Shadow Dash

Chapters

Something Terrible is Afoot
How Many Fingers am I Holding Up?
After Effects
Down With Rainbow Run-Off
Out of Time
Wanted
Dashie's Back
Another Perspective
Some Time Later
Hell in a Hand Basket

Something Terrible is Afoot

My ears twitched at the sound of breathing. I wasn't sure if it was mine or someone else's. I breathed in deep to make sure.
I turned my head to get a glimpse of my surroundings; I couldn't see anything but darkness. Is this what it was like to be dead? But if I was dead how could I hear myself breathe? A sharp pain in my left hind leg only confirmed I was still alive. Maybe I was asleep? That's when I jerked my head upright, not being able to recall ever going to sleep, I wasn't being able to recall anything for that matter. Like, where I was, what I was doing, how long was I out, or what happened to knock me out in the first place. So many questions were racing through my mind; I started with trying to figure out where I was. I glanced around, wincing in pain at every turn of my neck. I was shocked at what I saw; I could only assume I was sitting outside of what used to be The Rainbow Factory. Steel beams and fires plagued crushed rubble and the area of cloud the factory was sitting on. A busted pipe protruding from the debris spewed bright colors into the sky, but soon evaporated into nothing once they touched the cloud surface below.

I began to run my hoof across my front leg, checking for any injuries that could need immediate attention, while still looking around at the razed factory. When suddenly my hoof stuck in something, I glanced down to see what it was. My eyes widened with fear. Strange black goo had covered most of my foreleg and nearly my entire hoof. I checked myself over to see if any more of the substance was on me. To my surprise, black splotches dotted my back, left hind leg, and most of my tail. I shook my foreleg furiously trying to free it from the goo. But to my dismay it held steadfast. I ran my other hoof down my leg, trying to scrape it off. But it just wouldn't come off. I decided that the goo was nothing more than an annoyance and left it alone for now.That's when I began to think.

What if somepony was trapped under the rubble, and I was just standing here flailing around, leaving them to die?

I soared into the air and headed for the nearest pile of debris. I began to dig in, pushing steel girders and broken planks out of the way. I cringed when I found nothing but empty hard hats and work boots. I flew over to the next pile, then the next, then the next. For a good hour I searched the rubble and found nothing but the same thing, empty hard hats and work boots.

How was I the only survivor? What could have happened here to cause such a mess? I suddenly felt angry. The anger began to rise inside me until I felt like I would erupt. The same questions kept repeating in my mind, how could I be the only survivor? What happened? The more I asked these questions, the angrier I became. What had happened that I couldn't save any of them? I just wanted to fly head long into the nearest thing and smash it to pieces. I couldn't believe all those ponies were gone. Out of nowhere a sharp pain shot up my side, snapping me out of my thoughts. I tried to ignore it, thinking it was probably a sore muscle from the apparent catastrophe that had occurred. Then the pain turned into a burning sensation, starting from my left leg and ending at the edge of my hoof. I glanced back to see what it was, remembering the strange black goo. This stuff was burning me! The burning sensation grew stronger and stronger. It was nearly too much to bear.

"I've gotta get home fast!" I thought, "before this stuff burns a hole through me!"

I bolted through the cloud surface below and flew as fast as I could to my house. I needed to wash this stuff off as fast as possible.

I charged through my front door, not even bothering to close it behind me. I raced to the bathroom and began to run the water, all the while trying to keep moving, as to not focus on the searing pain in my leg. Getting the water to a cool temperature and high enough water level, I jumped in. To my surprise, the burning sensation nearly completely subsided the instant my leg was submerged. I shrugged and began to scrub my legs and hooves anyways, just to make sure all of the goo was washed off. Once I was sure I had completely washed the goo off, I hopped out of the tub. I looked myself over once more, just to be safe. It seemed just a bit too easy to get rid of. Something that caused so much pain and discomfort washed away like mud. I decided to keep an eye on myself, just to make sure it was gone for good.
For all I knew it could pop back up, covering my whole body like Poison Joke. Once I had checked and double checked to make sure the goo was gone, I drained the tub, headed out the door and flew towards town.

Once in Ponyville, I realized how much havoc the factory demise had truly caused. Ponies were running everywhere, screaming about giant explosions and fires of all sorts of colors. I needed to find Twilight and tell her about what had happened that morning. The moment I began to walk towards the library, a voice called out behind me, "Rainbow Dash!"

I turned to see who it was, sure enough it was Twilight.

"Rainbow Dash, I'm so happy to see you're okay, " Twilight stated, giving me a big bear hug.

"Um... thanks," I sputtered out.

"You've been gone for hours; where were you and did you see what happened to the factory?" Twilight asked. I guess I hadn't told her I was going to the factory. I wonder if I told anyone I was going. Why would I go there by myself, did the workers need help with something? And why wasn't Twilight worried about anypony else? And why didn't anypony fly up to the factory to help everypony out. There were so many things I needed to figure out. Twilight is the smartest pony I know. If anyone could figure this stuff out, it would be her.

"Let's head to the library," I instructed her, "we'll talk there."

Author's Note

I got the idea to write this after playing mlf: containment is magic, this is my first fanfic, so bear with me if it's terrible.

How Many Fingers am I Holding Up?

"So you really don't remember anything, and you're sure you didn't see anything that happened to the factory, or anypony that might have done it?" Twilight asked accusingly.

"Nope, I can't even remember waking up this morning, let alone what happened to the factory," I responded.

"Wow, that serious huh?" she said, raising an eyebrow, "You must have taken quite a knock to the head."

She got up from her chair and walked over to me, she began pressing her hoof in various spots of my head and asking me if it hurt when she applied pressure. She then moved her hoof to the center of my head, "Does this hurt?" she asked while mashing down. I flinched in pain. It felt as if she put my head in a vice grip.

"You've got quite a knot there," she said, vanishing into the bathroom, "It will probably take three or four days for you to gain your full memory back, until then I'll wrap this ice pack to your crest to get the swelling to go down."

She placed the ice pack down, causing me to cringe again; I really hoped my head wouldn't be this sore for much longer.

"Did any other pony come back from the factory?" I asked, hoping she would say yes.

"No, in fact..."

"What!" I cut her sentence short, "Then we have to go find them!"

"Rainbow Dash calm down," she said, putting her hoof on my shoulder.

"Calm down!" I exclaimed, throwing her hoof off my shoulder, "How could you expect me to calm down when somepony could be seriously injured." I didn't understand why Twilight was being so passive about this, we needed to go help them.

"Look, Rainbow," she began, "the reason no pony came back is because no pony but you was there today, its Sunday."

Suddenly, a memory rushed back to me and hit me like a ton of bricks. I remembered why I was there. I was going to there to check in on Derpy, she had just been promoted to color screening no more than a few days ago and I wanted to see how she was getting along. But, when I arrived at the factory I remembered it was Sunday, and no pony would be there. I was just about to fly home when I noticed a fire coming from one of the smoke stacks. I was just about to fly over and investigate when the factory suddenly exploded. The force of the blast must have been so strong that it knocked me out and gave me amnesia.

"Twilight, I just remembered something!" I shouted, startling her a bit.

"What, what is it?" she asked, leaning forwards as if she expected me to whisper.

"I remembered why I was at the factory," I exclaimed.

After I told Twilight what I remembered, we sat in silence for a good five minutes. She had just been sitting there rubbing her chin with her hoof, I was becoming very anxious.

"Hmmmm," she finally responded.

"What, what is it?" I asked, now I was leaning forwards.

"Oh, nothing, it just seems that your memory can be jogged with key words," she said," Is there anything else you could tell me?"

That's when I remembered the goo; I can't believe I forgot to tell her about that. I told her all about it, how I woke up outside the factory with it covering me, how it began to burn me after awhile and how easily it washed even though no matter how hard I tried earlier, it just wouldn't come off.

Yet again we sat in silence while she rubbed her chin with her hoof.

Man, I hate trying to talk with eggheads, it's like everything is just so puzzling to them.

"So you say you washed it all off?" she finally responded standing up from her chair again.

"What of it?" I asked, as she began to pace about the room.

"Well, I could have taken a sample to find out what it was exactly, but I guess I'll just have to look for it in my books," she said walking over to the bookcases, she grabbed a book off the shelf, "starting with Jell-o and Other Slimy Substances."

She sat down and began to read, I knew I had lost her. Once she began to read, no pony could break her concentration, even if the world was on fire.

"So... I guess keep me in the loop if you find anything out," I said, opening the door to step out.

"Uh, huh," she responded not removing her eyes from the page she was reading.

She probably didn't hear a word I said, but if I know Twilight, she will probably be itching to tell anypony anything new she learned, so I'll probably find out soon enough anyways.

