Flare of Love

by MidnightFlare

Rating: mature
Tags: Romance
Length: 28731

A direct sequel to Cloudsdale, the untold story, telling the love story between Midnight and Rainbow

One year after Midnight leaves Ponyville, he finally returns to Rainbow Dash, the girl that he had just admitted his love to before the darkness sealed inside of him forced him to flea to protect his friends. When he returns, Rainbow Dash isn't quite sure that he's been loyal and has Midnight prove himself that he's trustworthy all while Nightmare Moon still resides in his mind playing with his thoughts.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-04-25 02:28:55 UTC

Chapter 2: Rainbow Dash

Ponyville, 12:16 A.M., March 20th, 2012

Rainbow Dash held the picture above her as she lay in her bed, “Oh Midnight, I love you.” She thought back to when he had kissed her, one whole year ago. She had not expected it at all, and that was part of why she had enjoyed it so much. Rainbow only wished it had lasted longer. Now, the memory of Midnight was all she had. She spread her legs out as she put one hoof on her pussy as she held the picture above herself. Her cheeks blushed up as she slowly rubbed herself off. She thought back to the moment they had shared. She began drooling and shuttering as she sped up rubbing. As she pleasured herself, she fantasized Midnight at the edge of the bed eating her out. “Oh god, Midnight!” Her pussy by this time was dripping wet, “I think it’s time.” She went over to her closet and picked up a huge dildo. She flew back into her bed. She readied herself to insert it when suddenly--

“Oh Raaainboow Daaash!”

“Pinkie Pie? How did she get up to my house? *sigh* and of all times, why now?” She hopped out of her bed and went up to her front door. As she opened it, she saw Pinkie Pie bouncing up and down in a hot air balloon.

“What is it now Pinkie Pie?”

“We felt really bad for you, so Applejack decided that you should take her birthday cake.”

“So why are you up here?”

“They said I’m the most gullible, and just in case you’re doing something you wouldn’t want us to know about, I would be the best one to believe whatever excuse you came up with. Whatever that means.”

“Thanks Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie handed Rainbow Dash the cake.

“Hey, why is your hoof wet?”

“Uhh, I was just doing some dishes.”

Pinkie looked at her for a while with a skeptical expression, “Okie dokie loki! See you some other time Rainbow Dash!” The hot air balloon started floating back down to the ground.

“Phew, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that she fell for that.”

She looked down at the cake. It read, “Happy Birthday Applejack.” in orange icing.

“Of course. *sigh* I’ll eat later.” She closed her door, and set the cake down on her kitchen table.

*knock* *knock* “Who could that be now?!” Rainbow Dash went back to open her door. As the door opened, it revealed a tall, black, flaming-maned pony. Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up as the familiar pony smiled at her. “Holy crap.”

“Did yah miss me?”

“Midnight came back.” She thought, “He actually came back.”

She kept staring at him, “Uh, Rainbow Dash?” She ran at him, tackling him causing them to fall to the ground. The fall was so short he barely had time to slow the two of them down before they hit the ground. Midnight had landed in a bush with Rainbow Dash on top of him, “Ow, that really hurt.”

Rainbow Dash stared down at Midnight, as she was catching her breath from bringing Midnight to the ground. Then, she reached down, and locked lips with Midnight. She pulled away to speak, “Don’t you EVER think of leaving me like that again!” She brought herself back down, and continued kissing him.

After a long time kissing in the bush, the two finally pulled away from each other and Midnight spoke up, “I was beginning to worry.”

“About what?”

“I was worried that you wouldn’t love me anymore. I was worried that you would be mad and I was worried you would’ve moved on and forgotten about me.”

“Oh Midnight, did you really think I would do that? Not after all we’ve been through.”

“Hey, can’t blame a pony for worrying.”

“Yeah, let’s go back to my house.”

“Sounds good to me. Hey, why is your one hoof wet?”

“Oh, I um...”

“Don’t bother, I already know the answer to that.” The two got out of the bush brushing the leaves off of themselves. They flew up, back to Rainbow Dash’s house. Midnight walked in the door, and stopped just a few steps in. “I’m guessing you’re wondering why I left you, aren’t you?

“Yes, I am! Why did you leave me feeling heartbroken for an entire year?!”

“Please, don’t be angry with me. Let’s just sit down and talk about it.” The two sat down on opposite ends of the kitchen table, “The day that I left you, one year ago, right after our first kiss, I heard Nightmare Moon still inside me. She was still there, after everything you all did. After everything Luna and Celestia did to heal me. I can still hear her words in my head. She said, “Did you really think you could get rid of me?” I panicked, and didn’t want her to hurt you. I later learned that she was repressed far enough to where she can’t break out on her own, but I can release her power on my control. There is a problem when I do that though. If I ever release her power, it is very likely that she will take control again. I promised myself that I would never use her, unless she’s my only choice.”

“Okay, but why were you gone for a whole year.”

“It’s like I said before, I was worried you would be mad at me or you would’ve moved on and forgotten about me. Earlier today, I decided that I need to know. So I returned to Ponyville to find you.”

“Oh, well I guess I can understand that. Well, now that you’re here, come on, let’s go to Ponyville. I think it’s time you really got to know my friends.”

“Sounds good. You probably want to wash your hoof off. I think some of your friends are probably smart enough to know what you were doing here.” Midnight looked over to her open bedroom. Rainbow Dash looked over to see that she left the dildo lying on her bed. She looked back at Midnight to see that he was smirking at her, “I see you really had some fun with yourself here.”

“Eh heh heh heh, yeah you could say that.” Dash blushed as she scratched the back of her head.

“Ha ha, come on, wash your hoof and let’s get going.” Rainbow Dash jumped out of her chair, and flew over to the sink.

“I can’t believe it.” She thought as she turned the handle on the sink, “He’s actually back. But I can’t help but think he’s leaving something out.” She turned the sink off and grabbed a towel to dry her hoof off. “So are you ready to go Midnight?”

“Ready as ever. I’ve been waiting for you.” He walked over to Rainbow Dash’s door and held it open. “Ladies first.”

“Thank you sir.” She said jokingly as she held her nose in the air. Midnight closed the door behind him, and caught up with Rainbow Dash. “So are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be sure? I’m just meeting your friends.”

“You’re only meeting three new ponies. Don’t forget I’m still friends with Fluttershy and your sister Twilight.”

“Oh that’s right. I forgot they lived in Ponyville.”

“You forgot that one of your old best friends, and your sister lived here?”

“Hey, I’ve been gone for a whole year.”

“I know that. You didn’t forget me did you?”

“No, of course not.” He looked away like he was trying to cover something up.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m 100% sure.”

“Okay, well I’ve known you long enough to know I can trust you.” She looked away and thought, “at least, I hope I can trust you.”

Chapter 2: Midnight Flare

Ponyville, 12:16 A.M., March 20th, 2012

Midnight stood on top of a hill outside of Ponyville, over looking Rainbow Dash’s cloudy home. “I really hope this works. I can’t help but feel that she’s going to hate me for this.”

“She probably will be furious with you Midnight. You remember what your friend Zero said.”

“Well if she’s anything like me, I don’t think she’d forgive you after leaving for a whole year. What makes you so sure that she’ll accept you back?”

“Shut up Nightmare, I know that.” He stared at the house in the sky, as he questioned what Rainbow Dash would think, “I’ve come this far, I guess I have no choice.” He opened his wings, and flew up to the house. “Okay, this is the moment I’ve waited for. Put on your best face. You don’t want to look nervous. He took a deep breath, and reached his hoof forward. *knock* *knock* Midnight stood at the doorstep, and waited for Rainbow Dash to answer the door. He heard her approaching on the other side. By the sound of her hoof-steps, she was frustrated. “Maybe this isn’t the best time.” he thought. To his surprise, he saw Rainbow Dash’s eyes light up as he smiled at her from the doorstep.

“Holy, crap.”

“Did yah miss me?”

She simply stared at him, a stunned look in her eyes.

“Oh shit, she’s angry isn’t she.” She remained silent, “Uh, Rainbow Dash?” She then looked angry as she ran straight at Midnight, causing him causing to fall off of the cloud. “She’s mad.” He thought, “Where the fuck did I go wrong?!” Their fall was short enough, that Midnight could barely slow the two of them down before hitting the ground. They landed in a bush with Rainbow Dash still holding on, “Ow, that really hurt.”

She stared down at Him as she caught her breath from the fall. “You’ve really screwed this up now Midnight.” He thought. Suddenly, she closed her eyes and brought herself down, locking her lips with Midnight’s.

She pulled away to speak, “Don’t you EVER think of leaving me like that again!” She brought herself back down, and continued kissing him.

“No Nightmare, no I didn’t.” The two kissed for a long time in the bush, then finally pulled away from each other. “I was beginning to worry.”

“About what?”

“I was worried that you wouldn’t love me anymore. I was worried that you would be mad and I was worried you would’ve moved on and forgotten about me.”

“Oh Midnight, did you really think I would do that? Not after all we’ve been through.”

“Hey, can’t blame a pony for worrying.”

“Yeah, let’s go back to my house.”

“Sounds good to me.” Midnight felt one of her hooves sticking to him, “What was she doing today while I wasn’t here?” He thought. “Hey, why is your one hoof wet?”

“Oh, I um...”

“Don’t bother, I already know the answer to that.” They got up and out of the bush, and brushed themselves. They flew back up, back to Rainbow Dash’s house. Midnight walked in the door, and stopped just a few steps in. “We’re gonna need to talk about it some time.” He thought, “It as well be now.” He turned his head around and spoke up, “I’m guessing you’re wondering why I left you, aren’t you?

“Yes, I am! Why did you leave me feeling heartbroken for an entire year?!”

“I can’t tell her about Zero.” He thought, “She just wouldn’t understand.”

“Please, don’t be angry with me. Let’s just sit down and talk about it.” The two sat down on opposite ends of the kitchen table, “The day that I left you, one year ago, right after our first kiss, I heard Nightmare Moon still inside me. She was still there, after everything you all did. After everything Luna and Celestia did to heal me. I can still hear her words in my head. She said, “Did you really think you could get rid of me?” I panicked, and didn’t want her to hurt you. I later learned that she was repressed far enough to where she can’t break out on her own, but I can release her power on my control. There is a problem when I do that though. If I ever release her power, it is very likely that she will take control again. I promised myself that I would never use her, unless she’s my only choice.”

“Okay, but why were you gone for a whole year.”

“It’s like I said before, I was worried you would be mad at me or you would’ve moved on and forgotten about me. Earlier today, I decided that I need to know. So I returned to Ponyville to find you.”

“Oh, well I guess I can understand that. Well, now that you’re here, come on, let’s go to Ponyville. I think it’s time you really got to know my friends.”

“Sounds good. You probably want to wash your hoof off. I think some of your friends are probably smart enough to know what you were doing here.” Midnight looked over to her open bedroom. A huge dildo lied on the bed. “Oh fuck.” he thought, “She really missed me didn’t she.” He looked back, smirking at her. She looked back at him with a nervous look on her face. “I see you really had some fun with yourself here.”

“Eh heh heh heh, yeah you could say that.” She was blushing and scratching the back of her head.

“Ha ha, come on, wash your hoof and let’s get going.” Rainbow Dash hopped off of her chair, and flew over to the sink.

Midnight waited as she went over to the sink and turned the water on. “Well, I wasn’t expecting that,” he thought, as she washed her the hoof in question. She turned the sink off and grabbed a towel to dry her hoof off. “So are you ready to go Midnight?”

“Ready as ever. I’ve been waiting for you.” He walked over to Rainbow Dash’s door and held it open. “Ladies first.”

“Thank you sir.” She jokingly said as she strutted out the door with her nose in the air. Midnight shut the door behind them, and Rainbow Dash flew ahead. Midnight flew off of the cloud, and caught up to her. “So are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be sure? I’m just meeting your friends.”

“You’re only meeting three new ponies. Don’t forget I’m still friends with Fluttershy and your sister Twilight.”

“Oh that’s right. I forgot they lived in Ponyville.”

“You forgot that one of your old best friends, and your sister lived here?”

“Hey, I’ve been gone for a whole year.”

“I know that. You didn’t forget me did you?”

“No, of course not.”

“You should probably tell her about Zero. You don’t want her to figure you out on her own do you?”

“Shut the fuck up! I’ll figure this out on my own!”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m 100% sure.”

“Okay, well I’ve known you long enough to know I can trust you.”

She sounded genuine, but in her eyes, Midnight could see traces of doubt. She trusted him, but not the evil still inside him.

Chapter 3: Rainbow Dash

Ponyville, 1:15 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“So, are you ready for this Midnight?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be I guess.”

“Well, let’s go then.” Rainbow Dash walked up to the front door of Sugar Cube Corner. She opened the top door to see a bunch of ponies at Applejack’s party. “Hey girls! Look who showed up at my house today!” She waved for Midnight to come up to the door. He flew up next to Rainbow Dash and looked in the doorway.

“Hey ladies. How’s it going?”

Twilight and Fluttershy’s eyes lit up, “Midnight’s back!” Twilight yelled out. She ran up to the door. The rest of he friends followed behind her.

“It’s um, it’s nice to see you again Midnight.” Fluttershy was looking down at the floor.

“Ha ha, timid as ever I see.”

“Come on in you two!” Pinkie Pie said while hopping up to the door. “Come and enjoy the party!”

“Sounds good to me.” The two walked in to join the party. “So, I think now is a good time to get to know each other. I already know Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy obviously.”

“Well it’s a pleasure to meet y’all Midnight. The name’s Applejack.”

Rainbow Dash walked over to Fluttershy, “Hey Fluttershy, can we talk privately real quick?”

“Sure Rainbow Dash. I don’t see why not.” The two ponies walked together to a less crowded part of the room. “So Rainbow Dash, what’s on your mind?”

“It’s about Midnight. We talked about why he left while we were at my house. When I asked him if there was something he didn’t tell me, but by the way he was acting, it seemed to me like he wasn’t telling the truth. We’ve known Midnight for a long time, and I know he’s the kind of pony who would never lie to his friends, but I’m just not sure.”

“Well, I think it might just be that you’re worried about losing him again. After all, he did just come back. Although, if you’re really sure that he’s not telling the truth, I would go ahead and try and get him to tell you. I doubt he would lie straight to your face. He does love you, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah I guess you’re right. Thanks for the help Fluttershy.”

“Anything for a friend Rainbow Dash.”

Applejack walked up to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. “Well Rainbow Dash, I see you’ve got a mighty fine man there on yer hooves. So tell me, what did y’all do while you two were alone?”

“Uhh, what do you mean by that?”

“Oh come on, I know you had to have been doin’ something dirty. Pinkie said y’all were doing dishes, and that’s why yer hoof was wet. We all know here you weren’t doing dishes.”

“Well, uh, Pinkie showed up before Midnight. So I don’t think that means I really did anything dirty with Midnight.”

“Oh I see, y’all were havin’ some fun all by yerself.”

“Gah, why does every pony need to keep talking about what I do in private?!”

“Heh heh, I’m just messin’ with yah sugar cube. But seriously, y’all had to do something together. It’s been a whole year since yah’ve seen each other.”

“Well, we did do some, um... kissing.” Rainbow Dash began to blush at the word.

“Uh huh, and where did this kissing take place?”

“Um, in a bush.”

“In a bush? Isn’t yer house in the sky made of clouds er somethin’?”

“Yeah, I might’ve tackled him out the front door.”

“Rainbow Dash, I’m gonna go ahead and say that’s probably not the best way to treat a man yah like.”

“Well he didn’t seem to be too upset about it. I don’t think you need to worry yourself Applejack.”

“Well, what else did you two do that yah think I should know?”

“Nothing really yet. We just talked for a bit after that. Before we came here.”

“Well y’all better let me know when things get, you know, sexual.” With that, Applejack turned away and walked back over to join Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

“Why did Applejack decide to be such a nosy pony all of a sudden?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe she just really likes Midnight. He has always been one to get on most ponies good sides easily.”

“You may be right. But she better not try anything funny. Midnight is mine and she should know that.”

“I think you can trust Applejack. She is your friend after all. Let’s go back over and see Midnight. I’d really like to talk to him. It’s been six years since we’ve had an actual conversation together.”

“Sure, that sounds good to me.” The two ponies hopped out of their chairs, and trotted over to Midnight. “So, how are you enjoying yourself in Ponyville so far?”

“I think you’ve got yourself a really nice group of friends, Rainbow Dash. Hey, do you mind if I go talk with Twilight a bit? It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to talk to her.”

“Oh, okay. Have fun talking to your sister.” Rainbow Dash looked over to see Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack all standing close, talking amongst themselves. She walked over to join her friends. “So, what do you girls think of Midnight?”

“I think he’s simply divine. I have to say, I envy you Rainbow Dash. You have quite a gentleman on your hooves.”

“Thanks Rarity. Hey, can I ask you ladies an important question?”

“Why of course dear. Anything for a good friend.”

