Chapter 1: A Day in the Sun
It had Been a wonderful couple of Weeks for the Residents of Ponyville, the Weather Beautiful and not a problem to be found. That is until the Everfree Forest Apparently Decided it didn't like such a long period of Pleasant weather. Within a space of 10 minutes the Weather in Ponyville went from Great to Miserable, With Thick Black Storm Clouds rolling in and drenching the small town in torrents of Rain. The Wind thrashed seemingly in anger, The Clouds Roared with Thunder and Lashed out with wicked lightning, while the great waves of rain covered Ponyville and almost caused a flash flood, which would have damaged homes and put many in Danger. But everypony heaved a great sigh of relief when after almost 6 hours it finally stopped and The Cloudcover dissapated to reveal the glorious sun in the waning hours of the day. For the Last half hour of daylight the sun and sky gave a brilliant display of magical colors, one of the most magnificent sunsets that Ponyvill had seen that year, almost as if nature were apologizing for the ruining of their day, and for the pain some would soon endure.
After Meeting Briefly in the morning the next day, the Pegasi responsible for Ponyville's weather decided that in order to compensate for the enormous soaking the storm had done, there would need to be about 4 days of intense heat and sunshine. Everypony was informed of this the day after the storm, and were told it would start the next day, so they had the rest of the day to make plans for the next few days. After options were discussed by the many ponies, almost everypony came to the conclusion that the best place to spend the coming hot days would be the Lake not far from ponyville, especially considering that it had now been overfilled, thus allowing plenty of room for Everypony to enjoy themselves.
As was expected, the next day was hotter indeed, some ponies even thought that the sun seemed larger that day. Also as expected, the Lake was full to the brim with Ponyfolk. Nearly Every shop in Ponyville was closed, and the only ponies working were those that had decided to open stalls near the lake. Applejack was one of those who had opened a stall, selling apples and treats and a rather limited amount of Cider they apple family made the night before. After watching Applebloom go off with her friends to do their cutie mark galavanting, Applejack wondered when she might see her own close friends at the lake. She had Seen rarity at a Distance, but time didn't allow them to see eachother at the time as Rarity was Selling Parasol's to the Many Mares of Ponyville, though not at a Stall. She hadn't seen any of the others yet though. And while her mind was wandering all over hither and thither, she remembered Somepony she saw that Morning. It wasn't anypony she knew. And now that she thought about it, they did seem a little lost. Maybe they were new to Ponyville? Now Apple Jack felt a little down, hoping now that she had a second chance to meet the Newcomer.
Applejack was lost in thought for maybe a minute or two, before she Heard A familiar voice in the distance. She turned in the Direction of said voice just as Pinkie Pie did a galloping Cannonball into the lake. Not far behind her were Twilight and Fluttershy, both giggling at pinkie's neverending antics. "Howdy Y'all!" yelled Applejack to Her Friends.
Twilight turned towards the sound of Applejacks voice,then Exclaimed "Hey Fluttershy, Look! Applejacks got a Stand up and She's Got Cider!"
Fluttershy lit up as they started to walk towards the small applestand "Oh, I Do Love Her Cider!" She said, Beaming.
Twilight was equally enthusiastic about a cold drink. "Well C'mon! Lets not keep Her Waiting!" Said twilight as she began to trot towards the Apple Stand, while Fluttershy Followed Slowly.
"Howdy Twilight, Fluttershy! Y'all here fer some fun at the Lake?" Asked Applejack.
"Of Course!" Replied Twilight. "Isn't Everyone?"
Applejack Responded with a wave to her stand, "You Betcha! Care fer some Cider?"
Twilight and Fluttershy Replied "Yes Please" almost Simultaneously as they each put 2 pits on the counter.
Pinkie Came Running From the lake, still soaking wet, And After Skidding to a stop just inches from the stall exclaimed "Did you Say Cider!? I'll Take Five!" as she Slapped 10 bits onto the counter.
