Chapters Rainbow Dash sat on her cloud, absorbing the heat of the Sun, which sat high in the sky. She sighed, relaxing with a smile. Her arms were folded behind her head, as she felt the warmth fill her. She felt pure bliss, and wanted it to last forever. Still, there was one feeling, nagging her at the back of her mind. It was a feeling she didn't often feel: Sadness.
She sat up, and looked across the land, from her cloud up high. She saw the Everfree Forest, which seemed to stretch on forever. She looked the other way, and saw Ponyville, which was loud with the laughter of many ponies. She saw the mountain, with the capitol city of Canterlot, built onto the side. She had a great life, living in a great town. She couldn't shake the feeling she had deep down.
Then, she remembered what day it was. The anniversary. The anniversary of her greatest triumph, and greatest regret. Today, many years ago, she performed the Sonic Rainboom for the first time. The day her friends got their cutiemarks, the day her parents died.
She looked to the sky. It was about noon, and time to visit their graves. She slowly floated to the ground, and began walking along the dirt roads. She gathered some flowers from the side of the path, and proceeded to town. She walked across the bridge, over the small river, and into the town of Ponyville. She fought her way through the crowds of ponies, who were all unaware of what her life was truly like; to grow up as an orphan. She fought through the worst of the crowds, and saw three familiar fillies sitting at one of the tables at the cafe.
There was Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle; the Cutiemark Crusaders. Rainbow Dash expected they were conversing about what they should try next, to get their cutiemarks. Scootaloo looked up from the table, and saw Rainbow Dash approaching the table. She shot up, and met up with her.
"Hey Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo began. "Wanna hear about what we tried to get our cutiemarks?" Rainbow Dash looked up.
"I'm sorry Scootaloo," Rainbow Dash looked to the others. "I have to go somewhere." Scootaloo gasped.
"Is it your secret base?"
"No, well not today-- wait no! I'm going to the cemetery." Scootaloo stopped jumping.
"Is that why you're holding the flowers?" Scootaloo sighed. "Did somepony you know die?" Rainbow Dash looked down.
"My parents..." she said quietly. Scootaloo's ears went down.
"Oh, sorry. Do you want me to come with you?" Rainbow Dash looked back up.
"Sure, you can all come with me." she led the way, past the cafe. The other two slowly got off their chairs, and followed behind Rainbow Dash.
For most of the trip, nopony talked. Rainbow Dash watched the skies a lot. She wondered what it would have been like if her parents were still alive. She wondered what her parents would be like, if they raised her, She wondered how she would change. Rainbow Dash looked back down and saw the large metal gates to the Ponyville Cemetery.
As they entered, the air was heavier. It made Scootaloo fell uncomfortable. She never liked being around dead things. She had never been in the cemetery before, and it freaked her out. Apple Bloom would go there with Applejack every once in a while. It wasn't to visit any of the graves. Applejack and Apple Bloom enjoyed walking through the graveyard. Rarity would never let Sweetie Bell anywhere near the cemetery. She said it was "full of dead things!! And... and dirt!".
As they approached the two graves lying next to each other, Rainbow Dash placed the flowers down. She looked at the two names, staring back at her, mocking her; Firefly and Rainbow Strike . She looked to the ground once more. She felt the tears beginning to roll down her face again. She didn't care if Scootaloo thought she was being a baby.
"I'm so sorry Mom and Dad." Rainbow Dash said, looking up. "If I just flew a little faster, maybe I could have stopped it." The three fillies looked up at her.
"What do you mean? What happened?" Sweetie Belle asked. Rainbow Dash looked down at them.
"Today, many years ago. This was the day I performed the Sonic Rainboom. I was so excited the moment I heard the boom and looked back. I looked down at the cutiemark that appeared only moments later. Rather than gloat upon my victories, I rushed home to tell my parents. On the way there, I decided not to rush. I slowed down to a much slower speed. I didn't think of what might have happened."
"When I arrived, the door was slightly open. There was broken glass on the floor, from the shattered windows. The furniture was messed up and knocked over. There was blood on the walls and on the floor. Most of the blood was in a large area, where my parents lay dead. I did what I only thought that moment. I flew. I flew away from my house. The next day I went to the police and told them what I saw. They took my parents away, and I was alone. I had no family members who could take care of me."
The three fillies sat next to her. Nopony said anything. They waited a few minutes for Rainbow Dash to relax.
"Ya know," Apple Bloom started. " Applejack told me not to dwell on the ghosts of the past, or y'all will never move on." Rainbow Dash looked down at her.
"I just wish it was that easy Apple Bloom." Rainbow Dash got up from the ground. "C' mon, I think it's time to be going." Rainbow Dash picked the three fillies up, and they began to walk out of the cemetery. "Thanks for coming."
Rainbow Dash decided to head over to Twilight's house. She probably wouldn't get much out of her. Today was the day Twilight would spend reading her books. Rainbow Dash looked for the shades to be drawn, only to find they were open. Twilight loved being in the dark when she read. Rainbow Dash knocked on the door and, after a few moments, Spike answered the door.
"Oh! Hey Rainbow Dash," Spike started, looking into the room. "Sorry, but Twilight is kind of freaking out about a lost book, or something." Rainbow Dash looked inside and saw Twilight frantically running back and forth, looking over every book.
"Okay..." Rainbow Dash said, slowly walking in. She saw Twilight shouting and running upstairs, looking on every shelf. "Hey Twilight?" Twilight looked over at Rainbow Dash.
"I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, but I'm looking for a book Spike lost. It's called Equestrian Theories and Strange Phenomenon ."
"I didn't lose it!" Spike called from behind her.
"Yes you did! You were the last one to use it!" Twilight turned back towards her books. "And not only that, but a few other books have gone missing. All of them had to do with theories about Time travel, similar to what I've used, but way stronger!" she looked carefully at each book, before moving onto the next one. Rainbow Dash walked around the room, before she saw a broken picture frame on the floor. It was of Twilight and her parents.
"Hey Twilight, your picture frame broke." Twilight looked over at Rainbow Dash.
"Oh your right. Is the picture damaged?" Rainbow Dash examined it. There wasn't a fold or tear anywhere.
"Nope it's good. I think I may have a spare frame at my house. I can get it to you tomorrow." Twilight sighed.
"Okay. Just be careful with it. I've only had it for a few weeks." Twilight turned back towards the books. "Oh yeah, I probably won't be doing anything for a while, so I can't really hang out right now."
"I understand. I just remembered I have important things I need to get to. See ya around!" Rainbow Dash left Twilight's house and sighed. She slowly floated into the sky, and left the area.
Later that day, Rainbow Dash sat on a cloud, trying to relax, but was too overcome with grief. She tossed and turned on the cloud, but was unable to get comfortable. Part of it was from her feeling of grief. The other part was the annoying whooshing sound that grew louder with each second. Rainbow Dash looked around in the sky. A pegasus, with a leather bag, was flying at her, at an unbelievable speed. She leaped out of her cloud, as the pegasus flew into it.
"Hey, watch it you jerk!" Rainbow Dash shouted, catching up to him. He looked back at her and made a sharp left. Rainbow Dash was hardly able to keep up with the pegasus' speed. He flew over the town, under the trees, and through caves. He was impossibly precise. "Hey, slow down for a moment!" Rainbow Dash struggled to keep up with him. He rounded a corner, and landed on a small cliff on the side of a large hill. "Finally," Rainbow Dash slowly landed. "What the heck was that about?"
"Hmph," the colt said. Rainbow Dash sighed.
"Who are you?"
"The names Blitz, that's all you need to know." the colt smiled wryly. "You don't need to tell me your name. Who could forget the amazing Rainbow Dash?"
"Do I know you? You seem familiar."
"You saw me. Once, anyway. I was at the funeral." his smile got bigger. Rainbow Dash was irritated.
"Are you trying to start something? Cause I'm ready if you are!" Rainbow Dash began to circle him. Blitz laughed.
"Start something? No. End something." Rainbow Dash stopped circling. "You see, I saw you the day you performed the Sonic Rainboom. I saw that much power in only one filly. I sought to increase the power, one million times over. Just imagine, the possibilities of Time Travel." Blitz chuckled again.
"Well, what do you want with me then?"
"You are but the Catalyst for a plan I'm still working on. You will find out soon, but for now, I'll leave you to figure it out on your own." Blitz leaped from the cliff at bolting speed. He looked down at Rainbow Dash, before flying away. As he flew, a book fell from his bag. It landed on the cliff, in front of Rainbow Dash. She walked towards it, and read the large letters. Equestrian Theories and Strange Phenomenon .
"Huh, Twilight's book. I bet he was the one who stole it, but why would he need it? Time Travel?" Rainbow Dash was muttering to herself. She decided to take the book back to Twilight.
"YES!" Twilight shouted as she saw the large letters imprinted on the cover. "Where did you find it?" Rainbow Dash hesitated for a second.
"From this guy, his name was Blitz." Rainbow Dash said. "I think he was the one who's been stealing your books, but why?" Twilight looked through the pages of the old book in confusion.
"Hmm, was Blitz a pegasus, by any chance?" Rainbow Dash looked back at Twilight.
"Yeah, why?" Twilight nodded.
"I know what he was doing, or what I think he was doing. Blitz may have been trying to break the Time Barrier. I think, well fear, that he is trying to use the Speed Force, in order to travel back in time." Rainbow Dash was lost.
"Wait, what is the Speed Force? How can he travel back in time?"
"Well, the Speed Force is the power that comes with a pegasus' ability to fly fast. The greater the speed, the greater the Speed Force. According to the book, a pegasus that flies fast enough may be able to break the Time Barrier." Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash's face, which held confusion. Twilight sighed. "Okay, imagine the fabric of reality is separated by multiple intangible layers. All of these hold of the fabric of reality and, on occasion, they may be broken."
"You've performed a Sonic Rainboom, which breaks the Sound Barrier. There are dozens of other layers that require impossible speeds, most of which are occasionally broken by certain particles. One of the highest ones is known as the Time Barrier.This barrier is one of the harder ones to break, but not impossible. If broken, the breaker will be able to travel backwards, or forwards in time, theoretically of course. This may be what this Blitz is trying to do."
"He did say that he was shocked to see only a filly perform a Sonic Rainboom. Maybe he's jealous of me." Rainbow Dash joked. Twilight's hoof pounded the floor.
"This is no laughing matter! If Blitz does break the Time Barrier, then he may change something in the past that could change the future of Equestria."
"But what could he do?" Twilight's ears went straight up.
"He could stop you from performing the Sonic Rainboom, therefore stopping any of us from getting our cutiemarks." Rainbow Dash stopped smiling.
"Oh," she said.
"We wouldn't be there to stop Nightmare Moon, she would rule Equestria. Eventually the Elements of Harmony would no longer hold Discord, causing him to escape. Then Sombra would eventually rule the Crystal Empire, able to forge an army." Twilight stopped to take a breath. "Then, the Changelings would invade. The Solar Empire versus the New Lunar Republic versus Sombra's army versus the God of Chaos versus the Changeling army. Equestria would never survive." Rainbow Dash'd face changed to a look of horror. "Rainbow Dash, you have to stop Blitz from changing everything!" Rainbow Dash leaped off the ground.
"Don't worry, nopony is going to change history while I'm, around!" Rainbow Dash charged out the door. On her way out, Twilight called from behind.
"Rainbow Dash! There's something I forgot to tell you about breaking the Time Barrier!"
"Yeah, yeah, Twilight! I know how it could change history!" Rainbow Dash left Twilight's house.
"Wait, there's something else!" Slam! Rainbow Dash closed the door before Twilight could finish. The words Time Travel echoed in Rainbow Dash's head.
"Time Travel." she said, thinking. "I wish Time Travel could bring my parents back." she didn't let that bring her down, though.
Rainbow Dash was ready to kick some butt. Then, she remembered that she didn't know where Blitz lived. It wouldn't stop her. She searched every inch of Ponyville, keeping an eye out for anything or anypony. She spent hours looking, but was unable to find him. The last thing she remembered was the sun going down, and then... nothing.
When Rainbow Dash awoke, she was confused. She didn't remember falling asleep. She looked around her house. Everything was exactly the same. She rushed to the door and picked up the newspaper. The date was not different than it should have been. It took Rainbow Dash a moment to see the bold letters written as the headline. Equestria faces Apocalypse!
