Then We'll Run

Chapters

Early mornings
Warm welcome
Confession
Broken heart
Regret (complete chapter)
Acceptance
Imprisoned
Then we'll run
Loving moments
Broken hope
Nightmares
Moonlit walks
Reconciling with the sun
Heartfelt
Consequences
Crucible
Pike or Shield
Sunrise

Early mornings

It was dark, it felt like it should have been mid day but it was dark as night. Her heart raced. There was no sound, not even as she felt herself cry out in pain. She was surrounded, hundreds of faceless ponies circled around her. Then, a single rhythmic sound penetrated the silence. A powerful, rapid beating sound. It was a heart beat, no. It was two heartbeats, one quickly fading. She screamed again, still no sound came out. She felt a hoof wrap around hers, it was weak and shaky. Then all went silent. She felt the most powerful sadness she had ever felt in her life and the barely visible ponies faded away completely. Leaving only herself, and the figure that lay beneath her, clutching her hoof. Then, she to vanished, leaving only a lonely void.

“No!” She cried, though the sound seemed only a whisper despite the force with which she projected it. She was still alone. She sobbed, she could barely breath through her pathetic sobs, she felt her tears pooling beneath her hooves. She was sinking into them. She struggled with all her might, but it would never be enough

“No! no!

“Twilight!” She shot up out of her bed, drenched in sweat, tears clinging to her face. She stared at the wall, the details of her dream quickly fading from her memory, but the bleak feelings remaining. She wiped her eyes with her foreleg. Her heart rate beginning to slow as she focused on taking deep breaths. Once she had calmed down sufficiently, she got up out of bed to wash her face. She returned from her bathroom and took a look at the clock on her wall. It was three in the morning. She sighed as she made her way into bed, hoping that she could sleep the rest of the night peacefully.

“I'm Rainbow Dash! Since when do I get nightmares?” She joked to herself, now having all but forgotten her dream, she fell back asleep.
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“Spike, come on! It's time to get up.” She nudged her sleeping baby dragon, who in response simply rolled away from her and grumbled. She rolled her eyes, her horn beginning to glow a light purple. The glow then enveloped the dragons blanket and suddenly flew off his body, jolting him awake.

“Spike, you have to help me reorganize the library today!” she pressed, but the dragon only glared in response.

“I thought you like to do that yourself with”-He made quotation marks with his claws for emphasis- “Limited interruption.”

“You're not going to be helping me reorganize. I need you to unpack and sort through all the new book that were delivered just a few minutes ago.” Spike sighed again as he stretched and followed twilight out of the room and down the stairs to the library.

“So how many new books did we get?” He ventured it had to be more than usual for twilight to need help sorting them.

Instead of responding with words she simply motioned with her hoof as they reached the bottom of the stairs. There, piled in front of the door were at least a dozen large boxes, the smallest of which was still at least three Spikes tall. Spike stared at the mountain of boxes and simply said.

“Oh.”

“Oh, is right! I had ordered them to come on separate weeks but there was a mistake and they all got delivered today. So I need you to sort through these while I try to make room for them all.”

“Yes ma’am!” Spike gave a salute before diving into the mountainous stack of boxes. Twilight smiled, thankful to have such a great assistant. She made her way over to the book shelves before turning back to spike.

“Oh, and spike. If the new copy of Daring Do is in any of those boxes could you put it aside on my desk. Dash and I were going to read that when it came in. I'm fairly certain it was among the orders I placed that got mixed up.” Spiked popped out of a box with several book in claw.

“Sure thing Twi!”

“Thanks spike!” She giggled.

It had been a few months since she moved back to Ponyville from Canterlot. Being a Princess really didn’t suit her. She found that she had missed her friends too much to stay, and she really wasn't too fond of all the attention she was getting everyday. Princess Celestia had understood but said no matter what she would always be a princess. For right now though, she was content being Ponyville's librarian and a good friend to all her friends. She has missed so much time with them when she was away in Canterlot. After she returned she set up a new schedule so that she could maximize her time with her friends. Something didn’t quite sit right with her though, something Princess Luna had said. It bothered her because she insisted on being alone to say it. Though princess Luna had a habit of being cryptic what she had said almost made twilight shiver. She had said, it was best that I leave, before the shackles of the royal title were bound too tight. To this day she still had no idea what that was supposed to mean, but Twilight had guessed it was a metaphor for how much time she was losing with her friends due to her royal duties.

Hours had passed and they were almost complete with the daunting task of sorting and placing all the new books, only one box remained.

“Phew!” Spike sighed in relief.

“Almost done!” Twilight came in and reaffirmed his sentiment. “Did you find Daring Do?” Spike shook his head.

“Well, if it's here at all it will be in this one.” She engulfed the box in her violet aura, un-taping the box and levitating the books around her. She quickly scanned each title, sending the books flying into their proper places on the shelf, as each book went by, her face became more and more disappointed.

“It's not here.” She said sadly. Turning around she began heading for her room.

“Wait Twi, you missed one!” He reached into the bottom of the box and pulled out...

“Daring Do!” Twilight raced over to spike, snatching the book from his claws with her magic.
“Ya, It was at the bottom of the box! What are the odds right?” He smiled, proud of his discovery.

“Well, given the dimensions of the boxes, the average dimensions of the books and the number of said books and boxes we can figure that the odds are” Spike interrupted, putting his claw over her muzzle. He was not up for a math lecture after all the work he had done. Twilight blushed lightly and gave a nervous laugh.

“Oh, right. Rhetorical!” The two giggled together as they began to clean up after they're organizing session, but not before Twilight placed the latest Daring Do book on her desk.

Warm welcome

Rainbow Dash flew over Ponyville. Warm, mid-morning light falling on her back and wings. She was glad to have the day off from weather duties on such a nice day. Her mind wandered, pondering how to spend her increasingly rare day off. Unfortunately, the weather was about the only convenient thing about today as most of her friends were busy. Rarity and Fluttershy were going to the spa. Applejack was swamped with her chores and even Pinkie pie was busy babysitting. Normally, the last place she wanted to spend a day this nice was in some dusty library, but She hadn't seen Twilight for almost a week anyway. Dash had wanted to set things straight much sooner, but it seemed neither was free when the other was since the incident.

It was a little over a week ago that it happened now. Twilight had gone out flying alone. It was overcast, a storm had been planned for later that evening, Dash had been tasked with the responsibility of overseeing it's development. She dived in and out of the cloud cover, it was hard to tell if she was doing her job or simply playing, though it was both really. After she was thoroughly convinced that the storm was properly on track she got ready to return home when she caught a glimpse of violet. She banked, bringing it into view. It was Twilight Sparkle and she was carrying a decently large cylindrical black case. It almost surprised her that the egghead could fly while hauling something that big. She snickered as she silently glided behind her. As she approached it became clear that her friend was distracted, very deep in thought as she would often become over anything that piqued her interests and that was usually either magic or studying, or both. The mischievous pegasus could hardly suppress her laughter as images of a startled Twilight ran through her mind. Then it happened. She was only feet away when a bolt of lightening came out of nowhere, flashing close enough to them to singe her feathers, then came the loud, Crack! The Sound rang in Dash's ears, deafening her momentarily. She had to struggle to keep her wings from locking up, something an experienced flier had to know how to do. Twilight, was not an experienced flier. She plummeted, the cases strap fell over her head and detached from her as if it were trying to avoid the same fate. Dash dived for twilight, but the lightening had done more damage than she first thought, it was slowing her down. She powered through the pain, flapping as fast she could she started gaining on Twilight. She collided with her friend with enough force to knock the wind out of them both. They were only about a fifty feet away from the ground before Dash had caught her, way to close for either of them. As they breathed a sigh of relief, a black object fell past them, smashing open upon impact with the ground below. Fragments of glass and plastic flew out, scattering across the ground. Twilight went limp in her hooves and Dash could swear she saw tears beginning to form in her eyes as she stared speechless at mangled contraption. It was her telescope.

After that, when ever Dash asked to hang out or offered to buy her a new telescope she would always dodge the subject. She felt really bad about the whole thing. Today she was going to be more forward. She was not taking no for an answer! With that she made her way to Golden Oak Library.
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Dash descended as the library came into view. She meandered in the air above the door for a few extra moment before landing. Raising a hoof she steeled herself for a confrontation before setting it to the door. Her heart thumped faster as a light hoof beat approached door. It seemed to creak open in slow motion just to make her more nervous! Then there she stood. she didn't look mad or upset?

“Twilight! I need to talk to you!” She spoke determinately, trying to sound as serious as possible.

“That's perfect!” She smiled warmly, breaking Dash's bravado into confusion. “The newest Daring Do just came in this morning! I was thinking we should read it together, but I figured it was so nice today you probably wouldn’t have come by but here you are.”

“Wait you're not mad?” Dash raised an eyebrow disbelievingly.

“Mad? For what?” She had a genuine look of surprise in her eyes.

“I broke you're telescope”

“Dash, you saved me. It was my fault for going out when I knew there would be a storm. How could I blame you for something like that?” Relief flowed over her body. She gave a tentative smile, still not entirely convinced.

“Then, if you weren’t mad why were you avoiding me?” Twilight's eye's widened for a moment before she gave a light giggle, to which dash didn't know whether to be relieved or offended.

“I wasn't avoiding you. Our schedules just didn't cooperate this week that's all! Gee Dash, I never knew you were so sensitive.” She giggled even louder this time, intentionally provoking a blush out of the pegasus. After she finished another bout of laughter at her friends expense she continued.

“Anyway, if you're up for it I'm free now so how about it? Care to dive into another thrilling adventure of Daring Do? I can start us some tea while we read?” Not even awaiting a response Twilight gestured for dash to follow her as she walked back into the library. She stood there in the door way for a moment, feeling slightly let down after all the effort she built up but simply shrugged it away content that she was still on good terms with one of her best friends. Dash proceeded to follow her into the library, ready to settle in for a relaxing day of reading with Twilight.

Confession

Daring Do trudged through the wind swept dunes, hot sand lashed at her face and the fierce wind whipped through her mane. She had been wandering the badlands of Saddle Arabia for nearly a week, besieged day and night by the harsh, unforgiving conditions. She knew she was close, she didn't know how, but she could feel it. The turbulent winds and think veil of sand made flight impossible, a situation she found herself in...

“Um Twi, whats this word?” Dash held the book up in front of her, pointing with her hoof to the particular place on the page. The pair sat on the floor of the library, leaned up against a wall with pillows at their backs and a light blanket covering their laps. Spike had left shortly after he and Twilight had finished sorting the books to help Rarity with something.

“Well I can't exactly see through your hoof.” Placing her own hoof on top of Dash's she gently moved it down the page so she could view the word in question.

“Ah, That would be Begrudgingly, It means to give or state reluctantly or hesitantly” She said as if reading from a mental dictionary, smiling proudly before levitating her tea to her mouth and gingerly taking a sip of the still steaming drink.

“Oh ya! I knew that. Thanks for reminding me Twi.” She gave a light blush that went unnoticed by Twilight as she scooted closer to Dash, staring at the page Dash had left off on.

“Anyway.”

She found herself in begrudgingly often. Suddenly the sand gave way beneath her hooves, pulling Daring Do into the quickly forming whirlpool of sand. She flapped her wings but it was too late as the quicksand drew her down. She relaxed, letting the sand pull her under. She could feel a void at her hooves. She fell through, plummeting down the pitch black shaft quickly followed by a torrent of sand. A single ray of light streamed in from the surface, Illuminating the shaft just second before Daring would be crushed under the weight of the sand. Daring gave a powerful thrust of her wings, her hooves clicking against the smooth stone that made up the shaft's interior. Then, with all her strength she lunged forward. Retracting her wings and squeezing her self as compact as she could she rocketed through a narrow passage way that had been illuminated by the light. Her wings grazed the sides of the corridor as the deluge of dessert brushed her tail before it slammed onto the floor that was just out of a ponies reach of the passage she found herself in. The sand sealed the entrance, there was no turning back now. The pitch blackness of the cave only strengthened her resolve, it reminded her that somepony was waiting for her back home. Once she conquered these catacombs, once she returned home she could finally tell him how she fel...

Dash stopped mid-word. She felt a wave of emotion sweep over her. It was incomplete but, fragments of her dream last night exploded into her fore-mind.

“Dash? Are you okay?” Twilight looked at her with concern. Dash simply stared blankly at the page as though she were having an epiphany as images and feeling raced though her mind.

“Rainbow Dash?” She spoke softly as though pulling Dash out of her trance to abruptly would hurt her. She blinked away the thoughts, suppressing them as best she could.

“I just need a breather that's all.” Putting the book face down to keep the page she stood up, dislodging the blanket off herself and Twilight. She stretched her wings dramatically. “My wings were starting to fall asleep, that's all. Hey Twi, do you have anything to eat? I kind of missed breakfast.” Twilight was less than convinced, Dash was many things but a good liar was not one of them however she simply gave a tepid smile.

“Sure, I got some cupcakes from Sugar Cube Corner yesterday. I still have two left.” She stood up, magically levitating her cup of tea. “Follow me to the kitchen.” Dash followed, still fighting the overwhelming feelings from her dream. What was that! It felt so real!

She stood at the kitchen table looking nervously around the room while Twilight got the cupcakes out.

“Here you go, sorry it's not much. You really shouldn’t be skipping breakfast you know. The way you train, you need to eat to keep your strength up.” Twilight slid the cupcake over to Dash as she took her place opposite of her at the table.

Dash gave a sarcastic huff. “It's not like I make a habit of it! I'm an athlete after all, I have to keep to a strict diet if I want to be at my best.” She ate half the cupcake in one big bite, eliciting a giggle from Twilight.

“What's so funny?” As soon as she spoke Twilight bust out laughing.

“Y-you have icing all over your face!” She stuttered through her gasps of laughter. Dash quickly wiped her muzzle with her hoof, holding back a blush.

Dash finished her cupcake in another bite, being careful not to embarrass herself again. Twilight on the other hoof ate hers in a more lady like manner, or at least taking reasonable sized bites. Dash watch quietly as she ate, the room becoming a little too quiet for her.

“So that telescope. It was a gift right?” Twilight looked up from her cupcake, taken somewhat aback by the question. Twilight wondered if Dash was still worried that she was upset.

“Yeah, my mom gave it to me right before I moved to Ponyville for the first time. You know I don't blame you right Dash? I'm thankful to you for saving me that time.” She said earnestly, looking into her eyes as she spoke. Dash felt her body heat up under her gaze. What is this? Why am I feeling this way?

“I know Twi, sorry for making you worry.”

“No need to apologize.” She smiled before finishing her snack.

“So how about we finish that book?” Twilight made her way for the door.

“Hey Twi?” Twilight turned to her friend, she hadn't moved from the table and seem to be talking to the floor she was looking at rather than Twilight who was perplexed at her unusual bashfulness.

“Yes?”

“I-is there any pony you like. I mean, as more than a friend?” She stammered, avoiding her friends eyes as though she were a cockatrice. Twilight was stunned silent for a moment by the out of no where question.

“N-not really. I mean I don't think so.” She could feel her cheeks heating up as she nervously responded.

“Oh, I just thought. You know, I thought you would have stallions lining up to be with you.” Dash blushed furiously. This must be how Fluttershy feels all the time. Why am I even bringing this up?

“Why would you think that?” Twilight was by nature a modest pony, she never thought of herself as being very romantically desirable.

“Well, your really pretty, and like your awesome with magic and really smart and stuff.” She nervously prodded the floor with her hoof as she spoke. Twilight was now blushing as blatantly as Dash. Nopony had really called her pretty before. She felt her hear racing and butterflies forming.

“Well, I never spent much time with other ponies before I came to Ponyville, and after that I spent all my time with you girls. I had so much fun I never really thought about a special-somepony before.” Twilight couldn’t put a hoof on what she was feeling or why, as thoughts raced through her mind.

“Oh. yeah. That makes sense. Um, Twi..” What are you doing Dash! She is going to think you're crazy, just say never mind, tell her it was a joke. Why cant I stop myself? Thoughts and emotions raged through her mind, more than a years worth of suppressed feelings, words left unsaid and regret compelled her to speak. All the while, images flashed into her mind. Twilight disappearing, the dull cold loneliness as well as feelings of fear, fear of she was about to say and of its repercussions.

“Twi, have you ever heard of two mares being together in the same way as a mare and a stallion?” To her, such a thing was completely unheard of. She didn't know if it was even possible for a mare to love a mare, but she felt something. Something that was compelling her now.

“Dash, of course not. That doesn't make any sense. Two mares cant have children or get married. It just doesn't work Dash.” Only after she spoke did she actually give the notion any thought, it's true that she has never heard of it but that doesn't mean it couldn’t happen. She began thinking of why such an idea would be inherently bad but she was cut off.

“Yeah, well. Um... The thing is..” No, don't say it! She will never look at you the same again. She wont be my friend, who would want to be friends with a freak! She took a deep breath, then exhaled. No! Not Twilight! If anypony would still accept me, it would be her!. She felt a rush of courage, but it didn't make saying those next words much easier.

“Twi. I- I like you! I like you allot, as more than a friend!” She shut her eyes tight through her declaration, too afraid to face Twilight until she answered. The room became dead silent. Twilight was stunned. A minute passed, Dash opened her eyes, about to repeat herself, she at least needed an answer. However the moment she opened her eyes Twilight responded.

“Leave.”

Broken heart

'Leave'

Dash buried her face deeper into her pillow, which was damp from her tears. The word resonated in her mind. Each utterance felt like she had been kicked in the stomach, but try as she might she could not stop her mind from replaying the events of the day. She had been in bed for hours now, pleading with her mind to let the peaceful embrace of sleep overtake her, but it never came. She continued to sob pathetically into her pillow, straining her throat. Her voice cracked as she cried.

“Leave”

“Twilight, What are you saying?” She spoke in little more than a whisper.

“Get out Dash! I can't think right now. I don't want to talk to you, just leave!” Dash had never seen Twilight this angry. Dash felt numb, her legs nearly giving out under her weight. She wondered if Twilight could feel her shaking even as far away as she was standing.

“T-Twi, please. Just let me explain.” Tears pooled in her eyes, and she could almost hear her heart shatter. Panic then set in, her body became hot, she wanted to fly away. She forced her instincts down.
'I cant live with myself if I leave things like this. It's too late to tell her it was all a joke! No, what would that accomplish? I would hate myself more if I betrayed both her, and myself in one day.' She once again steeled herself, though all the determination in the world would not quell her trembling body. She gritted her teeth and opened her mouth, having no plan of what to say. Before she could speak however she felt an impact like a bolder hit her, forcing her to loose her breath. She was flung back out the kitchen door, the last thing she saw was Twilight's horn glowing, that along with her mane obscuring her face veiled her expression. Though dash could only imagine it was one of pain and rage. The lavender field that enveloped her sent her though the library door, which Twilight had been kind enough to open before throwing her out. As soon as the field released its grip on her a short distance from the library, Dash flew back towards the door. 'I refuse to let it end like this!' She never made it to the door. She merely bounced off a translucent, violet barrier. Dash slowly sank to the ground in shock, tears streaming down her muzzle.

“Oh Twilight.” She said softly, her voice trembling with pain. She spun around away from library and took off for her home.

“Why?!” She stomped on her pillow in frustration.

“Why do I have to be this way! If I were normal Twilight wouldn’t hate me, we would still be friends and, and...and.” She went into a crying fit, it had happened at least a dozen times since she returned from the library. What's wrong with me? Why cant I be like everypony else? I just want Twilight back, I want her to be my friend again. She sighed, calming the turmoil in her mind she found some clarity. I don't think that's what want. Would I really be okay with things going back to the way they were? I know how I feel about her despite her being another mare. Uhg! Why is this so complicated! If there wasn't something wrong with my head Twilight would still be! She abruptly stopped her train of thought. She had been thinking herself in circles for over an hour and no matter what she did, all she could think of was Twilight. Her body went limp and she collapsed into her bed, praying that sleep would come and take away her pain.
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Twi. I-I like you, as more than a friend

Twilight Sparkle paced nervously, her mind desperately trying to work out what had happened earlier.
I can't believe I did that. I cant believe Rainbow Dash likes mares. I can't believe she likes me!

