Loyalty
By
Inky Shades
Rainbow Dash took a swig of her cider. She had hoped that the drink would ease her nerves, but so far all it had done was make her cheeks warm and she didn't need any more help with that. Should she get another one? No, that wouldn't be a good idea. Then she’d be too drunk to say what she wanted to say to the mare sitting on the barstool next to her.
That’s right. Of all the places in Ponyville that she could’ve picked, she chose a dingy downtown bar to confess her feelings in. Admittedly of all the bad decisions that she’s made over the years, she’d rank this one as the worst. This place didn't exactly scream “confess your deepest feelings here!” Yeah, what was she thinking? Any other place would've been a much better choice.
Then again she never was good at romantic things. From the time she was a young filly she’d thought that romance was so unquestionably lame, something reserved only for cheesy novels. Now she wished that she’d tried a little harder to understand the subject. Hmm, maybe I should’ve asked Rarity before hoof. But the time for asking for advice had passed.
Besides how could she tell Rarity about her feelings anyway? Not that she thought the fashionista wouldn’t accept her. In fact she was quite certain that all her friends would probably congratulate her on finding somepony special. However, she found herself having a difficult time accepting her own feelings. It probably didn’t help that the mare was her best friend and that she worried that the confession would somehow change their relationship for the worse.
She peered over her left shoulder and gazed at the pale-yellow pegasus next to her, face hidden by her light pink mane, a tell-tale sign of her nerves. Even though they had been sitting at the counter for at least an hour she still hadn’t taken a sip of her cider. Instead she spent her time gingerly poking the mug. Not that any blame could be placed on her. This wasn’t the kind of place that the delicate pegasus frequented.
Everypony here would tell you that a mare like her didn’t belong in a seedy place like this. Naturally, because of this, her presence garnered plenty of attention when they first arrived from the bar’s patrons, stallions and mares alike. They eyed her like a hungry timberwolf. Under their gaze the yellow pegasus kept herself pressed firmly against her side. Not that she had anything to worry about. There was no way in Tartarus she’d ever let anything happen to her. Just to drive her point home, she gave all of the patrons a glare that said, “mess with her, pay the price.”
After that, most seemed to lose interest in her, but there was this one stallion sitting in a corner booth that continued giving her that unnerving predatory look. Even after they had seated themselves at the bar, she could still see him watching her friend. Though, he did remain in his seat so she figured that, that would be as far as it’d go. Next time I’m definitely asking Rarity. That is assuming that there is going to be a next time. There won’t be if you don’t tell her how you feel. She groaned. Dash, you are being so uncool right now!
“Um, uh, Rainbow Dash, are you okay?” whispered the yellow pegasus, brushing some of the mane out of her face.
Great she heard that! “Of course I am, Fluttershy. Why wouldn’t I be?” stammered Rainbow. She took another drink of her cider. Come on, Dash, play it cool!
“Oh, that’s good. So, um, why did you want to see me here? Not that I mind of course!” Fluttershy fidgeted in her seat. “It’s... uh, nice.”
It’s time for action. “Well there’s something that I wanted to tell you.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“Well you see it’s something that I’ve been meaning to tell you for awhile now...” Come on just say it!
“Yes?” Fluttershy looked at her, ears perked up.
Rainbow brought her mug to her lips, but couldn’t taste anything. She peered inside and found it regrettably empty. With a sigh she placed it back on the counter. No more distractions. It’s now or never. Her heart thumped against her chest. She took a deep breath before starting. “Fluttershy, I... I...” The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she found it difficult to get them out.
Fluttershy eyed her intently. You can do this, Dash. Just tell her that you love her as more than a friend. It’s just three simple words. Come on! You’ve been through worse, Discord, the changelings. You can do this!
“I can do this,” muttered Rainbow. “Fluttershy, I... I...” Again she froze.
What if she doesn’t feel the same way for me? What if by confessing I completely ruin our friendship? Do you honestly believe that or are you just afraid that you’re not good enough for her? Yes, I’m afraid. So are you just going to forget about how she makes you feel during a flying competition? You know that she screams for you louder then anypony else. Or what about those days when you have no confidence in yourself? Who is it that always believes in you? I know. Then you owe it to both her and you to find out if she does.