As I walked out the door, I felt a little strange. I felt, gloomy. But it was a beautiful day outside. Not a cloud in the sky, birds chirping, little fillies playing in the street. The air was just full of the sounds of laughter and other ponies having a good time, yet I felt exhausted and a little depressed. I shrugged it off, maybe I was just tired after spending so much time at Twilight's, eggheads can truly bore you to the brink of depression.

Author's Note

Sorry in advance for this chapter, its way to short and talkative.

After Effects

Several hours had passed since I woke up next to the factory. The other weather ponies had just come back from putting out the fires and turning off the pipeline spewing liquid rainbow. Today I was supposed to give a sonic rainboom demonstration for Ponyville elementary, but after leaving Twilight's I really didn't feel like doing anything. I felt as if all of my energy was being sucked out of me. Maybe it was the bump I took to the head, or maybe all of the stress of the accident was getting to me. Whatever it was I needed to forget about it, my demonstration was in a couple of hours and I needed to practice.

"Okay Rainbow, you can do this," I told myself reassuringly; I had been trying the rainboom for a good half hour now. My wings just didn't want to cooperate. What was wrong with me? Had this whole event really taken that much out of me? I really needed to get it together for the demonstration, Scootaloo was going to be there and she would be counting on me. I snapped my wings to my side and began to plummet to the earth. I was beginning to pick up speed; I could feel the sound cone forming around me. Would I finally breach the sound barrier? I was feeling pretty confident about this run, when suddenly I could feel myself dozing off.

"No, no, not now," I thought to myself. Falling asleep at this speed would be suicide. I tried to keep my eyes open, but my eyelids just felt so heavy. There was a voice in the back of my telling me to give in and just go to sleep. I began to listen when I realized what I was doing. My eyes snapped open just in time to see the ground quickly approaching.

I pulled out of the dive, but the opposing force caused me to go spinning out of control. I was having trouble finding the ground to even myself out. Why was I having such a hard time with this, I ruled this stunt at the Wonderbolts academy. Finally, I found the ground and straightened out, but it was already to late. I felt a hard thud as I went tumbling through the side of somepony's barn. I came crashing to a halt against the other side.

I expected there to be a huge wave of pain, but instead of pain, there was a rush of euphoria. I felt excited, the happiest I've been all day. I wanted to destroy something else; I wanted to smash something to pieces. I didn't even give it a second thought. I took off towards the sky, straight through the roof of the barn. I didn't even care who it belonged to. I soared high into the sky, stopping just below the clouds. Looking down at the barn, my whole body was shaking with excitement. I snapped my wings to my side once more, soaring towards the roof of the barn. This time my body was giving me full support, I was now wide awake. As I grew closer my vision grew more and more funneled. My mind was muddled with how awesome the destruction would be. Just before I crashed through the roof, I blacked out.

When I came to, I was inside the barn. What was left of it anyway, I had left it in shambles. The roof was completely demolished and only bits and pieces of the walls. What had I done?

I reached up to rub my head, but I noticed something strange about my coat. Was it dulling? It didn't look like the original bright blue like it was before. It seemed almost greyish. Something was clearly wrong. I needed to tell Twilight. I was just about to take off towards the library when I remembered my demonstration. Was I even up for it? I was still fueled by the adrenaline from the earlier destruction, but I was worried. I shouldn't enjoy destruction, I really didn't know why causing so much havoc was bringing me joy and I really didn't like it. But I didn't have time to think about it, I couldn't let Scootaloo down.

At the schoolhouse, all of the fillies had gathered in a huge group right next to the playground. I scanned the crowd, and sure enough, there was Scootaloo, front and center. She had worn her Rainbow Dash mane cap and was waving a Go Rainbow Dash flag. I floated down to the crowd, causing an outburst of excitement. It sort of made me blush, who knew I was such a hero?

"Ah, Rainbow Dash, glad you could make it," a voice said behind me.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world Ms. Cherilee," I said waving at the crowd, causing another burst of cheering and shouting.

"Well, whenever you're ready to begin," she said moving next to the crowd of fillies.

I gave her a short nod and took off into the sky. Adrenaline was rushing through my veins, I wanted so bad to fly into something else. But, I knew I had to control those urges, wouldn't want to soil my image. I took a deep breath and counted down from five.

5...

4...

3...

2...

Blast off! I took off like a rocket towards the ground. I heard the crowd chant in excitement.

Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash! I beamed with joy. I started to feel the sound cone form around me. Just a little faster and I would break through. I stuck my hoof out to cut through the air. And that gave me just enough speed to break through. I felt myself shoot forwards, and the explosion of the sonic rainboom behind me.

"You've done it Rainbow," I chuckled to myself.

I awaited the applause and cheers of the fillies, but none came. I turned towards the crowd to see what was wrong. Instead of cheering, all of the ponies below were whispering and pointing, they seemed almost scared. I turned towards what they were looking at.

I was taken aback at what I saw. Instead of bright and beautiful colors, the aura of the sonic rainboom was full of greys, whites and blacks. It was horrifying! As the aura spread across the sky, a shadow was cast on all below. It finally dissipated and returned the skies to normal. Something was clearly wrong with me. But, yet it felt right somehow. As if something inside me was telling me to accept it. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head.

If I could do a sonic rainboom big enough to cast a big enough shadow to make it seem like night, I could destroy as much stuff as I wanted and nopony would know it was me.

I shook the thought out of my mind. Why would I want to do that? This whole destruction thing was getting out of control. I needed to tell Twilight that something was wrong.

I drifted back down to the crowd; they all stared at me worryingly.

"Is everything ok Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked with a hint of fear in her voice.

"Yeah, everything's fine, I'm just not feeling too well," I told her while playfully messing her mane up with my hoof.

"Well, come back and show us another demonstration whenever you're feeling better," Ms. Cherilee said as she began to walk the fillies back to the classroom.

"Sure thing," I called after her.

I took off towards Twilight's; I really hope she could help me out. She had to discover something about that goo by now, I'm sure that's what is causing me to act so strange. I just hope she could figure something out to fix it.

Author's Note

I've decided to just use my original sketches for the illustrations until I can find a program I can color them properly in.

Down With Rainbow Run-Off

Over the course of my flight to Twilights my grew coat grew darker and darker. By the time I reached Sugar Cube Corner it was no longer its previous bright blue, but a light grey. My mane had lost all its color, instead of bright reds and yellows it was now grey and black. I no longer cared about the color of my coat and mane; they were the least of my worries. I was more worried about what I was feeling inside. Everywhere I looked I saw things I could destroy, things I wanted to destroy. I was trying so hard not to just take off towards the nearest house and tear it apart. My body was aching to cause mischief, so much so I started to shake. I flew up higher in hopes that not being able to see Ponyville will take my mind off of destruction. Finally, I reached the library. I touched down in front of the door; it took all the strength I had to just knock on it instead of kicking it in.

"Just a second," I heard Twilight call from inside the library.

"Please hurry, I desperately need your help," I called back to her, trying to keep my gaze off one object for too long.

She began to open the door, "Oh, hello Rainbow I've been meaning to...," she trailed off noticing the state I was in. "What in the name of Celestia happened to you!" she exclaimed covering her mouth with her hoof.

"I really don't know how to explain it, other than I can't seem to control these urges to destroy everything around me, my coat and mane have lost their color, and I think my body is just about ready to give out on it's self," I clambered, I thought it best not to mention the barn I had destroyed earlier in fear Twilight would give me a speech about self control, "now, please tell me you found something out about that strange goo, because I have a feeling that's what's causing this."

Twilight was speechless; it seemed she didn't know how to react to what was happening to me. Finally, she spoke," Um...yeah, I did actually find something out, come inside and I'll tell you all about it."

"Good, I don't know how much longer I can hang on," I exclaimed stepping through the doorway.

Twilight's house was in quite a state, stacks of books were everywhere. She must have been reading these books ever since I left her house earlier this morning, I probably would have given up the search after the first few pages. There was only one book that wasn't in a stack on the floor. It lay open on Twilight's desk. I closed it and read the title, Mare Made Rainbows and You.

"Why is this one out?" I asked flipping through a couple of pages.

"Well, come to find out, your strange goo is the byproduct of hoof made rainbows," she answered, taking the book from me and flipping it to a page with a picture of the rainbow factory on it.

"When the rainbows are made in the factory they produce that strange goo, also known as Anti-color,"
she stated, showing me various images of the process of making rainbows," it can be quite dangerous, as it drains color from anything it remains in contact with over extended periods of time."

"Well, you think!" I exclaimed," look what it's doing to me!"

"Now, see, this is where I'm puzzled," she said closing the book and placing it on the stack nearest to her," Anti-color is only dangerous when it remains in contact with something for too long, you say you washed it off within an hour of you finding it on your person."

She began to look me over," Do you mind if I get a blood sample, I may just have a hunch as to why this happening to you," she said, bending my foreleg.