Twilight stared at her friend, who had just confessed to having feelings for her. For once her mind went completely empty. She had no idea what to say. She felt nervous, embarrassed and even scared. She knew she hadn't misheard but she wished that she did. Dash stood before her, eyes shut tight and head looking towards the ground. The silence lingered, it was only a minute but it felt like hours to Twilight, who wished the whole situation would just go away. Her cheeks began to heat up. 'Am I blushing!? Why? Why is she telling me this, oh Celestia I can't think, this is too much!” She saw Dash lift her head, her eyes opened slowly. 'I need to say something!'

“Leave.” Twilight blurted out. The coldness in her tone was almost enough to make her cover her mouth with her hoof. 'No, why did I say it like that?' The look on Dash's face could only be described as broken, Twilight's heart filled with sorrow and rage at the same time at the sight of it. Her mind spinning out of control, the only thing she wanted was to be alone, she knew dash would not leave so easily. She could see Dash's lips move and could almost distinguish some sound but the pegasu's voice had become to quiet and soft.

“Get out Dash! I can't think right now. I don't want to talk to you, just leave!” Twilight almost flinched at how angry she sounded. 'Why isn’t any thing coming out right, why do sound so angry! Oh, I'm so confused. Just leave already Dash, I don't want to hurt you anymore but I feel so angry and confused!' Her face contorted in anger at herself and at the whole situation. She wanted to cry and scream at the same time. 'I need to be alone, Dash I'm sorry'. Her horn ignited in a magical glow. She looked down at the floor, tears streaming down her face. She flung Dash out of the library, but she knew her friend was stubborn, she would try to come back. She used what little concentration she could muster to put a sound proof force field around her library. Once the spell was complete she let out all of her confusion and frustration, crying into her hooves.

After she regain enough of her composure she sent a letter to Spike telling him to stay at Rarity's for the night. When she needed to be alone, she actually needed to be alone. She went upstairs to her room and began pacing back and forth.

Twilight had given it plenty of thought, but no matter what she did she could not dismiss her friend's confession. She even stopped her pacing to try and find a book, anything that mentioned same sex relationships, but she found none. She then pondered sending the princess a letter but she decided against it. The princess doesn’t need to be bothered with my personal problems, besides, they're my problems. With a heavy sigh she gave up on thinking and took to her bed. Why couldn’t she just keep it to herself? With that thought she let sleep overtake her.
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The sun was bright and warm and not a cloud was in sight. She walked through the field of soft grass and flowers, they're sweet fragrance brought a smile to her face. She leaned down, bringing her nose to a beautiful rose, taking a deep breath she let it's sweet aroma wash over her. She felt a warm presence in front of her. Looking up from the flower she saw her friend's. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and... Her heart sank as she noticed one of them was missing. Slowly she made her way over to her friends, but each step she took seemed to make them go further away. She galloped, only succeeding in making her friends further out of reach, she could barely see them now. She flapped her wings, but her friends simply faded into the horizon. The scene went dark and cold, the lush green ground below her faded into a sea of black. Feeling a strange force pulling her into the void she flapped her wings, desperately trying to fight it. Then she felt an excruciating pain searing the base of her wings. She screamed out in agony, then fell. Her wings were gone, she was helpless. She hit the ground with a bone shattering crash. She felt alone and scared, she looked up, barely able to move but what she saw made her heart soar with hope and relief. A bright rainbow blur zoomed towards her, it was Rainbow Dash!

“Dash!” She called, joyfully. The rainbow pegasus landed nearly on top of her, protectively extending her cyan wings over her.

“Oh Dash.” She smiled, wrapping a hoof lovingly around hers. Suddenly she felt as though she were suffocating, she gasped for air but her throat would not respond. The figure of her savior quickly faded to black.

'Dash!' She thought, trying with all her might to call out, but she could not make a sound. Her body became cold and numb, before convulsing.

“Dash!” Twilight bolted up out of her covers. She panted, her heart still racing and tears flowing down her face.

“Oh Rainbow Dash.” She again cried into her hooves, speaking to the empty room through her sobs.

“What have I done?!”

Regret (complete chapter)

It had been an uneasy sleep for Twilight. The nightmares kept repeating in her sleep, forcing her awake each time. The sun had only risen an hour ago but it found her already wide awake, standing over her desk with a quill and an ink well in front of her. She stared at the blank parchment. Okay, the pros and cons of being with Rainbow Dash. She began her thought. Levitating the quill, she began shakily writing her thoughts a they came to her.

Okay, cons. She's a mare. She is one of my best friends. I don't know if I feel the same way... Her thoughts trailed off as visions of her dream came to mind. She thought of how happy she was to see her in her dream, and then how lost she felt as she faded away. She shook her head vigorously, regaining her focus. She is brash and prone to impulse. What if this is just a phase for her? What if she decides one day that it was all a mistake? She couldn’t place why but that thought depressed her.

Alright, now pros. She is the element of loyalty, I know Dash can be impulsive but she would never abandon her friends. would that be true for a.. Her face heated up, she was blushing as the word made its way to her fore-mind. A lover? She felt a pleasant warmth spread over her body. Her wings twitching excitedly and a content smile made its way across her face. Dash has always been there for me, to catch me when I fall and pick me up when I'm down. I never really thought about it but I guess I really look up to her. Oh what am I even doing!? After the way I treated her, even if I wanted to give her a chance she probably hates me now. Her brief happiness quickly spiraled into guilt, anger and sadness. She rested her head on the parchment, ears drooping.

“How can I even face her now?” She turned her gaze out the window, watching as fluffy white clouds floated by. Anger flared up inside her, She couldn’t escape her problem, everything she looked at just reminded her of it. Dash, what would you do? She gave a painful, ironic giggle. I know what you would do, I was there. You spoke up about how you felt, you put your hear on the line and what did I do? I smashed it! The pent up anger made her lash out, slamming her hoof into her desk. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her hoof she spun around and ran out her door.

I know what I have to do! Her horn light up and in a flash of purple light she teleported outside the library door.

“I'm coming Rainbow Dash!” She opened her wings and took to the air.
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Dash's could home came into view. This was the fastest Twilight had ever been able to fly, she even surprised herself. Slowing her descent, she landed rather deftly on the cloud door step, then... She froze. Twilight stared blankly at the door, despite having come this far she had no idea what to say. What can I possibly say to make this better? I think I may have pushed her away for good. What was I thinking, I was so selfish. Dash, please forgive me! She fought back the urge to fly away. She knocked on the door.

Once.

Twice.

A third time. Still no answer.

“Rainbow Dash!” She called out, but still no response came. With a heavy sigh she continued. “Dash please, I want to talk to you!” The house returned her plea with disheartening silence. Hanging her head in defeat she turned from the door.

“I'm so sorry Rainbow Dash.” With those words she glided back to the ground. Slowly, she trotted back home. Maybe I should give her a couple of days? No! What good would that do, she would just spend that whole time thinking I hate her, and I would spend it hating myself for doing that to her. I have to find her today! She looked around for anyone who may know where Dash was. Then a certain pink pegasus at the celery stand caught eye. Fluttershy! Twilight dashed over to her friend.

“Fluttershy!” her sudden shout startling Fluttershy into dropping the stalk of celery she had just purchased.

“Oh, I'm sorry Fluttershy. Let me buy you a new one.”

“Oh no, it's alright. I have enough to buy a new one, besides it was my fault for dropping it.” She spoke in her characteristically gentle tone. Twilight was about to insist but Fluttershy continued speaking. “Anyway whats wrong Twilight? You look a bit down?” The question caught Twilight off guard. She thought she managed to normalize her face and demeanor before approaching her. Fluttershy was sharp when it came to other ponies feelings. Should I just tell her the whole story? Twilight decided against this though, even she didn't know exactly how to handle it and it was Dash's business so she knew it would be wrong to spread it around.

“I just need to find Rainbow Dash, do you know where she is?”

“Well, I think she went to Sweet Apple Acres earlier, so you could try there. Why? Did something happen?”

“What? No. Of course not!” Twilight knew she sounded less than convincing but with Fluttershy it was unlikely that she would press to hard for answers. Though she did raise an eyebrow.

“Anyway, thanks for the help. I got to go!” She forced a smile before turning away, but then stopped mid way. “Actually, Fluttershy. Could I ask you something?”

“Go ahead, you just tell me what's on your mind.” She said cheerfully. With a voice like that she could understand why animals felt safe around her.

“Have you ever heard of two mares being together. I mean like, well, romantically?” Fluttershy gave a light giggle in response.

“Of course not Twilight, two mares cant be together any more than two stallions can.” Twilight felt even more disheartened than before, but the look on Dash's face when she confessed, or even more so the look on her face when Twilight broke her heart was more than enough to override it.

“Thanks Fluttershy, I have to go. I'll see you later”
**************************************************************************************

She ran nonstop to the Apple's farm. As she got closer she noted that there were less and less clouds, a good indicator that she was here, or at least that she had been. She approached the gate that led into the farm, huffing from exhaustion.

“Whatcha' doin'” Twilight jumped from the small voiced that drawled behind her. She turned to find Applejack's little sister looking at her bemused.

“Oh, Apple Bloom. Hi, is Rainbow Dash around here?” She nervously laughed off her embarrassment, hoping the filly hadn't noticed her jump.

“Yeah, she's here. I think she's help'n big sis with something. Why?”

“Oh I just, um. I... Need to talk to her! Yeah, I have to talk to her about something!” She smiled triumphantly at her quick thinking, though the filly was not fooled.

“Okay then? Go on in?” She raised a suspicious eyebrow at Twilight as she walk into the orchard.

She made her way through the trees, not sure which direction to go. I keep forgetting just how big Sweet Apple Acres really is. She pondered flying but quickly dismissed the thought, the walk gave her more time to think of what she would say, and despite the effort she had gone through to see Dash she was not so keen on making it happen too soon. She almost laughed at the contradiction when a rainbow blur streaked down from the sky, landing in a clearing not too far from her. Going against her earlier thought she sprinted to the clearing. She could make out Applejack's voice, and soon after that, Rainbow's.

Twilight burst into the clearing, causing the two ponies' heads to turn. Twilight was not more than a meter or two away from them. While Applejack merely looked surprised, Dash's was a much deeper expression. Pain, anger and fear danced in her eyes and her wings partially extended as if she would fly away at any moment.

“Hey, Twilight. What brings you to our neck of the woods?” She said in her chipper southern drawl. It took a moment to register to Twilight that Applejack had even spoken, leaving her standing there in awkward silence staring at Rainbow Dash.

“I-I'm sorry. Applejack could I get a moment alone with Rainbow Dash?”

“Um, sure thing sugar cube. I got to tend to the south field anyhow.” She walked off leave the pair standing in uncomfortable silence. The tension was almost palpable. Quickly losing her nerve Twilight staggered back a step and stared at the ground.

“What do you want?!” Her tone cut at Twilight's heart, it was full of venom and betrayal but it was a hint of another feeling that gave her the courage to speak. Deep under the spite, there was the unmistakable essence of sorrow. She forced her body to move forward, consciously willing herself through every step.

“I'm sorry.”

Acceptance

“I'm sorry Rainbow Dash.”

So many thoughts and feelings ran through her mind when she heard those words. She wanted to lash out at her, but another part of her wanted to cry on her shoulder. Emotions swelled up inside of Rainbow Dash, she stood silent as she tried to sort them out.

“Dash, I'm so sorry I hurt you. I know I have no right to ask this of you but can you ever forgive me. I-I don't know, I just panicked. I didn't mean to... I didn't mean to hurt...” She strained her voice trying to get her words out but they were chocked out as she sobbed uncontrollably, She broke down in front of Dash, tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t bare to meet her eyes, all Twilight could do was look at ground and try in vain to hide her tears.

Dash padded over to Twilight, any anger she had for her melted away. All she could think to do now was make her closest friend stop crying. She sat herself close beside Twilight, she never looked up, too lost in her sadness to notice Dash's approach. She was trembling. Dash looked down to her, the sight of one of the strongest ponies she had ever met, crying like a foal, nearly brought Rainbow Dash to tears.
She betrayed me. She literally threw me out of her house. She broke my heart when I confessed to having feelings for her. She hurt me more than any pony ever has. She extended her wing over Twilight and pulled her in close to her. Her warm, soft fur brushed against Dash's and her trembling at once stopped. Twilight looked up from her misery, staring wide eyed at her. Her eyes red and puffy from all the tears she had shed. Dash smiled at her, not her usual brash smile, but one full of warmth and caring.
But, in spite of all that, I think... I love her.

“I forgive you, Twilight.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She... She forgave me? Drops once again flowed, she buried her face in Dash's shoulder. She whimper into Dashes fur, all the stress, worry and heartbreak poured forth.

“Dash!... Dash!... Dash!” She wailed, having no idea what else to do or say. Dash just pulled her closer and let her get it all out, she could feel her hot tears soaking her fur. Dash wanted to cry right along with her but remained strong for Twilight's sake. After a minute of crying she began to regain her composure. Wiping away her tears, she gave a small laugh.

“Thank you Rainbow Dash, I think I'm better now.” Seeing that she was okay, she decided to retract her wing and take a step back.

“Glad to hear it, and, well. Look, I'm really sorry for putting you through all of this. Can we get past this and be friends again?” She said cautiously hopeful. Twilight shook her head, Dash's heart sank. She still doesn't want anything to do with me. Why did I ever have to tell her how I feel? now I've lost the most important pony in my life! Feeling dejected and downcast, she began to walk away.

“Wait!” Twilight's sudden exclamation made Dash stop in her tracks, though she did not turn around.

“I thought long and hard about all of this. After going over everything, I came to an important realization.” Dash's curiosity piqued, she tuned her head slightly, so that Twilight rested just withing her peripheral vision.

“Dash, I don't want to be you're friend.” As she spoke a crushing depression overtook Dash, but something kept her from flying away. A faint hope, to her, a one in a million chance.
“After all of this, I don't think I would be satisfied just being friends.” Dash's ear twitched at the word 'just'. She said “just” right? That's what she just said right? Hope quickly grew inside Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow Dash, I-I... Would you.. I mean, I would be happy if... I could be your special somepony.”

She just said... She...My special somepony.

“Do you really mean that Twilight?” Her voice shook with fear, this whole ordeal had left her more fragile than usual. Twilight stood beside her, tenderly placing her hoof over Rainbow Dash's. They simultaneously broke out into a blush, Dash nervously looking away.

“I do.”
***********************************************************************************************************

She soared through the air, every muscle in her body burned with energy and excitement. She felt weightless. She felt like she could do ten sonic rainbooms and still have enough energy to fly ghastly gorge in record time. The sun hung low in the sky, after leaving Sweet Apple Acres She had spent the rest of the day with Twilight. They talked for hours, smiling, laughing and just being happy being with each other. It was the best time dash had had in a long time, she hadn't felt this happy even after the Best Young Fliers competition. Dash hummed a happy, familiar tune as she ran her hoof through a cloud.

“I still can't believe it! She said yes!” She shouted excitedly, looping through the air with the happiest smile on her face. Today was perfect! I woke up this morning thinking she hated me and never wanting to see me again. Now she's my marefriend! Her heart raced and a happy warmth radiated through her body causing her to giggle excitedly. Best day ever!

They talked about telling they're friends about their new relationships but Twilight had warned against it. I'm still surprised Fluttershy feels that way. I guess the idea of two mares being together is really strange, but still. And I definitely don't want to hear what Applejack has to say, If I thought Twilight's reaction was bad I can't imagine how she would respond. On the other hoof maybe we just aren't giving our friends enough credit. Well if Twilight wants to keep it between us for now I don't mind. Her cloud home came into view, she glided to her door landing perfectly. It can be our little secret. With that she went into her home, ready for a good night's sleep.
*****************************************************************************************************************

Dear Princess Celestia.

Something incredible has happened to me over the last couple of days. I leaned that, just because something is different doesn't mean it's bad and to think before you say something that might hurt some pony. My friend Rainbow Dash told me that she likes mares, and that she had a crush on me! I really didn't handle it well at first but that was just because I was confused, I know it's no excuse but I felt really bad afterward. Then I began really thinking and I realized that, I had feelings for her as well! After allot of misunderstandings I am overjoyed to say that Rainbow Dash is my marefriend! I hope to hear from you soon.

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight release the quill from her magic. Spike had not returned yet, apparently Applejack needed his help with something. So she had to write the letter herself. After giving it one final revision she rolled the parchment up and engulfed it in green flame from her horn. It evaporated into ash then disappeared. The sun had gone down and after the eventful day she shared with Rainbow Dash she was ready to hit the hay. Getting into bed she snuffed out the candles. Bundling up in her warm blankets she drifted happily to sleep, an image of her marefriend smiling at her was the last image she had before sleep overtook her.

“Knock Knock Knock!” A loud banging jolted Twilight out of her peaceful sleep. She shot up out of bed and looked at the clock. It's two in the morning! Who could it be at this hour? She sleepily made her way down stairs, yawning deeply once she got to the door. Her horn lit up, opening the door.
Two large pegasi in royal guard armor stood at her door.

“Can I help you?” She looked at them quizzically.

“Twilight Sparkle?”

“Yes?”

"By order of Princess Celestia, you are under arrest!”

Imprisoned

The cell she found her self in was small and dank. She could hear the sound of water dripping from the ceiling and of nervous hooves pacing. She couldn’t tell what time it was because there were no windows to the outside, just bars facing the stone walls of the prisons hallway. It was about one-thirty in the morning when the guards had taken her from her home it felt like she could have locked up for hours but it may have only been less than an hour, it was hard to say. Helplessly shuffling about the cell only one thing was on her mind. Twilight. Suddenly a voice broke her nervous pacing.

“You know, you'll just make yourself stir crazy if keep pacing like that.” It was a young males voice, and it was close.

“Whose there?! Show you're self! What have you done with Twilight!” Rainbow Dash lunged at the bars of her cell, trying to see down the hallway, where the voice had come from.

“You can't see me. I'm in the cell next to you.” Dash landed on the ground in front of the bars and turned to the solid stone wall.

“Oh.” Her bemused tone made the voice laugh a little.

“I'm Cobalt Prose, what's your name?” The voice asked, seemingly happy to have some conversation.

“Um, I'm Rainbow Dash. Nice to meet you?” She said becoming more concerned by the mysterious ponies every word. The more he spoke the more Dash began to suspect what she feared.

“Say, by the way how old are you?” She questioned nervously hoping that she was wrong, but she was not.

“I'm just a colt, I don't even have my cutie mark yet.” Dash nearly gasped, but before she could open her mouth her mind quickly flared into anger. Why is a colt in prison!

“What's a colt like you doing in a place like this?!” She said in outrage.

“About a week ago my father wrote an editorial questioning Princess Sparkle’s reason for leaving the throne, as well as Princess Celestia's reaction to it. Then two night's ago, the royal guards came to our door in the middle of the night, telling him to rewrite his article when he refused they told him he was under arrest. My body just moved on it's own, I-I tackled one of the guards. Then they arrested me and him. I haven't seen him since I was brought here.” His voice was shaky, he seemed on the verge of crying by the end of his story, but Dash was now burning with anger. He's just a kid! Celestia wouldn’t do that right? But his story, it's just like what happened to me. What in the name of Celestia is going on?!

“So what about you?” Dash looked up to the wall. Even though they could not see each other, It seemed like he could tell how she felt. Poor kid was probably having the same thoughts I was when he first got thrown in here.'

“Whaddya mean? What about me?”

“What are you doing in here?”

“I-I...” She stopped. Why was she there? The guards had not told her much, just that she was under arrest by order of Celestia and that they had Twilight. Rainbow Dash was not stupid, she could piece together what probably happened. Twilight sent a letter to the princess, and this was her response. She gave a heavy sigh.

“I fell in lov.” She was cut off mid word by an excited noise from the boy behind the wall.

