Chapters Chapter 1- Old Endings, New Beginnings
Love is such a delicate gift. Yet, love can be stronger than any substance in the land. However, to keep it strong, one must dedicate oneself to another. To feed it loyalty and kindness. Honesty and generosity. Without these particular elements, the answer is only heartbreak. For love requires these items for it to blossom and flower.
And that has happened in the few years in Ponyville. For a young pegasus mare with a mane of many hues, had found somepony to make her complete. Their love was tested through the events of before. Through the war of the Pegasi Lords. But now, their love is stronger than ever.
Also, a few others have joined the joy of love. A sweet young pegasus, who is also the bearer of the element of kindness, has found a sweet and caring side of the eldest brother of the Apple family. For two ponies equally quiet, together, they are most sweetest couple. Who have also combined their love. For now, they are one. The shy pegasus is now the wife of the strongest stallion in Ponyville. Leading their own lives together as they live in a small cottage, close to the mare's old home-which was transformed into a animal home-so she could still carry on her job.
Not only that, but the current owner of Sweet Apple Acres has also found love in a quiet stallion. A family friend. Who has become more than a friend to the apple mare.
As it was said by the ruler of the Crystal Empire, love is a beautiful thing. But also a deadly weapon.
~~~~~~
Zipping through the sun lit sky. Passing through fluffly, white clouds as she flew. Leaving nothing but a fading rainbow trail behind her. Her strong, cyan wings pushing her further. Making her go faster and faster as she cut through the air.
However, instead of a face of determination, cockiness and confidence, was look of pure worry. Her mind set to panic. Fear painted on her face.
She was trying to avoid him. She didn't want to. But she had no choice. He would have left her. Angry at her.
"Stupid mare!! I didn't ask for this!! Why would you do this to me?! I can't be tied down!! I am a free stallion!! You're on your own!"
Was the thought, throbbing throughout her mind. Worried that he would say that. Scared that he'll leave her.
"I. Hate. You."
Was what made the strong mare cry. Her rose orbs spilling with tears. Until her eyesight grew blurry. But she didn't care. She just wanted to hide. To get away.
In order to hide, she had to keep a low profile. However, this was not the case. For she smashed through an eclipse window, in a hollowed out tree. She crashed through the window, shattering the glass. And fell upon the hard, wooden floor.
The pony downstairs was snatched from her thoughts as the noise echoed through the tree.
"Hello?" The pony called out. Who was clearly a mare due to the high, feminine voice. But as she called out, her voice was filled with, worry, fear and concern.
"It was probably just the wind, Twi. The window must have unlatched again." A younger, boyish voice mumbled. However, the mare refused his idea.
"No. It was too loud to be the window unlatching again, Spike."
"Whatever." Spike walked off, as his small feet lightly thudded against the creaking wood. But slowly, the mare walked upstairs. She heard a gasp of pain in her room. And quickly trotted up. She hesitated to knock on the door.
"Hello?"
"T-T-Twilight." The pegasus croaked from inside. Choking on her own tears. The violet alicorn's eyes snapped open as she realised who the pony was inside. Quickly, she opened the door and gasped at the sight.
"Spike!! Get the first aid kit!! Quickly!!" Twilight Sparkle shouted. A thudding of feet rushed upstairs as the short dragon came up. Clutching a white box with a small red cross upon it.
"Why? What's happe- oh holy guacamole!! Rainbow Dash!!" Spike yelled. As he saw the mare in the room.
Shards of glass coated the floor. Along with a few specks of blood. A large piece of shattered glass was sticking out of the cyan mare's leg. As well as a smaller piece in her side. Scarlet red blood dripped from her wounds and her nose. And her tears streamed down her face. She staggered as she struggled to get up.
"I-I-I'm so sor-ry, Twilight. I-I-I didn't...I didn't mean to." Rainbow croaked. Whimpering as she felt the glass dig through her flesh.
"Don't worry. Spike. Clean up, and I'll get Rainbow patched up." Twilight ordered as she took the box. Spike grumbled as he grabbed a dust pan and brush. The alicorn trotted over to Rainbow and began to gently pull out the glass. Carefully, she wrapped a bandaged over Rainbow's bigger wounds, and placed a small wet cloth upon the small cuts. The pegasus hissed through her teeth as the damp cloth met upon her injuries.
As she gently dabbed the cuts, Twilight saw that her dear friend was crying. But kept her head turned away.
"I'm sorry if it hurts, Dash. I'm usin-"
"It's not that." Rainbow interrupted. "It's....it's something else." She looked up at her friend with tear filled eyes. Twilight saw that something was troubling the young mare. Something deep.
After the broken glass was put away, and Rainbow's injuries were cleaned up, Twilight sat beside her cyan friend. With a look of concern.
"Spike. Go and see Rarity. Or go to Sugarcube Corner. There's a couple of bits in my desk drawer. Just stay outside for a while. Okay?" Twilight pointed to her desk. Which was covered in books. The short dragon rolled his eyes as he opened the drawer. Scooped up the golden coins and left the library.
"Thanks, Twi. I'll see you later." He waved as he shut the door
Twilight waved as she watched Spike leave. And sighed as she turned to Rainbow Dash.
"I'll pay for the window. I don't have any money yet. But on my next assignment, I'll give you all of money that Celestia gives me." Rainbow croaked. Staring at the floor.
"No, Rainbow. You don't need to pay. Anyway, the window was broken already. You've just given me an excuse to have it looked at." Twilight smiled. But her smile faded as she watched her friend cry.
Throughout the years, Rainbow has shown her emotions to the ones she calls family. For an assassin, it was a sign of weakness. Which Rainbow finally admitted. All the sorrow, guilt and pain she had bottled up exploded within one hour. It used to be rare to find Rainbow Dash, the fast flier in all of Equestria and the coolest pony ever, crying. Wailing. Sobbing. To see that her heart had been broken was the most horrific sight. For a pony as strong as Rainbow, assassin or not, her heart was more fragile than the weakest glass. It troubled her friends to see her so hurt.
But now, she no longer cries to them. She finds her tears rolling down the shoulder of her special somepony. A strong, ice blue stallion. With a cocky, goofy smile, gleaming emerald eyes and handsome, dark blue windswept hair. And finally, a heart. A loving, caring heart. Which he poured for his lover. Rainbow Dash.
They were the perfect couple. Their actions in sync. Their thoughts connected. They loved each so much, that it just couldn't be measured. They matched together like a pair of shoes. They loved to fly. To feel the breath of freedom as they glided among the clouds. The adrenaline as they fell to ground, before zooming upwards. Mere inches from the ground. The ponies of Ponyville loved watching the free couple as they span around and twirled in the sky. The girls felt happy for them as the two walked around with their tails twizzled together like a swirly marshmallow. To see the two pegasi who had been through so much heartbreak, and to see them together, laughing, giggling, kissing would bring a smile to anypony.
But not right now.
Soarin hadn't been seen in days. Everyone just assumed that he was at Cloudsdale, practicing for a show. But when ponies did see him around the quaint town, he was looking for his beloved. Asking questions about her whereabouts and zooming around for her. The ponies of Ponyville often heard him calling out for her, like a lost dog. He hated that Rainbow Dash was an assassin. As that meant she waa very good at hiding. Not even Pinkie Pie could find her. Which worried Soarin more and more.
About two days ago, he was about to give up. But after a lectur from Big Macintosh, he carried on looking for her.
The girls were also worried about the two. And how Rainbow was constantly avoiding her lover. It made Twilight very concerned.
"Rainbow. What's wrong? You've been avoiding everyone for too long. Especially Soarin." Twilight placed her violet hoof upon the pegasus mare's back.
"There's nothing wrong." Rainbow croaked. Still turned away from Twilight.
"Have you two had a fight or something? Cause runaway isn't going to help. You need to ta-"
"I can't, Twilight. I can't." Rainbow interrupted. Tears streaming down her cheeks, and splashing to the floor.
Twilight watched her friend's tears as they fell. Unable to say anything.
"Why not?" She eventually asked.
The cyan pegasus sniffed. But did not turn around.
"....it's....it's complicated."
"Rainbow. I'm your friend." Twilight moved closer and hugged her friend. Her eyes fell upon the cyan mare's stomach. It looked slightly larger than usual, but it was barely visible. She pushed it aside as she comforted her friend. "You can tell me anything." She hushed.
"No." Rainbow pushed the violet hoof away, and stood up. "I've got to go." And before Twilight could realise, the distraught mare opened her wings and zoomed out of the library. Twilight attempted to grab her tail, but fell to the floor with a thud.
"Ow." She muttered. Staring at the fading rainbow trail. Troubled by the events.
~~~~~~
"Ah'm very sure, Soar. Ya'll a nice stallion." A large, red pony smirked as he pulled a heavy wooden cart, holding tons of apples.
"Of course, you are. You and Rainbow Dash are just so happy. You two are perfect for each other." A butterscotch pegasus added. "You both love each other, don't you?"
"We do. I mean, I do. I don't know about Rainbow." The ice blue stallion sighed. Slouching to the floor. The two other ponies watching in concern. "She's been avoiding me. I don't even know why."
