Taken Loveby Cody Da BronyChaptersDelta and the Six StallionsThe ConcertTwilight's SorrowFalling StarDelta and the Six Stallions"Delta we're on in five." Splitz said. "Yeah, I know. I'll be out." Delta said, throwing the picture of his former wife away. Seeing the sad face on his brother, Splitz decided it was best they perform somewhere else. "Look, I know the divorce killed you, Delta. We should cancel tonight's concert and wait to perform in Ponyville." "No. Canterlot needs this music, and Celestia will be here. Performing for Princess Celestia would be such an opportunity I can't let slip through my hooves. We're singing tonight, Splitz." "Okay then. Lets give Celestia the best performance ever. Shall we hit the stage, brother?" Splitz said. "Yeah. Grab your guitar." Delta said, sliding on his sunglasses. After a beautiful performance, Delta decided to pack his things into his train and head to Ponyville ahead of his band. Leaving a note on their door, he left for Canterlot Station. "One-way ticket to Ponyville." Delta said to the ticket manager. Just then, his brother burst through the station door. "Delta, what the hay?! Why are you going ahead? We don't leave for another three days." "I know, and I want you and the others to stay here in Canterlot. I want to go into Ponyville alone for a bit. Is that okay my demanding little brother?" Splitz hesitated a bit, worrying about leaving his brother alone. "Okay, but be careful on the way down. No bars and no mares, Delta. We don't need another fight." "Splitz, I can handle myself." Delta said, giving his brother a hug. "See you in Ponyville." "Yeah, I better not have to bail you out of jail when I get there." Splitz said, chuckling. "See you later, bro." On that Delta got into the train and was off for Ponyville. Delta was born in Las Pegasus a few years before Splitz. His father ran a few casinos and was very wealthy. He tried to raise Delta and Splitz as well kept ponies, but they were too energetic and wanted adventure. Delta was twelve when he started singing. He met a mare in middle school he liked and decided to ask her out through a song. He wrote a song, but thought it sounded bad as a classical tune, which was what he was raised on, so he gave it a pop. He had Splitz sing a backup part and made him play a guitar, which Splitz excelled in greatly. The mare loved the song, but the relationship wasn't long lasting. Delta wasn't too surprised. After that day, Delta began to write songs. With Splitz as a backup singer and guitarist, they sounded great together. They began to sing in front of their house, attracting a lot of attention from neighbors. They were greatly known in their neighborhood as 'Delta and Splitz'. When thy went into high school, they met their drummer, Dusty, and bass player, Delirious. They both weren't into classical music and joined Delta, making the band's name change to 'Delta's Quartet'. They played at school concerts, becoming popular in the high school setting. Enjoying the attention, Splitz brought up the idea to add two more backup singers to the group. Delta, loving the idea, agreed and began to look around for ponies with vocal talent. He ran into Boppy Bits in the food court of the high school. Bop was singing one of the tunes Delta's band performed at their last concert. Delta loved the deep voice and pulled him into the band. Then Splitz ran into Jitzy, a player in the school's band. Turns out he had more singing skill than cello skill. It took a while for Splitz to convince Jitzy to join, but he eventually agreed. They were then known as 'Delta and the Six Stallions.' They continued their music career after graduation, eventually getting invitations to play at cinemas all around Equestria. This made Delta very egotistical. He thought a lot of himself and his band. That was the only thing he really cared for. That and booze. After his concerts, the band would celebrate at a tavern or club. Delta drank heavily and it really effected him. When he drank a lot, the slightest thing would set him aflame. After a very successful concert in Manehatten, Delta and his band went to a club. Delta was drunk within an hour or so, and Splitz began to realize this and tried to get Delta to leave. Only problem was that Delta was nowhere to be seen. Splitz got worried and looked through every inch of the club. He went to the bathroom and found Delta fighting another stallion. Delta slammed the stallion's head against the wall as Splitz stopped the fight. Delta fought Splitz, but Splitz calmed his brother down before things got physical between them. Splitz looked at the injured stallion on the floor. He had woken, but he was beaten beyond being able to make it home. Splitz went to the nearest payphone and got the stallion to the hospital. Delta was put in jail for six months on assault charges. When Delta was released, he immediately saw his band waiting for him