"Sure, whatever you can do to help me," I responded.

Twilight walked into the bathroom and returned shortly with a rubber band and a needle.

"Do not worry, this will only pinch a bit," she said as she tied the rubber band around my leg.

"What, do you think I'm some little filly, I've gotten shots before!" I exclaimed.

I closed my eyes as she began to slide the needle in, I could hear her chuckle at me.

"I just don't like the sight of blood," I said nervously.

"There we're all done," she said reassuringly," now to test my theory."

She walked over to her desk, moved her lamp to the center and held the needle under the light.

"What are you doing?" I asked walking over to her to get a better look.

"I'm testing your blood for Anti-color, it's actually clear, but turns black when submitted to light," she said rotating the needle under the lamp.

I watched in awe as my blood turned from auburn to pitch black.

"Just as I figured," she said, disposing of the needle in toxic waste basket next to her desk," do you recall how long you sat in the tub when you washed the Anti-color off?"

"Um... a couple of minutes," I said, a bit confused,"why?"

"It appears that when you washed it off and remained in the tub with it, it was absorbed into your blood stream through you skin," she answered undoing the rubber band around my leg and then throwing it away as well.

"So... what does that mean?" I asked, I was beginning to think that all of this was just some weird dream; I really don't see how the left over stuff from rainbows was causing all of these changes in me.

"Well in theory, when the Anti-color came in contact with your blood stream, it began sapping your color, but it also started purging your energy," she said walking over to her chair and sitting down," it must have gained more energy than it needed, seeing as to how you're the most energetic pony in Ponyville behind Pinkie Pie, it started developing its own consciousness."

"I still don't understand my sudden destructiveness," I said trying to comprehend what Twilight was telling me.

"I suppose that when the Anti-color became its own entity it realized how powerful you truly were, and how much energy you use when adrenaline pumps through your body, so it sends signals to your brain to pump the same adrenaline you get when doing stunts but, instead when you have your bouts of destructiveness," Twilight stated rather as-a-matter-of-factly," it must truly be a rather evil substance."

"So what does that mean for me?" I asked with a huge lump in my throat, if I wasn't in the presence of Twilight I might have started to cry.

" I'm going to guess that if you continue to destroy things, the Anti-color will have the passage it needs to gain complete control over your body," she said, I think she was starting to tear up.

"Do you think you could make a cure?" I asked.

"Well, yes," she answered wearily," but I would need a fresh sample of Anti-color untainted by your blood and not submitted to light to find out its chemical balance to find the best way to rid your body of it."

"The only place to get that is at The Rainbow Factory," I stated," but it's still under construction, I don't even think it's operational at the moment."

"There's only one way to find out," she said gathering up her saddle bags and as many beakers and labels as it would carry.

It was sundown by the time we reached the factory. I was kind of glad; it felt like today would never end. I hovered over the area of cloud the factory was on and sat Twilight down. I had carried her all the way from her house; I don't know why she didn't just use the balloon. Maybe she did it to keep my mind off of destruction, because I could barely think about flying straight with a fifty pound horse in my grip let alone anything else.

Just as we began to walk up to the factory a group of construction workers walked over to us, there was no way they would let us just walk in and get samples of Anti-color.

"We're hooped," I whispered in Twilight's ear.

"Shhh...," she said out of the corner of her mouth," good evening sirs."

"And a fine evening to you to ma'am," the front construction worker replied tipping his hard hat to us," now, what can I do fer ya."

"We were just wondering, if the factory is operational of course, if we could get a few samples of Anti-color?" Twilight asked rather cheerfully.

"Well, most of the factory is still under construction, but it's your lucky day, the rainbow room is fully operational," one of the other workers began," and since you were so nice I'll give you thirty minutes to gather as many samples as you can."

"Thank you so very much," Twilight exclaimed shaking all of the workers hooves," thirty minutes is plenty of time, we will be out in a jiffy."

"You were rather chipper," I confronted Twilight inside the factory.

"If there is anything Fluttershy has taught me, is that it never hurts to show a little kindness," she said holding her head up high.

"Well, Ms. Kindness, let's hurry up and get those samples so we can find a cure for demon goo inside me," I stated
The construction worker outside wasn't lying about the factory still being under construction. Bits and pieces of cloud were missing from the walls and ceiling. There were ladders and power tools everywhere. And the entire factory smelled of adhesive. We walked into the rainbow room and sure enough, the machines were running at full capacity. I began to think, how cool would it be to make my own rainbow without having to surpass the speed of sound. I've always heard the tales about how they brought the fillies who failed their flight exams here and they were then ground into rainbows, there were even accusations that I was the one doing the grinding. I shuttered at the idea, I couldn't imagine doing that to those poor fillies. We walked over to the nearest construction worker and asked him if he could make a rainbow of us. He glared at us for a few seconds then replied he was to busy, but he would gladly tell us how to do it ourselves.

"First, you take the bottles of color from that shelf there and pour them into the funnel on top of the machine," he said pointing at the various bottles of color stacked neatly on the shelf across from us," it really doesn't matter which order you put them in, each of the colors viscosity is higher than the other, they pretty much form the rainbow themselves."

Next, flip this switch when it begins to flash red," he continued," and then the rainbows should come out of this end here and the Anti-color comes out of the vent in the back."

He didn't even wait for us to ask any questions, he just walked off as soon as he was done.

"I guess he trusts us enough to do this without supervision,"Twilight said with a shrug as she began to pour the bottles of color into the funnel.

"I guess so," I responded helping her pour the color in," maybe should put a bucket under the vent to catch the Anti-color because it appears that it comes out and just goes down the drain, I really don't want have to do this again."

"You're right; it would be just the worst possible thing to have to spend another five minutes pouring color into a funnel and pushing a flashing button a second time," Twilight retorted rather sarcastically moving a bucket under the vent.

I rolled my eyes and pushed the red flashing button. I watched as the machine began to shake and shutter. Liquid rainbow began to pour from the machine and into a vat on a floor below. Twilight and I walked to the back of the machine and watched the Anti-color come out. It was actually quite fascinating to see. It came out clear, but as soon as it came in contact with light, it immediately turned black.

After gathering at least twenty tubes of Anti-color Twilight and I were just about to head home when one of the construction workers from earlier stopped us.

"You know I just realized something," he said walking over to us.

This is it, he's going to want to know what we need the Anti-color for, and if I tell him the truth he will call Celestias royal guard and they will put me away for destruction of private property.

"She's not a pegasus," he said pointing at Twilight," how is it she can stand on the clouds?"

"Well, you see, I'm a unicorn," she said holding her head up high again," I used a magic spell that granted me the ability to stand on clouds for a short period of time."

"No foolin!" he exclaimed," can you cast that spell on any creature."

"I suppose so, I've never tried it, but i ima-," I cur her sentence short.

"I would really hate to cut this magic lesson short, but I have something evil dwelling inside me that we kind of need to get rid of," I said grabbing Twilights hoof to fly off.

"You must've had the Belly Buster from Taco Chime, I feel your pain sister," the worker called out after me.

It was at least ten at night by the time we finally made it back to Twilights, I was beginning to think the Anti-color had lost its control over me. I hadn't had the urge to destroy anything since I left for the rainbow factory that evening, might as well let Twilight make the cure anyways, just in case.

"Well," I said with a yawn," I'm beat."

"Yeah, me too," she said yawning as well," you head home, I should have the cure ready for you in the morning.

I nodded to her in agreement and walked out the door. Hopefully by morning I won't need it.

The next morning, I felt great. As if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I raised up in bed to stretch then through the covers off of me and walked over to the mirror to look myself over. My coat was now black as pitch and my mane was dull of all luster it once held. The old me was now no more than a memory, and I was glad to be rid of her, she was holding me back. I let a fiendish smile creep onto my face, today was doing to be a great day for destruction.

Author's Note

To all reasonably well vector artists out there, I was wondering if one of you would be kind enough to do a proper recreation of my cover image. I really don't have anything to offer you but a well deserved thank you. If you wish to do so you can find the image on deviantart under Shadow Dash cover, once complete you may email it back to me at scby972@gmail.com, many thanks, lordcurly972.

Out of Time

Twilight had stayed up all night working on the cure and had gotten nowhere. She just couldn't figure out what the Anti-color was weakest against, and the thought of sleep was beginning to feel quite comforting. She was just about to doze off when she heard a loud crash from outside. She bolted from her chair and ran over to the window to investigate. She arrived at the window just in time to see a fruit cart go hurtling past it. The cart came crashing down in the yard opposite the library.

"What in the wide world of Equestria is going on out there!" Twilight exclaimed.

She left the window and went towards the door. She was just about to leave when a huge boulder came crashing through the roof of the library.

"What the heck!" she shouted, avoiding death by only a few seconds.

