Rainbow Dash was hanging out with her friends in Twilight’s library. They were all talking and having a good time when there was a knock on the door. “Open up!” A deep voice commanded. Twilight nervously made her way to the door and cautiously called out “Who is it?”
“It’s the royal guard!” The voice responded. Twilight opened the door and saw two large stallions dressed in golden armor. “Have you seen this pony?” The stallion asked, holding up a picture of a blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane. Rainbow Dash Gasped as she saw her father on the picture. Many questions began racing through her mind, Dad? No, that’s impossible. What could he have done to become wanted by the Royal Guard? Her head started spinning as she sat down. Twilight told the guards that she hadn't seen the Pegasus. They thanked her and left. Shortly after, Fluttershy quickly got up and excused herself before hurrying out of the library. Pinkie followed, hopping and skipping like an excited school filly. “I wonder what all that fuss was about.” Said Rarity. “I dunno,” said Applejack, “that Pegasus didn't look bad to me.”
“Well he must’ve done something,” replied Twilight, “the princess wouldn't send the royal guard for just anypony.” Rainbow Dash had had enough, she excused herself and left without another word. She started flying around Ponyville with no destination in mind, she just wanted to clear her thoughts. My dad’s wanted she thought as she passed over then't calm down. Eventually she flew to the old abandoned castle deep in the Everfree, sat on the highest perch, and for the fir school, Applejack’s farm, Fluttershy’s cottage; she did multiple laps around the Everfree but couldst time since the incident she let herself cry. After a brief venting session, in which she destroyed a fair amount of castle, Rainbow Dash decided to fly home. Throughout the flight home, she never made a sound and never even tried to wipe away the tears. Once she got home she stumbled into her bathroom and got her first aid kit. She quietly bandaged her bleeding hooves. She took some sleeping pills and stumbled into her room and onto her bed before falling into a deep slumber.
It was completely silent in the house of Rainbow Dash, except the slow creak of an opening window. It was completely silent in the house of Rainbow Dash, except for the soft pitter patter of hooves on the cloud floor. It was completely silent in the house of Rainbow Dash, except for the slow creaking of her bedroom door. Rainbow Dash woke up. She sat up in bed and looked around her room. Nothing was out of place, so why did everything feel so off? She got out of bed and went into the hall, didn't I close that door? She thought to herself. She walked down the hall and into her living room. She felt a draft hit her and cursed under her breath. She closed the window and turned around to see a hoof rocketing towards her face. She was on the ground before she felt the blow. As she was pinned to the ground she felt a pain in her muzzle steadily grow, then tasted copper. She felt something grab her forelegs and lift her off the ground. Her vision blackened as a sack was placed over her head then tightened, nearly cutting off her breathing. She felt herself get strapped to something then the sack came off. She was face to face with a dark blue Pegasus, with a neon blue and red mane and tail. He looked at her in amusement as she wildly scanned her surroundings. She saw two royal guards on either side of the Pegasus, keeping a close eye on her as she struggled to comprehend what was going on.
“Hello.” The Pegasus said. Dash’s voice failed speak so she simply nodded in acknowledgement. This earned a chuckle from the Pegasus. “Don’t worry we’re not gonna hurt you… anymore.” He said that last part with a smirk. Rainbow Dash felt consumed by rage, but she kept her composure. “…so where are you taking me?” She asked after some silence.
“You tell us.” The Pegasus said with a sadistic smile.
“What?” was all she could manage.
“We know your father, and we want him.” Rainbow Dash gulped.
“I-I don’t know who your t-talking about…”
“Really, cause I think you do,” before Rainbow Dash could reply she felt a devastating blow to her right eye, followed by immediate swelling, “Now I was gonna give you back in near mint condition, but if you refuse to cooperate we’ll have to settle for damaged.” He said, cracking his hooves. Rainbow Dash gulped and accepted her fate as she spat in his face. “Ooooooo…” he said as he wound up his hoof, “time to party.”
What happened next was a blur of pain and misery for Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus repeatedly beat her face till she was a bloody swollen mess, then moved on to deliver repeated blows to her body in which she felt at least one rib crack or break with every hit. Eventually he grabbed her foreleg and wound up his hoof. “WAIT!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. “I’ll talk…” she said, sobbing. “He’s in the countryside…”
“Where?” was all the Pegasus said in reply. Rainbow Dash shook her head.