at the gates. They gave him some fresh clothes and songs to consider singing. Delta continued his singing career, laying off the drinks, and his band was reborn. At their third concert, Delta met a mare named Shimmer. He adored her for her kindness and beauty. They eventually hooked up and got married. They were inseparable, except when Delta went on stage. They lived a happy life for a few years, but Delta got his drinking habit up again. Shimmer didn't like it when Delta drank, but decided to keep quiet. She stayed quiet until Delta nearly took off someones head with a bar stool. Shimmer grabbed his hoof before he swung. He turned and looked at her with pure rage in his eyes. He bucked Shimmers back legs, knocking her to the floor. He slammed the stool over her back with all his might. Thankfully the bar stool was cheap, but it still hurt Shimmer badly. She was sent to the hospital and everyone shook their heads at Delta as he passed them. Delta tried to save his relationship with his wife, but it was no use. She didn't want to live with a drunk mess like Delta. She divorced him as soon as she was released from the hospital. Delta was sent into a long pit of stress and vowed not to drink again. His band questioned if he would keep to his vow. The ride to Ponyville was long, but Delta slept most of the way. About three hours before he arrived, he woke up to a rainbow-maned figure pass the train at sonic speeds. "Ah!" Delta yelled. "What in Celestia's name was that?!" "More like who, darling." came a Canterlot voice in the seat across from Delta. "That's Rainbow Dash. She enjoys a good fly once in a while. I'm Rarity." "Delta. Delta Star. I'm lead singer in Delta and the Six Stallions. You ever heard?" Delta asked. Rarity's face just lit up. She was riding with one of her favorite band's lead singer. "Of course I know who you are!! You sing some of my favorite songs!" "Well, somepony who likes my music. I'm sorry, but classical didn't cut it for me as a kid. Thank you for the appreciation, but I am not feeling the best and need some rest, if you don't mind." Delta said. "But of course. I'll wake you when we reach Ponyville." "Thanks, again." Delta said, closing his eyes. He felt a tug on his wing and looked down at a filly. "Can I have your autogwaph?" The filly said. Delta smiled and pulled out his quill and wrote his signature on the small photo of himself in the filly's hoof. "There, kid. My next show is in Ponyville in a few days." "Awesome! Mom! I got Delta Star's autogwaph!" the filly said, running to his seat. Delta smiled and saw that Ponyville was still a ways away. Delta, feeling emotionally exhausted, tried to get some shut eye again. He finally got comfortable and drifted off to sleep. "Ponyville station!" the conductor yelled. "Delta, darling, we're here." Rarity said. "Hmm? Oh okay." Delta said, standing up. He grabbed his luggage and proceeded to a motel, just across the street from the train station. He entered it and walked up to the reception desk. "Room for one. One week, under the name Delta Star." "Will that be all, sir?" the receptionist asked. "Yes, thank you." Delta replied. He went to his room and unpacked.. I might as well practice a bit. He began to sing a few of his popular songs to himself as he got ready for bed. After about a half an hour of singing, people began to crowd his door. He then stopped and closed it, locking it in the process. The people were disappointed, but he didn't care. He continued to sing until he was fully ready for bed. At about eleven he began to drift off. He had to think of what to do for three days until the concert. "Uh, R-Rainbow? W-will you go out with me? Oh forget this." Twilight said to a picture of Rainbow Dash, as if she'd get a response out of it. Nothing. Twilight began to cry. For months she's really wanted to ask Rainbow Dash out, but she was nervous about the negative attention of being a fillyfooler. "Spike, help me. I don't know what to do. I feel like an idiot talking to a picture of Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said, breaking out in tears. Spike, seeing his friend crying, wrapped around her neck, hugging her until her crying subsided. "Twilight, you've been at it for weeks. You have to tell her soon. She's been looking around, you know. Rainbow Dash doesn't want to be alone anymore, either. Go talk to her. I'm sure she'll say yes." Spike said, reassuring that Twilight had a chance. "You're right. Give me a few days. I need to figure out the perfect time to ask her." Twilight said. She decided it was time for bed, since it was getting late. Tomorrow would bring another day. Delta woke up peacefully the next day. He rose from his bed and put on a suit and his bow tie. He always liked to dress nice, especially in public. He walked out of his room and downstairs and saw a couple getting a room. The mare had a leg around her stallions neck, and