If it makes you feel any better, it was frightfully dull. Pedestrian. Amateurish. But enough of this; it’s time the two of you were off. Go ahead and wake Rainbow Dash. Her snoring is atrocious.” _ The heavy cell door opened to reveal three ponies in not looking at one another. After Applejack’s question, what was there to say? Twilight didn’t want to risk another argument by saying anything. Grief and fear were all too easy to turn into anger and lash out at even one’s closest friends the space of a whisper. Her ears only perked up when she noticed their visitor was “Fluttershy!” Rarity cried, practically leaping across the cell and scooping her up in her hooves. “It’s so good to see you safe!” A second pair of hoofsteps, arrhythmic and slow, signaled the arrival of Fluttershy’s companion. She gazed at Rarity wordlessly. “Oh. And… Rainbow Dash. It’s, um, good to see you too,” Rarity said with a glance back over her shoulder. She saw Twilight tense up a little as they both looked at Applejack. If the latter had noticed the arrival of either pony, she gave no sign of it. “I’m so glad to see both of you,” Twilight said with her first genuine smile of the day, trotting over to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. “Thanks.” Rainbow Dash said without emotion. Fluttershy winced a little at Rainbow’s response, but gave a hug to both Rarity and Twilight. Twilight caught a whiff of something strange on her friend, but immediately regretted it when she sniffed at the air to try and place what it was. Rarity’s vomit, five sweaty ponies, blood, and whatever else that was didn’t make for a pleasant combination. Even the ordinarily luxurious scents of Rarity’s perfumes and shampoos had faded away. “I’m really glad to see all of you,” Fluttershy said quietly. “Not all,” Applejack said with a pointed look at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow’s eyes met hers, but she said nothing. She sat down on the floor. Applejack continued to stare. “Got nothing to say?” “What’s there to say?” Applejack shrugged. “Not much. But ain’t this the part where you beg and plead with us to please understand, because you were only doing what you had to? If you didn’t get her first, she woulda got you, right? Ain’t that the gist of it?” Rainbow blinked. “F-fuck you! What do you know?” “All that I need to. Now wouldja kindly have a in the opposite corner? I don’t mean to be an inconvenience, but I hope you can understand why I don’t want you near me.” Rainbow Dash was shaking, coiling like a spring when Twilight stepped in between them. “Applejack, enough! Now, Rainbow Dash, we saw you and Pinkie fight, but some of us have our doubts about what we saw. Would you please tell us what happened?” Everyone listened intently as Rainbow recounted her version of the events as best she could. Fluttershy had to fill in on several occasions where Dash was too choked up to speak. Twilight and Rarity’s jaws hung open as the story went on. Applejack wore a scrutinous expression, analyzing every detail as it was recited to her. “You’re saying Pinkie tried to kill you first?” Twilight and Rarity said at once, incredulously. Rainbow Dash gulped and nodded. “She… she was crying. Like she didn’t want to do it, but she had to. I have no idea why, and it’s eating me up inside. All I can think of is that Discord had some kind of hold over her, but she wasn’t gray or anything. She was still herself the whole time. And still, she tried to….” Rainbow whimpered, but caught herself. “Oh just quit it,” Applejack spoke for the first time in several minutes. “You’re expecting us to buy that Pinkie lured you in close, then tried to kill you? And you’re just so awesome that you were able to dodge it and take her down? Bullshit.” Rainbow glowered at Applejack before extending her wing and showing off her scar. “I didn’t dodge anything.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than Twilight had her hooves on her inspecting her injuries, emitting a thoughtful “hmm” as she looked over each one in a way that became more and more irritating with every passing second. “Hmm what, Twilight?” Rainbow demanded impatiently. “I was right,” the unicorn said with some unintended smugness as she turned from Rainbow to Applejack. “Come over here. Look at her wounds.” The last thing Applejack wanted to do was get that close to Rainbow Dash, but if there was a chance she might be telling the truth… there was no way Applejack would be able to apologize enough. But that wasn’t the point anyway. She wasn’t telling the truth. Rainbow had a bad habit of lying, embellishing, exaggerating, you name it. Could she ever be forgiven? Maybe, if she fessed up and was actually sorry. Twilight had been right that this was all a horrible, unfair situation where no one could both be a good pony and expect to survive. But still… Applejack made her way across the cell slowly, and was trying to keep an open mind when she caught a whiff of a certain damning scent on Fluttershy, freezing in her tracks with horror as she recognized what it was. “Fluttershy…” she said, voice heavy with a forced calm, “please tell me that smell on you isn’t what I think it is.” Fluttershy’s cheeks lit up like stop lights and she tried to hide behind her mane. “It’s… it’s not what you think it is?” “What do you mean?” Rarity asked, sniffing the air and grimacing when she realized what that scent was. “No…” she gasped. Applejack glared daggers at Rainbow Dash. “It… it just sort of happened,” Fluttershy tried to explain. “Oh, I’ll bet it did,” Applejack growled, advancing on Rainbow Dash. “Not only did you take advantage of the situation with Pinkie, but you took your sob story and you… and you used it to manipulate Fluttershy into… into…” she couldn’t finish, preferring to let her hooves do the talking when it came down to brass tacks. “You cowardly, backstabbing, lying, manipulating rapist!” she screamed, winding up a punch. “Applejack, stop!” Twilight shouted. “No! Don’t!” Fluttershy squealed too late as Applejack’s hoof made contact with Rainbow Dash’s muzzle. Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy all gasped as Rainbow Dash fell to the ground. A thin trickle of blood ran from her reopened lip. “What the hell, AJ? Here I thought we were friends and you go and say that shit and hit me? F-fuck you! You’re in for it now,” she snorted, lowering her head and flaring her good wing. “Stop it! Just stop!” Rarity cried, unsure who to stop and who to protect. “Please,” Fluttershy shouted, “she’s too hurt to fight any more!” “I can take care of myself, Fluttershy!” Rainbow snapped, immediately regretting it. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” she stammered. “It’s okay…” Fluttershy whispered in a tone that said it very much wasn’t okay. “Didn’t mean to what, Rainbow? Hurt another one of your friends? For someone who doesn’t want to, you sure seem to be doing a lot of it these days.” Rainbow Dash leapt at Applejack, her hoof grazing and opening a small gash in her forehead. Immediately, the two of them went to the ground, Rainbow on top trying to hold Applejack’s hooves down. “Why won’t you trust me? Why won’t you listen?” Dash shook Applejack frantically, trying to hold back hot tears for their dying friendship. “We have to stop them,” Twilight said, but felt a hoof on her shoulder. “They’ve stopped hitting each other at least,” Rarity said quietly. “Maybe this is what they needed to clear the air. Let’s hold back for now, but intervene if it starts again.” Rainbow was still yelling. “Listen to me! Why won’t you trust me? Why won’t you just listen?!” Applejack wasn’t moving. “Rainbow, stop! You’ll kill her!” Dash vaguely heard Fluttershy yell. She looked down and realized that she was lying on Applejack’s airway. Immediately, she rolled off and looked guiltily at her friend, who started gasping for air. “Applejack, are you okay? I didn’t mean to-“ A buck to the stomach knocked the rest of what Rainbow was going to say out of her as Applejack struggled to her hooves, bleary-eyed and panting. “You… were gonna… kill me!” “No no no, Applejack. It was an accident.” Rarity said, but Applejack was still recovering from being strangled and in no state to listen. “Try’na… kill me…” Applejack said again. “We saw the whole thing. Now just calm down and-” “I… hate you!” Everything happened at once. Applejack lunged for Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy screamed. Twilight bolted in between them, ready to be the decisive leader they all needed and put an end to this. Before she could understand what was going on, Applejack’s hoof was already screaming through the air at full force. Rather than its intended target, her hoof connected hard with Twilight’s jaw, knocking her to the floor.
Crossing Into the UnknownTwilight Sparkle groaned, hauling herself up over the rocky ledge as she and her friends ascended the first of several mountains that made for a natural border between Equestria and Altai, the kingdom of the griffins. She paused to catch her breath before extending a scuffed hoof to Pinkie and helping her up. While the pink mare’s constant diet of sweets had given her seemingly endless energy at home, it had done her no favors where hard physical activity was concerned. Heavy, rolling breaths escaped through Pinkie’s smile as the group scrambled up the mountain range’s many steep inclines and precipices. The trek through the foothills had been quite pleasant, like a Sunday morning stroll with all six friends chatting and laughing. As the foothills grew steeper and the group left the comfortable green grass behind, the chatter had died down. Rarity, however, still had enough energy to complain about the condition of her hooves and the metallic taste of the mountain air. If she ever fell quiet, then the group would know for certain that it was time for a rest. While Twilight did not share her friend’s penchant for complaining, her desire to punch whoever had the gall to name this jagged border between tectonic plates the Amity Mountains grew with every step. Of all the things to name this treacherous series of peaks and sheer cliffs… “Remind me again... why can't we just fly there, Twilight?” Rainbow groused, stretching her unused wings. “Rainbow, you already know the answer to that: we all have to stick together and less than half of us can fly. Not to mention our explicit instructions to 'keep a low profile.' Why even ask?” “Well of course I know that in my head, but my wings don’t want to accept that I’ll be walking for the next few days.” Rainbow fell into step beside Twilight, making a great show of how heavy each of her legs were to lift. Twilight rolled her eyes. “You don’t have brains in your wings.” “You know what I mean. They’re already starting to cramp up. And it’s not like we can’t still stick together; Hell, you could just teleport us across all this and we could skip this stupid climbing.” Rainbow nudged a small rock to punctuate her statement, sending it tumbling down the mountainside. “I can’t teleport anywhere I don’t already know well. Putting the fact that teleporting all six of us across an entire mountain range would totally exhaust me aside, if I don’t know the landscape we’ll be arriving at, we could all easily end up teleporting inside a boulder. Have you ever seen what happens when a unicorn tries to teleport into a space where something already is?” “No. I went to flight school, not egghead school,” Dash said with a smirk. No matter what was going on, it was fun to get a rise out of Twilight. Twilight, however, didn’t take the bait. “Two separate objects can’t exist in the same space at once, so the universe tries to reconcile this contradiction by fusing their atoms together. You get a nightmare of half rock, half flesh. No one’s done a full study, but I’d like to think they’re dead before they can realize what’s happened to them.” “Awesome…” Rainbow Dash whispered, causing Rarity to groan. “Awesome? Rainbow Dash, that’s gross.” “What? Gross is awesome. It’s edgy and stuff. And besides, if you gotta go someday, might as well turn into a wicked terror-fossil.” “No. On the contrary, it sounds absolutely horrible.” Rarity turned up her nose. “Oh really? Then how would you rather go?” “Honestly, I haven’t put too much thought into it, but since you ask… I suppose I’d like to be laying in an empress-size bed with silk sheets, with my husband and children by my side, my husband holding my hoof and telling me how much he loves me, then tenderly singing our favorite song so I leave filled with thoughts of when he and I first fell in love.” Twilight rolled her eyes. Haven’t put too much thought into it, my hindquarters. I bet she’s already made a list of preferred songs for her funeral. “Boooring,” Dash said as she wiped the sweat from her brow. Rarity was just about to reply when Fluttershy, who’d spent the journey in contemplative silence, spoke up. “Um… could we please not talk about dying? I don’t like