"What?" Rainbow Dash said to herself. She flew down to the ground, and went to Ponyville. Nothing was really different. The word Apocalypse was still in her head. Still, the ponies went about their lives as normal. But then, Rainbow Dash looked away from the crowds, and no longer tried to understand what was happening. Through the crowd, she saw two ponies she thought she'd never see again.
Author's Note
...
Rainbow Dash gasped. After all those years, she hadn't forgotten what her parents looked like. She stood there, as her parents looked over, waving with smiles. Rainbow Dash slowly walked over to them. She pushed through the crowds of ponies, approaching her parents.
"How's it going?" her mom asked her. Rainbow Dash stood there, not knowing what to say. "Just because you're on the Wonderbolts, doesn't mean you can forget about my birthday!" Rainbow Dash forgot. Her mother's birthday was the day after she died.
"Mom... Dad?" Rainbow Dash stuttered. "Is it really you?" Rainbow Dash's parents looked at her with odd expressions.
"Uh... yeah," her dad said. Rainbow Dash hugged them both. Her dad chuckled quietly. "Whoa, you're acting as if you haven't seen us in years!" Rainbow Dash looked at him.
"S-sorry, did you say Wonderbolts? As in the Wonderbolts?"
"Yeah, you're captain of the Wonderbolts, aren't you?" her mom asked.
"Oh, yeah! Pfft, I was just joking with you." Rainbow Dash was trying her best not to act weird. She tried to go along with whatever was happening. "Anyways, do you have anything planned for your birthday Mom?"
"Yes," her mom pointed in the direction of the theater. "Your father is taking me to the theater, and then for dinner. Just because it's the end of the world, doesn't mean I can't celebrate my birthday."
"Okay, see you later! I have a... a... uhhhh, ah! I have a Wonderbolts meeting, uh... thingy. So, catch you later, and... things! Gottagobye!" Rainbow Dash dashed away from her parents as fast as possible.
"Wow," her dad said. "She's even faster on the ground!" he looked the other way and saw the dark clouds forming over the horizon. "Uh oh. Looks like a storm's coming."
* * *
Rainbow Dash hurried through the crowds of ponies.
"Gotta find Twilight, gotta find Twilight," she muttered to herself, over and over again. Then, like a light at the end of the tunnel, she saw the familiar library-tree hybrid... thingy. She pounded the door many times. Nopony answered. She waited anxiously for something to happen. After many more minutes, she broke through the door, and looked around the dark, and dusty library.
"Twilight?" Rainbow Dash called. "Spike? Anypony there?" Rainbow Dash looked around the obvious empty tree. Many of the books had been thrown across the floor and others were torn, or badly damaged. Cobwebs were forming around the room, in the shelves, in the corners, and between the cases. On the left, was a small table with a dimly lit lamp. Papers covered the table, many of them looked like blueprints for strange weapons.
Rainbow Dash looked over by the stairs. There was a large metal door, which Rainbow Dash had never seen before. She looked to the left, and saw a large shelf close to the door. There were many drag marks on the ground, in front of the door. She approached the door, and wondered where it lead. She slowly pulled it open, and found herself bombarded by a hundreds of bats, flying out. They flew around the room, before finding an opening, and escaping out of the house.
Rainbow Dash looked through the large opening. It was dark, with stone stairs slowly leading down into the black oblivion. She took one step, which sounded much louder to her than it actually was. She took another step and, one after the other, she descended the dark steps, into the cave that lay beneath.
"Twilight?" Rainbow Dash called quietly. "Are you here?" there was no answer. The only sound was the sound of water dropping. The sound of her hooves hitting the wet stones seemed to get louder as she descended further into nothing. Suddenly, she saw a small light in the distance. It was dim, and would flash on and off for some time. As she approached the light, she got a feeling she was walking into a trap.
Rainbow Dash walked down the last step, and found the light upon her. She saw nothing special about it. There was a small bulb hanging from the ceiling. There were tables under the light. There was nothing special about the tables either. What was interesting, was what was on the tables. On one, there were different kinds of electronic devices, way more advanced than Rainbow Dash had ever known. On the other table, was weapons. There were all different kinds of guns, and explosives.
"My god Twilight. What happened to you?" Rainbow Dash said to herself. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash heard the sound of hooves hitting the hard stone. She turned around a stared into the darkness. "Twilight? Is that you?" the sound stopped, and Rainbow Dash's guard was up.
All she could feel was a hoof at the back of her head, for half a second, before she went crashing into the table. She slid across, and landed on the cold stone floor. Rainbow Dash groaned, and turned onto her back. She looked into the blackness from where she was thrown. Then, slowly emerging, she saw Twilight Sparkle. She was dressed in black. She was wearing boots, with strange guns tucked inside. She had a bag on her back, that looked to be full. She wore a long black coat. Her hood was high enough for Rainbow Dash to clearly see who it was. She did not move. She stood there, staring at Rainbow Dash.
"Who are you? And what are you doing here?" she asked. Rainbow Dash was instantly confused. "I said , who are you, and what are you doing here?"
"W-wait." Rainbow Dash. "Twilight, it's me! Rainbow Dash?" Twilight's expression did not change.
"I expect this is some form of feint lies. You really think you can outsmart the smartest pony in Equestria?" Rainbow Dash coughed, getting up.
"I'm not trying to trick you! My name is Rainbow Dash, you and me are best friends!" Twilight began to move. She slowly approached Rainbow Dash, before bursting into laughter.
"I have no friends, nor do I have enemies," Twilight stared at Rainbow Dash. "I don't even have parents. They both died when the Solar Empire invaded Saddle Arabia, renaming it Celestia's Crossing . Now quit changing the subject, and how did you get into this cave?"
"The bookshelf wasn't blocking the door. I just walked right in." Rainbow Dash stepped cautiously away from Twilight.
"You never answered my question. What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash began to piece everything together. Blitz succeeded. He was able to change the past and, somehow, change the future.
"Twilight, please listen! It may seem crazy, but you and I are best friends in another reality!" Twilight's face changed to anger.
"That's impossible! Stop lying, and tell me who you are!" Twilight ran up to Rainbow Dash and pinned her down. Rainbow Dash tried to get her off, but Twilight was a lot heavier than she thought. Twilight grabbed one of Rainbow Dash's wings. "Tell me the truth, or I'll turn you into an Earth pony!"
"No, I AM telling the truth! I'm your friend!" Crack! Rainbow Dash stopped talking, and did not understand what just happened. She was overcome with pain. She shouted, trying to get her to stop, but couldn't overcome Twilight's weight. (Part of which due to the fact Twilight had 50 extra pounds due to the bag on her back.)
"You have four joints left." Twilight said, holding Rainbow's wing.
"Please... stop. I.. I'm telling the... truth!" Crack! Rainbow Dash shouted in agony. She tried to kick Twilight off, but had no strength left.
"Three to go," Twilight moved to the next one.
"Wait! I can prove it!" Rainbow Dash gasped. She remembered the item she had found at Twilight's house. She held up the photo of Twilight with her parents. Twilight got off of Rainbow Dash. She turned away from her, examining the photo. Rainbow Dash was gasping for air, and holding her wing in pain.
"This is..." Twilight said quietly. "This is my..." Twilight collapsed to the ground. Rainbow Dash didn't move. She heard Twilight's sobs, but did not want to rile her up again. She was afraid Twilight would break her neck. After a few minutes, Twilight got back up. "I'm not saying I believe you, but you obviously aren't dangerous." Twilight walked towards the light and pulled a drawer out from under the table. She opened it, and began rummaging through the contents.
"Here," Twilight said, holding up bandages. "I'm sorry about your wing." she sat Rainbow Dash on one of the tables, and began to wrap it up.
"What did you mean before, when you said you 'had no friends, and no enemies'?" Twilight stopped wrapping for a moment.
"No enemy I gain lives more than a week, and I'm just not one for friends, ever since I failed the Entrance exam. Even before then I-"
"Whoa! Wait a second, you failed the Entrance Exam?" Rainbow Dash turned to her.
"Yeah, I wasn't strong with magic." Rainbow Dash had an idea what Blitz changed. If he stopped her from performing the Sonic Rainboom, none of her friends would have gotten their cutiemarks. Therefore, Twilight never would have passed the Entrance Exam. That lead to a question that was nagging Rainbow Dash for the past few minutes.
"Do you have a cutiemark?" Twilight stopped again. She hesitated before answering.
"Yes, but I didn't get it for awhile." she began to wrap Rainbow's wing again. "It took me awhile before I realized what I loved to do."
"And what is that?"
"Later," Twilight did not talk much, until after she finished wrapping Rainbow Dash up. She brought her out of the cave, and upstairs. By then it was already raining hard. Twilight stared out the window, sitting on her bed. Rainbow Dash was sitting downstairs. She looked around, rummaging through the books that were lying there. There was only one book that was eye-catching. The large letters almost made Rainbow Dash smile: Equestrian Theories and Strange Phenomenon
Rainbow Dash looked through it, trying to figure out how Blitz was able to break the Time Barrier. The book had little information about the topic. She had all the information from what Twilight told her. There was not much she could find. Then, she found a piece of information that was surprising. "The pony who changes history may hold the same memories of the previous life." That meant that Blitz was here, and knew exactly what he did.
"Twilight! I know how to fix this!" Rainbow Dash shouted, running upstairs. Twilight, who was still sitting in her bed, was taken by surprise.
"Fix what?" Twilight asked, turning towards her.
"A way to fix the Timeline! I can restore the original world!" Rainbow Dash expected Twilight to jump to her feet. She remained still. Rainbow Dash sighed. "You still don't believe that I'm from an alternate world, do you?" Twilight looked her in the eyes.
"No. I think you're insane." Twilight turned back towards the window. Rainbow Dash sighed again.
"Have you ever seen a Sonic Rainboom?" Twilight turned back.
"No. A Sonic Rainboom is impossible. Nopony has ever done one."
"I've done it before." Twilight laughed so loud, she almost fell off her bed.
"Bullshit! I already suspected you were crazy, but this is over the top!" Rainbow Dash thought to herself, trying to figure out a way to make Twilight believe her. She looked outside, at the rain and lightning. She smiled.
"If I did a Sonic Rainboom, would you believe I'm from another reality." Twilight once again turned back.
"Performing something impossible has nothing to do with you being from a different reality. But, since you're trying so hard to impress me, I'll let you try." Rainbow Dash smiled, and went for the door. "One more thing." Rainbow Dash looked back at Twilight. "Fine, I'll believe you, if you're somehow able to pull this off."
"Don't worry, I've done this kind of thing before, there's nothing to worry about." Twilight chuckled again, before getting off the bed.
"Did you forget I pretty much broke one of your wings?"
"Pretty Much ?" Rainbow Dash asked, on her way down the stairs.
* * *
Rainbow Dash went into an open field to reduce the risk of breaking any windows. Twilight reluctantly followed her. Rainbow Dash was pumped up to finally prove to Twilight she was telling the truth. As she prepared to fly up, she remembered that if her wing was broken, she would need to be struck by lightning to pull it off. It shouldn't have been a problem, considering it was in the middle of a thunder storm.
She was ready, She flew as fast as she could,(which wasn't actually that fast). It took her a few minutes to actually get up to the right height. When she did get up there, she was surrounded by falling rain, dark clouds, and bright flashes, followed by a loud boom. She was beginning to have second thoughts about doing this. Still, the fate of everything rested in this crucial moment which, of course, she messes up.
Rainbow Dash did not stop to think. She's done a Sonic Rainboom before, and she can do it again. She descended much faster than she ascended. She still wasn't fast enough to get a Sonic Rainboom. Her eyes watered, as she increased speed. She felt her chances becoming more likely but then, she fails. She wasn't fast enough to perform it, and was thrown thousands of feet. Twilight saw her fail, and rushed towards where she was headed.
Twilight heard the impact a lot sooner than she got there. When she finally came upon Rainbow Dash, she found that she had crashed into the ground, leaving a huge crater.
"My god," Twilight gasped as she saw the broken mare that lay inside. Twilight lifted her carefully and brought her back to the house. Rainbow Dash slept for many hours.
* * *
Rainbow Dash was plagued with strange dreams. She saw herself. Instead of standing up for Fluttershy, she was pulled aside by somepony. They quickly rushed to Rainbow Dash's house, where they stopped it. They stopped the murder.