"Well, she is an assassin, Soarin." Fluttershy fluttered over to the stallion. And so did, Big Macintosh. "She's just probably doing her duties. I mean, she does have the weight of protecting Equestria on her shoulders."
"I know. But, I don't think it's that. She's avoiding me. She running away from me. Why?" Tears began to form up in the pegasus stallion's eyes. "Do you think she's cheating on me? Does she have another lover?" He croaked.
"No! Nonono! Rainbow will never cheat on you." Fluttershy shook her head.
"And how would you know?" Soarin's chest began hurt again. Like it did the other day, when he saw Rainbow. He waved at her with a big smile, but she quickly flew away. Leaving him heartbroken.
"Rainbow is loyal. Very loyal. She will never leave. Especially if she has grown attached to you. Soarin, Rainbow Dash may have a very complicated mind and heart. But once you have got hold of her, and once she has let you in her life, she will never leave. She loves you, Soarin." Fluttershy smiled sweetly at the Wonderbolt. Placing her her yellow hoof upon his chest. "Rainbow Dash has never been in a proper relationship before. In school, they left her. Saying she wasn't their type of mare. Saying that she wasn't pretty enough. And even though she put on a show at school, saying she didn't care, it hurt her so much.
Soarin. You have taken Rainbow into your life. You've held her. Hugged her. Laughed with her. Shared love with her. But most of all, Soarin, you've placed her heart together. And kept it strong. Please, she hasn't given up on you, so please, don't give up on her."
Soarin stared at the yellow hoof before looking up at the two reassuring smiles of his friends.
"Soar. Ah may ave only met ya two years ago. But I can see clearly that tha two of yah, are perfect." Big Mac added.
"You're a strong stallion. And she was just a broken soul. Until you helped her. Find her, Soarin. Use your instincts and wings to find her."
Soarin nodded. Wiping his tears away and picking up a small velvet red box beside him.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." He hugged the two ponies before flying off it the open sky. The two ponies below watched as he flew away. Smiling to themselves as they knew they helped their friends.
~~~~~~
Chapter 2- Solved Troubles
"Okay. Let mah git this straigh'." The amber mare shook her head, and placed her dirt covered hoof on her head. "Why in tarnation do ya wan' mah ta do this?" Stamping her hoof down. The stallion before her stepped back slightly from the mare's anger.
"Please, Applejack. It's the only way." He pleaded.
"Ah could hurt her, Soar. Ah don' wanna hurt mah friend. And anyway, she's ma leader. She'll kill me quicker than a timberwolf can kill a pony." The orange farmer began to walk away behind her apple stall. Away from the stallion.
But he just followed.
"Please. I need to talk to her. She's too fast for me to catch up with her, and she's too sneaking. Please AJ. It's important." Soarin begged.
"Ah know tha ya two are in love. So am ah. But-"
"No. I've tried everything. I need her. I need to talk to her. I need to ask her..." He interrupted. Earning a scowl from Applejack
"Wha? Wha is it?!" She nearly shouted.
"I'll tell you. But promise not to tell anyone else, okay?" He whispered dragging the mare behind the stall. "Promise?"
"Ah promise. Ah Pinkie Promise."
"I want to ask Rainbow the big question. I want to ask her to marry me. But I can't ask her, if she's hiding from me." Soarin pulled out the small velvet red box with his wing. Applejack stared at the box and smiled.
"Alright. Ah'll help. But only because tha two of ya belong ta each other." Applejack nodded. Making the stallion grin madly.
~~~~~~
"Are you sure, dear? It could be anything."
"Anything? Anything that has the exact same symptoms." The purple alicorn snapped. Making the white unicorn mare stagger back. She lowered her ears and pouted.
"Darling. There's no need for that attitude." The unicorn said quietly.
"I know. I know. I'm sorry. I'm just worried." Princess Twilight apologised. Lowering her head. The two mares were trotting into town. For a spot of lunch. After Twilight's ordeal with Rainbow earlier in the library, she had a visitor. An almost near breaking point visitor.
"It's okay, Twilight dear. But where did you come up with the solution?" Rarity smiled gently at the princess.
"Soarin. He told me that Rainbow was acting differently. That she was constantly throwing up in the morning. Always sloppy in movements. Started to be more tired. Cravings. A slight bump around her abdomen. It's very clear, Rarity. I can't believe Soarin can't see it though. It's clearer than new glass." Twilight explained. The unicorn beside her stopped and blinked several times before the realisation hit her. She smiled as she trotted back up to the alicorn.
"Oh! Our darling little Rainbow!!" Rarity squealed. "I can't believe- wait....what is Applejack and Pinkie Pie doing?" The white mare stopped mid-sentence and pointed to the two busy ponies. With a stallion beside them.
~~~~~~
"Now, when she flies over, lasso her, pull her down and keep her down. Okay?" The stallion whispered to the amber mare.
"Eeyup." The orange apple mare agreed.
"Okie dokie lokie!!" The bouncy pink party pony skipped. "I have no idea what we are doing but it sounds fun!!" She giggled. Earning a set of confused looks.
Near by, the scarlet red stallion and his lover, the butterscotch pegasus, came walking into town. Giggling and talking away. But as soon as they saw the two ponies with the rope- and the party mare skipping around- they wore looks of confusion and concern. And began to trot over. Nearly bumping into the Princess and fashionista.
"Oh, hello Twilight. Hi Rarity." Fluttershy smiled beneath her pale rose mane. Blushing slightly.
"Hi Fluttershy. And Big Mac. What are you two up to?" The princess asked. Forgetting the others, who they walking towards less than a minute ago.
"Oh, just out for a walk. But what is Applejack doing? With Soarin?....and Pinkie Pie..." Fluttershy replied. Gazing back over to the ponies.
"We know as much as you do." Rarity huffed. In the corner of her large sapphire eyes, she could faintly see a small rainbow trail. Her brain ticked for a little while until she knew what they were about to do. "Oh dear. This isn't going to end well." She muttered.
Everyone, including a few of the townsponies of Ponyville, watched as the well known speedster of the town flew past. But was suddenly halted, as a rope was wrapped around her waist.
Rainbow looked down and saw that Applejack was holding her down. And that Soarin was beside her. She gasped as she realised what their plan was. She tried flapping harder, but the strong earth pony held her still.
"Rainbow!! Just come down!! Please! Just stop running away from me!!" Soarin begged. But the cyan mare continued to flap her wings.
"No! I can't, Soarin!!" She shouted.
"Why not?" He yelled. But, with one finally tug, Applejack pulled the pegasus down. Dragging her to the ground with thud. She yelped as she hit the hard ground. Soarin gasped and scowled Applejack. But he knew that it was his fault.
Twilight's eyes opened wide and she began to rush over. Followed by the others. They stared as the cyan pegasus staggered up, swaying from the sudden impact. Her nose dripping with blood. The rope still around her waist. She tried to fly away, but her wing wouldn't budge. She groaned as her wing was in shock. Stuck to her side. Rainbow then attempted to trot away quickly, but Applejack tugged on the rope again. Stopping her in her tracks.
"Stop flying away. Stop running away. Just stop this, Rainbow." Soarin walked over to mare he loved. Who kept trying to walk away. But every time Applejack pulled the rope, she felt a jolt of pain. And she knew why.
"I can't, Soarin." She muttered. Giving up on her escape. "I just....can't."
"Please, Rainbow. It is hurting me so much. That you don't want to be with me." Soarin fluttered over.
"I do want to be with you."
"So, why are you avoiding me?! Don't you love me enough?! Am I not enough for the great protector of Equestria?! Huh?! Is that it?!" He shouted. Letting his anger get the better of him.
"No. Of course not. I love you, Soarin." Rainbow whimpered. Almost looking like Fluttershy as she coward away.
"So, tell me? Why? Why, Rainbow?" Soarin felt his tears starting to build up. He stared angrily at the mare. Whose own tears were falling down her cheeks.
"If I tell you, you'll leave me....you'll hate me." She croaked.
"Rainbow Dash. There's nothing to hide." Twilight hushed. "I know what it is. And you're going to have to tell him some time. You can't run away from him forever. It's killing you both."
"I can't. I can't." Rainbow cried. "He'll leave me. I don't want to be alone. Not again. He'll leave if I tell him. And he'll hate me." She began to fully sob. Soarin stared at the crying mare, and walked closer to her. Before hugging her. And stroking her mane.
"I won't leave you. And I'll never hate you, no matter what, Dash. I love you." He soothed as she cried onto his shoulder. She lifted her head and gazed into her lover's emerald green eyes. Tears still running down her face, and her nose still bleeding.
"You promise?" She croaked.
"I promise." He softly smiled.
"I-I-I-...I'm pregnant, Soarin. I'm bearing a foal." She admitted. Soarin's face turned to pure shock. As did Applejack's, Pinkie's, Fluttershy's and Big Mac's.
"You're...you're....pregnant?" He repeated. Staring at the mare.
"....yes..." Rainbow lowered her head. Ashamed. Heartbroken. "...I knew that you'll hate me. You don't want to be tied down with a mare and foal. You're a free stallion. Free to do whatever you want. Unlike me. So leave. You don't have to be with me."