“Well, me and Midnight were talking earlier at my house about why he suddenly left a year ago. He told me his story and all of that, but I couldn’t help but feel like he was leaving something out. When I asked him if he forgot to tell me something out of his story, he kept telling me he told me everything. But the look in his eyes, the way he talked just told me he wasn’t telling the truth. Do you think that Midnight might be cheating on me behind my back?”

“What?! Have you not been listening to him talk for the whole time you’ve known him?! The three of us only talked to him for a few minutes, and I think Pinkie Pie and Applejack would agree with me in saying that he is not the kind of pony to cheat a pony he loves. How could you Rainbow Dash? He’s one of the most honest, kind, funny, generous, loyal ponies I’ve ever met.

Pinkie Pie began bouncing, “Yeah, and not to mention how cute he is!”

“Yeah, I’d say he looks mighty fine.” Applejack looked over to Midnight and continued to stare. Perhaps longer than she should have.

“Hey, don’t try anything Applejack. He’s mine, and you know that.”

“Yeah, I know that. Y’all can’t blame a pony for starin’ can yah?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about her, Rainbow Dash. You can’t blame such a pony like Applejack for being so disrespectful and unladylike.”

“Hey! Who y’all callin unlady like?!”

“Please, Applejack, have some tact. A true lady wouldn’t be staring at another pony’s petit ami.”

“Pardon, Rarity?”

“It’s French, Applejack, the language of love. Not something I would expect somepony like you to understand. It translates to ‘boyfriend’ if you must know.”

“Girls, please, um, stop fighting. Please?”

“And what is that supposed to mean?! Are you sayin’ I wouldn’t make a good lady?!”

“No, I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying you could never be high class, not even if you left that filthy apple farm you call a home, and moved to a civil city such as, oh, I don’t know, Manehattan!”

“Rainbow Dash, why don’t y’all go find somethin’ to do, Rarity and I have some business to settle.”

Rainbow Dash decided to take Applejack’s advice, and made her way over to Midnight, “Hey Midnight, I think we might wanna get outta here. Rarity and Applejack got into a fight about being lady like, and it’s starting to get a little crazy.”

“Alright, let’s go to you’re place, we can have some fun time.”

“I think I would love that, Midnight.”

Chapter 3: Midnight Flare

Ponyville, 1:15 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“So, are you ready for this Midnight?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be I guess.”

“Well, let’s go then.” Rainbow Dash walked ahead, up to the front door of a building that appeared to be made of sweets. A large sign showing a cupcake hung out front. Past her, Midnight could see the room was full of ponies, all enjoying the party. What the occasion was, he didn’t yet know. “Hey girls! Look who showed up at my house today!” Rainbow yelled inside. She waved for Midnight to come up to the door. He flew up next to Rainbow Dash and looked in the doorway.

“Hey ladies. How’s it going?”

Twilight and Fluttershy’s eyes lit up, “Midnight’s back!” Twilight yelled out. She ran up to the door. She was followed closely by Fluttershy and several other ponies he wasn’t familiar with.

“It’s um, it’s nice to see you again Midnight.” Fluttershy was looking down at the floor.

“Ha ha, timid as ever I see.”

“Come on in you two!” a bouncy pink pony said happily while hopping up to the door. “Come and enjoy the party!”

“Sounds good to me.” The two walked in to join the party. “So, I think now is a good time to get to know each other. I already know Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy obviously.”

“Well it’s a pleasure to meet y’all Midnight. The name’s Applejack.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Applejack. This is a party right? What’s the occasion?”

“It’s Applejack’s birthday today! So I decided to throw her a big party! I’m Pinkie Pie!”

“Ha ha, it’s nice to meet you Pinkie Pie. You set up this party? You sound like quite the ball of energy. That’ll definitely make things interesting. And happy birthday to you Applejack.”

“Well thank yah kindly, Midnight. It’s nice to see y’all are actually a nice fella, and Rainbow Dash didn’t just wind up with some kinda bad boy, wanna be cool, pony. She actually ended up with quite the gentlemen.”

“Thanks Applejack.” Midnight looked over to the little white pony who hadn’t said a word yet. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? My name is Midnight Flare. Everyone calls my Midnight for short. May I ask you what your name is?”

“Oh, you really are a gentleman, aren’t you? My name is Rarity. Rainbow Dash has told us all about you. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”

“Thank you Rarity. But, enough about me. Why don’t you each tell me a bit about yourselves? Why don’t we start with you Pinkie?”

The pink pony’s eyes lit up with excitement at the chance to speak. “Well, I like parties, and cupcakes, and candy, and everything that’s fun!”

“I can see you’ll definitely are gonna be a pony who will make life interesting. Now how about you Rarity? What do you do for fun?”

“I run a fashion boutique, making dresses for all of the high class ponies around Equestria, and the top fashion designers,” she said, with an air of dignified self-satisfaction.

“Artistic type I see. Say, do you think you could design something for me for when I take Rainbow Dash to the Gala?”

“Why most certainly Midnight. I would adore doing such a thing for you.”

“Thanks Rarity. That’s really kind of you. Now how about you Applejack?”

“I run Sweet Apple Acres just outside of Ponyville. Applebuckin is mah life.”

“A hard working pony eh? Well that’s good to hear. Maybe you can show me how to applebuck some time.”

“Ah reckon that would be a mighty fine time Midnight.” She began to blush, “I’m gonna go talk with Rainbow Dash n’ Fluttershy. Have fun y’all.” She walked over to the table the other two ponies were sitting at.

“Hey, can I tell you two something important?”

“Okie dokie loki! I don’t see why not.”

“When I was gone for a year, I moved to New Fillhi and trained my fire power in the Haymalayan Mountains. I’ve never liked talking about this, but my lack of control of my ability was the reason I left my family in the first place. When I was there, I met a girl named Zero who is just like Rainbow Dash. She helped me a lot, and I became good friends with her but only friends. Earlier this morning I realized what day it was, and remembered I promised Rainbow Dash I would return. Zero told me she loved me, but I just couldn’t stay with her because I love Rainbow Dash more. I haven’t told her about Zero yet, because I don’t know how she would handle it. What do you two think I should do? I don’t want to break Rainbow Dash’s heart, but I don’t know if she would understand.”

“Midnight dear, you must tell her. Can you imagine the consequences if she found out on her own? If you just come out and tell her, the chances of her still loving you are far greater than if she found that out on her own. If Rainbow Dash ever us anything about you cheating on her, I will be quick to deny it.”

“Thanks Rarity, I think I’ll talk to her about it tonight. I think I’m gonna go catch up with Twilight. I’ll talk with you two some other time, okay?”

“Have fun!”

Midnight started to make his way over to Twilight when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy suddenly walked up to him. “So, how are you enjoying yourself in Ponyville so far?”

“I think you’ve got yourself a really nice group of friends, Rainbow Dash. Hey, do you mind if I go talk with Twilight a bit? It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to talk to her.”

“Oh, okay. Have fun talking to your sister.” Midnight walked over to Twilight.

“Hey Twilight, how’s it going?”

“Oh, hi Midnight. I’m fine. How about you?”

“I’m good, I really wanted to talk to you, about your life after I left. I never really got to watch you grow up. So tell me, what’s happened in your life since I left? Anything interesting?”

“Well, some time after you left, I devoted my life to studying magic after seeing Princess Celestia raise the sun in the Summer Sun Celebration. Our parents decided to enroll me in Princess Celestia’s School For Gifted Unicorns. For the longest time I studied magic as Princess Celestia’s prize pupil.”

“Hmm... Princess Celestia’s School For Gifted Unicorns. Where have I heard of that before? Oh fuck.” Midnight flashed back to the reason he had left Canterlot.

“*Grrrr* Fine!” The fire burst from Midnight’s horn, burning the four teachers alive. “What have I done?” He remembered his parents trembling in fear. “ Pull yourself together, I’ve gotta get us out of this.” He remembered the window. He remembered it as his only escape. The flames burned on his horn as he struggled to save the ones he loved, “Come on, I can do this!” The flames burst through the wall, opening a path for him and his parents. “Mom, Dad! Through the hole, come on!” The three ponies ran through the hole, and Midnight faded back.

“Midnight, are you okay?” Twilight looked concerned.

Maybe he had been silent a little longer than he thought, remembering that day. He looked up, back to his little sister. “Yeah, it’s just... never mind, it was a long time ago. It’s nothing. So how did you end up here in Ponyville? Last I remember, we lived in Canterlot.” Midnight deftly changed the subject back to Twilight.

“Well, it wasn’t too long ago actually. A few years ago before the Summer Sun Celebration, Princess Celestia sent me here to oversee preparations for the event. That’s when I ended up meeting my friends, here. I was supposed to return to Canterlot afterward, but I just couldn’t leave them, so Princess Celestia allowed me to stay.”

“I’m glad you’re happy here, I was just talking to some of your friends a minute ago, they seem like a great bunch of ponies to have on your side.”

“Yeah, they are,” Twilight said thoughtfully, “I hope you can get to know them better. They really are important to me.”

“I hope I can, I think I made a pretty good impression on them a moment ago, Rarity seemed nice, Pinkie Pie was just a ball of energy. Applejack was--” Rainbow Dash suddenly showed up at his side, looking like she was in a hurry.

“Hey Midnight, I think we might wanna get outta here. Rarity and Applejack got into a fight about being lady like, and it’s starting to get a little crazy.”

“Alright, let’s go to you’re place, we can have some fun time.”

“I think I would love that, Midnight.”

Chapter 4: Rainbow Dash

Ponyville, 2:02 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“Hey Rainbow Dash, I’ve got an idea.”

“Oh yeah? And would that be?”

“Instead of just heading back to your place, why don’t we head to Cloudsdale and go visit the places we grew up?”

“Why? I don’t see why we just can’t head back to my place, and have a little fun in private.”

“Oh come on Rainbow Dash. It’s been so long since we’ve been together in Cloudsdale. Why not go and explore some of our memories?”

“Hmm...Alright. I guess that sounds fun.”

“Good, let’s go.”

“Right now?”

“No time like the present!” Midnight took off into the sky, leaving Rainbow Dash on the ground.

“There’s no way he’s gonna surprise me with a race!” Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could to catch up with him, a rainbow trailing behind her.

At this point, Midnight was a black dot in the sky in front of her. She had to catch up to him. Midnight was good, but she was the best flier to come out of Cloudsdale. She wasn’t ready to let him beat her. She was flying so fast, tunnel vision was beginning to set in. She snapped herself out of it and looked around. Ponyville was already far behind her. The top of the farmhouse at Sweet Apple Acres was just disappearing behind a hill. Midnight sure could put up a race. Just then, the black dot she had been trying to catch up to so intently came rocketing back toward her.

“What the?”

The dot resolved back into a pony as Midnight got closer. He had been using his wings as brakes, slowing himself down. As soon as he reached her, however, he brought himself up to speed so they flew parallel to one another.

“What are you doing? I thought this was a race!”

“It is, I just thought it should be a fair one, seeing as I kinda left you in the dust back there.”

Even though they were talking, they still were flying at breakneck speeds over the land beneath them. Rainbow Dash looked down again to see that they had passed over the Everfree Forest already.

“So are we gonna race, or are you tired?”

Midnight was really laying on the sarcasm. She had to beat him. She had to. Rainbow Dash didn’t wait around to give him an answer. Instead, she streamlined herself and rocketed ahead, a smug smile spreading across her face. She’s given him the slip that time.

Suddenly, Midnight was right next to her again, matching her pace. Rainbow Dash turned to Midnight to look into his eyes, and he was looking into hers. She could see the affection in his eyes. The look in his eyes said he could be trusted. It showed her he would never give up her, he would never cheat, never lie, and could never betray her. “Maybe I was wrong.” She thought, “Midnight would never cheat on me. Would he?” Cloudsdale appeared over the horizon as the two ponies rushed across the bright blue sky. They approached the cloudy city at lightning speed as Rainbow Dash slowly pulled ahead. She pulled downward into a low cloudbank. Rainbow Dash loved the excitement of a race, and anything that could make it more interesting was welcome. She couldn’t see 10 feet in front of her, but she knew the skies around Cloudsdale like the back of her hoof. Midnight wouldn’t be too far behind. Moments later, she shot out of the cloud and looked back for Midnight, still maintaining her speed. Not a second later, he cleared the cloud as well. She had too much of a lead to let him win now. Victory was in sight. Rainbow Dash landed on the cloudy edge of Cloudsdale just a few seconds before Midnight landed down. “Ha, I totally smoked you Midnight. Victory is mine!”

“Yeah, you did. I’ll admit that you beat me fair and square. Come on, let’s go back to Sky High. You remember the amusement park that we visited with Fluttershy, right?”

“Of course I do. I still have the picture in my bedroom.”

“Perfect, let’s get going.”

Cloudsdale Sky High Amusement Park, 2:13 P.M., March 20th, 2012

Rainbow Dash and Midnight stared at the amusement park from the gate. But the place wasn’t what they had expected. It was abandon, run down, destroyed, “Wow, what happened to this place?” Rainbow Dash said.

“It looks like a wreck here. I can’t believe this happened.”

Rainbow Dash looked just to the left of the closed gate. There was a sign. It hadn’t been there when the park was open as far as she could remember.

The sign read: Sky High Amusement Park condemned by City Council of Cloudsdale for unsafe attractions.

“Unsafe attractions? We never had anything go wrong when we came here.”

Midnight walked up beside her, “It’s been years since we’ve come here. Something probably went wrong then. I guess we’ll never know.” The front gate was locked and rusting. The rides were falling apart. The walls were covered in graffiti. All of the games were closed. All of the store tents were gone. The sky above the park was beautiful and blue, but the park itself was gray and dark. It was nothing left but a hollowed shell of memories. “I guess we could go over and see the place for what it is now. How about it?”

“Sure, that sounds like it would be fun.” The two flew over the fence. “Gross! This place is disgusting!” As they stepped in, they could see the place was covered in filth from corner to corner.

“Come on, I’ve got a place I’d still like to see.” Midnight ran over to the games area.

“Hey, wait for me!” Rainbow Dash quickly flew and caught up to him. He had stopped right by the horseshoes game.

“Remember this?”

“Of course I do. I beat you that day we took that picture together.”

“Exactly, but now this place looks terrible. I don’t think this game looks very playable.” The place was covered in grime and rust. A hook that had been on a wall to hold up the horseshoes has broken loose, and fallen off. All of the horseshoes that were below where the hook once was were scattered across the floor covered in rust.

“Ew, let’s go over to the roller coaster. I’ve gotta see what happened to that.”

“Alright, I that sounds good to me.” They walked out of the gaming area only to see the roller coaster was worse. The tracks were cracked and falling apart. Support poles were rusted and fractured in places, ready to break. The loop that had been the highest point in the entire place was collapsed to the ground. The beginning of the loop had remained held up by a guide cable in the middle of the track, and was still connected by the right rail folding into itself. The rest of the loop had collapsed to its left and had broken in multiple places, but still lay down in the shape of the loop. At the end of the loop, the roller coaster car was partially on the track as the rest was had come off the track and crashed into a pole. The track just after the loop had collapsed to the cloudy fair ground as it was still connected to the tracks in the air. It trailed up the tracks and had been disconnected in many parts, but still held in the air by the guide cable.

“Oh my gosh.”

“I can’t believe how much things have changed since the last time we came here. It’s kinda sad to see such a place of strong memories looking like this. I think now is a good time to go. I’ve got a surprise on or next place. I think this one will be much better.”

Chapter 4: Midnight Flare

Ponyville, 2:02 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“Hey Rainbow Dash, I’ve got an idea.”

“Oh yeah? And would that be?”

“Instead of just heading back to your place, why don’t we head to Cloudsdale and go visit the places we grew up?”

“Why? I don’t see why we just can’t head back to my place, and have a little fun in private.”

“Oh come on Rainbow Dash. It’s been so long since we’ve been together in Cloudsdale. Why not go and explore some of our memories?”

“Hmm...Alright. I guess that sounds fun.”

“Good, let’s go.”

“Right now?”

“No time like the present!” He took off into the sky, leaving Rainbow Dash on the ground. He looked back as he soared upward. She sat there stunned for a second before she gave chase. She loved races; so he thought he’d surprise her with one. “Maybe I caught her a little too off guard.” He turned his head once more to see a rainbow trail coming from some invisible point. She blended in with the sky from this far away, all except for her rainbow mane, unmistakable at any distance. She was catching up, but Midnight still had the lead by a long shot. “I can’t let her lose.” He thought,  “I know how competitive she is.” He tilted his wings back, catching the air, and it slowed him down like parachutes. Rainbow Dash came speeding up from behind.

“What are you doing? I thought this was a race!”

“It is, I just thought it should be a fair one, seeing as I kinda left you in the dust back there.”

Even though they were talking, they still were flying at breakneck speeds over the land beneath them. Midnight had been gone from Cloudsdale for so long he had almost forgotten what the surrounding landscape looked like. They continued forward as he looked around, noticing they had just passed the edge of the forest that started outside Ponyville.

“So are we gonna race, or are you tired?”