With confidence Rainbow said, “I was wondering if you could watch Tank for me this weekend.” There you said it. Wait...
Fluttershy’s ears drooped. “Oh... sure, it’s no problem,” she said sounding disappointed.
Why does she sound so disappointed? You don’t think... But before she could open her mouth, Fluttershy said something first, “I’m sorry, Rainbow. It’s getting really late and I have to go home... to check on the animals.” Hopping off the stool she said, “Thanks for the drink it was... nice.” She trotted towards the door.
Come on stop her! “Hey, Fluttershy, it was nice hanging out with you. Will I see you tomorrow?” Dash, you fail.
Fluttershy turned, flashed a small smile, and said, “Sure.” With that, she left.
The moment the door closed behind Fluttershy, Rainbow slammed her face into the counter top, causing the two mugs to rustle. She groaned, fumbling blindly for Fluttershy’s untouched cider. Dash, you suck. You let her get away! You idiot! She smashed her free hoof into the counter. Ouch.
“I love you! There I said it!” she exclaimed.
The bartender looked at her with a raised eyebrow, holding both an empty mug and dirty cloth in a green magic field. “I’m married,” he said in a deadpan.
Rainbow frowned. “I wasn’t talking about you.”
“I know that. I was being sarcastic,” he muttered dryly. With a shake of his head he returned to cleaning out the mug.
For the longest time she sat there staring at the drink in her hoof. Then the bartender spoke to her. “I’ll be closing soon so I need you to finish up.”
“What about mister creepy over there?” she asked, waving her hoof behind her, hopefully in the direction of the corner booth.
“You’re the only one left,” said the bartender plainly.
Huh, Just how long have I been sitting here? She shrugged. The answer to her question didn’t matter much to her any way. There were more pressing things on her mind, like if she should go after her. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
“I’m going to find her!” she said feeling a wave of determination wash over her. So she gulped down her drink, left a few bits for the bartender, and left to find Fluttershy.
The moon created just enough light for Fluttershy to see where she was going. Not that it mattered. She was lost. Of course if she wanted to she could just fly back home, but she wasn’t in any hurry and truth-be-told she didn’t like flying all that much. She preferred to keep her hooves firmly on the ground. Though, she did like watching other pegasi fly. Okay, so she liked watching Rainbow Dash fly. Since leaving the bar all she could think about was Rainbow Dash. She let out a sigh that she’d been holding for awhile.
‘I was wondering if you could watch Tank for me this weekend.’ That’s what Rainbow said her reason was for bringing her to that scary bar full of scary ponies. All she wanted was for her to watch her tortoise! Now she loved Tank, that wasn’t her problem. Maybe she just hoped to hear something else. Oh, Fluttershy, did you really expect her to say something else or did you just want her to? I guess it was just wishful thinking. She could never be interested in somepony as weak and helpless as me. Then why was she so nervous asking me about Tank?
A stallion’s voice broke the silence around her. “So what’s a pretty little mare like you doing out at a time like this?”
“Eep!” she squeaked. The stallion could be heard laughing behind her. Slowly she turned around. Her heart skipped a beat as she laid eyes on the stallion from the corner booth. She shrank away from him. The massive earth pony loomed over her.
“Well?” he asked.
“I, uh, um, I was just going home...” she replied meekly.
“Come again? I didn’t hear what you said.”
“I-I was just going home... if that’s okay with you,” she said barely louder than a whisper.
The stallion chuckled at her again, but it wasn’t the kind of laugh that you wanted to join in merriment. This laugh made the fur on her back stand up. “‘If that’s okay with you?’” he said. “That’s the funniest thing that I’ve ever heard!” the stallion laughed. “Don’t you know how dangerous it is for a mare like you to be walking around alone? There are some ponies who’d love to do unspeakable things to you. Wouldn’t that be just a shame?” he asked, stroking her cheek with his fore hoof.
She flinched at his touch. “Please... I don’t want any trouble.” She cast a few quick glances to either side of her, looking for a possible escape route. However, all she could see were pitch-black alleyways and she really, really didn’t want to take her chances down one of those. Then an idea popped into her mind. If I could get into the sky then I could get away! All I have to do is wait for the right moment... in front of the big scary stallion.