“I know who you are! You're friends with the former Princess Twilight Sparkle! Listen, once you get out of here I need you to send a message to my mother.” Dash nervously rubbed the back of her head with her hoof.

“Listen kid, I don't know about my odds of getting out. But If I do, I'll see what I can do. What do you want me to say and where would I find them?” She knew full well that her leaving here soon was unlikely, but if it made the colt feel better she would try to give him hope.

“They live in Appleloosa. Tell them...” He stopped, she could swear she heard soft sobs coming through the wall. She was about to speak up but decided it would be best to let him have a moment.

“Tell them to leave Equestria. Without me if they have to. We were brought here together, my dad and I. he told me that they would let me out soon and to get my mom and sister out of Equestria.” The statement gave her the chills. Surely things weren't that bad right? She shook it off. She still needed the mom's name, she was about to ask but then she heard something. Her ear swiveled to the hallway, followed by her head. She heard a fast approaching hoof beat, then a shadow came into sight.

“Princess.”
********************************************************************************************************************

She lay on the uncomfortable straw bed, still reeling from the shock. She had only been in her cell for twenty minutes but it felt like it could have been hours. Even with no access to moonlight or a clock her sense of time was impeccable. Her cell was tall stone cylinder with a small bed in the center. The only view aside from the walls she had was a small barred archway looking into the hall. Two small torches allowed dim flickering light in. Runic markings were carved into the wall, their influence made her unable to use her magic. All she could do now was wait patiently for Princess Celestia. Twilight knew she would come. Then her ear twitched, she could hear soft hoof steps coming towards her cell. She ran to the bars to get a better look, and sure enough there she stood.

“Princess! Where is Rainbow Dash!?” The princess only gazed at her disapprovingly.

“Your friend is safe. I am sorry Twilight Sparkle. I needed to talk to you about the situation before it got out of had. This was the only way.”

“The only way?!” Rage flared in her eyes.

“Yes, I needed to deal with it out of the way of the public's eyes.”

“Princess why are you doing this? Rainbow Dash and I have done nothing wrong.” She knew anger would not sway the princess, instead she let it subside as pain and sadness took it's place.

“Nothing wrong? You are throwing your life away on false feeling and hurting not only those close to you but all of Equestria. What you are doing is nothing short of evil.” Twilight was stunned silent tears working up in her eyes. The pony she looked up to most, her mentor, the one she thought of as a second mother, thought she was evil. A deep and permeating despair took grip of her body.

“Princess, why is it wrong? I-I care about her, I care about her so much, this can't be fake.” She smiled as tears rolled down her face. “It can't be.”

“But it is fake Twilight Sparkle. Denounce your false feelings for another mare. If you do I can release you both.” The Princess's tone softened to the more familiar gentleness that Twilight had come to love and respect. “This can all go away Twilight, you can both go home. You can be friends again and know that it was all a mistake. It will be a valuable lesson.”

“No. We did nothing wrong! I know the feelings Rainbow Dash has for me are real!”

“Twilight, I was with her only minutes ago. I spoke to her. She realized the error of her ways quickly.” Silently, Twilight's heart began to break. She felt a lump in her throat, she tried to speak but her voice broke in a soft crack, all she could do was whimper as her tears pooled on the cold stone floor.

“Yes Twilight, she denounced her feelings. She admitted it was all a mistake. Now you must do the same.”

She cried, she had been crying allot lately. Her thoughts spiraled, for just a moment she even considered it. Then a memory came to her. A soft warm wing embracing her, pulling her up against a powerful, toned shoulder. A beautiful cyan pegasus comforting her as she cried, just like she was crying now. Her tears stopped, and determination swept over her. She stood, stomping to the bars. Going nose to nose with Celestia.

“No! Dash would not abandon me! She is the most loyal pony I have ever known. I saw it in her eyes. When I broke her heart, she was devastated and when she forgave me, I know it was with love in her eyes! None of that was fake! Dash would not abandon me!”

The outburst made Celestia take a step back. After a moment she closed her eyes and shook her head.

“I Shall come back in the morning. You will both stay here until you change your mind.” With that she walked away, leaving Twilight alone with her thoughts. She returned to her bed and stared at the wall, away from the light of the torches. She knew she would not sleep. Oh Rainbow Dash. I know you didn't leave me. I know you didn't.
*************************************************************************************************

Twilight lay there in the dark for just over half an hour. Just as she predicted she had not slept nor did she even feel tired. Then, she again hear a hoof beat. However, this did not sound the same as Celestia's. Then a shadow cast over the cell wall, she turned her head to see who it was.

“Princess Luna. What do you want?”

“Hello Twilight Sparkle. I simply wish to speak to you.”

“I won't denounce my feelings for Rainbow Dash, so if that's what you came here for then you can leave.”

“She has already admitted it was a mistake.”

“I don't believe you!” She shouted, fighting the urge to cry.

“If you follow your friend's example you may both leave this place. Are these feelings worth imprisonment?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Dejected she turned back to the wall. “Just leave me alone.” Dash wouldn't abandon me, she-she loves me. Right? Suddenly the sound of stone scraping against stone screeched through her hears. She whipped around, startled by the noise. The door was opening! Princess Luna stood before her, a magical glow fading from her horn and beside her was...

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight turned into a blur of purple, tackling Dash to the ground in a powerful hug. The two lay on the floor, after getting air back into her lungs she returned the embrace and looking lovingly into each others eyes.

“I knew you wouldn’t leave me Dash, I knew it.” Twilight stood up and extended her hoof to help her marefriend up. Dash took her hoof and got up, but she did not let go. Instead she pulled her close by her hoof and leaned into a passionate kiss. Twilight was stunned the moment Dash's soft warm lips met hers, then all the sadness, fear and tears of the day melted away. She closed her eyes and wrapped her forelegs around Dash as she to leaned into the kiss blushing radiantly. After a minute Dash slowly pulled away, though she stayed close enough to feel Twilight's warm breaths as she tried to regain air.

“I'm sorry I didn't say anything while you were talking with Princess Luna, she said she wouldn’t release you if I said anything. Twilight, I'm so happy you had that much faith in me, and I promise I will never abandon you.” She gave her another peck on the lips.

“Eh-Hem” Twilight and Rainbow Dash turned to see Princess Luna staring at them with an eyebrow raised. They both blushed as they untangled from each other, though they still stood pressed up against each other.

“Princess Luna, why did you free us? Not that I'm not grateful or anything!” She added nervously.

“Your love for each other has proven true. That is my only reason.”

“Does Princess Celestia know about this?”

“I fear my sister will not be as understanding as I. Now, you must go. Flee to Ponyville, there will be a friend waiting to aide you in your escape. I do not recommend staying in Equestria long however.” Twilight nodded then turned back Dash who looked as though she had already been told this.

“Dash I have a cloaking spell that we can use to get out of here, but you can't say a word while we are invisible or the spell will be broken.”

“Will I still be able to see you if you're invisible to?” Twilight nodded.

“Again I am sorry Rainbow Dash that I could not help the young colt. I know not where his father is and I fear for his safety should the boy escape alone.”

“I understand Princess. If you find out please do whatever you can to help them.”

“I Shall.” The two turned, facing down the dimly lit hallway. Twilight's horn began to glow, preparing to cast the spell, before facing around once more to the princess.

“Princess Luna. I've been having strange recurring dreams lately.”

“Is that relevant?” Her face became unreadable, The princess of the night could put on quite a poker face. Twilight was unconvinced, she stared down Luna.

“Is it?” A sly grin worked it's way across Princess Luna's face.

“I am afraid you do not have much time.”

“She's right Twi, we need to go.” The urgency in Dash's voice convinced her to give up on the subject, with a vibrant burst of purple light they vanished. As they ran Rainbow Dash took one last look back at Luna. Is Twilight right? She felt Twilight's side brushing against hers, bringing her attention back in front of her. We have to leave our home and our friends. Everything is falling apart. But, She didn't leave me, she didn't sell me out. If it's with her, even if I had nothing left, I would still have everything.

Then we'll run

The couple managed to silently escape Canterlot prison. Many questions went unsaid due to the implication of Twilight's spell. Rainbow Dash had the hardest time of keeping quiet, stress worry and panic ran through her mind. Canterlot was swarmed with royal guards despite the time of night. Twilight wondered if they're escape had already been noticed or if the princess placed them preemptively. I wonder if my brother knows what's going on. If we could find him we may be able to sort this out, at the very least he could give us a place ti hide. She knew however that her brother was in the Crystal Kingdom with Princess Cadance. What would he think of me though? What if he hates me or tells me to leave Rainbow Dash like Princess Celestia did? No, he's my brother and he loves me. I know he would support me no matter what! They continued to run, side by side match each other's steps perfectly.

I wonder who would help us now? Pinkie Pie is the most likely, I doubt Fluttershy would help especially after what she told Twilight. A pang of sadness hit Rainbow Dash. Many a time she had thought of confiding to her kindest friend about how she was, how she liked mares. She never did work up the courage though. I guess it was for the best though, no pony can understand. Even after everything Twi had done for Celestia let alone everything she's done for Equestria she still not allowed to follow her heart. What if this is all a mistake?! I can't let Twilight get dragged down with me because I'm a freak who can't keep her mouth shut, She could be a princess again, or she could go back to Ponyville and be a librarian again. Her heart sank, she forced back tears knowing that a single sob or whimper could get them caught. They came to a stop at the edge of Canterlot. Far beneath them, the dim glow of a small town could be seen in the darkness. It was they're home, Ponyville. Rainbow Dash's sadness had not gone unnoticed by her marefriend. Twilight rubbed her muzzle against her warm cheek, Dash in turn pressed herself against her. Taking hold of each other's hooves they leapt off the edge of the outcropping, silently gliding towards Ponyville.
***************************************************************************************************

Once they felt they were far enough away Twilight dropped her spell, allowing both to sigh in relief.

“I'm sorry Twilight.” Dash withdrew her hoof from hers.

“Sorry? For what?” She raised an eyebrow at her, though she could make an educated guess at why she was feeling sorry.

“This is all my fault. If I had never opened my big mouth you wouldn’t be on the run like this. Twilight, I- I was so happy when you said you wanted to be my special somepony. And I was even happier when you told Princess Luna that you wouldn’t betray me, but this isn't how it should be for you. You're smart, lots of ponies care about you and you could become whatever you want, you could even be a princess again. I want to be with you, I really do, but I want you to be happy more than that.”

“Rainbow Dash, do you remember? At Sweet Apple Acres. I had realized how much I hurt you, I finally found you and when I tried to apologize I fell apart. Despite everything I had done to you, you still wrapped your wing around me and held me tight. You let me cry on you and then, even though I did such a terrible thing to you, you forgave me. At that moment I knew, I knew how I felt about you. I never want to lose you again. I don't care what we have to face from now on, all that matters is that we face it together.” The sincerity and love in her voice crushed any worry that Dash may have held, she could feel tears of joy building in her eyes.

“Twilight... Thank you.”
**************************************************************************************************

They were close enough to the quaint town, they quietly descended landing on the edge of White Tail Woods. The glow of street lamps could been seen from where they were. Sunrise was fast approaching, they needed to find they're friend that Princess Luna mentioned before the town woke up. It won't be long before the princess notices that we escaped if she hasn’t already. Twilight looked up to the sky, she knew the first place the royal guards would look for them was Ponyville.

“Um, Twi.”

“What is it Rainbow Dash?”

“Princess Luna never told us who was helping us, and she also didn't say where we would find them. So... What do we do now?” Twilight nearly face-hoofed. Pony feathers! With all that was going on I never even thought about it. What do we do now? Twilight opened her mouth, hoping she would come up with a plan on the fly, but then...

“Y’all look'n fer me?” Twilight jumped back in surprise and Rainbow Dash leapt in front of her, flaring her wings threateningly, but quickly relaxed as she recognized the drawl.

“Applejack?!” Both exclaimed simultaneously, mouths agape, Twilight came out from behind Dash. The farm pony walked forward out of the shadows of the trees with a satisfied grin.

“Who were y'all expecting? The Easter pony?” She quipped.

“H-how did you know? How much do you know?!” Rainbow Dash added nervously, stepping slightly between her marefriend and Applejack.

“I know just about everything, and dont'chu worry none sugar cube. I knew since yesterday. After I left you two alone, I heard Twilight cry'n so I went to check it out, then I saw you two all cuddled up and our former princess here asking you to be her special somepony.” Twilight and Rainbow Dash stared dumbfounded at her for almost a minute.

“Um... Anyhow. Last night I called Spike over to ask him if her knew anything about all that, Then I saw Rainbow Dash being carried away by the royal guard. Princess Luna sent me a letter through Spike filling me in on the rest. She even knew this was where y'all would land!”

“So Spike knows about me then.” Twilight look sadly at the ground. Oh Spike. Please don't hate me to. I don't want to lose you as well. But, how can I expect him to understand when even the princess doesn't?

“Yeah, and he was mighty worried about you to, so cheer up.”

“What about the other girls?” Dash asked, though the fact that none of them were there made her afraid to ask. Also where is Spike?

“I told the girls everything, I figured we would need as much help as we could get, I'm sorry.” She bowed her head solemnly.

“I guess they didn't take it well.” Dash chuckled spitefully.

“Fluttershy just cried and told me to leave. Pinkie Pie actually didn't mind, she's wait'n in town for us. Rarity... Well She'll come around eventually, I think.”

“Why are you helping us? You don't hate us?” Twilight's voice choked with tears, the pain of losing her friends was almost too much to bear, and definitely too much to bear alone. She leaned on Rainbow Dash for moral and physical support, her muscles worn from their escape.

“What? Just cause I'm a simple farm pony? I thought y'all would know me better that that, though I can't really blame you after what y'all have been through. I'm helping you because you're both my friends. Both of you have help me and my family more times than I can count. It don't matter to me who you love, just cause I don't understand it none doesn't mean I would hate you for it.”

“Oh Applejack!” Twilight walked over to her and embraced, Rainbow Dash followed suit.

“Aww, that's sweet girls but I ain't into mares, sorry.” She laughed in good nature, hugging her friends. The couple laughed right along with her as they separated from her.

“Thank you AJ.” Rainbow Dash gave a grateful smile.

“No problem. Not lets get. The guards will be all over us soon. Follow me.” She began walking towards town with Dash and Twilight in toe.

“Apple Jack, would it be possible to stop at the library? I want to collect some things.” The group made they're way through the back streets of the town. The sky had begun to turn a dull, light blue, morning was creeping up on them.

“What do ya need to get?”

“If I had to guess I would say it's a book on running away.” Dash's tease was successful at eliciting an annoyed glare from Twilight.

“First off, it's a book on outdoor survival and secondly that's not the only thing I wanted to do.”

“Don't you worry sugar cube, we have some time still and it ain’t far to the library.”

“Thank you Applejack.” She stuck her tongue out at Dash as soon as Applejack turned away, to which Dash reciprocated. After a short bout of giggles on both parts they followed their friend.
***********************************************************************************************************

The branches of the library came into view, barely illuminated by the soft early morning light. As they drew closer Twilight saw her bedroom light was still on. She wondered if Spike was there. The princess wouldn’t implicate Spike in this would she? He's a baby dragon, he had nothing to do with this. She sighed. She knew that the young dragon had helped, he was the one who gave the message from Princess Luna to Applejack, he was already involved.

“Hold up y'all. Look over there.” They came to a stop behind a building right next to the library, Applejack poked her head out from behind it, then brought it back. Twilight did the same. A guard was stationed in front of her door. Looking closely she could see two shadows in her room as well.

“Sorry Twilight, I don't think we'll be making it in there.” Applejack peeked out once more and then withdrew. “Back to plan A, we got to get you two to the train station. There's a cart of apples from Sweet Apple Acres going south to Appleloosa, stowaway on there then get off and head south.” They both nodded in agreement, and made they're way to the train station.

I guess they know we escaped. I hope Princess Luna is going to be okay. If they were searching my place that means they must also be at Rainbow Dash's as well. If they don't find us there the next thing they'll do is question our friends, I hope the princess doesn’t order a lock down on all of Ponyville. Every possible bad outcome ran through her mind, she knew the odds. Even if they made it to the train station without being caught getting on the train was another long shot, and soon everypony would be awake, at that point it would be all over. They would know soon enough, Twilight could hear the hum of the train engine. Suddenly Applejack stopped, extending her front leg out. Twilight and Rainbow Dash stopped right behind her. Dash flapped her wings as quietly as she could, hovering just above Applejack. She almost gasped. The train station was full of guards, at least ten of them. One was questioning a certain pink earth pony. She floated back to Twilight.

“Twi, there are guards all over the place. Can you use that spell that you used to get us out of
Canterlot?” Twilight nodded and her horn began to glow.

“Wait, they're all leaving!” Her horn dimmed from her broken concentration. Flying to the edge of the building they were behind Dash took a look.

“She's right, They're all gone.”

“Yep, your welcome!” They all jumped in surprise.

“Pinkie! You nearly gave me a heart attack! How did you even get here? You were just standing over there?” Twilight looked back and forth from her friend to the station she had been only moments ago, wracking her brain trying to figure out how she got behind them so quickly.

“Nice job Pinkie Pie, how'd ya get them to leave?” Dash had learned a while ago not to over think anything Pinkie Pie did. “Just go with it” was the best attitude to have around her.

“I told them you came by just a bit ago for a sleepover at Sugar Cube Corner. Oh, and don't worry about the Cakes, they're on vacation for the week. Come on! The trains not going to stand there all day! Or is it laying? Sitting?” She mused, trying to think of what to call it then presumably giving up as she shrugged and bounced over to the station. The trio followed, Twilight scratching her head as she was still trying to figure Pinkie out in vain.

“Pinkie Pie, you don't know how relived I am that you're still our friend. If you hated us to well, lets just say I want to go to one of your awesome parties again sometime.” Pinkie Pie gasped.

“I could never hate you girls! Your my best-est gay friends in the whole wide world! Actually your my only gay friends in the world. But that only make you more special!” She stretched her forelegs out engulfing Twilight and Rainbow Dash in a bone crushing hug.

“Thanks Pinkie, that means a lot can we breath now?!” Twilight said gasping for air.

“Oops, sorry!” She released the pair who promptly stumbled about, dizzy from the lack of air. After regaining their composure they returned the hug, albeit much more gently.

“Come on Twi, we don't have long.” Twilight nodded and they followed AJ to the side of the train.

“There's a hatch on top of this cart, open it up and hide inside. This train's going to take about a day to get to Appaloosa, so try to get comfortable, also feel free to eat as many as you want.”

“Thank you Applejack, and you to Pinkie Pie. We'll see you again soon. I know it.” Rainbow Dash took Twilight's hoof into hers.

“Ready?” Twilight smiled, when Dash held her hoof she could feel it, everything would be okay. She leaned in, pressing her lips against Dash's, catching her off guard. Closing her eyes she took in every detail she could, all the warmth and softness in Twilight's lips. It lasted only for a couple seconds but Dash would remember it forever.

They withdrew they're lips but they're eyes remained fixed on each others.

“I'm ready.” Still holding hooves they flapped they're wings, landing quietly on the steel frame of the train's cart. Twilight's horn illuminated in a light purple, engulfing the lock on the hatch and snapped it off as though it were made of Styrofoam. The train whistled loudly and lurched forward. Twilight jumped into the dim cart quickly followed by Rainbow Dash who slammed the hatch shut behind her. They laid down beside each other, bodies and minds exhausted from the lack of sleep and the mental and physical stress. They tried to get comfortable but apples did not make the best bed.

“Twilight, scoot over for a second.” At first she was going to protest but her tiredness got the better of her, she rolled away from Dash. She heard a shuffling sound and could just make out a silhouette of her figure.

“Okay, now come back.” To tired to argue or question she rolled back, apple stems jabbing into her fur, then she couldn’t feel any apples. It felt like she had rolled on to a downy blanket, It was warm and familiar.

“Thank you Dashie.” She pressed her side to Dash's wrapping her forelegs around her. Her heart beat was calming, she just lay quietly against her marefriend, listening her her heart and her breaths a content slime spread across her face.