"Sorry Sugarcube, Today there's a limit of one mug per Pony" Said Applejack as she Put 3 Mugs onto the counter. Then Quickly Mentioned, "I know it ain't Cider, But there's Plenty of Apple Juice if'n y'all want some. Plus it's Half The Price of the Cider!"
Pinkie's Excitement had waned, but a smile was still on her face as she said "That's okay Applejack, I'll be fine" and took her mug of Cider.
Twilight Looked around, and then Said "Speaking of Cider Nuts, Anypony Seen Rainbow Dash? She's the only pony i don't see here at the lake."
Suddenly a shadow appeared on the ground as a voice from above said, "What'd you forget to look Up?" as Rainbow dash Descended into the group of Friends.
"Rainbow Dash! Good to see you!" said Twilight, "where have you been all day?"
Rainbow Dash Rubbed her Eyes, hoping the bags underneath them wouldn't be visible. "I slept in today" she said wearily. "I didn't sleep well last night, or the night before."
Applejack put a hoof around Rainbow's shoulder, "Ah ya Poor thing. Whats Wrong?"
Rainbow just shrugged, "Well the First night it was just Super hot up in the clouds." she said as she took a swig of the Cider Applejack handed her" And Last night I had a freaky Dream that kept waking me up."
Twilight just shrugged, "Weird. Well, Maybe the Rain is Messing with your Head."
Pinkie then exclaimed, "Yeah! All that Rain Has ya Down, so Lets Have some fun today to chase those Bad Dreams Away!"
Pinkie then Grabbed Rainbow Dash By her two Left Hooves, and Practically threw her like a griffons hammer into the Lake. Pinkie then Went and Jumped in with her.
Rarity then Walked up with Her Last two Parasols, "Applejack Darling, so Good to see you! I Hear you Have Cider today."
Applejack Responded with a smile, "Yup! Sure Do! Want a Mug?"
Rarity set down what was left of her wares, and said "That would be Positively Divine!" as she wiped her brow.
As applejack Turned to Get a Mug for Rarity, she thought she saw something in the nearby trees. She Looked Harder, and Thought she could see a pony staring at them, but then only could see a gnarled Bush nestled next to a tree. "What in Tarnation?" she Muttered to herself.
Rarity noticed Applejack's distraction, and turned to ask "Applejack? Is everything alright?"
Applejack shook her head after a moment to clear her mind, "What? Yeah i'm fine. Darn Heats playing tricks on my eyes" She said with a chuckle as she handed Rarity Her Mug." After about an hour or two of selling more Apple Treats and drinks, Applejack decided to close up for the day and join her friends in the Lake and sun. And so the Day Ended Without a problem, and all went home tired and happy. However, If Applejack ever had it in mind to look back at the bush, she just might have seen it Sulk away into the shadows, as a dark Mind schemed an awful scheme, one that would Not bode well for any of the Six Friends.
Chapter 2: An Unwelcome Guest
It was day two of the Heatwave in Ponyville, and even though it was an intentional Heatwave, Some ponies were already tired of the sun and the lake and decided to try their hooves at staying indoors. Applejack and Rarity were trying the same efforts of the previous day with Applejacks Apple stand and Rarity's Parasols. Most of the Ponies still managed to have a fun and enjoyable time, while a few stayed at the lake only for the sake of the cool water. Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all arrived at about the same time as the day before, but Rainbow dash Didn't arrive until a few hours later than the day previous. When Twilight asked if she was okay, Rainbow Dash Said that she was fine, but she Knew that was a Lie.
In reality, Rainbow Dash Wasn't sure if she was Fine. The Last Couple Nights She had Begun Having Nightmares. The First wasn't That Bad, just a little Annoying, but now only 2 days later they were unsettling the Normally Stalwart and Brave Pony. But of Course, She couldn't let her friends know that She was Scared. She was Too Cool for that, or rather that's how her tired and weary mind rationalized keeping the nightmares a secret. But if She was to be totally honest, it wasn't the Previous Nightmares that Frightened Her the Most, it was instead 2 other things. Firstly that the Nightmares had escalated and Become Drastically Worse Between the First and Second Nightmare, and Even Moreso Between the Second and Third of the Night Before. Secondly was that the Nightmares seemed etched into her mind, flashing themselves accross her Mind Even while she was awake, Making her Nervous and on Edge. What she feared the most was what, if it happened again, the Next Nightmare would Contain to Scare her, and the fact that She might not be able to escape it.