“I saw you enter the bar with that other mare. Tell me, where is your little rainbow-maned friend now?”
“I-I went on ahead of her, but sh-she’ll be here any second now, and if she sees you then you’ll be so-sorry!” she said attempting to infuse her words with as much confidence as she could.
“Oh, I’ll be sorry you say?” He smirked at her and leaned in close enough for her to feel his breath. “You’re a terrible liar,” he whispered.
She found her moment. “I’m sorry,” she said, slapping him across his face.
A red hoof mark appeared where she struck. He looked at her like he hadn’t registered what she’d just done. Honestly she was a little stunned herself. She had just hit somepony! It became obvious to her that he was starting to realize what happened. So without wasting any more time she ran in the opposite direction.
It didn’t take long for her to hear a second pair of hooves galloping behind her. There wasn’t a need for her to look behind herself, but she did anyway. She regretted it. Steam blew out of the grey stallion’s nose and his dark eyes were narrowed. He looked like he wanted to kill her. Worst of all he was gaining ground.
“Somepony help me!” she screamed. In response to her cry she saw a few houses’ lights go on, but then one after another they went out. Nopony came to her aid. She was alone.
Her lead over the stallion grew shorter by the second. She wasn’t an athlete, she wasn’t Rainbow Dash, so her legs grew tired from keeping a constant pace. She had to escape now. Unfortunately her wings had other plans for her. They remained glued to her side. Come on! Now is not the time to lock up! After a few precious seconds passed by, her wings opened. She took to the sky. An elated feeling washed over her when she felt the wind beneath her wings. She was safe.
Then she squeaked. She felt something clamp down on the end of her tail. Looking behind her she could see that the stallion had her tail firmly clenched between his teeth. It felt like her heart fell out of her chest. With a tug he brought her violently down. She crashed into the cobbled streets.
“Thought you could get away from me, eh?” He rubbed the red mark on his face. “I’m going to make you pay for this!”
She tried to get up and run, but he just knocked her onto her back. He leered over her and ran a hoof down her left thigh. She tried to push him off, but he was too heavy. He had her firmly pinned under him, and there was nothing that she could do. Tears stung her eyes.
“None of that now,” he said. “I have to do this. You took away my dignity so now it’s only fair that I take away yours! Don’t try to run. It would be a shame if I had to hurt you.”
“P-please... I just want to go home,” she sobbed.
“Shh, be a good girl. It’ll be better for you if you don’t fight it.” He licked her cheek.
She was out of options. So she did the only thing left that she could do. She screamed. She screamed as loud and as long as she could, until her voice gave out. “Rainbow Dash!”
“Rainbow Dash!” She heard a mare scream.
Like a rocket, Rainbow cut through the sky in what she believed to be the mare’s direction. For some reason the voice reminded her of somepony familiar. Not that it mattered. Somepony needed help, and she was going to give it. Though, the thought that she knew that voice nagged at her. Then the answer popped into her mind. A sudden chill traveled down her spine. She knew why the voice sounded familiar. It was because she heard that voice cheering for her in every competition, Fluttershy. That was Fluttershy’s voice!
She followed Fluttershy’s scream to its source. What she saw almost dropped her from the sky. The grey stallion from the bar had Fluttershy pinned under him and... Oh, Celestia is he... No! A fire smoldered within her at seeing the pony she cared for deeply, being violated in such a manner. Nopony should be treated that way, but especially not her! The fire transformed into a raging inferno. Without wasting another second she dove at the stallion and shouted, “Get your damn hooves off of her!”
The stallion stopped and looked around for her. When they made eye contact, she could see his eyes go wide. That’s right bastard. I’m aiming for you! Hitting him felt like colliding with a brick wall. He tumbled a short distance down the road, and hit his head against a lamppost. When he stopped she expected him to stir. He didn’t. She alighted next to a quivering Fluttershy, wobbling a little as she did.
“Fluttershy! Are you okay? Hey,” she asked, gently nuzzling her friend’s cheek.
“R-Rainbow... Dash?" Fluttershy asked looking up at her like she didn’t believe that she was actually there. “Rainbow Dash!” she exclaimed, leaning forward and wrapping her hooves tightly around Rainbow.