Rainbow Dash saw visions of her friends. She saw all their lives playing out much differently. She saw Twilight embarrass herself at the Entrance Exam. She saw Pinkie never learn how to laugh, and continued to work on the rock farm. All her friends. All their lives were changed so greatly. Rainbow Dash didn't see how letting her parents live would stop them from getting their cutiemarks.
There was one more scene. Rainbow Dash saw an older Pinkie. Her coat was a grayish pink, and her mane was down. She had no cutiemark and looked as though she hadn't smiled all her life. She was welding something large and metal. There was a time skip, and it went to a large city. A large rocket entered the atmosphere and crashed into the city. There was a large explosion, and the scene went dark.
Rainbow Dash gasped, and woke up. She tried to move, but Twilight held her down. Rainbow Dash tried to fight her. She was flailing around, trying to get her off.
"Let me up!" Rainbow Dash shouted, trying to fight Twilight's hooves.
"Calm down, you broke almost every bone in your body!" Twilight picked up a needle and injected it into Rainbow Dash's neck. Rainbow Dash was instantly relaxed and she was in less pain.
"Wha... what happened?" Rainbow Dash moaned.
"You weren't able to perform the Sonic Rainboom. You crashed into the ground, and broke almost every bone in your body." Twilight pulled up an X-ray of her body, revealing multiple broken bones and fractures.
"And my wings?" Twilight looked at the X-ray.
"Huh. Strange enough, besides what I broke, your wings are fine." Rainbow Dash sat up, before shouting in pain.
"We... have to try... again!" she flopped back down and groaned again.
"You can barely move! You aren't going anywhere." Twilight went looking through some papers. Rainbow Dash sat up again, slowly.
"We have to try again. I need to show you." Twilight stopped looking through the papers and sighed.
"And what happens if you fail again?" Twilight smiled.
"Just try to catch me this time!" Twilight helped Rainbow Dash up, and they walked out the door of her house. Twilight brought her to the field and set her down. It was raining much harder causing rain to hit against Rainbow Dash's skin. Every little part of her hurt. She used what little strength she had to lift herself with her wings. Due to her broken bones, it took her twice as long to get up there, than last time. Twilight knew she would be there for awhile, so she reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a flask of whisky.
Rainbow Dash eventually got up to the right height and looked around. She wondered if it was all worth it. Why did she go through all this trouble just to prove she wasn't from this reality? She didn't have long to think about it. She found herself falling to the ground. She opened her wings and tried to increase her speed. She accelerated much quicker. Her eyes watered as she got closer to the ground.
The lightning was getting closer to her. The thunder made her ears start to bleed. When she was about to hit the ground, a flash of light and she found herself soaring through the sky. She felt intense pain, and actually passed out in mid air. When she awoke, she was still flying. She quickly turned around, and was back at the field in only a matter of seconds. She landed slowly. The pain in her body had gone, and her bones did not feel broken. Even her wing felt fine. Twilight sat there, unable to move.
"Hey," Rainbow Dash said walking towards her. "Are you okay?" Twilight looked over at her.
"Did you... not see what just... happened?" she stuttered. Rainbow Dash looked confused. "At the last second... I thought you were gonna die but... you were hit. A bolt of lightning came down on you. In that one second, you must have been ten miles away. There was a large ring of colors. Every color I've ever seen. There were colors I didn't even know existed." Rainbow Dash smiled.
"Now do you believe me?" Twilight looked at her.
"I-I'm not sure yet." Rainbow Dash put her hoof to her face and sighed.
"You called your brother your BBBFF." that was all Rainbow Dash said. There was a long awkward silence. Everything fell silent. Rainbow Dash thought she heard the rain stop for a moment. Twilight stood there in shock. She tried to open her mouth to talk, but no words came out. When she did finally speak, she had once thing to say.
"I believe you." Twilight picked up her flask and began walking back towards the town, with Rainbow Dash following.
III. A World without Harmony
Twilight examined Rainbow Dash back inside her house. All the lights were turned off, besides the one hanging over them. She ran many tests on rainbow Dash, and examined her carefully.
"This is impossible," Twilight said, looking through the results of Rainbow Dash's tests. "You're fully healed, after breaking practically every bone in your body!"
"It might have been the Sonic Rainboom combined with me being struck by lightning." Rainbow Dash chuckled. Twilight flipped through a different stack of papers that were sitting on her desk.
"That doesn't mean it's possible. It doesn't even make logical sense! Besides, there's something else," Twilight looked through the stack of paper with disbelief. "You seem to be giving off a signal. It's like a type of background radiation, invisible to most scanning. So far, I've run about seven different scans. Only two are signalling that they found something. Infrared and Ultraviolet rays are the only two that showed up. Well, you can see it with certain 3-D glasses." Twilight walked towards a closet filled with random clutter. She came back moments later, carrying a large black light. She placed it down in front of Rainbow Dash, and turned it on.
"Hah! You see that?" Twilight was pointing to the strange blurriness that was floating around Rainbow Dash. Whenever Rainbow Dash moved, she could see the blurriness following her.
"What is this?" Twilight turned back towards her.
"I already said, it's like background radiation. I've run one more test, looked through some old books, and watched a couple of episodes of Doctor Whooves , and discovered what it may be." Twilight pulled up a white board. "Okay, imagine this is your universe," Twilight then proceeded to draw a large circle. "Now, imagine this the universe you're in right now." she drew another circle, and began coloring in the space in between the two. "Now imagine this is the stuff in between, or the Void. History wasn't just changed," Twilight turned back toward Rainbow Dash.
"Whatever was changed, had to happen! So, by changing the future, a second reality was created, to stop your reality from being erased. That's why Time Travel is dangerous. Unless you use a spell that makes it last for like a minute, you would either rip a hole in the Space Time Continuum or create another reality, to support the paradox. Do you follow any of this?" the question caught Rainbow Dash by surprise.
"Yes..... no." Twilight put her hoof to her face.
"Somepony changed the past and created a second universe! What's not to get?"
"But, how does this 'background radiation' come in?" Twilight suddenly remembered the point of showing Rainbow Dash all of this.
"You see, when you create another universe, you actually travel through the Void, into that universe, hence the background radiation. You picked it up after you passed through the Void." Twilight had finished her presentation and turned off the black light. She put the board away, and turned the lights back on. Rainbow Dash was free to move again.
"There's something else." Rainbow Dash started. "While I was unconscious, I had strange dreams. I was dreaming about some things in the past that happened in this reality."
"Your memories are realigning. They're changing from your previous world, to this world. Soon, you won't remember anything about your other world." Twilight began walking towards the door. "Come on. I think it's time I revisited some old acquaintances." Rainbow Dash followed Twilight out the door.
* * *
A lone mare sat atop the roof of a crumbling city. She sharpened her knife, humming to herself. Her smile stretched across her face. Her mane was straight and her coat was a grayish pink. She looked down upon the oblivious ponies walking back and forth, down the narrow streets. In silence, she would stalk her prey. When she spots her next victim, she descends the building, continuing to watch it carefully. When she lands on the ground, she strikes. The prey can never see it coming. Her knife plunges into them, and they fall down. Anypony who witnesses the murder runs, hoping they aren't next. She tears the body to pieces, and flees the scene, with a sack containing the pieces of the body.
That was how her life would be. There were never any worries. Now, she was stuck in a dimly lit room. Held by the government, ever since she nuked Manehatten. She continued to hum, but she would not smile. She never smiled. In her memories, she would see herself smile, but that was just a memory. She chose to remember her life that way, when in reality it was a lie. She was chained to the wall, and stuck in a straight jacket. Large ponies in suits would come in from time to time to run tests.
When she was let out, she was kept under constant surveillance, and was not allowed to remove her straight jacket. They would take her to a room, where they would make her construct weapons for the Solar Empire. Afterwards, she would return to her room, and the cycle would go on everyday. Her time would come. She would hope to die soon.
* * *
Rainbow Dash was led to the train station. Twilight brought her aboard, and they sat down. A few minutes passed, and the train began to move. Rainbow Dash left the town of Ponyville, to wherever Twilight was taking her. The train rattled quietly as it moved across the rusty rails. Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight, who was still staring out the window.
"Twilight," Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight's head did not move. "Where are we going?" Twilight answered, without turning.
"Manehatten. There's somepony I need to talk to." Rainbow Dash remembered the dream she had. In one of them, she saw a rocket hit Manehatten. There was a huge explosion, and that was it.
"Wait, I thought Manehatten was destroyed." Twilight's head slowly turned, and her eyes met Rainbow Dash's.
"How could you possibly know that? That happened seven years ago." Rainbow never told her about the details of her dream.
"It was one of the things I saw in my dream. From the look of the explosion, I thought it must have destroyed the whole city." Twilight sighed again, turning back towards the window.
"Rainbow Dash," Twilight said quietly. Rainbow Dash looked up at her. "In your world, are my parents still alive?" when Twilight turned towards her, Rainbow Dash saw that Twilight had been crying.
"Yes," Rainbow Dash said. "And your brother. In my world, there is no war, or apocalypse, nor is there any hate." the two princesses rule Equestria together, not battling for tyranny." Twilight stopped crying,and chuckled.
"Your world sounds like fun," the train ride was pretty quiet for the rest of the journey. Rainbow Dash looked out the window, to see the devastation the war had brought upon the land. There were hardly any villages, the ground was covered in ash, and bones.
The train ride was a half an hour long. When it stopped, Rainbow Dash stared in disbelief at the city of Manehatten. It was a living, thriving city, even when there was all that devastation in between. Twilight led her to a large building. There were bright purple letters that sat on the side of the building. Sparkle Casino .
"God, tell me you don't own a casino." Rainbow Dash groaned.
"A mares gotta make a living somehow," Twilight replied, as they approached the door. "Come on, we need to get to the roof. She's waiting up there."
'Who's she?' Rainbow Dash thought to herself. As they walked up the stairs of the casino, Rainbow Dash was feeling chatty.
"Twilight, what happened when Nightmare Moon returned?" Twilight stopped walking for a second. She hesitated before answering.
"She swore to bring with her an Eternal Night," Twilight said, continuing to walk. "Celestia had to stop her, but was no longer in control of these things, called the Elements of Harmony. I don't know what they are, or why she was no longer able to use them, but Nightmare Moon's power was strong. She plunged all of Northern Europe into the sea. Rumor has it, that's where her base is, but nopony has ever made it there alive. Her forces patrol most of Europe, and Western Africa."
"As for Celestia, most of the Solar Empire are patrolled around Canterlot, and the cities surrounding, within a 1000 mile radius. She's in Canterlot, sitting around while thousands of her scouts are dying daily. Right now though, I think she's somewhere in Celestia's Crossing."
* * *
"Hello? Can anypony hear me?" a voice calls into a communicator. "This is Sergeant Frostwing. They found us. My whole team is dead, and now they're after me." soft hoofbeats came from behind him. "I'm somewhere is Celestia's Crossing, but the Empire wants me dead." the soldier cocked his pistol, and prepared for the fight. "I have information for Commander Rarity of the Twelfth Sigma Unit."
"Hello?........ yes, I know what they're planning......... No, there is nopony left. I know I'm going to die. Please, take this information." the rubble began to shake around him. "Ah shit, they found me!" the soldier ran. He dared not look back. He knew the Empire was on his tail. He fired some shots at them, but was only able to kill three, out of the thirteen that were chasing him. His gun clicked, and he threw it aside. "Fuck! It's Celestia! Twelfth Sigma Unit, take this information: The Empire is planning to attack the New Lunar Republic! The final battle is going to be right here! Commander Rarity, if you get this message, give the reports to Lieutenant Firestorm, he'll know what to do!"
As he ran, a bullet knocked the communicator out of Frostwing's hoof. He had no weapon, no means of escape, he had one more throwing knife, which he used on one of the soldiers. He knew he would die, but he kept on running. Most of the soldiers that shot at him would miss. That was because Celestia wasn't the one shooting. She reached for a soldier's gun and managed to hit Frostwing in the leg. He tumbled to the floor, and shouted in pain. The soldiers slowly approached him, followed by Celestia.
"Who are you, and who are you with?" she asked, using her horn to bring him to her face. Frostwing did not answer. "I would answer if I were you, unless you're fine with not having a mouth to speak with." Frostwing was very weak, but he still had enough strength in his arm to smack her in the face.