it…” At the front of the group, Applejack scrambled up another cliff several body-heights tall before turning around to offer a strong hoof to help her friends up. “I’m with Fluttershy on this one. We gotta concentrate on getting ‘cross these mountains safely, and I’d really rather not be thinkin’ about how one misstep would send us tumblin’ down twenty hundred feet.” Fluttershy whimpered. Rainbow looked back over her shoulder and slowed down to walk side by side with her first and oldest friend. “Aw, Fluttershy, there’s nothing to worry about. We’ve got this climb in the bag. We were just having a bit of fun.” Fluttershy shook her head and ruffled her wings. “N-no. Talking about dying’s not fun… it’s scary. No matter what you do, it’s going to come for you eventually, and after that… I don’t know, and that’s what’s even worse.” Rainbow cocked her head as she tried to think about it. When it proved to be too hard, she did what she always did: bugged Twilight. “Hey, Twilight? You’re the egghead. What happens after you die?” “Rainbow, we are so not getting into those kinds of questions right now,” Twilight grunted, rubbing her temples with her forehooves. “Oh! Pick me! I know what’ll happen!” Pinkie chirped, waving a hoof frantically in the air. Just great… Fluttershy thought, keeping her eyes on the ground. I try to ask them not to talk about dying and end up making them talk about it even more. Me and my big mouth… “What, Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked, her ears pricking up. “I’m gonna donate my body to mad science!” Pinkie grinned. “Deep in a secret laboratory beneath Canterlot, intrepid scientists bold enough to go beyond the limits of conventional ethics shall create… Robo-Pinkie! Jet-powered baker, gospel singer, and terror of the high seas!” Silence reigned for nearly a minute as everyone tried to process how any of those things fit together. “Um, Pinkie…” Twilight said eventually, “there are literally a million questions I could ask you about that statement, but what does gospel singing have to do with the high seas?” Pinkie giggled. “Duh, silly! Wade in the Water is about walking the plank!” Everyone else turned and stared blankly at her. “Um… isn’t it?” “Pinkie… no. Just… no. Wade in the Water is about the Zebrican slaves crossing the Red River during their exodus from… you know what? Forget it. It’s a long story and I know your attention span well enough to know it’s not going to sink in.” “Aww, but I like stories. Especially long ones, but only when I have popcorn. And I don’t think I have any now, so I guess you’re right, Twilight.” “Yeah, maybe sometime when we’re not crossing treacherous mountains.” Throughout the conversation, Fluttershy stayed at the back of the pack, keeping her head down and trying to think about happier subjects. Applejack was focused on plotting the best route to take around each obstacle, Rarity with the ways she was going to fix the damage done to her mane and coat by the journey when they stopped to camp for the night, and Twilight and Pinkie with their chatter about death, robotics, and gospel singing. Trying to keep herself from staring at the many razor peaks surrounding them, Rainbow noticed her friend’s reticence and draped a protective wing over her. “Hey, it’s going to be all right, Fluttershy. We may not even have any reason to worry; maybe we’ll get to Altai and everything will be fine,” she said, guessing at what was troubling her friend. Fluttershy couldn’t put a hoof on what it was that was bothering her - a vague sense of unease, the brief cresting of some troublesome serpent among the rolling waves. Unable to articulate this, she simply said “Thank you, Rainbow… I don’t know what I’d do without you around.” “Natch.” Rainbow Dash smiled. “That’s what friends are for.” “Hey, y’all!” Applejack called down at the pair of pegasi, who had fallen behind their friends. “Come on up; we’ve reached a plateau and are gonna camp for the night.” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked up as one. Neither had noticed the sun beginning to set on their group of friends, and the sky had shifted from cheerful blue to a shimmering burnt orange. _ Twilight rubbed the soreness from her shoulder as she stared at the small fire they’d built in the middle of their circle of sleeping bags. The original plan was strictly “no fire,” as it could be seen easily from above and give their position away. However, the height of the mountains meant they were exposed to the harshness of the high winds, so after some debate they had compromised on a small fire with a canopy above to hide it from aerial view. With a frown, Twilight watched as the flames wavered and danced. They reminded her of Celestia’s eyes when she set them on their mission. The mixture of fear, impotent self-loathing, and anger hidden behind a calm motherly mask. The princess paced restlessly as she thought about how to begin. The six bearers of the Elements of Harmony shuffled their hooves and cleared their throats. Celestia knew all of the facts of what had transpired last night and had sent the missive out to each of them promptly, but now that they stood before her, words failed her. Taking a deep breath, she began. “I do not wish to alarm you, but this is a matter of the gravest importance. Currently, no one in Equestria save for Luna and myself knows what I am about to tell you. I apologize for not explaining anything to you in my letter, but once you are made aware of the situation at hoof, I hope you will understand the need for secrecy.” The six summoned ponies looked nervously at one another, wondering what could have happened. Celestia’s letters had only said that their presence was needed in Canterlot immediately, so they forewent the train and had Twilight teleport them to the palace at once. Twilight was still dizzy from the affair, and was leaning against Rainbow Dash for support. “Last night,” Celestia said solemnly, “Discord disappeared from the palace.” There was a collective intake of breath and all six began to speak at once, but Celestia silenced them with a raised hoof. “This may not mean anything dire; in truth, I hope that it does not. It’s entirely likely that he may simply be toying with us for a laugh. However, despite hoping for the best, we must also prepare for the worst. Luna told me that she thought she saw something passing over the border into the Altai, the griffin kingdom, though she couldn’t be certain. I believe this thing she saw must have been Discord, and I shudder to think of what he may be up to there. “Again, this could simply be a trick of his. He did promise that he was reformed, and could well be hiding nearby and laughing as we panic, but I will not gamble the safety of Equestria’s citizens on optimism. What I ask of you six is simple: travel to the Altai and investigate whether there is truly any cause for concern. As a safety precaution, you will carry the Elements of Harmony with you. You will also have to cross over the border between our kingdoms in secret. I’m sorry for the trouble, but if Discord is truly working his dark magics in the griffins' homeland, there’s no telling what effect he could already have had on the populace. You may not be met with a… warm reception…” Spike had no small amount of complaints about being left in Ponyville to stay at Sweet Apple Acres: He was her Number One Assistant, he’d proven himself during the dragon migration, Twilight needed someone to talk some sense into her when she worried too much, and so on. In the end, though, Twilight’s authority won out and he agreed to stay behind, though she could see in his eyes that he did not agree with her decision. “I’m sorry, Spike. I really am,” Twilight whispered to the dancing flames, “but if I let you come with us and something were to happen to you, I could never forgive myself…” _ Twilight could not be sure when she had fallen asleep by the fire, but she was roused from slumber by a cacophony on all sides. “Hey, lemme go!” “You beasts!” “Y’all are gonna regret this!” “P-please!” Whipping her head around, Twilight saw a group of at least twenty griffins in rough leather armor, ragged red cloth masks obscuring their faces save for their eyes. “W-what’s going on?!” she cried. “Who are y-” A sharp jolt of pain at the back of her skull was her only answer. The scene grew fuzzy before her, then dark. She could hear the harsh, indistinct barking of orders between their assailants. Then, sound too began to fade. As Twilight fell into the cold blackness, all she found herself able to think about was that old slave song Pinkie had mentioned. Wade in the water. Wade in the water, children. Wade in the water. God’s a-gonna trouble the water.
ChainedI did tell him how I suffer, In the dungeon and the chain, And the days were with head bowed down, And my broken flesh and pain. -Unknown, 1865 Clank… thud… clank… thud… Twilight’s eyes creaked open. The world came into focus like a slow descent into madness. Memories of her friends’ cries for help and getting struck from behind flashed through her mind all at once. Instinctively, she checked over her body starting with the space between her legs. No bruising or blood… she thought, so at least I haven’t been raped. As she looked around the room, the comfort that offered shrank. She, along with all her friends, had her back legs chained to the wall. They rattled when she tried to move, which was difficult in itself because every muscle and joint ached. The others were all still unconscious, save for Rainbow Dash who was attempting to launch herself from the wall hard enough to break her chains. Over and over, she would throw herself from the wall only to be snapped back by the chains and land on the dirt floor with a thud. “Ow! Come ooooooon!” Rainbow groaned after she checked the bolts holding the chains to the wall and found they weren’t even loose. “Oh, Twilight! Thank Celestia you’re awake! You gotta get us out of here!” Twilight smiled to herself. “Whoever thought chains could hold us must’ve been really dumb,” she said as she started channeling magic through her horn. “Why, any unicorn worth her salt could easily— Aaaaaaaagh!” she screamed as the warmth of her magic turned to raw pain in her skull. For several seconds, Twilight could neither see nor hear. Rainbow Dash gradually came back into focus, spouting frantic questions silently. Twilight reached up and touched the base of her horn, cringing at how hot it was. A small metal band had been affixed there. Must be a magic blocker of some kind. But they usually just make it impossible to cast, not turn magic into pain. “I… I’m sorry, Rainbow, but I can’t hear you…” The silence gave way to a growing ringing in Twilight's ears. At least her spellcasting attempt hadn't deafened her. “…said, are you okay?” Twilight only caught the back half of Rainbow’s sentence, but was grateful she was speaking slowly and clearly rather than shouting. “I think I will be all right, but I have to say this isn’t looking good. They’ve put some kind of dampener on my horn; I can’t use magic. Doubtlessly, they’ve put one on Rarity as well.” “Damn!” Rainbow kicked the ground, making a small gouge in the dirt. “Whuzzat?” “No, Mom, I dun wanna push rocks…” “Huh? Oh my goodness oh my goodness!” “Ah! Dirt!” Twilight and Rainbow Dash didn’t need to look around to realize who said what, Twilight groaning when Rarity’s first thought was to worry about the dirt “Where’s a mirror? I need a mirror! I must look hideouuuuuus.” Rarity whimpered. “Oh, and these chains chafe terribly.” “Twilight? Rainbow? What’s going on? Did either of you see anything?” Applejack asked. She reared up on her front legs and bucked the wall as hard as she could. If the stone even registered the impact, it gave no sign. “Don’t bother, AJ,” Rainbow said glumly. “I’ve already been trying that. Whatever they’ve made these out of, it’s a lot stronger than your average iron.” “Don’t bother? Are you sayin’ ah cain’t—” “I agree with Rainbow Dash,” Twilight interrupted. Applejack’s eyes widened and she started to reply, but Twilight continued with an explanation. “We’ll need to conserve our strength if we’re going to break out of here.” She rattled her chains. “If they simply wanted to kill us or… worse, they had plenty of opportunity back at our base camp. They must have something special in store for us, and as much as I don’t want to find out what that is, it will have to involve removing us from these chains at some point, which will give us the opportunity to fight back and escape. “Rainbow Dash,” she looked at her friend with a nod, “we’ll need to convince them to release your chains first. Being the strongest, you stand the best chance of overpowering them and gaining the opportunity to set the rest of us free.” Rarity looked confused as her eyes flicked from Twilight to Rainbow Dash and back. “But Twilight, why don’t you or I simply use our—” “Rarity, don’t!” Twilight’s shout broke Rarity’s concentration just as she was beginning to focus her magic. “But why not? It seems to be the obvious solution. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one.” “Yes, it is the obvious solution, which is why they’ve thought of it. They placed some kind of magic dampeners on our horns to stop us from using magic to escape. I’ve never seen any like these before; they send all the magical force you channel straight into your brain as pain. I haven’t tested this, but my theory is the more magic you channel, the worse it gets.” Rarity dispelled the smidgeon of magic she’d started to channel like it was a wet rat. Even so, she rubbed her forehead. “Oww… it feels like a migraine, and I didn’t even do anything. That’s just not fair…” Rarity trailed off as she put two and two together. “Twilight,” she said softly, “you knew to warn me because you tried to use magic, didn’t you?” Twilight nodded. “But if I have this pounding headache just from— Darling, are you all right?” “I’ll be all right, Rarity. I may have lost hearing and vision for a little bit," she paused when she noticed everyone staring. "Just a little bit, though! They seem to have returned fine.” Not comforted by that caveat, Fluttershy curled into a quivering ball. “R-rainbow Dash…” she whimpered. “I’m scared.” “Oh Fluttershy…” Rainbow said as she walked over as close to her friend as possible. “Everything will be all right. We’ve gotten out of worse than this before.” She put on her usual smile, throwing in a wink for good measure. At its corners, her mouth twitched ever so slightly. “How can you say that? Twilight just went blind and deaf, and she’s… Twilight! What if we can’t get out of here? What if they just- just come down here and kill us?” Fluttershy breathed heavily, eyes squeezed shut. “Fluttershy, that wouldn’t make any sense. They’ve had ample opportunity to—” Twilight found herself cut off by a glare from Rainbow Dash.j “Not helping,” Rainbow hissed before turning back to Fluttershy and holding out a hoof. She was just a few inches out of reach of comfort. “Come here, Fluttershy. I promise that I’ll do everything to keep anything bad from happening to you.” Aside from what’s already happened, but I can’t exactly change the past. Can I? Fluttershy crept toward Rainbow Dash and collapsed into her forelegs. “We’re all going to die. I just know it. We’ll never get to go home again!” Her lower lip trembled and she buried her face against Rainbow’s body so the others wouldn’t have to see her cry. “I’ll m-miss you all so much. And p-poor Angel Bunny. He’ll be all alone.” “Fluttershy, please look at me.” Rainbow’s voice was still caring, but there was an edge of a commander’s strength in it. Fluttershy sniffled and complied, looking Rainbow in the eyes. “No matter what happens, I’ll be here for you. We all will. We made it through Flight School together, and there’s no way I’m going to let anyone hurt you so long as I live.” That’s the part that I’m afraid of… Fluttershy couldn’t manage to say. “Please don’t say that, Rainbow Dash,” she squeaked. “If something bad happened to you just to save me, I could never forgive myself! I know you fought for me in Flight School, but don’t you dare even think about letting yourself get killed because of me.” Fluttershy sniffled, taking a step back from Rainbow and sitting on her haunches. “You’re worth so much more than an… an earthbound like me.” Rainbow stepped forward to put a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, but she shrank back out of Dash’s reach. She was just about to speak, when— “Hey! Cheer up, Fluttershy! I’m sure this is all just one big joke,” Pinkie said with her unfailing grin. “This is Discord we’re talking about, and he loves to have a good laugh. Almost as much as me! Ooh! I know what’ll cheer you up. Have you ever heard this one? A priest, a rabbit, and a royal guard all walk into a bar, and the bartender says—” “Not now, Pinkie,” Twilight groaned. She was just about to turn and try to actually cheer Fluttershy up, when she heard them. Three heavy sets of footsteps coming down the stairs on the other side of the heavy wooden door. “is this some… kind of… joke?” Pinkie trailed off as she too listened intently to the approaching footsteps. The door slammed open. Three of the red-clad griffins they’d met earlier entered, heads held stoically high. The tallest one, whom the captive ponies identified as the officer due to his uniform being lined with what Rarity recognized as gold silk, scanned the room with no legible emotion on his face. His gaze fell upon Fluttershy, who was peeking out at them from between her pinion feathers as she’d instinctively wrapped her wings around her body. He nodded curtly to the two other griffins, and they strode over to her. One unbolted the shackles with a strange handheld device none of them had ever seen before, while the other clapped a metal collar around her neck. A thick metal cord leading from the collar was wrapped around the griffin’s wrist. “Schwert and Buckler are going to undo your chains now.” Applejack had the chance to flash a knowing look to Twilight before the officer cleared his throat and continued. “Any escape attempts,” he enunciated, having caught the nonverbal exchange, “and my associate will pull the collar’s cord. It’s a fascinating piece of machinery, lined with nearly a hundred curved blades that overlap when drawn taut. If any of you try to fight us or escape — Hell, if any of you even give me cause to feel nervous, and I’m a nervous guy even though I may not look it — the cord is drawn taut and your pretty little friend’s head goes rolling to the floor. Are we clear?” Everyone gasped. Twilight and Applejack exchanged worried glances. Rainbow Dash bit her lip. “F-Fluttershy…” She pulled against the chains in an attempt to reach her. “Keep your distance,” the officer warned coolly. “No! You let her go! Fluttershyyy!” Rainbow continued to pull against her chains, hooves digging into the ground. “Schwert, if you will.” His eyes never left Rainbow as she struggled. Schwert gave the cord a light, slow tug. “Yieeeeeeeee!” Blood trickled from beneath the collar. “Stop it! You bastards; I’ll kill you!” Rainbow wailed. “If you wish her dead, then by all means keep talking.” “I’ll kill you I’ll kill you I’ll kill you!” “Rainbow! Shut UP!” All the ponies looked in surprise at the last pony they’d have expected to say such a thing: Rarity. Her eyes were wide, eyebrows flickering up and down. In the newfound quiet, Fluttershy could be heard sobbing quietly. “Listen, please. There’s nothing you can do at the moment to help Fluttershy. I know you’re angry — we all are — but the most important thing is that we get out alive, not ‘go down swinging,’ I believe the term is. And you,” she continued, directing her gaze and hoof at the griffin officer. “We have laws about how prisoners are to be treated. You owe us your name, rank, and reason for incarceration, after which we are to be held in reasonable accommodation and given the opportunity to contact our embassy so our two governments can work together to resolve this matter.” The officer, Schwert, and Buckler exchanged glances before breaking into laughter. The former composed himself rather quickly while the other two carried on. “You want my name? Fine. Krieg. My rank? Leftennant. And since I’m so nice, here’s a fun little fact you may find interesting. As of last night, Altai is no longer part of the League of Nations. For the first time in two-thousand years, we are completely independent as a country. And that means that there is no Equestrian embassy for you to run crying to…” he stroked Rarity’s cheek with the back of his hand, “and no Wartime Convention to protect you. Whether you live, die, get fed, or are tortured, will be entirely at the discretion of the High King.” He clapped his hands and Schwert and Buckler undid the chains on the remaining five ponies. Rainbow immediately trotted over to Fluttershy. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Come,” said Krieg as he turned his back and opened the door they’d thought might lead to their freedom. “You are going to meet him.” Author's Note Chapter 3 is gonna take a while, but follow me and keep yourself updated :3 -Rainbow CliffsNotes: It gets worse. Actually, I could say that about most chapters. -Cormac
The Devil You Know...“What the hell do you mean you don’t want to? You said you were down!” Gilda groaned, choosing to look at the window rather than Swift. The sun was approaching its zenith. She hadn’t slept. “I was.” She held a bottle of Old Crow by the neck, the brown-gold liquid sloshing with every step as she paced. “But now I’m not; I’m as dry as a salt block.” “Come on,” Swift pleaded. “I know how to fix that. Just give me five— no, two minutes.” “This was a bad idea.” Gilda closed her eyes, letting her forehead rest on her open palm. “You should go.” “You can’t just invite me over saying you’re DTF and just say no. I’m not some toy you can just turn on and off whenever you want! This is bullshit!” Gilda ran her tongue over the inside of her mouth. She could still taste his tongue, heavy with the rough flavor of liquor. “Look, this whole thing with the king’s death, the funeral tonight... I’m just… this was a mistake. I said you should go. Just go.” “You’re seriously gonna be a bitch about this? If you really want me to go, I’ll go, but you can forget about this ever happening again, no matter how much you want it.” He said without taking a step toward the door. Gilda thought it over for a moment. Swift Justice had always been the strong, flag-waving patriot her father had wanted her to be. Joining Altai’s royal guard – a stupid name for a full-on military, she thought – had been the easiest decision he’d ever made. Gilda had more or less stumbled into it after her final visit to Equestria. To that one particular town which housed one particular pony. Joining up with the guard seemed the best way to ensure that no matter what she felt, she’d never have to see that stupid little hick town again. Swift was powerful, courageous, dashing… everything she should want, but even after several tries to make herself care, all she could see when she looked at him was another nobody. She looked into his eyes, which were wide with exasperation. Shouldn’t I feel something stir when I look into his eyes? Shouldn’t I be able to lose myself in them for days; shouldn’t my chest get tight? Even for a hookup, shouldn’t I at least blush at thinking of him in me? I feel none of these things. Looking at him is just like looking at a stranger passing by on the street. “I guess I am,” she said, breaking the agonizingly long silence. “We should be at the chancellor’s coronation anyway.” Gilda repeated the order they’d received dully. Swift frowned, but nodded. “Come with me, then. You’re not thinking straight.” “No.” Gilda would have been content to leave it at that, but Swift raised a querying eyebrow. “I… have some thinking to do. I’ll catch up to you in a minute.” “Fine,” Swift snorted and left. He hadn’t closed the door properly behind him. Gilda kicked it shut. The use of force felt good. “A lot of whining, but no real fight. Guess I’m not that important to you, either.” The door, stoic as always, did not respond. Gilda threw the Old Crow bottle as hard as she could. She wasn’t sure why, but its shattering against the door felt extremely satisfying. Another bottle would come cheaply anyway. She stared at the dripping remains on the tile floor. Cleaning it up would be a pain, but it was worth the satisfaction of destroying it. Fuck it; I'll deal with it later. She shuffled to the bed to try and get some sleep, and to dream of anything but Ponyville. _ Rarity squealed as she was kicked through the doorway into the Grand Hall. She was adamant that the last of the dirt from their prison had to be brushed off her hooves before meeting royalty, regardless of the circumstances. She brushed herself off with as much dignity as she could muster, then took her first look around the lavish room. Rows upon rows of griffins in similar garb to their captors filled the room save for the five foot wide aisle the ponies were led down. They stood with their necks straight, their shoulders pulled back, reared up on their hind legs with their arms at their sides. All of their gazes converged on one point: the massive gold throne at the end of the room and its occupant. “Discord!” Twilight hissed, echoed by her friends. “But of course!” he replied, taking a bow. “We’re you expecting anyone else? You wound me.” “King Janus III, for one. Where is he? What have you done?” Discord’s lion paw flew to his mouth. “You mean you don’t know? Oh, you poor things!” he fawned. “What’re you talkin’ about?” Applejack growled. A handkerchief that hadn’t been there a second ago dabbed at Discord’s glistening eyes. “I’m sorry to inform you that dear King Janus passed away shortly before I arrived. Or was it after?” The handkerchief returned to the nothingness from which it had been produced. “Linear time is so confusing.” “More like you killed him!” Rainbow Dash growled. “Why Rainbow Dash, you wound me! I’ve never killed anyone in my whole life… well, not directly. Although it is interesting that you bring up murder. It’s sort of why you’re here, which I’ll explain in a moment. “As I’m sure you’re aware, Altai has a long and storied history of warfare. What you may not know, thanks to an equally storied history of whitewashing the more unpleasant aspects of their history, is how prisoners of war were treated in the ‘good old days.’” Discord made quotes in the air with his fingers. “Because strength and independence were core values among the griffins rather than harmony, prisoners were forced to face one another in combat. The last one left standing had, in their minds, proved his worth to enter griffinn society. Actually, we’re not even a mile from where so many fought and died, in what’s now called the—” “The Stadium Massiva!” Twilight exclaimed. “It’s the second most elegant performing arts center in the entire world, next to the one in Canterlot.” Discord rolled his eyes. “When I want your opinion on the best theater, miss Sparkle, I’ll ask for it.” “I saw a hearth’s warming pageant there with Gilda one year…” Rainbow said quietly. “Are you really saying it used to be used for… that?” “Yes, and to cut to the chase before I’m interrupted, it will resume its original purpose shortly. The reason you six have been brought here…” he grinned, “is to kill one another in a series of bouts for fun and education.” “WHAT?” all six asked at once, followed by a “That doesn’t sound fun at all!” from Pinkie. “I should have known you’d ask ‘what.’ But why ask ‘what’ when the more delicious question is ‘why?’ Oh, there are so many reasons. I’ve actually prepared a little list—” A scroll appeared in Discord’s hands, which unrolled to the floor, down the aisle, and out the door, “—which I’ll now read to you, because there’s no sense in the six of you suffering your punishment without knowing why.” All six of the captive ponies stared at the list. “I admit it’s a bit long, but if any of you interrupt, I’ll start again from the top even if I’m on the last word. You should know me well enough by now to know that I will.” “But what about all your troops you have gathered here?” Rainbow butted in. “You really can’t expect them to go along with something so barbaric if they hate your guts. I may not be an egghead, but I know hated rulers don’t last very long.” “I’d say we’ve found our volunteer for the first match,” Discord grinned. “Your point would be valid under most circumstances… but you forget that I have a certain… commanding presence. So, for your edification, Rainbow Dash, allow me to demonstrate to you true loyalty. “You!” he pointed to a teenaged griffin in the front row, long-limbed and spindly, whom they could tell had joined up straight out of flight school. “Your eyes displease me. Remove them.” The young griffin drove his clawed thumbs into his eyes soundlessly, blood spraying around them in a mist followed by the slow drip of his vitreous humour. Fluttershy screamed. Rarity looked away, quivering. He returned his hands to his sides and stood at attention. Blood still oozed from his shredded eye sockets, matting his feathers. “H-how… how could you!” Rainbow yelled. “Quite easily, dear Rainbow Dash. Were you not paying attention? Pure, unquestioning loyalty is a beautiful thing, is it not?” “You’re a monster, making him hurt himself like that!” Applejack fumed. “Really, now? Don’t put words in the poor bird’s mouth. How do you feel about this?” “What pain exists in this world…” the griffin moaned, “that could outweigh the wrath of God?” “And there you have it,” Discord crowed, clapping his hands. “Straight from the horse’s mouth. Or beak, rather.” He snapped his fingers and the griffin’s eyes returned. “A sightless soldier will do me no good. Waste not, as they say. Now then, shall we get on with the list?” “Just suppose for a moment that the world you live in has many, many layers beyond what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. Try and imagine every single sight, sound, smell, feeling, emotion, and thought you’ve ever felt in your entire life — past, present, and future — all at once. That is the essence of true chaos, and it was the state of this world long before you beings of… order,” he spat it like a curse, “took over.” “It could be something quite simple, something even the six of you could understand: Hate. Let’s let that word echo for a moment. Hate… Let me tell you how much I have come to hate you ponies since I was cast into this weak, mortal shell. There are approximately one-hundred trillion cells in my body at this moment, each with an average of seventeen organelles. If every organelle in every cell in my body were inscribed with the word hate, it would not equal one one billionth of the hate I feel for your kind in a single second.” “That’s from a book!” yelled Twilight, whose ears had pricked up at the first word and had grown steadily angrier as the spiel went on. “Twilight!” the other five hissed at her. “Ah, yes, I should have known miss Smarty Pants would catch me on that one. It is, in fact, from a book. And I did say that I would start from the top at any interruption, but I will forgive you just this once. And only because I don’t think I could have nailed the line delivery any better than I just did. Don’t you just love it when something goes perfectly the first time?” The six ponies looked at each other. None spoke. “That’s a question. There won’t be any penalty for answering it.” They shuffled their hooves, remaining silent. Discord’s fist pounded against the throne’s armrest. “Answer the damn question!” “Um… yes?” Twilight squeaked. “Hm. I was hoping for more enthusiasm, but I suppose it’ll have to do.” “It could be any one of those things; take your pick. Did you know I was a terrible test taker in school? Well, I would have been if the aether had schools. After my first imprisonment in stone, Celestia often tried to talk to me — by which I of course mean interrogate me — and whenever I was presented with a multiple choice answer, I’d choose all of them. I mean, it doesn’t really seem fair, does it? Selecting one answer over another when in the multiverse, all of them can be true at once.” _ The individual cells weren't any better than the group cell earlier. As the heavy metal door slammed shut behind her, Pinkie found herself enveloped in darkness. Poor Rainbow Dash. It just wasn’t fair! Picked first just like that. But then, who would it have been fair to make go first? No one, that’s who. Suddenly, brightness loomed at the end of the tunnel. Maybe if Rainbow Dash and whoever got teamed up with her put on a good enough show, everyone would be so impressed that they’d let them go! A smile started to grow, but Discord’s words replayed in her head as if cued up by her optimism and it quickly fell. “He’s not going to let any of us go, is he? Maybe the winner at the end of it, but what kind of a win is that if you lose your very best friends?” Pinkie curled up on the floor and was just about to cry her way into a comfortable sleep — it’d been a long time since she’d done that, and nopony feels better than right after having a big cry — when she noticed something sparkling just in front of her nose. “Poor little Pinkie Pie…” Discord’s voice crooned. “You’re supposed to be the one to cheer everyone else up when they’re sad. Now how can you do that if you’re all saddy waddy?” The little ball of light coalesced into a shiny but transparent image of Discord parading about on her muzzle. “You should know very well, you b-big meanie! How could you do that to Rainbow Dash?” “To be honest, Pinkie Pie, I’d be more worried about her opponent. Especially since when I spoke to her just now, she specifically requested you.” The little Discord tapped her nose. “W-what?” “I’d hate to have to lose any of my friends…” Dash’s voice warbled as a tiny vision of her glimmered into existence next to Discord, chest puffed out with bravado. “I mean, me winning is pretty much a foregone conclusion, since none of them could handle the Dash. But if there was one friend I could do without, it’s definitely Pinkie Pie.” Little Dash glared at her and Pinkie whimpered. “You’re lying! Dash would never say something so mean!” “Perhaps, but she’ll be trying to kill you in just a few minutes. Are you really willing to take that chance.” “Yes!” “Hmm…” Discord stroked his inch-long goatee. “Then perhaps you need to look at this from another angle, Pinkie. After all, you can’t just let Rainbow Dash kill you without a fight. You’re an adult with responsibilities. Just think of all the ponies back in Ponyville who will be sad without Pinkie around. How many are there, Pinkie? A hundred? Two hundred?” “…two-hundred and fifteen,” Pinkie sighed. “Two-hundred and seventeen if you count Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake.” “And who will miss Rainbow Dash half so dearly? The five of you? That one little cripple? Maybe one of her co-workers on the weather team? Even added together, that’s such a small fraction compared to how many will miss you. Why, you might even say you’d be doing all of Ponyville a favor by not robbing them of your presence.” “It’s still not fair! You can’t just do math with lives!” Pinkie squealed, eyes shut tight. A massive bell rang deeply. Discord smiled. “And there’s the signal. Think about what I’ve said while you’re out there, will you? Wanna do the countdown with me? No? I’ll just do it myself then… five, four, three, two, one!” _ Rainbow Dash was ushered into darkness. The door slammed behind her so quickly that she feared her tail may have been caught in it. Thankfully, she found herself free to move about the cell. She hadn’t taken three steps before she tripped over something small and quivering in the darkness. “F-fluttershy? Is that you?” “Huh? Rainbow Dash? Oh thank goodness! I thought they were going to bring in something to hurt me.” Fluttershy sniffled. “Never fear… your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash is here,” Dash offered with a half-hearted laugh. “Come here; let me see your neck.” “My neck? But it’s too dark.” Fluttershy rose to her hooves slowly. “I’m a weather pony, remember? I can look with my hooves.” “Oh… please, no. It still hurts.” “I’ll be gentle. I need to know how bad it is. If it’s going to heal over on its own or if we need to bandage it.” "Um… okay, Rainbow Dash. I’ll trust you. It really hurt a lot, but I don’t think it went very deep.” Rainbow Dash reached out into the black with her hooves, moving them carefully. After finding Fluttershy’s face, she traced them down gingerly to her neck. She felt a slight ridge of crusted flesh. Fluttershy cringed. “Sorry,” Rainbow said quickly. “Well, at least it’s scabbing over. I don’t know what I would do if it was worse; I don’t think there’s anything here we can use for bandages.” “But then, why—” “I just needed to be sure you’re okay, okay?” Rainbow interrupted. “Oh. Then, um, thank you.” Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around Rainbow in a hug, which Rainbow returned carefully. “Aww, how sweet.” Discord’s voice echoed through the cell. “Now kiss,” he laughed. “Huh? Where are you! Show yourself!” Rainbow let go of Fluttershy, whipping her head around in the vain hope of spotting a gnarled horn or golden eye in the dark. “You won’t find me in there, Rainbow Dash. I’m back on the throne, but I couldn’t help listening in on such a cute widdle couple like you two.” “Shut up!” Rainbow growled, looking down. “You said individual cells, anyway!” A foot-tall apparition of Discord appeared and began pacing in the dirt. “Ah, yes. I did, didn’t I? Well, what’s the point of making a rule if you don’t plan to break it? Speaking of breaking… rules, things, wanton destruction, yadda yadda, your opponent has been selected for your fight, so you’d better get ready.” Rainbow and Fluttershy looked at one another. “It’s not Fluttershy, is it? Is that why she’s here?” There was a slight quaver in Rainbow’s voice. Discord responded by breaking into laughter. “Oh, no no no. Sometimes reasons are just so boring, anyway.” He regained his composure. “I offered the chance to go first to your other four friends, and Pinkie Pie jumped right on it. Did you do something recently to piss her off?” He looked down at a watch that had just appeared on his wrist. “Oh my, would you look at the time. Sorry to cut this short, but it turns out running a country, getting revenge, and preparing for war can keep you frightfully busy. I wouldn’t recommend it. Ta ta!” And with that, he was gone. “Do you think Pinkie would really want to hurt you?” Fluttershy asked softly. Dash shook her head. “No way; this is Pinkie we’re talking about. I’ll bet he told her I was pissed too just so there’d be a good fight. Pinkie would never want to hurt one of her best friends.” Fluttershy didn’t smile, but appeared to be more at ease. The worry lines disappeared from her face. “I think so too. But what are you going to do, Rainbow? When you get out there, I mean.” “Way ahead of you, ‘Shy,” Rainbow smiled. “I was thinking we’d pantomime something that looks like an intense scuffle on the ground, giving me a chance to talk to her and make a plan. After that, it’s an old crumbly building and I’m the fastest pegasus alive. There’s just gotta be some weak spot I can bust through.” Fluttershy pulled Rainbow into a hug. “I’ll be cheering for you from in here, even though you won’t be able to hear it. Just please, promise me one thing?” “Anything, ‘Shy.” “No matter what happens, and I mean no matter what, you can’t let yourself die, Rainbow. No matter what you have to do.” “But…” Rainbow stammered, eyes widening as she thought about everything no matter whatmight encompass, “but, what about Pinkie? Are you saying that if it came to her or me, I should—” “I know it’s not fair!” Fluttershy wailed, “and I feel awful — just awful — even saying it. Losing Pinkie would be very hard on all of us, but losing you? You’re my oldest friend and you’ve always been there to help me and save me and… and I couldn’t imagine a second of my life without you in it. So please, Dash, no matter what happens, you have to come back.” “Fluttershy…” Dash bit her lip. “Promise me!” With a heavy sigh, Rainbow nodded. “I promise.” Somewhere above, a massive bell rang deeply. Author's Note It will take a while to write chapter 4