“That should get her going. She definitely won’t let me win now.” Midnight would let her win, but he didn’t want to make it too obvious, she would have to put in some effort to earn this victory. She looked like she was about to hit him with a witty comeback line when she broke away and soared on ahead. You never quite knew what you’d get with Rainbow Dash. He let her go on ahead for a few seconds, so sure of her victory, before he caught up to her. She looked surprised for a moment, then she looked at him. Cloudsdale was just up ahead, Midnight could see, when he looked ahead again. They were coming in fast, and when he looked over to Rainbow Dash again, she was gone, she had pulled ahead of him and all he could see was the end of her rainbow trail vanishing into the cloud below them. “So, she wants to make it hard? Okay.” He dove headlong into the cloud, chasing her. He could hardly see anything around him. He had been away from this place for so long, he didn’t know what he would run into here. He made himself slow down, but only the slightest amount. Rainbow wouldn’t get off that easy; one little trick wasn’t going to be enough to make him give up. Before he knew it, the cloud faded away and the clear sky ahead of him revealed a victorious Rainbow Dash. She was too far ahead for him to catch up now. “Good.” he thought, she got what she wanted, and it made him smile.

Rainbow Dash landed on the cloudy edge of Cloudsdale just a few seconds before Midnight landed down. “Ha, I totally smoked you Midnight. Victory is mine!”

“Yeah, you did. I’ll admit that you beat me fair and square. Come on, let’s go back to Sky High. You remember the amusement park that we visited with Fluttershy, right?”

“Of course I do. I still have the picture in my bedroom.”

“Perfect, let’s get going.”

Cloudsdale Sky High Amusement Park, 2:13 P.M., March 20th, 2012

Rainbow Dash and Midnight stared at the amusement park from the gate. But the place wasn’t what they had expected. It was abandon, run down, destroyed, “Wow, what happened to this place?” Rainbow Dash said.

“It looks like a wreck here. I can’t believe this happened.”

He looked over to see Rainbow Dash reading a sign that was posted on the left side of the gate. It certainly didn’t look new, there was some rust at the edges and it was quite weather-worn, but he couldn’t remember it being there the last time he had visited the park.

The sign read: Sky High Amusement Park condemned by City Council of Cloudsdale for unsafe attractions.

“Unsafe attractions? We never had anything go wrong when we came here.”

He walked up beside Rainbow Dash, “It’s been years since we’ve come here. Something probably went wrong then. I guess we’ll never know.” The front gate was locked and rusting. The rides were falling apart. The walls were covered in graffiti. All of the games were closed. All of the store tents were gone. The sky above the park was beautiful and blue, but the park itself was gray and dark. It was nothing left but a hollowed shell of memories. “I guess we could go over and see the place for what it is now. How about it?”

“Sure, that sounds like it would be fun.” The two flew over the fence. “Gross! This place is disgusting!” As they stepped in, they could see the place was covered in filth from corner to corner.

“Come on, I’ve got a place I’d still like to see.” Midnight ran ahead, over to the games area.

“Hey, wait for me!” Rainbow Dash quickly flew and caught up to him. He had stopped right by the horseshoes game.

“Remember this?”

“Of course I do. I beat you that day we took that picture together.”

“Exactly, but now this place looks terrible. I don’t think this game looks very playable.” The place was covered in grime and rust. A hook that had been on a wall to hold up the horseshoes has broken loose, and fallen off. All of the horseshoes that were below where the hook once was were scattered across the floor covered in rust.

Rainbow Dash didn’t look too fond of the place. The memories were good ones, but that’s all they were now; memories. “Ew, let’s go over to the roller coaster. I’ve gotta see what happened to that.”

“Alright, I that sounds good to me.” They walked out of the gaming area only to see the roller coaster was worse. The tracks were cracked and falling apart. Support poles were rusted and fractured in places, ready to break. The loop that had been the highest point in the entire place was collapsed to the ground. The beginning of the loop had remained held up by a guide cable in the middle of the track, and was still connected by the right rail folding into itself. The rest of the loop had collapsed to its left and had broken in multiple places, but still lay down in the shape of the loop. At the end of the loop, the roller coaster car was partially on the track as the rest was had come off the track and crashed into a pole. The track just after the loop had collapsed to the cloudy fair ground as it was still connected to the tracks in the air. It trailed up the tracks and had been disconnected in many parts, but still held in the air by the guide cable.

“Oh my gosh.”

“I can’t believe how much things have changed since the last time we came here. It’s kinda sad to see such a place of strong memories looking like this. I think now is a good time to go. I’ve got a surprise on our next place. I think this one will be much better.”

Chapter 5: Rainbow Dash

Cloudsdale Sky High Amusement Park, 2:21 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“Alright, I want the next place we go to be a surprise.”

“That sounds cool. But how are we gonna get there without me knowing where we’re going?”

“It’s simple, you cover your eyes while we fly there. I can hold your hooves as I guide you there.”

“Wow, okay. I like it.” Rainbow Dash had never flown blind before, but she trusted Midnight. She quickly flew up into the air, “Let’s get goin!” She had covered her eyes with her hooves, waiting for Midnight to guide her. She felt him come up from behind her, reaching around her, grabbing her hooves with his. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” She thought, “I’m enjoying this a lot more then I thought I would.”

“Ready?”

“Y-yes...let’s go.” She could feel as Midnight lightly pulled her forward as they slowly flew through the air.

“How are you handling flying right now?”

“I’m fine. D-don’t worry.”

“Are you sure? You sound a little nervous.”

“I-I’m not nervous. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, whatever you say.”

“Well I didn’t really lie to him.” she thought

“Just remember, no looking until I say you can.” The two continued to slowly fly through the air for a long time. Rainbow Dash could feel Midnight’s body heat coming from above her as her heart slowly melted from being so close to the one she loved as they flew towards Midnight’s surprise. She felt Midnight slowly stop and land them down on the clouds.

“Can I open my eyes yet?!”

“Go ahead.” Midnight took a step away from her as he removed his grip from her hooves. She uncovered her eyes. Right before her stood Cloudsdale Creamery. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t remember this place.”

“Of course I remember this place. I can’t believe it’s still open.”

“Everyday after school we’d come here with Fluttershy.”

“Yeah, it’s been so long since we came here.”

“We would always get the same things every day. You’d always get the same sized medium cone, I’d always get a chocolate shake, and little Fluttershy always with her small sundae. Those were the days. Nothing mattered, anything could be fun, and life was just...easy.”

“It’s too bad we can’t make things easy like that anymore.”

“Come on, let’s go in.” They walked up and stepped through the front glass doors for the first time in six years. They looked around to see the place of their childhood. “Wow, it hasn’t changed a bit.”

They stood in the doorway for a moment after they entered and looked around. The place was the same as they remembered it. The ponies inside were different, but everything else was just as they had left it, years ago. The booths were the same bright colors, and the silver counter was as spotless as ever. Just as they stood there, taking in the sight, a familiar pony walked out from the back room.

“Hey I remember you two.” The pony behind the front counter said, “You’re two used to be some of our best customers. What ever happened? Where’s Fluttershy at?”

“That’s a long story.” Midnight said, “Fluttershy’s living in Ponyville right now, and so are we. You’re the old man’s kid right? Where is he now?”

“I’m sorry to say, but the old man everyone knew and loved passed way 2 years ago. He wanted me to run the place when he was gone.”

“Oh, we’re sorry for your loss.”

“Nah, it’s okay. I’m over it. So are you two, y’know, together?”

Midnight looked down at Rainbow Dash. She didn’t know how, but she just felt like she could just tell what he was implying. She felt like the look was saying he wanted her to answer the question. “Why yes, yes we are.” She said proudly.

“Well congratulations. But to be completely honest, as I watched you 3 grow up, I could tell you two would end up together. So, do you two want the usual? It’s my treat for the happy couple.”

“That would be nice.” Midnight said, “Thanks.”

“And it looks like our favorite booth is open as well.” The two walked over to the open booth and sat down in the same spots they always did. “Oh my gosh, it’s so much like before.”

“Yeah the nostalgia is definitely there.”

The pony running the store walked up to the booth and handed them a tray with their ice creams on it. “Here yah go. Just like you two always ordered.” He left the two ponies to talk alone.

“Thank you.” Midnight called out, “ So Rainbow Dash, how did you know that I wanted you to answer his question with just a look?”

“I don’t know. I just had that gut feeling that’s what you were getting at.”

“That’s weird. *sigh* it’s too bad Fluttershy’s not here. It would make our whole time here at Cloudsdale Creamery again today complete.”

“That would be nice. Say, remember the first time we ever came here?”

“Of course, we spotted it when we were trying to cheer Fluttershy up that one day.”

North Cloudsdale, 3:26 P.M., August 26th, 2001, 11 years ago

“Oh come on Fluttershy,” Midnight said, “You shouldn’t care about what those bullies say.”

“But they’re right. I’m a terrible flier.”

“But no pony ever starts off as a good flier.”

“Yeah, I bet you even every single one of the Wonderbolts were terrible fliers at one point.”

“It’s just that it’s hard to deny them when it’s true.”

“Hey, we’ve never been here before.” Midnight pointed to a new looking restaurant. It was an ice cream shop called Cloudsdale Creamery. The word Cloudsdale was written in big, red, bold letters, with the word creamery under it within a gold oval. There was a picture of an ice cream cone right above the words within a red circle with a golden outline. “Come on, let’s go get some ice cream, my treat.” The three threw open the shiny new glass doors and walked in. A nice old pony looked at them from behind the counter.

“Well hi there! Welcome to my new store.” The pony’s voice was raspy but friendly. “What can I do for the three of you?”

Midnight flew up to the counter, “I’ll just have a medium chocolate shake. Rainbow Dash, what about you?”

“How big of something can I get?”

“Anything on their menu that you want. It’s my treat for both of you.”

“Awesome! I’ll take a large vanilla cone.”

“You sure you can finish all that?” The old pony asked, “Our large cones are larger then you’d think.”

“I can handle it! Give me the biggest cone you have.”

“Ha ha, alright we can get you the large. And for you Fluttershy?”

“Oh, I’ll just have a sundae.”

“You sure? It’s my treat so you can have anything you want.”

“It’s okay, I’m not that hungry anyway.”

“That’ll be 12 bits.” Midnight pulled the bits out of his school bag. “Thank you. I’ll have those ready for you in a second. Why don’t you three have a seat wherever you want? You three are my very first customers.”

The three walked over, and sat down in a booth that was 3 down to right to the right of the door. It was right up next to the window, and would be the place they would sit every day after school. Midnight sat by himself on the far side of the booth. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat on the other side with Rainbow Dash in the window seat, “I’ve gotta wonder. How do you have so much money Midnight?”

“Have I not told you that yet? I’m from Canterlot.”

“Wait, what? Why have you never told us this before?”

“I just thought I already did. Anyway, I lived in the upper middle class part of Canterlot. And you know how much more money families have if they live in Canterlot. I just took all of the money I had plus a little extra.”

“So your family is like super rich compared to ponies in Cloudsdale.”

“Yeah, pretty much.” Rainbow Dash dove into the extra large cone she had ordered, but struggled to finish. “Having problems there?”

She slammed her head down on the table, “Maybe.”

“Ha ha, I think you might’ve bit off more then you can chew. Literally. Can I suggest getting something smaller when we come here next time?”

“Mhmm.” She kept her head lying on the table.

Fluttershy looked concerned and had stopped eating her sundae. “Are you okay Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, I just didn’t think it would be so big.”

“Hey, you two up for making this our regular spot every day after school?”

Fluttershy nodded, Rainbow Dash kept her head on the table and replied with a tired grunt.

“Alright, I think once Rainbow Dash’s brain freeze passes over, we’re gonna get going.”

Rainbow Dash picked her head up off of the table, “I think I’m good. Let’s get going.”

The three hopped out of their booth, and walked out the glass doors.

Chapter 5: Midnight Flare

Cloudsdale Sky High Amusement Park, 2:21 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“Alright, I want the next place we go to be a surprise.”

“That sounds cool. But how are we gonna get there without me knowing where we’re going?”

“It’s simple, you cover your eyes while we fly there. I can hold your hooves as I guide you there.”

“Wow, okay. I like it.” She seemed to hesitate for a moment before flew over to him. Whatever reservations she’d had seemed to be gone. “Let’s get goin!” She had covered her eyes with her hooves, waiting for him to guide her. He came up behind her and put his hooves around her. He took her hooves in his, then paused before taking off.

“Ready?”

“Y-yes...let’s go.”

He slowly lifted them off the cloud and took off into the air. She almost reminded him of Fluttershy right now, with her eyes covered, a slight tremor in her voice. He kept going up, higher into the air. “She’s so adorable.” He thought, “But she seems really nervous.”

“How are you handling flying right now?”

“I’m fine. D-don’t worry.”

“Are you sure? You sound a little nervous.”

“I-I’m not nervous. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, whatever you say.”

“Just remember, no looking until I say you can.” The two continued to slowly fly through the air for a long time. At long last, he saw his destination ahead, and soon after, set them down on the cloud. Rainbow Dash was in for a pleasant surprise this time.

“Can I open my eyes yet?!”

“Go ahead.” Midnight took a step away from her as he removed his grip from her hooves. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t remember this place.”

“Of course I remember this place. I can’t believe it’s still open.”

“Everyday after school we’d come here with Fluttershy.”

“Yeah, it’s been so long since we came here.”

“We would always get the same things every day. You’d always get the same sized medium cone, I’d always get a chocolate shake, and little Fluttershy always with her small sundae. Those were the days. Nothing mattered, anything could be fun, and life was just...easy.”

“It’s too bad we can’t make things easy like that anymore.”

“I wish those things could never change.” He thought

“Come on, let’s go in.” He said. They walked up and stepped through the front glass doors for the first time in six years. They looked around to see the place of their childhood. “Wow, it hasn’t changed a bit.”

They stood in the doorway for a moment after they entered and looked around. The place was the same as they remembered it. The ponies inside were different, but everything else was just as they had left it, years ago. The booths were the same bright colors, and the silver counter was as spotless as ever. Just as they stood there, taking in the sight, a familiar pony walked out from the back room.

“Hey I remember you two.” The pony behind the front counter said, “You’re two used to be some of our best customers. What ever happened? Where’s Fluttershy at?”

“That’s a long story.” Midnight said, “Fluttershy’s living in Ponyville right now, and so are we. You’re the old man’s kid right? Where is he now?”

“I’m sorry to say, but the old man everyone knew and loved passed way 2 years ago. He wanted me to run the place when he was gone.”

“Oh, we’re sorry for your loss.”

“Nah, it’s okay. I’m over it. So are you two, y’know, together?”

Midnight looked down at Rainbow Dash. “It’s Rainbow Dash.” He thought, “I don’t know with her if she wants people to know or not.”

She looked back to the pony behind the counter, “Why yes, yes we are.” She said proudly.

“Well congratulations. But to be completely honest, as I watched you 3 grow up, I could tell you two would end up together. So, do you two want the usual? It’s my treat for the happy couple.”

“That would be nice.” Midnight said, “Thanks.”

“And it looks like our favorite booth is open as well.” The two walked over to the open booth and sat down in the same spots they always did. “Oh my gosh, it’s so much like before.”

“Yeah the nostalgia is definitely there.”

The pony running the store walked up to the booth and handed them a tray with their ice creams on it. “Here yah go. Just like you two always ordered.” He left the two ponies to talk alone.

“Thank you.” Midnight called out, “So Rainbow Dash, how did you know that I wanted you to answer his question with just a look?”

“I don’t know. I just had that gut feeling that’s what you were getting at.”

“That’s weird. *sigh* it’s too bad Fluttershy’s not here. It would make our whole time here at Cloudsdale Creamery again today complete.”

“That would be nice. Say, remember the first time we ever came here?”

“Of course, we spotted it when we were trying to cheer Fluttershy up that one day.”

North Cloudsdale, 3:26 P.M., August 26th, 2001, 11 years ago

“Oh come on Fluttershy,” Midnight said, “You shouldn’t care about what those bullies say.”

“But they’re right. I’m a terrible flier.”

“But no pony ever starts off as a good flier.”

“Yeah, I bet you even every single one of the Wonderbolts were terrible fliers at one point.”

“It’s just that it’s hard to deny them when it’s true.”

“Poor Fluttershy.” He thought, “It’s so hard for a little timid pony like her to deal with being hurt.” He looked away and he caught something out of the corner of his eye.

“Hey, we’ve never been here before.” Midnight pointed to a new looking restaurant. It was an ice cream shop called Cloudsdale Creamery. The word Cloudsdale was written in big, red, bold letters, with the word creamery under it within a gold oval. There was a picture of an ice cream cone right above the words within a red circle with a golden outline. “Come on, let’s go get some ice cream, my treat.” The three threw open the shiny new glass doors and walked in. A nice old pony looked at them from behind the counter.

“Well hi there! Welcome to my new store.” The pony’s voice was raspy but friendly. “What can I do for the three of you?”