"I'll tell you nothing you bitch!" he shouted. Rather than kill him, Celestia simply stared at him. After a few moments, she turned to one of her guards.
"His name is Sergeant Silas Frostwing. He is with the Twelfth Sigma Resistance Unit. The only other surviving member of the team, was a Commander Rarity. Their mission was to infiltrate the Headquarters and steal valuable information, which he was able to get to Rarity." Celestia turned back towards Frostwing with a smile. He had a look of confusion and horror. Celestia laughed. "I know the most advanced magic in the world, I'm sure that includes Mind Reading spells." Frostwing looked down. "You there, find this... Rarity, and make her know the real meaning of pain." the soldier nodded and one by one, they began to leave.
"And what of this one?" one of the soldiers asked, pointing to Frostwing. "Should we kill him?" Celestia grabbed him by the neck.
"An example must be made for all who rise against me." she flew him up to the ceiling of the crumbling building, and wrapped his neck around one of the cables hanging down. "Don't worry, your neck will break before the electricity manages to stop your heart." she charged the cable, and dropped the Sergeant. He began to scream in agony, as the electricity traveled through his body. Then, after the cable had reached it's maximum length, he stopped falling. After a sudden Crack! , the Sergeant hung lifeless, his head hanging to one side, and his eyes still open.
* * *
After approaching the top of the casino, Rainbow Dash stared at the shadow of a figure. Instead of move, the figure just stared at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Twilight slowly approached the figure, who began to walk towards her. Soon, it came into the light. Rainbow Dash was staring at another familiar face. Though she was a cyborg, and covered with a lot of metal, Rainbow Dash still recognized the mare to be Applejack.
"Hey, Applejack," Twilight said. "I'm ready to accept your request." Applejack wasn't much bigger, but being covered in metal made her look more burly. She sounded exactly the same as she always did.
"What made ya change yer mind?" she asked. Twilight smiled.
"I found us another member." she gestured her hooves at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash tried as hard as she could to not let Applejack know where she was from.
"What's up?" Rainbow Dash said. Applejack nodded slowly.
"She may look weak but trust me, I've seen how strong she is." Twilight may have been lying when she said that. "We have the world's best hacker in this group too. You think you can break into the Empire's mainframe?" Applejack sighed.
"How many times do Ah have to tell ya? Ah'm not gonna cause more trouble. Ah just want this war to be over!"
"The war is over! Everypony lost. The world just doesn't know it yet. Besides, just because you're in Celestia's right pocket, doesn't mean you have to do everything she says!" Rainbow Dash was thinking of what to say. Then, she remembered the dream she had. If Applejack did have access to certain government things, she may know about the nuke.
"Hey, do you know anything about the nuke that landed here a few years ago?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack hesitated for a moment, before pressing a button on her shoulder. It brought a holographic projection, filled with government files.
"There's something there, but it's beyond even my clearance." Twilight was becoming irritated.
"Think you can hack it?" she smiled. Applejack sighed before pulling up a holographic keyboard. After a few minutes of keys clacking, there was a ding.
"Got it. There's something in a laboratory called M.A.R.E. Labs, why?" Rainbow Dash smiled.
"I think I found somepony who may be able to help us." Applejack clacked a few more keys and finally, she found a location.
"Here it is, M.A.R.E. labs, located about 10 miles away. We can't take a train, because it's in the middle of the Devastation." Twilight sighed.
"You ready for a trek into the most dangerous place in Equestria?" she asked. Rainbow Dash smiled.
"I'm always ready," she said. "Let's get going!"
The Devastation was located north of the abandoned city of Canterlot. It stretched from the very west of Equestria, to the east, right near Fillydelphia. It stretched over all landmarks in it's path, like Neighagra falls, and all the way over the Foal Mountains. Eventually, it just stops. Nopony in Equestria knows where it came from. It was like the land to the north just died. It is almost uninhabited of any kind of pony. Instead, all the monsters of Equestria gathered there. Dragons, Cockatrices, Manticores, Timber Wolves. There are many more creatures, all of the evil creatures that ever lived in Equestria have gathered into the Devastation or the Howling Woods. It was as if something was calling them there. Unfortunately, that was where Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Applejack were headed.
"So, why is the Devastation so dangerous?" Rainbow Dash asked, as they rode the train to the Frostwood Checkpoint.
"Every being that ever caused harm to ponies is there. Every single creature that ever once tried to harm the ponies." Applejack said as they bounced along the tracks. "We may need to actually go inside the checkpoint." Twilight looked at Applejack and groaned. "Calm down Twilight. Ya need the radiation suits." Rainbow Dash gulped. Not only was it full of every single dangerous creature that wanted to cause her harm, it was also full of deadly radiation. "Besides, it's the only way to M.A.R.E. Labs. If this pony is as crazy as you say she is, we may have a chance at ending this war." then, out of nowhere, Applejack talks to Rainbow Dash.
"So, Rainbow Dash, what's your story? How did you get into this?" Rainbow Dash panicked. She didn't actually expect Applejack to ask her. She looked at Twilight who made no expression whatsoever. She had to say something. Suddenly, an idea came to Rainbow Dash's head.
"Well," she began. "Me and Twilight go way back." Applejack interrupted her.
"Hang on, Ah was told ya didn't have any friends." she said to Twilight.
"Acquaintance." Twilight said quietly.
"Anyway," Rainbow Dash began again. "I'm a pretty good fighter, and very fast. One day, Twilight comes to me and says she needs somepony to come with her on a dangerous mission. I wasn't so sure at first, until she threatened to break my wings." Applejack looked at Twilight, who was nodding in agreement, and chuckled.
"Yep, that sure does sound like Twilight."
"So," Rainbow Dash asked. "Have you ever heard of a being known as Discord?" Twilight's eyes grew wide. Applejack looked at her.
"Where did that come from?" Applejack asked. "He's in Canterlot right now. Some say he'll be heading to Celestia's Crossing to watch the final battle. He never did anything for either side. He's just been sitting back, watching the violence. He was in the war at the very beginning. Ah watched him turn the Changeling army to dust, with the snap of his fingers. The crystal armies literally crumbled beneath him. He is the most dangerous being ya'll will ever meet." Rainbow Dash sighed.
"Believe me, I know," Rainbow Dash said. It was a long journey from Manehatten to the Frostwood Checkpoint, so Rainbow Dash decided to stretch her legs, and take a walk around the train.
There weren't many ponies on the train. The ones who were, had business with the Empire. Others were looking for safe passage beneath the Devastation. Underground, there were many tunnels that offered safe passage. Unfortunately for the group, Twilight had some issues with authority and she ran into trouble a few years earlier, so they took her picture, hoof print, and did not allow her in the tunnels.
As Rainbow Dash walked, she could hear the conversations some of the ponies were having. Most of them were boring conversations, like what they would do once they were off the train. One conversation really caught Rainbow Dash's attention, mostly because she sat down for a second and heard them in the next booth.
"You really think we can get to the Plains of Night from here?" the first pony asked.
"Of course," the second pony said. "I hear they're making a super weapon. Something that'll really turn the tide for this war. Hopefully it works, or those fuckers in the Empire will never give up."
"Once we're there, we can tell Nightmare Moon about whatever these shitheads are planning. I can't wait to see them burn."
"To the New Lunar Republic."
"To Eternal Night."
'A super weapon?' Rainbow Dash asked herself. 'What kind of Super Weapon?' If this was true, then Celestia might fall, and Nightmare Moon would win the war. She slowly got up from her seat, and walked back to her seat, two cars back.
She sat down without saying a word. Applejack and Twilight didn't notice she even left. They were still talking about their strategies for traversing the Devastation. Rainbow Dash did not tell them what she heard. It was better not to attract attention to herself. Especially information that might not even true. She just kept her mouth shut for the rest of the ride, which must have taken three hours. The Frostwood Checkpoint was the only place to get radiation suits. Applejack was an android, so she didn't need extra protection.
They got off the train, and entered the large bunker. There were hundreds of ponies, who all wanted safe passage under neath the Devastation to a large city at the edge. Some of them were calling it "Eternity's Salvation." Twilight's head was low as they walked through the building. She didn't like the Empire, nor did she like the Republic. She already knew who would win. Nopony would survive this war.
The guards watched her carefully. They knew who she was, and what she was doing there. Applejack didn't make eye contact with any of the guards, she kept eye contact with the door they were approaching. Applejack opened the door and went inside.
"Ya'll wait out here. It's safer if Ah go in alone." Applejack said. Rainbow Dash did not understand. Applejack closed the door behind her, leaving Rainbow Dash and Twilight outside.
"What did she mean by 'safer'?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight slowly turned towards her. She leaned closer to Twilight, whisper something.
"That section is full of ponies from the Republic." Twilight whispered. "None of the guards can go in, because the ponies say the guards don't have a high enough 'clearance' to get in." Rainbow Dash sighed. The Republic was everywhere. On the trains, in the bunkers, next thing she's gonna see is the Republic in the Devastation! She sighed, and relaxed on the floor.
Rainbow Dash was still processing what she went through. She was forced to travel across an unfamiliar world, only because of the selfishness of that stupid pegasus. She wanted to find Blitz so bad. That was the only real way to end this. She didn't even know why Blitz wanted to ruin her life! She hadn't done anything to him, he just wanted to ruin her life, even if it meant destroying the world in the process. Applejack took her time as she got the radiation gear. You could never be too careful when you're dealing with the New Lunar Republic. After many minutes, Applejack emerged with three radiation suits.
"Three?" Twilight asked. "I thought you didn't need one." Applejack glared at her.
"It's for the pony y'all are trying to get from M.A.R.E!" Applejack said. "I doubt this 'friend' of yours is radiation-proof!" Rainbow Dash got up and chuckled.
"It wouldn't surprise me," she said. "Pinkie Pie is one of the craziest ponies I've ever met! She's literally broken dimensions, just to save me!" Applejack chuckled.
"Just in case, Ah don't wanna take no chances," Applejack began walking towards the door. Twilight handed Rainbow Dash the suit, as she began to put hers on. The suit was kind of snug, but at least it would keep Rainbow Dash safe. She followed Twilight out the doors.
"There it is," Twilight said, pointing to the dead areas that lay ahead of them. "The Devastation. Let's get going." They passed countless signs that all said "RADIATION WARNING! TURN BACK!" Soon, the signs stopped, and everything fell silent. The was a crackling noise coming from a part of Applejack. Rainbow Dash looked back at her.
"It's the Geiger Counter," she said, looking at Rainbow Dash. "We're officially in the Devastation. Congratulations." There was not much to talk about. They were out in the open, with miles of thick fog to block their sight. Whatever trees that were there, were reduced to ash. It was hard for Rainbow Dash to imagine anything that could survive out there.
"How can anything survive out here?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight put her hoof in front of Rainbow Dash.
"Shh!" she said. Twilight looked back at Applejack, who only just stopped walking. "Applejack, did you hear that?" Applejack nodded. Twilight slowly reached for her gun. "We're being watched," Twilight put her hoof down, and the four ponies slowly moved on. Soon, Twilight's pace quickened, and she tried hard not to look back.
"What did you hear?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight didn't say anything. Rainbow Dash sighed. She was careful where she stepped, making sure to not make any noise.
"I heard a growl," Twilight finally said. "And that is a very big deal in the Devastation. Years in the radiation caused the beings to evolve. It would kill a normal pony, but there are more beings in Equestria than just ponies, and some are made to survive in these harsh environments."
The ponies marched on, unaware they were walking into a trap. Twilight realized, but did not say anything. The changeling that was following them would alert the others, and they would be surrounded. Suddenly, Twilight felt the ground change. It used to be soft and grainy, but it had changed to hard and lumpy. She felt stirring beneath her. They were directly over them.
"Imagine," Twilight said. Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight.
"What did you say?"
"Imagine, you were a Changeling; one of the last of the changelings. Imagine you were hiding in the mist, when suddenly you stumble across three defenseless travelers. What do you do? You stalk the prey in silence, before striking."
