Benevolence Over Vengeance

Rainbow Dash

I remember that day so clearly... it haunts me so much. Why would he do that? Why would he stand at those gates for me, knowing he'll face death? If only I could forget...

"The enemy is right behind us, my lady!" a soldier warned as we fled for Canterlot.

"The enemy?" Zephyr questioned. Turning around, I saw him looking at the approaching enemy.

"Go..." he whispered. I stared at him in disbelief.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"The enemy approaches with tremendous speed and strength. I made a pledge... that I was to protect you from all harm. Our gates will not withstand their attack. Go inside..." he responded. He kept a straight face as he stared out at the enemy forces.

"I can't leave you behind!" I shouted.

"That is how is must be! I will try to live through this, but I promise you this. I will not let a single enemy past this gate!" He stood up on his back legs, unleashing a spear from his back holster. As he stood, an arrow hit his chest.

"Agh! GO! NOW!" he shouted.

"NO! I'm not leaving you behind! I need you!" I retaliated.

"GO! Stop arguing with me and go!" Another arrow hit him.

"Zephyr!"  shouted one of the soldiers.

"Go with her... my duty in this life is to protect you Rainbow. For the people and for my lady... I CANNOT FAIL!" he stood and pointed his spear at the enemy. I turned and opened the gates, turning to close them as the first soldier reached him. The last I saw, was him killing all who dared to try and enter this castle.

The gates closed shut and collapsed. I was overwhelmed by tears. My head began to spin and that I blacked out...

That is all I remembered. I hadn't left my room since I was brought up here after I lost consciousness. Applejack and Twilight kept knocking at my door, but I told them to go away. He death was on my hooves... Why would he sacrifice himself for me?!

"Rainbow... they found him..." The voice was Twilight's.

"Really?! Is he alright?!" I screamed as I busted down the door and flew down the staircase. I entered the main hall to see a coffin.

"Ah'm really sorry, Dash..." Applejack whispered. My mind was blank as I trotted over to where the coffin was. Inside, I saw him... scarred and bloodied. The dried blood masking his usual grey coat. I broke into tears as I saw what was clutched in his hoof. It was a picture of me at my coronation along with a note. I opened it and read it. It had said:

Dear Rainbow Dash,

I hope you are able to read this, since they were written with my final breath. I'm so sorry for failing you. I swore to keep you protected from harm and now I'm gone, unable to help. Do me one thing: Survive and follow the path of peace and benevolence, for it is the true path of leaders. I will always miss you Rainbow Dash, but I will always be by your side even if I have passed. Stay safe, my lady...

"He... he apologized... to me?" I spoke aloud. "No... it is my fault... I got him killed. No... he isn't dead... he's just captured... the enemy... he's out there... somewhere," I whispered to myself.

"The evidence is overwhelming. His body lays before us. That note proves it as well," countered Twilight.

"You dare question his survival?! He died for us Twilight! Does that mean nothing to you?! Did he mean nothing to you?!" I shouted in rage. "Rally the troops! We march on the enemy at dawn! I want him brought back to me! To his people! For justice!"

"He said to follow the path of benevolence! This is vengeance! Hatred! Honor his dying wish!" shouted Twilight.

"HE ISN'T DEAD!" I shouted. I knew in my heart... that he was still alive... somewhere... I had to find him!