"What?! I'll never leave!!" He snapped out of trance. Rainbow looked up at him with pure confusion.
"What? You mean-" She didn't have chance to finish her sentence as her lungs were suddenly grasping for air, as she brought into a spine crushing hug. Soarin wrapped his fore-legs around Rainbow tightly. Holding her close.
"You're pregnant!! This is the best news I've ever heard!!" He grinned.
"You mean, you don't mind?" Rainbow asked quietly.
"Of course I don't!! I love it!! I'm going to be a father!! Oh Rainbow!!" He kissed the mare passionately on the lips. Grabbing the assassin's attention. Everyone watching smiled to the couple.
As they parted, Soarin let go of Rainbow, and undid the rope.
"I am so happy right now. I just...wow...I mean...wow..." He stammered. The others trotted over. Congratulating the couple.
"Yay!! Foal party!! Foal shower!! I better start getting it ready!!" Pinkie squealed as she bounced off.
"Congratulations, you two. I know that the two of you will be perfect parents." Rarity applauded.
"Good goin' there, Soar." Big Mac laughed. Soarin laughed along.
"Thanks."
"How far are you gone, Rainbow?" Twilight questioned. Noticing the bump.
"Err....4-6 weeks." The pegasus mare answered. Earning a bunch of aww's from the girls.
"Rainbow. Ah am so sorry for earlier. If ah had known, ah wouldn't ave pulled ya so hard." Applejack apologised. But Rainbow shook her head.
"It's fine, AJ. You didn't know. Besides, I'm fine." She smirked. Wiping away her tears. As they others chatted, Fluttershy turned to Soarin and nudged him.
"Here's your chance." She whispered.
The Wonderbolt coughed and turned to the mare he loved.
"Rainbow. I know this isn't the most romantic time. I had a whole day planned. But all I care is that you're here." The two lovers gazed at each. Staring into each other's eyes. Getting lost in a sea of either sparkling rose, or glimmering emerald. "Rainbow, I love you. Even though you are an assassin. And that you could kill me without anypony knowing. But I love you. And...I want to spend the rest of my life you. Together. I want to grow a family, and grow old with you." Soarin took out the small red velvet box with his ice blue wing. Making the girls' eyes glimmer with happiness.
"So, will you, Rainbow Miriam Dashery, become my wife, and marry me?" He opened the box. Revealing a beautiful silver band, delicately engraved with swirls. And in the middle, was large clear cut diamond. That shimmered in the sun. Hoof engraved inside the ring were the words Dilectus Meus .
Rainbow gasped and raised her hoof to her mouth. Tears streaming down again.
"My beloved?" She squeaked.
"I had the jeweller engrave it in Latin for you. Just a special touch." He smiled. "So, will you?"
"Yes. Yes of course! I will marry you!!" She jumped up, fluttering her now loosened wings. She hugged Soarin. The others clapped and aww'd. Soarin slipped on the diamond band, as Rainbow pushed her lips onto his. Connecting the bond once again, between the two lovers. Who have a whole time to spend organising their perfect wedding.
Unknowing of the dangers coming towards them and Equestria.
Chapter 3- Lucky Stallion
It had been at least two weeks since the ordeal between Rainbow Dash and Soarin had been solved. Also leading to the truth of Rainbow's secret and the engagement of the two. Everypony was ecstatic to hear the news, of the two finally uniting their bond. Many congratulations were handed out to the young couple, along with good lucks for the arrival of their foal. Ever since, the pegasus couple had finally brightened up. Constantly beginning stuck to each other, where ever they went. Their tails twizzled together, their wings around each other. Laughing and smiling with each other as they prepared for the best day of their lives.
But today on this fine afternoon, with the sun shining bright, and the birds singing sweetly, while a certain ice blue stallion went out to work- to perform with his team- the young cyan mare was in Ponyville's own, Carousel Boutique.
~~~~~~
"I don't know, would layers be too heavy on you?" A unicorn asked. Staring at the cyan mare. Who was wearing a beautiful, crystal white dress. The dress glimmered underneath the artificial light of the dress maker's home. And the train of the dress spiraled beside her, as the unicorn moved it aside so she wouldn't trip.
Everypony gawped at the dress. It was similar to Rarity's gala dress, but more beautiful, elegant and obviously, white. The layers were delicate and puffy. Almost like clouds. And the bodice of the dress was the same as the dress that Rainbow wore on the celebration of the defeat of the Pegasi Lords.
"Well, I love it." Fluttershy commented, stroking the white fabric. Mesmerised by the unicorn's work. At the way it fell gracefully onto the ground. And the way it splayed outwards, leaving an elegant train behind.
"Me too." Applejack smiled.
"We all love it." Twilight hugged her pegasus friend. They all laughed and talked among each other as the prissy white mare added extra detail to the beautiful dress.
~~~~~~
"Oh hey! Soar! I forgot to say. Congratulations, buddy." A grey pegasus stallion cheered. Patting his friend on the back, grinning as he did so.
"Thanks, Silver." The ice blue stallion smiled, as they flew down into a large cloud room full of lockers.
"A bit late, but thanks."
"I wasn't here, dumbass. I was at my parents'." Silver Lining retorted.
"Awww. Is mama's wittle colt missing his mama?" Soarin teased. Sticking his out. The puffy, white maned stallion glared at his friend, pouting.
"Well, at least I have parents." He snorted back.
"OooOoo! That was harsh." A mare hissed as she fluttered down, next to the two stallions. The light blue mare flicked her blown back mane, as it drooped over her face.
"Nah, it's fine. The great thing about not having parents is introducing my fiancé to them. And awkward dinners." Soarin smirked.
"I guess so." Silver muttered. "Oh, and I heard you got her knocked up as well."
"I know." Fleefoot grinned. "Our Soar, knocking up young mares." She winked, making Soarin blush. Both Silver Lining and Fleefoot laughed as Soarin shyly put his Wonderbolt suit away.
"I-I....errr....I-" He stuttered, hiding behind the locker door.
"Don't worry, buddy. We're only joking. It's brilliant, really. It's great to know that you're gonna be a dad." Silver shut his locker and hugged his friend.
"I know you'll be great. Do you know what you might call it?" Fleefoot asked.
"Well, not really. We want to wait until it's born first." Soarin smiled. "I have an idea of Blue Breeze though." He muttered, looking upwards. Before shaking his head. He glanced at the clock, realising the time. "I've gotta go. I've got to go to the hospital."
"What?! Why? Are you hurt?" Fleefoot asked, rushing over to the stallion. Pulling his wings out and inspecting them for any injuries. But the co-captain only rolled his eyes.
"I'm fine, Flee." Soarin chuckled. Folding his wings to his side. "No. I've got to pick up some painkillers for Rainbow. She's been feeling ill lately. A bit more than usual."
"Oh that's just your usual symptoms." Silver Lining stated. The three pegasi began to leave the Wonderbolts Headquarters. Trotting down the corridor.
"My sister had them. Sickness, headaches. It was annoying." Lining groaned, remembering his elder sister's pregnancy.
"Yeah, I know. But, Rainbow is feeling sicker everyday. I know it's normal for her to be ill, but...I just have a feeling that something is wrong. Maybe it's just me though." He sighed.
"Probably just your fatherly instincts." A mare chuckled. The three ponies turned around and saluted instantly.
"Come on you lot. It's the end of practice. No need for this formal crap."
"Yes, Capt- I mean, Spitfire. Sorry." Fleefoot sheepishly grinned. "What's that, Cap'?" The blue mare pointed to the two boxes, held in the golden mare's wings.
"Oh, a little something for the lucky stallion." Spitfire smiled as she passed the blue box over. "And this is for your oncoming foal." She handed the the other red box.
"Thanks. I'll open later." He waved as he began to fly away, towards the small town of Ponyville as the sun began setting.
~~~~~~
"Rainbow! Rainbow, I'm back!" Soarin shouted as he slammed the door shut. He looked around the cloud house. After the two had got together, Soarin moved into Rainbow's house. After all, it was larger than his five star apartment. When Soarin moved in, he thought she actually lived in a mansion. To add to it, the house was changeable, add rooms or enlarge them, as the house was made of cloud.
Soarin trotted around the house looking for his beloved fiancé, looking in every room. As he looked in the bathroom, he noticed a small orange pot full of pills. He trotted away towards over rooms.
"Rainbow?" He fluttered up to the bedroom, expecting the worst.
However, his worried expression softened and he smiled gently.
The mare he loved was fast asleep, tucked underneath the purple covers. Her vibrant rainbow mane tussled over her face. The sheets revealing the curves of the mare.
The stallion quietly walked over to her, and saw the note on the beside table.
I went to the hospital after the dress fitting. I've already taken some and I'm really tired. Wake me up when you want if you want. I also brought a pie for you in the fridge. P. S, it's apple.
Soarin grinned at the word pie, but instead of galloping over to it like a mad pony, he quietly clambered on to the bed, and slipped under the bedsheets, as he hugged the sleeping mare. Wrapping his fore-legs around her small body.
"Good night, Dashie." He whispered as he closed his eyes.