Midnight flew up to the counter, “I’ll just have a medium chocolate shake. Rainbow Dash, what about you?”

“How big of something can I get?”

“Anything on their menu that you want. It’s my treat for both of you.”

“Awesome! I’ll take a large vanilla cone.”

“You sure you can finish all that?” The old pony asked, “Our large cones are larger then you’d think.”

“I can handle it! Give me the biggest cone you have.”

“Ha ha, alright we can get you the large. And for you Fluttershy?”

“Oh, I’ll just have a sundae.”

“You sure? It’s my treat so you can have anything you want.”

“It’s okay, I’m not that hungry anyway.”

“That’ll be 12 bits.” Midnight pulled the bits out of his school bag. “Thank you. I’ll have those ready for you in a second. Why don’t you three have a seat wherever you want? You three are my very first customers.”

The three walked over, and sat down in a booth that was 3 down to right to the right of the door. It was right up next to the window, and would be the place they would sit every day after school. Midnight sat by himself on the far side of the booth. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat on the other side with Rainbow Dash in the window seat, “I’ve gotta wonder. How do you have so much money Midnight?”

“Have I not told you that yet? I’m from Canterlot.”

“Wait, what? Why have you never told us this before?”

“I just thought I already did. Anyway, I lived in the upper middle class part of Canterlot. And you know how much more money families have if they live in Canterlot. I just took all of the money I had plus a little extra.”

“So your family is like super rich compared to ponies in Cloudsdale.”

“Yeah, pretty much.” Rainbow Dash dove into the extra large cone she had ordered, but struggled to finish. “Having problems there?”

She slammed her head down on the table, “Maybe.”

“Ha ha, I think you might’ve bit off more then you can chew. Literally. Can I suggest getting something smaller when we come here next time?”

“Mhmm.” She kept her head lying on the table.

Fluttershy looked concerned and had stopped eating her sundae. “Are you okay Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, I just didn’t think it would be so big.”

“Hey, you two up for making this our regular spot every day after school?”

Fluttershy nodded, Rainbow Dash kept her head on the table and replied with a tired grunt.

“Alright, I think once Rainbow Dash’s brain freeze passes over, we’re gonna get going.”

Rainbow Dash picked her head up off of the table, “I think I’m good. Let’s go.”

The three hopped out of their booth, and walked out the glass doors.

Chapter 6: Rainbow Dash

Ponyville, 8:39 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“I couldn’t believe that place was still open, after the park, I didn’t know what to expect.”

“Well I’m glad it was, you even finished your ice cream this time. I’m still thinking about our first visit”

“I remember it all too well...” Rainbow Dash muttered, the traces of her memory of that day’s brain freeze still lingering.

“So how did you like the flight there? You seemed a bit nervous starting off.”

“I... I was at the beginning, but once we got up in the air, I kinda liked it.” She hadn’t been so sure about flying without being able to see what was in front of her, but she trusted Midnight. If she would have let anyone do that, it was him. She looked him in the eyes as she spoke. She could see he was just as happy as she was.

“I’m glad, you did good.”

“Of course I did! I’m the best flier to come out of Cloudsdale, after all!” she said proudly, but with a bit of a joking tone. She knew Midnight was an expert flier as well.

“You sure are. That was some race on the way huh?”

“Maybe for you, slowpoke. I had it won from the beginning. Did you see the way I went through that cloud? I’m an ace!”

Midnight cracked a smile.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, nothing. I was just thinking about the races we used to have together. We’ve certainly both improved since flight school.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash smiled at the thought of the old days. Today was a good one, bringing back a lot of good memories. The amusement park, the ice cream, as well as some new experiences she would definitely remember. She was glad Midnight convinced her to come.

The trip back to Ponyville had been much more relaxed; both of them were a little spent from their race and the trip around Cloudsdale. They had glided most of the way back, landing just outside of town a few minutes ago. “I’m glad you took me to see all that again, I haven’t been back there like that in so long.”

Midnight just smiled. He didn’t say anything for a few minutes. They just walked for a while enjoying the night. The smile remained on his face the whole time. Then he stopped, like he’s just reached a decision on some important issue.

Midnight’s happy expression suddenly turned into a frown. “Midnight? Is there something wrong?”

“*sigh* I have no other choice. Rainbow Dash, can I talk to you about something very important?”

“Sure, what seems to be your problem?”

“Please, don’t talk, just listen. Like I told you, when I left 1 year ago, I trained in the Haymalayan Mountains and lived in New Fillhi. Just a few days into living there, the entire city was attacked by diamond dogs. Do you know what those are?”

“Yeah of course. A few of them kidnapped my friend Rarity because she can use her magic to find gems.”

“Okay, so I don’t really need to explain them. Anyway, I also told you Nightmare Moon is still inside of me. I heard her tell me to use her power. She said she would help me save the city from the diamond dogs. I foolishly listened to her. Although it did drive the diamond dogs out of the city, I lost all control of myself. She then started to attack innocent ponies. She would’ve killed everyone in New Fillhi if it weren’t for one brave little pony. Her name...was Zero. She stepped up and tried to fight me. The look in her eyes, it was just like yours. The memories of you suddenly came back to me. I tried my hardest and I finally pushed Nightmare back. Zero and I talked a bit and we became good friends. She agreed to help me train so I could control my fire. We trained everyday. I got used to the usual schedule of training, everything else cleared out of my mind. After a year I realized what day it was and why it was important. I’m sorry, I forgot that I promised you I would return.”

“What?! Midnight, how could you forget about me?!”

“Please, don’t be mad at me. I didn’t mean to. I told Zero about you. In fact, this was just this morning. I told her I still loved you, and I need to go back to Ponyville to find you. I didn’t know if you would’ve forgiven me when I came back. I just had to know if you still loved me or not. I was really happy to see that you still did. But things turned out for the worst when she admitted to me that she loved me. She wanted me to stay there with her. I just couldn’t. Don’t you see? I wanted to be with you. I’m sorry I kept you waiting for so long, and I feel really guilty for not telling you about her. Please, can you forgive me?”

“Why should I forgive you?! What did you do with this girl that I don’t know about?! Why couldn’t you just tell me about Zero in the first place?!”

“Please, I did nothing with her. We were just friends. I didn’t know if I should’ve told you or not because I didn’t know if you’d understand or not. I finally manned up and told you because I couldn’t keep anything from you.”

“Oh yeah, I should totally believe that. Just admit it, you were in love with this girl!”

“Please don’t be like this. This is the very reason I didn’t want to tell you. I even asked your friends what I should do. They said I should tell you on my own. It would be much better then you somehow finding out on your own. You would never trust me again. I’m having problems believing you’ll even ever trust me again now.”

“Why should I trust you?!” She began to tear up, “I-just, I-I. Just leave me alone. I don’t wanna be with a guy who I can’t trust.” She turned around and flew away from him heading towards Whitetail Woods.

“Rainbow Dash, wait!” But she just kept running.

“I knew it. I just knew he wasn’t telling me everything. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to trust him again. I wonder what those two did together. They probably made out every day up in the Haymalayan Mountains. I can’t believe him! How could he do this to me?! I thought we had something!”

“Rainbow Dash wait!” Midnight was following close behind her.

“I thought I told you to leave me alone!” She sped up trying to pull away from him. Midnight slowly caught back up to her.

“I keep telling you, I didn’t do anything with Zero!”

“Why should I believe that?! You said she was just like me! What did you think she was better then me?! Or did you come back because 1 pony wasn’t enough?!”

“Why can’t you just hear me out?! I keep telling you, I came back because I wanted to be with you!”

“Oh yeah, and that’s why you left for an entire year!”

“I was gone for an entire year because I didn’t know if you wanted me back or not! And I thought you did! You have no idea how relieved I was after you kissed me in that bush.”

“Why should I believe anything you say?! You were gone for a whole year and I don’t even know what even happened there! Your entire story could be a lie, and I wouldn’t even know it! Maybe you spent an entire year with Zero and got bored with her so you just came back to me!”

“Rainbow Dash, just please, stop and listen to me.”

“*sigh* Fine!” She dug her hooves into the ground as she came to a halting stop. Midnight stopped just a few feet behind her. The two stood in a field in the middle of the forest. The small field was the top of a tiny hill. The light of the full moon and stars shined down on them as they stood looking at each other.

“Rainbow Dash, just, please, hear me out. I have been your friend since we started Flight school together. We struggled for 5 years to break Nightmare Moon’s control over me. You’ve known me for long enough. I would never cheat on you, ever. I love you and I want to show you it, but you don’t seem to want me to. I’ve tried my hardest for you to understand, but you don’t want to seem to believe that I’m not cheating on you. If you don’t want to see me anymore, if you don’t want to give me another chance, if you really think I shouldn’t be with you, then I will stay out of your life forever.” Midnight turned around, and started walking away. “Oh yeah, tell Twilight and Fluttershy that I went back to Cloudsdale.”

“Oh crap.” She thought, “What did I just do? What if he wasn’t lying? If he leaves now I’ll never know.”

“Alright.”

Midnight stopped and turned around. “What?”

“I’ll give you another chance.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I began wondering how bad I would feel if you left, and you weren’t lying. So prove it to me. Prove to me you still love me.”

Midnight walked back up to her. “Alright, how do you want me to prove it?”

“Why can’t you just do something to show me?”

“Because, I could think of a bunch of different things to prove it, but after that, I don’t know how I even could prove it.”

“I could get anything I want from him right now.” She thought, “I think I’ve got a way.”

“Well? Do you have something?”

Rainbow Dash looked back up at Midnight, “Fuck me. Right here, right now.”

Chapter 7: Rainbow Dash

Whitetail Woods, 8:47 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“Are you sure you really wanna do this?”

“You asked me if there was anything you could do to prove you still love me. Well, I want this. I’ll be able to tell just from you fucking me if you still love me.” She got on her back, and spread her back legs apart. “Besides, if you really still loved me, you’d come over here and fuck me right now.”

“I just didn’t know if you were trying to see if I just want sex outta you or not, which I don’t.”

“Oh come on, do you really think I would let a guy fuck me if he only wanted me for sex? Now come on, get over here and eat me out so I can be ready for you to actually do me.”

“Alright, as long as that’s what’ll make you happy.” He put his head down in between her legs. He closed his eyes, and stuck his tongue out and put it in between her pussy lips.

Rainbow Dash cringed as she started drooling. “Oh sweet Celestia, this feels a lot better then what I thought it would.” She thought, as Midnight’s tongue started slowly moving along the ridges of her vagina. Midnight continued for a few minutes until her vagina was dripping.

Midnight pulled away and caught his breath again. “I think you’re ready.”

“Yeah, I think so too.” Midnight walked over and stood directly above her.

“You ready?” She looked down in between his legs to see his erect cock right next to her vagina.

“Holy crap! That’s a lot bigger then I expected.”

“You want me to start off slow?”

“What? No, of course not. I want you to get in as far and fast as you possibly can.”

“Okay, whatever you say.” He pulled back, and quickly forced himself straight towards her. He vigorously hit the back of inside of her only getting a little less then half of the whole thing inside, and a sharp pain rushed through her lower body as she screamed in pain. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Keep going, and fast.” He began thrusting back and forth as fast as he could. “Oh sweet Celestia. You’re really good at this. Are you sure you’ve never done this before?”

“Of course I haven’t. Like I said, I don’t want to be with any other pony but you.” He brought his head down and began kissing her. The two pulled away and continued to pant and groan under the bright light of the full moon.

“Midnight, I-I think I’m cumming.”

“Yeah, I am too.” Midnight sped up going a lot faster then he had been. Rainbow Dash felt the pleasure inside of her rush through her and felt her and Midnight’s fluids running through her. The two screamed out in their pleasure, and Midnight fell over to the side, both ponies panting. “Holy shit, that was amazing.”

“I’m not done.”

“Wait what?”

“That felt way too good to just let it end like that.” She stood up, still dripping wet and sat down right between Midnight’s legs. She grabbed his dick, brought it up to her face, and put the end in her mouth. She began moving her head back and forth. “Holy shit.” She thought, “This tastes a lot better then I thought it would.” She continued sucking as she got farther and farther down. Midnight simply lied on the ground taking it. She took it out of her mouth and began to lick down the side.

“I think I’m cumming again.”

“Well that was quick.” She thought as she continued to lick along the sides. As she was at the bottom, she looked up to see cum running down from the top. She licked her way up, picking up every last drop. “Ah, that was good. So you still horny? I think you are.” She turned around, and stuck her flank in the air at him. “Come on, get up. You know you want this.” She erotically shook her flank at him.

Midnight stood up, “You’re really enjoying this aren’t you.”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be? And from the look in your face just a minute ago, I can tell you’re really enjoying this too. Now come on! Get in there already!”

“Not gonna object to that.” He walked up, and stood over her. She awaited the sudden rush of pleasure from Midnight inserting himself.

“Well, come on. I’m getting impatie--” Midnight had stuck it in in the middle of her sentence. “Oh fuck, that feels good.”

He started moving back and forth inside of her. “Rainbow Dash, I *pant* really need to say. I’m happy you gave me a second chance.”

“*pant* No, no problem. *pant* Now, shut up and fuck me.”

“No *pant* problem with that.” Midnight continued to thrust himself inside of her as he slowly sped up.

“Holy fuck. *pant* Best night ever.” Rainbow Dash said as she panted with her tongue out of her mouth. “ I don’t want this moment to ever end.”

“*pant* Neither do I Rainbow Dash.” He sped up much faster as Rainbow Dash felt the pleasure rush through her once again. “Hey, I think I’m cumming again.”

“Yeah, I am too.” Midnight sped up as the two ponies screamed into the air as the pleasure rushed through there bodies. They fell to the ground as they caught their breath. “Wow, that was simply amazing. You can’t tell me that was your first time Midnight.”

“It is. I saved everything for you.”

“Well whether this was your first time or not, it was still amazing.”

“I’m gonna go ahead and guess that means you forgive me.”

Rainbow Dash smiled at him. “Yes, yes it does.” The two pulled themselves closer to each other and began lightly kissing. They slowed down and fell asleep under the starry night sky in the full light of the moon.

Chapter 7: Midnight Flare

Whitetail Woods, 8:47 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“Are you sure you really wanna do this?”

“You asked me if there was anything you could do to prove you still love me. Well, I want this. I’ll be able to tell just from you fucking me if you still love me.” She got on her back, and spread her back legs apart. “Besides, if you really still loved me, you’d come over here and fuck me right now.”

“I just didn’t know if you were trying to see if I just want sex outta you or not, which I don’t.”

“Oh come on, do you really think I would let a guy fuck me if he only wanted me for sex? Now come on, get over here and eat me out so I can be ready for you to actually do me.”

“Alright, as long as that’s what’ll make you happy.” He put his head down in between her legs. He closed his eyes, and stuck his tongue out and put it in between her pussy lips.

Midnight moved his tongue starting by slowly moving along the ridges of her vagina. He could tell she was getting excited. He continued for a few minutes until she was dripping wet.

Midnight pulled away and caught his breath again. “I think you’re ready.”

“Yeah, I think so too.” He walked over and stood directly above Rainbow Dash.

“You ready?” She looked down to see his erect cock lined up right between her thighs.

“Holy crap! That’s a lot bigger then I expected.”

“You want me to start off slow?”

“What? No, of course not. I want you to get in as far and fast as you possibly can.”

“Okay, whatever you say.” He pulled back, and quickly forced himself straight towards her. He vigorously rammed himself in, only getting a little past half way on the first thrust. Rainbow Dash let out a sharp cry. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Keep going, and fast.” He began thrusting back and forth as fast as he could. “Oh sweet Celestia. You’re really good at this. Are you sure you’ve never done this before?”

“Of course I haven’t. Like I said, I don’t want to be with any other pony but you.” He brought his head down and began kissing her. The two pulled away and continued to pant and groan under the bright light of the full moon.

“Midnight, I-I think I’m cumming.”

“Yeah, I am too.” Midnight sped up going a lot faster then he had been. He could feel her shudder in pleasure as he came inside her. It felt so good he could barely handle it. The two screamed out in their pleasure, and Midnight fell over to the side, spent. Both ponies were panting from their exertion. “Holy shit, that was amazing.”

“I’m not done.”

“Wait what?”

“That felt way too good to just let it end like that.” Rainbow Dash stood up, still dripping wet and sat down right between his legs. She grabbed his dick, brought it up to her face, and put the end in her mouth. She began moving her head back and forth. Rainbow Dash continued sucking as she got farther and farther down. He simply lay on the ground taking it. She took it out of her mouth and began to lick down the side. He couldn’t hold it in much longer.

“I think I’m cumming again.”

She looked up at him with a grin, and then went back to work. She continued to lick along the sides. As she went on, he let loose another load. When Rainbow Dash saw, she licked her way up, picking up every last drop. “Ah, that was good. So you still horny? I think you are.” She turned around, and stuck her flank in the air at him. She was insatiable. “Come on, get up. You know you want this.” She erotically shook her flank at him. She really knew how to get him going.