the stallion laughed and kissed his mate. This made Delta feel alone and sad, like he'd been feeling in the past weeks. "Ugh. I want someone to call 'mate'. Someone to hug and kiss." Delta said to himself. He walked outside and looked around and saw a library just down the road. He decided to look into stress relief books. He started to sing Long Way from Your Love. One of his slower songs. He passed the pony, now he knew as Rainbow Dash, and she was kicking a cloud away. She flipped her mane out of her face and met eyes with Delta, who was looking right at her. "Hey up there. You sure do keep this place looking good!" Delta said to Rainbow Dash, adding charm in his voice. "Oh. Thanks. Wait...I know you. You're Delta Star! I love your music! I heard you play at a Wonderbolt Show a few months back. Where are you headed?" Dash asked. "The library. I was going to get some books on stress relief. I recently divorced and I've been down lately." Delta said, putting back his tears. Dash came down from the sky and stood next to him. "Hey. That mare is stupid to let go of someone like you. I have the perfect solution to your problem. Lets go to Sugarcube Corner and get something sweet to eat." Dash said. "What's that?" Delta asked, having not been to Ponyville for a long time. "A place to go if you crave sweets and a dentist appointment. It's a really good place, I'll introduce you to Pinkie Pie, the cook." Dash said, meeting eyes with Delta again. The two turned around and headed in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. "See, now that isn't that a good milkshake? Tell me about yourself, Delta, and what happened with your wife, if that's not asking much." Dash requested. Delta didn't want this kind mare to be troubled with his past, so left out the parts about getting drunk and made up a story on why he got divorced. "....and that is that." Delta said to Dash. "Wow. You had a cool childhood. Only things I'm know for is my loyalty and awesomeness! Not to mention I'm in the Wonderbolt Reserves. I also hold the element of loyalty, one of six elements of harmony that protect Equestria." Dash said. She began to tell Delta about all the cool things she's done and Delta listened to every bit of it. He liked Rainbow Dash's personality and he decided to write her a song to "woo her." "I'll get the tab. Listen I have to get ready for my concert. I'll tell my bouncer to let you and anyone with you in for free, in the front, of course." Delta said, again adding charm in his voice. "I'll see you around sometime. The concert's in two days, seven at night that day. Have a nice day, Rainbow Dash." Delta said, leaving the five bits for the milkshakes. He winked in Dash's direction, put his sunglasses on, and flew toward the hotel. The ConcertDelta stayed up all night thinking of lyrics for his song for Rainbow Dash. He decided to call the song I'm Wrapped in Rainbow hoping the song would win her heart. The next day he would try to sing it. The next morning he pulled out his microphone and, turning it low, started to sing. Not five minutes passed before Delta heard a knock at his door. He put his mic down went to open it. When he did, he was greeted by a hotel manager. "A few ponies nearby called complaining that someone in room 14 is being too loud. Keep the loud music outside, or else that's where you're going to end up. Got it, buddy?" The hotel manager snapped. Delta was about to buck the stallion, but held back his anger, seeing where it got him before. Delta exhaled angrily, "Okay. I will take my singing outside. Happy?" Delta snapped back. He turned around and grabbed the song lyrics he'd been working on and went outside. He walked out the doors and saw signs pointing toward a park. He began to trot in that direction. When he walked through the gates, he saw a bench. He went and sat on the bench and, holding the lyrics, began singing once again. He made a few changes to it and it was eventually perfect, in Delta's view. He started singing the new song, plus some of his old ones. Ponies began to crowd around clapping along, throwing tips in his direction. Once Delta was finished, he put the tips and the song lyrics in his saddlebags and proceeded out of the park to walk around town. Upon leaving, he was stopped by two ponies. One, a mare, had a country hat on. The other, a red stallion, was as big as Celestia, it seemed. "Hold it right there!" Said the mare. "Eeyup!" the stallion snapped. "Oh Celestia, is this a mugging. In a public park!" Delta said, loud enough to draw attention. "No, it's not. I just wanted to ask you somethin'. What was that one song about rainbows written for?" the mare asked. "For a pony I recently met. Her name is Rainbow Dash. I'd really like to get to know her and-" Delta said being tackled to the ground. "Ain't nopony doin' nothin' with Rainbow Dash! Especially some drifter like you!" the mare said, on top of