"Sleep tight, honey." Rainbow sleepily whispered back, smiling. Making the stallion chuckle and bring the mare closer to him. His life was perfect. He had a awesome job, and brilliant friends. A beautiful mare for a fiancé, and on the way, was his own foal. His child. His family.
The ice blue stallion fell asleep with a smile on his face. Believing that everything will be just fine.
When it actually be the opposite.
Chapter 4- Cannot Believe This Is Happening
The sun was shimmering down onto the land of Equestria, making the emerald green fields glimmer. The dew drops sparkling like freshly cut diamonds. Sweet, loving birds singing their delightful harmonies as they soared through the skies. Petit, fluffy clouds were dotted among the the giant, blue canvas, and a cooling breeze drifted around the land. Gently twirling and swirling. Making it a gorgeous summers day.
It was a perfectly beautiful day in Equestria. For picnics, parties, hiking, or just a jolly day out. But it was an amazing day, especially for two lucky pegasi. Two pegasi who are finally joining together.
~~~~~~
Light white drapes were hung around the large hall. Streamers of sparkling white material. The large room sparkling as it glistened with the gems are the room. Larger white streamers twizzled around the pillars of the hall. Bouquets of white and red flowers in light blue vases were carefully placed among hall. A large arch, twizzled with hanging red and white roses, and white ribbon was put up on the altar, where a grand white alicorn stood. Staring at all the decorations of white. Waiting for the ceremony to begin.
But as her younger sister joined her, trotting onto the altar, she gently smiled.
"Is the ceremony going to start soon, Celestia?" The younger dark blue alicorn asked.
"Not quite yet. Both Rainbow and Soarin are still to get ready. Just wait, Luna. No need to rush this day." Princess Celestia replied.
Luna nodded as she glanced at the small crowd of ponies, waiting for the lucky couple.
"Is this everypony?"
"Of course."
"The hall is hardly filled!" Luna pointed out. Waving her hoof around the empty areas of the hall. There was only a small group of ponies. Mainly, close friends of the two pegasi. The group of pegasi on the left stood out clearly as the elite flying team, The Wonderbolts. The rest of the ponies were either random close friends or assassins.
Her sister chuckled.
"Oh Luna. That's because the whole of Equestria doesn't know. Unlike Cadence's wedding, we're keeping this low profile. Soarin is a Wonderbolt for a starter. Instead of enjoying his special day, he'll just get mobbed by fan-mares. And the other thing, Rainbow could be potentially a target." The great sun goddess explained.
"A target?" Another pony asked. She quickly trotted up, next to her aunts. Her candy coloured, curled mane bounced as she did so. And she fluttered her fading violet wings.
"Yes, Cadence. Rainbow is a target. Right now, her duties are pushed aside. And, although this sounds bad, she's at her moment of weakness. She's not paying attention to anything but the stallion by her side. Anypony could attempt to assassinate her."
"Okay then, sister. That could explain the extra guards around the castle." Luna sighed. Her aquamarine eyes staring at the assorted food on a table at the back. Staring especially at all the chocolate cakes and delights.
She licked her lips, her stomach growling, as the two other alicorns giggled.
~~~~~~
It was beautiful. She was beautiful. The elegant, puffy, white dress fitted her perfectly, and left a swirling trail behind her. The dress sparkled as the sunlight danced upon it. The layers of the puffy dress delicately bounced as the mare moved. The front of her dress was carefully decorated as a beautiful swirling pattern coated it, with sequins dotted on it. And the belt of the dress was tied into white bow.
The mare's prismatic mane was tied into a simple updo. Held in place with white flower clips. Also, the white unicorn mare decided to add makeup to the pegasus. Putting on fake eyelashes to make her look more feminine, and only a bit of light white eye shadow.
When the fashionista was finished with the pegasus mare, everypony in the room gasped.
"Rainbow....ya look...ya look amazing." The amber mare stared at the pegasus.
"Beautiful."
"Stunning."
"Gorgeous."
"Superduperamazinglybeautifullygorgeouslyprettyamazing!!" The hyper pink pony squealed.
Rainbow Dash blushed and lowered her head.
"T-thanks, girls." She whispered, fluttering her wings.
"Wha's wrong, sugarcube?" Applejack questioned.
"Nothing. I'm just nervous. That's all. In all my life, I never expected to actually get married." Rainbow sheepishly smiled.
"Don't worry, Rainbow Dash. There's nothing to be nervous about." Fluttershy hushed.
"I bet Soarin is as nervous as you, darling." Rarity added. Brushing her light blue bridesmaids dress. The girls all wore bridesmaids dresses. Matching the colour of their eyes. Applejack had a light green dress, Pinkie Pie was bouncy blue, Fluttershy was stunning turquoise and Twilight was glimmering pink.
"Rainbow. You have nothing to worry about. You and Soarin are perfect for each other. And you are finally sealing the bond." Twilight hugged her pegasus friend.
"Thank you." Rainbow whispered. As pulled away from the hug, she brushed her dress and fluttered her wings.
"How do I look?"
"You look absolutely beautiful, Rainbow." Twilight smiled to her friend. "I better go and see if Soarin is ready. See you in the second girls." Twilight waved as she trotted out. The rest of girls began to talk among themselves as the bride walked over to the balcony.
Rainbow sighed as she sat on the balcony, trying not to dirty her dress. Her rose orbs staring off, far across the sunny land of Equestria. Glancing at the small figures of ponies. Especially the ones with families. She gently placed a hoof on her stomach. Her bump slightly smaller than last time. She felt tears build up in her eyes, but told herself she couldn't.
She can't cry. Not now. This is her wedding day. Her wedding day. The most perfect day of her life. She didn't want anything to ruin this day. She can always tell him later. After the wedding. After the best day of their lives.
But, she couldn't help but feel that icey feeling at the bottom of her gut. An empty, icey feeling.
"I can't believe this is happening." She croaked to herself. Feeling both happy and distraught.
~~~~~~
Chapter 5- Broken Wedding
The crowd of ponies began to grow bored, standing and waiting. The three alicorns yawned as well. Waiting for the groom and for the ceremony to start. It had been at least an hour. An hour since the wedding was supposed to start.
Four mares in beautifully designed dresses stood on the steps of the altar, also growing bored. One of which began to braid her own blonde. Twirling it and plaiting it.
"This is taking forever!" The pink mare whined. Slouching to the floor.
Her own bouncy mane waving around.
"I know, dear. We're all waiting for Twilight and Soarin. But neither have come out yet. And Twilight is doing the ceremony." Rarity yawned, raising her hoof to her mouth.
"That's it!" A pony shouted from at the bottom of the aisle, making everypony in the hall jump and wake up. A cyan mare in a stunning white dress stood at the bottom of the aisle. An angry and concerned look upon her face.
"Rainbow?" Applejack questioned, tilted her head. "Wha in tha name of Equestria are ya doin'?"
"I'm getting my fiancé! He's late for our wedding!" Rainbow growled as she trotted down the corridor. Her puffy dress bouncing up and down, and the trail following.
"At least now we might be getting somewhere." Fluttershy whispered, waving gently at her own husband, who was sitting next to Caramel.
~~~~~~
Rainbow muttered under breath as she reached the door of her husband-to-be's dressing room. Sighing as she raised her cyan hoof to the door.
"Soarin? Soarin, honey, are you okay?" Rainbow asked through the door. But when she was met with silence, she knocked again.
"I know you're nervous, so am I. But, it's only because I haven't had anypony close. Well, not extremely close. You're different. A special different, and I like that." She smiled to herself.
Yet, no pony answered. Silence overruled everything. Rainbow waited for a couple of seconds for any reply, before grabbing the handle.
Gently, she twisted the handle and pushed the door, not expecting it to be open. However, the door clicked as it opened. The pegasus glanced inside the room.
"Soarin?" She called as she walked inside. A slight, cold drift touching her fur. She noticed the open window and continued to look for the groom. Her groom.
Neither Soarin or Twilight were in the room. She grew puzzled. Her mind wandering around as she searched the room. Her eyes fell upon two objects upon the floor. Making her gasp as if she had been stabbed through the heart.
~~~~~~
"Great. Now Rainbow is taking forever." Applejack complained, rolling her eyes.
"Oh hush hush, dear. You can't rush-"
"Sh!" Fluttershy interrupted. Rudely shoving her hoof into the unicorn's mouth, who glared angrily at the pegasus.
"I'm sorry, Rarity. But listen." She apologised as the hall fell silent.
Very, very faintly, coming from down the corridor, was the sound of crying. Of wailing.
It didn't take too long for the four mares to realise the sound and begin galloping towards the crying. Leaving a hall full of confusion and worry.
~~~~~~
The four ponies trotted up to the slightly ajar door, carefully opening it, looking for their friend.
"Rainbow?" Applejack called quietly, despite the sound of crying in the room. The mares walked further in, growing worried, until they found a scene that broke their hearts.
Upon the floor, in her beautiful white dress, crying into her hooves, was their friend. Held tight in her hooves were two items, covered in her tears. Her mascara dripping down as she weeped. Her neat rainbow hair ruffled and drooping over her face as she cried.
Pinkie Pie quietly walked over and placed a hoof on the cyan mare's shoulder.