Rainbow returned the embrace.
“Rainbow, he... he... r... he... ra...” Fluttershy said, choking on her words.
“I know,” replied Rainbow softly. Fluttershy buried her face into her shoulder and sobbed. “It’s okay, Shy. Just let it out,” she said, stroking her pink mane.
I’m so sorry that this happened to you. I should’ve walked you home. I should’ve kept a closer eye on him. Why did I take you to that bar? Why didn’t I just suck it up and ask Rarity? You didn’t belong there. It’s my fault. Tears formed in her eyes. No! You don’t get to cry. You need to get her someplace safe. She blinked away the wetness and said, “Fluttershy, I need to get you out of here.”
“I can’t,” said Fluttershy, sniffling.
“I won’t let him hurt you again. Is that what you’re worried about?”
“I-I know that, but it’s my legs... I can’t move them.”
“Are you hurt? Do you need me to carry you?” Rainbow flinched at her own words. Seriously, Dash, you asked her that?
“I’m a coward.”
Rainbow’s eyes widened at Fluttershy’s words. “Fluttershy you’re not a c—”
“Yes, I am!” Fluttershy snapped. “If I wasn’t so afraid of everything then I would’ve been able to open my wings in time!—”
“Fluttershy…”
Fluttershy’s eyes glistened. “It was like the dragon all over again! You know I tried to get away from him, I really did. But I was scared, so my wings didn’t open right away, and then he caught me. Then he… and then… and…” She broke down in tears.
“Shh, it’s okay,” Rainbow said, holding Fluttershy close to her.
“Rainbow, what did I do? Did I give him some sort of signal that I wasn’t aware of? Is this my fault?”
“No, it’s not. He’s to blame. Not you.”
“Then why did he pick me, Rainbow?”
Rainbow placed a hoof under Fluttershy’s chin and said, “Hey, look at me.”
And she did. Her puffy eyes met her gaze. Seeing the mare she loved in such a vulnerable state felt like crashing into a tower of rocks over and over again. That stallion is going to pay for putting pain behind those beautiful teal eyes. “Shy, I don’t know why he picked you, but I do know this: None of what’s happened is your fault. I know he hurt you, took something irreplaceable from you. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now, but let me help you. Let me get you out of here, even if I have to carry you away.” Rainbow felt something wet slide down her cheeks. Dammit, Dash. You weren’t supposed to cry! She wiped her eyes and then proceeded to remove the tears from Fluttershy’s cheeks.
“O-okay,” Fluttershy said, wiping her nose. “You know, you haven’t called me, Shy, since flight school.”
“It’s been that long? Huh, anyway, let me help you u—” Rainbow felt something smash into her like a train. The impact launched her down the street.
“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy cried.
After she came to a halt it took her a moment to regain her senses. She rose to her hooves. What just hit me? She didn’t have to wonder long. The grey stallion stood just a few short feet away from her. I thought that I knocked you out. You’re going to wish that you had stayed down. She crouched down, wings flared.
He took a step towards her and said, “You’re that pegasus from the bar! I’m going to make you pay for attacking me!”
The inferno she felt before reignited within her. “Make. Me,” she demanded, lunging at him.
Again it felt like she crashed into a brick wall. Only this time he barely budged. He gave her a cocky smirk. Her eyes went wide as he bucked her in the chest, sending her soaring through the air. She stopped her flight by spreading her wings. When she landed, the world spun around her. She stumbled towards the stallion and flashed him her cockiest smile. “Is that... all you’ve got?” she asked, clutching her chest briefly. Each breath felt like a knife stabbing her lungs. Okay, Dash. It’s round two. You can do this!
“R-Rainbow, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yeah, Shy. I’m okay,” she said, wincing. I hope she didn’t see that.
The stallion smashed his massive frame into Rainbow’s side. She heard something inside herself crack. That can’t be good! She flipped onto her back and delivered a powerful kick into his stomach. He hardly flinched. Seriously what is this stallion made of? He slammed his right fore hoof into her face followed quickly by his left.