Yet despite these Fears, she Kept quiet about them and the Nightmares, instead Putting on her cool face and Focusing on being Percievably Awesome. For Now she just wanted to try and relax with her friends. It seemed to help the day before, so why not Today? Soon enough her mind seemed to clear as she relaxed in the lake and ran along the shore. As the Sun began to set, Rainbow didn't think much of the nightmares. Pinkie pies antics and spending time with her friends seemed to have helped ease her nerves, so she thought nothing of just going home and getting ready for bed.
Little Did she know, that somepony had been watching her all Day. In fact, had been for a couple days. Nor did she suspect that this Somepony, or rather, Something Was watching her even now. As rainbow dash Prepared for bed she Decided to Read a Daring Do Book. Twilight had lent her one of the few Rainbow dash hadn't read yet, Daring Do and the Trek to the Terrifying Tower. "G'Night Tank." she said to her Tortoise, now making his way to his small home in the corner of the front room, a tired smile on his face.
Just as Rainbow Dash Was about to go to her room there was a knock at her door, which seemed very bizarre, especially considering that her house was a couple hundred feet in the air and that she wasn't expecting anyone. Upon opening her door, she was met by No-pony. There was however a small Box wrapped in Blue Paper with a note. Looking around she couldn't see anypony, and wasn't sure how they got up to her house or how they managed to get awasy so quickly.
Taking the box inside she read the note, which said simply,
"Dear Rainbow Dash, I heard that you weren't sleeping very well, so i got you a present. Just mix it into a drink of water, I hope it helps. Sweet Dreams! Sincerely, A Friend."
Why would one of her friends leave her an anonymous Gift? How did they get up to her house? Was it that Obvious that she was Having trouble sleeping? Rainbow Dash decided she was thinking to hard about this, and Just shrugged with the thought, 'Whoever it was, it sure was nice of them.' Opening the box she found a Small Glass Vial, filled with a Deep Blue Powder. Well at this point rainbow dash was willing to try just about anything. She got a glass of water and Popped the cork out of the Vial. Putting it near her Nose, she was met with the pleasant Scent of Blueberries. 'I Hope it tastes as good as it smells' she thought as she poured it into the water. Almost immediately it diffused and she now held a glass of the deep blue drink. "Well, Bottoms Up" she said out loud, just before drinking the whole thing in almost one go. It wouldn't be long before she would Deeply and woefully regret that decision.
"Wow. It Tastes just like Blueberries Too. Weird Flavor for a drink i guess but it's tasty. Hope it works" She made her way to her bedroom, and just as she was at the door she began to feel very tired. "Wow this stuff works quick" she thought. Then She realized that She wasn't tired, just weak. The Feeling began to build as she made her way to the bed, but by the time she got there, the Weakness had not only built but now she had a huge headache, in fact now she was far more awake than that afternoon at the lake. As she sat on her bed, almost all at once a terrible Fear Gripped Rainbow, Paranoia set in and She Felt like she was hallucinating. Her Voice cracking with emotion, she curled into a ball and almost cried the words "What was that stuff!?" The Nightmares were now coming to her recollection relentlessly and all at once and she began to shake, unsure of what to do.
She suddenly Noticed there was a Faint Glow coming from under her door, just as the door slowly began to creek open, and a green light began to fill the room. As the door opened wider and wider, she could see the silhouette of somepony standing in the doorway, their Horn Glowing from under their cloak. Rainbow Dash Virtually Choked on her Words as she struggled to ask "Who are You" while her mind seemed to be slipping away. "Why rainbow dash, Don't you know?" said the stranger in a broken hoarse voice, a twisted grin appearing on their face. The Began to step into the room as the words left their mouth almost in a sadistic whisper, "I am the Worst Nightmare of All." With that Rainbow dash Let out what would have been the loudest scream she had ever managed to make,and if only somepony had been close enough to hear it, her scream would not have been in vain.