Twilight glanced through the hole in her ceiling just as a black streak whizzed by.

"Oh, no," she clambered," it can't be."

Twilight quickly ran outside in hopes that she was wrong. But to her dismay at the end of the street floated a pitch black pegasus with a grey streaked mane. The pegasus flew under another fruit cart and hurled it through the nearest shop window.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight called out," you have to stop; this isn't you!"

She turned towards Twilight and let out menacing laugh and then flew away.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash, I pray I can help you," Twilight sighed as she retreated back into her house to continue work on the cure.

I was having the time of my life. Being able to destroy anything I wanted and no pony being able to stop me. I felt so powerful I could probably toss a vegetable stand half the length of a football field. I should have been possessed by an evil entity years ago. I continued to wreak havoc, destroying as many houses as I could by just flying trough them. As I continued my destruction I heard the cries of panic and terror as I passed, and it just fueled my destructiveness even more. I took off towards town hall in search of something bigger to demolish.

I was just about to fly through the roof of town hall when I heard shouts of anger from behind me. I turned to see an angry mob had formed and was marching up the street towards me. It was kind of funny that they thought they could get me to stop by grouping together, it just made them that more of a vulnerable target, I decided to humor them though and let them work up the courage to confront me.

"Rainbow Dash!" Mayor Mare shouted from the front of the mob, I could tell she was terrified," I really don't know what has gotten into you since yesterday, but you're scaring us."

I rolled my eyes," I haven't hurt anypony, I don't see why you're getting so flank hurt over this, you could see how fun it truly is if you would just join me."

"As much fun as it sounds, it really hurts me to have to ask you this," she said," but if you continue to destroy all of our homes and businesses I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

This enraged me; she dared to have the gall to give me an ultimatum. If only she knew how powerful I had become, she might have done things a bit differently and accepted my offer.

"So, if I continue to destroy things you're going to kick me out of Ponyville?" I asked.

"I'm afraid so," some other pony said from inside the crowd," we really hate to have to ask you, you were our friend."

"Well, if that's the way you feel," I said as I took off into the sky, I could hear the crowd erupt in cheers believing they had succeeded. I flew up higher until I was sure the crowd could no longer see me. I snapped my wings to my side and flew head long towards the ground just in front of them. As I came into their view I heard the cheering cease and turn into mutters of confusion and terror. By the time they realized what I was doing, it was already too late. I came down hard on all fours sending out a massive shockwave knocking the crowd in various directions. I walked slowly through the mass of ponies lying on the ground until I came upon Mayer Mare. I crouched down and lifted her head up making sure she was awake to hear me.

"You want me out of town?" I asked," then stop me."

"But I thought you said if she stopped destroying things she would be fine?" Applejack asked," this does't look like she's fine to me."

Twilight had gathered all of the other elements of harmony in the library and explained what had happened the previous day.

"Yeah, she's become a big meanie mean pants!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed," she flew through Sugar Cube Corner this morning and smashed all of the cakes. Who does that? Everyone loves cake!"

"The Anti-color must have gained access to her brain," Twilight began," instead of the Anti-color needing her to destroy things to get her body to pump it throughout her, it just needed time for her body's defenses to drop before it could gain complete control. If only I could finish the cure!"

"Well, what's the hold up?" Applejack asked," get it finished and let's go save Rainbow!"

"It's not that simple, I can't seem to figure out what the Anti-color is weakest against," Twilight followed," I've tried everything from household objects to the ingredients found in Super Natural Remedies, I just can't find anything to destroy the Anti-color."

"Can't you just cast that memory spell on her you used on us when Discord got into our heads?" Rarity asked.

"No, she still remembers all of us and the meaning of friendship," Twilight retorted," she just doesn't care what she is doing is wrong."

"We've got to think of something," Fluttershy stated beginning to cry," I want my friend Rainbow Dash back."

"We all do darlin'," Applejack said putting a hoof on Fluttershys shoulder to comfort her," and we'll figure something out, don't you worry."

I flew throughout Ponyville looking for something else to destroy, but everything was already demolished, I was just about to fly towards Canterlot to begin there when I noticed one building that remained standing amongst all the wreckage, Twilights house. I flew as fast as I could into the side of the great tree and came crashing through into the inside.

"What in the hay!" I heard somepony call out, I knew that voice.

"Oh, hey Applejack. What's up?" I asked whipping the dust off my wings.

"I could ask you the same thing," Applejack responded," what do you think you are doing destroying everyponys homes and businesses like this?"

"Ah, come on, not you guys too," I said rolling my eyes again," it's just a good bit of fun, Mayor Mare seems to be okay with it."

"Look, Rainbow let us help you," Rarity stated," this isn't you; you wouldn't hurt the ones you love like this."

"You guys are going to have to just accept the new me," I stated," I like being this way, I'm much faster, stronger and check out this sweet black coat."

"I know right!" Pinkie Pie shouted.

The others all glared at Pinkie Pie," What? It is a pretty slick coat," she responded, slinking back into a corner.

"Rainbow, either you come quietly or we use force," Applejack said slowly approaching me.

"I guess you're right," I said lowering my head," this isn't me."

"That's it," Applejack said reaching out for my," let me help you."

"But it's the new me!" I shouted as I turned around and bucked Applejack hard in the chest. She went sailing across the room and came crashing to a halt against a bookcase, books poured off the shelf and buried Applejack beneath them.

"Applejack!" the others cried out to her as they ran over to help.

"And let that be a lesson to the rest of you!" I shouted as I got ready to take off," don't you ever try and stop me again or your fate will be much worse than Applejacks!"

I took off through the hole I had left earlier in search of something else to destroy.

"She packs quite a wallop, might have to get her to help buck the apples this year," Applejack joked as she placed an ice pack to her chest.

"You may feel the need to make light of the situation, but I hardly think this is a laughing matter, our friend has been turned into a monster," Rarity stated pacing back in forth.

"I want Rainbow Dash back!" Fluttershy screamed as she started to cry.

"As do I. I just hop we can figure something out before it's too late," Twilight stated as she stared out of the hole in her ceiling into the darkening sky.

Wanted

"Mayor Mare, please listen to reason," Twilight pleaded. Mayor Mare and the other ponies on the board of trustees had gathered at her house and instructed her on their plans to deal with Rainbow Dash.

"I'm sorry Twilight, but this has gotten way out of hoof, all of our homes and businesses have been completely demolished, it will take weeks to rebuild," Mayor Mare responded, "action has to be taken, Celestia needs to be notified."

"But you don't understand, when Celestia finds out what Rainbow Dash has done to Ponyville she will have her arrested and I will never be able to cure her of what is possessing her," Twilight explained, "just give us a couple of hours and I'm sure we will have this whole thing resolved."

"I'm sorry, but you have until the princess arrives, now good day," Mayor Mare said as she and the other delegates left Twilights home.

Twilight returned to the other elements of harmony, who had been sitting quietly in her study while she talked with the board of trustees.

"Well, what did they say?" Applejack asked.

"Mayor Mare instructed me that we have until Celestia arrives later today to cure Rainbow," Twilight answered hanging her head.

"But the journey from Canterlot to here will only take her about an hour at most," Rarity responded jumping up from her seat.

"Then we will just have to try our hardest with what little time we have," Twilight stated, "gather up your elements girls, looks like we are going to have to confront Rainbow once again, judging by the way she reacted the last time and the warning she gave us, we're going to have to force her to come with us."

"But I don't know if I could fight with Rainbow," Fluttershy stated timidly, "she's a lot stronger than me not to mention faster. There is no way I could beat her."

"I know it's going to be difficult Fluttershy," Twilight responded placing her crown in a saddlebag, "but it's for her own good."

Fluttershy nodded and tried to appear brave, everypony put on such a facade. But, each knew this was going to be difficult, after all this was one of their dearest friends, and if they didn't act fast enough there would be no hope in reforming her.

"Twilight, I've been meaning to ask you," Pinkie Pie began, "why did we bring the elements, without Rainbow Dash they're as useful as using a fork to eat melted ice cream or a knife to eat birthday cake."

"Dumb hope I suppose," Twilight answered somberly, she was beginning to doubt that they will ever see Rainbow as her old self again.

After moments of silent walking and moping they finally reached an area of Ponyville where the destruction appeared its heaviest.

"Wow!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, "looks like a tornado tore through here and then an earthquake hit directly afterwards!"

"You said it," Applejack responded looking around at what used to be the market district of Ponyville, "Rainbow sure did a number on this area."

They continued walking aimlessly through the wreckage until finally they heard a loud bang and saw a large cloud of smoke rise up from the ground in the distance. They all knew what caused it and quickly took off towards it to investigate.