She landed a punch under his jaw. He simply smiled at her and continued his onslaught. I’m not even hurting him! Despite the lack of inflicted injuries she continued her assault, but she could only go on for so long. His blows were taking a toll on her. As the beating progressed she found it increasingly more difficult to raise her hooves. Even staying conscious became a battle.
“Stop it! You’re killing her! You... you big dumb meanie!” shouted Fluttershy.
The stallion stopped and turned to face Fluttershy. “What was that? What did you say?”
“I… I said to stop.”
“No, after that, tell me what you said after that.”
Fluttershy remained quiet.
“Don’t have anything to say, now? No matter. I know exactly what you said. I think that you’ll regret those words. What if I do this to your friend?” the stallion said, walking towards Rainbow. He reared up then brought his weight down upon her left wing. There was a sickening crunch, Rainbow screamed. “Heh, now what if I crush her other wing?” he asked.
“Do… your… worst,” Rainbow moaned. In the corner of her eye she could see Fluttershy standing like a statue. “Shy, fly away, get out of here, go!”
“That’s right. Listen to your little friend here. Run while you still can, otherwise you’re next,” the stallion said, rising again.
“No!” Fluttershy screamed jumping onto the stallion’s back.
It hurt like Tartarus, but Rainbow was able to roll out of the way of the stallion’s crushing hooves thanks to Fluttershy distracting him. The stallion thrashed about, trying to dislodge Fluttershy off of his back, but she had her fore legs wrapped tightly around his neck. As the stallion continued thrashing, Rainbow could see that Fluttershy’s grip was weakening. Eventually she was thrown from the stallion. She squeaked as she hit the side of a run-down apartment complex, a dozen or so feet away from Rainbow.
“Shy, you have to get away from here!” Rainbow shouted.
The stallion descended upon Fluttershy. “Do you have anything you want to add, now?” he asked.
“I... I...” Fluttershy squeaked once more.
“Funny. That’s the noise you were making before your friend interrupted me.”
Fluttershy whimpered.
Rainbow tried to move, but her efforts only rewarded her with searing pain. She watched the stallion get close enough to Fluttershy to touch her. Come on, Dash! You have to get up! You have to protect her! With great effort she flipped onto her stomach, grunting. “Leave... her... alone!” she yelled. Slowly and shakily she rose back to her hooves. “I’m not finished yet!” she said, spitting out a little blood.
The stallion turned to face her, surprise in his eyes. “Why do you keep coming back for more? You must not know when to give up.”
“Not when one of my friends is threatened! I won’t let you lay your dirty hooves on her ever again!”
“It’s not my hooves you should be worried about. Still I am curious. Why are you so willing to die for her? No mare is worth that.”
“You don’t understand do you? She’s not just a mare. She’s my best friend. Her life means more to me than my own, but I guess somepony like you wouldn’t know anything about friendship, would you?”
“Friends are overrated,” he stated. “But it’s more than friendship for you isn’t it?” A dark grin spread across his face. “I know the answer: fillyfooler. You’re just jealous that I got to her first!”
“Shut up!” she yelled, flaring her nostrils. “Quit talking about her like she’s just some play thing. She’s not a toy to be enjoyed for a bit and then discarded. She’s a pony, a living, feeling being! She’s kind, beautiful, and the best mare that anypony could ever know. And you... did something so heinous to her and for that I’ll stop you!”
“You’ll stop me? How are you going to do that? You can barely stand,” he said smugly, stroking Fluttershy’s face.
“I’m going to give you one chance to get your hoof off her.”
“Oh, I know. Why don’t you watch me this time? He licked Fluttershy’s ear, causing her to cringe and pull away from him.
That did it. Round three, Dash, this is it. You won’t get another chance. Make this count. She flared her good wing and charged. He reared over Fluttershy. Oh, no you don’t! Before he could crush her into oblivion, Rainbow slammed into his knees. She heard one of the joints pop, and then he toppled over, writhing in pain. His left hind leg bent in an unnatural position.
Now she had the advantage. “How does it feel to be on the bottom?” she asked, punching his muzzle.
Despite the sheer pain the stallion must have been experiencing with his dislocated leg he still put up a fight. He struck a blow between her ribs. She cringed, but kept the punches rolling. The stallion struck her again, cracking something else inside of her. “You’re a persistent bastard aren’t you?” she asked, spitting out some blood.