“Please…” Her plea was met with a hoof connecting to her elbow, snapping her foreleg in two. “AAAAAAYYYYYEEEEEEEEE!!!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs and collapsed onto the structure she was bound to, wailing and crying in pain. The Pegasus was immediately on top of her.
“Where… is… he?” the Pegasus whispered into her ear.
“I… I’ll take you to him…” She said defeated.
“Good girl,” said the Pegasus, “now let’s go on a field trip, shall we?”
They arrived at the location. “This is it?” said the Pegasus in disbelief. “It’s a tiny little farm!”
“This is it…” said Rainbow Dash, choking back tears. The Pegasus narrowed his eyes at her then simply shrugged and knocked on the door. “We know you’re in their! Come out peacefully!” He called out. The only response he got was a lone, sarcastic voice. “And if I don’t feel like it?” Rainbow Dash teared up at her father’s voice, she wanted to call out to him, to tell him to run, but she knew it would only make things worse. “Then we’ll be forced to do this.” The Pegasus backhoofed Dash, causing her to yelp in surprise and pain. “Wait a minute…” the voice said, she heard some mumbling coming from the shed. She heard a gasp, followed by quick hoofsteps. Her father burst through the door, but he didn't look at all like she remembered. She remembered her father as a tall, muscular horse who could take on the whole world if he wanted to. He now looked slightly withered, still quite a sight though. His one vivid rainbow mane and tail were now slowly losing their color, and he had grown quite a bit of facial hair, which was also graying in color. One thing had hadn't left him was the pure energy shown in his eyes. Eyes that now showed nothing but fear and sorrow as he saw what the pegasi had done to his daughter.
“You monsters” he said as he advanced towards them.
“Ah ah aaah,” said the pegasus, “We don’t want anything else happening to her, do we?” He said, raising a hoof. The guards snickered and all the fight left her father as she flinched away from the raised hoof.
“Please… no.” He said, on the verge of tears. The sight made Dash’s heart break and brought tears to her eyes. Her father, the strongest pony she knew, was now in tears because she couldn't handle herself. She had failed him again. “I’ll go.” Her thoughts were interrupted by her father’s voice. “But you have to let her go.” The Pegasus smirked.
“Deal.” He lowered his hoof and told the guards to release her. She tried to fly but was to exhausted, so she limped to her dad, careful to avoid using her broken leg. She collapsed midway there and her father rushed towards her and helped her up. As we was he slipped a jewel into her mane and told her to keep it and to be ready to run. After he escorted her to a nearby large rock and leaned her against it, he told her that he loved her and promised that they’d see each other again. He then turned towards the Pegasus and the guards and slowly walked over to them. As he neared them a guard stepped forward and hit the back of his rear legs, causing them to buckle. He responded with a curse. Rainbow Dash wanted nothing more than to help her father but she had to be ready like he said. She didn't want to fail him again. After some more abuse he finally made his move. He punched a guard in a hoof then turned and kicked the other. “DASHIE!!! RUN!!!” He yelled at her. She immediately began running as fast as her three good legs would let her. Behind her she heard a struggle and what sounded like metal hitting metal, followed by pained grunts and a body falling. She kept running up a steadily climbing hill till she reached the peak. Once on top, she stopped and took a rest. Her thoughts, and all the pain, catching up to her. She collapsed into a pool of sorrow and pain, closing her eyes and hoping they don’t open again. Her thoughts were interrupted by a smell of smoke. She raised her head and traced the smell back the way she came. She peered over the edge of the hill and broke out into fresh tears. She saw her father’s little farm burning to the ground.
She continued her retreat, moving as far away from the smoke as possible till she could barely see it on the horizon. After scanning her surroundings and checking to see if she could hear any guards or anything nearing her, she fell into a light, fitful sleep.