"Yeah, I understand that. So?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"So, when I did a headcount a second ago, why did I count four ponies?" Rainbow Dash stopped. Applejack gasped and turned around. Who was that fourth pony walking with them? It lifted its head, its bright blue eyes shone through the fog. It snarled, showing its teeth, before howling. Immediately, the ground rumbled around the three ponies, and Changelings rose from the dust and ash. "It's a trap, run!" Twilight grabbed Rainbow Dash as they ran passed the Changelings, as they rose from the ground. Applejack followed behind them. She looked back and saw the group of Changelings, gaining on them.
Twilight looked around for anywhere to hide but, unfortunately, she was unable to locate anything, them being in a long stretch of nothing. She looked back and fired some bullets at the Changelings. Every time they took a step, more Changelings seemed to emerge. Even if she did manage to hit any, it wouldn't do any damage. There were enough Changelings there to recreate the army. Apparently, Chrysalis had an extra reserve, should the first army fall. Apparently, they all seemed to gather in the Devastation. They also evolved to be able to deflect bullets, seeing how the gun did nothing.
The only thing that did seem to work was hitting things in their eyes. Twilight was a pretty good shot, and was able to throw the gun at a changelings eye, which made it tumble over itself, and a few others behind. It may have been odd, but it seemed to work.
"Guys! Throw things at their eyes! The Changelings are falling over." Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked back and saw a group who were tripping over each other. As they ran, Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash picked up things they found on the ground, which were mostly rocks. They managed to get far enough ahead that the Changelings could not see them through the fog. Eventually, Rainbow Dash tripped and landed in a small ditch.
"Guys, wait!" she said. Twilight and Applejack turned back and saw her in the ditch. They immediately ran back and ducked as low as they could. They watched as the Changelings either went around the ditch, or jumped over it. After a few minutes, the last Changeling jumped over, and they vanished into the fog. Rainbow Dash sighed.
"Whew," Applejack said wiping her forehead. (Apparently androids sweat) "Nice job back there. Ah never would've thought of that!" Twilight stared into the fog.
"Guys, do you realize that there are more than just Changelings out here?" Twilight asked. "We've made our presence known, and now every being will be here soon. That's how it works in the Devastation. They knew we were here the moment we took the first step." Applejack stared at her, before looking at her wrist. A small pinging noise had been coming from it for a few minutes.
"We need to keep movin'! We're almost there." Applejack led the way through the fog, followed by Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
Twilight did not talk much while they walked. Rainbow Dash was anxious. In her memory, Pinkie had a couple screws loose. She hoped that being in these M.A.R.E Labs would make her less insane, and more of a friend. The ground's texture changed again. It went from a soft and ashy feeling, to a hard and metal surface. Applejack stopped. She bounced twice, which made a metal clank.
"Y'all feel that? We're here." Applejack said, walking carefully. "Be careful! We don't want anypony inside to hear us." Twilight looked to the sky. The fog was beginning to lift, making the moonlight visible. Twilight sighed and turned back towards Applejack.
"Applejack," Twilight called. Applejack turned around. "The fog is beginning to clear! You can already see the moonlight!" Applejack nodded.
"It's okay," Applejack said looking at the ground. "We can rest here, and continue when the fog comes back, and we have our cover."
They saw in a circle under the moonlight. They did not exchange glances, but pondered in their minds. Applejack grew uneasy. After many minutes of silence, she sighed and looked at Twilight.
"What's this really about?" she asked. "First, ya don't wanna help, an' now, because we have somepony else, it's totally fine?" Twilight looked up at her.
"It's not about winning the war, it's about helping a friend!" Twilight said before looking at Rainbow Dash.
"You don't have any friends! Ya told me that yourself!" Twilight looked back at her.
"An acquaintance then!" Applejack was silent for a moment before scoffing.
"Yeah, but if this one is as strong as ya say she is, we may finally be able to end this war!" Twilight looked down. She seemed to gather her thoughts for a moment, before looking back up and chuckling.
"You know," she paused and looked at Rainbow Dash, before turning back to Applejack. "That's the mindset Shining Armor had! Before he dissapeared on the Plains of Night, and was never seen again!" Applejack stopped talking. "I told you before, and I'll tell you again: This war is already over, and everypony lost."
"I can stop this," Rainbow Dash said, looking up. Twilight looked at her.
"What did you say?"
"I can stop this!" Applejack looked up at her. "I know who caused all this, and if I can find him, I'll be able to set things right!"
"What do you mean?" Applejack asked. Twilight went to talk, but Rainbow Dash stopped her.
"No, she has a right to know." Twilight sat back. "I'm not from here. I'm from a parallel universe, where there is no war. Celestia and Nightmare Moon, or Princess Luna, rule together in Harmony. In the world, you and I are best friends. We all are." Rainbow Dash pointed to Twilight. "There are six of us. We're on our way to one of them right now! The other two are ponies called Rarity and Fluttershy." Twilight looked up, her eyes were wide. Applejack looked concerned.
"You failed to mention this to me!" Twilight said. "You're telling me the leader of the Resistance and Nightmare Moon's first officer are both of our friends in another universe?" Rainbow Dash was just as confused as they were.
"Fluttershy is the first officer? Rarity is the leader of the Resistance? HOW?!"
"Anyway, we'll discuss this later!" Applejack said. "In this other dimension, you and Ah are friends? Along with Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash nodded.
"And Pinkie Pie, the one we're coming for now." Applejack was surprised they didn't tell her before.
"Well, Ah believe ya." Applejack chuckled. "Ya know, only a week ago, Ah had this plan for Celestia. Ah had this amazing and strategic plan to end the war, but she refused it. Ya know what she did? She relieved me of my duties. That's why Ah was so eager to help y'all! I didn't really care anymore." Applejack sighed, and looked back down. She looked at the ground beneath her, before knocking. "Ya know what? Let's go, we can get there now."
"But, it's clear! The monsters will be able to see us!" Twilight said.
"No need," Applejack stomped her hoof on the ground, making the clunking noise. "Ah just found the entrance!" Applejack bent over and broke a large metal door out of the ground. "Age before beauty," Applejack gestured for Twilight to go down.
VI. A Study in Pink...ie Pie
Applejack carried Pinkie over he shoulder, by her legs. The unconscious pony looked dead even before she was knocked out by Twilight's bad frying pan gag. Rainbow Dash wondered why she used a frying pan when she clearly had methods of knocking somepony unconscious, or worse. Rainbow Dash got a taste of Twilight's tortures. Though her wounds had healed, her wing was still sore from it being broken in three different places.
Applejack stopped dead in her tracks. She held her hoof out to stop Twilight and Applejack from passing. She did not say anything, just stared forward. After minutes of dead silence, Applejack finally spoke up.
"Does it seem... quiet to ya'll?" she asked. Twilight's eyes followed the row of lights that were blaring only moments ago- or, was it hours? How long had they even been in the facility? None of them could recall. It couldn't have been too long, judging by the fact that Pinkie was as limp as before.
"We broke a prisoner from a high security test facility," Twilight said, turning to Rainbow Dash. "Don't you think somepony would have noticed that?" Rainbow Dash too felt like something was wrong. Twilight turned to Applejack. "Any word from your friends upstairs?" Applejack looked at her and sighed.
"They aren't my friends. Ah never told ya before; after our first meeting, the Empire discharged me, which is why Ah agreed to help ya in the first place. As of now, Ah'm not on either side, Ah just want this war to end, and don't go telling me about the 'everypony lost' speech. There are someponies who haven't lost hope," Twilight chuckled, turning away. "Now if we can just focus on getting this poor mare to safety," Applejack turned away and began walking again.
Rainbow Dash hesitated before walking. She wasn't sure about the recent events. Not only was Blitz in this Universe, but now there were two other ponies hunting her. They were sort of... dreamwalkers, of a sort. It was either that, or Rainbow Dash was finally breaking down under the pressure of all the fighting, only to spring one pink pony from the jail. After that, what would they do? Would they turn Pinkie into a nuke? Something that could wipe out the Republic, and stop the war? Rainbow Dash didn't want to win the war. She just wanted to find Blitz, and get back to her universe, before she forgot all about it.
Rainbow Dash heard a groan. The pink mare who was dangling over Applejack's shoulder began to wake up. Her eyes slowly opened. She rubbed her head, and looked around. Her eyes widened, and she got up. Applejack turned and saw Pinkie Pie had awoken.
"Uh oh," Twilight said. "I left the frying pan in the cell," Pinkie Pie tried to spring from Applejack's grip, but in vain. Applejack was a Cybernetic Android. In other words, she had a pretty firm grip. She struggled to break free from Applejack. Pinkie tried biting Applejack's arm, only to hurt her teeth. They walked on, ignoring the shouting noises of the insane mare trying to break from the grip of somepony 300 times stronger than her. Applejack looked forward, but Twilight and Rainbow Dash were slightly amused.
"Let me go!" Pinkie shouted. Twilight chuckled.
"Why would we let you go?" Twilight asked. "Do you really think we're gonna take you back just because you told us to? If you really wanted to escape, you would have at least tried something besides biting an android. I find it amusing how you struggle to break free, when you are obviously outmatched."
"Twilight," Applejack said without turning to look at her.
"Quiet, Rusty," Pinkie Pie ignored her. She stared at Twilight with hatred. "Why are you so special anyway? Why did we have to risk our lives walking across the Devastation? You see, my 'pal' Rainbow Dash told us you would help turn the tides in war. Well, I'm having trouble figuring out how exactly one unstable mare can possibly do anything for this world!" Pinkie Pie looked down for a few moments.
"Are you sure you're still talking about me?" Pinkie chuckled, turning her head back up. Twilight's ears stuck straight up. "I've spent years hacking into the data banks, and I found all sorts of information about you, Twilight Sparkle. Daughter to Nightlight and Twilight Velvet,"
Smack! Twilight rubbed her hoof off on her coat. Half of Pinkie's face was taken by a large red mark, which began to seep blood in certain areas.
"Bitch," Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash. "Are you sure this is the pony we need?" Rainbow Dash nodded.
"Positive," she said.
"Twilight," Applejack said in the same tone. Twilight sighed.
"Not now. Can't you see I'm being angry?" Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. What else is new?
"No, look," the whole time they were walking, they hadn't noticed the sunlight. "Get her suit on, the area will be flooding with radiation," Pinkie Pie didn't actually fight to have the suit put on. She sat there, without looking at them. Afterwards, Applejack held her in the same way again.
They approached the sunlight, and Rainbow Dash actually smiled again. The smile did not last long, as they stepped out in the open. They realized why the facility was so quiet. Hundreds of ponies holding guns surrounded the exit. There was no way around them.
"Uh, Rainbow Dash?" Applejack asked. "Now would be a really good time for that friend of yours to show us why she was worth the journey," Rainbow Dash hadn't actually thought of that. Rainbow Dash never performed the Sonic Rainboom, and Pinkie never learned the meaning of Laughter. If she could see a Sonic Rainboom, she may know what it means to be happy. Or it could be a useless way for the guards to get some target practice. Either way, she had to perform another Sonic Rainboom.
"Applejack, you have exceeded your orders to stand down, " one of the guards said. "Put your hands on your head and come quietly, " Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash.
"If ya have any bright ideas, I suspect you better use 'em," Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack and sighed. She decided to do what she did best. Rainbow Dash, well, dashed. The guards did not have any time to react. Before they knew it, Rainbow Dash was in the sky, and was already on her way down by the time they noticed.
Rainbow Dash wasn't sure if the Sonic Rainboom would help Pinkie. After spending years in a government facility, Rainbow Dash wasn't sure if she would ever smile again. Still, she didn't slow down for anything. She felt herself increasing speed as the ground got closer to her. Then, she heard the loud boom, but was unable to tell what happened.
Meanwhile, back on the ground, Rainbow Dash cut it close to the ground, sending ponies flying across the the field. It was pretty confusing for Rainbow Dash when she landed on the ground. There hundreds of ponies lying on the ground around her. Hundreds of ponies, including Applejack, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie were sent flying across the barren fields. Rainbow Dash turned back to the ground, and landed. She saw Applejack holding onto Twilight and Pinkie Pie, who was still not smiling. Rainbow Dash sighed.
"Ugh, it didn't work," Rainbow Dash said, kicking the ground. Applejack looked at her with confusion.
"Heh, at least ya stopped the guards," she said, letting go of Twilight. Twilight brushed herself off without saying anything. Rainbow Dash chuckled, following behind Twilight and Applejack as they walked away from M.A.R.E. Labs.