“Good night Dashie.” Giving a soft peck on her cheek she closed her eyes, her muzzle resting against Dash's neck. She felt her powerful wing wrap around her, pulling her as close as she could be.

“Good night Twilight.” The two happily drifted off to sleep in each other's embrace.

Loving moments

“Ahh.” Twilight sighed contently, stretching her lavender wings wide under the warm, late day sun. Their train had come to a scheduled stop about half way to it's destination, giving the couple a chance to stretch their wings and backs. A sudden rustling in the bushes behind her made her flinch mid stretch, cramping her wings. She gasped in pain.

“Twilight, are you alright?” Rainbow Dash stepped out of the bushes, trying halfheartedly to not laugh to which Twilight grumbled and glared at her.

“Dashie, what were you thinking? I thought you were a guard!” She rubbed her sore wing with her hoof.

“Sorry Twi, here let me help.” Fluttering over to her marefriend's side, she gently massaged her wing with her hoof.

“Lay down, this is hard to do with you standing like that.” Twilight complied. Dash straddled her, working her hooves over her shoulders and the base of her wings. Twilight never knew Rainbow Dash was so good with her hooves, she quickly felt plasticity returning to her muscles. She flexed her wing slowly.

“Wow, Thank you Dashie. That felt great.” She didn't stop. She worked her hooves up Twilight's upper back and neck, eliciting sighs of pleasure and a quickly brightening blush. Dash scooted herself further up, practically mounting her. Dash's belly gently resting on her lower back and their tails intertwining. Twilight felt Dash's warm breath on her ear. Her heart was racing, she could feel Dash's body heat all long her back. Dash leaned forward, nuzzling her cheek before kissing it softly before quickly pulling away and floating off her.

“All better.” She giggled barely a foot above twilight. However instead of getting a rise out of her like she had planned, she instead looked disappointed. She could feel the residual heat left from Dash's body leaving her, she already missed it. She had to admit though, she sure knew how to use her hooves. She stood up, Dash landed beside her.

“Thanks Dashie, where did you learn to give a massage like that anyway?”

“Just kind of did most of that on the fly, the first part was from experience though. My wings cramp up all the time, had to learn some way to fix it quick. I- I'm happy you liked it though.” Now Dash was fighting to not blush.

“It was great.” Twilight smiled and returned the favor with kiss.

“By the way, you're calling me Dashie now?”She tried to smile seductively, but Twilight missed the hint. She looked down at the ground and fumbled with her hooves nervously.

“Why? You don't like it?” She raised an eyebrow, she didn't think Rainbow Dash would have a problem using pet names at this point.

“No, that's not it!” She blurted out the moment Twilight had finished her sentence. “I mean, I really like hearing you say it. It makes me...” She trailed off, not wanting to sound overly mushy. It makes me feel special... Thank you Twilight. She was blushing conspicuously just from thinking it. “Anyway, now I need to think of a cute name for you!”

“You call me 'Twi'. Isn't that enough?”

“No way, That's definitely not cute enough for you! Hmmm.... How about Sparky!” She smiled enthusiastically, certain her nickname was perfect.

“No.” Twilight responded immediately, perfectly deadpan. Dash tapped her hoof against her head, trying to concentrate. The fist name she thought of was a much better fit, but she didn't want to bring up bad feelings by using the name her older brother gave her.

“How about Twarkle?”

“Seriously?”

“What about Twinkle?”

“Where is the 'N' coming from?”

“Ummmm...” She scratched her head, no justification for the letter came to mind.

“Just give up. I'm fine with you calling me Twi, or even Twilight. Why do you need to come up with a name anyway?”

“Because I want you to feel the way I feel when you call me Dashie! Like you're special. Because, well... you are.” She stared at the ground, too nervous from sharing something she would never usually say to meet Twilight's eyes. Twilight brought Dash's chin up with her hoof and leaned towards her. Their lips met, only this time Twilight slipped her tongue into Dash's mouth. Surprised at first, Dash let the warmth of her breath and the softness of her tongue overtake her. Twilight pushed harder against her, rearing up on their hind legs, then, Twilight pushed her to the ground, landing on her back. Her tongue lapping up every surface of her mouth. She let the rest of her body go limp on top of Dash who wrapped her hooves around her. Swaying her body weight Dash reclaimed top position, pinning Twilight to the ground. Her breath smelled like the sweet apples they had eaten on the train and her mouth tasted just as sweet. Dash pulled back, panting she took her hooves off Twilight's shoulders and collapsed beside her, her chest heaving and heart racing. Twilight wrapped her hoof around Dash's and they stared at the clear blue sky, laying side by side in the soft grass. The two watched the few clouds in the sky lazily float along the soft breeze that rustled through the trees and flowed through their manes. Twilight pressed herself up against Dash and broke the peaceful silence.

“No pony could make me feel more special.”
*******************************************************************************************************

“Well I think we should head back soon, we don't want the train to leave without...” Twilight smiled, shaking her head. Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep. She prodded her marefriend with her hoof.

“Hmm, five more min..” She rolled away and curled tightly into a little blue ball, covering her face with her hoof. Twilight giggled, she was almost too cute to wake. She took a deep breath.

“Ten-Hut! Get in formation private Dash!” She gave her best impression of Spit Fire, which must have been pretty good considering how quickly she bolted out of her sleep. She did an about face in mid air, making her body ridged and bringing her hoof to her forehead in salute.

“Yes Ma’am!” She looked back and forth quickly before realizing what had happened. She blushed, fluttering to the ground. Twilight burst out laughing, collapsing and banging her hoof against the ground in her giggle fit, the more she laughed the funny it seemed.

“Geez, it wasn't that funny.” Her statement did nothing to curb Twilight's laughter, it actually seemed to make it worse. She was now clutching her chest and gasping for air between laughs.

“Y-you're right! It was hilarious!”

“You're mean Twi!” Normally, Dash would play it off or get even, but she knew showing her softer side would guilt Twilight, either way she was getting even. Twilight knowingly played right into it. Her giggles tapered off, but she still had a bright smile.

“I'm sorry Dashie but you had that coming after you teased me.”

“When did I tease you?” She walk beside Twilight, wrapping her tail around hers. Twilight shouldered her playfully.

“Let's just say next time you give me a massage you're finishing what you started.”

“Is that a threat?” Rainbow Dash leaned her head against Twilight who was smiling seductively.

“More like a promise.”
************************************************************************************************

The hum of the trains engine became louder as they drew closer. Then they could hear the muffled voices of other ponies. The couple stopped, Dash looked at Twilight who nodded knowingly in response, her horn began to glow. It's too bad these few minutes couldn’t last forever. I hope someday soon, I can spend every moment with her like that. As she prepared her spell, Dash peered over the bushes.

“Twilight...” She whispered, the gravity of her tone made her diffuse her spell. She joined her at the bushes, It was bad. The station was swamped with the royal guard, at least twenty of them. Panic began to work into Twilight's heart. They crouched low and spoke quietly.

“How did they find us so quickly! Twilight, you don't think...” Fear and sadness filled her gaze, her eyes pleading with Twilight to tell her she was wrong. Twilight knew what Dash's fear was, the only ponies who knew they were on the train were their friends. It either meant they betrayed them by choice, but that was not what Dash feared, they both knew their friends would never betray them. No, in reality the other option was even worse, and more likely. They had been forced to betray them. Twilight tried desperately to come up with a rationalization for Rainbow Dash's sake.

“Don't worry Dashie, they could have used magic to find us. Or somepony saw or heard us on the train. I'm sure our friends are fine.” She hoped she convinced Rainbow Dash more than she convinced her self, though by the look on her face it didn't.

“In any case, I think we have to forget the train. We'll have to go the rest of the way on hoof.” Dash nodded in agreement, burying her concern.

“Let's make sure the coast is clear, then we'll run.” The simultaneously nodded and peered slowly over the bushes. Who they saw stunned them silent for a minute. Dash turned her head to Twilight.

“Twi..” She only stared blankly at the unicorn who stood at the train platform, questioning the conductor. Tears pooled in her eyes and her voice meekly trembled as she spoke her next words.

“Big brother..."

Broken hope

“Big brother...” She stared wide eyed over the bush at her older brother, Dash's heart began racing with panic.

“Twi, I know what you're thinking but we can't risk it. We have to get out of here.” Twilight looked into Dash's eyes, tears building as she gave a broken smile. Dash knew if Twilight lost her brother, it would break her.

“He's my brother Dashie. If we just explain the situation I know he'll understand. He can clear everything up with the princess and we can be together without worrying.” Dash couldn’t tell if the stress had driven her to denial or if she actually believed what she had just said. Either way, it was too dangerous. She took Twilight's hoof, holding it with both of hers. Twilight could feel Dash's heart racing through her hooves.

“Twilight, please. I know he's your brother and this is hard for you but we just can't take that risk. If something goes wrong... I- I can't loose you again alright. Twi, I need you to use that amazing logic of yours that I love so much and think through this with me okay.” The sincere, pleading tone of her voice began to snap Twilight out of her denial. She nodded, Rainbow Dash continued.

“Thank you Twi. Now if your brother had come to help us would he have brought all those armed guards?” Twilight knew Dash was right, she didn't want to accept it but the only pony she could trust right now was the one holding her hoof, the one that had been holding her together this entire ordeal. If Dash thought it wasn't safe to trust her... her brother, then that's what she had to do.

“You're right. I'm sorry Dashie. Thank you.”

“Don't worry about it. We'll get through this together.” She wrapped her hooves around Twilight and pulled her close. Twilight rested her head on Dash's shoulder, her ear pressed against her neck, she felt a strange calm overcome her sorrow as she listened to her rhythmic heart beat.

“It's time to go.” Dash whispered. Twilight's horn glowed softly enveloping the couple in a violet aura before they disappeared. They separated and walked stealthily around bushes, keeping one eye on Shining Armor all the while. One of the guards approached him and whispered something into his ear, though they could not hear what the guard said to him they heard Shining Armor's next words loud and clear.

“Are you sure they weren't on the train?” The guard nodded.

“Rarity was sure they left on this train, and her story corroborates with Fluttershy's and Applejack's. They must be around here. Find them and arrest them, my former sister and her friend must face justice!” Twilight stopped, her breathing became shallow and fast. Dash could only watch helplessly, unable to say a word as her marefriend's heart shattered in front of her. Twilight don't! She screamed in her mind, though her thoughts couldn’t make a difference. The pain of losing her friends and her brother at once overwhelmed her.

“No..”
***********************************************************************************************

It was barely a whisper but the spell dissolved, exposing them to the guards and Twilight's brother who stood smirking triumphantly at them. Twilight collapsed on the ground, her legs giving out under the weight of her heart break.

“Why? Why? Why... Big brother, why...” Twilight felt nauseous and flushed, she whispered at the ground repeating the words over and over.

“Guards seize them!” The royal guards swarmed around them and horror swept over Rainbow Dash as visions of her dream flooded her mind. Twilight on the ground, broken. Dash standing over her. Faceless ponies surrounding them. No! No!

“No!” Dash screamed, exploding forward into a blur of rainbow she grabbed Twilight. She glared at Shining Armor, her gaze filled with animosity before she unfurled her wings and with one powerful flap she rocketed into the sky, carrying a limp, shocked Twilight. The force of her take off knocked the guards closest to her off their hooves, impeding their ability to peruse them, though not for as long as Dash hoped. Within another moment the majority of the guards were airborne and gaining fast. If she were alone she could easily out fly any pony. She was the fastest flier in Equestria! But none of that mattered to her now, she would not abandon Twilight. She could hear the guards wing beats now, they were close. Her wings were getting sore and protesting each flap. Come on wings, don't fail me now! Faster! Faster! Faster!

“Faster!” She shot forwards, her skin dragging against the intense winds. The air around her became opaque as the sound waves from her body compacted closer and closer together until..

BOOOM!

The air behind her exploded into a prismatic shock wave, the sheer force of the explosion knocked all the royal guards out of the sky. She had once again performed the sonic rainboom! All Shining Armor could do was watch them disappear leaving only a rainbow in their wake.

“You can't run forever Twilight.” He looked back to the ground to regroup his defeated forces.
********************************************************************************************************

We have to find a place to stop. Rainbow Dash looked around, though there was very little in the way of hiding places. They had been flying for about twenty minutes, Twilight had, at some point, passed out. Rainbow Dash couldn’t blame her. 'I can't believe her own brother would do that. He knew we were near by so he toyed with Twi's emotions just to get her to drop her guard. If I ever see him again he's going to pay for hurting Twi! Her forelegs and wings burned from the extra weight, she needed to land soon. Suddenly she spotted a cave dug into the side of a mountain. Please oh please don't let a dragon be living there! She banked steeply towards the caves mouth. Flapping her wings with the last of her strength she gently places the unconscious Twilight on the cool cave floor, as soon as she was Dash's wings gave out and she landed with a thud on the hard rock.

“Ouch..” She grumbled rubbing her back. She padded over to Twilight who showed no signs of waking any time soon.

“You look so peaceful.” Dash lay down beside her, pressing herself as close as she could. She then wrapped her tail around hers covered her with her wings and held her tight. She began to cry silently.
The floor's pretty cold, I can't let you get sick on my watch. What kind of marefriend would I be if I let you get sick or hurt. Dash curled herself around Twilight, crying into her soft coat.

“Twilight, I'm so sorry I couldn’t protect you... I love you Twilight.” She fell asleep crying into her lovers shoulder.

Nightmares

She was in a dark place. Her eye's strained to make out anything but there was nothing but pitch blackness.

“Dashie! Dash where are you!?” She called out into the void, a response never came. She felt cold hard stone beneath her, she was lying on her back, wings outstretched. She tried to sit up, but was quickly stopped as something squeezed her throat, pressing against her windpipe stifling her breathing. She choked and fell back to the floor in a coughing fit. She was bound to the ground by a collar of chain. Her hooves to were bound.

“Dashie! I'm here! Please!” Her ears twitched at the sound of hoof steps slowly clopping against the ground and slowly growing closer. Hope flared in her chest, she brought her head up only to have the chain yank at her throat, she fought the urge to breath, trying to see if her lover and come to her rescue.

“Dashie?” She coughed out, her voice choked by the collar. The hoof sounds came to a stop right in front of her, the room was filled with an ominous silence. Her heart was racing as fear swept over her. A soft but low voice broke the silence.

“No.” It was a males voice. The single word sent her into a panic she thrashed against the chains, their metallic clanging echoed in the small room. Despite struggling as hard as she could it made no difference as the chains dug into her skin, she felt as though the one around her neck would crush her trachea as she gasped for air. Suddenly a dim orange glow filled the room, she turned her head, the sights of the room filled her with terror. The skeletons of five ponies lay against the wall, two of them were small, they had to have been very young. The other three were adult sized, and for some reason she felt a strong despair at the sight of them, as though she knew them. The orange glow moved, she looked back up to see a faceless stallion standing above her. In his hoof was a metal rod at the end of which, a circle with a runic marking glowed with intense heat as it moved closer to her. She again thrashed, her heart racing rapidly and the chains dug into her flesh, the force of her struggle had caused the shackles to draw blood.

“No! No! Stay away! Please! Dashie, save... Ahhhhhh!” Her pleading was cut off by her scream of agony as the hot metal burned through her fur and into her flesh. She smelled her fur and skin burning filled her nostrils and the in the wake of her scream she could hear water sizzling out of her burn. The stallion pushed the brand hard into her lower abdomen, twisting it back and forth. Tears poured down her face as she gasped for breath, the intense shock knocking the air our of her lungs.

“Dashie! Dashie...Dash..” She sobbed through the pain, visions of the pegasus raced through her mind. The stallion slowly pulled the brand away, ripping away not only the burnt flesh that was stuck to it, but also the living tissue attached to it. She wailed in pain, her screams filling the room. Her vision and hearing began to blur. All she could feel was the intense searing pain resonating through her body. She whispered with the last of her strength, she felt as though she were dying. She whispered her last wish to the now empty, pitch black room.

“Dashie...”
*****************************************************************************************************************************

Twilight trembled and sobbed in her sleep, Dash had tried to wake her but to no avail. All she could do was pull her marefriend close and whisper to her, trying to comfort her.

“It's okay Twilight. I'm here for you, I'll always be here for you. It's okay.” Twilight had been in and out of this state for hours, at times she would seem peacefully asleep but every once in a while she would cry and shake in her sleep as though she were in pain. At first she tried to wake her but it only seemed to make her nightmare worse. Never before had Rainbow Dash felt so helpless. Why can't I do anything to help Twilight! I'm so useless, I know she's hurting and there's nothing I can do! Please Twi, wake up soon. I just cant bear to see you like this. She to began to cry. Resting her head on Twilight's she listened to her heart beat and wondered if it was safe for her heart to be racing like it was. Dash kissed her softly on her cheek and whispered into her ear.

“Please come back to me Twi. I need you.” Though her trembling calmed down and her heart rate slowed, Twilight remained unconscious. Dash again curled up against her, and despite her fighting it, tiredness began to lull Rainbow Dash into sleeps peaceful embrace.
***************************************************************************************************************

'Twilight! Twilight where are you!” She called as she zoomed across the expansive forest, her eyes scanning beneath her like a hawk. Suddenly a blotch of purple caught her eye in a clearing.

“Twilight!” She dived towards the clearing, the figure of her marefriend becoming clearer as she descended. As she dipped below the tree tops her heart skipped a beat, Twilight was not alone. She was surrounded by guards. The one who led them, the one who was now glaring at her with dark intent, was her brother.

“No!” She swooped down landing beside Twilight, growling at her brother who simply looked at her coldly before nodding to the guards. She felt a heavy weight hit her, then another, and another as they jumped on top of her. She tried to fight them off but they were too many, they quickly had her pinned. One grabbed her mane with his teeth and held her head up, forcing her to watch as the remaining forces beat twilight to the ground with their bare hooves. Blood seeped from her mouth and nose, and tears flowed from her eyes, all the while her brother watched with a satisfied grin. She gritted her teeth, she was unable to close her eyes or look away as the mare she loved was beaten mercilessly.

“No! Stop! Please! I'm begging you stop hurting her! Please..” She cried out, tears flowing down her face. She finally managed to close her eyes, squeezing them tight. Suddenly the weight of the guards disappeared, she tentatively opened her eyes. She wished she hadn't. The scene had changed entirely, they were now on a cut stone floor outside, It was dark now. It was as dark as night, It felt as thought it should have been day. Twilight lay before her, brutally mutilated, her wings had been cut off, she was bleeding from deep cuts all over her body. She galloped over to her. She carefully brushed her mane out of her face, she could feel her hot shallow breaths against her hoof. She looked up, they were surrounded, by hundreds of faceless ponies. Then, she felt a presence above her. There standing safely on a balcony overlooking the whole scene, Princess Celestia! She stood over Twilight, extending her wings defensively over her, she felt a shaky hoof wrap around hers.

“Dash.” She spoke softly, but her voice carried with a strange echo.

“Dash.” She spoke again, louder and with more urgency. Everything around her began to fade away.

“Dashie!” She jolted out of her sleep to see Twilight standing over her with a worried expression. Dash stared at her disbelievingly.

“Twilight. You're okay?” Twilight's looked took on a slightly confused note.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Are you..” Dash didn't give her time to finish as she lunged at her, bowling her over with in a powerful hug. She rested her head on Twilight's chest and began sobbing with relief, burying her face in her coat.

“Twilight, I was so worried. I- I didn't know if you would wake up. I'm so happy you're alright!” She look up at Twilight's face, Smiling with tears of happiness in her eyes. Twilight smiled back at her and began stroking the back of her head and kissed her softly.

“It's alright Dashie, I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you.”

Moonlit walks

Twilight stood at the entrance to the cave, watching the last glimmer of sunlight disappear beyond the horizon and the first stars began to dot the dark blue sky.

“Twi, It's about time to go.” Dash walked up and stood beside her. Twilight continued to stare into the sky.

“Dashie, what are we going to do?”

“You know the plan. We go to Appaloosa, then head south to the badlands.”