Green Lights Began to flow from within the room, and could have been seen outside the windows. Rainbow Dash's Screams Were Not Of Pain, but of terror and Emotional Torture. After 5 or 10 minutes, the Dark Guest Stopped their Wicked Magic, and took a moment to observe their prey. Rainbow Dash was curled up into a ball and was shaking uncontrollably in the corner of her bedroom. Tears Streamed down her face, her eyes looked as if she hadn't slept in weeks, and her choked wimpers reflected the absolute terror she just had, and still was enduring. The Guest whispered in her ear, "Don't Worry, I'll be back soon" with an evil chuckle, before slowly leaving the room, just as Tank managed to get to the top of the stairs. The Guest Kicked Tank into the wall, sending him Spinning towards rainbow's room, as they desceneded the stairs and left the home, spreading their wings and flying into the darkness.
And so started a chain of events, whose end could mean the end of all things. And poor rainbow dash, was merely the first victim.
The Third Day of Heat began like the First 2, With the Only Difference Being the Attitudes of the Ponyfolk. Some Had spent plenty of time at the lake for their liking, and those who did still come to the lake seemed almost reluctant to spend another day In the water. Spike went with the Cutie Mark Crusaders that day to Make sure they stayed out of Trouble as they went around Ponyville.
At around noon, Pinkie Pie made a Comment that if she spent anymore time in the water, she might just grow some gills. By this time, The 5 Pony Friends Had all noticed and been concerned by the absence of rainbow dash. Around 1 they all decided that they needed to go see rainbow Dash and see how she was, for fear she had become ill or hurt. Little did they know that Somepony else had thought the same thing, but with different intentions, and darker expectations. Within Minutes this Pony had Managed to Fly to Rainbow Dash's Home, Whilst rainbows Friends Still Prepared to Journey to the sky. Their Purple Mane Flowed behind them as they Made Haste to the Sky home.
Just as this Pony arrived they Heard A clamor just inside and hid. After The Cloaked Figure Kicked Tank Off their leg and back into the house with a cursing, the Dark Pony Stepped to the Edge of the Cloudbase and Then Leapt into the air, descending into the distant Everfree forest. As soon as the Cloaked Figure Was Far away, the Mystery Pony Snuck through the front door, closing it behind them. Finding Tank struggling to get off his back, they Righted Him and Then continued quickly and Quietly, following the whispers and whimpers of A certain Sky Blue Pony.
When the Purple Pony crept into the room, their fears were confirmed. Rainbow Dash Was Pale, and Was Curled into a ball in the corner of her room. Whispering Unintelligable things to herself amidst frightened whimpers and pained whines. Just as the Purple Pony was nearing the Seemingly Broken Pegasus, they Heard Noises outside and Dove into the Closet.
The Sound was that of Twilight and Friends arriving in her balloon to Rainbow Dash's Home and Knocking on the Door. After a few moments of no reply, Twilight Knocked again. "I Don't Get it." She thought to herself. "Normally Rainbow is the One trying to get me outside, I Hope she's okay."
"Say, Do Y'all hear something?" Asked applejack. Once Everypony Was Quiet, They All Could hear the faint sound of Scraping.
Fluttershy looked up and Noticed Tank In the Window, scraping as frantically as his slow Body could manage. Fluttershy Noticed this and Remarked "I think somethings Wrong". Without a moments thought Applejack Reared up and Bucked the Door down.
"Applejack!" Exclaimed Rarity, "You don't even know if the Door was Locked! Now its Ruined."
"We'll have time to fix it later, If rainbow is In trouble i don't think she'll care about her door" said AJ as she Ran in Followed by twilight and Pinkie Pie.
Fluttershy went and Grabbed Tank, Who was obviously upset. Everypony Spread through the Home, Looking for Their Friend. Applejack was the one Who ran upstairs and found Rainbows Bedroom.