Midnight stood up, “You’re really enjoying this aren’t you.”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be? And from the look on your face just a minute ago, I can tell you’re really enjoying this too. Now come on! Get in there already!”

“Not gonna object to that.” He walked up, and stood over her. He thought he’d tease her just for a minute and waited for her to respond.

“Well, come on. I’m getting impatie--” He stuck it in mid-sentence, just when she wasn’t expecting it. “Oh fuck, that feels good.”

He started moving back and forth inside of her, getting a rhythm going again. “Rainbow Dash, I *pant* really need to say. I’m happy you gave me a second chance.”

“*pant* No, no problem. *pant* Now, shut up and fuck me.”

“No *pant* problem with that.” Midnight continued to thrust himself inside of her as he slowly sped up.

“Holy fuck. *pant* Best night ever.” Rainbow Dash said as she panted. She turned to look at him with a look of intense pleasure, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. “ I don’t want this moment to ever end.”

“*pant* Neither do I Rainbow Dash.” He sped up much faster as he felt her grow tighter around him. He was getting close. “Hey, I think I’m cumming again.”

“Yeah, I am too.” Midnight sped up as the two ponies screamed into the air as the pleasure rushed through their bodies. They fell to the ground as they caught their breath. “Wow, that was simply amazing. You can’t tell me that was your first time Midnight.”

“It is. I saved everything for you.”

“Well whether this was your first time or not, it was still amazing.”

“I’m gonna go ahead and guess that means you forgive me.”

Rainbow Dash smiled at him. “Yes, yes it does.” The two pulled themselves closer to each other and began lightly kissing. They slowed down and fell asleep under the starry night sky in the full light of the moon.

Chapter 8: Rainbow Dash

Whitetail Woods, 6:43 A.M., March 21st, 2012

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes to find herself still lying in the woods. She turned over to see Midnight lying next to her; he was asleep, resting from his exertions the evening before. “That was some night.” She knew he couldn’t hear her; he still looked tired, even asleep. She would make sure to tell him later, though. Now that she was up, she had to find something to do. Rainbow Dash was no pony to sit around waiting. She trotted off to the far side of the clearing and began to flap her wings, much quieter than usual, making sure not to wake Midnight, he had earned his rest. She then gently took off into the air towards Ponyville.

Once she got out of the clearing, Rainbow Dash brought herself up to cruising speed, and quickly passed the edge of Whitetail Woods. Breezing over Ponyville, Rainbow Dash let herself drift in the air and felt the wind pass over her face. Thinking about the night before, she rolled upside down and glided easily over the ground below. “I’m surprised with Midnight.” She thought, “I never expected him to be the kind of pony who would be a star in bed.” Running through the night’s events in her head, she continued on. When she righted herself, she was looking down on Sweet Apple Acres. She could make out an orange pony still far off in the fields, hard at work. “Maybe I’ll see what Applejack’s up to. I doubt any pony else is up this early.” She flew down in between the neat rows of apple trees, whose leaves rustled loudly as she sped past them. She was maybe 20 trees down the row when Applejack seemed to notice the sound and looked up. The earth pony braced herself for impact, but Rainbow Dash expertly skidded to a stop just a few feet away. “What’s up Applejack?” she said brightly.

Applejack lowered the hoof she had been using to protect herself when she heard the sound of Rainbow’s voice. “Um... nuthin’, just... buckin’ apples...” her apprehension seemed to wear off, “What’s wrong with you? You know better n’ ta come flyin down here like that!”

“Take it easy Applejack, I know what I’m doing, and you know that.”

“Yeah I reckon you do.” Applejack seemed to ease up. “But what’s got y’all so excited anyway?”

“Nothing... I just had an... eventful night is all.”

“What did y’all do with Midnight last night?”

“W-what do you mean by that?” Her eyes shifted back and forth nervously. Applejack certainly was a perceptive pony. But maybe she still hadn’t figured it all out.

“Oh sweet Celestia, you didn’t.” Applejack’s eyes grew in surprise.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rainbow Dash’s cheeks became red. She had definitely figured it out now.

“Don’t you try lyin to me. Yer cheeks are redder than a red delicious apple! Admit it, you slept with him last night!”

“Okay, fine. Yes, we had sex last night, but you can’t tell any of our friends about it yet.”

“Don’t worry Dash. I won’t tell them as long as yah fill me in on a few... details.”

“Are you serious, Applejack? You can’t be serious.” Rainbow Dash’s uncomfortable expression seemed to have no effect on Applejack.

“I’m 100% serious. Just answer mah questions, and I think everything will be fine.”

“Alright, if I really need to.”

“Well okay!” Applejack’s attention was now firmly on her. “Now, let’s see. Where did y’all have yer, alone time?”

“Oh, just at my house.”

“Dash, I can tell when yer lyin. Just tell me the truth. Y’all can trust me. I’m not gonna tell our friends.”

“Fine, we did it... in a clearing in the middle of Whitetail Woods.”

“Whitetail Woods? What were y’all doin in the middle of the forest?”

“Well, that’s kinda a long story.”

“I’ve got the time, sugarcube, let’s have it.”

“Well, later in the day after our trip to Cloudsdale, Midnight had admitted to me about a girl he had met when he went to New Fillhi. He kept trying to tell me that she was just a friend but I didn’t believe him. I told Midnight I waned to have some time to myself to think, but he followed me and kept trying to tell me that he still loved me. For some reason I didn’t believe him. We stopped in the field and he asked for one more chance to prove he still loved me. I think you can figure out the rest.” Rainbow Dash could see that the implication seemed to run through Applejack’s thoughts for a moment before she responded.

“What a story, mark me. I don’t reckon I’ve heard one like that before.”

“Eh heh...” Rainbow Dash blushed further; she was still a little unsure why she had just blurted that all out.

“Now, how bout you give me some details on what y’all did last night together? What was he like?”

“Don’t push it too far Applejack. I’m not gonna give you too much private information.”

“Fine. I s’pose you’ve said enough.”

Now that Applejack was satisfied, she thought it might be a good time to depart from Sweet Apple Acres. “I think I’m gonna go find him. Who knows, he might be still sleeping.”

“I’ll see ya ‘round, sugarcube.” Applejack said as she went back to the tree she had been bucking before she was interrupted.

Rainbow Dash took flight and began to head back toward Whitetail Woods. “Well that wasn’t what I expected at all.” She thought as she looked back toward the apple farm.

The skied were clear so the weather team didn’t have much to worry about today. They wouldn’t be needing her assistance, and that was just fine with her. She soon reached the edge of Whitetail Woods. As she reached the clearing, she saw Midnight on the ground, writhing in pain. “Oh crap!” She quickly flew down to the ground to aid him. “Midnight! Just hang in there!” Rainbow Dash landed down next to Midnight as he stood back up.

“What was wrong with you? Why were you on the ground?”

“Long story, I can explain later. Where did you go? Why did you leave without telling me?”

“Well when I woke up, I saw you were still sleeping so I went to go see if there was anyone to talk to while I let you sleep. I didn’t think it would end up this bad.”

“It’s okay, as long as I know you didn’t leave. Rainbow Dash, listen to me. We need to talk to the princesses as soon as we possibly can. I cannot deal with Nightmare anymore.”

“Okay, but what did she do that crossed the line?”

“She tried to get inside my head. She kept trying to convince me that you had left me and that you had used me for sex. I kept denying her. She eventually used her energy to stab the nerves in my brain. She continued to try and convince me, and I almost believed her. She said that she wouldn’t stop until you came back, or until I believed her. I’m just glad that you actually came back.”

“Wow, I think you’re right. We’ll talk to Twilight later today. For now I think we should get you back to my house. I think you could use the rest.”

“Thanks Rainbow Dash. That would be nice.”

Chapter 8: Midnight Flare

Whitetail Woods, 6:44 A.M., March 21st, 2012

Midnight slowly opened his eyes to find himself still in lying in the woods. He turned over to see that Rainbow Dash was gone. He was sitting alone in the clearing. He sat up and rubbed the tired out of his eyes. It was still early, the sun was low in the sky, and the woods were still somewhat quiet. Getting to his hooves, he blinked a few times to get rid of the last traces of sleepiness. Midnight looked around for the missing pony, but she was nowhere to be found.  “Where could she have gone?”

“Oh, would you look at that.” Nightmare had spoken up.

“Look at what?”

“It seems like she was the one who was just trying to get sex out of you. Oh this is too good. What an ironic twist.”

“Shut up Nightmare. How could you think that? I’ve known Rainbow Dash for long enough to know she’d never be like that.”

“Oh? Isn’t it obvious?”

“What are you getting at?”

“You’ve been gone for a whole year. Don’t you think she could’ve moved on? Maybe there’s another pony. Did you ever consider that?”

“No. Of course not. You saw how happy she was to see me when I showed up at her door.”

“Yes, I did. That doesn’t mean she’s not cheating on you. You know nothing about what she was really thinking.”

“Oh come on, what proof do you really have?”

“Last night you said that you would do anything to prove you still loved her. She chose sex. She could’ve chosen many other things, but she chose sex. And now that you woke up, she’s abandon you.”

“Shut up! I know she’d never leave me like this! I know she’ll come back! Rainbow Dash wouldn’t just leave me like this!”

“How do you know that?! Don’t you remember? You had suddenly left her 1 year ago. You had left the poor girl heart broken for an entire year. Just face it, Midnight! She doesn’t really love you anymore. She just used you as a sex toy last night, and left you in the middle of Whitetail Woods.”

“God damn it, Nightmare! Why can’t I just get you out of my head?!”

“You can’t get rid of me, Midnight! You will never get rid of me!” She had gathered up enough energy so she could stab Midnight’s nerves. Midnight fell to the ground shaking his head in pain.

“Gaaaah! Get out of my head!” Midnight pressed him further, a dull throbbing in his head on top of the sharp pain Midnight continued to inflict on his body. She was trying to break through, but she still needed Midnight weaker before she could truly gain control.

“Who is going to save you now? Your precious Rainbow Dash? She’s gone! Just admit it Midnight, she doesn’t love you anymore!”

“No! I don’t believe you! I will never believe you!”

“You’re in denial, Midnight!”

“I know how you are, Nightmare. You’re trying to trick me. You’re trying to make me slip up. You don’t want me to be with her. I will never submit to you. I’ve told you before and I’ll tell you again, I’ll die before I let you win.”

“Well then, I’ll just keep you down like this until you finally realize she has given up on you, or when your precious Rainbow Dash comes back, which we both know she won’t.”

“You’re wrong. I know she’ll come back. I know she’ll come back, won’t she?”

“You poor foal. You just can’t get over her can you. She’s gone, and you just won’t admit that.”

“I...I, don’t know.” The pain on top of Midnight’s constant prying was beginning to get to him. He started to feel the slightest edges of doubt. Then he shook it off, he knew Rainbow Dash, Nightmare was wrong. “No. I will never believe you.” Nightmare stabbed Midnight in his nerves harder than before. The pain sent him onto his back and causing his lungs to seize up momentarily. “Gaaaaah! God damn it! Would you stop doing that?!”

“No, not until you admit that she’s left you!” Nightmare was being particularly vicious this time, she must have felt like she could win, and she was getting close.

A voice called out from the sky, “Midnight! Just hang in there!” The voice was Rainbow Dash’s.

The pain had suddenly left and Midnight regained his strength. “I knew she couldn’t have left me.” Rainbow Dash landed down next to Midnight as he stood back up.

“What was wrong with you? Why were you on the ground?”

“Long story, I can explain later. Where did you go? Why did you leave without telling me?”

“Well when I woke up, I saw you were still sleeping so I went to go see if there was anyone to talk to while I let you sleep. I didn’t think it would end up this bad.”

“It’s okay, as long as I know you didn’t leave. Rainbow Dash, listen to me. We need to talk to the princesses as soon as we possibly can. I cannot deal with Nightmare anymore.”

“Okay, but what did she do that crossed the line?”

“She tried to get inside my head. She kept trying to convince me that you had left me and that you had used me for sex. I kept denying her. She eventually used her energy to stab the nerves in my brain. She continued to try and convince me, and I almost believed her. She said that she wouldn’t stop until you came back, or until I believed her. I’m just glad that you actually came back.”

“Wow, I think you’re right. We’ll talk to Twilight later today. For now I think we should get you back to my house. I think you could use the rest.”

“Thanks Rainbow Dash. That would be nice."

Chapter 9: Rainbow Dash

Rainbow Dash’s house, 9:37 A.M., March 21st, 2012

Midnight had passed out again when he and Rainbow Dash reached her house. She had left him to rest in her bedroom. Rainbow Dash walked into her kitchen with her picture of her, Midnight, and Fluttershy, and set it down on the counter. “*sigh* Why can’t things just be like they were before the rainboom incident?” She put her head down on the table. “When is all of this shit gonna end?” A noise came from Rainbow Dash’s bedroom. Midnight had been asleep for about 2 hours, he was probably just waking up. She glanced at the picture on the counter again before she got up and walked to her bedroom. Midnight was sitting up in her bed. “I see you’re awake. You ready to go talk to Twilight?”

“Of course. I’m ready to finally get rid of the one pony who has caused all of our problems for the past 6 years. Let’s go.”

Rainbow Dash had suddenly realized, Midnight was right. Everything that has gone wrong was because of Nightmare Moon. “Holy crap.” She thought, “How could I not have realized that before?”

“Rainbow Dash? You okay?”

She shook her head to regain her sense. “Yeah, I’m fine. Come on, let’s go talk to Twilight.” Midnight sprung up from the bed, ready to go. “Well, you look a lot better than before we got here.”

“Yeah, I’m just eager to get this over with.” The two walked out the front door, and began to make their way to Ponyville.

Twilight’s house wasn’t a very long flight from Rainbow Dash’s own place, so there wasn’t all that much conversation to be had. On the way, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but go over all the things that had gone wrong because of Nightmare Moon. For nearly 5 years, she was on the run, she couldn’t even settle down anywhere or she would be caught. The worst part was she was on the run from her closest friend. She had torn them apart again, just after the fight with the Princesses. Then it dawned on her. This whole ordeal with this “Zero” happened because of her as well. If Nightmare hadn’t been involved, Midnight would never have had to run away to New Fillhi and it all could have been avoided. She looked over to Midnight as they neared the center of Ponyville. Apparently he saw the frustration in her eyes, and gave her a reassuring smile. She smiled back.

They landed in front of Twilight’s library, and trotted up to the front step. Midnight stepped up and rapped on the door and a few moments later it was answered by Spike, who proceeded to introduce himself.

“Welcome to the Ponyville Library, I don’t think I recognize you, my name is Spike. I’m the-” he stopped when he saw Rainbow Dash standing outside.

“Hey Spike, this is Midnight, we’re here to see Twilight. It’s important.”

“Oh, I see.” He suddenly looked serious. “You better come inside then.”

He led them into the library, and soon Rainbow Dash saw Twilight pop out from behind a pile of books, no doubt she was reading them all. “Twilight?”

“Oh, Hi Rainbow Dash. Hi Midnight. What brings you two here?”

Midnight had stepped forward. “We need to talk to the princesses as soon as possible. It’s urgent.”

“Alright.” She hopped out of her pile of books. “Spike, take a letter to the princess please.”

“Aye aye. Spike had grabbed a scroll and quill, and readied himself to write down Twilight’s letter.

“Alright, what’s the problem?”

“Well, as you might know, Nightmare is still inside of Midnight. We had an incident with Nightmare this morning, and we’re looking to talk to the princesses. We’re going to need their help to get Nightmare out of Midnight once and for all.”

“I can work with that. You ready Spike?”

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am writing to you on urgent matters. My brother Midnight has returned after he had left town without explaination 1 year ago. You may remember him as the pony you and Luna had revived in Ponyville 1 year ago. He has informed me that Nightmare Moon is still inside of him. He has requested your presence to find a way to remove Nightmare Moon once and for all. Please respond as soon as possible.

Your faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle

“Got it.” Spike rolled up the scroll and sent it on its way with a burst of green flame.

“How long does this usually take?”

“Usually only a few seconds, depending on how much the princess is writing.” Right after Twilight had finished speaking, a green flame shot out of Spike’s mouth and turned into a letter.

Spike grabbed the letter out of the air and began to read aloud:

Dear Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student,

We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we are currently undergoing important negotiation with the Griffin Community. As of now, we have no way of leaving Canterlot without finishing negotiations. We will work on finding a way to help Midnight as soon as we possibly can.

Princess Celestia

Rainbow Dash looked over to Midnight, she could see the disappointment in his eyes. She wanted to help him but nothing could be done without the help of the Princesses.

“Well she said they would help as soon as possible, how long could that be?”

“Who knows? In all of the years that I’ve worked with Princess Celestia, I’ve never seen her needing to deal with such serious issues like this.”

“Not to mention the inconvenient timing.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t think she’d be so busy.”

“Well, thanks anyway Twilight.” The two ponies walked out of the front door of library. “So Midnight, can we talk about something?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“It’s about Zero.”