"Dashie? What's wrong?" She croaked, distraught for her friend.
But the pegasus didn't reply, instead, she lifted up a piece of paper. The girls looked at each other before Rarity hovered it over.
"Um..."
Dear Rainbow Dash,
I am so very sorry, but, I must postpone the wedding. In fact, just cancel it all together. You see, it's not you, it's me. I am sorry to say that my love for you has....died out. I've lost all love for you. I don't wish to marry you anymore. I don't even know why I proposed. I've grown confused, and decided to end it. Our relationship. Before anypony gets hurt. Anyway, I've run off with the real mare I love, and I love her more than I did with you. Everything we did together didn't mean anything. Hugging, talking about our family, making love. None of it meant anything. But the mare I'm with now is....well, amazing. She's prettier, smarter and not an assassin.
So goodbye Rainbow Dash. And sorry that you are going to have to raise the foal by yourself. It's not my problem. Why do I want a mare who is pregnant? I don't want to be tied down! That's just stupid. I'm free, unlike you.
Bye forever,
Soarin.
As the girls read the letter, Rainbow began to talk.
"It's Twilight. He's run off with Twilight." She cried out. Shakily getting up.
"Wait, what?" Rarity pushed the paper down. "How do you know this?"
"Where is Twilight? Twilight's not here! She's with him! He loves her not me!!" Rainbow wailed as she stood up, taking off her bracelet and throwing the two things to the ground. Her engagement bracelet and his wedding band.
"Rainbow, calm down." Fluttershy hushed, but the assassin only growled through her tears.
"No. I have had enough of this. Of everything. I am no longer the mare I used to be. I no longer have that heart. Everything I ever cared for is dead to me. My heart is finally put together, filled with only pain. My heart and soul are black, darker than the night." Rainbow shouted as she took off her wedding dress.
"Goodbye, girls." She began to trot out of the room.
"Rainbow, wait!" Applejack tugged at the mare's tail. "Where are ya goin?"
"Don't know, don't care. And neither should you." She snapped, trotting away, snapping her engagement band as she walked out, bending it, and snapping it. The words inscripted in Latin, that once said 'My Beloved' was twisted and turned. Rarity and Applejack glanced at the mangled bracelet, staring at it, worryingly.
"Oh dear." Fluttershy muttered under her breath.
~~~~~~
"So, where are they?" Cadence asked, brushing her mane, bored out of her mind.
"The wedding is off." Fluttershy mumbled quietly, making the three princesses gasp.
"What?!" Everypony in the hall yelled, before breaking off into a loud distorted mumble of noise. A concerned orange pegasus mare with a flaming mane trotted over to the mares.
"What happened? Where's Soarin?" She asked as she followed the four ponies.
"He's gone. He left Dashie." Pinkie grumbled, turned away from the others.
"What?" Spitfire asked again.
"He's gone!! He left Rainbow Dash!! He's run off with Twilight!!" Pinkie screamed, her usually pink, poofy hair deflating like a balloon. Her now darkened pink mane, falling flat upon her neck and shoulder. Her yells echoing and catching a silence. Making everypony shut up.
"Pinkie, dear. Calm down-"
"No!!" Pinkie yelled, her tears streaming down her face. "Dashie is my bestest friend!! And I'm tired of seeing her hurt!! Soarin was her special somepony and Twilight was our friend!! And now they've crumpled on everything!! Destroying my friend and our friendship!!!" Pinkie fell to the floor, madly crying.
The ponies in the hall were shocked by the party pony's sudden outburst of tears. Fluttershy and Applejack attempted to calm the mare down, but nothing stopped her cries.
"Dashie is my sister!! She's family!! And she's constantly being hurt!! It's hurting me as well!! I can't save this relationship!! I can't save this family this time!! I couldn't save mama and papa!! It's happening all over again!!!" Pinkie wailed, hyperventilating as she gasped for air through her cries.
Cadence trotted over and hovered the young mare upon her back. Pinkie clutched onto the alicorn's neck, not caring who she was.
"I'll take her to one of the chambers. I'll make sure she calms down." Princess Cadence hushed as she began to walk out, followed by Fluttershy.
"I'll help. She's needs a close friend." Fluttershy smiled weakly. Trotting with the princess. Wincing as the usually happy mare cried.
Princess Celestia and Luna trotted over to the two remaining mares of harmony, with Big Macintosh, Caramel, and the rest of the Wonderbolts following behind them.
"What happened?" Caramel asked his own lover, Applejack.
"We don' know much. We jast found Rainbow cryin on tha floor with a note from Soarin." Applejack explained quietly.
"A note?"
Rarity levitated the piece of paper, it glowing light blue.
"It said that he doesn't love Rainbow anymore, and that he's run off with another mare."
"Which may be Twilight?" Spitfire questioned. "But why? Soarin would never do this."
"Yeah, Soarin hasn't stopped going on about Rainbow since the day he met her." Fleefoot defended her friend. She couldn't believe the news of her friend destroying the relationship he so dearly put so much into.
"Twilight wouldn't do such a thing." Celestia snorted. "Twilight hasn't been known for having romantic relationships. She still can't talk to most stallions without butterflies in her stomache."
"Well, they've both ran off." Applejack said bluntly.
"I wonder how Rainbow is dealing with it."
"Not to well. She said that her heart and soul have turned black. And she feels nothing but pain." Rarity carefully explained. Feeling sorry for her dear friend.
"Oh dear, I believe that Rainbow Dash has finally snapped. I knew this would soon happen." Celestia bit her lip, as the others looked at her in concern and confusion. "All ponies have a breaking point. Snapping. Turning into a shadow of their former selves. I found out, through a mind spell, that Rainbow's breaking point is losing another loved one. Being rejected. And this is what has happened. I believe that Rainbow has found her darker side, and has been swallowed by it. It has happened to many of my students." Celestia sighed, remembered all of her broken hearted students running and crying around the halls of her school. It broke her heart to see others hurt through love.
"We've got to do something. Something to help her out."
"We've just got to be there for her." The sun princess hushed. "We've just got to get her through this without anymore pain.
Which I doubt is going to happen."
Chapter 6- Lost, Never To Be Found
Chains rattled throughout the unusually clean prison, but it was still a hell hole, with the darkness creeping up the walls. Despite it's cleanliness, it was still a place of torture and dismay. A shadowed creature with a long tail and large wings scrubbed the dried blood off the walls, muttering to himself as the many prisoners yelled out, especially a certain one.
"Let us out!! Let us out now!!!" A stallion shouted. His voice echoing around the prison as he madly rattled the bars. He was so angry. Yet, he felt guilty as well, for leaving his loved one without warning. But he was unexpectedly snatched though, along with the princess.
"Soarin. Soarin. Please, just stop." A mare croaked from below, her blood coating the very floor she lay upon. Her violet feathers dripping with the scarlet liquid, and the filthy grey bandages around her waist seeping with her blood. A horrible, metal taste was left lingering in her mouth. The stallion's shouts battered her aching head, she rubbed her temples with her hoof in hope to soothe it. She felt so weak, like her body was completely drained of energy. Even breathing had effort. In the back of her mind, she now knew what Rainbow felt in the prison, years ago. Well, nearly knew what she felt.
The stallion angrily growled as he stood still, clutching the bars tightly as he watched the shadowed figure walk out and away. he sighed as he let his anger cool, before turning to the weakened mare.
His expression filled with concern and worry, instead of the anger he previously had. He quickly trotted over to the young princess, and held her weak body next to his own for support.
"Are you okay, Twilight?" He asked quietly, glancing at the bandages and the strange device upon her horn.
"I'm fine. It just hurts a little." She winced as a jolt of pain exploded in her body. Both her bloody wound and the device around her horn caused pain. She didn't know which one was worse.
Once the pain left, she sighed. And looked up to her best friend's husband....well, husband-to-be. She couldn't grasp at how upset her friend must be. She must be so distraught. And so was Soarin. She saw how heartbroken the stallion was. After all, he was taken away unexpectedly on his wedding day. On the very day that his lover and himself were supposed to become one.
She grew worried when she saw his pained expression as he clutched his own chest.
"Soarin? What's wrong?"
"I don't know. I think....I think something may be wrong with Rainbow...." He winced as his heart burned slighty. He's never felt anything like it. It wasn't just a normal, numb type of pain. This was something big, troubling, and dark. Very, very dark.
"Wait, how do you know?" Twilight cocked her head to the side in confusion.
"I-I don't how, but I can just feel it." He muttered. His heart aching. He and his lover had connected so dearly, that they were literally in sync. The couple shared the same sense of mind and heart. When ever one felt pain or joy, so did the other. But it troubled Soarin to be feeling such agony in his heart.
"I'm so sorry, Dashie." He whispered, crying as he remembered his fiancé. He imagined her having the foal by herself, without him. He needed to get back. For Rainbow. And he needed to get the princess to safety, before her injury grows worse.
~~~~~~
Six mares trotted down the corridor, through a grand mansion, that was brightly lit with beautiful, golden lights. They walked through the great hall, that was elegantly lit with a glowing, hanging chandelier. Several ponies walked past, either wearing white cloaks or just plain naked. Many portraits of many ponies were hung on the dark, scarlet walls. Surrounded by a golden frame.