Once inside, the Sounds of distress from rainbow were easy to hear, and she was easy to find, still curled up in the corner. As soon as Applejack laid eyes on Rainbow dash, she Called to the Others. "Ah Found Her! Get Up Here Quick!"
Twilight was the First to arrive in the room. With a look of concern she trotted over and sat Next to Rainbow Dash. She Touched the Blue Pony on the Shoulder and Tried to Say "Whats Wrong?" But Before the First word left her Mouth, Rainbow Dash Recoiled from the Touch of her Friend as if wounded, and With a Hoarse Scream Bolted To the Door. In Her State of Delirium though, the Normally Very talented Flier Missed most of the Doorway, Connecting Her Shoulder and Wing with the Doorframe and Throwing Herself Downstairs and Into a Wall. The other ponies stood frozen either on the stairs or at their base, staring at their friend, now unconscious.
Rarity and Pinkie Pie Both Screamed When Their Friend Tore By them and Into the Wall, And Fluttershy Almost began to cry. Twilight Ran to the Top of the Stairs, "Get her Into the Balloon Girls! We're Going to the Hospital!" And Began to go Downstairs with AJ close Behind, When AJ heard something from the Bedroom. Going Back in, Aj Saw the Closet Door Sway Ever So Slightly. As She moved Closer to It, she Said Loudly "Who's There? Y'all Best Show Yerself or this'll Get Ugly". When She Was only a Foot from the Door, It Burst open and Connected bluntly with her Muzzle as a Flash of Purple Tried to Get Past her.
Within Moments AJ was Wrestling Furiously with The Unknown Pony, Assuming that They were responsible for Hurting Her Friend. Blows Were Thrown and Kicks Landed, But within a Minute AJ had the Purple Pony Pinned and Was Thrashing Her Against the Floor, All the while Yelling Her Questions, "Who are You?!" "What Did Y'all Do To Rainbow Dash!?" and So on. However her questions availed nothing, as she had already Beaten the Purple Pony Unconcious.
Twilight Yelled to Applejack, "Stop! We need her to Tell Us What Happened!" After Realizing that the Intruder was Unconcious, Aj Stopped Thrashing and Stood up. After Only Moments of Thought, AJ grabbed the Purple Pony and Dragged them Downstairs into the Now Crowded Balloon.
After a Few Minutes they reached the ground, and While Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy Rushed Rainbow Dash to the Hospital, Applejack and Twilight Brought their New 'Friend' to the Library.
"Get Rainbow to the Hospital, Girls," Yelled twilight, "We'll see what this pony knows and meet you there!" After Tying them to a Chair, AJ began to shake them awake. Once awake the Pony Struggled and then Realized the Situation and stopped. "Who Are You" Asked Twilight, "And what did you Do To Rainbow dash?"
The Purple Pony Squirmed Before Replying Boldly "I Was Trying to Help Her" to which Applejack Responded By Kicking the chair over. The Pony Grunted as they hit the floor, and Their Appearance seemed to Flicker for a Moment, Which Applejack Missed but Twilight Saw.
Once she finally grasped what she had seen, she gasped "She's a Changling" as Fear Washed over her.
"What? Here?" Applejack responded. "Might as well Just call Celestia Right Now then" AJ said Coldly, as she dragged the chair back to an upright position.
"NO WAIT!" The Changling Spurted just before tipping Backwards in the now uneven chair and hitting hard against the Ground, Smashing their Head as the Chitin Audibly Cracked and the Disguise Faded Completely. At this the Changling Began to shed a few tears as they said, "Stop! I was Trying to Help! Give me a Chance to-" But was Cut short by AJ who yelled,
"Y'all can just keep quiet!", now fuming over the thought that Rainbow might be hurt.
The changling finished with "Explain" in a voice barely louder than a whisper.
"Applejack, calm down for a second" mentioned twilight. "What do you Mean you were Trying to help? Why should we trust A changling?"
To Which the Changling Replied, "If You don't rainbow Dash Won't be the same after what is Happening to her." At that the Two Friends Were Quiet.