It had been about two hours since my confrontation with the rest of the gang and I was just about done with Ponyville. I had destroyed everything and then destroyed it again! I was just biding my time with frivolous games until I got bored with those as well. I flew down and grabbed up one of the many demolished food stands. "I wonder how far I could throw this?" I thought out loud.

I was just about to throw the stand when I heard a voice call out below me.

"I'd bet at least a quarter of a mile," Pinkie Pie answered.

Everypony glared at her, "What? She asked."

"So, you guys finally decide to join in on the fun?" I asked throwing the stand; it came down with a loud crash about a quarter of a mile away.

"Actually, we've come to try and talk some sense into ya," Applejack said admiring Rainbows throw and Pinkie Pies accuracy, "Mayor Mare just sent a letter to Celestia and if you don't cool you jets she's going to lock you up."

"So, Mayor Mares idea of stopping me is tattling to Princess Celestia," I said flying down to talk to the girls better, "probably not her best idea, but still better than her last plan to get me out of Ponyville."

"Listen Rainbow," Applejack began, "we all love you too much to let you become this, so why don't you jus' give up the ghost and let us help change you back to your good ol' self."

Applejack reached out for my hoof again, "So, you guys are still at that huh?"

"Look, if Celestia sends you to jail, the hopes of me finding a cure for you go out the window," Twilight retorted.

"You guys just don't get it do you!" I shouted, "I don't want to be cured, this is the new me, and if Celestia wants to tussle, then so be it, why can't you guys just accept that!?"

"Because, you're turning into a villain!" Fluttershy shouted back, "the Rainbow Dash I knew wouldn't want to pick fights with the Princess, plus you've demolished all of our homes, tore down our businesses and scared off all of my animal friends. But, worst of all, I don't know who you are any more. It terrifies me to lose you as a friend and have to gain another enemy in your place! I just want my old friend Rainbow back."

I was taken aback by this, all of this rage and passion coming out of Fluttershy? Admittedly, my heart sank a little. I knew the look on my face had gone from menacing to somber and I'm sure everypony else noticed it too, especially Twilight. I quickly shook it off.

"Sorry, no dice, the old Rainbow Dash is dead," I said turning my back to them, "I like being a villain, it's more fun this way."

We stood there in silence morning our broken friendship for I don't know how long; I was just about to fly off when somepony took me by surprise. I felt them jump on my back, knocking me to the ground and then pinning my hooves down in front of me.

"You may be willing to accept this as the new you, but I can tell you right now missy, the rest of ain't gonna just roll over and take this in stride," Applejack said, "Twilight get me my rope."

"You think a bit of rope is going to keep me restrained!" I shouted, "I've punched through trees thicker than that!"

"Oh, hush now and let us turn you back to your nice, old self again," Applejack responded," Pinkie, you and Rarity hold her down while I hog tie 'er."

Pinkie Pie and Rarity held my front hooves down as Applejack reached for her rope; I saw my chance of escape. Just as Applejack grabbed her rope I lurched my back upwards causing her to lose her balance and fall onto her back. I then yanked my front hooves closer together causing Rarity and Pinkie to bash heads.

"You guys are pathetic, were you even trying?"

I was just about to take off again when I heard a high pitched primal scream from behind me. I turned around just in time to see Fluttershy pounce on my back.

"I will not let you become this!" she screamed as me went hurtling into a pile of debris.

Although a little dazed, I regained by bearings enough to throw her off me. I began to step out of the debris when I felt somepony grab hold of my hind leg.

"No you don't!" Pinkie Pie screamed latching tighter to my leg.

I tried to kick her off but was soon tackled by Fluttershy again.

"That's it! You guys got 'er," Applejack said galloping over to us with her rope.

"You guys are really starting to make me mad," I said struggling to get Fluttershy off of me again.

I kicked furiously finally making contact with Pinkie's head. She let out a yelp of pain and her grasp fell from my leg as she rubbed the impact point on her head. I bucked Fluttershy off my back once and got back onto my feet.

"Is that all you got?!" I huffed.

"Rainbow, please, we're just trying to help you," Twilight said.

I had had just about enough of this, and I knew just how to end it. I walked over to Twilight, "You want to help me?"

She nodded in agreement. I shrugged and threw my foreleg around her neck and took off into the air lifting her up with me.

I flew higher and higher into the sky; I could feel Twilights grip tightening around my foreleg to make sure she wouldn't fall.

I stopped about mid-sky and noticed a crowd had gathered to witness the struggle between once good friends.

"Let this be a lesson to all of you," I shouted to the crowd.

"Rainbow please, I know you're in there, don't do this," Twilight pleaded beginning to cry.

"If anypony tries to stop me again, your fates will all be the same," I continued, "met only with death."

As I began to loosen my grip on Twilights throat I heard somepony shout out to me from the crowd below, "Rainbow Dash stop!"

"What now?" I exclaimed tightening my grip once more. I heard Twilight let out a sigh of relief.

I scanned the crowd for who had called out until my eyes met with a pony stepping forward. A smile spread across my face. What could she possibly do to stop me?

Author's Note

Sorry about this chapters delay. I've just been a bit busy with work.

Dashie's Back

"Rainbow Dash, don't do it!" Scootaloo shouted, "I know you wouldn't want to hurt your friends, and I know you're still in there, the real you, not this monster you've become."

Scootaloo stepped forward even more; she didn't seem to be swayed by how apposing I was. Too bad I would have to break her little heart by showing her the old Rainbow Dash wasn't coming back.

"Kid, I'd hate to break it to ya but the old Rainbow Dash is dead, I was weak then," I told her, "always worrying about 'friendship' and 'love'. Now I'm free to do what I please."

I still had Twilight by the throat. She had a death grip on my leg and her breathing was growing more and more panicked.

"Oh, calm down!" I shouted at her, "You might not feel anything."

"Couldn't you just let me go and forgive and forget?" Twilight pleaded.

"No, if I let you go then that will make me look weak in front of the other ponies," I instructed her, "I can't have them thinking they may have a chance."

I was just about to attempt to drop Twilight again when Scootaloo shouted at me to stop again.

"Come on squirt, give it up," I sighed, "you're just delaying Twilight's death. It would've been over several minutes ago. But no! Now she's hyperventilating and looks as if she may have a heart attack."

"Please Rainbow Dash, stop this!" Scootaloo exclaimed crying now, "remember what friendship used to mean to you. Remember what I used to mean to you. You took me under your wing; I idolized you, you were the coolest pony and bravest pony I've ever met and yet you put time aside to treat me like your little sister, and to show me what it was like to have a big sister. So, no! I will not let you become this! I know the real is you is there somewhere, you just need to let her back out. And I know just the way to bring her back."

She crouched down and began to flap her wings furiously. The poor little things were flapping ninety miles an hour, but couldn't even lift her off the ground.

"Look kid, you're going to hurt yourself," I said.

But she continued flapping. She began to pick up speed, giving it all she had. Sweat began to pour down her face, drenching her mane.

"Seriously, stop," I instructed her, "you're embarrassing..."

My sentence was cut short as I watched in awe while she began to float off the ground. She floated higher until she was eye level with me. Though she was in the air, it was taking all she had to stay afloat.

"How about this," she panted, "pretty cool huh?"

My heart began to grow heavy with pride. I couldn't believe it, Scootaloo was flying. I felt tears streak down my face. She was really flying! Barely, but she was doing it. I got so caught up in the moment I forgot for I was supposed to be evil. I shook off the joy off the joy I felt and returned to my previous attitude.

"Pfff," I scoffed, "you think that just because you showed me you could 'fly' that it would bring the old Rainbow back, then you're denser than I thought."

"Oh, me flying wasn't the plan," she replied with a fearful smirk, still struggling to keep her current elevation, "this is just the start."

She snapped her wings to her side and closed her eyes. I turned my head away as she began to fall to the earth. I looked back as she picked up speed.

"She won't do it," I thought, "She will open her wings before she hits the ground."

I continued watching, growing more and more worried, as she grew closer and closer to the ground.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight screamed, "Do something!"

"Fluttershy catch!" I shouted releasing Twilight and taking off like a rocket towards Scootaloo.

"Oh my," Fluttershy exclaimed as she flew up and caught Twilight in the air.

I flew as fast as I could towards Scootaloo, but no matter how fast I flew I wouldn't be able to catch up to her in time. I had waited too long. I watched in horror as Scootaloo made contact with the ground.

"No!" I screamed, tears rushing down my face. I picked up speed and zoomed towards the impact zone.

A crowd had already gathered around Scootaloo. They stepped back as I floated down next her. She lay in a divot in the ground, most likely created by the force of her impact. I got down on my knees and lifted her limp body towards me. I sobbed as I held her next to me.

"What have I done!" I wailed, "Scootaloo, I'm so sorry!"

I continued to cry as I clutched Scootaloo tightly over my shoulder and began to rock back and forth.