“But then what? We just keep hiding and running forever?” Dash knew Twilight was right but what else could they do?

“Do we have another option?” Twilight leaned on Rainbow Dash, resting her head on her neck.

“I think we do. I think, If we devote ourselves to helping others and proving that our feelings are true maybe everypony will see that just because we love each other doesn't make us bad. I think we can make everyone see that we're just the same as them.” Dash smiled. Twilight, that's one of the things I love most about you. You can always see the good in everypony and you have real faith in ponies. She rested her head on top of Twilight's and they watched the last of the sunlight fade away together.

“I think that's a good idea.”
**************************************************************************************************

They quietly made their way down the mountain and into the dark forest below. The night air was crisp but the sky was completely devoid of clouds, allowing the bright light of the full moon to guide them. Twilight couldn't help but think how comforting the moon felt after what Princess Luna had done for them, and in contrast, how the bright sun made her feel uneasy, as though Celestia's gaze was burning into them everyday, every second. As they reached the forest floor the sounds of the night washed over them, crickets chirping, leaves rustling and night birds cooing and hooting. Twilight and Rainbow Dash walked side by side so close they were brushing up against each other with every step.

“Hey Rainbow Dash?”

“What's up Twi? The forest creeping you out? We can hold hooves if you want.” Twilight was about to tell her that there was no reason she would be scared, after all she wasn't a foal, but then she noticed Dash looking nervously around her. Her ears twitched at every sound, and with each sound that she couldn't identify she pressed closer to Twilight. She smiled and wrapped her tail around hers.

“We aren't flying Dashie, if we hold hooves it will be hard to walk. Don't worry, I wont let anything happen to you.” Twilight nuzzled Dash's cheek.

“I-I don't know what you're talking about, I'm not scared.” She said nervously, tightening her tail around Twilight's.

“I know, I know. You're Rainbow Dash! You don't get scared.” She giggled.

“You're right I don't!” She spoke with a flash of false bravado, one that quickly gave way to more tender feelings. “At least, not when I have you around. Because then, the only thing I'm really scared of isn't happening...” Dash looked deeply into Twilight's eyes, her words bringing them to a complete stop in the middle of the dark woods. The pale light of the full moon bathed the Twilight in a shimmering silver glow, Dash could not help but notice how beautiful she looked at that moment. Her visage only made more potent the feelings of the time when Dash was unable to wake Twilight from her sleep. It had shaken her greatly. It was the most frightening thing she had ever gone through and she had to go through it alone, completely helpless.

“Dashie...” It was all she could think to say once she saw see the deep pain, the unbound fear in her marefriend's eyes, and in their reflection, she saw the painful sense of guilt in her own eyes. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash's thoughts swallowed her fears, It was selfish of her to make Twilight worry more than she already had. Twilight has enough to worry about. She lost her her teacher, her friends and her home home. Losing her brother nearly put her in a coma and this is all my fault! I have to be strong for her. I can't let her feel guilty for my mistakes and I can't let her see that I'm in pain anymore. I can't lean on her when she needs to lean on me.

“I'm sorry Twi, forget I said anything. I was just..” As though Twilight could see right through Dash, right into her thoughts. She brought her hooves around Dash's neck, brushing her soft rainbow mane, and pulled her into a tender, loving kiss, Dash could feel the passion and empathy behind the gentle movements of her soft, warm lips. With that, the wall Dash had built up since they landed in the cave was blown away. Tears began to flow. She felt sad, angry, lonely and scared all at once.

“Twilight, Twilight... I was so scared.. I thought I lost you and.. and I-it was all my fault!” She poured out her anxiety and sadness into her loved one's shoulder. As Rainbow Dash had done so many times for her, Twilight pulled dash close with her wings, wrapping her in her warm down. She gently rubbed the length of her head and neck comfortingly.

“I know Dashie, I'm sorry I made you worry. I'm better now and I wont leave you again.”

“But that's just it! It's all my fault! I- I'm the one that should be sorry, You've had to go through so much because of me, I should be the one comforting you, I should be wrapping my wings around you. I'm sorry Twi, I'm so selfish... I'm sorry I couldn't be strong for you...” She sobbed, trying to hold back her tears. I love you so much Twi, and.. and I just can't handle the idea of losing you. It could happen tomorrow morning. It could happen right now! I just know horrible things would happen to you if I lost you. How can I protect you if I can't stay strong enough for my self, let alone the both of us.. Twilight what should I do! She closed her eyes tight against the turmoil in her mind, burying her face into Twilight's soft fur.

“Rainbow Dash, You don't need to take everything on your self. I am your marefriend right?” Rainbow Dash didn't look up from Twilight's shoulder, but responded with a small nod.

“Then it's not just you or me, it's us. We said we would face whatever may come together. Dash, I can be strong for you if you'll let me. I want you to lean on me when you're hurting and to let me pick you up when your down. Can you do that for me Dashie?” Twilight's words made Dash feel as though an immense weight had vanished off her shoulders. She looked up at Twilight, her cheeks red and her eyes puffy from crying. Twilight...

“Your not alone anymore Dashie, I'll always be with you, sharing in our joys and sorrows.” A smile finally came to Dash's face, and Twilight reflected it with a smile of her own.

“Thank you Twilight.” Dash embraced her in a tight, warm hug.

“Your welcome Dashie. I'm just happy that you're feeling better, but next time you can lean on me if you need to.”

“I will Twi and the same goes for you okay? Now lets get going! This forest is giving me the creeps!” They giggled and Twilight nodded. Entwining their tails once again they walked through the forest.

“Hey Twi?”

“What is it Dashie?”

“What were you about to say before?” Twilight winced in her mind. No, I was hoping she forgot!

“Uhm, what do you mean?” She asked nervouly

“You know, you said 'Hey Rainbow Dash' when we first entered the forest? It sounded like you wanted to say something important.”

“Oh! That... Um, that was nothing! Just forget about it.” She tried to play it off but Dash wasn't fooled.

“Come on Twi, what did we just talk about? You can tell me if something is bothering you.” Twilight looked at the ground bashfully.

“You'll think it's stupid, and it is. I just, I kind of want to know...”

“I wont think it's stupid I promise. Come on, you can tell me.” Curiosity was now motivating her more than comforting her marefriend, but she had to admit Twilight was really cute when she was being all shy like that, It was a side of her she rarely got to see.

“Okay, if you promise. Well, I was just thinking. We're both mares...”

“Yeah? So?”

“Well, haven't you ever wanted kids?” Dash was so taken aback by the question she tripped on Twilight's hoof, landing softly with her face in a pile of leaves and dirt. Twilight stared, her mouth slightly agape. She wanted to laugh but didn't want to give Dash the opportunity to change the subject.

“Are you alright?” Dash sat on the ground as she spat out a leaf that had managed to find it's way into her mouth before vigorously shaking her mane to dislodge the debris from it.

“Ya, I'm fine... So, uhm, what did you say?”

“I asked if you ever wanted kids?” She sighed, she figured she hadn't misheard. Though deep in the back of her mind, fear started growing. Would Twilight leave me because we can't have kids? She forced this painful thought back.

“I don't know... The whole getting pregnant thing seems really unfun, but I'd be lying if I said It wouldn't be cool to pass down all of my flying tricks and skills to a foal of my own. Anyway, I can live without having kids I guess... What about you?” She added nervously. That's not the whole truth though...

“I don't think I'm parenting material. I get so caught up in my studies or making lists I'm afraid I would neglect a child. Besides, lists and books and research, that's no environment for a kid. I think I would fail miserably at it in the long run. It's one thing to babysit, but it's another to have a kid of your own all day, everyday.” Twilight had become slightly downcast as she spoke. Oh Twi, there you go again not giving yourself enough credit. I know you could do anything you set your mind to.

“Hey, you raised Spike since he was a hatchling and he turned out great!”

“But you see how I treat Spike, like an assistant or at best, a younger brother. Besides, dragons are durable, a new born foal is delicate. I just don't know if I could handle it.” Dash stood beside Twilight, smiling reassuringly.

“Twi, I know you and I know you would be the best mom ever. You're loving, strong, smart, you know when to put your hoof down and when to let things slide. Any foal would be lucky to have you as a mom. Hey, I know! Once we convince everyone that we aren't bad and that it's okay for mares to love mares and stallions to love stallions, I bet they would let us adopt! We should totally adopt a pegasus!” Dash's quickly escalating enthusiasm dispelled Twilight's melancholy. She giggled and rested her head on Dash.

“It's a pony not a pet Dashie. I mean what if we adopt a pegasus and she wants to be an accountant? Or an engineer?” Or a physicist, or a mathematician, or an astronomer.. She grinned excitedly at the thought.

“Then she'll be the fasted accountant in all of Equestria!” After sharing a bought of laughter, Dash stood up.

“Well I think we should get a move on if we want to get to Appaloosa by sunrise. Okay, no more surprising statement's the rest of the walk.” Twilight smiled as she took up her flank.

“If you say so, but you're the one that keeps stopping.” Rainbow Dash playfully nudged her, and she gave it right back. With happy smiles they walked to Appaloosa, their bonds strengthened and happiness restored.

Reconciling with the sun

They had been walking for hours and the sun would soon be upon them. This distressed Twilight, this quiet night she had spent with Rainbow Dash had been the longest stretch of peace that the couple had experienced since they became a couple. She knew that at any moment the peace could be broken, one wrong move, a single stroke of bad luck and it could be all over. She looked up to the clear night sky, beautiful, sparkling stars dotted the sky filling Twilight with a calming sense of insignificance. With out any light pollution she could make out every star, she could even see the arm of the milky-way. She pressed her flank against her marefriend's. Billions of light years, trillions of stars, and an entire universe of movement. Our problems, and even our lives don't amount to much in all of it do they? But still, even so, nothing seems as important as her, and nothing feels as amazing as being with her. Even compared to all the wonder of the universe, love is still amazing.

“Rainbow Dash?” She pressed closer against Dash, who in return rested her head against Twilight's.

“What's up Twi?”

“When this is all over, we should get a house overlooking the ocean.”

“What brought that up?”

“If we lived by the ocean, we would have a really clear view of the stars and of course the ocean. I've never lived anywhere but inland in Equestria. The idea of waking up to the smell and sound of the sea really appeals to me and falling asleep under the stars on the beach just sounds so romantic.” Dash smiled fondly at the dreaminess in her voice.

“When this is all over I'll build you a house by the sea, I'll have a window right above the bed so we can look at the stars while we're falling asleep every night.”

“That would be amazing, we should live in a cloud house like yours.”

“We don't have to do that. I'd be okay with any kind of place, as long as you were there when I came home.” Twilight's heart fluttered.

“Oh Dashie.” She nuzzled Dash cheek before giving her a light kiss, Dash blushed.

“Dashie, when did you start liking me as more than a friend?” That gave Dash pause for thought.

“I thought we weren't going to ask any more awkward questions?” She said nervously in an attempt to stall for time until she could think of an exact moment.

“Is it awkward? I'm just curious that's all. I mean, what is there to really like about me for somepony like you? I know I'm not all the attractive, I am smart but would that really be enough to go against the norm like you did and choose me instead of a stallion?”

“Don't say things like that!” Dash snapped, her out burst made twilight take a step away from her in surprise.

“Twilight, don't talk like that. Look, I can't place an exact time when I fell in love with you. It probably started from the first time we met. When you introduced me to Daring Do, or when you brought me back to myself after we fought Discord, or the times when I gave you flying lessons, I enjoyed every moment with you. Over time, I just knew I had fallen in love with you. Don't say all you have going for you is how smart you are cause you're way more than that! Your beautiful Twi, not like Rarity or Fluttershy but a much deeper kind of beautiful. Like, you're really attractive and everything but you also have something amazing about you. Instead of hating me for who I am, you took the time to really think. It didn't mater what everyone else thought because you know what's right and you have this amazing conviction to follow your heart. That's what I love about you, you have an attractive body, an amazing mind and a beautiful heart. So please don't sell you’re self short like that again, it hurts me to hear you putting your self down like that.” Dash looked pleadingly at Twilight and she could feel the genuine feelings in her words. Again they stopped, Twilight stared at her, unable to come up with a response through the haze of incredibly happy, warm feelings and slight feeling of guilt. The sky began to light up with a slight glow of morning's first light.

“Dashie... I.” She started, she felt tears of joy building in her eyes. Dashie, that's the nicest that anypony has ever said to me.

“Dashie, I love you.” Dash's heart soared at those words. It was the first time Twilight had spoken them outright. Dash leaned towards twilight, wrapping her hooves around her neck she pulled towards her, locking lips in a soft yet passionate embrace. She pulled back, still close enough to feel each other's breath. Brushing Twilight's mane away from her eyes she softly brushed her cheek with her hoof.

“I love you to Twilight.” They looked deeply into each other's eyes. Then, Dash noticed something behind Twilight, illuminated by the slowly growing glow of the morning that took her attention.

“Twilight.”

“What is it Dashie?”

“Follow me.” Dash grabbed her hoof, Twilight followed as the turned around, behind Twilight was a tall hill, devoid of trees.

“Dashie, where are we going? Appaloosa is the other way.” She said, still being led by the hood by dash up the steep hill. Dash released her hoof, she turned back to Twilight with an excited smile.

“Trust me, this is going to be good. Come on.” She trotted up the hill, Twilight sighed. Smiling, she followed her marefriend up the hill. She finally made it to the top to see Dash sitting in the center, looking at the horizon.

“Twilight, come over here and sit next to me.” Curious, Twilight obeyed and sat down beside Dash on the cool moist grass and looked to the horizon. It was beautiful.

The sun was just peaking out over the horizon, the very first beams of sunlight ignited the few scattered clouds into warm shades of pink and burning oranges in perfect contrast to the cool, soft shades of light blue of the sky that matched her lovers coat. The rays streaked across the sky in beautiful mesmerizing patterns, glistening off the dew that formed on the grass and leaves and made the low hanging mist that blanketed the forest floor glimmer with white light. Twilight watched in awe as the sun slowly rose, painting the sky with different patterns and more vibrant shades every minute. She leaned against Rainbow Dash, resting her head on her neck and wrapping her tail around her lover who in return did the same and rested her head on Twilight's. Together they watched the sun rise for the next hour. This to Twilight, was a moment of pure happiness and peace.

“Twilight, tonight, let's watch the sun set to. The weather is going to be beautiful tonight and there's a trick I want to show you.”

“Sure, I would love to. Dashie, this was beautiful. I- to be honest, I was starting to forget how beautiful and life giving the sun could be. When I looked at it before, I could only think of Celestia and It made me uneasy.”

“I know. So did I.” They watched the sun for a few minutes before heading towards Appaloosa, walking, tails intertwined and in perfect step. The sun at their backs casting their dark shadows in front of them...

Heartfelt

Is this really the right thing to do? I know I made a promise, but is it worth putting Twilight in danger? I just don't know what to do! I can't stop thinking about Cobalt Prose, his father and... his family. Somepony has to tell them what happened to them. They have to know, and it has to be me, because no pony else will. They have to leave Equestria, it's not safe here anymore... Maybe it never was. Rainbow Dash's thoughts and fears weigh heavy on her already sore and tired hooves as she trotted forward. The warm morning sun easing the pain in her back and wings. Her ears twitching eyes darting in the direction of any sound she couldn't immediately identify. Almost like clock work she would glace back at her mare friend, who walk a short distance behind her. I have to keep Twilight safe, I have to get her out of here alive. I don't care what happens to me but she has to live... because, I don't want to live with out her. She brought her attention forward, narrowing her tired eyes.

Twilight walked only a few hooves behind her mare friend. The cool, dewy grass eased the ache in her hooves. When ever she attempted to walk side by side with her, Dash would pick up her pace, keep Twilight always a few steps behind. Twilight's looked over the state her beloved marefriend was in with great worry. Her once sleek blue fur had lost it's sheen and her mane's vibrant colors had begun to dim. When ever she warily look back, to check if she was still there, Twilight could see a dullness in her eyes. How long can she do this? How much longer can she go on like this? I can't stand to see her like this. She's taking so much all on herself, shouldering it all on her own. It's my fault, she's had to protect me, all this time, because I've been too weak to help myself. This... it's exactly what my brother wants. We'll run. We'll always be on guard. Every sound, every shadow will look like an enemy. We'll become paranoid and always on edge. Nopony can function like that for long. When I look into Dash's eyes I can see our end. They'll capture us if we fall into that snare. And.. The way she's going... Twilight struggled as she bit back her tears. The thoughts of what could happen flooding her mind. She'll die... I can't let that happen. I just can't! I'll protect you Rainbow Dash, I'll protect you with my life. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash's ears swiveled forwards as she came to a dead stop. Listing carefully, Twilight could hear it too. The sound of machinery, wagons and whistles. The sounds of a bustling small town in the mid morning. Appleloosa lay just a head of them.

“We'll we're here... what now?” Twilight asked, put off by Dash's silence. For a few agonizingly long moments, she didn't respond, she didn't even move, just staring blankly into the foliage towards the town.

“Dashie? Are you...”

“Twilight.” Dash spoke. The sheer gravity in her voice was enough to stop Twilight mid sentence and confirm her worries. Something was definitely wrong.

“What is it Rainbow? You can tell me if something is bothering you.” She tried, she forced her voice to sound as comforting and as hopeful as she could but the fear in her voice was unmistakable. What ever was weighing on her mind, it was painful for her to say. Twilight felt so helpless to ease her marefriend's anxiety. Slowly Dash turned to Twilight, her eyes were dull, tired and filled with worry.

“I'm going alone. You need yo stay here, hidden.” Twilight could practically see the pleading in her eyes, begging her not to argue.

“W- what are you saying... Rainbow, you can't mean that.” Her voice quivered with disbelief. Am I really such a burden Dashie? I'm I causing you so much stress because you think I can't take care of my self?... Why wouldn't she? I've been nothing but an anchor keeping her down. Just dead weight. I couldn't even face my own brother. A cold, dull ache of depression flooded her chest and spread through her body. She felt it weighing her down, almost drowning her in sorrow. No wonder she doesn't think she can trust me to be by her side. Oh Rainbow, I'm so sorry I've made you put all of this on yourself... If only I wasn't so weak. If only I wasn't so sacred... I'm just useless and it's going to get the mare I love killed! No... I don't want to lose her. I can't lose her! No Twilight! This isn't the time for self pity. You need to be there for her, you need to be by her side whether she wants you to or not! You can't let her go alone

“Twilight, please, they may already know that we were coming here. There could be guards all over town. I promise, I'll be in and out before you know it.” In a voice saturated with distress she implored. Twilight could almost hear tears being held back. Her fear was eating her up inside, of this Twilight was sure.

“Rainbow...” Twilight padded over to her marefriend, taking her hoof in her own and resting her head her shoulder. Twilight could feel Dash's stressed heart beat through her soft neck, but she could also feel it slow and relax as she held her hoof tighter. Her breathing to, became more steady and soft. “You don't have to take on the burden of these things alone. Remember, you have me. I won't let you Dashie, I refuse to let you suffer alone. I thought we agreed, didn't we? That we would share the burden together? So let me help you. I promise I wont be a burden anymore, I wont make you worry so please, trust me.”

“You're not a burden Twilight, you're the only thing that I have to be strong for.” She spoke, but her feelings were constrained, leaving her voice nearly monotone. Forcing the bitterly painful thoughts as far back into her mind as she could. “This is something I have to do. I made the promise to that colt, but I wont put you in danger. I wont let you go into danger.”

“Rainbow Dash, I can't let you go alone! I won't let you face danger alone!” Twilight pulled dash tightly into her embrace. For an all too brief moment, Dash felt something surrounded by Twilight's hooves, something, she hadn't felt In too long. Comfort. She felt like a foal as her mental walls broke down by Twilight's loving touch. She threw her forelegs around her, losing herself in the surge of feelings, she wept, crying without restraint.