After a moment, Twilight Picked up a Knife using her Magic and Moved Closer. The Changling Seemed to Choke, but then just pressed against the ground, facing Away from twilight with a pained scowl, as if resigned to fate, while tears continued to go down their face. But the Wound never Came, Instead The Ropes Went lose as Twilight Let her Go. "If you are being Honest," said twilight, "then we'll trust you. But if That's a lie, then we'll be glad to see what the Royal guard does to captured Changlings." The Changling Sat there quietly, then Nodded.
"Applejack, Get going to the Hospital, make sure Rainbow is Okay. I'll be Right behind you." said twilight, who was now getting a first aid kit to bandage the changlings head from a high shelf.
"What and Leave you with a changling? Y'all can just forget that Idea." Applejack rebuked, then looked back at the changling with a scowl. "If you lie to us, i'll be glad to drag you to the Canterlot dungeons myself, Got it?"
The Changling nodded weakly as they sat up. Twilight approached with the first aid kit, and asked "Who are you?"
Sitting up straight, the changling wiped their Face. "My Name is Nightshade, and you already know i'm a changling, But please believe me when i say that i'm Different. Not all Changlings willingly give allegience to the Queen. A Few, like myself, Go into exile in other lands in order to avoid her schemes. But we can talk more about that Later. Your Friend has been Poisoned by another Changling i've been tracking for weeks. I believe he's been feeding off of your pegasus Friend. I will gladly tell you everything you want to know later, but right now we need to go and Help your friend before any damage becomes permanent." The changling then Slowly Changed back into the Purple Pony they were disquised as, a Purple flower with 5 petals and a yellow center as the cutie Mark. Twilight Recognized this Flower, as it was one that was incredibly poisonous. The changling Spoke once more when the Change was finished, "Please, we need to hurry if we are going to help your friend."
After a few moments in quiet deliberation, Applejack and Twilight Both Bolted for the Door, Nightshade Close Behind them. A couple minutes later they were at the Hospital and in the Room with Rainbow Dash. Nightshade explained That she had to wait till Rainbow Was awake, and Then Explained What she had before to the Ponies in the Room.
Then, After realizing that it might be a while before Rainbow woke up, Nightshade Began to Tell Her Story.
As She had Mentioned Before, Some Changlings choose not to follow the Rule of Queen Chrysallis. When Nightshade was younger, her mother was in the Royal Courts, though she hated every day of it. She Helped Nightshade to leave, but was unable to Come at the time because of Tension inside the Royal Courts. Nightshade Later Found that her Mother had been Executed for suspected treason against the Queen. Since that Time of Her Youth nightshade had become a vagabond in the lands of equestria, roaming from place to place with no real home. In the Coming Years she Met two other Changlings like her, another Mare named Angel Trumpet who lived alone in a distant cottage and a Colt named Oleander who supposedly lived within an hour or two of travel from Ponyville.
Nightshade then Began to Tell of More Recent events, such as the Surfacing of Gympie-Gympie, a notorious villain even among changlings, known for cruelty and a lust for power. Gympie had been reportedly seen crossing into equestria within the last year, and Nightshade had determined to find him once she learned that he performed her mothers execution before he was chased from the royal courts after he brutalized another high ranking changling. Queen Chrysalis had long thought he was extreme, even for a changling, and had often thought of removing him from his position. Nightshade had finally followed him to the area surrounding ponyville but she hadn't been able to actually find him until he attacked Rainbow dash. She had also heard Gympie was traveling with an accomplice named Belladonna, though she hadn't found any evidence of them being anywhere near Ponyville.
The reason Gympie was so dangerous was that he had supposedly found a way to absorb Power from Emotions other than Love. And Even Though None Were actually as potent as Love, gympie had found that it was easier to Extract power from Fear and Despair, almost as powerful as love, and that he could gain power from them more readily than Love. Though Nightshade and Her Friends hadn't yet Figured out why, they all believed that Gympie was attempting to Gain Power, and a lot of it. Angel Trumpet had Set out more than a week ago to Search out a ruin rumored to be near where gympie crossed the border into equestria, but of which there was no actual record or proof, and even though there was no obvious tie between it and Gympie, they had strong suspicions.