"I'm so sorry," I repeated as Twilight and the rest of the girls walked over to me, "I'm so sorry to all of you."

"It's okay Rainbow Dash, it wasn't your fault," Twilight said, "you were possessed."

"But I gave into the urges, I could have resisted," I replied still clutching Scootaloo tightly against me.

I sat there on my knees for I don't know how long. Just crying and rocking Scootaloo in my arms. But a faint breathing caused my ears to twitch. I stopped rocking and pressed my ear to Scootaloo's chest. I could hear faint breathing and a troubled heartbeat.

"She's alive!" I shouted, "But we need to get her to a hospital a fast!"

I took off into the air towards the hospital but was soon stopped by Twilight, "You destroyed the hospital in Ponyville remember."

My heart sank; it was all my fault. I was going to lose the closest pony I ever had to a little sister and it was all my fault. I hung my head and began rocking Scootaloo again when I recalled Canterlot had a hospital. I jerked my head up and lifted my spirits, there was still a chance to save Scootaloo.

"How long do you think she has? I asked Twilight excitedly.

She was a bit surprised by my sudden excited disposition. She walked over to me and began to lightly press her hoof against Scootaloo's chest and then bent over to listen to hear heartbeat.

"Her heartbeat is sporadic, and she has several broken ribs, it also appears one of her ribs may have punctured one of her lungs. She may be suffering from serious internal bleeding," Twilight exclaimed.

"I didn't ask for a full diagnostic!" I snapped at Twilight, " I just want to know how long I have to get her help."

"She may only have forty five minutes to live," Twilight said somberly, "what are you planning?"

"I'm going to fly her to the Canterlot hospital, I refuse to let my actions be the death of the only pony that truly looked up to me," I responded.

No pony said anything else, Twilight just nodded in approval I clutched Scootaloo tightly to my chest and took off as fast as I've ever flown towards Canterlot. I was flying so fast I caused a sonic rainboom in half the time it normally took me. I looked back at the rainboom and was shocked. It was back to normal. Not only that, it was the brightest rainboom I had ever seen. It streaked across the dark sky, completely wiping the grey clouds away and letting the sun shine through. As I admired the beauty of the bright colors spreading out across the land I noticed the color returning to my coat and mane. I was back, I turned back towards my heading and zoomed forward's. It felt good to be back.

I burst through the doors of the Canterlot hospital within thirty minutes of me leaving Ponyville.

"I have somepony who needs medical attention!" I shouted for anypony to hear me.

A nurse hurried over to me and put a stethoscope to her chest. She listened for a couple of seconds then jerked her head upright and called for the doctor and a gurney. A doctor came out of the nearest doorway wheeling a gurney and came over to Scootaloo and me. The nurse whispered something in the doctors ear and the doctor took Scootaloo from me and place her on the gurney.

"We need to get this filly to an operating room stat!" the doctor shouted as they begn to wheel her away.

"Wait, what's wrong!" I shouted after them. I cringed at the thought of Scootaloo being operated on. I began to run after them when somepony grabbed my sholder and stopped me.

"Rainbow Dash?" he asked.

"Yeah," I answered, "What's it to ya?"

He moved my forelegs behind my back and cuffed them there.

"You're under arrest for the destruction of Ponyville."

"Please wait," I cried out, "I need to be here for her!"

As he began to read me my rights I thought of all the wrong I had done. All of the heartache I had caused to the citizens of Ponyville and to myself as well. I deserved to go to jail for however long Celestia thought was best. But I needed Scootaloo to know I tried to be there for her and that I was sorry. As the officer began to walk me out the door I turned to him, "Could you do something for me?"

"What is it you need ma'am," he asked pausing in the doorway.

"There is a filly at this hospital named Scootaloo, I need her to know that I'm sorry for all the pain I caused her and that I'm sorry she risked her life to return me to my normal self, I know it may sound crazy to you, but I really need her to know this," I explained, "do you think you could tell her for me? It would mean a lot to me."

The officer stared at me and must have noticed the sincerity on my face, he let a smile cross his face, "Sure thing, no problem."

He walked me out the door towards the police car. Everyone in the hospital stared shockingly at me as I climbed in the back of the police car. I stared out the window at the hospital and wished Scootaloo well one last time for who knows how long.

Author's Note

I decided not to add an illustration to this chapter, because I couldn't think of anything to draw that wouldn't spoil what happens.

Another Perspective

"Doctor, I think the patient is fainally waking," Scootaloo heard as she began to stir from her sleep.
Patient? Where was she? The last thing she remembered was going unconscious while falling trying to revert Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo jerked up right, causing a wave of pain to rush through her body.

"Easy now," a nurse said, "You will probably be sore for a couple of days, you just went through a major surgery."

Scootaloo rubbed her side, feeling the gauze and surgical tape.

"I do have some bad news though," the nurse continued, "due to serious injuries to your spine you have lost all feeling in your wings, you may never fly again."

"I couldn't fly that well anyways," Scootaloo said with a weak chuckle. Although, she was kind of sad. She had really hoped that with age she would eventually fly as well as Rainbow Dash, at least she got to fly once in her life.

The nurse smiled, "I'm glad to see you have such a positive outlook on all this, keep thinking that way and you'll be better in no time."

The nurse turned to walk out the door but Scootaloo stopped her.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but do you know how I got here?" Scootaloo asked.

"You're no bother at all, and I believe a bright blue pegasus with a rainbow mane brought you here," she answered, "good thing she got you here when she did, you were barely hanging on when you arrived."

"Yes! It worked," Scootaloo thought, "not being able to fly is well worth Rainbow being back to her old self again."

"That's Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo exclaimed, "Do you know it she is till here?"

The nurse was just about to answer when a police officer walked into the room with a doctor.

"See, I told you she was awake," the doctor said to the officer, then grabbing Scootaloos medical chart and leaving the room.

"I heard you asking for Rainbow Dash," the officer stated, sitting in a chair next to Scootaloos bed, "I'm afraid I have some bad news."

"What!? What's wrong?! Is Rainbow okay?!" Scootaloo exclaimed jerking upright once more, sending another wave of pain down her side.

The nurse gently laid her back against the pillow and the officer continued.

"She's fine," the officer said, "but she has been arrested for the destruction of Ponyville."

Scootaloos heart sank, she couldn't believe it.

"But, before she was arrested, she wanted me to tell you that she was sorry for all the pain she brought to you and that she would have been here by your side if she could," the officer said placing his hoof on Scootaloos.

What he told her comforted her a little. She knew Rainbow Dash was sorry and she knew Rainbow wouldn't have left her side for one moment. Scootaloo was overcome with joy, so much so she began to cry.

The officer patted her hoof once more and got up to leave, "If you're feeling up to it, her trial is going to be held this afternoon, if you would wish to attend I could come by this afternoon around one o'clock to pick you up."

Scootaloo thought about this a moment. She didn't know if she could bear to watch Rainbow Dash get locked away, but if Rainbow saw that she was okay it might brighten up her spirits. Scootaloo nodded to the officer and he smiled and walked out of the hospital room. Scootaloo closed her eyes and began to think of how she saved Rainbow Dash. She smiled and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Scootaloo slowly walked through the doors of the Canterlot court house not only because short pings of pain went up her side with every stepped she took, but also because she was nervous. How many years does one pony get for the destruction of an entire town? Maybe they would go easy on her; after all, she was an element of harmony, they needed her for protection. They couldn't replace her, could they? Scootaloo stopped questioning things for now and sat down at the end of a pew the closest she could possibly get to the front of the courtroom. She wanted to be sure Rainbow Dash could see that she came to support her and that she was okay.

After about thirty minutes, two officers finally walked Rainbow Dash into the courtroom. Scootaloo waved to Rainbow Dash as they passed her row. Rainbow glance over at Scootaloo and a smile spread across her face. She seemed ecstatic that Scootaloo was okay. Then she noticed Scootaloos bandages and her smile quickly turned to a worried frown, but she also noticed Scootaloo was just as happy and excited as ever to see her, she didn't seem to mind her current condition. Rainbow gave Scootaloo a weak smile and took her seat on the left side of the courtroom next to her attorney.

"Introducing the honorable Judge Jury," an officer announced as the judge walked into the room and took her seat next to the stand.

"Thank you officer," she said cheerily, "the courtroom may be seated."

Everpony took their seat. Scootaloo watched and listened as the trial began. She didn't understand most of what was being said, but she knew enough to know that Rainbow was the defendant and that the ponies who got called up to the stand were witnesses.

Witness after witness went to the stand, and witness after witness made Scootaloo more and more worried. Each witness only had bad things to say about Rainbow Dash, no pony seemed to recall what she was before being possessed. They only seemed to be able to recall what Rainbow had done to there town. Finally, it was the defendants turn to call upon a witness.