“Rainbow Dash, stop,” whispered Fluttershy.
But Rainbow didn’t hear her. Both she and the stallion were locked in a battle to the death. Each of them delivered powerful blows into the other. However, Rainbow had no intentions of losing this fight. She’d absorb anything he threw at her. No matter how much her body screamed at her to stop, she wouldn’t. Eventually the stallion stopped retaliating, and she was reminded of the position that she was in just a few short minutes ago. Just a few more strikes and she’d be victorious.
“Rainbow Dash, that’s enough!” shouted Fluttershy, grabbing hold of Rainbow’s raised hoof. Their eyes met and she looked at her with a soft expression. “That’s enough,” she said gently.
Rainbow didn’t want to stop. “Shy, he deserves this! He’s a monster!” she argued.
“I know, but this isn’t the answer. Please stop this for me. Don’t take his life.”
Despite the pain it brought her, Rainbow smiled. She really is too good for you. “Okay,” she said. “Did you hear that?” she asked the stallion, glaring. “If I had my way with you then you’d be dead. The only reason you’re not is because Fluttershy, your victim, doesn’t want me to. Why don’t you think on that?”
She delivered one last hit to a very specific part of his body. Never before had she heard a stallion make such a high pitched noise. “Oh, and one more thing,” she said. “If you ever go near her again then I will turn you into a mare. Do you understand?” she whispered into his ear.
He nodded. Satisfied, she hobbled away. “Come on, Shy,” she said, draping a wing over Fluttershy. “Lean on me. I want to get you... to the hospital. So... they can look you over... make sure you’re okay.” Rainbow collapsed.
“Rainbow!” cried Fluttershy.
“I’m okay,” said Rainbow. “I just felt a little tired for a moment, but I’m good now, see?” she said, forcing herself to stand. She only got about half way up before she collapsed.
“You are not okay! You need a doctor!”
“I’ll be fine,” Rainbow said trying to reassure her. “From this position the hospital should be only a short ten minute flight south west. Are your wings okay? Can you fly?”
“Yes, but you’re in no condition for flight. So how are we supposed to get their together?”
She doesn’t get it. “We’re not. You are,” Rainbow stated.
Fluttershy looked at her like she was crazy and said, “I’m not leaving without you!”
“It’s fine. I’ll catch up with you, but I need to make sure that you’re someplace safe.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No. You’re coming with me. You just need to stand up,” she said, gently nuzzling Rainbow in the side.
Rainbow winced. “Fluttershy, I’m not going with you.”
“Please don’t say that,” Fluttershy begged. “If I wasn’t so weak and helpless—”
“You are not weak and helpless!” Rainbow exclaimed. Her sudden outburst made her groan. You better not do that again.
“But I am! I’ve always been this way. Do you remember flight school, those colts and fillies that were picking on me? I was powerless to stop their taunts, but then you came. We had never met before and you had come to my aid! You made them stop. That’s how it has always been. I’d be the damsel and you’d be my knight. I’m not as strong as you are,” Fluttershy said, eyes glistening.
“You don’t think that you’re strong? Shy, you’re one of the strongest ponies that I know.”
“You think so?” Fluttershy asked, giving her a disbelieving look.
“I do. Shy, you spared your own rapist. I don’t think that I could’ve done that. So if that isn’t strength then I don’t know what is.”
Tears fell from Fluttershy’s eyes. “But if I hadn’t called for you then you wouldn’t have gotten hurt saving me,” she said.
“Don’t you... don’t you dare suggest for one second that saving you was a mistake. I would do it all over again. I meant what I said to that stallion when I told him that your life means more to me than my own. I’d never be able to forgive myself if I ever failed to protect you.” Rainbow coughed into her hoof. Her lungs protested painfully. She peered at her hoof and saw blood. That really isn’t good.
“We need to get you to a doctor.”
“The only way I’m getting to a doctor is by flight, and I... can’t.” Rainbow hated to admit it, but her body was too far gone.
“B-but I can. I could carry you!” Fluttershy suggested.
“Shy, you could hardly lift me the day I got Tank. It’s okay.”