The six mares gazed upon the portraits, reading the plaques beneath.
"This place is amazing, if I say so myself." The prissy white unicorn glancing at the beautiful décor. "Me and Applejack couldn't believe that this place was so sophisticated when we first came here."
"Ah still can' believe it." Applejack added.
"I know. It's so neat, and elegant." Princess Cadence admired the building as they walked through it, staring especially at the detailed carvings everywhere. Her dark pink eyes gazing at all the beautiful details of the mansion.
"Your highnesses. Excipit nostrae." A few of the ponies bowed as they walked past the two alicorns. The Princess of Love, the ruler of the Crystal Empire, and the youngest of the Solar Sisters, the Princess of the night.
"Thank you." The princesses nodded and smiled at the assassins walking past.
"Rarity! Applejack!" A mare shouted from behind as she ran up to the group of ponies. It was a light, mint green unicorn. With a short, ruffled turquoise mane, that had a streak of white in it. Her bright, golden eyes the highlight of the mare, burning with confidence.
She trotted up to the mares before sneezing from the risen dust.
"What are you doing here? You haven't been sent any missions or requests." The unicorn asked.
"Oh! Applejack and I are not here for our duties, Lyra dear. We are here to see our leader." Rarity explained. Both Applejack and herself had led the girls, and the princesses, to the Home of the Assassins. Where assassins of the Creed come to either rest, or proceed their duties. To train, to just meet up.
"OooOoo! Bad idea! Bad idea!" Lyra squealed, making the others stagger back in shock.
"What?"
"She's in a bad mood. Very bad mood. Heck, I've never seen her so mad." Lyra sighed as she remembered the prismatic pegasus wailing and crying, on the very day that was supposed to make her life better. "She's terribly upset. But, if you wish to see her, just be quiet. And try not to make her more upset."
"Why? What would happen?" Pinkie asked, hopping and jumping around the mares.
"Well, when she's upset or angry, she takes her feelings out...well, by anything. Throwing knives, drinking, anything she can find. Just ask Fern." Lyra explained.
"Fern? Ya mean, Fern Greenery? Tha gardener from Fillydelpha?"
"Yup. Fern Greenery had a bit of trouble with her earlier. She went over to Rainbow to see if she needed anything. She ended up getting a dagger to the leg." The mint assassin pointed to a light green pegasus with a darker green, ruffled mane, sitting with two other mares and two stallions. A white bandage was wrapped around her leg.
Lyra glanced at the large brown clock upon the wall and gasped quickly. "I've gotta go. It's movie night. Me and Bonbon are going to the cinema. I better not late, she'll kill me otherwise." The unicorn began to trot away, waving at the mares. "See you later, oh, and good luck! You're gonna need it!!" She shouted as she galloped out.
"Oh dear." Fluttershy whispered, giving an uneasy look as Lyra disappeared from the hall. The group of mares all shared a worried and fearful look, before proceeding down the hall, to find the leader of assassins.
~~~~~~
Chapter 7- Darkened Hearts
The six mares continued to trot up through the corridors, lead by the prissy white unicorn and the apple farmer, up to a set of large brown doors with beautiful carvings, bearing a golden plaque. Inscribed on the plaque was,
Rainbow Miriam Dashery
Leader Of The Creed
Permission Before Entry
Fluttershy fluttered over, In front of the group, and quietly knocked on the door. She gulped as she heard a smash from inside the room. She nervously looked over to her friends and the princesses.
"Yes? Who is it?" The mare called from inside. Her voice wavered slighty.
"It's us. Your friends, Rainbow Dash. We're here to see if you are okay." Fluttershy whispered. There was a long silence until the door clicked open. Slowly, the mares carefully trotted in. Shutting the door behind them.
As they entered the room, they noticed several large bookcases, a brown sofa with a coffee table, and a desk. Everything was neatly placed around the room, like the portraits of previous leaders. Luna noticed the names written on the frames all had the surname Dashery. Her aquamarine eyes wandered upon the faces of the painted ponies, glancing at the confident smiles of the previous assassins.
The mares stopped at the desk, that was covered in paperwork. They stared at the rainbow maned mare sitting upon a large, red cushioned, swivel chair. Her head was down as she read the pieces of paper in her hooves. Beside the piles of paper, was a small glass of brown liquid. On the floor, next to her desk was a shattered glass bottle. It's contents soaking into the floor.
"Rainbow?" Fluttershy gulped.
"What is it?" Rainbow Dash croaked, her head still down.
"Rainbow, we haven't seen you in two weeks. Please, just come home."
"I can't. I've got work to do. The Creed is debt." The pegasus murmured.
"How is it debt? Who are you taking money from?" Luna snorted. She couldn't believe something as ridiculous as the Creed in debt. It was the Assassins Creed for crying out loud.
"From your bucking Sister!! I borrowed money from her to sort the Creed out as we were low on supplies and the bucking mansion was in pieces after the Pegasi Lords attacked it!! And now, I'm getting hoarded by the taxpayers! Demanding the money back!" Rainbow growled. "The Creed doesn't get paid to do this. Sometimes we get hired, and we get a reward, but we don't do this for the money. The Creed doesn't receive any money, whatsoever from the oh mighty princess of the sun, unless I bloody beg!!" Rainbow Dash snapped, making the mares very uneasy.
"What do you mean by beg?" Cadence inquired, but was quickly interrupted by the loud mouth apple farmer.
"Enough with tha jibber-jabber! Rainbow, how are ya coping about Soarin?" Applejack blurted out, earning a load of scowls and a slap from a certain white unicorn.
As Applejack rubbed her sore cheek, there was a long silence. Nopony talked or moved. The sitting pegasus mare had her rainbow mane over her face, covering the fact that she was crying.
"Do not....speak his name." She whispered, holding back her sobs. Thousands of happy memories of the stallion exploded in her mind. Picnics, parties, fly arounds, days in, special nights, Hearts and Hooves days. It all came flooding into her mind.
She remembered stumbling upon the box in the drawer, three days after the wedding crisis. More of her tears fell as the memory played through her mind, of her opening the envelopes inside.
"Rainbow, dear. We all know that you are, very upset. But hiding away is not helping." Cadence hushed. Trying to calm the mare. The pretty pink alicorn saw the assassin's tears dripping onto the paperwork.
"Just go away." Rainbow croaked, pushing her hoof away and making the glass fall off the table. It smashed, beside the bottle, soaking the floor in the brown liquid.
"And drinking isn't helping either. Especially for your foal."
"What foal?" Rainbow coughed through her cries, clenching her teeth.
"Your foal, silly. Soarin's and your foal." Pinkie squeaked quietly.
"There....there is no foal..." The cyan pegasus sobbed.
"What ever do you mean?"
"I mean, there is no foal! No little filly or colt! No small bundle of joy! No little part of me!!" Rainbow shouted, throwing a white envelope at the ponies before her.
Princess Luna picked up the envelope with light blue aura, and pulled out the letter inside. Reading it aloud.
Dear Miss Rainbow Miriam Dashery,
The results of your last checkup have arrived, and I am so very sorry to inform you, but you are no longer bearing a foal. The results and symptoms show that your foal has deceased, you have experienced a miscarriage.
We are sorry for your loss.
Please return to the Ponyville Hospital for medication.
If you experience any other problems, please feel free to drop by.
Yours sincerely, Doctor Redheart.
As the princess read out the letter, the distraught mare broke out into a full blown sob. Wailing into her hooves.
The others just stood there, unable to say anything to help. A mare, their friend, has not only lost her husband-to-be, but her unborn child. The mare was a ready mother, but not, it was all thrown away. It hurt the girls to even think of the sorrow and distress their friend is going through.
"Oh, Rainbow." Fluttershy muttered, tears creeping up in her eyes. "We're so sorry."
"S-sorry for what? You did nothing!" Rainbow shouted, still crying in het hooves. Despite her change of heart, she was still distraught about her unborn child. She never got to see it. Never got to hold it and laugh with it. She never got to see it grow.
"How did this happen?" Cadence asked softly.
Rainbow Dash sighed before speaking. "Apparently, my body is too weak to support the foal and myself. I guess it's one of the many joys of being me." The mares looked up to their friend, who was dead inside. "Just go. Just leave me alone."
"Rainbow, ya need us. Ya need all of us." Applejack trotted up to the desk, trying to comfort her friend. But the elder assassin had none of it.
"Just go! Soarin's gone and so has everything else. You might as well go." She growled.
"But, Dash-"
"GO! And don't come back!!" Rainbow Dash yelled, slamming the door as the mares quickly trotted out. Rarity glanced upon a small wooden box before the assassin kicked them out, and quickly grabbed it with her aura before the door shut.
As they began to walk away, their hearts snapped as they heard their friend wailing inside.
Ponies nearby looked over in concern as they heard their leader cry, as her life crumbled away.
Rarity sighed as she lifted up the box, clicking it open, and hovering out the contents. Her large sapphire eyes opening wide and her mouth dropping open. She stopped walking with the others, who trotted away, as she read every word on the paper.