“You’re still on that? I thought that we got over that last night.”

“We did, but I’m still curious. You were gone for a whole year, what did you two do all that time in New Fillhi?”

“Well, we spent most of our time training in the Haymalayan Mountains. I spent most of that year learning to control my fire.”

“Okay, but what did you do when you weren’t training?”

“Slept. We trained all day, we didn’t have time for anything else.”

“Really, I’d think you’d want to take a break once in a while.”

“Rainbow Dash, have I ever told you why I had no place to stay when we started flight school?”

“No, but you said you were from Canterlot, I never really thought about it. We were just kids.”

“I ran away. I left my family because I couldn’t control my power. I was putting them in danger, and I couldn’t do that any longer.”

“Midnight, I...” he cut her off.

“I was selected for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The same school that Twilight was selected for. When I went in for the entrance exam, I... I ended up losing control of my power and... I killed the instructors.”

“I had no idea, Midnight.”

“I know, I haven’t told anyone, it’s not something I like to talk about, but I thought you should know. While I was gone, I trained my power every day, I had to gain control over it. We got up every day with the sun and ran exercises and fire training routines. It was all I could do to protect the ones I love. Zero helped me along the way. I don’t think I could have come as far as I did without her help.”

“I understand Midnight.” Midnight had left his family, and even left her... to protect them. He wasn’t just abandoning them, he had to give everything up because he loved them. She never realized before how much she really meant to him. It was a mistake to ever doubt his dedication to her. “I’m sorry I ever thought you were dishonest with me, I just never knew before.”

“Rainbow Dash, you don’t need to apologize for anything. You were completely justified, I should have told you what happened when I first got back, I just didn’t know what to say.”

“Well... I’m glad we talked about this anyway.”

“So am I, now we’re just waiting on the Princesses. We should find something to do while we’re stuck here.”

Chapter 9: Midnight Flare

Rainbow Dash’s house, 9:38 A.M., March 21st, 2012

Midnight sat up in Rainbow Dash’s bed. He had fallen asleep soon after they arrived at her house. He felt a lot better than he had a few hours ago, Nightmare having retreated inside him again. He was fully in control of his body now. Looking around, he didn’t see Rainbow Dash, but he heard somepony in the kitchen. He propped himself up and the bed creaked in response. Rainbow Dash must have heard him because she came into the room a few moments later.

“I see you’re awake. You ready to go talk to Twilight?”

“Of course. I’m ready to finally get rid of the one pony who has caused all of our problems for the past 6 years. Let’s go.”

Rainbow Dash looked down for a minute, lost in thought.

“Rainbow Dash? You okay?”

She shook her head. “Yeah, I’m fine. Come on, let’s go talk to Twilight.”

Midnight sprung up from the bed, ready to go. For all the pain Nightmare could inflict on him, there seemed to be no lasting effects, except his exhaustion when he resisted her. He could move just fine now that he had had some rest.

“Well, you look a lot better than before we got here.”

“Yeah, I’m just eager to get this over with.” The two walked out the front door, and began to make their way to Ponyville.

It wasn’t a very long flight to Twilight’s home, but Rainbow Dash seemed particularly quiet on the way. Midnight thought about how much trouble she had been put through because of Nightmare... because of him. This had to end, and soon. Hopefully they could find a way. Snapping out of his thoughts, he looked over to see Rainbow Dash, eyes in his direction. She looked frustrated, but he shot her a reassuring smile, and she seemed to accept it, returning the gesture.

They landed in front of Twilight’s library, and trotted up to the front step. Midnight stepped up and rapped on the door and a few moments later it was answered by someone he hadn’t met before, small purple and green dragon, who proceeded to introduce himself.

“Welcome to the Ponyville Library, I don’t think I recognize you, my name is Spike. I’m the-” he stopped when he saw Rainbow Dash standing outside.

“Hey Spike, this is Midnight, we’re here to see Twilight. It’s important.”

“Oh, I see.” He suddenly looked serious. “You better come inside then.”

He led them into the library, Midnight saw his sister pop out from behind a pile of books, all of which she was probably in the middle of, from what he’d seen of her, she was quite the reader. Rainbow Dash announced their presence.

“Twilight?”

“Oh, Hi Rainbow Dash. Hi Midnight. What brings you two here?”

Midnight had stepped forward. “We need to talk to the princesses as soon as possible. It’s urgent.”

“Alright.” She hopped out of her pile of books. “Spike, take a letter to the princess please.”

“Aye aye. Spike had grabbed a scroll and quill, and readied himself to write down Twilight’s letter.

“Alright, what’s the problem?”

“Well, as you might know, Nightmare is still inside of Midnight. We had an incident with Nightmare this morning, and we’re looking to talk to the princesses. We’re going to need their help to get Nightmare out of Midnight once and for all.”

“I can work with that. You ready Spike?”

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am writing to you on urgent matters. My brother Midnight has returned after he had left town without explaination 1 year ago. You may remember him as the pony you and Luna had revived in Ponyville 1 year ago. He has informed me that Nightmare Moon is still inside of him. He has requested your presence to find a way to remove Nightmare Moon once and for all. Please respond as soon as possible.

Your faithful Student

Twilight Sparkle

“Got it.” Spike rolled up the scroll and sent it on its way with a burst of green flame.

“How long does this usually take?”

“Usually only a few seconds, depending on how much the princess is writing.” Right after Twilight had finished speaking, a green flame shot out of Spike’s mouth and turned into a letter.

Spike grabbed the letter out of the air and began to read aloud:

Dear Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student,

We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we are currently undergoing important negotiation with the Griffin Community. As of now, we have no way of leaving Canterlot without finishing negotiations. We will work on finding a way to help Midnight as soon as we possibly can.

Princess Celestia

“Well she said they would help as soon as possible, how long could that be?”

“Who knows? In all of the years that I’ve worked with Princess Celestia, I’ve never seen her needing to deal with such serious issues like this.”

“Not to mention the inconvenient timing.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t think she’d be so busy.”

“Well, thanks anyway Twilight.” The two ponies walked out of the front door of library. “So Midnight, can we talk about something?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“It’s about Zero.”

“You’re still on that? I thought that we got over that last night.”

“We did, but I’m still curious. You were gone for a whole year, what did you two do all that time in New Fillhi?”

“Well, we spent most of our time training in the Haymalayan Mountains. I spent most of that year learning to control my fire.”

“Okay, but what did you do when you weren’t training?”

“Slept. We trained all day, we didn’t have time for anything else.”

“Really, I’d think you’d want to take a break once in a while.”

“Rainbow Dash, have I ever told you why I had no place to stay when we started flight school?”

“No, but you said you were from Canterlot, I never really thought about it. We were just kids.”

“I ran away. I left my family because I couldn’t control my power. I was putting them in danger, and I couldn’t do that any longer.”

“Midnight, I...” he cut her off.

“I was selected for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The same school that Twilight was selected for. When I went in for the entrance exam, I... I ended up losing control of my power and... I killed the instructors.”

“I had no idea, Midnight.”

“I know, I haven’t told anyone, it’s not something I like to talk about, but I thought you should know. While I was gone, I trained my power every day, I had to gain control over it. We got up every day with the sun and ran exercises and fire training routines. It was all I could do to protect the ones I love. Zero helped me along the way. I don’t think I could have come as far as I did without her help.”

“I understand Midnight.” “I’m sorry I ever thought you were dishonest with me, I just never knew before.”

“Rainbow Dash, you don’t need to apologize for anything. You were completely justified, I should have told you what happened when I first got back, I just didn’t know what to say.”

“Well... I’m glad we talked about this anyway.”

“So am I, now we’re just waiting on the Princesses. We should find something to do while we’re stuck here.”

Chapter 10: Rainbow Dash

Ponyville, 11:47 P.M., April 17th, 2012

Ever since they got the news from Celestia that they would have to wait to deal with Nightmare Moon, Rainbow Dash had been with Midnight constantly, sometimes their days could end up being more tiring than she was used to, which was the case tonight, and after returning home with Midnight, she fell into a deep sleep.

Her dream began in Cloudsdale, at the Cloudsdale Colosseum; the stands were filled with spectators. Midnight was in the stands among them, looking at her. She looked down into the arena; there were obstacles and trick setups, all waiting for her. She tugged on her tight blue uniform with the yellow lightning bolt details, and slid her goggles down over her eyes. Dropping into the arena, she leveled out and shot through cloud rings and darted around columns. It felt amazing, better than any flying she had done recently. The dream flashed to the after party, all the Wonderbolts were there, congratulating her. Midnight was there too, wearing a suit. He looked great. She trotted over to him and they left the party together. They flew out to a cloud and looked back at the lights of the stadium. After a minute they took off again, the side winds pushing her tail and mane around as they flew.

Rainbow Dash had woken up feeling something touching her in between her legs. She realized that Midnight was trying to do things to her in her sleep. “Midnight, are you trying to get a little fun time outta me while I’m asleep?”

“Um, I might’ve...” He looked more than a little guilty.

“It’s okay. I actually want you to.”

“Oh, well I um...” Even with his jet-black coat, she could tell he was blushing. Maybe he just needed a little encouragement.

“Come on Midnight. My body is ready,” she said, smiling mischievously. It was then that her bedroom door burst open, slamming into the wall. A furious looking black maned mare stood in the doorway, her eyes fixed on them. By the shocked look in Midnight’s eyes, she could see that he knew her.

Midnight sat up in the bed, “Oh shit! Zero, what are you doing here?!” Zero glanced between the two of them several times, and then looked at Midnight for a moment, with a questioning expression, as if the answer was obvious. A moment later, she delivered her brief ultimatum.

“You’re, going, to love me!” Without a second of hesitation, she charged directly at Rainbow Dash, the force of her charge carried them both crashing through the cloudy walls of her house, and bringing Rainbow Dash to the ground. The pony glanced at Midnight for a moment before she raised a hoof to strike Rainbow Dash where she lay, pinned beneath her.

“Shit! I’m on my way Rainbow Dash!” Midnight flew through the hole and to the ground. Rainbow Dash threw Zero off from on top of her as Midnight had landed down next to the two ponies. “Zero, what are you doing?!”

“Don’t worry Midnight. I’ll deal with her.”

“What?”

“This is my fight.” Rainbow Dash was determined to do this on her own, she wanted this fight for herself.

“But she came here because of me. I don’t want you to get involved in anything you don’t need to.”

“Midnight, for as long as we’ve known each other, you’ve always done the fighting for me. You’ve always stood up for me. But now, I want to prove that I can stand up for myself. So please Midnight, just let me do this.”

Midnight looked into her eyes. He looked unsure at first. She patiently waited for Midnight to respond to her request. “Alright, I trust you. But please be careful.” He stepped back a few steps to give the two room.

“Don’t worry Midnight, I’ll be fine.” She turned around to face Zero, ready to fight. The two ponies readied themselves and saw the anticipation in each other’s eyes.

“You better be ready to prove that you’re the better choice for him, Rainbow Dash. I’m obviously the greatest pony who’s ever lived. He belongs to me and you know it. so just give up now or I’m going to beat the living hell out of you to prove it.”

“I don’t know what made you think that, but I don’t think I’ll need to worry about beating you.” Rainbow Dash charged at Zero who had began spinning around as she tried kicking. Rainbow Dash had ducked under Zero’s kick and headbutted her in the stomach. Zero had flown threw the air and landed in a bush. Rainbow Dash followed her through the air and began a kicking motion. As she got back on her hooves, Rainbow Dash had twirled herself around and kicked Zero in the face sending her flying a few feet again. “See, no problem beating you. You’re all bark and no bite.” She said as she dropped her back hooves back to the ground. “Where did you learn to fight? The Egghead’s Guide to Hoof to Hoof?” She continued to berate her, feeling confident she’s already won.

“Grrrrrr! No, fuck off, he’s mine!” Zero lunged back at Rainbow Dash, knocking her to the ground. Zero had Rainbow Dash pinned down to the ground as she brought her hooves down, continuously punched Rainbow Dash in the face. Dash brought her front hooves up to block the punches coming down at her. The pain in her front legs was strong but wasn’t as bad as being hit in the face. She reached up and grabbed Zero to try and pull her off to get out from under her, but Zero grabbed on as well to Rainbow Dash. The two ponies began rolling as they both tried to stop as the pony on top.

The two stopped rolling as Rainbow Dash came out on top of Zero, pinning her to the ground. “I’ll never let you have Midnight! What makes you think you deserve him anymore then I do?!”

“It’s simple, I’m the greatest pony who’s ever lived! Plus, he had suddenly left you when he admitted he loved you! Why weren’t you furious with him?!”

“Why would I be? I’ve known him long enough for me to know that he’d come back. On the other hoof, didn’t he leave you for me when you admitted you loved him?”

“Grrrrr, just shut up! Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!” Zero pushed Rainbow Dash off and jumped on top of her. She angrily began thrashing her hooves down into Rainbow Dash’s face. Her anger fueled her punches, driving harder and harder with each blow, savagely beating her. Rainbow Dash tried her hardest to block Zero’s attacks, but Zero wasn’t ready to give up. Rainbow Dash’s front legs soon gave out from the pain and Zero began unloading her anger through her punches into Rainbow Dash’s face.

Rainbow Dash began fading out as the pain in her face began to go numb. She took one look over to Midnight. The look on his face said he was scared. It said he was worrying about Rainbow Dash. “Midnight...I’m sorry.” She whispered. “Please forgive me.” She slowly began closing her eyes as she felt the blood coming from her wounds, and felt that the punching slowly stop.

Chapter 10: Midnight Flare

Ponyville, 11:47 P.M., April 17th, 2012

Ever since they got the news from Celestia that they would have to wait to deal with Nightmare Moon, Rainbow Dash had been with Midnight constantly, sometimes their days could end up being more tiring than she was used to, which was the case tonight, and after returning home with Midnight, she fell into a deep sleep.

Her dream began in Cloudsdale, at the Cloudsdale Colosseum; the stands were filled with spectators. Midnight was in the stands among them, looking at her. She looked down into the arena; there were obstacles and trick setups, all waiting for her. She tugged on her tight blue uniform with the yellow lightning bolt details, and slid her goggles down over her eyes. Dropping into the arena, she leveled out and shot through cloud rings and darted around columns. It felt amazing, better than any flying she had done recently. The dream flashed to the after party, all the Wonderbolts were there, congratulating her. Midnight was there too, wearing a suit. He looked great. She trotted over to him and they left the party together. They flew out to a cloud and looked back at the lights of the stadium. After a minute they took off again, the side winds pushing her tail and mane around as they flew.

Rainbow Dash had woken up feeling something touching her in between her legs. She realized that Midnight was trying to do things to her in her sleep. “Midnight, are you trying to get a little fun time outta me while I’m asleep?”

“Um, I might’ve...” He looked more than a little guilty.

“It’s okay. I actually want you to.”

“Oh, well I um...” Even with his jet-black coat, she could tell he was blushing. Maybe he just needed a little encouragement.

“Come on Midnight. My body is ready,” she said, smiling mischievously. It was then that her bedroom door burst open, slamming into the wall. A furious looking black maned mare stood in the doorway, her eyes fixed on them. By the shocked look in Midnight’s eyes, she could see that he knew her.

Midnight sat up in the bed, “Oh shit! Zero, what are you doing here?!” Zero glanced between the two of them several times, and then looked at Midnight for a moment, with a questioning expression, as if the answer was obvious. A moment later, she delivered her brief ultimatum.

“You’re, going, to love me!” Without a second of hesitation, she charged directly at Rainbow Dash, the force of her charge carried them both crashing through the cloudy walls of her house, and bringing Rainbow Dash to the ground. The pony glanced at Midnight for a moment before she raised a hoof to strike Rainbow Dash where she lay, pinned beneath her.

“Shit! I’m on my way Rainbow Dash!” Midnight flew through the hole and to the ground. Rainbow Dash threw Zero off from on top of her as Midnight had landed down next to the two ponies. “Zero, what are you doing?!”

“Don’t worry Midnight. I’ll deal with her.”

“What?”

“This is my fight.” Rainbow Dash was determined to do this on her own, she wanted this fight for herself.

“But she came here because of me. I don’t want you to get involved in anything you don’t need to.”

“Midnight, for as long as we’ve known each other, you’ve always done the fighting for me. You’ve always stood up for me. But now, I want to prove that I can stand up for myself. So please Midnight, just let me do this.”

Midnight looked into her eyes. He looked unsure at first. She patiently waited for Midnight to respond to her request. “Alright, I trust you. But please be careful.” He stepped back a few steps to give the two room.

“Don’t worry Midnight, I’ll be fine.” She turned around to face Zero, ready to fight. The two ponies readied themselves and saw the anticipation in each other’s eyes.

“You better be ready to prove that you’re the better choice for him, Rainbow Dash. I’m obviously the greatest pony who’s ever lived. He belongs to me and you know it. so just give up now or I’m going to beat the living hell out of you to prove it.”