She was a young filly, playing with her father. Having the time of her life. She would ride on his back as he zoomed around, doing awesome stunts and tricks. Eventually he took her back down to fix them up some snacks. Time went in a blur till she was an older, more mature filly. She remembered her father becoming more and more paranoid, always scanning his surroundings and listening for things that weren't there. It worried her, but she wasn't sure what to do. It felt like her world was crumbling around her, her father was slowly going insane, the bills were beginning to pile up and there was nothing she could except get a crappy job as a weather factory worker. She came home one day, completely exhausted from work, and immediately flopped down onto her bed and closed her eyes. When she opened them she was almost at her current age. After many years of hard work she had managed to rise in the ranks and become the weather factory manager. Doing so meant that she had to spend more and more time at work, and less time with her father. He was steadily getting worse, and without her constant supervision, had even gone so far as to attack another pony, screeching the word “Templar” at the top of his lungs. She had had enough and had to put an end to the madness. She fell asleep in her bed, thinking about what she was going to do. It was a couple of weeks before Twilight had arrived in ponyville, or as Rainbow Dash liked to call it, the day of the incident. After convincing her father that “they” weren't watching, she had gotten him out of the house and was taking a stroll with him. She already knew their final destination, but didn't have the heart to tell him. He wasn't making it any easier either. During their walk he had not only calmed down, but was having a nice, normal conversation with her. He had even apologized for attacking the pony and his unusual behavior, but claimed to not know the cause of his mentality. They laughed and joked around, just like the old days, and he even offered to fly her around “for old time’s sake.”
It made it hurt so much worse when she saw the look on his face when he realized where they had stopped. “Ponyville retirement and therapy?” Was all he said. She nodded and refused to make eye contact with him. “But, why-“ his sentence was interrupted by a way too cheerful nurse rushing out to meet them. “Well hello! You must be Rainbow Dash. And is this your father?” Again, Rainbow Dash couldn't meet her father’s eyes as she nodded to the nurse. “Dashie…” She could feel her father’s eyes burning through her as he was barely able to choke out her nickname. She finally looked at him and saw a number of emotions. Hurt, betrayal, sadness, and the worst, understanding. He knew why she’d called them, and because of that his anger was replaced by an understanding sorrow. She watched wordlessly through blurred vision as a couple of built stallions came outside and ushered her father in. As they were taking him away he turned to her, gave her one of his old smiles, and told her “Hey kiddo. Don’t you worry about me, I know why you did this and I want you to know that I don’t blame you in any way. Just promise me one thing,” he stepped up to her, brushing away the tears with his hoof, “promise me that you’ll never show tears again.” She nodded, unable to speak. “Good.” He said with a smile and a brief hug before turning and letting the ponies escort him in. Rainbow Dash looked wordlessly at the ground. She felt a hoof wrap around her shoulder and heard a gentle voice tell her “I know it’s hard, but if you just give us a couple of days, we’ll make sure you can visit him in a place as comfy as your home.” And with a gentle goodbye and a cheerful smile, the nurse went inside the building. And Rainbow Dash was left alone to fight the tears. After a week of work Rainbow Dash was finally able to find some time off to go visit her dad. As she entered the building she heard ponies whisper around her. She shrugged it off and went into the visiting room. She waited for hours until a nurse finally stepped in and called her name. “About time.” Rainbow muttered under her breath. As she approached the nurse, she notice a nervous look in her eyes. “H-hello, Ms. Dash…” The nurse said.
“Hello.” Replied Dash, faking the best cheerful tone she could.
“About your father…”
“Yes, may I see him?”
“Well…”
“Well what?”
“There’s been a problem…” Rainbow Dash felt her heart drop.
“P-problem?” She stammered out, almost inaudible.
“Well… you see… your father broke out a couple of days ago…” Rainbow Dash just stared at the ground. “He kept going on about how they had found you and he had to stop them, we tried everything we could but he eventually wound up knocking out all the guards then fleeing into the countryside.” Time stopped for Rainbow Dash. She stood there for what felt like an eternity, determined not to show tears.
As she struggled to keep all her pent up emotions inside, she felt a gentle hoof touch her shoulder, and a very familiar voice tell her “It’s okay to let your emotions out. I’m sure he would forgive you.” Rainbow Dash turned and saw Princess Luna standing beside her. At first, she was unsure of what to think. Then everything around them crumbled leaving them floating in space. “Wh-what?” Rainbow Dash said as she looked around.
“You were having a rather unpleasant dream.” The Princess replied. Rainbow Dash just looked at her, dumbfounded. “You’re dealing with many uncertainties at the moment, I've decided to help give you a better understanding.” Rainbow Dash nodded and listened intently for whatever Luna was about to say.