Forgive Me?Although both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie knew it was mid-afternoon, the preparation rooms they’d been guided into were pitch black save for a single torch in the center of each that made the armaments lining the walls seem to twist and dance as though each were eager to be chosen and taste blood. Many were rusted from their long period of disuse and some had even chipped or crumbled into fragments. Nearly all of them had ruddy marks at their edges that both ponies tried not to think about. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Rainbow Dash could make out the dim golden arch of the seam around the heavy stone doors. She could hear her heart beating behind her ears like an unsteady clock. In five minutes, maybe ten, those doors would open and she would trudge out to find herself face to face with one of her best friends. Possibly for the last time. I shouldn’t be so worried. I can trust Pinkie. We may not have been able to talk to each other, but she’ll understand what the plan is. She’s probably even made one up herself. Even if she hasn’t, she’s my friend and I can trust her... But still, the more times she said it to herself, the hollower it felt. Pushing it from her mind, Rainbow walked up and down the rows of weaponry looking for anything that might aid in their escape. She settled on a short sword that was light enough to fly with without slowing her down, but looked sturdy enough to be used as a tool once they’d made their escape. Maybe a lock would have to be pried off or something. Or a friend stabbed, her mind added. Sighing, Rainbow sat by the door and waited. Everything would be all right. Somehow. _ Pinkie stared at the floor, watching an overturned cockroach kick and struggle in the firelight. Most likely, it had eaten some poison. Its death was inevitable, slow and vicious, but all she could do was watch. Can I really do this? She took a step away from the slowly dying insects. Blades surrounded her on all sides. Am I strong enough? Pinkie turned to the racks of weapons. Her hoof floated from one to another and back before finally lowering. She walked over to the roach and crushed it under her hoof. I am strong enough for this. I have to be. Everyone needs me. She set aside two knives, thinking somberly as she looked over them. It’s better if there’s no fight. If it’s unexpected and quick. Painless... like when we had to put down Gummy Sr. She saw a sword that had corroded to the point that the rust had eaten away at the cracks and it had fallen into jagged pieces. She picked one up gingerly and hid in her her cotton candy mane. I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash. I just hope you- that everyone can forgive me for what I have to do... _ Surreal... was all Rainbow Dash could think as her eyes adjusted to the harsh magical lighting that lined the roof. She shouldn’t have ever thought it might be so easy as grabbing Pinkie and flying away. Of course a combat arena would be covered with a roof to keep any pegasi from fleeing. A massively thick steel cage surrounded the oblong arena, separating the condemned from the spectators. But what Rainbow Dash found surreal was the slow, rhythmic clapping from all sides. Every seat ringing the arena was occupied by one of Discord’s expressionless griffons, each staring not at her, but straight ahead without expression as they clapped in unison. At the northern end, atop an ornate dais of black marble that seemed to rise out of the colosseum’s very foundations, Discord sat in a matching throne clearly intended for the king. ”All right; settle down. Curb your wild enthusiasm!” he bellowed cheerfully. ”Our two lovely contestants have selected their weapons and are now ready to provide you with the very finest in entertainment. And so, ladies...” he bowed with a flourish that made Rainbow’s stomach turn, ”you may begin whenever you’re ready. Don’t let us down~” Here it goes... both ponies thought as they slowly walked across the broad sandy floor toward one another. With each step, Pinkie’s hooves felt like they gained another pound. After what seemed like an hour, the two stood not one meter apart. Rainbow scanned her friends eyes for any sign – even the slightest glimmer – that she too had the idea of escaping, but all she saw in their depths was fear. Fear she was certain her own eyes mirrored. Rainbow Dash needed to say something. There’d be no escape without communicating some kind of plan, but trying to force out words felt like trying to make herself vomit. ”P..Pinkie?” she squeaked. Pinkie swallowed hard and nodded, but said nothing. ”Circle with me... we need to talk.” They circled clockwise and counterclockwise, weapons at the ready as though they might swing at any moment, reversing direction often enough to give the impression that they were sizing each other up. ”We have to get out of here...” Dash hissed between clenched teeth. Pinkie looked dubious. ”I’m not going to hurt you, Pinks. I won’t let them play us like this. I need you to trust me and help me figure out how to bust outta here.” ”Y-you don’t want to?” Deep in Pinkie’s chest, hope started to flutter. It was quickly crushed out. Of course she’d say that. She wants you to let your guard down. I’ll bet she has the same idea you do. No! Dashie would never do that! So, she’s never lied to you? Never tricked you? Well... yes, but this isn’t some prank or surprise party! This is serious, and she’d never stab a friend in the back! You mean the exact thing you’re planning to do? ”Of course I don’t, Pinks. Now come on; I need your help here.” ”H-how do I know it’s not a trick?” Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed. ”Really? You know I don’t want to hurt you. Don’t be dumb.” Pinkie nodded slowly. ”Really. Sorry, Dashie, but you’re kind of pointing a sword at me.” ”So are you.” Dash hissed. ”Well I can’t be sure I won’t need them. Why don’t you put down your sword and I’ll put down my knives...” Dash tensed. ”No way! You first.” The magical lights overhead gleamed on their instruments of death. ”...on three then?” Pinkie offered. ”Fair enough... On three.” Together, they counted to three. True to their words, Rainbow tossed her sword aside and Pinkie dropped her knives. ”Look for anything we can use as an exit. I’ll stall for time.” Dash whispered before turning to face Discord on his throne. ”There. Do you see? Nothing can stand in the way of true friendship and get us to turn on each other. Not even you, Discord!” While Rainbow’s back was turned, Pinkie slowly fished the metal shard out of her mane. The edge bit into her hoof and she bit her lip to stifle her whimper. Trembling, she looked at the blade in her hoof, then at Rainbow Dash, then back again. It’s best this way. No fight. No pain. Nice and quick. She’ll never even know what hit her. ”It actually sounded kinda dumb when Twilight first said it, but friendship is the most powerful thing in the universe, and-” Pinkie wrapped a foreleg around Rainbow Dash tenderly. ”I’m so sorry, Dashie...” she whispered and drove the makeshift blade into her chest. Rather than crumpling to the ground instantly like Pinkie had imagined, Rainbow screamed. While her mind raced to process what had just happened as her whole body shook with the pain, she instinctively jammed an elbow into Pinkie’s stomach and tried to turn and face her. It was all too much in that moment and she fell to the ground, curling into a fetal position and holding her forehooves against her wound. ”Wh.. whyyy?” Rainbow gasped. She coughed and her mouth filled with a coppery taste she knew was blood. Her vision warped and distorted as she looked at her friend, a pink blotch against tan static. The wind had been knocked out of Pinkie when she was elbowed, and she rose back onto her hooves shakily. Why? The word echoed in her head. Why? Whywhywhywhy? As she looked at Rainbow Dash gasping on the ground, blood trickling over her lips like too much lipstick, she couldn’t stop the hot tears from rolling down her cheeks. She’s hurting so so so so much and it’s all my fault! ”I’m sorry!” she blubbered. She couldn’t bear to see her friend on the ground writhing in pain because of her. Pinkie scrambled to where Dash’s discarded sword lay, dragging it behind her in one hoof while the other three slowly brought her towards Rainbow Dash as she regained her breath. ”I have to... I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Rainbow Dash tried to get back on her hooves, but the pain was unbearable. Her knees gave out and she fell back onto her side. The impact forced more blood up her windpipe and she spat crimson. It was over. Pinkie had... had snapped or something, it didn’t even make sense anymore! Nothing did! She could feel the blade inching its way closer to her heart every time she tried to move. She could imagine the tip prodding it with each beat. Rainbow closed her eyes, resigned to what was coming... But in the darkness behind her eyes, she could see Fluttershy’s face, eyes wide and lips trembling. She heard her voice repeating what she’d said earlier. ”No matter what happens, and I mean no matter what, you can’t let yourself die, Rainbow. No matter what you have to do...” Gritting her teeth, Rainbow Dash tried again, growling with the effort as she regained her footing. Chest heaving, she stared at Pinkie, who stood frozen as she watched Rainbow get up. ”No... no, Dashie, please d-don’t... It’s gonna hurt so much worse if you fight it. Please...” Tears and snot ran down her scrunched face as she raised the sword behind her head, rising onto her hind legs to hold it in both forehooves. ”I don’t want to hurt you, Dashie... but- but I have to. Just let it be quick, please...” Pinkie brought the sword down with all her might. As she swung, Rainbow rushed forward, slamming into her and knocking her onto her back. The sword slipped from her hooves and flew into the air over Rainbow’s shoulder. It bit into her wing as it did so before landing on the sand with a soft thud. Pinkie felt something crack at the base of her spine when she landed and whimpered. ”Stop this, Pinkie. You can still stop it,” Rainbow panted. She grabbed the blade embedded in her chest. ”No, Dashie! Don’t!” Screaming with such force it tore at her throat, Rainbow Dash pulled as hard as she could on the metal fragment, ripping it from her chest. The open wound drooled bright red. She held it at her side, covering her wound with her other free hoof. Pinkie thought she’d come to terms with the idea of having to kill Rainbow Dash, but hearing her scream like that brought forth a fresh torrent of tears. ”Just stop this, Pinkie. We can still-” Rainbow coughed. ”Still go home. We just have to look hard enough.” Pinkie shook her head. ”No, Dashie...” she said shakily, ”there’s no happy ending for us here. You know how it has to be...” Groaning, she got back up and started walking toward Rainbow slowly, building to a gallop. Rainbow stepped to the side and drove her hoof into Pinkie’s stomach. ”Pinkie, don’t make me do this...” Pinkie gasped and clutched at her stomach before turning around to try again. Dash knocked her legs out from under her and she was sent sprawling. Pinkie lay where she fell, sobbing into the sand. Rainbow watched her for a moment before shaking her head and going over to her. She could