"Oh dear Rainbow Dash, why you? You don't need this." She croaked as her eyes scanned the other letters.
The cell began to smell of fresh blood. The hint of metal lingering in the warm air. It was living torture, sitting in the cell. Waiting for your fate. Listening to the murmurs of the other prisoners, and the screams as they taken away for a darker fate. The sun shimmered through the barred windows, making the air in the prison hot and still.
The pegasus felt his eyelids drop as the mare beside him slept. The alicorn mare twitched and moaned in her sleep, her wound still draining her of her energy. The stallion folded his large blue wings, moving the chain around his leg. His mind was solely on the mare he loved, the mare he left behind.
His mind wandered through the pleasant memories that he spent with the mare of his dreams.
He remembered holding her close, the night before the wedding. They didn't want to spend the night out with their friends, drinking. They wanted to spend the whole night in each others', they couldn't bear to be away from each other for longer than a night. Soarin's favourite part of that night was when Rainbow fell asleep on him.
She was leaning on his body, with her head on his chest and her wings wide open. He loved stroking her rainbow mane as she slumbered. He felt so content as he knew his family was almost complete. A good job, great friends, a beautiful soon-to-be wife, and a little bundle of joy on the way.
Soarin sighed happily to himself as he finally fell asleep, forgetting his surroundings and his troubles.
~~~~~~
He sat quietly upon a small, fluffy, white cloud, with a cyan mare right beside him. He smiled as he hugged the mare, keeping her close to him.
Suddenly, she disappeared, fading into the darkness. The once light blue sky switched off like a light switch. He manically searched for his loving mare, until the cloud also disappeared. Soarin madly flapped his wings as fell towards the ground, but was unable to gain any flight. He closed his eyes tight as he prepared himself for the impact of the hard ground.
Nothing. No smash, no splat, no bash, no surge of pain. Soarin cracked one eye open and gasped loudly as he was literally a few centimetres off the ground.
But he didn't understand. His large, ice blue wings were tightly closed. How was he hovering?
He carefully glanced upwards, to see a shadowed figure in a black cloak, holding him by the tail. Soarin squinted as he vaguely remembered the pony.
"Err....thank you..." Soarin muttered, as the pony put him down and landed beside him. "Erm, who are you?"
Another pony trotted up, also in a cloak, next to the pegasus who saved him.
"We are your soon to be in-laws." A mare hushed, her voice sweet and soft. Slowly, the two ponies pulled down their hoods and smiled at the younger stallion.
Soarin's eyes widened as he remembered the two.
"Wait....in Rainbow's old house....the portrait...Wait! You're Dashie's parents!" He squeaked, making the mare giggle. Her sunset coloured her bounced.
"Of course we are. I am Sunset Breeze, and this is my husband, Lightning Blitz." She pointed a white hoof to the tall musk blue stallion.
"Why are you here? What's going on?" Soarin questioned.
"Soarin, we are here for you. After all, you have saved our little baby girl." The elder stallion said gruffly. "She's been through hell and back."
"More like dragged." Soarin corrected.
"Yes, well, she's suffered our deaths, mental torture, the betrayal of her brother, death of first special somepony, her own near deaths, physical torture, and the near death of you." Lightning continued.
"Don't forget the pain she's feeling right now. The pain of losing a lost one. What hurts her more is the fact that you left without warning."
"Yeah, but I couldn't help that." Soarin sighed. "I miss her. I just can't imagine what she's feeling right now."
"We know. You're a brilliant stallion, Soarin. You are the perfect pony to look after our little Dashie. You care for her so deeply, that your love for her is...is just...amazing." Sunset hugged the younger pegasus, making him gasp for air.
"Thank you, Miss Breeze. I love Rainbow Dash with all my heart. I can't live without her. She's just....everything, she's my everything." Soarin sighed. "She's perfect. All my friends, especially Silver Lining, keep going on about their type of mare. At how they wanted a mare with looks, that can cook, and everything else."
"I guess your type is somepony pretty and can fly."
"Ah-ha. Actually, I don't have a type. If she has personality and speak her mind, I don't care. And bloody hell, Rainbow has one heck of a personality. And I love it."
"Yes, well, Soarin. The reason why we are here, is because....our little sweetheart has snapped." Sunset muttered, the images of her daughter dancing around her mind.
"What do you mean?" Soarin questioned.
"We mean, the Dashie you proposed to...is...well, gone. Every about her that you love, gone."
"That amazing personality, the caring heart only for close ones, that cute and innocent smile, and the confident, burning fire of passion in her eyes. All drained away like water." Lightning proceeded to explain.
"What? How?" Soarin was fully concerned about his lover.
"She believes that you have run off, with another mare. She believes you've run off with the princess."
Soarin gasped loudly and began to madly shake his head.
"No! I wouldn't! I love Rainbow! I would never leave her for anypony else."
"We know. But Rainbow has let her emotions get the best of her, and has expected the worst."
"What do I do?" Soarin slouched to the floor, with his head in his hooves.
The two elder ponies walked over and sat beside the young Wonderbolt.
"Believe in her. If you believe in her, she will find you. She still loves you." Sunset placed a white hoof on the distraught stallion's shoulder. "You two are connected. Two hearts merged into one. So, don't give up hope. Keep loving her and she will find you. You'll be amazed at what our little girl can do."
Soarin smiled as the two pegasi began to fade.
"Find her heart again, Soarin. Keep hold of it, and cherish her. And don't forget to raise up some brilliant foals. We want grandkids." The pegasi laughed together as Rainbow's parents finally disappeared, fading into the darkness around.
Soarin stared at the spaces where they last were, and sighed to himself.
"I believe in Rainbow, but I don't know if she believes in me."
Chapter 9- Discoveries Of Mind And Heart
"Seriously, Rarity. What are you getting at?" An orange mare complained. Hissing through her southern accent.
"Do I have to spell it out to you?! Are you that stupid?!" The pearl unicorn snarled, slamming the pieces of paper onto the table, and making the buttercup yellow pegasus whimper.
Around a table in the fashionista's home were four mares and two stallions. They were called in after the unicorn apparently found out what might have happened to Soarin, and Twilight.
"Girls. Calm down." The caramel brown unicorn attempted to hush the bickering mares, but his quiet attempts were fruitless.
"Applejack." A gruff voice shouted, grabbing the apple mare's attention. "Ya two are gettin nowhere. An ya are also upsettin Fluttershy." The large stallion brought his shivering wife towards him, wrapping his fore-legs around her. "Now, stop fightin an just explain wha ya mean."
"Yes, sorry, Macintosh." Rarity coughed, sitting back down.
"So, what are you talking about?" A fiery yellow pegasus asked, flapping her irritated golden wings.
"As I was saying, this is clearly not Soarin's work. For a starter, the letter left at the wedding was too blunt. Soarin is not like that." Rarity explained.
"Of course he's not. Before he finally got together with Rainbow, he would write love poems. By Luna's moon, they were detailed and long." Spitfire interrupted.
"Yes. That's when I first thought it was a fake. However, when we went to see Rainbow, I saw a box of letters. I grabbed them before we were kicked out."
"You stole them?! But Rarity, they're not yours." Fluttershy whispered.
"Oh well." The unicorn rolled her eyes. "These letters are still from Soarin, but are more detailed than the note. Why write two different types? We all know that Soarin, dear, is a deep, caring and thoughtful stallion. If he did want to break up with Rainbow, he would at least put effort in to it."
"Maybe it was rushed. The wedding letter, that is."
"Now, that is another theory. But my theory is that Soarin didn't leave, or ditch Rainbow. In fact, he was taken. Someone took him, and Twilight."
"But why, Rarity? You don't have anything to prove this."
"Actually, I do." Rarity winked and hovered the several pieces of paper, showing them to everyone. They all stared at her in confusion. Rarity sighed. "This paper, is not Equestrian. It's Griffin."
"And you would know, how?"
"Equestrian paper is simple made paper. Nothing added, nothing taken away. But, do you see this feathery effect on the paper?" She shoved the letters into everyone's face. They all looked hard at the feather like texture.
"Griffins have a special, and secret, technique of making paper. Leaving this feathery texture on the product. Only griffin paper has this. No pony in Equestria can match this work. Never."
"So, what you are saying, is that griffins wrote the letters, and took Soarin and Twilight?"
"Yes."
"I can understand taking Twilight, but why Soarin? Why take Soarin?"
Fluttershy's eyes opened wide as everypony thought hard.
"To cripple the Creed."
"What?"
"If the leader of Equestria's greatest defense, believes that she was abandoned at her own wedding, she would be upset. Distraught. Emotional. And too emotional to support the Creed." Fluttershy explained sitting up straight, but still leaning against her husband.
"And if the Creed is under the risk of a collapse, Equestria will be weakened."
"And is vulnerable to attack." Caramel finished. He had only joined the group about a year ago, as he fell for the hard working apple mare. Caramel already knew Rainbow Dash was an assassin, the whole of Ponyville knew, but kept it a secret. It was another town secret. Afterall, if the town housed the actual leader of Equestria's strongest defender, the town was literally untouchable.
"We need to tell Celestia. She must kn-"
As Spitfire was speaking, the door sung open. Knocking over two ponyquins. Rarity growled at the pony in the doorway, until she noticed who it was.