“ I have to.. I have toTwilight! Twilight I- I keep having dreams, horrible nightmares! The- the things that happened to you! Twilight no! I can't let that happen, I wont! I'll keep you safe Twi, I promise I wont let them do that to you! W- what they do to you when they caught you... those bloody, evil things. I'll die Twilight! I'll die before I let them get you!” She could feel Dash's body trembling in her hooves. She could barely speak between the choked gasps and dry heaves as she cried in her grasp. Twilight eyes were wide with fear, her body became hot as she held Dash tighter, not only for her marefriend's comfort, but also to quell her own growing panic.

No... She's been having those dreams as well. No! No! It... It can't be true. If we're both having them.. No, I- I don't want that! I don't! It's not fair! All I did was love somepony! It's not fair! I don't want to feel that in real life, I don't want it! Images of the tortures she experienced in her dreams, and the pain accompanying them flashed through her mind and body. She felt her muscles become weak. Waves of nausea and panic nearly brought her to the ground. No.. I can't let her know that I'm having the dreams as well... She doesn't know what I've dreamed, She needs to know it'll all be okay. She needs to... and so do I.

“I- It's going to be okay.. It's alright. They're just dreams. I promise they wont come true... Please, let me stay by your side, through everything. W- what will I do without you Dashie? I need you, so please trust me.”

“Promise me Twi, Promise me that if something happens, and we get caught, you'll abandon me.”

Twilight broke the comforting and secure embrace, staggering back. She looked Dash in the eyes with astonishment. She shook her head slowly as she tried to comprehend what she had just heard.

“You... you can't mean that.” Whispering in quiet shock, she felt her fear and panic replaced with an indescribable sadness and guilt.

“I do mean it! If we get caught you have to promise me you'll get away, even if you have to leave me behind. Don't ask me to do it Twi, don't ask me to live while you go through that. Don't force me to watch you die! If you do I'll go to Celestia my self, I'll make sure she does ten fold to me what ever she does to you! I can't live without you Twi, if you get caught, I promise I'll die before I let you die. If I get caught and you try to join me I'll kill myself Twi. I wont let you do it, not after what I've seen, I won't do it!"

“I can't! I can't promise that! I can't live with out you either! What ever happens will happen to the both of us! You think I can stand by while you go through those things either? We will get through this, but not if we leave each others side! We'll make it Dashie... Together. I need you to promise me, you'll never die and leave me alone! Promise me you'll live! Because, I have nothing else to live for in this world anymore, you're the only thing I have Dashie! You're my world and I wont see you die!”

“Twilight....”

“Promise me!” She Shouted, shutting her eyes tight, tears slowly making their way down her cheeks.

“I..... I promise. I promise I wont die. Twilight, promise me, that if it comes down to it, you'll run. You'll run and leave me behind. I swear I wont die, I'll come back and I'll find you. You have my word.” The strength in her words, the conviction in them was almost palpable. Twilight stared at her, tears now flowing unabated.

“How can you promise that? How can you be sure you'll come back to me?” With eyes now steady and calm, though red from crying, Dash walk to her. Raising a tender hoof she wiped the tears away Twilight's face, then leaning forward she softly kissed her moist cheek. Twilight's body became calm as she felt her fear dissolve away with only a touch of those soft lips. The kiss lingered until Dash was sure her panic and anxiety had diminished, sliding her head forward she rested her cheek against Twilight's and spoke softly in her ear.

“Because I love you Twi, nothing's gonna keep me from you. But I wont risk you, I wont. So promise me. I know it's hard, I know it's against what you feel is right, but promise me, you'll leave me behind, and I swear I'll come back to you.” After a long stretch of silence, Twilight gulped, steeling herself.

“I... I promise.”

“Thank you Twilight. Thank you.” She gave Twilight a gently nuzzle before slowly pulling away.

“We should move. It's not safe to stay here too long.” Dash said, scanning around them, finding no pony in sight. Wiping the remaining tears from her eyes Twilight nodded. I'll stay by your side Rainbow Dash. Always. Twilight affirmed as they moved ever closer toward Appleloosa.

Consequences

“Alright Twi, this is it.” Dash said quietly as the couple crouched down into the bushes. The town lay directly in front of them. They could hear the sounds of ponies and steam engines hard at work. Peaking out from behind the brush, Dash scanned the town. No guards, that's a good start. We can't rely on Twi's spell to hide us the whole time we search the town. There's no telling how long that'll take. There has to be a better way

“Twi, I think I have an idea, but I don't think you'll like it.” She said, apprehensively looking at her marefriend beside her.

“What is it?”

“There's a lot of clothes drying on lines behind that house over there...”

“Wait, you mean you want to steal clothes for a disguise? Rainbow, if we do that were just helping validate what they think of us. There has to be a better way.” Twilight glanced over to the clothes in question, mulling over the options in her mind. I don't want to become a thief, it doesn't seem right.

“Twilight, I know you don't want to do it, but there's no way would could search the entire town with your cloaking spell. You're exhausted and if anything happens and we make even a little sound we would be completely exposed. I don't like this any more than you do.”

“If we steal, we're just giving them more reason to hate us. Even if we don't get caught it still feels wrong.” She couldn't shake the sense of her morals conflicting with her rational judgment. It doesn't just feel wrong, It is wrong... Or is it? If it's for our survival that's one thing, but this is different right? What do morals even matter when an entire family hangs in the balance? Is my pride worth their freedom? I- I just don't know anymore. Where do we draw the line of necessity? If Rainbow Dash got captured, would it be justified to kill in order to save her? Would it be alright to steal food so we don't go hungry, would it be right to hurt or kill somepony who sees us? In the end, our lives are at the end of the answers to those questions. Where's the line, and when is it justified to cross it?

“Twilight, I understand how you feel about this, I really do. You don't have to follow me down that path okay. You can keep your hooves and conscious clean. Wait here Twilight, hide in your spell and don't move until I come back.” She doesn't want to lose herself through all this, I can understand that. We can't afford to be tied down to all our morals in a time like this. If somepony tries to take Twilight from me I'll kill them without a second thought! I don't care if it's her brother or Celestia herself. I don't care if she wouldn't do the same. If either of us deserve to come through this with ourselves intact, it should be her.

“No Rainbow, I promised I would stay by your side and I meant it. We'll do this, but then we have to return them before we leave.” Pausing for a moment to consider Twilight's stipulation, she eventually nodded her agreement.

“Alright Twi, we'll put it back before we go. Can you get us over there?” Dash whispered, motioning her head in the direction of their target. Twilight nodded, closing her eyes and charging her spell. I shouldn't have agreed to return them, It's too dangerous. Every minute we stay here the more chance we have of being captured. She should wait here, where it's safe. In a consuming flash of light, they became invisible. Silently, they walked around their leafy cover out into the open. The townsponies were hard at work, busily going about their average days not knowing the fugitives that stood, hidden in plain sight, in front of them. Only Twilight and Rainbow Dash could see each other. As quietly as they could they padded up to the inconspicuous home near the edge of the town, keeping a close eye out for trouble.

As they dipped behind the house, Dash prodded Twilight's shoulder motioning to the far side of the yard, the only part that could be seen from the street then gestured to herself. With an understanding nod from Twilight, Dash left her marefriend to stand guard while she gathered their disguises. Her eyes rapidly darting from pony to pony in paranoid suspicion. Every glance in their direction, ever mumbled word and every shadow feeling like a potential life ender for Twilight and herself. Her heart raced and her body trembled as she tried to keep tabs on every pony walking by, her fear mounting with each second. Anyone of them could alert the guard, any one of them could be a guard in disguise. I have to keep Twi safe, I have to keep her safe. Everything is a threat, everything wants to hurt her. What do I do?! I can't protect her from everything! I- I have to-

An unexpected but gentle tap on her shoulder made her jump. In a blur she spun around ready to attack teeth bared only to see a startled Twilight, her brow furrowed in worry. Several outfits were draped over her back. She stepped beside Rainbow and took her tail around hers. She could feel Dash's body shaking and her pulse racing. This isn't good. Twilight fretted to herself, as she pressed her side into her marefriend's, trying to quell her quivering. We have to get out of Equestria soon. If not, I don't know how much longer her body will last under this.

As they ducked behind the relative safety of the obscuring bush Twilight released her spell with a heavy sigh. Looking to Rainbow Dash, she found the pegasus was still on guard, wearily keeping her eyes on the town through the bushes. Dash flinched as Twilight placed a tender hoof over hers.

“We're safe for now Dashie. Let's get ready.”

“Y-yeah, let's do that.” She stammered as she left her post. Twilight levitated a beret and a simple white summer gown that was long enough to obscure her cutie mark as well as much of her tail.

“Try to keep your tail tucked down. We'll look around but if we don't find anything in half an hour we have to leave. I'm sorry but we just can't risk staying here long.” Twilight said sympathetically as Rainbow struggled to hide her conspicuous mane in the tan beret.

“I understand.” She finished as she retracted her tail into her dress. Twilight bound her mane up in her magic and stuffed it into a dull grey bonnet and hid her wings and cutie mark in an equally dull frock.

“Ready?” Twilight smiled, desperate to easy Dash's tension. Instead of ease, Dash's look of apprehension worsened as she looked towards the town.

“Yeah, I'm ready. Stay close to me Twi, but if something happens I want you to run. You shouldn't have to see what will happen after that.” A dark look over took Dash's face. Anger, hate, and passion raged in her eyes.

“It'll be alright Rainbow, I won’t let it come to that.” Twilight took a step forward and wrapped her forelegs behind Dash's neck. Placing her soft, warm lips over her lover's, they joined in a moment that, though they shared many times on this short but immense journey, always put their fears and anger into perspective. They were in love, and they knew of nothing more powerful. At once they both felt Dash's trembling stop. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pulled Twilight close, her body warming and soothing her sore muscles and calming her heart. She leaned in, deepening the passionate kiss, their tongues lovingly caressing one another. Twilight's ever familiar scent filled her nose and, despite being on the run and in danger, the scent of the mare she loved made her feel at home in her hooves. This is something I will never lose.

“I love you Twilight.” She held her tight, resting her head on her shoulder. Twilight could feel warm teardrops landing on her back and her eyes to began to water.

“I love you too Rainbow Dash. I love you so much.” Twilight gently stroked the back of Dash's neck as she wept against her shoulder. We can't lose who we are, because I love Dashie just for who she is. If our love is what's going to keep us going, then we have to stay true to ourselves. We can't lose sight of the things that matter. A small, calm smile lightened her face. “You're doing the right thing Rainbow. I'm so proud of you. You reminded me that we can't give up on others, thank you.”

“Don't thank me, I wouldn't have been able to leave it alone if I wanted to.”

“And that's one of the things I love most about you.” She pulled away, but kept her hooves on her lover’s shoulder. Looking deep into her glistening eyes, she could see a renewed strength and life in Rainbow Dash. “Let's go, we don't have much time.”

“Yeah, let's go.” Dash smiled before giving her marefriend one last peck on her lips before slipping out from the bushes. Even though they walked side by side, they felt a loneliness neither had known before. Though they were only inches apart, they couldn't touch, and that broke Dash's heart.
*******************************************************************

The couple discretely walked through Appleloosa. Every passing stranger made their hearts race though none gave them a second look. Maybe our time on the run has changed us fundamentally somehow. Maybe we just have such a different air about us that nopony would recognize us, maybe even if they knew us. I hope I'm right. A blunt impact to her shoulder took her from her musings as she turned towards the source of the nudge.

“What is it Rain-” She cut herself off as she fearfully looked around her. “What is it?” She repeated softly. Rainbow was facing away from her, eyes glued to a street stall that she stood beside.

“Look at this...” So grim was Dash's tone that it sent a chill down Twilight's spine. With great foreboding she joined her at the vacant stand. It was a newspaper. Panic took hold in her heart as she read.

'The Apple family of Ponyville have been arrested on grounds of treason and aiding the fugitives Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. A local party planner and the family she resided with were also arrested in connection to the traitors. The former princess Twilight Sparkle is implicated in a plot to assassinate her highness Princess Celestia along with her cohort and fellow sexual deviant Rainbow Dash is deeply connected to the heinous conspiracy. It is recommended that children not read the following: She and her blasphemous partner engage in acts of, brace yourself, homosexuality. They are a threat to the very foundations on which our great land are reliant on. They wish to corrupt children and turn them to this despicable life. By order of Princess Celestia herself, any found aiding and abetting the criminals will be arrested and sentenced to punishment without trial. If you have any information report it to the authorities promptly. If found do not attempt to apprehend them, they are extremely dangerous and brutally assaulted members of the Royal Guard. Further more-'

“It's our fault...” Rainbow Dash whispered through her gritted teeth, her jaw muscles balled tight beneath her skin. Her breathing became shallow and rapid as she fought her pent up rage.

“I know, I know you're angry but we can't stay here any longer. We're beginning to attract attention. Please, we need to keep moving.” Twilight implored as she glanced behind her. Taking a deep but shaky breath, Dash nodded.

“I know... Let's go.” Without another word she cantered away from the news stand. Twilight gave one last look at the paper before following after her. What have we done?! The entire Apple family?! Even Apple Bloom? She's just a filly! She didn't have anything to do with this. And what about the Cakes and their babies? Celestia wasn't above arresting a colt. If they got arrested for just being related to the ponies that helped us what's going to happen to Applejack and Pinkie Pie?

“What have we done?” Twilight stifled her sobs but her tear filled eyes were nearly over flowing. Her chest was tight and a lump was forming in her throat.

“We did what we had to... and it may have killed our only friends. Please, I- I know it hurts. I want to scream and cry and hold you right now, but if we don't want what they did to be for nothing, we have to hold it it. No matter how much it burns.” Twilight could almost feel the pain and anger in her words. What she was angry at she couldn't be sure. Anger at Celestia, at Herself, or maybe even at her friends for risking everything for them. Dash came to an abrupt stop as she stared into the window of a shop. Exquisitely crafted armor and trinkets adorn the window. The metal was decorated with golds and silvers but, another aspect of it caught Dash's attention, vibrant streaks of cobalt blue complemented the golds. The shops name was written on a large metal sign above the window. Cobalt Metallurgy.

“Cobalt... I think this is it.” Dash whispered in disbelief. The anger from only moments ago had been transformed into astonishment.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I can feel it, this is the place.”

“Even if we go in there's no guarantee that they won’t report us.” Twilight cautioned looking cautiously at the door.

“I know, but we can't turn back now. I'll protect you, I promise we'll make it out okay. Besides, her son and husband were both taken, I doubt she'll want to help Celestia.” Unless she uses us to bargain for their release.

“I won't let anything happen to you either. There's no point if we don't make it out together.”

“I know. After this we can get out of Equestria, to a place where we won’t be hunted anymore. We can live our lives peacefully together. Come on, we have a family to save.” And what about the families we put in prison? What about the lives we've ruined? Can we really just abandon them? I won't put Twilight in any more danger. I refuse to live without her. Even if- even if it means abandoning Applejack and Pinkie? This isn't fair! I just want to be with her! I love her, why is that wrong?! With hidden a storm of fury and confusion raging in her heart, Rainbow slowly pushed open the door. I'm so sorry girls ... For everything.

Crucible

The small shop was a wonder, it felt like a cross between Rarity's boutique and an armory. Intricate and beautiful pieces of metal work hung on the walls like an art exhibit. Blades, armor and accessories decorated every corner. Everything was made from high quality, lustrous metals, all imbued with the signature metal that the store's took it's namesake; cobalt. Twilight and Rainbow Dash could not help but wonder, with mouths agape, at the works the shop displayed. Neither had seen anything quite like this shop. Their entrancement was brought to an end as the door slammed shut behind them, it's hard wooden echo blaring through the store. As Rainbow came back to her senses she turned to high alert, her ears pricked and her eyes focused. Suddenly, the sound of hard and heavy hooves trotted towards them, descending from a back room. By the pattern, she guessed whom ever it was, was coming from a room upstairs.

This is it, Will they recognize us? We go lucky getting here but we didn't exactly stop and chat with anypony. What should I do if they turn us in? C- can I really attack somepony who just lost their family? For Twilight... I have to, I'll keep her safe, no matter what. There's only one way out of here, if we leave running or flying out the front door that will give us away and we'll have to run from an entire town. Twilight looks exhausted, there's no way she'll be able to teleport us far enough. If it comes down to it, we'll have to stand our ground here and finish things as quickly as possible, for better or worse.

The hooves were almost thundering, their beat sending vibrations through the hard wooden floor. Twilight could imagine they belonged to a large and imposing earth pony, though the pony's identity was only her second greatest fear. Anxiety swelled with her as the shadow of the stranger cast on the wall, behind the threshold of an open doorway that lead to the stairs. Her heart raced with doubt, fear and foreboding. Her wide eyes flitting back and forth between her marefriend and the shadow. What's going to happen? What should we do? I know Dash said she had to do this but... this is really bad. The situation is extremely volatile for us, if they recognize us and decide to turn us in... I don't think we'll have any other option but to... Please, please don't let it come to that!

The next moment, the owner of the shadow stepped into view, the arrival shattering their expectations. Instead of a burly stallion, the hoof beat belonged to a rugged, middle aged unicorn mare with gunmetal grey fur and steely blue eyes, her mane was a short and curly blonde. She was well muscled and her hooves were rough and worked like Applejack's. She wore a thick and heavy leather apron held together with iron rivets along it's hem. It was well worn, with scorch marks and scratches all over it's surface. She looked pleasant enough, her smile seemed that of an eager sales pony happy to have a customer. As she approached, her smile, much to the couples dread, began to fade, as well her canter gave into a slow and cautious trot. She came to a stop a considerable distance from the pair and stood at an angle, giving her a good position to either run from, or defend. With a darting glace around the room, she spoke.

“Can I help you all?” Her tone was suspicious at best, and accusing at worst. Twilight and Rainbow were equally caught off guard by the mare's caution. Unnerved, Rainbow stepped as casually as she could between Twilight and the mare.

“Y-yes, we're looking for the owner...” Dash trailed off, unsure of what to say or. I'm almost positive that that's her, should I just come out and say it? If we make her defensive it'll be harder to talk to her but if we just come out with it she might be more likely to turn us in. What should I do?

“Who's asking?” She hissed snidely, glaring at Dash. Rainbow could almost feel the mare's eyes burning into her and a sense of panic and urgency took hold. Her body felt hot and her heart raced, pounding in her chest and ears. She could just feel that the situation was on the verge of catastrophically going wrong as the mare began to inch away towards the heavily armed wall. Her senses became incredibly alert as adrenaline surged. Rainbow could hear mumbles and hooves just outside the door, the small town was wide awake and everypony was outside. If she screamed, nopony would miss it. I have to do something now!

“I am. My name...” she paused as she shed her disguise, revealing her distinct vivid rainbow mane, “is Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight's jaw dropped. She couldn't fathom the massive gamble Rainbow had just taken. She slowly backed up to the front door, placing her hoof at it's base so no unfortunate pony would enter and see them. At the same time, she began pooling her magic, readying it for a fight. Neither Twilight nor Rainbow knew what to expect as the mare stopped her retreat and stared at them, looking over their every aspect with harsh and judging eyes. A mix of burning anger cautious fear permeated her gaze before it gradually softened.

“I know who you are. Why are you here?” she said sternly. Her defensive pose had given way as she now stood facing the fugitives head on although still keeping her distance. Twilight nearly gave a sigh of relief though she knew the danger had far from passed. She kept her place by the door, her hearing trained outside of the small shop. They were surrounded by enemies, and they could be caught at any moment. Her eyes darted between Rainbow and the mare as tension built in the air. She hasn't turned us in yet. Be careful Rainbow, one wrong word and we may need to leave in a hurry.

“Are you Cobalt Prose's mother?” Rainbow stiffened her body and hardened her gaze, looking right into the eyes of the mare. Dash's eyes narrowed as she tried to match her imposing and intimidating presence. Her muscles were tensed as fear was replaced with anticipation, ready to spring into action at a moments notice. She would do whatever she had to to protect her love. That was a powerful drive and she hoped that it came across in her body language, she would do anything to protect what was most important to her, and that made her dangerous. Dash could only pray that it wouldn't come to that. Hope began to spring up as the mare in question relaxed her body and eyes.