“I don’t know what made you think that, but I don’t think I’ll need to worry about beating you.” Rainbow Dash charged at Zero who had began spinning around as she tried kicking. Rainbow Dash had ducked under Zero’s kick and headbutted her in the stomach. Zero had flown threw the air and landed in a bush. Rainbow Dash followed her through the air and began a kicking motion. As she got back on her hooves, Rainbow Dash had twirled herself around and kicked Zero in the face sending her flying a few feet again. “See, no problem beating you. You’re all bark and no bite.” She said as she dropped her back hooves back to the ground. “Where did you learn to fight? The Egghead’s Guide to Hoof to Hoof?” She continued to berate her, feeling confident she’s already won.

“Grrrrrr! No, fuck off, he’s mine!” Zero lunged back at Rainbow Dash, knocking her to the ground. Zero had Rainbow Dash pinned down to the ground as she brought her hooves down, continuously punched Rainbow Dash in the face. Dash brought her front hooves up to block the punches coming down at her. The pain in her front legs was strong but wasn’t as bad as being hit in the face. She reached up and grabbed Zero to try and pull her off to get out from under her, but Zero grabbed on as well to Rainbow Dash. The two ponies began rolling as they both tried to stop as the pony on top.

The two stopped rolling as Rainbow Dash came out on top of Zero, pinning her to the ground. “I’ll never let you have Midnight! What makes you think you deserve him anymore then I do?!”

“It’s simple, I’m the greatest pony who’s ever lived! Plus, he had suddenly left you when he admitted he loved you! Why weren’t you furious with him?!”

“Why would I be? I’ve known him long enough for me to know that he’d come back. On the other hoof, didn’t he leave you for me when you admitted you loved him?”

“Grrrrr, just shut up! Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!” Zero pushed Rainbow Dash off and jumped on top of her. She angrily began thrashing her hooves down into Rainbow Dash’s face. Her anger fueled her punches, driving harder and harder with each blow, savagely beating her. Rainbow Dash tried her hardest to block Zero’s attacks, but Zero wasn’t ready to give up. Rainbow Dash’s front legs soon gave out from the pain and Zero began unloading her anger through her punches into Rainbow Dash’s face.

Rainbow Dash began fading out as the pain in her face began to go numb. She took one look over to Midnight. The look on his face said he was scared. It said he was worrying about Rainbow Dash. “Midnight...I’m sorry.” She whispered. “Please forgive me.” She slowly began closing her eyes as she felt the blood coming from her wounds, and felt that the punching slowly stop.

Chapter 11: Rainbow Dash

Ponyville, 11:47 P.M., April 17th, 2012

“Well, I won. Do you love me again Midnight?”

He looked down to the pony who had seemed to think she had won Midnight’s heart. “What? You killed my girlfriend! What makes you think I would want you back?!”

“But, I thought you’d love me if I proved I was better then her.”

“You may know how to fight, but it’s not just that. I loved her for the entire time I knew her and you ended her life! I’m not willing to take you back because of that!” A fire suddenly surrounded Midnight as he felt the pain of growing. He felt Nightmare’s power’s overwhelming him. He felt his anger surge through him. He had fully transformed into his Nightmare Form. The flaming spiral dissapeared around him. “You’ll pay for what you did to Rainbow Dash. I refuse to hold back, even if we were friends. No one touches Rainbow Dash like that!” He charged a spiraling flame around his horn.

“Yes Midnight! This is the anger I love to see on you! Finish her! She hurt you and she hurt the girl you love!”

All of a sudden “Midnight, stop!” He broke his concentration and the fire disappeared as he looked over to see who was talking to him. Midnight looked over to see Rainbow Dash, still moving, still alive as she tried sitting up.. “Rainbow Dash, you’re alive. I can’t believe it.”

He felt Nightmare stab his nerves again. “Midnight, I have to say, that you’ve really disappointed me. I’m afraid I can’t stay with you as my host anymore.

“Gaaaah! What are you doing?!”

“Midnight? What’s wrong?”

The purple cloud of Nightmare came from Midnight’s head. A fire burst around him as the cloud left him. As the fire went away, it revealed Midnight, in his normal form, lying on the ground in pain. The purple cloud surrounded Zero and began circling around her. “What’s going on? What is this purple cloud?” The cloud slowly stopped circling and quickly shot itself into Zero. “Aaaaaaah!” She screamed out in her pain.

“Shit!” Midnight thought, “If these two team up, Zero will be the end of us.”

Zero began to grow as Nightmare Moon powered her. Purple clouds shaped into feathers at the edges of her wings, her hooves had purple clouds coming from them, a crescent moon had formed on her forehead, and her eyes began glowing purple. “Oh would you look at this. It seems like the tables have turned now. I believe I’m holding all of the cards now. Now, the question is, which one of you do I kill first?”

“Zero, you don’t need to do this.”

“Oh but I think I do Midnight. You broke my heart and refused to take me back. Why would you expect me to spare your life just because I have the advantage now?”

“Alright, you can kill me.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grew in surprise, “What? No... please don’t Midnight.” She thought.

“Just please don’t take Rainbow Dash’s life. She has too much to live for.”

“Midnight, you don’t have to do this.”

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, this is my choice. I don’t want her to hurt you anymore, and this is the only way I can ensure that. Zero, do you agree to this?”

“You’re the one who broke my heart so you’re the only one I care about. Allowing me to kill you without struggle just makes my life easier. And look at this, it seems like Nightmare copied some of your fire powers. I think this will make an ironic end of you.” She inhaled as much as she could, and spit out a gigantic ball of fire. He closed his eyes as he waited for the impact of the fire. The flames hit Midnight, creating a wild fire spread across the grass. Midnight was completely enveloped in the fire.

He opened his eyes and looked around him. “I’m not dead? Hmm... I’m not dead.” He could barely hear Rainbow Dash’s cries of sorrow. He realized that she wasn’t ready to give up on him and that he wasn’t going to give up on her. “I’m not going to let Zero be the end of me.” He walked out of the fire, flames still burning on his body as he readied himself to fight Zero.

“Midnight?! You’re alive!”

“How?! How could any pony survive that.”

“Hey Zero, I learned something in that ball of fire. I learned that I’m fire proof. Also, I had a revelation. I realized that I’m not willing to die by the hoof of my own power or by the hoof of the girl who I chose second.”

Rainbow Dash’s tears turned to tears of joy.  “Oh thanks Celestia.”

“Now, I think we have some business to settle.” He inhaled, and shot all of the fire from behind him straight at Zero as he exhaled.

“You may not be able to die by fire, but you should know I can’t die with the power of Nightmare Moon.”

“Yes I’m aware. I just feel like I need to stall you long enough for two alicorns to come in and end you.”

“What?” A ray of sunlight hit Zero, knocking her to the ground. “Gah, what the fuck was that?” Rainbow Dash looked to the sky to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna coming down to join the fight. “No... I won’t die!”

Celestia landed down next to the ponies along with Luna. “Midnight Flare, Rainbow Dash, it’s so great to see such welcoming faces.”

“It’s great to see you too princess but I think we need to save the formalities for later. Right now we have bigger problems. Nightmare left me and went to her. Her name is Zero, I was friends with her for a year but she became jealous of Rainbow Dash when I left New Fillhi to come back to Ponyville. Nightmare joined her side and now she’s trying to kill us.”

“I think we’ll be able to handle her, Midnight.” Luna said, “You just leave it to us.”

“No! You didn’t kill me 1 year ago and you won’t kill me now! I cannot die!”

“I think we’ll just need to see about that.” The princesses shot gigantic bursts of sunlight and moonlight straight at Zero.

“Noooooooooooooooooo!” Light burst in every direction coming form Zero, blinding Rainbow Dash. She covered her eyes with her hooves trying to protect them. The ray of light soon faded away as Rainbow Dash regained her sight. She looked to where Zero once stood to see nothing had remained of the pony but a spread out pile of black ash.

“Is it over? Is she gone?”

“Yeah, she’s gone Rainbow Dash.” Midnight said, “But what about you? Are you alright?”

“I think I am.” She tried to stand up but a sharp pain ran through her wounds. “Aaah!” She fell back down as Midnight quickly ran over and caught her. “Thanks, Midnight.”

“Anything for you Rainbow Dash. Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, thank you so much for helping us.”

“Anytime. It wasn’t a bother at all. But we’ll be back off to Canterlot. We still haven’t finished our negotiations yet.” The princesses picked there wings up and flew off into the distance.

“Come on Rainbow Dash, let’s get you to Nurse Red Heart.”

Chapter 11: Midnight Flare

Ponyville, 11:47 P.M., April 17th, 2012

“Well, I won. Do you love me again Midnight?”

He looked down to the pony who had seemed to think she had won Midnight’s heart. “What? You killed my girlfriend! What makes you think I would want you back?!”

“But, I thought you’d love me if I proved I was better then her.”

“You may know how to fight, but it’s not just that. I loved her for the entire time I knew her and you ended her life! I’m not willing to take you back because of that!” A fire suddenly surrounded Midnight as he felt the pain of growing. He felt Nightmare’s power’s overwhelming him. He felt his anger surge through him. He had fully transformed into his Nightmare Form. The flaming spiral dissapeared around him. “You’ll pay for what you did to Rainbow Dash. I refuse to hold back, even if we were friends. No one touches Rainbow Dash like that!” He charged a spiraling flame around his horn.

“Yes Midnight! This is the anger I love to see on you! Finish her! She hurt you and she hurt the girl you love!”

All of a sudden “Midnight, stop!” He broke his concentration and the fire disappeared as he looked over to see who was talking to him. Midnight looked over to see Rainbow Dash, still moving, still alive as she tried sitting up.. “Rainbow Dash, you’re alive. I can’t believe it.”

He felt Nightmare stab his nerves again. “Midnight, I have to say, that you’ve really disappointed me. I’m afraid I can’t stay with you as my host anymore.

“Gaaaah! What are you doing?!”

“Midnight? What’s wrong?”

The purple cloud of Nightmare came from Midnight’s head. A fire burst around him as the cloud left him. As the fire went away, it revealed Midnight, in his normal form, lying on the ground in pain. The purple cloud surrounded Zero and began circling around her. “What’s going on? What is this purple cloud?” The cloud slowly stopped circling and quickly shot itself into Zero. “Aaaaaaah!” She screamed out in her pain.

“Shit!” Midnight thought, “If these two team up, Zero will be the end of us.”

Zero began to grow as Nightmare Moon powered her. Purple clouds shaped into feathers at the edges of her wings, her hooves had purple clouds coming from them, a crescent moon had formed on her forehead, and her eyes began glowing purple. “Oh would you look at this. It seems like the tables have turned now. I believe I’m holding all of the cards now. Now, the question is, which one of you do I kill first?”

“Zero, you don’t need to do this.”

“Oh but I think I do Midnight. You broke my heart and refused to take me back. Why would you expect me to spare your life just because I have the advantage now?”

“Alright, you can kill me.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes grew in surprise, “What? No... please don’t Midnight.” She thought.

“Just please don’t take Rainbow Dash’s life. She has too much to live for.”

“Midnight, you don’t have to do this.”

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, this is my choice. I don’t want her to hurt you anymore, and this is the only way I can ensure that. Zero, do you agree to this?”

“You’re the one who broke my heart so you’re the only one I care about. Allowing me to kill you without struggle just makes my life easier. And look at this, it seems like Nightmare copied some of your fire powers. I think this will make an ironic end of you.” She inhaled as much as she could, and spit out a gigantic ball of fire. He closed his eyes as he waited for the impact of the fire. The flames hit Midnight, creating a wild fire spread across the grass. Midnight was completely enveloped in the fire.

He opened his eyes and looked around him. “I’m not dead? Hmm... I’m not dead.” He could barely hear Rainbow Dash’s cries of sorrow. He realized that she wasn’t ready to give up on him and that he wasn’t going to give up on her. “I’m not going to let Zero be the end of me.” He walked out of the fire, flames still burning on his body as he readied himself to fight Zero.

“Midnight?! You’re alive!”

“How?! How could any pony survive that.”

“Hey Zero, I learned something in that ball of fire. I learned that I’m fire proof. Also, I had a revelation. I realized that I’m not willing to die by the hoof of my own power or by the hoof of the girl who I chose second.”

Rainbow Dash’s tears turned to tears of joy.  “Oh thanks Celestia.”

“Now, I think we have some business to settle.” He inhaled, and shot all of the fire from behind him straight at Zero as he exhaled.

“You may not be able to die by fire, but you should know I can’t die with the power of Nightmare Moon.”

“Yes I’m aware. I just feel like I need to stall you long enough for two alicorns to come in and end you.”

“What?” A ray of sunlight hit Zero, knocking her to the ground. “Gah, what the fuck was that?” Rainbow Dash looked to the sky to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna coming down to join the fight. “No... I won’t die!”

Celestia landed down next to the ponies along with Luna. “Midnight Flare, Rainbow Dash, it’s so great to see such welcoming faces.”

“It’s great to see you too princess but I think we need to save the formalities for later. Right now we have bigger problems. Nightmare left me and went to her. Her name is Zero, I was friends with her for a year but she became jealous of Rainbow Dash when I left New Fillhi to come back to Ponyville. Nightmare joined her side and now she’s trying to kill us.”

“I think we’ll be able to handle her, Midnight.” Luna said, “You just leave it to us.”

“No! You didn’t kill me 1 year ago and you won’t kill me now! I cannot die!”

“I think we’ll just need to see about that.” The princesses shot gigantic bursts of sunlight and moonlight straight at Zero.

“Noooooooooooooooooo!” Light burst in every direction coming form Zero, blinding Rainbow Dash. She covered her eyes with her hooves trying to protect them. The ray of light soon faded away as Rainbow Dash regained her sight. She looked to where Zero once stood to see nothing had remained of the pony but a spread out pile of black ash.

“Is it over? Is she gone?”

“Yeah, she’s gone Rainbow Dash.” Midnight said, “But what about you? Are you alright?”

“I think I am.” She tried to stand up but a sharp pain ran through her wounds. “Aaah!” She fell back down as Midnight quickly ran over and caught her. “Thanks, Midnight.”

“Anything for you Rainbow Dash. Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, thank you so much for helping us.”

“Anytime. It wasn’t a bother at all. But we’ll be back off to Canterlot. We still haven’t finished our negotiations yet.” The princesses picked there wings up and flew off into the distance.

“Come on Rainbow Dash, let’s get you to Nurse Red Heart.”

The story doesn't end here. Keep reading in Dashing Dreams: Dashing Dreams

Chapter 1: Rainbow Dash

Wait! This is a sequel. You might not understand the story if you haven't read the first part of the series. Read "Cloudsdale, the Untold Story" here:  Cloudsdale, the Untold Story

Ponyville, 11:47 A.M., March 20th, 2012

Rainbow Dash was lying in the bed she slept in every night. Thinking about the day it was. She flew out of her bed to the kitchen to look at her calender, “March 20th, has it really been a whole year already?” She walked over to her front door to see there was a note outside, “Hmm, a letter from Pinkie Pie.” She picked it up and opened it:

Dear Rainbow Dash,

You are invited to Applejack’s birthday party at Sugar Cube Corner today at Noon. There will be cake, games, decorations, presents, punch, and everything you would ever find at the best birthday party ever! Please show up, all of our friends will be there.

Pinkie Pie

“*sigh* I might as well go.” She put the letter on her kitchen counter, and flew out of her house heading towards Ponyville, “Why does there hafta be a party today? Today is the day I’d like to stay in bed and clop. I might as well try and enjoy the party.” She flew up to the front door of Sugar Cube Corner. As she reached for the door handle, Pinkie Pie burst through the door, knocking Rainbow Dash to the ground.

“Rainbow Dash! You’re here early! I mean, you are the last one out of the six of us to get here, but no pony else has shown up yet. Come on let’s go inside! We’re gonna have so much fun!”

“Oh, hey Pinkie Pie.”

“What?! What’s wrong with you Dashie? It’s a party, let’s turn that frownie upside downie!”

“Okay, whatever you say Pinkie Pie.” She walked into Sugar Cube Corner to see all of her friends enjoying themselves. Rainbow Dash walked over to a table, and sat down by herself, and put her head down on the table.

Applejack walked up to her, “What’s wrong sugar cube?”

“Do you remember what the date is today?”

“Well of course silly.” Pinkie Pie said bouncing up to the table, “It’s March 20th, it’s Applejack’s birthday today!”

“No, that’s not what I meant. Do you remember what happened exactly 1 year ago from today?”

“Oh that’s right. A year ago is when we got yer friend Midnight back isn’t it?”

“He said he would come back. But it’s been a whole year, and he’s still gone.”

“We understand sugar cube. Y’all can just go on home now. We can tell you wanna be by yerself.”