Delta. Delta's scared expression was replaced by a smug smile. "I see we have a strong one. You know who you, so rudely, tackled to the ground?" Delta asked. "A lowlife drifter who makes money singing crap music! That's who!" the mare yelled. This set Delta off. He pushed the mare off of him to the ground and got on top of her. "Listen, I am Delta Star, lead singer of Delta and the Six Stallions. I am very popular in Canterlot and wanted to grant Ponyville with good music. I don't take kindly to ponies yelling in my face. Now since you are a mare, I have to have manners." Delta said standing up, holding out his hoof to help the mare up. "Now get up. If you weren't a mare, EMS would have you in intensive care, but I show complete respect to my fellow mares." Delta said, brushing off his suit. Applejack simply stood up on her own and calmly began to speak. "I've got my eye on you! C'mon Big Mac" The two ponies proceeded out of the park. Delta stood in shock. "I will do what I please. That definitely wasn't Rainbow Dash's mother or anything like that." Delta said. He walked around town and later found himself under a giant cloud mansion. "Wow would I like to live in that house." Delta said. "Well you can't live there, but you can come inside. You have two wings, put 'em to work!" Rainbow Dash said flying past Delta. "Oh, will do!" Delta said laughing with Rainbow Dash. They flew up to the front door of the mansion. Delta got to the door and opened it. "After you." "Wow. Okay enough of the gentleman act, just go in." Dash said flying past Delta into her home. Delta proceeded into the house and found himself in a large living room. "Hey I have some hard cider. Want some?" Rainbow asked. Delta was going crazy, not having alcohol for ages, but refused the drink. "I'd rather not have alcohol, if you don't mind." "Hey suit yourself, this stuff rocks!" A few hours passed and Delta and Rainbow Dash talked for a while. At about five in the evening, Delta needed to head over to the train station to greet his band. "Dash get ready for the concert. I need to head over to the train station and help my band get the equipment over to the performance center. Don't be late! I have seats reserved in the front for you and about five others, like you requested. See you at he show." "Hey Splitz!" Delta said, greeting his brother off the train. "How was the ride?" "Good. I'm ready for this performance. How 'bout you?" Splitz said, nudging Delta. "Ready as I'll ever be. Hey I have a new song written. It's got the same rhythm as 'Wing Speed', you know that one right? You guys could pull it off." Splitz was surprised by the new song getting thrown at him so fast. "Let me see the lyrics." Splitz said. Delta got them out of his saddlebag and handed them to Splitz. He read them over a few times, not liking the way it went. "Delta, you didn't write this for anyone, did you? I said no mares!" "Splitz, she's really good. I want to start a new life again! Give me a chance to live! Maybe I want a wife and foals some day. Look at you. You have a wife and two fillies. I want that life. I never had that chance." Delta said, hoping his brother would understand. Splitz put his hoof on his brother's shoulder. "Delta, I love ya, but you and me both know you aren't getting married in the week we'll be here." Splitz said. "What?! I didn't mean now! I want to stay here in Ponyville. It's a great place to be, and I've only been here three days. If things get going after tonight, I'd really like to date this mare. She is truly a kind souled pony, with some attitude. I've always wanted that! Shimmer never-" Delta stopped himself from crying. "I would've never done what I did to Shimmer if I wasn't drunk. You, of all ponies, would know that." Delta said. "Delta you and me both know you have a temper, sometimes without the booze. I'll give you a chance with her, but if you get violent, I'll put you in jail myself. I don't want someone getting hurt again. We'd be ruined." "Thank you, Splitz. Trust me, I haven't had a drink since I left Shimmer. I even rejected a drink at Rainbow's house last night." "Wait. You went to Rainbow's house?! I'm guessing Rainbow is the mare you're into. You didn't, you know, did you?" Splitz asked his brother. "No, oh Celestia, no! I don't want things like that to happen so fast. I have some decency, Splitz." Delta said. "Good." Splitz said. "We're on in fifteen minutes, Delta." Dusty said. "Ready, Splitz? Run this song over the others while I get dressed." Delta said. "Ugh, Okay. Be on stage on time." Splitz said going toward the others. "Hold it, who are you?" the bouncer said. "I'm Rainbow Dash. My friends and I have reserved seats. In the front." "Hmm, ahh yes. Okay, seats 1-6 are reserved for you and your friends. You may enter." The ponies walked inside and went to their seats. They waited about ten minutes before the curtains parted and the band was