see Pinkie’s will to fight was broken. It was over. ”Come here, Pinks,” she said softly. ”I know you don’t want to hurt me, and I don’t want to hurt you either. It’s not too late.” Rainbow reached out to stroke her friend’s mane. ”We can still figure this out. This thing on my chest is just...” she spat a glob of pink into the sand, ”just a scratch. Why don’t we just-” By the time Rainbow noticed Pinkie had moved, the hoof had already hit her jaw and made her teeth crunch together with agonizing force. She fell on her back, dropping the bloody hunk of metal. ”Whuh...” she said. It was hard to make out anything clearly after the trauma to her head, but she saw Pinkie was nearly on top of her, but just staying there. The pink mare was looking over at the sword, which seemed so far away. ”Juh... juh stoh ih....” Rainbow slurred as her senses starting to come back to her. ”Somehing ih my mouf?” She found something strange behind her gums with her tongue and spat it into the sand beside her. Half of a tooth. Jagged and bloody. Root exposed, fluttering under her hot breath. Pinkie was looking back and forth at Rainbow and the sword, which seemed so far away now. She picked up the bloody metal shard and knelt over Rainbow. ”You don’t want to do this...” Dash whimpered. Pinkie’s eyes squeezed shut. ”I know! But there’s no other way.” ”I’m sorry!” she screamed as she brought the blade down. All the effort caused a burning sensation where she first fell on her back, and her strike missed, burying the blade into the sand. She didn’t have long to think about it before Rainbow kicked her in the side of her head and leapt on top of her. The pair of them traded blows about the head and neck, rolling back and forth in an attempt to get the upper hoof. ”J-just... dammit! Stop it Pinkie!” Rainbow growled through clenched teeth. She wouldn’t make the same mistake twice, having narrowly avoided biting off a chunk of her own tongue. Pinkie managed to scramble atop Rainbow Dash and drove a hoof into her muzzle with a wet crunch. Blood sprayed over Rainbow’s lips from her broken nose. She couldn’t tell how many more times Pinkie managed to hit her after that, all accompanied by a slow but steady pitter patter of tears. ”You should have just not fought... it would have been so fast... it wouldn’t have hurt...” Pinkie bawled. Somehow, Rainbow round the strength to throw Pinkie off of her to the side. She had no idea what she was going to do next, but she had to get out from under her. Everything was still blurry, but Rainbow managed to get up and turn to face Pinkie. Then she noticed how Pinkie hadn’t attacked her again. And how quiet it was. How Pinkie wasn’t moving. Rubbing her eyes, Rainbow stumbled over to where Pinkie lay on the ground. Her breathing was ragged and erratic. Looking down, Rainbow saw why. The tip of the sword fragment was sticking up through Pinkie’s stomach. Pinkie’s mouth hung open, a breathless hiss escaping. She was trying to scream, but was too shocked to manage it. Immediately, Rainbow knelt beside her friend and lay a hoof on her chest. Feeling her friend’s warm hoof, Pinkie looked over at Rainbow slowly. ”D-Dashie...” she wheezed. ”I’m here, Pinkie. I’m here.” ”How... how bad is it?” Rainbow Dash bit her lip. ”It’s... pretty bad. But you’ll be okay. We’ll get you to Twilight. She can help you.” ”It hurts so much...” Pinkie whimpered, holding her stomach with her hooves. ”Shhh, don’t talk, Pinkie. Save your strength.” ”I’m dying... aren’t I?” ”No!” Rainbow shouted. ”No you’re not. Don’t say that!” Rainbow Dash stood and took a step away from Pinkie. ”No... please don’t leave me...” ”I’m not leaving you, Pinkie. I’m ending this. I’m saving you.” She looked up at the throne and locked eyes with Discord. ”It’s over!” she shouted. ”Really?” he said, holding a hand over his forehead. ”How’s that? It doesn’t look over to me.” ”It’s plain to see that she can’t fight anymore! This fight is over. Let us go!” Discord shook his head slowly, clicking his tongue. ”Now now, Rainbow Dash. You can’t go and stop the game just because you don’t like the way it’s going. It ruins the game’s sense of sportsmanship. This isn’t pro wrestling. There’s no tapping out.” ”You son of a bitch, let us go! Look at her! At me! You’ve had your fun! Now-” ”Dashie...” Pinkie croaked, coughing, ”it’s okay... Just please... I’m scared.” ”Don’t be scared, Pinkie. It’s going to be all right. You’re not going to die. You’re just.... you’re just going to sleep.” Pinkie shook her head. ”You don’t have to lie. Just hold me.” Her composure broke and she started crying again. ”I’m s-so scared, Dashie! What’s gonna happen to me?” Rainbow Dash had absolutely no idea how to answer that question. Where would Pinkie go? What would happen to her?”I don’t know. I’m sorry, but... I just don’t. But whatever it is,” she forced herself to smile, ”I know you’ll be all right. You’re Pinkie Pie. You can make friends wherever you go. You’ll be all right.” Pinkie smiled slowly, pushing the pain from her mind. ”I hope you’re right, Dashie. And...” she coughed, ”please don’t lose that smile.... whatever you do... don’t let this... kill... you too...” All signs of recognition in Pinkie’s eyes faded like the dimming of a lightbulb and she went completely limp. ”Aaaaand thus ends a very exciting piece of life and death drama, folks! Let’s have three cheers for wonderful winner, Miss Rainbow Dash!” ”No no no! Come on, Pinkie, snap out of it! Don’t you dare don’t you fucking dare die on Pinkie! Don’t you do this to me!” ”HIP HIP... HOORAY!” ”Why did this even have to happen? You idiot, we were going to get away! We would’ve figured something out! Why?” ”HIP HIP... HOORAY!” ”SHUT UP! You bastards! She’s gonna die if we don’t get help! And you’re cheering?! Somebody help her!” ”HIP HIP... HOORAY!” Rainbow Dash’s wails were drowned out by the rhythmic pounding of applause. Losing sensation across her body, she collapsed on top of her dead friend and fell into the black void _ “Ow!” Rainbow Dash winced. Fluttershy wilted. “Oh, I’m really sorry it hurts, Rainbow Dash, but I have to get these wounds clean or else they’re going to fester.” “Just…” Rainbow grunted as Fluttershy wiped a cloth over a long, but thankfully shallow cut just over her wing. “Just get it over with fast. I don’t like having to get fixed up. It just reminds me that I’m broken.” “You’re not broken, Rainbow…” Fluttershy said softly, “but you did get really hurt in that fight. It’s a miracle that you weren’t hurt worse.” “Yeah, a miracle…” Dash snorted. “I guess murdering your friends is a miracle now? I must have missed the memo.” “Oh Rainbow…” Fluttershy’s eyes watered, her lips trembling. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s all so awful, but you did what you had-” Rainbow Dash cut her off with a hoof over her mouth. “Let’s just- just not talk about it right now. If we do.. I’m g-gonna start crying, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop. I can feel all that pain in the back of my mind, and I know that I’m going to have a long, hard cry about it once this is all over, but I just can’t face that right now. It doesn’t even seem real! Pinkie? Gone? That makes no sense! And besides… if I’m a sobbing mess, then I’ll be useless to everyone. I won’t be able to protect the ones I love the most.” Rainbow Dash slumped over, staring blankly at her hooves. She could still feel the impact of her hooves on Pinkie’s face, but it felt like a bad dream she could wake up from if only she tried hard enough. Fluttershy lay down beside her, wrapping her wings around Rainbow protectively. They lay there together in silence for a few minutes, but then Rainbow said something that Fluttershy couldn’t quite make out. “I’m sorry. What was that?” Fluttershy felt really bad for not hearing it, but it was barely a whisper. “I… er, said that I realized something because of it.” “What is it?” “No matter how much it hurt, there was no way I could ever let myself be killed. Not just because they need me, but you need me, like you said. And also…” she trailed off, slowly looking up at Fluttershy, “I need you. You’re my oldest and best friend, and the closest one to me in the whole world. I can’t explain it, but I just can’t get by without you with me. Not even in heaven.” Fluttershy had no idea what to say. Thousands of words swept through her mind, but none of them were the right words. Judging by Rainbow Dash’s silence, she wasn’t sure what to say either. The two of them did the only thing they could think to do. Neither could explain why, but it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Closing their eyes, they leaned in and pressed their lips together. Neither of them thought about what it meant about their orientation, their identities, the problems they might face when they returned home. None of that was important. Two souls that had never realized they were lonely were finding completion in each other. It felt like ours before they finally broke apart, taking heavy breaths of air they didn’t realize they were holding in. Fluttershy looked at Rainbow, her face hot with embarrassment and excitement. “Did-” she stammered. “Did we just…” “Mhm,” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Are we… going to…” “I think so.” Rainbow Dash whispered, gently stroking Fluttershy’s face. “Do you want to?” “I…” Fluttershy couldn’t say the words, so looking into Dash’s eyes, she squeaked and nodded. Rainbow Dash leaned in to kiss Fluttershy for the second time. It lacked the surprise of the first, but none of the passion. Rainbow kissed down Fluttershy’s chin and neck. It felt amazing, but Fluttershy noticed Rainbow cringing as she moved further down her. Tenderly, she brought Rainbow’s face back up to her own and into a kiss. “You’re still hurt, Rainbow…” she said sweetly. “Tonight, I’m taking care of you…” “But I’ve always – I should-” “Shhhh.” Fluttershy put a hoof to Rainbow’s lips before kissing down the side of her neck like Rainbow had just done to her. Rainbow squirmed. It didn’t feel right just sitting back and having Fluttershy do this for her. Not after she’d been the one looking out for her ever since they were both fillies. However, all arguments fell flat when weighed against the thudding ache in her chest. “But you don’t know what you’re doing,” she offered weakly. Fluttershy gave Rainbow’s shoulder a light nip and looked up at her. “Do you?” “Of course I do! Kinda. …well, I saw it before. In one of Dad’s magazines.” Fluttershy slowly kissed her way down Rainbow’s chest, taking care not to come near her wounds. “I think I know what I’m supposed to do. Just, um, tell me if anything doesn’t feel right.” Rainbow nodded and slowly Fluttershy placed a trail of kisses down Rainbow Dash’s chest and stomach. As she neared Rainbow’s waistline, Fluttershy could hear her… was friend still the right word?’s breathing deepen. “Friend” just wasn’t good enough, “lover” too cheesy. There had to be the right word for what Rainbow meant to her somewhere, but as Fluttershy nuzzled between Rainbow’s thighs and kissed along the inside of them, the only thing that mattered was how much she cared about the other pegasus and how badly she realized she wanted this. Rainbow bit her lip and closed her eyes. As much as she wanted to stare forever at Fluttershy to reassure herself that this was all real, they closed by instinct. It was so hard to believe that this dream she’d never understood was finally coming true. Holding Fluttershy close to comfort her after chasing off the bullies that plagued her had always stirred something other than friendship within her, but it had never felt safe to ask her mother or father about what it was she was feeling. They had always told her she could tell them anything, but the words felt like a lead weight in her gut, and trying to bring them up was so unpleasant that she just stopped trying. Right now, her best friend – the mare she’d fallen in love with, she realized – was between her legs, kissing and licking her with a passion she never would have expected from so gentle a mare. Suddenly, all the attention to her stopped. Her eyes fluttered open to see Fluttershy looking up at her sadly. “You’re, um, not saying anything. I’m not doing it right, am I?” “Oh, no-” Fluttershy shrank back. “No no no!” Rainbow stammered. “I mean no, you’re doing it great!” Fluttershy looked unsure, so Rainbow bent down and kissed her sweetly on the lips. Her brow furrowed a little and she smacked her lips. “So, that’s what I taste like, huh?” “It’s… different,” Fluttershy admitted, “but not in a bad way,” she added hastily. Rainbow shrugged, chuckling a little. “I think you might be just a little bit biased, ‘Shy.” Rainbow kissed her again. They just looked at each other for several moments, smiling. “So, um… should I… get going again?” Fluttershy asked with a blush and Rainbow found herself scrambling for a response that wouldn’t kill the mood. None came. “Umm… sure. That’d be… nice…” Rainbow grit her teeth. It sounded awful. Thankfully, Fluttershy only giggled and kissed her way back down to Rainbow’s marehood before beginning again. Rainbow Dash leaned back and allowed herself to forget about everything in the world but the sensation. _ With their hooves wrapped around one another, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy fell into sleep like sinking in a warm bathtub. Rainbow found herself trapped in a dream of Pinkie’s final moments. When she awoke crying, Fluttershy was there to comfort her. Author's Note If ya like what you read.... leave a like, comment and follow! :D