“Thanks Applejack, I think I’ll go do that.” Rainbow Dash hopped out of the chair, and walked out the front door. As she was walking out, she stopped and turned around, “Oh, happy birthday Applejack. I hope your day today is... fun.” She walked out shutting the door behind her, “*sigh* Why do I need to be depressed while all of my friends are having fun?” She flew off heading towards her house. She flew straight into her bedroom, and picked up a picture. It was of Fluttershy, Midnight, and herself together at a fair in Cloudsdale. Midnight had put his hooves around Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as he was smiling and winking at the camera. Fluttershy was being shy and looking down at the clouds. Rainbow Dash was smiling and looking up at Midnight. The picture was written on in the lower left corner. It read: Rainbow Dash, Midnight Flare, and Fluttershy friends forever.

“I totally beat you at that game of horseshoes Midnight!”

“You know I let you win.”

“Hey, no cheating. We’re gonna go play a game, and I’m gonna win fair and square!”

“Calm yourself Rainbow Dash. I was only joking.”

“I’m sure you are Midnight.” Rainbow Dash looked over to her side to see a huge roller coaster that spanned the entire length of the amusement park, with loops, huge curves, and gigantic hills, “Oh my gosh! Midnight, we need to go on that! It would be so awesome!”

“That sounds like a great idea. The Thunderstorm is the greatest attraction here. What do you think Fluttershy?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I mean, it seems dangerous doesn’t it?”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, these rides are meant to be safe.”

“Okay, I trust you Midnight.” The three flew into the line for the roller coaster, “A-Are you sure that it will be safe?”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy. They take every precaution to make sure these things are safe.”

“Next!”

“Well, I guess that’s us. Come on you two.” Midnight flew into the very first seat.

“Well come on Fluttershy! You can sit with me!”

“O-Okay Rainbow Dash. W-Whatever you say.” The two flew into the seat directly behind Midnight, and strapped themselves in.

“Please make sure you are strapped in for the safety of this ride.”

“Ah! What was that?!”

“Calm down Fluttershy, it’s just some pony with a microphone reminding us to strap ourselves in.”

“Oh, of course.”

“The ride will be starting in 5...4...3...2...1...” The roller coaster cars started moving forward. The cars started slowly climbing up a long hill at the start. The top of the hill led down to a steep fall down, followed with plenty of hills, curves, and loops.

“Are you girls ready for this?!”

“I am so ready for this Midnight! What about you Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy was rocking back and forth in her seat, “I’m gonna die! I’m gonna die! I’m gonna die!”

Midnight turned around to look at Fluttershy, “Don’t worry Fluttershy, you’ll be safe.”

“Are you sure? D-Do you promise?”

“I promise you that you will be safe.” They reached the top of the hill as the cars slowly stopped just before the steep slope down.

“Oh my gosh, here it comes!” Rainbow Dash shouted out. The carts started slowly moving forward. Then, they quickly sped up as they rushed down the hill.

Fluttershy covered her eyes, “Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!”

Midnight and Rainbow Dash put their hooves in the air, “Wooohooooo! Midnight, this is amazing!”

“I know right! I’m so glad we did this!”

They went around most of the roller coaster, and finally, Fluttershy finally uncovered her eyes. She put her hooves in the air and started smiling, “Woohoo...” The ride came down on one final hill, and slowly came to a stop.

“The ride is now over. Please exit out through the door to your left.” The three walked out back into the amusement park.

“That was so awesome!” Rainbow Dash shouted

“Hell yeah! I especially loved when we were at the top of the loop that goes higher than anything in the entire place. What did you think Fluttershy?”

“I thought it was nice. Can we go again? I mean... only if you guys want to.”

“Ha ha, I’m guessing that means you had fun. Don’t worry, we can go back on in a sec.” Midnight looked over to see a photographer in a booth, who was taking group pictures for pay, “Hey girls, that pony is taking group pics. Let’s go get one together.”

“What?! Why would we wanna do that Midnight? That sounds so boring.”

“Oh come on Rainbow Dash. It can be our first picture together. We can use it to remember the great times we have together. I’ll even pay for three copies of it.”

“Okay, as long as you’re paying for it.”

“Excuse me sir. I would like to get a picture with me and my friends.”

“Well alright, how many copies would you want?”

“Three please.”

“And would you like me to write anything on them?”

“How about, Rainbow Dash, Midnight Flare, and Fluttershy friends forever.”

“Oh Midnight, that’s so cheesy.”

“I know it seems cheesy now, but you will look at this picture and remember the fun time we had here.” Midnight handed the photographer the bits.

“Alright, now you three go stand over there.” The three flew over to where the pony pointed.

Fluttershy was looking away from the camera, “What’s the problem? Camera shy, Fluttershy?” She just gently nodded her head, “Ha ha ha, don’t you worry Fluttershy, the camera’s not gonna hurt you. Come here you two.” Midnight pulled the two of them closer to him, “Smile!” and the camera clicked.

“Oh Midnight, please come back.”

Chapter 1: Midnight Flare

Haymalayan Mountains, 6:23 A.M., March 20th, 2012

“Careful Midnight, you know how many times you’ve failed this training exercise so far. I don’t think you wanna fail again.”

“Shut up Zero, I know that!” Midnight was surrounded by five explosive barrels. Each one had a long, thin stick coming from the top of it. Midnight inhaled deeply, and exhaled deeply. The tips of each of the poles ignited with a tiny flame. They slowly grew larger and larger as Midnight tried to keep them from reaching the barrels. As the flames got bigger, they trailed down the poles.

“Come on Midnight, you can do better then that!” Zero was a self-absorbed pony just like Rainbow Dash. Midnight had run into her after he left Rainbow Dash in Ponyville. He started hanging out with her, after he realized how much she was like Rainbow Dash. She was standing on top of a rock, helping Midnight train and learn to control his power of fire. “We’ve been through this exercise 50 times today, Midnight! You should have this down by now!”

“Damn it I can do this!” The flames grew to a substantial size, roaring through the sky.

“Alright, now just hold it for 30 seconds!” Midnight held the burning fire above him steady for as long as he could. “20 seconds!” One of the flames slowly started trailing farther down the pole. “10 seconds! One’s trailing its way down!” Midnight held back the little traveling fire as he held all of the flames as still as he could. “5 seconds!” Midnight lost a little control, and a flame behind him quickly traveled down to the barrel. The fuel in the barrel ignited, sending Midnight flying into a rocky wall. Zero arrogantly shook her head back and forth, “Tisk Tisk Midnight. You still haven’t successfully completed this exercise yet.”

Midnight picked himself up while shaking his head, “Thanks Zero, I think I knew that already.”

“Of course, if I could control fire, I would have this down by now.” She jumped off of the rock, and flew next to Midnight.

“Ha ha, I’m sure you would Zero.”

“Say, why can’t you just use that ultimate form of yours?”

“You mean Nightmare Moon? I can’t use her. She’s too powerful, and there’s a good chance she could take me over again. I only use that form when it’s my only option. You remember what happened that day when I was still new here.”

“Oh yeah, it was the diamond dog attack. You nearly burned all of New Fillhi down to the ground.”

“And that’s why I can’t use her for something like simple training. I think we’re done for now. Let’s head back to New Fillhi.” The two flew down the rocky mountainside to the city of New Fillhi. Midnight had retreated to New Fillhi one year before when the danger of Nightmare Moon was still present inside him, “Hey Zero, what day is it anyway?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s March 20th, Tuesday.”

“March 20th, why is that date familiar?” Midnight remembered what happened one year before.

“Did you really think I was gone?”

“No, how can you still be here?”

“I-I’m sorry, I can’t stay here.”

“What?! But we just got you back! You just kissed me! How can you leave?!”

“They didn’t kill me, they only repressed me.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve gotta take care of something. This needs to be done.”

“Oh, crap. I completely forgot.”

“What’s the problem now Midnight?”

“Can I talk to you about something very important?” Midnight stopped on a ledge below.

“What’s up?”

“Exactly 1 year ago today, I was freed from control of Nightmare Moon. For five years, I was forced to chase down and try to kill my best friend. She only wanted me to kill my best friend because she accidentally nearly killed me. After 5 years of chasing her down, she and her friends used the Elements of Harmony to free me. After I was revived, I had finally admitted to my best friend that I loved her. But just after we kissed, I heard Nightmare Moon’s voice. I panicked and didn’t want my friends to be hurt so I was forced to leave the girl I love. The girl’s name is Rainbow Dash, and she’s a lot like you. That’s why we’re friends, I love both of your personalities. I promised her I would return, but after I met you, I forgot. I’m sorry Zero, I know you’re one of the best friends I’ve had, but I need to go back to Rainbow Dash.”

“Well if she’s anything like me, I don’t think she’d forgive you after leaving for a whole year. What makes you so sure that she’ll accept you back?”

“The look in her eyes when I left. I knew that she trusted I would return.”

“But what if she doesn’t feel like that anymore? If she has moved on, you would return to her for nothing!”

“But it’s not like that. I’ve known Rainbow Dash long enough to know she’s not going to give up on me! Even if she doesn’t want me back, I would rather know that she doesn’t, than not know at all!”

“But what about me?! I don’t want you to leave me!”

“I’m sorry Zero, but I can’t stay. I love her, and I need to be with her.”

“But what if I told you I love you Midnight?!”

“What?! Why didn’t you say anything?!”

“Because I didn’t know what you’d say! I didn’t want to ruin our friendship! I can see why this girl loves you. You’re nice, you’re strong,” Zero put her head up against Midnight. “You’re handsome.”

Midnight took a step back, “I-I’m sorry Zero, but this is getting too complicated. I just need to have some time alone.”

“Please, don’t leave me! You’re all I have!” She began to tear up, “I have no other friends! I have no parents!”

Midnight turned away from her, “I’m sorry.” and he flew off. “*sigh* why is it always me? Why can’t I live a good life? Before I left for Cloudsdale I was a temperamental wreck. Gilda ruined a good part of my life in flight school. I spent five years of my life in a living hell. And now I’ve gotta deal with this. What do I do? If Rainbow Dash doesn’t want me back then my only other choice is to turn back to Zero. But after that, there’s a probability that she won’t want me  back either. Grrrrrr, what did I do to deserve this?!”

“Are you blaming the five years of living hell on me?”

“Yes, Nightmare, I am.”

“How dare you! I gave you all the power in the world!”

“You did, but you tried to make me kill the girl I love.”

“But I also let you kill the ones you wanted to kill.”

“Just shut up! I’m trying to figure this out! *sigh* I guess my only hope is to wait and see if Rainbow Dash wants me back or not.”

Chapter 6: Midnight Flare

Ponyville, 8:39 P.M., March 20th, 2012

“I couldn’t believe that place was still open, after the park, I didn’t know what to expect.”

“Well I’m glad it was, you even finished your ice cream this time. I’m still thinking about our first visit”

“I remember it all too well...” Rainbow Dash muttered, the traces of her memory of that day’s brain freeze still lingering.

“So how did you like the flight there? You seemed a bit nervous starting off.”

“I... I was at the beginning, but once we got up in the air, I kinda liked it.”

“I’m glad, you did good.”

“Of course I did! I’m the best flier to come out of Cloudsdale, after all!” she said proudly, but with a bit of a joking tone.

“You sure are. That was some race on the way huh?”

“Maybe for you, slowpoke. I had it won from the beginning. Did you see the way I went through that cloud? I’m an ace!”

Midnight cracked a smile.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, nothing. I was just thinking about the races we used to have together. We’ve certainly both improved since flight school.”

“Yeah.”

The trip back to Ponyville had been much more relaxed, both of them were a little spent from their race and the trip around Cloudsdale. They had glided most of the way back, landing just outside of town a few minutes ago. “I’m glad you took me to see all that again, I haven’t been back there like that in so long.”

Midnight just smiled. He didn’t say anything for a few minutes. They just walked for a while enjoying the night. The smile remained on his face the whole time.

Midnight became sad as he remembered Zero. “Midnight? Is there something wrong?”

“*sigh* I have no other choice. Rainbow Dash, can I talk to you about something very important?”

“Sure, what seems to be your problem?”

“Please, don’t talk, just listen. Like I told you, when I left 1 year ago, I trained in the Haymalayan Mountains and lived in New Fillhi. Just a few days into living there, the entire city was attacked by diamond dogs. Do you know what those are?”

“Yeah of course. A few of them kidnapped my friend Rarity because she can use her magic to find gems.”

“Okay, so I don’t really need to explain them. Anyway, I also told you Nightmare Moon is still inside of me. I heard her tell me to use her power. She said she would help me save the city from the diamond dogs. I foolishly listened to her. Although it did drive the diamond dogs out of the city, I lost all control of myself. She then started to attack innocent ponies. She would’ve killed everyone in New Fillhi if it weren’t for one brave little pony. Her name...was Zero. She stepped up and tried to fight me. The look in her eyes, it was just like yours. The memories of you suddenly came back to me. I tried my hardest and I finally pushed Nightmare back. Zero and I talked a bit and we became good friends. She agreed to help me train so I could control my fire. We trained everyday. I got used to the usual schedule of training, everything else cleared out of my mind. After a year I realized what day it was and why it was important. I’m sorry, I forgot that I promised you I would return.”

“What?! Midnight, how could you forget about me?!”

“Please, don’t be mad at me. I didn’t mean to. I told Zero about you. In fact, this was just this morning. I told her I still loved you, and I need to go back to Ponyville to find you. I didn’t know if you would’ve forgiven me when I came back. I just had to know if you still loved me or not. I was really happy to see that you still did. But things turned out for the worst when she admitted to me that she loved me. She wanted me to stay there with her. I just couldn’t. Don’t you see? I wanted to be with you. I’m sorry I kept you waiting for so long, and I feel really guilty for not telling you about her. Please, can you forgive me?”

“Why should I forgive you?! What did you do with this girl that I don’t know about?! Why couldn’t you just tell me about Zero in the first place?!”

“Please, I did nothing with her. We were just friends. I didn’t know if I should’ve told you or not because I didn’t know if you’d understand or not. I finally manned up and told you because I couldn’t keep anything from you.”

“Oh yeah, I should totally believe that. Just admit it, you were in love with this girl!”

“Please don’t be like this. This is the very reason I didn’t want to tell you. I even asked your friends what I should do. They said I should tell you on my own. It would be much better then you somehow finding out on your own. You would never trust me again. I’m having problems believing you’ll even ever trust me again now.”

“Why should I trust you?!” She began to tear up, “I-just, I-I. Just leave me alone. I don’t wanna be with a guy who I can’t trust.” She turned around and flew away from him heading towards Whitetail Woods.

“Rainbow Dash, wait!” But she just kept running.

“God damn it! I didn’t think it would turn out this bad! Why can’t she just believe me?! I didn’t think she’d be this upset with me. I need to find a way to get her to believe me. I don’t wanna lose her again.” He slowly started getting closer to her. “Rainbow Dash wait!”

She turned her head around, “I thought I told you to leave me alone!” She sped up trying to pull away from him. Midnight slowly caught back up to her.

“I keep telling you, I didn’t do anything with Zero!”

“Why should I believe that?! You said she was just like me! What did you think she was better then me?! Or did you come back because 1 pony wasn’t enough?!”

“Why can’t you just hear me out?! I keep telling you, I came back because I wanted to be with you!” Why wouldn’t she believe him?

“Oh yeah, and that’s why you left for an entire year!”

“I was gone for an entire year because I didn’t know if you wanted me back or not! And I thought you did! You have no idea how relieved I was after you kissed me in that bush.”

“Why should I believe anything you say?! You were gone for a whole year and I don’t even know what even happened there! Your entire story could be a lie, and I wouldn’t even know it! Maybe you spent an entire year with Zero and got bored with her so you just came back to me!”

“Rainbow Dash, just please, stop and listen to me.”

“*sigh* Fine!” She dug her hooves into the ground as she came to a halting stop. Midnight stopped just a few feet behind her. The two stood in a field in the middle of the forest. The small field was the top of a tiny hill. The light of the full moon and stars shined down on them as they stood looking at each other.

“Rainbow Dash, just, please, hear me out. I have been your friend since we started Flight school together. We struggled for 5 years to break Nightmare Moon’s control over me. You’ve known me for long enough. I would never cheat on you, ever. I love you and I want to show you it, but you don’t seem to want me to. I’ve tried my hardest for you to understand, but you don’t want to seem to believe that I’m not cheating on you. If you don’t want to see me anymore, if you don’t want to give me another chance, if you really think I shouldn’t be with you, then I will stay out of your life forever.” Midnight turned around, and started walking away. “Oh yeah, tell Twilight and Fluttershy that I went back to Cloudsdale.”

“I guess that’s it then.” He thought, “She just doesn’t love me anymore.”

“Alright.”

Midnight stopped and turned around. “What?”

“I’ll give you another chance.”

“Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I began wondering how bad I would feel if you left, and you weren’t lying. So prove it to me. Prove to me you still love me.”

Midnight walked back up to her. “Alright, how do you want me to prove it?”

“Why can’t you just do something to show me?”

“Because, I could think of a bunch of different things to prove it, but after that, I don’t know how I even could prove it.”

She looked down at the ground as if she was thinking. “I really hope this works.” He thought. She continued to look down at the ground

“Well? Do you have something?”

She looked back up at Midnight, “Fuck me. Right here, right now.”