revealed. Delta walked to the front of the stage, in front of Rainbow and her friends, and turned on the microphone. "I want to sing this as an opener to our show." Delta said. He began to sing the songs he had planned and the crowd loved it. People were throwing flowers here and there. Then Delta walked backward to his band and whispered to them. "You guys got the new song down?" "Yeah, we don't have a backup part, so we'll just play 'Wing Speed' without the backup part." Splitz said. Delta walked back up on he front of the stage and pulled the mic up to his mouth. "This last song is dedicated to somepony special." Delta said. He looked at Rainbow Dash and winked. She blushed heavily, but smiled in the process. Applejack saw it and growled. She went to stand up, but Twilight pushed her back down. Applejack looked at Twilight about to ask her why she'd pushed her back down, but saw that Twilight was almost crying. "Twilight? What's wrong, sugar cube?" Applejack asked in Twilights ear so she could hear. Sniffling, Twilight responded. "I'll tell you later." Twilight was silent for the last song. The crowd was roaring and cheering. They loved the song, knowing who it was wrote for. As everypony cheered, Delta leaned down in Rainbow Dash's direction. She was crying, as she loved the song. Delta motioned for Dash to lean in so se could hear him. "Meet me outside in five. I want to ask you something." "Oh my gosh! Okay." Dash said rapidly flapping her wings. Delta turned around and went backstage and put away his microphone. He then proceeded outside and looked for Rainbow Dash. He found her, still slightly crying, near the back entrance. "Rainbow Dash. I have an important question I'd like to ask you." "Speak away." Dash said with a voice crack. "I know it's only been three days and I should've waited longer to ask you this. Would you be my marefriend?" Delta asked. Rainbow Dash was expecting that be the question and hugged Delta. "Yes. You've been a great friend since I met you and you aren't a stuck up musician like a lot. Yes, I'd like to go out with you. In fact, no more staying at that shabby hotel. Stay at my house!" "Oh I don't have to live with you. I couldn't, not yet." Delta said. "Please, please, I really want you to! I'd like to have another pony staying with me!" Rainbow said. "Okay, but I practice a lot. Not at night, but quite frequently." "That doesn't matter. I'd have my own personal jukebox that can follow me!" On that Delta told his band his living arrangements, and that he was staying in Ponyville, they decided it was time for them to return to their families. That night, Delta moved his things into Dash's cloud house and the band returned to their families. Twilight listened to the whole conversation and flew home. She was absolutely destroyed. Applejack was going to follow her and comfort her, but Rarity stopped her from doing so. "Her dreams of being with Rainbow Dash are crushed, Applejack. Let her be alone. Talk to her tomorrow." Rarity suggested. "But he- Wait what?" Applejack questioned the new piece of information. "Dreams about being with Rainbow Dash?" "Yes, for months she's been trying to get Dash to see, but she was never courageous enough to do so. I feel bad for her. First the Princess thing happens to her, now this. I will join you tomorrow in the conversation." "I hope she'll be okay." Applejack said. "Me too, Applejack. Me too." Rarity said Twilight's SorrowTwilight rose from her bed the next morning from a dreadful sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about the concert the night before. She pulled her pillow close to her chest, hoping for some comfort from it, only getting more sorrow. She buried her head in the pillow and began to weep, leaving the white head rest wet from the salty tears. She heard a knock at her bedroom door and, quickly containing herself, said "It's open." When the door swung open, Spike appeared with a tray of food. "I brought you some breakfast in bed to cheer you up. You feel better since last night?" Spike asked. Twilight shook her head "Not very much, no. You can leave the food on the table. I'm not very hungry." Spike put the tray of food on the cluttered nightstand and hopped up on Twilight's bed. "Look, I know you're upset. Go talk to her and see how she is. You know Rainbow Dash can't keep a good relationship that happens that fast. Even I know that." Twilight sat up in the messy bed. "Maybe later. I just want to be alone today." Spike gave Twilight a hug and hopped off the bed. "Anything you want? I'm headed back downstairs." "No, thanks though." Twilight said, getting up from her bed. She walked over to her mirror and grabbed her brush with her magic. She brushed all the knots out of her mane and tail and proceeded to look in the mirror. In the bottom left corner, jammed in the mirror's frame, a picture of Rainbow Dash lay in front of her. Twilight sighed