“I guess we need to talk...” Before she gave another word her horn lit up with a dull grey aura and a small wooden drawer beside her opened up and a metal ring with two keys jingled as they floated into her magical grasp. Nudging the drawer closed with her flank she trotted towards Rainbow and Twilight, though her eyes rested on the door behind them. Twilight stepped aside, joining Dash as they backed away from the door, both apprehensive as they imagined what she might do. Just as easily as she could lock the door and provide them momentary safety, she could even more easily open it and shout for help to the entire town of Appleloosa. Sweat rolled down Dash's brow as she watched helplessly for the mare to show her decision. When she reached the door and slowly levitated the key into it's hole, with a clunk, the lock shut, closing them into the small but, for now, secure shop. Slowly, she turned around, staring right at Twilight.

“My name is Cobalt Crucible, Cobalt Prose is my son. Come on, there's a better place to talk upstairs.” Without awaiting a response, Cobalt made her way to the stairs she had descended only minutes ago. Not once did she look back at Twilight or Rainbow who shared an uncertain glance before Twilight followed with Dash close behind. As they moved up the stairs, Twilight found that even these walls were displays, though, instead of weapons and armor, photographs lined the hallway that lead to the second floor. Pictures of a happy family, a mother and father and their children, a foal filly and an older colt. Various snapshots of good times and fond memories lined wall to wall. Tears welled up in Twilight's eyes as she lingered over one picture, the colt, Cobalt Prose holding the foal, his little sister. He looked so happy, their mother and presumably father in the background with the proudest smiles. A happy family... A loving brother and sister and proud parents. What does my mother think of me now? Or my father? What about Rainbow's family? My brother hates me now, and for what? B-because a mare makes me happy instead of a stallion? How many lives are being destroyed because of this? Applejack, the entire Apple family in Ponyville, and Pinkie and the Cakes, all of them... Why does it have to be this way! I just love her! Why!? Why is that so evil? Why do so many lives have to be torn apart? I- I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't, none of them did. We don't deserve this. I love Rainbow Dash... why is that bad?

“Twilight? Are you okay?” Dash whispered softly, pulling her tail into hers, carefully concealing her loving gesture in the presence of Cobalt Crucible out of fear of her turning on them. Twilight couldn't do the same as she wrapped her tail around her marefriend's and held it tight as she turned from the heart rending photograph. Her eyes were brimming with tears. Rainbow could see so much heartache in eyes, it took all her will to hold her self back from embracing her. It'll only get worse if Cobalt betrays us, just hold it in, just a little longer... for her sake. Twilight's lip quivered as she tried to speak.

“Are you two coming or are you going to gawk at the wall?” Crucible interjected in aggravation, throwing an annoyed glare at the couple from the top of the stairs. Twilight closed her mouth and lowered her head with a bleak look. Dash glared back up at the impatient mare.

“We're coming. Come on Twi, It'll be okay.” Dash felt helpless at the meager consolation their situation allowed. With a weak nod from Twilight, they continued up the stairs, joining Cobalt Crucible in a narrow hallway. There were many fewer pictures on the walls, instead, crude metal works and parchment cramped with words, framed in orate metal that matched the skill of the ones in the main shop dotted the walls. Branching out from the hall were five rooms, two of which the doors were closed. Twilight could only imagine one of the closed off rooms belonged to their son. With a swift motion of her head, she gestured to them to follow her down the hall. At the end, she made a left turn into a room, once again, Rainbow and Twilight shared a nervous glance, unsure of what may come next. The option of leaving was far behind them, knowing this, they followed into the room.

“So, What do you have to say?” Cobalt said as Dash and Twilight crossed the threshold into the room. It was a bedroom, a large and comfortable looking bed was tucked into the corner, beside it on the opposing wall was a desk with papers strewn about and a half filled inkwell. Besides the disheveled desk, the room was immaculate and, unlike the rest of the home, there wasn't a single picture, paper or craft adorning the bare walls. After a moment of taking in what little there was to see in the bedroom, Rainbow's attention came back to the question posed. Bringing her eyes up and meeting Cobalt's, she found the mare had a complex expression, a mix of anger and frustration but also curiosity. Hoping that the hint of curiosity would be enough to avoid a disaster, Rainbow began her answer.

“Your son, Cobalt Prose, his prison cell was next to mine after me and Twilight got taken by the royal guards. He asked me, if I ever got out, to bring you a message. He told me to tell you to leave Equestria, without him. It's not safe anymore.”

“And why should I believe a couple of traitors?” Her voice was calm and collected, but even her tone betrayed her curiosity. Still, the anger in her eyes was giving way to sadness and regret.

“Why would we come all the way here, putting ourselves in danger just to lie to you? Look, we're leaving Equestria, your son was right, it's not safe here, maybe it never was. You should do the same.” Rainbow Dash was trying to keep a calm demeanor, but her heart was still racing. She knew she had no proof, and that Cobalt had every right to be cautious after what happened to her family. Rainbow could only wait anxiously as she glanced between her and Twilight, taking her time in responding, her poker face was impeccable. After a long moment of silence, her visage again softened.

“My son, my little colt, In a prison, locked up along side traitors like you...”

“We aren't traitors, Celestia is the one who is to blame! Rainbow and I have done nothing wrong!” Twilight blurted out, her her voice came off as earnest and pleading, but her face was almost contorted in anger, her brow scrunched and her eyes narrowed. She was huffing as she stepped beside her marefriend to face the metallurgist.

“Oh really? So you didn't attempt to kill Princess Celestia?” she asked with a cocked brow.

“No! We would never!” Twilight stomped her hoof against the floor for finality.

“And you didn't assault the royal guard?”

“T-that was...” Twilight's certainty and fire began to crumble away. “They attacked us, it was- we didn't have a choice and-”

“And you aren't homosexuals? The two of you, mares, together as a mare and a stallion?” She interjected, stepping forward. As she advanced, Twilight retreated, keeping close to Rainbow Dash's side.

It's just like everywhere else... No pony accepts us. What are we doing wrong? It- it can't be us can it? We aren't the ones who are wrong right? I- I just love Rainbow Dash. Why does it matter what gender we are? I doesn't feel wrong, it doesn't feel bad, It just feels like love. I want to leave. I want to find a place where we can be together without fear. Why?! Why can't we just be-

“It's true! I'm in love with her! I'm in love with Twilight Sparkle. It doesn't matter that she's a mare!” Rainbow entwined her tail around Twilight's and pulled her tight against her side with her wing making Twilight gasp in surprise. “I love her more than anything and if that's a crime then I'm guilty and proud of it!”

The room was silent, both Cobalt Crucible and Twilight seemed stunned by Dash's declaration. A warm and happy feeling spread through Twilight's chest as she looked up at Rainbow with a content smile and a light blush. Her fear vanished as she stepped forward until her head was resting on Dash's. She's right, we don't need to be ashamed, we didn't do anything wrong. Twilight thought fondly. Suddenly, an outburst of laughter erupted from Cobalt. She propped herself against her bed as she nearly toppled over, her other hoof on her chest.

“Ha! Is this what our world is coming to? Children in jail a proud homosexuals? Damn! This is too much!”

Twilight and Rainbow opened their mouths, but they couldn't think of anything to say as they stared bewildered at the mare, almost certain she had gone mad. After exchanging confused glances they looked back to Cobalt who was still trapped in a fit of laughter.

“Are you... okay?” Twilight ventured.

“Oh yes, I'm just dandy! Hah, a couple of deviant fugitives are in my home telling me I'm not safe? Things must be pretty bad! My son told you to tell me to leave him behind and get out while I can? Wow, just wow! Where did we go wrong?”

“Um...” Twilight and Rainbow hummed fretfully, both growing more certain that she had lost her mind.

“Oh, don't pay any mind to me, It's just this whole situation, it's like one of my husbands crazy rants. I expected one day he would step on the wrong toes and get himself into some trouble, but my Prose, my son being arrested along side him, he said someday it could come to that, but to think he's really in some prison somewhere, it's almost unbelievable.”

“But you do believe us... don't you?” Dash said, feeling thoroughly confused and more than a little worried at being at the mercy of this seemingly unstable mare. Suddenly, her demeanor pulled a one-eighty as her she went from crazed laughed to an expression as cold and hard as steel.

“No, I don't believe you, I don't have to, I know it's true. My little boy is in jail, and even I can't get him out. You two manage to escape, you were even in the cell right next to him. You seek me out, you found me and yet, my son isn't with you. Why are you free while my son rots in prison?”

“I wanted to take him with!” Dash burst out, stepping forward leaving Twilight behind her. Her eyes were glistening with regret and guilt. Tears were building in Dash's eyes as she remembered her brief time with the colt, he was brave and strong. The child cared more about his family than himself. And I left him. “I tried, I begged Princess Luna to free him to but she wouldn't, and... he wouldn't leave without his father. He... he told me he wanted to be with his dad.”

“Now that I can believe.” Cobalt Crucible's cold expression softened with a wistful smile. “He always looked up to his dad. His father's name was Loose Leaf but he went by his pen name more often, even in front of his kids. He used the name Seventh Quill, because he comes from a long line of writers, he's the seventh generation writer, hence the name.”

“Wait! You're husband was Seventh Quill?!” Twilight said slack jawed.

“Twi, you know him?”

“He's a prominent investigative journalist and author. He runs his own newspaper but he also does segments for other big papers. He's exposed discrimination in big industries in Manehattan, illegal bootleggers running moonshine in Dodge Junction, abuses of power by Royalty in Canterlot, the list goes on and on. It's no wonder Celestia took after calling out his reaction to my leaving the throne and questioning her real motives for leading me to become a princess in the first place.”

“Exactly. My husband always made it his crusade to expose the truth, not matter the risk. Since we've been together he's had three attempts on his his life. He's a brave stallion, it's not a surprise that it rubbed off on Prose. I knew one day something like this would happen, but I didn't know it would cost me my son. I was naive.”

“How did you know we were telling the truth? There's been no mention of your husband's arrest in the papers. You couldn't have known we were in the same prison as Cobalt Prose,” Twilight questioned. She knew casting any doubts on their story could be dangerous but it didn't seem right somehow. Where did she learn about her son's incarceration? If she's really being coerced to tell us these things by Celestia or my brother, then we've just walked right into a trap!

“How did I know?” Crucible chuckled. “That's easy, for every enemy my husband has made, he's made at least one friend, many of them are in high places. He has friend's in every news organization, the local guards of many cities and towns and even allies in the royal palace. He's always said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and a network of the right ponies is mightier than an army.”

“A network...” Rainbow whispered to herself as she thought of what little support they had. Pinkie and Applejack were all we had, but what about them? We may be alone but they weren't. The entire Apple family sticks together and takes care of each other and Pinkie has a friend in almost every corner of Equestria. We may have no support but them, but through them we may have all of their friends and family, they don't need to like us, they just need to like them to be on our side. Maybe we have a network...maybe we aren't alone.

“I've taken his words to heart, my network is nothing to scoff at either. Who do you think arms the royal guard? I'm the main supplier for Canterlot! I armed the guards that took my husband and child, the same ones that are hunting you now. I've also trained almost all of the best blacksmiths in the country myself. I have a network, if things get too bad, I'm prepared.”

“So, are you going to leave Equestria then?” Twilight said, feeling more sure that betrayal was unlikely. “As skilled as you are any country would be happy to have you.”

“I'll leave soon, but I'm trying to use my leverage to get my son back first. I don't care how noble he thinks he's being, I wont leave him behind. I'll try to save my husband as well, but I don't have high hopes for that one.”

“You aren't planning on using us as leverage are you?” Dash deadpanned, carefully trying to keep her face unreadable despite her fear. Twilight head whipped back to her marefriend as she heard the risky question. Even Crucible seemed caught off guard as her eyes widened in surprise until an unsettling grin spread across her face.

“You're still wondering if I'm going to help you or hurt you? It seems obvious right? I want my family back from Celestia and Celestia wants you, so why shouldn't I trade the disgusting deviants for my innocent son? Here's the thing, I don't trust Celestia, even if she gives my son and my husband back this time, as soon as Loose Leaf questions her again I'll have no way to stop her, besides, my son and husband wouldn't think too highly of me if I just gave you up like that. What's more, perhaps you'll somehow pull together your own little network of deviant sympathizers and other homosexuals like the Apple family, then maybe I can use you to protect my family. It's an investment on my part to not give you up.”

“So you'll help us?” Twilight said hopefully. Dash watched anxiously as Crucible seemed to ponder her answer despite the certainty she just displayed, her eyes drifting up to her ceiling as she thought. Rainbow held her breath, daring not to make a sound as she agonizingly awaited the answer. Suddenly she looked back down to them, seeming to have up her mind.

“You can have the room by the stairs on the left. I don't want to see any kissing and no weird sex in my house and above all stay away from my daughter.”

“What?!” Dash huffed in outrage. “What's that supposed to-”

“Thank you so much for your kindness.” Twilight cut Rainbow off with a nudge as she spoke.

“You two better be gone by sunrise tomorrow, I can't risk you being here longer than that. Till then, you both look like you could use a bath, it's across the hall. I have to tend the shop so nopony get suspicious, under no circumstances can you come downstairs, got it?!”

“We understand. Thank you.” Twilight responded diplomatically as Crucible began walking towards the door. As she reached the threshold she motioned with a flick of her tail for Twilight and Rainbow Dash to follow. Quickly obliging they all left the room as the door slammed behind them. Down the hall they went until they reached the door on the left by the stairs, their room until tomorrow morning. A grey aura enveloped the know and the plain white painted door creaked open.

“Don't make me regret this now.” With those last words she descended the stairs to her shop leaving Twilight and Rainbow alone. The moment she was out of sight they shared a heavy sigh of relief. Looking up at each other, they found they were both smiling, and the warm smile quickly evolved into a lighthearted giggle. Dash threw her wing over Twilight's back.

“We're safe right now, it feels like it's been forever since I could say that. Come on, let's enjoy it.” Dash pressed herself against Twilight and, after a soft peck on her cheek, they walked into their temporary room. Feeling more than completely exhausted, they both collapsed the moment their bodies hit the soft, warm bed. Together, they drifted off to sleep in each others embrace with a rare sense of security.

Pike or Shield

Rainbow Dash began to stir from a deep, dreamless sleep. Her once sore back and wings felt rejuvenated from sleeping on a soft warm bed. In a sleepy daze she looked around the dark room. Am I home?

Blinking her bleary eyes, she banished the fog of sleep from her mind as she began to recall, the events that lead her to this warm bed. Her heart sank as she remembered. So overcome with stress and wary, she wished hard to return to the comfortable, worry free embrace of sleep. Suddenly, a soft movement pulled her away from her thoughts. A warm and familiar mass was pressed against her body, cuddling closer to her and a soft snore filled the room.

Twilight. Rainbow slowly thought her name, the annunciation each sound to her lovers name, filled her heart will warm bliss. She deserves to sleep more. As long as she needs. She's so warm, and her snore sounds so peaceful. Right now, she's free form all of this. All the hate, the running, the fear. Being hunted is terrifying, even if we avoid being caught, the tension and fear could break us. While she's asleep, she's free from all of it. Once she wakes up... she has to come back to hell.

Carefully, Rainbow Dash extricated herself from Twilight's embrace, her foreleg resting over Dash's chest and her hind legs woven between Dash's. Tentatively, Rainbow pulled away from her, cold air filled the gap where Twilight's warm body was pressed against hers. Struggling against the urge to lay back down, Dash lifted herself, ensuring that the blanket covered her marefriend from tail to neck as she reached the edge of the bed.

“I love you Twilight. I'll be back.” She whispered softly, craning her neck over Twilight until her lips met the silky smooth fur of her forehead. Even in her sleep, Twilight released a content sigh and, in the dim moonlight that shone through the solitary window, Rainbow Dash could see a faint smile spread across her face. Rainbow smiled to match Twilight, the overwhelming feeling of her love for her, nearly brought her to tears. Sleep tight my beautiful princess. I'll make sure we get out of this.

Quietly, Rainbow slipped out of the bed, leaving Twilight to sleep peacefully. As Dash reached the door, she gingerly turned the knob, the distinct metallic clunk of it's turning made her cringe. A quick looked behind her showed the figure of Twilight, undisturbed from where she left her. With a mental sigh of relief, Rainbow turned the knob the last millimeter and slowly pushed the door open, just enough for her to slip through. Light flooded the room as she squeezed through. I guess it's a good thing that I've lost a bit of weight...

Without looking back into the room, she closed the door behind her with her hind leg, with a click, the door was shut. In the hallway, Dash stood silently with her eyes closed, listening for any sound from Twilight. When none came, she opened her eyes, the bright light making her squint.

“Now where was the little filly's room?”
*************************************************************

Rainbow Dash closed the bathroom door behind her with a relieved breath. I hope Twilight didn't wake up without me. I should get back to-

“Good morning.” A familiar voice said, neither pleasant nor angry, but at some strange mix of the two. Rainbow whipped around, nearly losing her balance as she turned, her wings half flared and her teeth gritted, ready for a fight.

“Still half asleep? Did you forget whose home you're being allowed to sleep in?” Crucible grinned as she leaned against the wall outside the bathroom Rainbow's wings weakly fell back to her sides as she tried to look as unimposing as she could, awkwardly shifting her stance from one ready to fight to half sitting.

“I- I um... Sorry, I was just a little on edge. You surprised me and I-”

“You're beginning to blather. Don't you worry, I'm not offended any.”

“O-okay...” Rainbow Dash stammered and she evened out her posture. Was it because their lives were in her hooves, or was it because she's got more weapons than the royal guard? Something about her, really made Rainbow uneasy and she couldn't place exactly what. Rainbow felt that she would rather fight Shining Armor than the mare before her.

“Is your... friend still asleep?”

“She's my marefriend... yeah, she's still asleep. Why do you ask?” Rainbow forced herself to make eye contact with the blacksmith. Her question putting her back on edge.

“No real reason, just wanted to know.” Crucible began as she stepped away from the wall and began walking towards the stairs. “I want to talk to you. Come with me to the kitchen.”

“I though you didn't want us to go down stairs...”

“And now I'm telling you to follow me.” She replied coldly as she descended the stairs. Rainbow looked down the hall, at the door behind which Twilight still slept.

“R-right, I'm coming.” Wearily, she followed Crucible, Keeping an ear on Twilight's room. Scenarios spun around in Dash's mind as she caught up with her. Is she trying to separate me from Twilight? Is the is a trap? What if they got to her while I was in the bathroom? What if the Royal Guard are waiting for me down there? Despite the horror that crept over her, she knew that no matter what, they were at Crucible's mercy, if she didn't follow, it wouldn't be hard at all for Crucible to subdue her, that mare had the strength of an earth pony and the magic of a unicorn, not to mention an armory. Or worse, if she already has Twilight, I don't have a choice, I just have to do what she wants, for now.

As they reached the bottom step, Rainbow look towards the front door where the shop rested. Silvery moonlight glistened off the cold steel, bathing the entire room in a peaceful shine. Looking straight from the bottom of the stairs, a wall separated the shop from the kitchen, a warm golden light shined from a doorway at it's end. Without a word, Crucible proceeded forward, towards the artificially lit room. With one last worried look back up the stairs, Rainbow nervously followed.

“It's almost time for you both to leave. It's gonna be sunrise in about an hour.” Crucible said as she rounded the doorway and entered the kitchen. Rainbow joined her to find a small but well stocked kitchen and the smell of aromatic foods hung in the air. A stove burner was on as well as the oven and a table in the middle had all sorts of fresh vegetables and fruits.

“Is that what you wanted to talk about?” Rainbow asked cautiously as she scanned the room. She was aware, they had to leave soon.

“Not really, just a reminder. Can you get me the honey please?” Crucible asked as she faced tended to a set of jars on a counter.

“Sure... where is it?”

“Over there, on that shelf. The big jar on the bottom.” She pointed with her hoof as several slices of fruit were dropped into the glass container.