"Lyra?"
"Rarity! Applejack! Come quick!!" The mint coloured unicorn panted.
The others looked at the dressmaker and the orchard owner in concern.
"It's about Rainbow Dash." Lyra finally gasped, grabbing her breath back. But now, everypony in the room was worried for their friend.
"Oh dear."
~~~~~~
The violet mare beside him sighed, staring at the chains around her hooves. She winced again as her side began to erupt with pain again. She so dearly wanted to stretch her wings, but they were stuck by her side, by more chains.
She glanced up at the stallion, who was staring at the wall. As if he was daydreaming. A tired and pained expression on his face.
"Soarin?" Twilight squeaked quietly.
"Yes?"
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." He replied, his gaze still on the wall. Twilight grew worried foe her friend.
"Soarin. Tell me what's wrong. And don't lie to me." She asked.
Soarin sighed and turned to look at the princess.
"I had a dream earlier. It was a weird dream."
"What happened?"
"I met Rainbow's parents."
"What?" The lavender alicorn's eyes snapped open. "Sunset Breeze and Lightning Blitz?"
"Yeah."
"But didn't Rainbow's dad kill your parents? Were you mad at him?"
"Nope. My parents were criminals. They didn't love me. Only used me as a cover up story. I should really thank Lightning for killing them. It saved me from stumbling upon myself." Soarin chuckled lightly, before his expression turned to concern. "I might have been killed myself. By my own parents."
"Well, what did they say?"
"Stuff like "Rainbow has snapped" and that they're glad I'm with her to support her." He sighed. He wanted to be with with his lover so badly.
Twilight stared at the stallion in confusion, her mind overworking on the phrase "Rainbow has snapped".
"What do you mean, has snapped?" She inquired, wanting to know more.
"Everything we know about her is gone. Just because she believes I've run off with you."
Twilight's dark purple eyes snapped open and she gasped loudly. Rainbow was her closet friend. She would never betray her like that. Heck, she didn't even like Soarin in that way. Sure, she thought he was pretty funny, handsome, strong, and those eyes. Those beautiful emerald eyes, shining like the stars themselves. The violet alicorn stared at the stallion, admiring him. His dark blue, windswept mane, his ice blue, strong wings, and that hearty smile that would melt anypony's heart. Especially her own.
Twilight growled at herself and shook her head madly.
"No! Soarin loves Rainbow. They're getting married and having a foal together. You cannot fall for him, no matter how hot he is.
She lowered her head in defeat.
The young Wonderbolt noticed the alicorn's sudden expression, and began to worry for her. He stretched out his wing and held her close. Twilight blushed and look up at the stallion.
"You're weak. And Rainbow always tells me to help the weak, and the unfortunate. You are my friend, and you need support. I'm here for you, Twilight." He smiled at the mare, it twinkled slightly in the light coming through the bars.
Twilight's heart fluttered.
"Now I know why Rainbow fell for him. Oh dear Celestia. He's so warm and nice."
She felt her eyelids drop as she leaned against the stallion, her heart throbbing for him. A small smile crept upon her face as she fell asleep in his embrace.
"I love you...Soarin."
"Miss Rainbow Dash, calm down. You do not need anger right now. So please, calm down." A tall grey unicorn stallion ordered.
"You don't tell me what to do! So, keep that mouth of yours, shu-"
"Well, actually, I do." The stallion smirked as the cyan mare growled. "As you have been, how do you say kindly? You are axed. Kicked out of the Creed. Fired. Ousted out. You have no power." He grinned at the assassin, who's expression fell to utter dismay. The grey stallion was the Captain of the Royal Guard's right hoof pony. His name was Silver Sword.
Since he was a colt, he was fascinated with the Royal Guard and always stuck up for other ponies. When he young, he was generous, kind and protective. Now, he was mean, bossy, rude and impulsive. He hated when ponies don't listen to him, or when anyone was out of line.
But what annoyed him the most, what he absolutely hated, was the Assassins Creed. He despised at how they were "loyal", and "noble". Not caring for themselves. They were simple minded foals who were too scared to commit suicide. They were cowards. Filthy killers who deserve nothing. And he hated their leader the most. Miss Rainbow Miriam Dashery. The Element of Loyalty. He wanted to kill her. But she was even friends with his boss, Shining Armour. And to top it off, she was the protector the Elements of Harmony, citizens of Equestria, and the protector of the Princesses. That was his job. His job. Why should a pathetic mare do his job?
"Say again?" She squeaked, her eyes opened wide.
"We are so sorry, Rainbow Dash." A regal voice apologised. "We think that it's for the best." The white alicorn trotted up to the assassin. Looking down at her with a sorrow filled look.
"I know you have done a lot for us, but...you are under stress. You are physically and emotionally broken, Rainbow Dash. And as your superior, I worry for you. So please, just go. Just go home and rest."
"Just go home? Just go home?! I'm not a little filly at school, Celestia!!" Rainbow Dash growled at the Princess.
"Of course you are. Just a ittle, wittle filly." Silver Sword teased.
"Oh shut it, eye candy!"
"Rainbow Dash, please. You have suffered depression, the abandonment of your fiancée, and a miscarriage through the weeks." Celestia tried to support her argument. She wanted to keep Rainbow as leader, but she thought that it would be better if the mare could just leave and rest.
"I don't care! I refuse to leave! Equestria is in enough trouble right now with the griffins!!"
"Nice of you to mention the griffins, Rainbow Dash, darling." A prim white unicorn smirked as she trotted in. Followed by three members of the Wonderbolts, and three of the Elements of Harmony.
"We have got something very remarkable."
"And what is that, commoner?" Sword snorted.
Rarity gasped at the remark, and scowled the stallion.
"I'll have you know, I am the Element of Generosity, chief designer of Sapphire Shore's outfits, Equestria famous fashionista, and an assassin of the Creed."
"Well, la-de-da ." Sword muttered to himself.
"Rarity? What are you doing here?"
"To tell you, that griffins kidnapped Twilight and Soarin. I found it out after reading the notes. The paper is griffin paper. I know this as I had an order from many griffins, and they only used griffin paper." Rarity explained to the cyan pegasus and the Princess. The girls watched as Rainbow's eyes lit up like they were before.
"You mean...Soarin didn't leave me. He didn't run off Twilight." Rainbow squeaked, her heart beating faster as it began to fill with joy again. Her rose eyes twinkled with the fire of love again, which made Silver Sword growl.
"It's a theory, Miss Dash. Not a fact. Don't get your hopes up." He replied. "Anyway, you can't do anything to help." Sword's horn lit up with his golden aura as he took off Rainbow's tags, and ripped off the Creed's symbol off her cloak. Making the girls gasp in confusion.
"From now, you are no longer leader of the Creed."
"Wait, wha in taranation do ya mean?" Applejack questioned loudly.
"She's no longer the leader of that stupid organisation. She's nothing. Useless to everypony."
Rainbow turned to Celestia.
"Please, Celestia. I know that you think that you are doing good, but you're not. You are risking the land you love. By getting rid of me, the Creed will collapse."
"Which is the griffins plan. With the Creed gone, Equestria is weak."
"I'm sorry, but I can't change it now. It's an official order now. Rainbow Dash is no longer an assassin."
"Actually, your royal highness," Rainbow smirked at the alicorn, who raised an eyebrow, "I am an assassin. Of the Creed or not."
"What are going on about?" Sword commanded.
"I am on about page 42 in the 'Regula Libro Creed'. 'In the case of an assassin of the Creed, being rejected/ousted from the Creed, they can still carry the name. By becoming a rogue assassin. By becoming a single assassin on his/her own rule, but still serve the Princess.' How about that Silver Sword?" Rainbow Dash leered at the stallion as she took back her emble and her tags, lifted up her hoof towards his chest.
"Pathetic." He mumbled. But he quickly gasped as he felt a warm liquid dribble down his chest. As he looked down, he saw a small, open cut. Overflowing with blood.
"Look! She's cut me!! She assaulted me!! Did everyone see that?!" He yelped out.
Rainbow Dash sniggered as she trotted out of the hall.
"Don't worry, you wimp. It's only a flesh wound."
The guard growled as he stamped his hoof.
"Listen here, you! You may go rogue again, but this time, you will die!! Do you here, Rainbow Dash?! You are going to be dead!! And so is that stallion of yours!!" Sword shouted, the princess staring at him.
"As if I haven't heard that before." Rainbow Dash shouted back, making the unicorn grumble and stamp his hooves. The mares and the Wonderbolts followed Rainbow Dash as they began to walk down the corridor.
~~~~~~
Chapter 11- Bloody Dreams
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 12- Feasting On Secrets
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 14- Runaway Broken
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 15- Deadly Discussions
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 16- Arriving Arguments
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 17- Training Begins
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 18- Help From Chaos
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 19- Loyalty To Desire
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 21- Paying For Love
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 24- Bloodied Blades
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 25- Earlier Shadows
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 26- Waking Hypnosis
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 27- Lovin' Shadows
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 28- Reunited Best Friends
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 31- Walking and Waiting
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 37- Beginning of The End
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. 