The journey back was less eventful and took twice as long. Pinkie finally stopped talking, which was even more annoying than when she was talking. As M.A.R.E faded into the distance, Rainbow Dash let out a sigh of relief. There were still many things left unanswered. Who were the two ponies who came to her in her dreams? How was Blitz able to travel across this world with ease? Where were they going now?
Rainbow Dash yearned for the Devastation to end. Luckily, M.A.R.E. wasn't too far our into the Devastation. Hopefully when they left, they would never have to return to the Devastation. Twilight was especially quiet. She even walked differently. There was hesitation in each step, which caused her to fall behind. Whenever she noticed, she'd rush ahead, and it would start all over again. Rainbow Dash seemed to be the only one who noticed.
Rainbow Dash looked to the distance. The fog wasn't as bad as the way there, making it easier to see at least 6 feet in front of them. She hadn't seen any monsters though. She thought that getting out would be the hardest part of the journey. It was quiet, but the other two hadn't noticed.
"Doesn't it seem a little too quiet?" Rainbow Dash asked, breaking the silence. Twilight turned back to her.
"It's Pinkie," Twilight said. "She's been inside M.A.R.E., and she's still alive. The monsters would no better than to mess with her," Twilight turned away. Rainbow Dash sighed again, continuing to walk. Rainbow Dash only just noticed her legs were aching. Her back hurt, and her muscled were sore. She wanted to rest, and leave everything behind her. But, whenever she would try to think about her friends, the less she remembered, and the more she knew about this world.
* * *
Three ponies slowly walked down the halls of a secret military base. The leader in front rubbed his eyes, and sighed. The one behind him and to the left made no eye-contact with the mare next to her. They eventually came to an opening that led into a large hangar. In the middle was a ship of some sort. The pony in the front turned to the mare behind him.
"Now listen," he said, pointing at her. "You were my last choice as a pilot, but everypony else is either dead or captured. My name is General Thundercloud, and this mission is up to you. Do you accept it?" the mare stared blankly at him for a few moments.
"Okie Dokie!" she said with a giggle. "Wait. What was the mission again?" the general rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"This ship is one of the last remaining vessels during the battle on Tau-11. Your job is to press the large button when you hear the loud beeping. The ship will take you where you need to go, all you need to do is press the large button only when you hear the loud beeping noise. Do you understand?" the mare nodded ,and entered the ship. Through the radio, the general talked to her.
"Just so you know what to listen for, we're going to play the noise. DO NOT PRESS THE BUTTON!" the radio turned off before the mare could respond.
"Wait, what?" suddenly, there was a loud beeping noise that echoed through the ship. The mare gasped. "The noise!" she ran to the controls and pressed the large red button that lay on the dashboard. There was a whistling noise, before the hangar blew up. Nopony was killed, though many sustained injuries. The mare stuck her head out of the debris and smiled again. Thundercloud would have had an aneurysm before he was hurt in any other way. He repeatedly pounded his head against what was left of the control room and sighed.
"Derpy..... what did I tell you?" he asked quietly. Derpy hopped out of the debris and hopped towards him.
"You told me to press the button when I heard the noise!" the general looked up at her.
"I told you that we were going to show you what the noise sounded like, and that you don't press the button!" Derpy put her hoof to her forehead.
"Ohhh, that's what you said!" the general looked back down, and hit his head a few more times.
"What are we gonna do with you?"
* * *
After almost a day, the four ponies finally made it out of the Devastation. What was waiting for them was not a pleasant sight. The base where they had received the suits was destroyed. Smoke rose high into the sky. The place was burned to the ground. That wasn't the worst though. There was a pile of burnt bodies to the side of the building. There heads were placed on spears, surrounding the building. Across the ground, For The New Lunar Republic , written in blood. Rainbow Dash retched, turning away. Twilight approached the building.
"It seems the Republic is already starting to attack the bases," Twilight said, sifting through the sandy surface. She held her hoof to her nose and sniffed. "Gunpowder. I noticed it on the way through. The Republic mixed the sand with gunpowder," Applejack sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"We need to get Pinkie somewhere safe," Applejack said. Twilight's ears stuck up. "We need to get to the Resistance," Twilight turned towards her.
"You mean travel all the way to Germaneigh? Just to help this one pony who may not even be of use to us? Should I remind you that involves going through the Plains of Night?" Twilight kicked the ground. "This war is going to end soon. Before we know it, they'll issue a Cleansing Order. We're all going to die," Applejack sat on the dusty ground, holding Pinkie next to her.
"Not if we contact 'em. There's a computer at your house that can communicate with the Resistance. We need to head back to your house, and while we're at it ya'll can examine this mare to know exactly what she is," Twilight thought for a moment.
"Fine. If it's the only way, then we can contact the Resistance," Twilight began walking past the smoking building, and away from the Devastation. Applejack followed her, who was followed by Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash knew nothing about this world. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know more about it. She needed to find Blitz before she forgot about her friends. She already couldn't recall how Fluttershy got her cutiemark. She remembers standing up for her, but then it goes blank.
The journey to the train felt a lot quicker after they spent the whole day walking through the Devastation. Before they knew it, they were at the train station, and they boarded the train. It soon departed, and they were en route back to Ponyville. Nothing really happened on the train ride. Pinkie was still quiet, and Twilight and Applejack were discussing what the plan was once they got back to her house. Rainbow Dash tried to rest for a little while. Her legs were still sore, and sleep felt so inviting.
Rainbow Dash gasped and looked around. She was no longer on the train. She was in a empty room, sitting in a chair. The only things in the room besides her and the chair were the two large doors. Rainbow Dash heard nothing. The silence was deafening. After a few moments, she tried to get up and look around, but found she could not move.
Suddenly, the large doors opened, and the two familiar ponies entered the room. The mare still would not reveal her face. The stallion had not changed, except for his clothes. What was once a scientist outfit was now white robes. He humm quietly as he approached Rainbow Dash, who was still sitting down.
"Hello again, Rainbow Dash," the stallion said, circling her chair. "Your mind may have locked us out, but it isn't exactly awake while you're asleep. You were in such a rush to wake up, that you didn't even let us introduce ourselves. My name is Dustwing, and the beautiful mare behind the mask is Moonshine," (Not to be confused with the whiskey) "We already know the famous Rainbow Dash, don't we Moonshine?" Moonshine nodded, turning away.
"What do you want with me?" Rainbow Dash asked. Dustwing smiled.
"There we go! Finally you're starting to talk! For a while I thought I was talking to a brick wall! So, now we can get back to where we left off last time," he pulled a small knife out of his pocket. "See, this is a special tool. This can injure you in your dreams, and in reality. Watch this!" he cut part of Rainbow Dash's leg.
"Ow!" she shouted, trying to hold her leg in pain, but still could not move. She felt her blood slowly drip down her leg, and onto the white floors. Meanwhile, on the train, a small cut became visible on the sleeping Rainbow Dash's leg. None of the ponies seemed to notice.
"Now, what are you up to now? First you break a pony out of a high security test lab that I had no idea existed, then you get on a train! Where are you going Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow Dash did not respond. Dustwing sighed, and turned away. "You know, Princess Nightmare Moon already knows you are here. There's no point in trying to hide. She could wipe all four of you out in a second. You're either with the Republic, or you will be destroyed," Rainbow Dash still did not talk. Dustwing was becoming irritated. "You know, you're really trying my patience here,"
"How are you able to enter my dreams?" Rainbow Dash finally asked. Dustwing chuckled.
"Princess Nightmare Moon has many powerful spells. She used to be able to enter the dreams of her subjects. We are simply using a spell she gave us," Dustwing sighed again. "Now, are you going to tell me where you are going yet?"
"No," Rainbow Dash said sternly. Dustwing sighed again.
"Boy, you sure like doing these things the hard way,"
* * *
"But your majesty, there is simply no way we can accomplish such a task!" a voice of reason echoes through the halls of an ancient city. "We aren't even sure if it works yet. If we fail... who knows what he will do to us!" the stallion followed behind a tall mare, shrouded in darkness.
"I care not if it fails!" her shrill voice shouted. "He has kept his nose out of our business! Besides, this will destroy him if it does fail," the two ponies entered a huge dome room. In the center was a small transparent pod. On the inside was a white stallion. He was shackled, with tubes running through his body. His eyes were shut, but he was still conscious. His horn was glowing faintly, a sign that he still had magic. "This stallion is our ticket to winning this war," the pony glared at her.
"And what if the devastating force does not stop? What if it destroys us as well?" the mare turned to him, smiling.
"Then we may die in peace, knowing the Empire fell. I would sacrifice my kingdom, and ponies to see the Empire fall," the mare turned away and walked out of the room. After the door shut behind her, the pony slammed on the glass.
"The fool!" the stallion's eyes slowly opened. "You will destroy us all!" the pony stared at the stallion who was drifting in and out of consciousness. The pony looked at him one more time before turning away. "I'm so sorry," he said, before the stallion closed his eyes. The pony left the room, and closed the door behind him.
"Everypony lost..." the stallion whispered silently. "Everypony.... lost,"
"Rainbow Dash, wake up!" Rainbow Dash heard a faint voice. Her eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the light. She looked around slowly and saw Twilight near the door. Rainbow Dash slowly got up and stretched. Her arms were sore, and she felt a stinging pain in her leg. She ignored it, and followed Twilight out the door. The four ponies exited the train and saw, what was left of, Ponyville. The whole town was ablaze with smoke rising high into the sky. Sounds of screaming ponies could be heard through the silence.
"The Republic's attacks are getting more frequent," Applejack said, squatting down to smell the sandy surface. "Same method too," Applejack left the sandy particles slowly drop to the ground.
"Do you think your house is still standing?" Rainbow Dash asked, turning to Twilight. Twilight scoffed.
"There's a magic barrier around it," Twilight said. "It activates as soon as I leave the town," Applejack looked down at her.
"Magic has been banned for years," she said. "You've been breaking the rules all this time!" Twilight looked up at her.
"Yes, I have," Twilight slowly approached the town, followed by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. They watched as ponies ran past them, trying to escape the flames. As they entered, Twilight broke into a run. Applejack and Rainbow Dash struggled to keep up with her. The flames began to spread down the houses. They would ignite the gunpowder soon. The four ponies saw Twilight's library approaching. They ran through the shield and into the house. Rainbow dash sat down, out of breath.
"Okay," she gasped. "I'm okay," Twilight walked over to one of the bookcases and pressed a red button on the side. The bookcase flipped around, revealing a large monitor.
"We need to hurry," Twilight said, rapidly pushing buttons. "Once the fire spreads to the gunpowder, this place will be blown off the map!" Rainbow Dash stared at the advanced technology in awe. Equestria was far more advanced than her time. Even though she saw the weapons, and all the secret military work at M.A.R.E, she was still trying to process what she was going through, and didn't notice how advanced they had become. She didn't even stop to consider Applejack either.
Rainbow Dash watched Twilight click buttons that changed the bright screen. There were many kinds of symbols all over the screen, and a white arrow that moved wherever Twilight made it move. Whenever Twilight clicked the device, a new screen would appear, and she would begin clicking on all the individual letters on a strip in front of her. Rainbow Dash kept her mouth shut and tried to pretend she knew exactly what Twilight was doing. Suddenly, there was a loud beep and there was static on the screen. Twilight began talking into a small microphone in front of her.
"Twelfth Sigma Unit, do you read me?" Twilight spoke into the static. There were garbled voices and faint shapes moving. After a few moments, the static cleared, revealing two ponies. Rainbow Dash recognized one of them as Rarity.
"Speak the password please, " Rarity said.
"Se-23 Sigma," Twilight spoke softly into the microphone. Rarity looked through some papers on her desk before turning to the other mare standing next her. She whispered something to her, before turning back to Twilight.
"Thank you darling, now what is it? " Twilight looked back at Pinkie.
"We need an escort to the Unit ASAP," Twilight turned back to the monitor. "We may have finally found somepony who can put an end to this war," Rarity thought for a minute.
"I'd be happy to send a transport, but there is no need of this pony. I got word from a military base in Mareizona, saying they've found a mare who is willing to perform a suicide mission into the Plains of Night. I'll tell you the whole thing once you get here. " the screen went black and Twilight turned back.