“No! I am not going to let you die! It’s my turn to save you!” she said, scooping Rainbow into her arms.
As Fluttershy struggled to get them airborne an intense pain shot through Rainbow’s body, making her vision go dark for a moment. To keep from screaming she ground her teeth together. Tears rolled off her face. Thinking became almost impossible. So did breathing.
“I’m so, so... sorry!” said Fluttershy, panting.
Rainbow stroked Fluttershy’s cheek. She hoped that the gesture would tell her that she had nothing to apologize for. Normally she’d express herself verbally, but she was still keeping her mouth tightly clenched to prevent herself from screaming. Though, the feeling was passing, slowly. You have to tell her now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Gradually they rose higher into the air. Fluttershy beat her wings furiously. She sounded about ready to pass out when they got above the roof tops, but she kept going. Rainbow could see the determination in her eyes. She smiled slightly. You never cease to amaze me, Shy.
“H-hey... Shy... there’s something that I need to tell you,” Rainbow said, taking a few shallow breaths.
“You can tell me once we’re at the hospital.”
“I don’t think it can wait until then.”
“But—”
“Shy, please, it’s hard to talk.”
“Okay...” whispered Fluttershy.
“I love you,” Rainbow said, placing a kiss on her cheek. After finally airing her feelings, calmness flowed through her. “I’m just sorry it took me so long to tell you.”
Fluttershy blushed, tears falling. “Oh, um, you do? I-I love you too, but why?” she asked, softly.
Rainbow smiled and replied, “Why do I need a reason? I... just... do.” Darkness crept into the corner of her vision, but she was able to make out a smile on Fluttershy’s face.
“Rainbow, I can see the hospital in the distance. It’ll just be a couple more minutes, Rainbow?”
“...Hmm?” replied Rainbow, drowsily.
“Rainbow Dash, Dashie!” Fluttershy exclaimed. “We’re almost there! Hold on! Don’t leave me!”
“I just feel... tired,” Rainbow mumbled, closing her eyes.
“Hang on! It’s right there! Rainbow Dash? Rainbow Dash, open your eyes! Somepony help us!” Fluttershy cried.
“It’s okay, Shy.”
“Look! Somepony heard me. They’re coming to help us. You’re going to be okay!”
“I’m... just glad... that you’re safe. H-hey, tell Rarity... that... I should’ve... should’ve let her pick the spot,” said Rainbow, brushing her hoof along Fluttershy’s cheek. She breathed out and her hoof fell.
Despair held Fluttershy firmly in its grip. She felt helpless, completely and hopelessly helpless. Things were quiet in the hospital room. The only noise being the constant beep of the heart monitor. Consistency was good though; it meant that she was still alive. Yet knowing that she was alive wasn’t enough. Her eyes, Fluttershy wanted to see her open her eyes again. She had to open her eyes again.
Fluttershy sang quietly. “Hush now, quiet now—”
The doctor steps out into the waiting room and tells her that Rainbow’s surgery is finished. She feels relieved at the news, yet the doctor has a frown. The relief starts to slip away.
‘I did all that I could,’ he begins, ‘But her injuries were far too numerous and severe. I’m sorry.’
“It’s time to lay your sleepy head—”
She stares at the doctor like he has two heads. It takes her a minute to form words.
‘What do you mean, doctor? She’s out of surgery that means she must be okay, right?’
The doctor looks at her solemnly. ‘I managed to get her stabilized, but… she's in a coma now.'
'Will she wake up?'
'It's difficult to say. If she does, then there is a good chance that she may never fly again.'
She cries on the spot. Once more the doctor apologizes to her. It makes no difference. Anger builds within her, but who is it directed towards? The doctor? No. Herself? Yes, that answers her question. She blames herself even though she knows that she should place the blame on the stallion. Why can’t she just blame him?
“Hush now, quiet now—”
It’s difficult for her, but she manages to describe the events of the night. She has to get this off her chest. The doctor listens respectfully, only asking the occasional question. Once she finishes, the doctor remains silent. Finally, the doctor suggests that she get an examination.
She shakes her head. An examination would take time, and she wants to spend as much time as she can with Rainbow. The doctor tells her that he understands, but that it would be best to do the exam now. He says that if they wait then evidence could be destroyed. He assures her that it won’t take too long. She knows that he’s right, so she concedes. The doctor asks for Nurse Redheart.