"For many years, my sister has ruled Equestria with an iron hoof. Sure, she may seem benevolent out in public, but behind closed doors she’s a completely different ruler. Many ponies who know the truth resent her for it, and unbeknownst to me, they created a new order that they call the New Lunar Republic. They fight for the end of my sister’s rule and wish to bestow me the throne. A small group of them, known as the Liberators, decided to take matters into their own hooves. They decided that the best course of action was to slowly take out the Imperial leaders, one by one. Your father was a liberator, probably one of the best we had. But it took its toll on him. He became increasingly paranoid that the Imperials would find out your relation to him and attempt to capture you. His mind slowly deteriorated until the only thing he cared about was you. You’re destined for greatness, but you must find the path to it on your own. Take the gem he gave you and travel to the top of mount Discord. Once at the peak, insert the gem into the altar on top and follow the path. You must wake up now. They’re coming."
Rainbow Dash awoke with a Jolt. She heard clamoring and voices nearby. She quickly got to her hooves and collapsed with a grunt of pain as she forgot about her injury and put weight on her broken leg. She heard a voice call out to the other and heard hoofsteps rushing her way. She quickly got back up, being careful to not put weight on her messed up leg, and raced to mount Discord.
Her coat was torn in many places, her mane and tail torn and unkempt. She kept running, feeling her body ready to give out at any given moment. She tripped and skid a couple yards before coming to a stop. She got back up and felt her side burn as some skin was ripped off. As she stumbled out of the forest she saw mount Discord looming over her. As she was about to begin the climb up she was knocked down by something. She looked to see a pony with a metal brace on its arm standing between her and her pursuers. “GO!” She heard the pony say before lunging at its opponents. Rainbow Dash wasted no time in scaling the mountain. Upon reaching the top she saw the altar that the princess mentioned. She took the gem out of her main and looked at it. It was a heart, the same color as her eyes. She smiled and put it in the heart shaped hole in the altar. She stepped back as the altar opened up to reveal a tunnel. She peered over the edge of the tunnel. She heard a voice yell “HURRY!” and felt a large mass shove her down the hole. She slid down for a while before landing in a decrepit hallway. She winced in pain as she felt her injured leg take a glancing hit during her landing. As she got up she heard sliding behind her and turned to see the pony from before entering the hallway. Before she could do anything the pony took a bow and introduced himself. “Hello, Rainbow Dash. My name is Facade and I've been expecting you.” Rainbow Dash was dumbfounded.
“How did you know my name?”
“Luna told me to be on lookout for your arrival. Said that you might have some Imperials on your tail.” Rainbow Dash looked at the mysterious pony. In the torchlight, she got a better look at him. He was a large, built Pegasus. His coat a deep black with his mane and tail a bright neon red and blue. His eyes were a golden yellow and his wings. His wings were metal. He noticed her staring and looked away, embarrassed. “I-it’s a long story…” He stammered out. He cleared his throat and regained his composure. “Follow me.” He said. As he led her through the maze of ancient, decrepit hallways and rooms she noticed statues of ponies, all three races had a number of ponies immortalized. “What’s with all the statues?” She asked.
“These were some of our best warriors.” She took the answer in silence and continued following Facade. Eventually they arrived in a large tomb with a large statue of Luna in the center. She looked and the walls were arranged in layers. Each Layer had a single row of coffins, with a statue of a pony on every one, stretch around the room. She gazed in awe as she saw many important figures from history.
“This is the hall of legends. Where only the best of the best go, after their service to the liberation has been fulfilled.” She scanned the room till she saw a statue that looked eerily familiar. It was her father, except there was no coffin under the statue. Facade caught her gaze and looked to see where it was aimed. “Ah yes, your father is the best of the best.”
“Was…” Rainbow said, choking back tears.
“No,” replied Facade, “if it really was over his coffin would be here. There’s still hope.” Rainbow Dash didn't get her hopes up, but did feel better after hearing those words. He took her to the statue in the center of the tomb. She saw that all around Luna, were a bunch of little braces, like the one Facade had on. He held her good hoof, using his body as a brace to keep her from falling, and examined it. He then released the hoof and walked over to the statue. After examining the different braces he chose one and showed it to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, do you solemnly swear to follow in your father’s hoofsteps and continue the battle to liberate Equestria?” Rainbow Dash gulped and thought it over before she gave her answer. She took a deep breath, then accepted her fate.