"Well, now what?" she asked. Nopony answered. The resistance was there only chance of finding some way for Pinkie to smile. They could bring her anyway, and hopefully convince them when they arrived. None of them had even stopped to consider the mare who was performing the suicide mission. Instead, they sat in Twilight's house, hoping the Resistance would find them before the Republic did.
* * *
Thundercloud had a headache. He wasn't sure if it was from hitting his head against the wall, or if it was from Derpy's annoying laughter. He did not talk for many minutes. The other ponies were able to salvage enough of the damage to repair the ship, and get another rocket. When they finished, Thundercloud told Derpy not to press the button until after she heard the beeping noise. They did not give her a test beep. The ship's autopilot took control, and Derpy was in the sky shouting Weee!
"Good luck Derpy," Thundercloud said through the radio. "Just remember, this is a one-way trip. You won't be coming back," the general stopped talking. Derpy didn't understand what "one-way trip" meant. She thought she was going on an adventure.
"Yay!" she shouted, sounding excited. As the plane flew on, Derpy got bored. After three hours, the sky began to go dark, as she approached the target. Meanwhile, ponies detected something moving on the radar. Rather than shoot it down, they sent their "Guard Dog" on the object. As Derpy got closer to the target, she saw it was a large city. She was awestruck, and almost forgot about the rocket after the beeping went off. When she realized the beeping, she was about to pres the button. Suddenly, a large serpent emerged from the water, towards Derpy.
"It's a Leviathan! Abort mission Derpy !" the general shouted through the radio. "Abandon mission !"
"What?" Derpy pressed the button. The Leviathan opened it's mouth, and swallowed the plane whole. Suddenly, there was a large explosion that ripped the Leviathan apart, sending it in all directions, and everything fell silent.
"Derpy? Are you there Derpy?" the general heard nothing but static. "Derpy, answer me!" there was no response. The general sighed. "That's it then. We found the Plains of Night. Derpy wasn't on a suicide mission. She was a Martyr," Thundercloud turned away from the radio, and pulled out another small radio. "Twelfth Sigma Unit, the mission was a failure. Repeat: The mission was a failure. Derpy is dead," he turned the radio off, and boarded the helicopter that lay next to the broken hangar.
* * *
Meanwhile, back in the remains of Ponyville, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash waited for the transport. Suddenly, there was a whooshing noise coming from outside the house. They rushed out and saw the large ship that would transport them to the Resistance. They slowly boarded, and saw Commander Rarity standing there next to the mare from earlier.
"Commander Rarity," she said shaking their hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you." she turned to the mare next to her. "This is Sunburst. She's a mare of few words so don't mind her," they sat down in the seats, and took off. Moments later, they heard a large explosion. They all rushed to the window, and saw the fire had ignited the gunpowder, destroying whatever remained of Ponyville.
"Rarity," Rainbow Dash said. "Can you tell us more about the Suicide Mission?" Rarity turned to her.
"Later darling, when there is time," she sat back down. "I'm sorry about the close call. We were delayed by one of the other commanders stationed in Celestia's Crossing," she looked out the window before turning back to them. "It seems the final battle is coming soon," nopony said anything. Rainbow Dash sighed. She would have to fight in the battle, while trying to find Blitz, and stop the war from destroying Equestria.
A few hours passed, and they found themselves approaching a large base. Searchlights lit up the smoggy sky, and pegasi patrolled the borders of the large building. The ship soon landed and they were allowed to get off. Guards lined the walls as Rarity stepped off the ship and approached the doors. The four ponies followed behind her as she opened the doors and entered the large building. The four ponies followed her down the corridors and through the rooms until they came to a room covered with computer monitors. Rainbow Dash was still mesmerized by the advanced technology. Twilight grabbed a cup of coffee that lay on the table.
"Now then," Rarity said sitting down next to Sunburst. "I think it's time you tell me what you want Twilight Sparkle,"
"Whoa, hold on a second!" Applejack said. "You're telling me that you knew each other all along?" Twilight looked up at Applejack and chuckled.
"It was a mission to Mareis, back in the summer of '95. We didn't know each other, other than we were both privates. While we were there, I saved her ass. I reckon she owed me one," Twilight put down the coffee cup. "Thanks by the way, about the saving." Rarity nodded.
"Of course darling," she looked at Pinkie with a perplexed look. "Um excuse me, but your friend is...uh, stabbing that pencil into the wall. Is she okay?" Twilight looked over at Pinkie, who grabbed a pencil and began making many holes in the wall.
"That's why we're here. We need you to help make her better. Right now she is a bit of a psychopath," Rarity glanced at Pinkie one more time before turning to Twilight.
"Twilight, I already told you. We've sent somepony on a suicide mission, she'll take care of it. Our hooves our full now," Twilight sighed and leaned back. Suddenly, through the speakers, a booming voice sounded.
"Twelfth Sigma Unit, the mission was a failure. Repeat: The mission was a failure. Derpy is dead, " Rarity dropped her cup of coffee. Rainbow Dash gasped and got out of her chair.
"Derpy was the one sent on the mission? You sent somepony who was disabled?!" Rarity smiled, embarrassed.
"She had no family connections! What was I supposed to do? We had to many good soldiers out in the field! There was nopony else who could have. Plus, she volunteered,"
"Did you tell her it was a suicide mission?" Rarity looked down and sighed.
"No," Twilight was the only one who was still in her seat. She was sipping her coffee quietly.
"So..." she put the coffee back on the table. "It looks like your hooves are empty again," Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash before sighing again.
"Sunburst, take Twilight and her stabby friend to the Infirmary. See of they can do anything to help her," Sunburst nodded and walked out of the room. Twilight grabbed Pinkie and followed Sunburst out of the room. Rainbow Dash caught a glimpse of Sunburst as she left the room. Did she just...? Rainbow Dash thought to herself. No, of course not. That wouldn't be possible, She looked back at Rarity.
"So, how did you know Derpy?" Rarity asked nervously. Rainbow Dash glared at her.
"She was a friend of mine, back in Ponyville. Also, she did have a family. She had a daughter named Dinky!" Rainbow Dash sat back down and did not speak. Applejack cleared her throat and stood up.
"D'ya think we can help out 'round here while Twilight's with Pinkie?" Rarity looked up at her.
"Yes, fine. Do whatever you want. But don't lay one hoof on the jewelry!" Applejack nodded and got up. Rainbow Dash followed her as they exited the room. Rainbow Dash sighed. So far, Applejack was the only one who still acted like their element. None of her other friends seemed to be the "Elements of Harmony." They were acting like when Discord changed them, besides the fact that their coats weren't gray.
Rainbow Dash couldn't stop thinking about the two ponies. They obviously served Nightmare Moon. She wondered if Nightmare Moon knew who she was. Her attention turned back to her leg. She remembered Dustwing cutting her with the blade. Her leg still hurt, even though the wound was now gone. Rainbow Dash began to wonder why Moonshine would always stay hidden behind her mask. Who was she, and why wasn't Rainbow Dash allowed to see her face? As Rainbow Dash continued down the halls and through the rooms with Applejack, she felt as though the answer was not much longer.
Rainbow Dash did not want to know the truth. She felt that if she knew the truth, it would be the beginning of the end. She felt as though everything she cared about would be taken from her. Though she knew it was upon her, she hoped the truth would stay hidden until the beginning of the end.
View Online
V. Mechanically Advanced Research and Elite Laboratories
The disinfection on the door set them back a few minutes. If Pinkie Pie was going to help them, they would need to get her out as fast as possible. The small entrance let them out in a large hallway. Twilight stopped dead in her tracks. She looked to the left and to the right.
"We're being watched," Twilight whispered, looking at Applejack. "Scan for any traps." Applejack nodded and turned to her interface. A large holographic wall ran across the room. Rainbow Dash saw through the walls, at machines inside the walls. Twilight tossed a piece of cloth ahead of her. Sprays of bullets instantly fired at the cloth. Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and covered her ears. When she opened, the cloth was gone. Twilight laughed.
"Well, looks like somepony was expecting intruders." Applejack chuckled. "Looks like this way is blocked. Ah can't fit through the vents, which are probably also full of traps. Rainbow Dash, ya think you can fly through here and try to find a way to shut them down?" Rainbow Dash looked at her and nodded.
"Piece of cake." she spread her wings and bolted through the hallway. She wasn't looking. All she heard was the sound of the bullets piercing her eardrums. She wasn't able to slow down, and smashed right into the wall. "Ow," she said, suddenly on the ground. "It's okay guys! I'm good." she got up and looked around. There were multiple hallways, branching off in different directions. She looked back at the large hallway. There were no wires leading to the machines, wherever they were. She looked back at the doors and saw they were all locked with codes. She sighed.
"Have you found anything?" Twilight called.
"No! There isn't a switch to shut off the guns, and the doors up here are locked." Twilight looked around the room, before stopping at a security camera.
"They're testing us," Twilight looked at Applejack. "You think she can 'borrow' the map of the labs?" Applejack looked at the map on her wrist.
"Yeah, she can use it as a 3-D map." Applejack said, beginning to pull off the holographic screen she used as her map.. She held it up and clicked a button. The map still worked, and the red blip was showing where Pinkie Pie was. Applejack turned back towards Rainbow Dash. "Ya think you can fly back here and get this?" Rainbow Dash nodded, and charged back through the hallway. Applejack handed her the map, which Rainbow Dash wore on her wrist. "Good luck," Rainbow Dash nodded again, before returning to the other side.
Rainbow Dash brought up the 3-D map. She saw layers upon layers of floors. About 25 levels down, she saw a glowing red blip. She saw a pre-made route that would take her there, through the vents. Rainbow Dash shuddered. She hated tight spaces, especially vents. Suddenly, a ping cam from the machine.
Tap, Tap! " Okay, it's working!" a voice came from the machine. "Rainbow Dash, it's me, Twilight. We have a copy of the map and can follow your path, and keep an eye out for any guards. Keep going."
"Uh, okay?" Rainbow Dash said, walking towards a small vent that was close to the ground. She went low to the ground, and pulled the cover off. She fit in better than she originally thought, but she still had trouble squeezing though. She barely had room for the map, it was too big. She saw a maze of ventilation shafts that seemed to go throughout the labs. There was one bright red path that showed her how to get to Pinkie Pie.
As she went on, she heard murmured voices. They weren't loud enough for her to understand what they were talking about. She often forgot that this place was full of ponies that wanted to kill her. She thought back to when things were normal. She thought about how suddenly Blitz appeared. He didn't have a reason to hate Rainbow Dash, he just did. She thought it was pretty stupid. She sighed, and continued down the large vent that seemed to be going nowhere. She could barely see three feet in front of her, and had to shine the map down the passage to be able to tell what was in front of her.
As Rainbow Dash stared down the shaft, she felt uneasy. She felt as though something was down there, waiting for her. Every inch she moved, it made a noise. She could not slide through slowly, nor could she turn back.
"Hello?" she called into the darkness. "Guys," she looked at the watch, which seemed to be making a static noise. She shook it, trying to see if it would respond. "Darn it!" she slammed it against the wall, causing the whole vent to shake violently. Suddenly, she heard a noise coming from the end of the shaft. It sounded like humming.
Rainbow Dash slowly made her way down the hall. As he moved on, the humming got louder, and she could make out what it sounded like. It sounded like a lullaby. She didn't recognize the song itself, but she recognized the voice who was humming it. Rainbow Dash rounded the corner, and saw a large opening. It was a circular room with multiple paths branching off. Sitting in the middle of the room was Blitz. He turned to look at Rainbow Dash and smiled.
"Hello Rainbow Dash. Long time no see." he said, turning around, towards her. "You have no idea how much fun it is watching your opponent try so hard to set things right, when you already know what the final move will be." Rainbow Dash got closer to him.
"What do you want with me Blitz?" she asked. "What did I ever do to you?" Blitz slammed his hoof on the cold metal floor.
"You did nothing! But what about other versions of you?" Rainbow Dash stared at him in confusion. He sighed. "Didn't Twilight tell you about parallel Universes? Anything at all?" Rainbow Dash thought for a moment.
"She might have mentioned it. I don't really remember." Blitz looked back up at her and smiled.