"We only have one witness your honor," Rainbow Dashs attorney stated.

Judge Jury nodded to Rainbows attorney to call his witness. Scootaloo was shocked. Rainbow only had one witness. Maybe she could call her as a witness. What if she was her only witness? Scootaloo sat quietly and waited patiently for something to happen.

"We call Twilight Sparkle to the stand," Rainbows attorney called out directing everyponys attention towards Twilight, who stood up in the crowd and walked to the stand.

Twilight stood in front of the stand, swore on the bible, then took her seat. Rainbows attorney approached her and began to ask her questions.

"Twilight, how long have you known my client?" he asked.

"About three years now I suppose," Twilight answered speaking directly into the mic in front of her.

"And over the course of these three years, has Rainbow Dash ever shown any signs of being a destructive pony?"
he continued, "Let me remind you, you're under oath."

"There was once when she destroyed Applejacks barn, but only because Applejack asked her to," Twilight responded.

"But other than that has she ever committed any unnecessary acts of destruction?" he asked.

"Not that I'm aware of, no sir," Twilight answered.

"So would you say that her recent impulses to destroy are completely due to her being submitted to...," he trailed off and looked over his notes, "the mare made rainbow by-product, anti-color?"

"Yes sir, I have full confidence that the anti-color absorbed into her skin was the cause of her destructive behavior," Twilight responded.

"Thank you ma'am, you may take your seat," he said, "no further questions your honor.

Scootaloo felt pretty confident that Twilight's testimony would get Rainbow off the hook for sure.

"Due to the severity of this crime and the multitude of opposing witnesses a jury is not needed to reach a verdict," Judge Jury said, Scootaloos heart began to sink, this didn't sound good, "I plead Rainbow Dash guilty of one hundred and two acts of destruction to public property and sentence her to life in prison."

Scootaloo felt as if her soul had been ripped from her body. This was really happening, but she couldn't believe it. Scootaloo was desperately trying to thank of ways to save to save Rainbow when she recalled the judge had yet to bang her gavel to dismiss the courtroom.

"Wait!" Scootaloo shouted out, "since you have yet to dismiss us maybe I could persuade you into to giving Rainbow a less harsh sentence. Scootaloo got up and hobbled to the stand. "Ma'am, all I would like to say is that many of you may have noticed my bandaged side. It is because of Rainbow Dash, but it wasn't her that did this to me. I did it to myself, sacrificing myself was the only thing I could think of that could possibly bring her back to her old self because I knew she truly cared for me and to see me hurt would snap her out of the grip the anti-color had on her mind. I had to do it, I didn't know what I would do if that monster was what she became. All I know is that the wounds I suffer now would be a lot less worse than what my life would be without her."

Everypony in the courtroom had grown silent so they could listen intently to what Scootaloo had to say.

"And if you're willing to take the one pony I could gladly call my sister away from me," she continued, "then you need to ask yourself. Who's really the monster here?"

Scootaloo waited for Judge Jury's response. Granted she use her being an orphan and her injured charm, but she knew she tugged on some heart strings and she meant what she said.

"As sappy as that story was I can truly tell that you care for Rainbow," Judge Jury began, "but I'm afraid the most lenient I can be is to give her ten years in prison. Courtroom dismissed."

The judge made sure to pound her gavel this time and left the courtroom. Scootaloo wanted to jump for joy, but feared she would injure herself even further. Instead she rushed over to Rainbow and hugged her as tightly as she could.

Scootaloo rushed over to the calendar and circled today's date. It had been two years since Rainbow Dash's court hearing and her wounds had long since healed. Although, the nurse was right. She hadn't been able to fly since the accident and probably won't fly anytime forwards, Scootaloo wasn't worried though. She was far too excited to worry over such silly things, for today was visitors' day at the Canterlot State Penitentiary and she had something very special to show Rainbow Dash. She had finally got her cutie mark! The first of the crusaders in fact. It was a pencil drawing a smiley face, although most thought that her special talent would have something to do with her riding her scooter. But due to several weeks of "taking it easy" after her accident she developed a passion for drawing. It started out as just a hobby, but then she began to really enjoy it. And after she got praise from Rainbow Dash, who she had been sending various drawings to, she realized how good she was at it. After one day of completing a drawing for class, she got her cutie mark. In front of everypony in the classroom. Diamond Tiara was so shocked. And this was several months ago, she had been holding off telling Rainbow Dash so she could show her in person. Suddenly, she recalled the time. She gave Tank some food, who she had been caring for while Rainbow Dash was in prison, and ran downstairs to meet Twilight, who she had been staying with.

"Ready to go?" Twilight asked.

"You know it!" Scootaloo shouted as her and Twilight exited the library. Rainbow was going to be in for a huge surprise.

Some Time Later

As I took Scootaloo’s drawings off my cell wall, I began to think about how today was my final day in prison. I was so excited I was finally going home. I held a drawing in my hooves; it had since grown torn and brown from so many years of hanging on the cold, damp cell wall. I placed the drawing on my bed and took another off the wall. This one was a more recent drawing, sent no less than a week ago. It was a drawing of Scootaloo and me sitting at the edge of Ponyville watching the sunset. Though it had been several years since Scootaloo had been a child, she drew herself as an eight year old again. I guess she wanted me to have the mindset that she was still the same filly she was when I was locked up. I stared at the drawing until my eyes started to water. I sat the drawing on my bed and wiped the tears from my eyes. I sure missed Scootaloo, she came by for every visitor’s day, but we only had one every two years. So it felt good to finally be able to see her for as long as I wanted. She came by for the last visitor’s day on her eighteenth birthday and as a gift I attempted to draw a picture for her like the ones she draws for me. Of course it didn’t turn out to well, but she said she loved it anyways. As I continued to take the drawings down I began to think back on her last visit. She explained to me that last year she was accepted into Canterlot’s Art School for the Gifted and had been going there ever since. I was so proud of her; not only for what she did to save me long ago, but that she made something of herself. I just wish I could have been there to see it happen. After all of the drawings were removed from the wall I sat down on the bed and began to think of the others in Ponyville.

Two years into my sentence Twilight informed me that the Rainbow Factories repairs were complete and that they discovered what had caused the explosion. Apparently, one of the workers had forgotten to empty out the anti-color containment unit, which you’re supposed to do every three days, and when the pressure built up in the unit it was too much for it to handle and exploded causing a chain reaction throughout the factory. Although they had figured out what had caused the explosion they couldn’t really convict anypony due to it being an accident and the overabundance of suspects. I think I knew who had done it though, a certain grey pegasus. She was probably about to empty the containment unit but got distracted by a muffin or a pretty butterfly or something. I didn’t hold a grudge though, all of that was in the past, no sense dwelling on it. Twilight also informed that Spike had left her to be with his fellow dragons, although she was sad she said it was something he really wanted to do and she accepted it. He said he was beginning to feel cramped in Ponyville, he wanted to explore the rest of Equestria with his brethren. I really didn’t think he had it in him, I told her I was sure he would return some day, he was probably scared of the bigger dragons more than Fluttershy was.

And upon one of Rarity’s visits she informed me that Sweetie Belle had finally gotten her cutie mark. She discovered her talent in singing and formed a trio with Apple Bloom and some other pony I had never heard of named MandoPony. Sweetie Belle was now touring with the trio under the name Magical Mystery Foal. Rarity said it was a reference to something, but neither one of us knew what it was a reference to. Other than that Rarity hardly ever came to visit, it really didn’t bother me much. Rarity was always super busy and probably didn’t have time for such “frivolousness”.

Applejack visited a few times as well, during her most recent visit she told me that her and Big Mac couldn’t buck apples like they used. Within a few years they would have to retire and give the farm over to Apple Bloom. She really hated the idea of dragging Apple Bloom out what she loved to do, but Apple Bloom said the band was tired of touring anyways and was glad to help. Applejack also informed me that Granny Smith had passed. I couldn’t believe it; I thought that crazy old bat would live forever. When I told Applejack this, she just meekly chuckled and said, “So did I.”

Next to Scootaloo, Fluttershy visited me the most. She said she really wished I wasn’t in prison, because ever since I was put behind bars she had to take over the responsibility of getting a team together for funneling the water up to Cloudsdale every year. Although she had grown less shy over the years, she said that each year seemed like it was her first time doing it. She just couldn’t bear to let everyone in Cloudsdale down, but each year she pulled through and got Cloudsdale the water they needed. She even broke the nine hundred wing power record one year. I was a bit jealous Fluttershy did something I couldn’t, but I gave it to her.