After sharing all these things, Rainbow dash began to stir, which immediately got everypony's attention. Rainbow dash Slowly Opened Her Eyes, and even as they first opened, it could be seen that she was still full of fear, so much so that she began to shake. Acting Quickly, Nightshade Began to use her magic, fueled now by the surrounding love and concern of Rainbow's Friends, and Attempted to Clear the Mind of Rainbow Dash, Whose eyes began to glow slightly.
"Speak to Her" Nightshade Whispered to the Ponies.
"Dashie are you there?" Blurted Pinkie Pie.
"Rainbow Dash, We're all Here" said twilight.
"Rainbow, Can ya Hear us?" Asked Applejack.
Rainbow Dash Stopped shaking when she heard her friends voices, but tears started coming from her eyes. "Girls?" She Almost Started Sobbing. "I'm Scared."
"Rainbow Dash, You Don't Know Me, But My Name is Nightshade. I'm Here to Help You, but in order to do that I Need you To focus. Can you do that for me?"
"what?" asked rainbow dash with a sniff.
"I'm going to Help You, but i need you to Concentrate. Can you do that for me Rainbow?"
"I... I Think so" Said Rainbow Dash, whiping her Nose.
"Rainbow, I think you've Been Poisoned. Have You eaten or drank anything strange Recently?"
Rainbows Dash's eyes grew wider, and her voice started to get shaky as she said, "Poisoned?"
"Rainbow i need you to think. You're going to be okay, but i need you to Work with me okay? Did anyone give you anything out of the ordinary recently?" Nightshade was now directly next to Rainbow Dash on her Left.
"I... I... there was a box at my door last night, i think."
"what was in it?"
"A drink Powder"
"Do you remember What Color it was?"
"I think... it was blue"
"Are you Sure?"
"I Think so. I Mixed it with water and drank it right before i was going to go to bed, and then..." Rainbow's Eyes Started to overflow with tears again.
"Then What Rainbow? What Happened?" Nightshade asked, a hint of Desperation in her voice.
Rainbow Dash choked on her Tears, "After that all I Can Remember Are My Nightmares. I wan't to forget those." She said sniffling.
"That's Fine Rainbow. Forget the nightmares. Don't think about them. Do You remember Anything else?"
"I... I don't... Somepony at my door... then just the nightmares..." Rainbow Dash Started to Cry again.
"Thats okay Rainbow, Don't think about them. We're all here for you. Think about your friends, Okay? Keep talking to them for me? Can you do that?"
"Yeah. I can do that." She said, her crying now under control.
Nightshade Stepped away From Rainbow dash, and Fluttershy, rarity and Pinkie Pie began trying to help rainbow Dash Stay Calm. "Applejack, are you familiar with the plant Poison Joke?" asked Nightshade.
A quizzical look washed over applejack, "Yeah we had a Bad run in with it a while back. Why?"
"I Need you to Get some For Me. Wear some Gloves and You'll be fine, but i need you to get some." Applejack looked at Twilight, Confused. After Twilight told her to hurry, AJ ran out the door. Nightshade then Spoke To Twilight, "Do you Know anywhere you can get Firespinner?"
"Fire-What?" For once twilight was hearing of something for the very first time.
"Firespinner, its a Plant. Do you know anypony that is really into Rare or special Herbs?"
"Uhh... Zacora is into that stuff. She Might Have it."
"Thats as good a chance as any. I'll Work to keep rainbow dash Calm and awake, But while i do that i need you to get that for me. When You and Applejack come back with those i'll be able to Help Rainbow Dash More. Hurry."
With that Twilight Ran out the Door. Meanwhile Nightshade thought to herself, "Now all thats left is to Try and Minimize Her memories of all this. Poor Pony, I can only imagine what her nightmares were." At that Nightshade Shuddered and Went back to Using magic to Keep Rainbow Dash Awake and Calm.