and started for the door. Before closing the door, she took one last glance at the photo and exited her room. Later in the morning, Twilight heard a knock at the front door. Funny. I thought I left the library closed today. Twilight got up from the couch and opened her door. Waiting outside was Applejack. "Hey Twilight. Can I come in?" "Sure. Yeah come inside." Twilight said rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Rarity told me last night, after the concert, that you've been tryin' to ask Rainbow Dash out. Am I right?" Twilight nodded. "And after the concert, you heard what Delta asked Rainbow. Is that what sent you home in tears last night?" Twilight grimaced as she thought of the events of the previous night. "Yes. What's it matter to you?" "It matters because I care for my friends. Delta ain't no pony to get hooked with. After he told me his name, I asked around my family about this drifter. He's violent and a drunk, according to some of my cousins. Twilight, I feel bad for ya, and I'm afraid for Rainbow's safety. I think we should keep an eye on her and Delta for a while, don't you think?" This information also concerned Twilight. She didn't want to see Rainbow getting hurt. "Yeah. We should. Have you told her yet?" "No. I haven't seen her all day. Have you?" Applejack asked. "I haven't left the library today at all. You think we should check on them?" Twilight asked getting more alert as time passed. "Some time today. The clouds 'r gettin' thick anyway. In a few hours, go up to her house and check on 'er. I can't get up there, you have the wings." Applejack said, pointing to Twilight's wings. "Heh, yeah. I'll go up there later today." Twilight said. A few hours after Applejack's visit, Twilight flew over to Dash's cloud house. She gently landed on the doorstep and knocked on the door. When it opened Dash answered and came out. "Hey Twi" She said. Her voice sounded dry, like she hadn't had anything to drink in ages. "What's up?" "Oh, Applejack said she hasn't heard from you, so I figured I would see if you're okay." "Oh....I-I'm fine. Just feeling under the weather today, that's all." Dash said. Twilight notice that Dash's mane was covering the left side of her face. "Mane's in your face." Twi said as nonchalantly as possible. "Oh uh. I-I have to go." Dash said leaving no time for Twilight to respond, as she dashed back into her house. Twilight turned around and immediately saw Delta standing behind her. "Hello miss. What are you doing?" he said approaching Twilight. "Tryng to visit Rainbow Dash. She hasn't left her house all day. Even when she's under the weather she always likes to fly it off." Twilight said raising her voice. "I'll tend to Rainbow Dash. I think you should leave." Delta said pushing Twilight aside rudely and entering the house. Twilight took no time at all and teleported to Sweet Apple Acres. "Applejack!" she yelled. Applejack emerged from the barn and headed toward Twilight. "What? What's wrong? Is it Rainbow Dash?" AJ asked. "Yes. Apparently she's sick. Doesn't she like to fly even if she feels sick?" "Yeah. Maybe she has somethin' bad." "Yes, but she had her mane covering her face. I think something is up." Twilight said. Applejack thought a moment. Twilight was really upset about Dash getting taken from her. "Twi, I think you should calm down." "But-" "No buts. Look I know you're upset. Dash was probably sleepin' when you went over there, 'cause she was sick. That's probably why her mane was in her face. I know what yr' thinkin' and I don't think Delta's done anything to Rainbow Dash." Twilight looked at the ground. She didn't want to ruin Dash's relationship with Delta if they were happy. She felt a few raindrops on her back. She looked up and saw that the clouds had formed into rain clouds and a storm was immanent. "Yeah. You're right. I'm going home." "Want me to walk with ya?" Applejack asked. "No. I want to be alone." Twilight said. She turned around and headed for the library. Falling StarTwilight took her time getting home. She was more upset now than she had ever been before. She decided to take a detour and walk under Dash's house, taking the long way home. As Twilight passed under the house, she heard a shriek come from an open window. She was immediately pulled from her trance of despair and teleported to the front door and tried to open it. It was locked. Twilight turned around and bucked the door open and off the hinges. She sprinted inside and looked around. She didn't see anything in the living room. "Stop it! No!" Twilight heard Dash scream from a nearby room. She pushed open the door to the kitchen and saw Delta on top of Rainbow. Dash had bruises and cuts all over her face, but aside from those wounds, Twilight noticed that Delta had broken both of her wings. "Hey!" Twilight yelled. Delta shot a look at Twilight, but looked back down at Dash, who was crying beneath him. "You