“Okay.” Rainbow saw the large jar in question, filled a little more than half way with sweet golden liquid. Trotting to the shelf she took hold of it in her hooves, flapping her wings to keep balance as she walked it over to Crucible, dropping it on the counter.

“What is all this? Throwing a party or something?” Immediately, Rainbow felt a pang of sorry at the mention of parties. Images of her jovial friend, locked up in some dungeon somewhere. Stop it Rainbow... Just, stop it. We've come too far, too many ponies have suffered so we could be free, we can't let that be for nothing.

“This is for you two, preserved foods, flat and rye bread, sun dried vegetables and pickled foods.”

“Oh, wow, thank you.” Rainbow looked at the kitchen once again, it was clear that she had been busy.

“Don't thank me, I need to get rid of this stuff soon. I won't be staying here much longer.”

“What do you mean? I thought you were going stay and try to get Prose back?” A creeping sense of dread worked it's way down her spine and through her mind as she beheld a dark and bleak look in the mare's eyes. No, it can't be...

“I have a feeling you know why. The royal guard are on their way, a customer told me that they've been frantically looking for the two of you. Tearing apart homes with no resistance from anypony. After all, all of Equestria wants to see you two hang. There's a massive reward for your capture as well it seems. If I had any advice for you now, it would be to never set hoof in a town again. Stay to the wilderness, you're safer among the wild animals and monsters than you are in pony society. Really though, that's not really a surprise when you act like beasts yourself.”

“We act like beasts?”

“Of course, but don't think your alone. Celestia is acting like a common beast as well, so are the ponies joining the hunt for you, just for the reward. Though, in the end, it's all on you two to begin with.”

“I- I see...” Rainbow's body felt weak, her eyes dulled with pain as she brought her body weight to rest on the counter, leaning on it as a crutch for her shaky and weak legs. “Why?”

“Why?” Crucible repeated, provoking Rainbow.

“Tell me why it's wrong. I've never heard of it before, a mare loving a mare, not once. Nopony I've ever known has said anything about it. I- I've never had feelings for a stallion, I never understood why, it just wasn't there. Then, I meet Twilight and, things started to change. Really, before recently, if you asked me what love was, what it meant and what it felt like... I wouldn't have been able to say. Now, if you asked me what love means to me, what her love means to me, well, I'll go to hell and back for her, I'll protect her with my life, and if anyone tried to hurt her, they'll have to go through me! I truly love Twilight, more than anything, so why is that wrong?! Why is it that you all hate us!?" Her heart was racing and thought's swirled in her mind, all the things she had held back, the things she wanted to scream to all of Equestria, were coming out now, to this one mare, who thought she was a lowly beast. Tears pooled in her eyes and her whole body was trembling. Crucible, just stared at her, with a complex expression.

“Rainbow Dash, do you know why I became a blacksmith?” Crucible asked. Rainbow was caught off guard by the seemingly unrelated question, but, the tone of her voice made it clear, that this was more than relevant. Swallowing back her tears, she shook her head silently.

“Of course not, I've only ever told this story to my husband.” Stepping back she lowered the temperature on her stove and faced Rainbow Dash. Clearing her through, she began to speak.

“Have you heard the story of the pike and shield?” To her question, again Rainbow shook her head.

“I haven't. What's it about?” To her surprise, there was almost a look of delight in Crucible's eyes from her simple answer.

“It's a parable from a country in the far east.”

“Long ago, there was a blacksmith who was selling his arms in the market place. He had attracted a crowed with his great claims. He said 'You will not find a better shield in all the land! This shield will protect from any attack. Truly it is impenetrable!' The smith said as she held up his shield. He then picked up a pike, he held it out and said, 'This Pike is the ultimate weapon, it can pierce through any defense and armour and will always get the kill!' The crowed was in awe of such a weapon, all but one. A young boy in the crowed spoke up. He said, 'Can the pike that can break any defense break the shield that cannot be broken?' The smith stopped and the crowed turned to him, awaiting his answer, he had none.”

“That's it?” Rainbow asked dubiously.

“Yep, that's the end.” Crucible smiled proudly.

“That's the reason you became a blacksmith?”

“Yes, it is. You see, I wanted to know, which would win. In the end, will the desire to destroy win out, or will it be the power to protect? When you said to me, you would protect your marefriend, it made me think, of that story. The shield against the pike. Will it be the two of you, or Celestia that will win? It's actually a testament to your side that you're still alive and together, when a nation is bearing down on you, you've protected her.”

“You mean, I'm Twilight's shield?”

“If so, will you break? Will you yield to the unstoppable?” Crucible grinned.

“Never. I'll protect Twilight from any harm, no matter what. I love her, and no amount of hate will tear us apart. I'll be her shield!”

“We'll see. I wish I could be around to find out how it all plays out, but I have my daughter to think about. I can't save my son, nopony can, I'll be leaving to.”

“I'm sorry.. You've done so much for us and-”

“Don't be, now help me finish this bread.”

“I...” She gave a defeated sigh. “Alright, what do you need me to do?”

****************************************************************

'I'll be her shield...'

“Rainbow? Is that you? Where are you?” Twilight looked around her, it was dark and chilly. A sickening smell wafted on the cold breeze. Her heart raced, thumping loudly in her ears as fear began to overcome her. Slowly, the darkness was illuminated by the faint silver light of the moon. She was surrounded by trees on all sides, it didn't matter which way the wind blew from, the smell was everywhere, it seemed soaked into every blade of grass and every molecule of air. The terrifying smell of blood.

“Rainbow! Rainbow where are you!” She screamed but, her voice was swallowed by the forest around her. She could feel eyes watching her through the trees, and they were drawing closer every minute from every direction.

“Rainbow... please, help me.” She whispered as she slowly stepped back. Suddenly, her back hoof bumped into something, warm and soft. Over the wind she could hear it, breathing.

“Rainbow Dash!” She shouted excitedly as she spun around, a bright smile on her face. Her heart sank as the scent grew stronger as she turned towards her. There, laying in front of her, was Rainbow Dash. Despite the darkness, she could see every detail, every color of her body. Her eyes became wide and her legs gave out as she stared horrified at her marefriend.

Rainbow's chest rose and fell erratically, her eyes were dull and blood gushed forth from her mouth with every breath. Patches of flesh and fur were torn from her body and her limbs were grotesquely disfigured. Rainbow's eye drifted upwards to meet hers. A gargled choked came from her throat, proceeded by a spatter of hot blood.

“No... no...”

“Shield... I am... your shield.” Rainbow's words echoed loudly though the clearing. Then, she felt something pulling her, dragging her into the inky black forest.

“No! Rainbow! Rainbow Dash!” She screamed, as load as she could while she dug her hooves into the cold dirt. Despite her struggle, the gap between them only grew as the forest consumed her, and Rainbow Dash faded away.

Sunrise

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight bolted up, her fur damp with sweat, her body trembling and her mouth dry. The horrid smell of blood somehow followed her from her nightmare, lingering in her mind. In a frenzied panic Twilight frantically felt around the soft bed for her lover.

“Rainbow Dash!” Her terror grew and the haze of sleep ebbed from her mind and still Rainbow Dash was nowhere in sight. No, no! This can't be happening, where could she have… Did Crucible betray us?! Her heart raced as she fell weakly off the bed, her muscles sore and exhausted, images of the worst possible things flew through her mind. Suddenly, the door swung open, a bright light shining in, blinding Twilight who jumped back, startled by the sudden noise and light. A shadowy figure stood at the door.

“Shut up, you're going to get us all killed if you keep screaming like that.”

“W-where’s Rainbow Dash?” Twilight said weakly, shielding her eyes from the light, allowing them to adjust.

“Twilight! Twi are you alright!?” The sound of hooves beat rapidly up the stairs as Dash's voice called out in a forcefully stifled but frantic tone.

“Dashie!” Twilight uncovered her eyes, the light stinging them, still she could make out the bright rainbow mane of her lover as she came to a grinding halt beside Crucible at the door.

“Me and you accomplice have finished getting your provisions ready, it's sunrise, it's time for you to leave.” Crucible said indignantly as she turned away from the door, leaving to two mares alone. Rainbow Dash padded over to the window at the far end of the room opening the curtain and letting the soft natural light of the early morning flow in. Twilight turned to the window, staring at the horizon.

“It's sunrise...” Rainbow Dash sighed.

“Sunrise...” Twilight repeated faintly, a mix of somber dejection and fear. 'We'll be on the run again... from now on.'

********************************************

Twilight and Rainbow Dash walked side by side down the stairs, tails entwined, Crucible was already downstairs getting their provisions packed up so they could be on their way in mere minutes. Twilight Yearned for the comfortable, warm embrace of sleep once more, but she knew they couldn't linger here much longer, not only were they putting themselves more at risk but also the mare who gave them shelter. Twilight thought about her friends and family, a grim and forlorn look dulled her tired eyes. The entire Apple family in Ponyville, arrested just for knowing someone who helped us, Crucible is taking an unimaginable risk by helping us, she has her daughter to think about. She's given up on her son? Things are really, really bad aren't they? Celestia is turning Equestria inside out looking for us, What will she do to us? What will she do to Dashie? W-we need to get out of here, we need to run as far away as possible, I can't let anyone get hurt, I won't let it happen.

Suddenly, she felt a warm grip tighten around her tail and her lovers warm, soft side press against hers. Twilight could feel Dash's steady heartbeat through her downy fur, looking, their eyes met. Rainbow's eyes were nothing like Twilight's, they were filled with a renewed sense of purpose and strength, Twilight saw eyes ready to challenge the world and win. Twilight wondered what Crucible could have said to her to inspire this change in demeanor. Whatever happened, Twilight felt empowered by that look, she felt secure. Pain ebbed, giving way for a moment of clarity and peace for Twilight, a delicate and soft smile lightened up her face and she too leaned against her lover. We aren't just running away, we're moving forward.

The couple made their way into the kitchen, Cobalt Crucible paced back and forth, tending to something on the stove and then bouncing between the pantry and two very well stuffed backpacks, her eyes would drift up as she stood in front of the bags, seemingly running down a mental checklist in her mind. It was warm in the kitchen and the delicious aroma of food made Twilight's stomach grumble uncontrollably. Crucible was jerked from her thoughts by the sound of Twilight's empty belly.

“S-sorry, we-” Twilight spoke quickly as embarrassment swept over her, but she stopped as Crucible let out a half hearted giggle.

“You're aren't staying for breakfast, and you better make what little I'm giving you last, because you'll be on your own from here out.” Her expression turned from a half hearted smile to a steely, cold look directed at Twilight. “Time to grow up.”

Twilight opened her mouth, protest on her lips, but she retracted, closing her lips and looking to the floor. She's right… I need to grow up, I can't be the weak link for us, I have to stay strong for Dashie. If we are going to make it out of this safely I need… I need to-

“It'll be alright Twi, I know you're strong, without you, we would have been caught already.” Dash smiled at her, but Twilight was less than convinced, she knew what Crucible meant, and she was right.

“Even the strongest shield is useless if it's held by a weak arm. You need to steel yourself Twilight Sparkle, the way you are, I doubt you would even make it out of town.”

“Hey, lay off her!” Rainbow Dash growled, stepping between Twilight and Crucible, as she had done time and time again.

“It's okay Rainbow, she's right.” Twilight brushed her cheek against Dash's as she stepped beside her. She's right, it's always Rainbow Dash protecting me. She saved me from prison, from the royal guard and even my own brother. I just cowered behind her. I can't let this happen anymore, I have to be strong for her, I told her she could lean on me, how could she if all I do is crumble?

“Whatever.” Crucible shrugged, turning away from them. Her horn lit up and the two bags on the table were engulfed in a gray aura. “You can't stay here any longer, I need to get my daughter out of here, you two are just a huge liability.”

“Where will you go?” Dash asked, the clear concern and caring in her voice was unmistakably genuine, something about it threw Twilight off as she once again wondered what transpired between the two of them while she slept. Further to Twilight's surprise, she could see a faint smile on the steely mare's face.

“I don't think that it's any of your business, but I've got ways, like I said, my network is nothing to Scoff at either. I've got someone willing to help me out, someone with almost as much reason to hate Celestia as I do.”

“I hope you and your daughter make out out...” Rainbow Dash's concern for the metallurgist was deep and sincere. Suddenly a weight fell onto Twilight and Rainbow Dash as the bags were dropped on their back, the straps fastened themselves around their back, chest and shoulders.

“I don't think it's me you should be worried about.” Crucible turned away from them, and trotted over to the counter on the far end of the kitchen, her horn began to glow with magic, enveloping a rectangular leather pouch with a buttoned down opening on one end. She came back towards Dash and Twilight a new, bright anger burning in her normally cool gray eyes.

“I wanted you to have this.” The button came undone, revealing hilt, expertly bound in tough leather, the end of the hilt was ornate, polished steel with swirls of blue cobalt. The hilt was pulled out of the sleeve with magic, revealing a razor sharp blade, a dagger and printed on the blade, in blue cobalt, in the same font as Twilight had seen hanging on the walls, was a single world: 'Cobalt'

“A- a knife...” Rainbow Dash spoke, it wasn't questioning, be reaffirming, as though the reality of what it was was still reaching her.

“A dagger, one I've been working on specially since my son got taken. I don't have high hopes for you two, so in the off chance you have this when you come face to face with Celestia, I want you to do me a favor…” Her voice was grim and bitter. Twilight knew, deep down, they both knew what she meant, still, she couldn't believe it, Twilight almost refused to believe it, she didn't want to hear what would come next, but the words slipped past her lips.

“W-what?” Twilight said fearfully, her eyes wide. Rainbow Dash stepped slightly in front of her, trying in vain to protect her from the spoken words that were to come as Cobalt Crucible grinned darkly.

“Plunge it into her heart.” The icy chill of hatred in her voice stunned the couple silent for seconds that seemed to last minutes.

“It won't come to that…” Rainbow Dash confidently stepped forward, silently accepting the dagger. I refuse to let Twilight have the burden, I swear I won't let it come to that. The dagger slid back into it's casing and fastened itself onto the shoulder strap of Dash's backpack, right within grabbing distance of her mouth.

“If you say so.” Crucible said dismissingly. “I have nothing else for you, you need to be on your way now. Never try to get in contact with me again after you leave that door.” Crucible turned away from them, her head turned, looking to to where her daughter's room was, where the only family she had left, slept peacefully in her crib, unaware of the horrors of the outside world. Twilight saw in her eyes, at that moment, the same strength and resolve in her eyes that she saw in Rainbow Dash. The will, the conviction, the strength to take on nations for the ones they loved. At that moment, Twilight felt a deep pity towards Crucible, she empathized with the mare who had lost almost everything, her way of life, her friends, her family, her loved ones. Twilight felt tears welling up in her eyes, no sobbing, no chocking no wailing, just tears, they began to flow softly down her cheeks.

“Come on Twilight.” Rainbow Dash said softly, the compassion in her voice comforting Twilight, easing the crushing feeling in her heart. Dash rubbed her cheek against her lovers, in the same way Twilight had done for her. “We need to go.”

“R-right.” Twilight wiped the tears off her face and turned towards the door in the gallery. Reluctantly, she took her first steps with Rainbow Dash close behind. Suddenly, Dash came to a stop, she turned her head back towards Crucible with a complex, but sad look in her eyes.

“You know, I think the shield is stronger than the pike...” She said simply. Twilight could feel the depth and magnitude in the words she spoke, even though she did not understand the meaning, she saw a deep connection and understanding when Crucible's eyes met Dash's.

“Prove it then.”

“We will, and you will too.” Dash smiled, then turned back towards Twilight.

BANG, BANG, BANG! A powerful knocking rang out from the front door. All heads whipped around to face it, their collective heart skipping a beat. Twilight's mouth went dry and her eyes became wide with terror. She couldn't move her legs, she was paralyzed in fear. Her heart began to race and her mind even more so. No, no! They can't have found us already!

“Shop's closed, come back in an hour!” Crucible yelled, her voice annoyed and agitated. She was a good actor but Twilight could see the fear in her eyes. Suddenly, a metallic gray aura surrounded Twilight and Rainbow Dash, quickly pulling them to the back of the kitchen without making a sound.

“This is Celestia's Royal Guard! I Order you to open this door now or we'll break it down!”

“No...” Twilight whispered, her breathing became shallow and irregular as she stared at the door. “Big brother...”

Rainbow Dash looked from the door to Crucible then back to Twilight, she began to panic as her mind raced to find a way out. 'This isn't good. Twilight lost it the last time she saw Shining Armor, we need to get out of here!'

“I'm coming!” Crucible called out, taking her time as she trotted to the drawer with her keys.

“Twi!” Rainbow Dash whispered again frantically, as she looked back to her lover, she saw her horn ignite with a lavender glow. Twilight's face was contorted into an enraged scowl, her eyes clouded with bitter tears. All the pain and terror had turned to fury and rage as she imagined her brother behind that door, every fiber of her being consumed with an unstoppable impetus. I won't let you take her!

“W-what happened?” In the blink of an eyes, the rustic kitchen had given way to grass and the scent of fresh air replaced the smell of warm food. Rainbow Dash blinked, her eyes adjusting to the change in lighting. Suddenly a hood pressed hard against her lips, glancing to her side, she could see Twilight crouching beside her.

“Stay quiet, something went wrong.” She whispered softly, the terrifying look in her face from earlier had eased into simply one of determination. Looking to her other side, she could see they were nearly pressed against the side of a building, the color and design of which sent a cold chill down Dash's spine, they had only managed to teleport just outside of Crucible's home. Twilight's horn again began to glow. Twilight brought her hoof up to her lips, gesturing to Dash to stay quiet as she cast the invisibility spell that demanded their silence. The spell enveloped them, rendering them undetectable by sight. Still, terror filled Dash's heart as she heard a harsh and commanding voice fly into a rage.

“We know you are harboring the fugitives! Where are they!?” Shining Armor growled. Slowly and cautiously, Rainbow Dash and Twilight poked their heads out from behind the frail safety of the wall that hid them. It was worse than they had imagined, Twilight struggled to suppress a gasp. There were dozens of heavily armed guards, unicorns, pegasus, and earth ponies made up the ranks of the battalion that stood paroling the town, at least a dozen of which were right at the door with Shining Armor. Twilight knew it was dumb luck that they had gotten out and were now successfully hidden.

“I told you, I haven't seen your deviant sister or her freak friend, if I had, I would have killed them myself, I had a daughter to protect!” Crucible's disgust and resentment was almost palpable.

“I'm not letting those abominations anywhere near my-” A sharp blow to the side of her face echoed out as the captain of the guard slammed his powerful hoof down against her. The sound echoed through the town, Rainbow Dash could see blood begin to trickle out of her mouth down to her chin. Dash's blood boiled and rage filled her chest. She was trembling, every instinct she had told her to attack, but she knew she had to protect Twilight, no matter what.

“You think you're pretty clever don't you? Just like your late husband, but your contact let us in on what you were doing. Why would you be planning on running away if you did nothing wrong?”

L-late? Did he say late? Twilight thought to herself in disbelief. No, that can't be true, they wouldn't do something like that, they couldn't! Her body was trembling now worse than ever, images of her nightmares came flooding back to her. Her body felt hot and waves of nausea brought her to her knees, her breath quivered as she used every last bit of her strength to keep silent.

“Arrest her, and take the child.” He commanded coldly. Suddenly, Crucible shot up, flinging several guards off of her with ease. Blood still dripping from her swollen lip, her eyes burned with rage as her horn began to glow brightly. As soon as her spell began to charge, a sharp and piercing whistle emanated from the horns of the unicorns in the battalion, her magic fizzled out as Crucible dropped to the ground again in pain.

“Aahh!” Twilight cried out as she clutched her head, falling to the ground in anguish as the whistle rung through her head, reverberating though her agonizingly.

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash cried out, kneeling down to tend to her marefriend. Tenderly she took Twilight into her hooves just as a dark shadow fell over them. Twilight looked up, her body weak from pain. Her jaw clenched in anger as she pathetically coughed out the only word that her pain addled mind could repeat over and over again.

“No...”