Broken bondsGilda realized she was awake long before she managed to open her eyes. Even so, the orange light seeping through her eyelids burned. Everything hurt, as though she had been thrown to the ground and beaten by a mob. It felt like she hadn’t had water for days. She was dimly aware of the vinyl record having long since ended, the player’s needle scratching an endless loop of hisses and pops as it slowly cycled. Next to it, an old photograph of her and Rainbow Dash in front of the flight school office building, posed nonchalantly as though the building behind them meant nothing. She couldn’t look at it right now. Not when I’m like this. She’d probably laugh- agh! Even thinking caused dull pain at the front of her skull. This was going to be a bad one. “Water…” she groaned, barely able to muster anything beyond a whisper. No one was around to hear, and water wouldn’t come on its own. She remembered she threw Swift Justice out last night. Gilda flopped on her side, curling into the fetal position. “Fuuuuuuck…” Gilda couldn’t tell what was worse: the helplessness or the shame that came with being helpless. She wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was independent, tough, didn’t take no shit from nobody. So why did this keep happening? No, Rainbow wouldn’t laugh at me. She was always too soft. I’d laugh at me. This is pathetic. Several hours passed before she felt well enough to haul herself out of bed. Beyond the monotonous hiss of the still-spinning album, she could hear nothing. It was hard to tell whether any given sounds were pops from the record or movement from outside. Voices… why can’t I hear any voices? There wouldn’t necessarily be any footsteps since most gryphons preferred to fly if they had the option, but there would usually be a cavalcade of voices. Stern orders. Hushed complaints. Three hard knocks boomed in rapid succession. “What!?” Gilda snapped, wincing at her own volume. Silence. Was there anything important today that she might have missed? Her memory was too foggy. It was probably Swift, there either to apologize or to try and make her do so. “Swift, if you’re here to apologize, I don’t wanna hear it right now.” Knock. Knock. Knock. “Fuck off. I ain’t in the mood for this.” The knocking intensified, but whoever it was on the other side of the door remained silent. Gilda’s eyes squeezed shut as she yelled through her clenched beak. “Did you hear me? Fuck off! If you wanna get in here, you’ll have to break down the door!” Without a second’s hesitation, a concussive force blew the door off its hinges and across the room, crushing the record player. Three figures loomed in the doorway. They looked like members of the King’s Guard, but there was none of the usual light in their eyes. Like glass dolls, they stared straight ahead rather than at Gilda. “Gilda,” they said flatly. “You will come with us.” Something was clearly wrong. The King’s Guard never got involved unless it was a matter of national security, and last she checked, that didn’t include being depressed and getting drunk, even if it involved missing out on… it was something important. She couldn’t recall. “What for?” she asked, glancing at the broken record player. “I haven’t done anything wrong. If a crime or honor violation has not occurred, the arrested party is owed an explanation,” she paraphrased the regulations she’d been forced to memorize upon signing on. Citing regs never endeared her to anyone, but her rights were her rights, and flexing them was a good way to blow off steam after dealing with Swift. Saying nothing, they advanced upon her slowly. Gilda found herself backing up until she was pressed against the broken door. “H-hey! What do you think you’re doing!?” When they were mere feet away from her, there was no longer any alternative. Grabbing the door, Gilda swung it with all her might toward the nearest guard’s head. It connected with a loud crack accompanied by the wrenching of a breaking neck. He fell in a heap, glassy eyes still open. Gilda winced at the sound. She’d meant only to knock him unconscious, which movie heroes always seemed to manage without error. What was happening? Her life as a guard was over for sure, but everything else was still a mystery. Surprisingly enough, the remaining two did nothing to acknowledge the death of their comrade. They still moved forward undeterred. “C-come on! You want some too?” she shouted, forcing herself to sound confident despite her stomach feeling like it was caught in a taffy puller. She readied the door, and when they were mere steps away from her, she swung again. This time, instead of the sickening, yet satisfying crunch of a well-aimed strike connecting, there was only a muted thunk as they caught the door. For a while, it didn’t budge either way, but with two against one it wasn’t long before they started pushing her back. “Damn it…” she hissed, looking for a way out of this. If she stopped pushing, the door would smash her in the face and likely knock her out. She could try sweeping their legs, but it would be risky, leaving her with only half her leg strength for a while. Without warning, all the force pushing against her vanished and the two King’s Guard slumped to the floor. Gilda dropped the door on them for good measure before taking a look at them. They were dead, arrows protruding from the backs of their heads. “Gilda, are you all right?” Oh no... why’d it have to be him? “Swift?” Swift Justice stood in the doorway, bow lowered and one hand extended as though she should take it. “Come with me. I’ll explain everything on the way,” he said with a slight shortness of breath, as though he’d been waiting his whole life to play hero and rescue a damsel in distress. Unimpressed, Gilda folded her arms. “What makes you think I’d be any safer with you? You all but raped me last night.” Swift’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, that is such-” he caught himself, wiping his forehead and groaning. “We can’t do this now. I’ll apologize or whatever you want once we’re safe, but I think you’ll agree that we have to get out of here. Now.” Apologize or whatever? Asshole. Still, whatever’s going on looks serious. I hate to say it, but I need all the help I can get. “Grr… fine,” Gilda snapped. “Just don’t think this changes anything. I’m still mad at you.” _ “I… I can’t believe it…” Twilight said quietly, barely able to hold her seated position. She wanted to curl up into a ball and scream until she woke up. It would all be some horrible dream. Spike would be cooking breakfast, greeting her with a cheerful good morning as he piled savory greens onto their plates and ground up a few gemstones over his own for flavor. He’d notice her sullen expression and gingerly urge her to recount her dream. “Oh Twilight, that sounds terrible!” he’d say, brushing breakfast aside to wrap her in a warm hug. “Tell you what. Why don’t we save this for later and head over to Sugarcube Corner for treats? I know, I know,” he’d wave off her inevitable objection to having sweets for breakfast. He was always so good at anticipating her responses. “It’s not good breakfast food, but you sound like you could use a cupcake or two.” “So, do you really just want to cheer me up, or do you just want an excuse to skip out on our planned healthy, balanced breakfast?” she’d reply with a knowing wink. “Can’t it be both?” he’d ask with a cherubic smile, and she’d giggle and ruffle the surprisingly soft spines on his head. And they’d go to Sugarcube Corner – it would be a gorgeous sunrise as always – and all of her friends would be there: Dash, Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity. And they’d all be laughing and smiling when they saw her. And none of them would be beaten or bruised. And Fluttershy wouldn’t have scars on her neck. And Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be dead. Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be dead. P-Pinkie Pie wouldn’t be dead! Twilight’s chest hurt, and she realized she’d been sobbing without taking a breath. She had no idea how long. Inhaling sharply, she held the calming oxygen in her lungs for a while before releasing what should have been a slow breath but came out as a howl. “Sh-she can’t be dead! It doesn’t make any sense! I mean… she’s Pinkie! It’s gotta be some kind of lie, some kind of trick!” Applejack placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I wish it was, sugarcube. But if wishes came true, none of us would be in this mess. We need to think about what we can so’s we don’t lose any more of our friends. And… we’ll need to figure out what we’re gonna do with Rainbow Dash,” she added solemnly. Twilight stopped sniffling, looking up at Applejack. “What do you mean by that?” “You saw what she did, Twilight. How are we supposed to trust her now? I mean, if it came between her freedom and killing you, do you think she’d hesitate?” “Of course she would. We’re friends!” “A few days ago, I’da said friends wouldn’t kill each other, no matter what.” Twilight bit her lip. Something about all this still didn’t feel right. She looked over at Rarity, who’d been crying silently with as much dignity as she could muster. “Rarity, what do you think? Something still seems a bit off to me. I know Rainbow Dash can be very competitive, but she’s also the most loyal friend anyone could ask for. It just… doesn’t seem like her.” Rarity wiped her eyes before replying. “I… honestly, I don’t know what to think. All at once, part of me wants to tear Rainbow Dash to pieces for taking Pinkie away from us, part of me can’t believe that she’d ever do such a thing, and part of me just wants to start screaming and never stop.” “I don’t believe she could either, Rarity,” Twilight said with a nod as soon as the other unicorn finished. Applejack huffed. “Why are y’all acting like we didn’t just see what we did? Like it didn’t even happen?” _ Less than an hour before, Discord had appeared before them as a dancing puppet and with his usual glee, conjured an overhead view of the arena on the rear wall of their cell. When they saw Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash walk to the center, all three of them had tensed up, having many hopes but no knowledge of what was going to happen. When Rainbow Dash leaned in toward Pinkie conspiratorially, their hopes had soared. Twilight whispered that they were probably planning some way to escape. It didn’t look like it would be easy, but if anything could solve this problem, it would be Pinkie’s remarkable ability to think outside of the box and Rainbow’s unwillingness to give up. Applejack had reckoned they’d fake a fight and run down the clock. Rarity had countered that there was no clock to run down and sided with Twilight. “This isn’t hoofball, Applejack. We’re not in school, after all.” she’d remarked wittily, and the mood was light all around. It was almost as if two of their friends weren’t in mortal danger. It was easier to pretend they weren’t. When Rainbow Dash pointed to something they couldn’t see on the projection, Twilight started to smile. “She’s noticed something!” she squealed. “They’re going to get out! And then they’re going to come for us, and everything will be okay!” When Rainbow Dash took the knife from its hiding place under her wing, jammed it into Pinkie’s neck, and yanked it across, a multitude of things happened at once. Applejack recoiled as if slapped, the color draining from her face as her mouth hung open. She tried to say something for some time, but gave up, gritting her teeth instead. Veins stood out on her neck and her breath became ragged as her stare bored a hole in the floor, refusing to look at the unfolding scene. Twilight gasped, squeezing her eyes as shut as she could make them before bawling into her hooves. After a second, her eyes snapped open again and she stared at the unfolding scene, unblinking. Rarity screamed, heaving great sobs, then suddenly turning away from her friends and vomiting. On the projection, Rainbow Dash stared upward, directly at them as though she could see them through the various magical channels and arrays. Her voice was icily stoic as she spoke slowly. “If you had to, you’d do it too.” Then the projection disappeared, leaving them to their shock and to their grief. _ “What were ya gonna say, Twilight? ‘Don’t hate the player; hate the game?’ We all know what we saw. Pinkie was scared, looking for help, and Rainbow Dash murdered her. And- and now Fluttershy’s alone with her and I’m scared more than I can say!” “You don’t think she’d hurt Fluttershy, do you?” Twilight balked. She’d been prepared to counter Applejack’s accusation – This is Discord we’re dealing with, the one for whom lies and deceit are part and parcel! - , but they’d been arguing in circles about it for an hour, and the mention of Fluttershy threw her off. “I wouldn’t have thought she’d hurt Pinkie, but I was wrong there.” “But –“ “No buts, Twilight. Yes, I know they’ve been friends the longest of all of us, ever since they were little, but that’s just the problem. Fluttershy practically worships Rainbow. She could tell her anything she liked about what happened and she’d believe it.” Applejack dug at the ground, sighing before looking back into Twilight’s eyes.. “I really do want to believe what you’re saying, Twilight. I want to believe it more than anything, but we have to consider the possibility that Rainbow really is lost to us. And if she is, I’m worried she’ll try and use Fluttershy’s devotion against us somehow.” “Use it against us? Applejack, we’re all just trying to survive. You make it sound like we’re going along with this whole competition idea that we’re trapped in.” Applejack’s answer was cold, and came after a great silence. “Aren’t we, Twilight? Aren’t we?” _ Rainbow Dash was out cold. She’d fallen asleep after they… after it. Fluttershy still could hardly believe it herself. Trying to figure out what to make of everything was just so confusing. She should be happy about having a – was it a girlfriend she had now? She couldn’t say, and Rainbow was too busy sawing logs to offer an opinion – but she couldn’t because of how horrible everything else had been. Even ‘horrible’ didn’t seem sufficient to describe it. The best thing that ever happened to her happened during the worst days of her life. Not to mention they might be the last days, Fluttershy thought with a shudder. Would that be better? To not have to face going on for years and years, waking up every morning to face the constant threat of global devastation now that the Elements of Harmony were useless? Fluttershy traced a hoof around the scar ringing her neck. Would it ever fade? Fluttershy had no illusions of going home and everything returning to normal. With one of the Elements of Harmony dead, there would be no going back to the way things were. Never again would they be called upon to defend the land from a changeling invasion or someone like Nightmare Moon, Discord, or Sombra. Discord… what was there to be done about him? Without the Elements of Harmony, how could he be defeated? She’d thought that befriending him, using whatever emotional core he had left against him to ensure that he behaved, would do some good. Perhaps naively, she’d hoped that the experience of having a friend would engender in Discord a desire for more friends and would eventually bring make him into a happy, healthy member of their society. I couldn’t do it. This… “This is all my fault!” she wailed. “I-I showed him as much kindness as I could, but it wasn’t enough.” She felt a hand on her shoulder, and whipped her head around to see its source. “There there, you poor thing,” Discord mewled like a mother cat. “There’s no need to cry. What’s the expression again? Ah yes: ‘tears are a waste of good sorrow.’ Revel in the experience while you can.” Fluttershy pulled away and shivered. “W-why are you here again? It’s not… it’s not time for another... is it?” Discord laughed. “Oh, no no no. It’s merely time that I reunite the two of you with your other friends. Your isolation seems to have served its purpose.” All the blood drained from Fluttershy’s face. Her lips trembled. “Y-you… saw?” Discord leaned in and patted her head. “Not a word of a whisper nor trick of the tail goes unnoticed by me within these walls, dearest Fluttershy. And you positively reek of sex. You really do need to shower. I suppose I should have built some in. Oh well.” Fluttershy’s face was caught in a twisted mix of embarrassment, fear, and revulsion. “Oh don’t look at me like that. If it makes you feel any better, it was frightfully dull. Pedestrian. Amateurish. But enough of this; it’s time the two of you were off. Go ahead and wake Rainbow Dash. Her snoring is atrocious.” _ The heavy cell door opened to reveal three ponies in not looking at one another. After Applejack’s question, what was there to say? Twilight didn’t want to risk another argument by saying anything. Grief and fear were all too easy to turn into anger and lash out at even one’s closest friends the space of a whisper. Her ears only perked up when she noticed their visitor was “Fluttershy!” Rarity cried, practically leaping across the cell and scooping her up in her hooves. “It’s so good to see you safe!” A second pair of hoofsteps, arrhythmic and slow, signaled the arrival of Fluttershy’s companion. She gazed at Rarity wordlessly. “Oh. And… Rainbow Dash. It’s, um, good to see you too,” Rarity said with a glance back over her shoulder. She saw Twilight tense up a little as they both looked at Applejack. If the latter had noticed the arrival of either pony, she gave no sign of it. “I’m so glad to see both of you,” Twilight said with her first genuine smile of the day, trotting over to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. “Thanks.” Rainbow Dash said without emotion. Fluttershy winced a little at Rainbow’s response, but gave a hug to both Rarity and Twilight. Twilight caught a whiff of something strange on her friend, but immediately regretted it when she sniffed at the air to try and place what it was. Rarity’s vomit, five sweaty ponies, blood, and whatever else that was didn’t make for a pleasant combination. Even the ordinarily luxurious scents of Rarity’s perfumes and shampoos had faded away. “I’m really glad to see all of you,” Fluttershy said quietly. “Not all,” Applejack said with a pointed look at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow’s eyes met hers, but she said nothing. She sat down on the floor. Applejack continued to stare. “Got nothing to say?” “What’s there to say?” Applejack shrugged. “Not much. But ain’t this the part where you beg and plead with us to please understand, because you were only doing what you had to? If you didn’t get her first, she woulda got you, right? Ain’t that the gist of it?” Rainbow blinked. “F-fuck you! What do you know?” “All that I need to. Now wouldja kindly have a in the opposite corner? I don’t mean to be an inconvenience, but I hope you can understand why I don’t want you near me.” Rainbow Dash was shaking, coiling like a spring when Twilight stepped in between them. “Applejack, enough! Now, Rainbow Dash, we saw you and Pinkie fight, but some of us have our doubts about what we saw. Would you please tell us what happened?” Everyone listened intently as Rainbow recounted her version of the events as best she could. Fluttershy had to fill in on several occasions where Dash was too choked up to speak. Twilight and Rarity’s jaws hung open as the story went on. Applejack wore a scrutinous expression, analyzing every detail as it was recited to her. “You’re saying Pinkie tried to kill you first?” Twilight and Rarity said at once, incredulously. Rainbow Dash gulped and nodded. “She… she was crying. Like she didn’t want to do it, but she had to. I have no idea why, and it’s eating me up inside. All I can think of is that Discord had some kind of hold over her, but she wasn’t gray or anything. She was still herself the whole time. And still, she tried to….” Rainbow whimpered, but caught herself. “Oh just quit it,” Applejack spoke for the first time in several minutes. “You’re expecting us to buy that Pinkie lured you in close, then tried to kill you? And you’re just so awesome that you were able to dodge it and take her down? Bullshit.” Rainbow glowered at Applejack before extending her wing and showing off her scar. “I didn’t dodge anything.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than Twilight had her hooves on her inspecting her injuries, emitting a thoughtful “hmm” as she looked over each one in a way that became more and more irritating with every passing second. “Hmm what, Twilight?” Rainbow demanded impatiently. “I was right,” the unicorn said with some unintended smugness as she turned from Rainbow to Applejack. “Come over here. Look at her wounds.” The last thing Applejack wanted to do was get that close to Rainbow Dash, but if there was a chance she might be telling the truth… there was no way Applejack would be able to apologize enough. But that wasn’t the point anyway. She wasn’t telling the truth. Rainbow had a bad habit of lying, embellishing, exaggerating, you name it. Could she ever be forgiven? Maybe, if she fessed up and was actually sorry. Twilight had been right that this was all a horrible, unfair situation where no one could both be a good pony and expect to survive. But still… Applejack made her way across the cell slowly, and was trying to keep an open mind when she caught a whiff of a certain damning scent on Fluttershy, freezing in her tracks with horror as she recognized what it was. “Fluttershy…” she said, voice heavy with a forced calm, “please tell me that smell on you isn’t what I think it is.” Fluttershy’s cheeks lit up like stop lights and she tried to hide behind her mane. “It’s… it’s not what you think it is?” “What do you mean?” Rarity asked, sniffing the air and grimacing when she realized what that scent was. “No…” she gasped. Applejack glared daggers at Rainbow Dash. “It… it just sort of happened,” Fluttershy tried to explain. “Oh, I’ll bet it did,” Applejack growled, advancing on Rainbow Dash. “Not only did you take advantage of the situation with Pinkie, but you took your sob story and you… and you used it to manipulate Fluttershy into… into…” she couldn’t finish, preferring to let her hooves do the talking when it came down to brass tacks. “You cowardly, backstabbing, lying, manipulating rapist!” she screamed, winding up a punch. “Applejack, stop!” Twilight shouted. “No! Don’t!” Fluttershy squealed too late as Applejack’s hoof made contact with Rainbow Dash’s muzzle. Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy all gasped as Rainbow Dash fell to the ground. A thin trickle of blood ran from her reopened lip. “What the hell, AJ? Here I thought we were friends and you go and say that shit and hit me? F-fuck you! You’re in for it now,” she snorted, lowering her head and flaring her good wing. “Stop it! Just stop!” Rarity cried, unsure who to stop and who to protect. “Please,” Fluttershy shouted, “she’s too hurt to fight any more!” “I can take care of myself, Fluttershy!” Rainbow snapped, immediately regretting it. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” she stammered. “It’s okay…” Fluttershy whispered in a tone that said it very much wasn’t okay. “Didn’t mean to what, Rainbow? Hurt another one of your friends? For someone who doesn’t want to, you sure seem to be doing a lot of it these days.” Rainbow Dash leapt at Applejack, her hoof grazing and opening a small gash in her forehead. Immediately, the two of them went to the ground, Rainbow on top trying to hold Applejack’s hooves down. “Why won’t you trust me? Why won’t you listen?” Dash shook Applejack frantically, trying to hold back hot tears for their dying friendship. “We have to stop them,” Twilight said, but felt a hoof on her shoulder. “They’ve stopped hitting each other at least,” Rarity said quietly. “Maybe this is what they needed to clear the air. Let’s hold back for now, but intervene if it starts again.” Rainbow was still yelling. “Listen to me! Why won’t you trust me? Why won’t you just listen?!” Applejack wasn’t moving. “Rainbow, stop! You’ll kill her!” Dash vaguely heard Fluttershy yell. She looked down and realized that she was lying on Applejack’s airway. Immediately, she rolled off and looked guiltily at her friend, who started gasping for air. “Applejack, are you okay? I didn’t mean to-“ A buck to the stomach knocked the rest of what Rainbow was going to say out of her as Applejack struggled to her hooves, bleary-eyed and panting. “You… were gonna… kill me!” “No no no, Applejack. It was an accident.” Rarity said, but Applejack was still recovering from being strangled and in no state to listen. “Try’na… kill me…” Applejack said again. “We saw the whole thing. Now just calm down and-” “I… hate you!” Everything happened at once. Applejack lunged for Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy screamed. Twilight bolted in between them, ready to be the decisive leader they all needed and put an end to this. Before she could understand what was going on, Applejack’s hoof was already screaming through the air at full force. Rather than its intended target, her hoof connected hard with Twilight’s jaw, knocking her to the floor.