I was so wrapped up in reminiscing that I didn’t even hear the guard calling to release me.
“Ms. Dash, if you would wish to stay in here,” he said, “it’s fine by me, but I figured you may want to leave after all these years.”
“I’m sorry,” I apologized gathering up my things, “I was just caught up in my thoughts.”
I approached the cell door, making sure to stand back a few feet, I didn’t want to give him any reason to mace me on my final day. He unlocked the door and motioned for me to step outside.
“How’s it feel to be a free mare again?” he asked closing the door and walking me towards the exit.
As we passed the other cells I could hear the chants and woos of excitement and congratulations, I breathed in deep, “it’s a feeling I can’t explain.

We stopped at the front so I could pick up the things they took from me when I was locked up. I stood behind the yellow line and listened to the mare behind the counter read off the list of items.
“One pair of sunshades, a half-eaten candy bar, two and a half bits, one unused Ponylactic,” she paused, “and one used Ponylactic.”
I blushed at this, why did I even have that on me?
“Please sign,” she said placing the clipboard on the counter.
I was about to step over the line when I noticed the two guards beside me step back and reach for their guns. I gave a shy smile and stepped back behind the line. I then leaned over the line, grabbed the pen with mouth and scribbled “RD” on the dotted line.

After retrieving my things, and throwing away the condoms, I was then walked through the last exit into the pickup zone. As I walked out, cheers erupted all over the back-lot. I was greeted by nearly every pony from Ponyville: Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Derpy, even Mayor Mare. As I scanned the crowd I was overwhelmed with joy, everypony was there. But then my heart sank, where was Scootaloo?

“She feels really sorry for not making it sugarcube,” Applejack told me trying to cheer me up on the balloon ride back to Ponyville, “she said she got real swamped at work, if she could’ve left I’m sure she would’ve.”
“I understand,” I said raising my head, “and it’s not like I won’t be able to see her tonight.”
“That’s the spirit Rainbow!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she jumped up and down, nearly tipping the balloon over, “whoops, sorry.”
“Maybe we should’ve taken the train like everypony else,” Fluttershy said timidly.
We all chuckled and sat back to enjoy the ride back.
“Pinkie, would you care to help me surprise Scootaloo?” I asked closing my eyes to enjoy the peace and quiet further.
“Are you kidding me!?” Pinkie shouted grabbing me up and giving me a big bear hug, “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say that?”
“Great, glad to see you’re willing to help,” I said, struggling to breathe, “Pinkie, could you let me go, I kind of can’t breathe.”
“Sorry, it’s just I haven’t thrown you a party in so long,” she said throwing confetti into the air. I don’t even know where she got it from.
“I appreciate your help, but the party’s not for me, it’s for Scootaloo remember,” I answered rubbing my chest. She must’ve been working out those ten years.
“Whatever, a party’s a party,” she retorted rolling her eyes then blowing on a party horn.
“Oh, Pinkie,” we all laughed.

When the balloon finally touched down in Ponyville it was about three o’clock in the afternoon.
“So, what time does Scootaloo get off work?” I asked any of the girls.
“She gets off at about five,” Twilight answered hopping out of the balloon.
“That gives us plenty of time to set up the party,” I said hopping out after Twilight, “the library has a lot of space to cover, if we want it done in time, we’d better start now.”
The girls gave each other confused looks.
“What? What is it?” I asked.
“Scootaloo hasn’t lived with Twilight for three years now,” Fluttershy stated, “she never told you?”
“No! Why wouldn’t she tell me something like that?” I said, feeling a bit betrayed. Getting your own place was a big step, why didn’t Scootaloo ever tell me?
“Maybe she wanted to surprise you when you got out,” Pinkie Pie answered.
“Maybe, well where does she live?” I asked.

As we approached Scootaloos door my hurt began to grow heavy with pride. I couldn’t believe she had gotten her own place, and at fifteen no less! It wasn’t until my nineteenth that I got my own place; she really must’ve made a name for herself. I turned the knob, surprisingly it was unlocked. I shrugged and stepped inside. The lights flashed on and the room erupted in cheers.
“SURPRISE!” everypony shouted, even Pinkie Pie and the rest of the girls, all but Fluttershy, who screamed and fainted.
As the others tended to Fluttershy I turned to meet eyes with Scootaloo. She smiled as a tear began to run down her face. We ran to each other and hugged in the middle. I couldn’t think of anything to say but, “Nice place you got here kid.”
“Thanks,” she said sniffling, “I’m so happy your out.”
It was a few seconds before I answered, I just wanted to enjoy the moment, I wanted to enjoy my freedom.
“Me too,” I finally responded.
I released her from my hug and began to walk around the room. Everypony else left us to ourselves and began to party.
“So, did you set this whole thing up?” I asked stopping to look at one of her paintings, it was the picture I drew for her, she framed it and put it up above the fire place.
“You like it, it was drawn by one of greatest ponies I know,” she said, “and to answer your question, yes I set this whole thing up.”
“And the balloon ride,” I said beginning to put things together, “the rest of the girls were so persistent on it because you needed time to set up this party.”
She nodded and gave me another quick huge, “Now, how about we enjoy the rest of the party?”

I later found out that it was the girls’ plans all along to bring me here once we arrived in Ponyville, it was just luck that I had gotten an idea to surprise Scootaloo. It was quite the clever plan and I was glad they did it. I was having such a wonderful time; I was still not being able to get over that I was finally free. I was just about to partake of the cake when I heard Scootaloo begin to make an announcement. I turned to see her on a stage in the center of the room.
“Mares and gentlecolts,” she began waving for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to join her on stage, “the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
They immediately burst into the Cutie Mark Crusaders song, the entire room burst into cheering and whistling. I watched as they performed the exact routine they did years before, except without the foul ups. As I listened to them sing I could feel myself begin to tear up once more. I sat back, closed my eyes, and let the music engulf me; it felt good to be back.

Hell in a Hand Basket

“Rainbow Dash! You have to wake up!” I heard as somepony began to shake me.
I woke up to a horrible sight, Scootaloo’s home was in flames. Ponys were running out of the home and screaming.
“What happened?!” I asked
“There’s no time to explain,” Scootaloo said grabbing my hoof, “we have to get out of here before she comes back.”
“Before who comes back?” I asked, but it didn’t take long for my questions to be answered. I watched as somepony or something came crashing through Scootaloos ceiling. Once the smoked cleared I was shocked at who it was.

It was me, well, what used to me. The black form stood before me. It brushed the dust from its coat and turned to me to speak.
“Well, well, well,” she began, “Long time no see. How the heck have you been?”
“How are you here, why are you here?” I asked furiously, “I thought my love for Scootaloo got rid of you.”
“I thought my love for Scootaloo got rid of you,” she said mockingly as she began to circle us, “Isn’t that cute, and I suppose the ‘power’ of friendship could save you now as well.”
“I still don’t know how you are here,” I retorted, “you were just something that possessed me, how could you be alive?”
“Do you not listen to anything Twilight tells you,” she responded, stopping beside Scootaloo, “your destructiveness in that first day gave me enough energy to develop my own consciousness. And then your so called ‘love’ for Scootaloo gave me enough power to free me from your weak, and pathetic mind.”
“Then what do you want from us?” I asked, shifting into a battle stance, “and if you were alive all these years, why attack now?”
“To watch you suffer,” she said as she touched Scootaloo on the head.
I watched in horror as black goo began to cover Scootaloo, until it engulfed her whole body.
“Scoots, I know you’re in there,” I pleaded as I began to step back, “We’ve been through this before, just don’t let her control you.”
Scootaloo let out an evil chuckle, and then kicked me hard in the chest, sending me flying through the area above her fire place. I landed with a hard thud in a room directly behind it. The picture I had drawn her came floating down in front of me. I grabbed it up and examined it, it had been torn in various places, but you could still see me and Scootaloo. I hugged it against my chest as I began to cry.
“Look at my so called hero,” Scootaloo mocked as she stepped into the room, “defeated and whimpering at a stupid picture.”
I sat up to try and convince Scootaloo to stop this, “Please Scootaloo, I know you’re in there, remember how you brought me back? I could do the same for you. Please stop this.”
She walked beside me and whispered in my ear, “You were weak.”
She then kicked me square in the head. I slumped over and began to black out. The last thing I heard Scootaloo say before I blacked out was her calling me pathetic

“Quick we have a survivor over here,” I heard as I faded in and out of sleep, it was a young voice.
“Scootaloo, is that you?” I asked weakly.
“Shh,” she responded, “quick get over here and help me.”
I was then lifted up by somepony and carried out of the room. Through hazy eyes I witnessed as Scootaloos home was engulfed in flames. The two ponys carrying me made it out the front door just as the house gave in on its self. I began to cry just before blacking out again.

Author's Note

Welcome to the last chapter of Shadow Dash. I would like to thank all of the people who enjoyed reading it, its been fun. Don't worry, like the dumbass I am, I set it up for a sequel. I don't know when I will begin writing it, all I know is it probably won't be soon. I need a break, but never fear I will eventually write it for those who care. But, for now so long.