“It’s time to go to bed—”
The examination finishes. She wishes that Rainbow could’ve been there with her. Once again she asks the doctor if she can see Rainbow, now. The doctor gives his approval. Before she leaves, the doctor asks if there is anyone that she’d like him to contact.
The girls! How could she have forgotten about them? She lets the doctor know who to contact. The doctor says that he’ll take care of it after he makes a call to the police. She thanks him.
“Drifting off to sleep, exciting day behind you—”
She stops in front of Rainbow’s room. She takes a moment to steel herself for whatever lies beyond the door. With a deep breath, she steps inside. Her breath is immediately snatched away. Rainbow is completely covered in bandages; only her prismatic mane remains visible. Her heart aches at seeing Rainbow in this condition. Slowly she approaches the bed.
“Drifting off to sleep, let the joy of dream land find you—”
She pulls a chair up to the side of the bed. The chair creaks as she sits down. For the longest time she just stares at Rainbow. The heart monitor is the only clear sign that Rainbow is still, in fact, alive. She strokes Rainbow’s mane.
Her vision blurs as tears well in her eyes. Inside, it feels like somepony is trying to rip out her heart. They can have it; right now all it is doing is causing her pain. She blames herself for Rainbow’s present state. The pain is eating away at her. Why did she have to call out for her?
‘I’d never be able to forgive myself if I ever failed to protect you.’ Rainbow’s words echo in her mind. They’re trying to offer her comfort, but she refuses to accept them.
There are so many things that she wishes to say to Rainbow. Why did she wait so long to tell her that she loves her? There were numerous occasions in the past where she could’ve confessed, yet she never did. Now it may be too late to say all of the things on her mind. She may never get another chance to tell her how much she loves her, and perhaps that’s why she blames herself.
She begins to sing quietly, ‘Hush now, quiet now—’
“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hu-hush now, quiet now… i-it’s time to go to… bed.” Tears cascaded down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash. I’m sorry that I never told you how I felt. I’m sorry that I may never get another chance to say I love you. I’m sorry, I’m just sorry!” She buried her face into the sheets and said, “Please open your eyes and come back to me!”
Fluttershy was startled when she felt something stroking her mane. She peered up and saw a pair of magenta eyes looking down at her. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Rainbow Dash!” she exclaimed, wrapping Rainbow in an embrace.
“Ow… not so tight,” Rainbow moaned.
“Oh!” Fluttershy loosened her hold. “I’m sorry!”
“It’s okay.”
“I’m sorry for everything!”
“Shy, I’m okay, you’re okay, everything’s fine.”
Fluttershy shook her head and said, “Rainbow, the doctor, he told me that because of your injuries, you may never fly again.”
Rainbow stared at her for a few moments before saying, “Pffft! What do doctors know? I am way too cool to stay grounded!”
“But what if you are?” For a second Fluttershy could see fear in Rainbow’s eyes. If she hadn’t known her for so long then she might have missed it.
“Then that’s the price I’ll pay.”
“But what about the Wonderbolts? I wouldn’t want you to miss out on your dream because of me.”
“I’d give up both of my wings before ever leaving your side. You mean that much to me. Besides what good are “what ifs”? Why are you crying?”
Fluttershy smiled. “I love you, Rainbow,” she said leaning forward.
“I love you t—” Rainbow was cut off when Fluttershy kissed her.
In this moment, Fluttershy made a choice. She wasn’t going to worry about the future. The future was an unpredictable beast. It didn’t matter what might happen later, only what happens now. However, no matter what life decided to throw at them she’d stay by Rainbow’s side. She’d show Rainbow the same loyalty that was given to her by the mare she loves, and she’d enjoy every second of it.
Author's Note
Now that you've reached the end of the story there's something that I want to briefly talk about, and that's the rape. I just wanted to say that I didn't make the decision to use rape, lightly. Rape is a heinous crime and sensitive topic, so I tried to be as respectful as I could when I wrote this story. I hope that I was successful. I apologize if I made any of you feel uncomfortable.
Thank you for reading!