"Well, at least one good thing can come out of this. You're already starting to forget." he slowly got back up. "I'm not a part in this performance Rainbow Dash. Your the star of the show, but me? I'm just the Audience. See ya around. Also, I'd be careful as to where your choices are leading you. You wouldn't want to cause the Apocalypse or anything!" Blitz flew down one of the paths faster than Rainbow Dash could even get up. By then, he was gone.
"Darn it again!" she kicked the metal wall. "I'm so stupid! I could have grabbed him right there!" Rainbow Dash heard the communicator ping. Whatever was causing the static was gone.
"Rainbow Dash, what happened back there?" Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash sighed.
"It was Blitz. I should have grabbed him, but I wasn't thinking. He's gone." Twilight was quiet for a few moments.
"Keep going, there's a long way to go yet." Rainbow Dash looked back at her map. None of the paths led her to where she was going. The path went straight down into the floor. Rainbow Dash sighed. Of course it did. She got up, and walked towards the center. She jumped over and over again, trying to break through the floor. The vents weren't as strong as she thought because after a few minutes, the metal ground beneath her gave way and Rainbow Dash hit the marble floor.
"Ow," she said, slowly rising to her feet. She was dazed for a few minutes and unable to tell what was going on. When she came to her senses, she saw three very confused ponies in lab coats staring at her. "Oh, hello," Rainbow Dash said, feeling embarrassed. (And just a little terrified) "Well, I'm just the um... vent....uh... inspector! I just came through to... inspect these vents. I'll be off now." Rainbow Dash flew past the scientists, who tried to chase her, but were too slow. A few moments later, lights along the walls began glowing red and a loud alarm went off. Rainbow Dash sighed. She looked back and saw a few pegasi already chasing after her.
"You wanna race?" she smiled. She accelerated, much faster than she's had to fly in a long time. She knew how serious this was, and that Twilight and Applejack were already stressed enough. And sure enough, a few minutes later, Rainbow Dash's wrist pinged, signalling that Twilight was calling.
"Rainbow Dash, what the hell did you do back there?" Twilight shouted. "You do know what a 'stealth mission' is right?" Rainbow Dash was getting fed up with Twilight's grouchiness. She honestly preferred the antisocial egghead over the grouchy weapons expert.
"It was an accident!" Rainbow Dash was growing tired. "The path led me out of the vents, right in front of a group of scientists. They must have sounded the alarm."
"Okay, okay. Just- where are you now?" Rainbow Dash looked around the long hallways that were twisting and turning. She was surprised she hadn't found the end yet.
"I'm still following the path... more or less. But there are a whole bunch of guards chasing me." Twilight did not talk for a moment. She was thinking of what they should do.
"Hold on." Twilight stopped talking and through the communicator, Rainbow Dash heard footsteps and beeping noises. After a few minutes of silence, Rainbow Dash heard gunshots and explosions. "Okay, there we go. We're waiting at the doors for you." Rainbow Dash was about to ask what she meant, but she hadn't been watching where she was going and hit the wall at the end of the long hallway. She hit the ground with a thud.
When Rainbow Dash got to her fee, she heard the approaching guards. She saw an open door on the wall she it her head on, and rushed through it. Twilight and Applejack were standing there, waiting for her. Twilight ran over to the door, and locked it with the keypad.
"Wait, how did you get past the hallway?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight smiled.
"Easy, I used explosives and hacking." Twilight said as if that happened to her on a daily basis.
"But why didn't we just do that in the first place? Instead of having me go on ahead for no reason?" Twilight sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"You don't understand!" she looked back at Rainbow Dash. "This was supposed to be a stealth mission. The alarm would have gone off if we dismantled the controls from here. That's what you were supposed to do!" Applejack grabbed Twilight's shoulder.
"Would ya'll quit your arguing?" she pointed to the balconies that ran along the hallway. Ponies began emerging from the doors. "We got trouble! Let's go," Applejack grabbed their arms and ran through the doors. Rainbow Dash heard the gunshots coming from behind her. Applejack slammed the doors, and they found themselves entering the long hallway that had many doors running along the sides. "Which door are we going through?" Rainbow Dash pulled up the map. The path led from their position, to a door near the end of the hallway. There was a banging noise coming from the door behind them.
"Let's go," Twilight said, running ahead. "Pinkie Pie isn't far now." Applejack followed behind Twilight. Rainbow Dash tried to run, but was halted by a feeling that overcame her. She collapsed to the floor in pain. Her head was ringing, filling up with strange images. She heard Applejack and Twilight shouting, before losing consciousness.
In her head, she saw images of what was happening in the world. Celestia and Nightmare Moon made a peace contract before Nightmare Moon broke it by invading nations owned by the Solar Empire. The war did not start until Nightmare Moon slaughtered the city of Canterlot, killing hundreds of ponies including Celestia's niece Princess Cadence. She saw Discord destroying Sombra's army in the very first year of the war. The third year, he wiped out most of the Changelings, and chose to sit back and watch the fighting.
Rainbow Dash looked again. This time she saw Fluttershy's face. It was in the past when she was still a filly. She was looking at a large burning field. Raging flames consumed all in their path as it spread through what used to be a small village. Bodies of ponies lay across the burnt grass, with lifeless expressions. Tears ran down Fluttershy's face as she watched the horrors. There was no noise except for the crackling of the fire and... something else. Rainbow Dash heard somepony speaking.
"...you see what they have done to your home?" Rainbow Dash recognized the voice. "The Empire cares not who they step on, who's lives they destroy. Is that all you want to be remembered for, just another body lying beneath her throne?" There was nopony else besides Fluttershy there. Fluttershy did not speak. She watched in horror at how her life changed. "You know your parents would have wanted you to do the right thing. This is the right thing." Fluttershy slowly emerged to her feet.
"Yes," Fluttershy whispered. A figure appeared behind her. It was, as Rainbow Dash suspected, Nightmare Moon.
"Come my child, we have work to do," The scene went black, and Rainbow Dash found herself returning to consciousness.
When Rainbow Dash awoke, she found herself lying on a table. Her arms and legs were shackled down, giving her barely any room to move. There were ponies standing around her. None of them made eye contact, nor did they move. She struggled to break the shackles, but was still very weak. She groaned. Her head was killing her, and her muscles were sore. For five minutes, nothing happened. Rainbow Dash did not have the energy to talk. Suddenly, the large doors opened, and two ponies walked through.
The first was a shaggy older man. He had a bushy beard, and scars all over his arms and legs. He wore a large lab coat that stretched past his hooves and dragged across the floor as he walked. He wore thick glasses and walked around with a sly grin.
Rainbow Dash was unable to tell much about the second pony. All she could really tell was that it was a mare. She wore a mask that covered her entire face. She wore a dark blue robe-like dress that stretched about as far as the lab coat. Rainbow Dash saw her hesitate as she walked. After the two ponies entered, they stopped directly at the foot of the table.
"Well, well, well," the scientist-like pony said. "Looks like we have a stray here. Wouldn't you agree?" he turned to the mare, who simply nodded in agreement. "Now then, what do you think you're doing here? Window shopping? Trying to steal top-secret government property?" Rainbow Dash did not answer. She stared at the two ponies with hatred. The pony sighed. "Not talking then, oh well. It's time for Plan B." Almost instinctively, the mare began walking towards a large panel on the wall beside them. "Last chance," Rainbow Dash still did not talk. The scientist looked over to the mare, who reluctantly pulled the large switch on the side.
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash felt a sharp pain in her wrists. It was brief but powerful.
"Ow!" she shouted loudly. The scientist walked over to her.
"It'll just get worse if you don't start talking. What do you want here?" Rainbow Dash still did not talk. The scientist waited a few moments before turning back to the mare. She pulled the switch again, and the pain was worse, and lasted longer. The shackles that held Rainbow Dash were electrocuted.
"Ahhh!" Rainbow Dash shouted, trying to keep her mouth shut.
"Why do you do this to yourself? It'll just get worse for everypony here." Rainbow Dash would not talk. "Okay then," he turned back towards the mare. "Let's make it about...20 percent more powerful." the mare was about to pull the switch, but something stopped her. Bang...Bang...Bang! The door began to dent and bend. "Change of plans. Let's go," he ran towards the mare. "Don't worry Rainbow Dash, we'll be back." the two of them vanished in front of Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash groaned, looking at the bending door, expecting to see Applejack standing there. Instead, when the door broke, she saw it wan't Applejack, but herself. She ran towards herself, who was lying on the table. Rainbow Dash woke up, lying on the floor, leaning against the wall. She gasped for breath, trying to figure out what had happened. Applejack and Twilight were sitting down, next to her. Applejack turned to her, when she saw she had woken up.
"Rise and shine Sleeping Beauty," Applejack said getting up. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash before rising to her hooves. Rainbow Dash groaned again.
"Wait," she said. "Is this real? Am I really awake?" Applejack chuckled.
"Of course ya are! Where else would'ja be?" Rainbow Dash slowly got up, and looked around the unfamiliar hallway. She had no idea where they were, whether or not they were still in M.A.R.E. "Don't worry, Pinkie Pie is through there. We were waiting for you." Applejack's metallic hoof stretched out in the direction of a door that lay at the end of the hallway. Rainbow Dash approached the door, and walked inside. She was met with a red lit empty room. There was nothing in there, besides the pink pony lying in the corner. Rainbow Dash ran up to her.
"Pinkie? Are you okay?" Rainbow dash asked. Pinkie did not answer. She breathed quietly. Rainbow Dash thought she heard sobbing a couple times. She saw Pinkie's coat had a light gray tone to it, and her mane was straight down. She saw bruises covering her legs arms.
"Leave," Pinkie muttered under her breath. Rainbow Dash chuckled.
"No way, you're coming with me," Rainbow Dash went to pick her up, but was stopped when Pinkie turned towards her, glaring with a death stare. Rainbow Dash sighed. "Applejack!" Rainbow Dash turned around back at the door, where Applejack was standing. Rainbow Dash walked over to her. "Do you have any tranquilizer-like shots you can give her?" Pinkie's ears twitched. Applejack thought for a moment.
"I think so, let me check," Applejack turned around to check for any kind of shot that would knock Pinkie out for a while. Rainbow Dash turned around, only to discover Pinkie was standing in front of her. Rainbow Dash almost shouted, taking a couple steps back.
"Why do you need me unconscious?" she asked. "Are you going to hurt me, like they hurt me?!" Rainbow Dash had only just noticed the knife in her hoof.
"Uh, Applejack? You may want to hurry up!" Rainbow Dash turned to the door, giving Pinkie the chance. She leaped on Rainbow Dash. Pinkie tried to drive the knife through Rainbow's chest, only to be stopped by her hooves. Rainbow Dash tried to fight Pinkie's strength, which was very hard. Pinkie was a lot stronger than she looked. "Ap-Applejack! Would you... hurry up?!" Pinkie's strength seemed to double, and Rainbow Dash was no longer able to fight it. Suddenly, there was a large bang, and Pinkie fell on the floor.
Twilight stood there, holding a frying pan. Rather than thank her, Rainbow Dash seemed to question why she used a frying pan.
"Really?" Rainbow Dash said. "A frying pan? Out of everything you have in that bag that could've knocked her out, you chose a frying pan? The corniest gag in the world?" Twilight held the frying pan up to her.
"Don't talk shit about this pan." Twilight said. "I used to be a psychiatrist. Frying Pan Rehabilitation does more wonders than you know." Rainbow Dash slowly emerged to her hooves and scoffed. Then she began to wonder why Twilight had a frying pan in her bag in the first place. She looked at Pinkie who was on the floor unconscious. Applejack ran in the room.
"Ah found-" she looked at Pinkie on the ground with the large bump on her head, then at Twilight's frying pan which had a large dent in it. "Oh... that work's Ah guess," Applejack picked up Pinkie's unconscious body, and began carrying her through the door. Rainbow Dash was about to go through, when Twilight grabbed her arm.
"Wait," she walked in front of Rainbow Dash. "I know about the dreams you've been having. You're starting to forget about your old life, and remembering the new one." Rainbow Dash was about to question how she knew that, but was interrupted. "I know I said this war was already over and everypony lost, but I'm hoping you can prove me wrong. You know. Deep down inside, you know how to end this war, and it will come to you when the time is right." Twilight turned around and walked out the door. Rainbow Dash followed behind her, as they left the dark laboratories that seemed to never end.
Author's Note
Emotional Stress Break is OVER! More time for ponies!!