are dead!" Delta yelled in a drunken rage. He then raised his hoof above his head and in it he held a large kitchen knife, which reflected the moonlight that shone through the window behind him. Delta looked at Twilight and looked back down at Dash. Just before he brought the knife down on Dash's face, Twilight teleported over next to Delta and bucked him as hard as she could. This sent him and the knife crashing out the window. Twilight knelt down to Dash and lifted her to her hooves. "Can you walk?" Twilight asked while supporting Dash with her magic. "Yeah....b-but my wings hurt real bad." Dash said wincing in pain. "I can tell. Let's get you to the hospital quick." Twilight said. She teleported the two of them to the ground. When they got to the ground, Twilight looked over and saw Delta's motionless corpse. It was brutally maimed and nearly looked unrecognizable as a pony, and Twilight couldn't bear to look at it any longer and teleported to the hospital. Upon entering, a nurse immediately took Rainbow from Twilight and down the hall to Intensive Care. Twilight went back to the waiting room and curled up in a chair. She wished that there was a magic un-see button she could press to forget the recent occurrence. That was sadly not the case.
Delta and the Six Stallions"Delta we're on in five." Splitz said. "Yeah, I know. I'll be out." Delta said, throwing the picture of his former wife away. Seeing the sad face on his brother, Splitz decided it was best they perform somewhere else. "Look, I know the divorce killed you, Delta. We should cancel tonight's concert and wait to perform in Ponyville." "No. Canterlot needs this music, and Celestia will be here. Performing for Princess Celestia would be such an opportunity I can't let slip through my hooves. We're singing tonight, Splitz." "Okay then. Lets give Celestia the best performance ever. Shall we hit the stage, brother?" Splitz said. "Yeah. Grab your guitar." Delta said, sliding on his sunglasses. After a beautiful performance, Delta decided to pack his things into his train and head to Ponyville ahead of his band. Leaving a note on their door, he left for Canterlot Station. "One-way ticket to Ponyville." Delta said to the ticket manager. Just then, his brother burst through the station door. "Delta, what the hay?! Why are you going ahead? We don't leave for another three days." "I know, and I want you and the others to stay here in Canterlot. I want to go into Ponyville alone for a bit. Is that okay my demanding little brother?" Splitz hesitated a bit, worrying about leaving his brother alone. "Okay, but be careful on the way down. No bars and no mares, Delta. We don't need another fight." "Splitz, I can handle myself." Delta said, giving his brother a hug. "See you in Ponyville." "Yeah, I better not have to bail you out of jail when I get there." Splitz said, chuckling. "See you later, bro." On that Delta got into the train and was off for Ponyville. Delta was born in Las Pegasus a few years before Splitz. His father ran a few casinos and was very wealthy. He tried to raise Delta and Splitz as well kept ponies, but they were too energetic and wanted adventure. Delta was twelve when he started singing. He met a mare in middle school he liked and decided to ask her out through a song. He wrote a song, but thought it sounded bad as a classical tune, which was what he was raised on, so he gave it a pop. He had Splitz sing a backup part and made him play a guitar, which Splitz excelled in greatly. The mare loved the song, but the relationship wasn't long lasting. Delta wasn't too surprised. After that day, Delta began to write songs. With Splitz as a backup singer and guitarist, they sounded great together. They began to sing in front of their house, attracting a lot of attention from neighbors. They were greatly known in their neighborhood as 'Delta and Splitz'. When thy went into high school, they met their drummer, Dusty, and bass player, Delirious. They both weren't into classical music and joined Delta, making the band's name change to 'Delta's Quartet'. They played at school concerts, becoming popular in the high school setting. Enjoying the attention, Splitz brought up the idea to add two more backup singers to the group. Delta, loving the idea, agreed and began to look around for ponies with vocal talent. He ran into Boppy Bits in the food court of the high school. Bop was singing one of the tunes Delta's band performed at their last concert. Delta loved the deep voice and pulled him into the band. Then Splitz ran into Jitzy, a player in the school's band. Turns out he had more singing skill than cello skill. It took a while for Splitz to convince Jitzy to join, but he eventually agreed. They were then known as 'Delta and the Six Stallions.' They continued their music career after graduation, eventually getting invitations to play at cinemas all around Equestria. This made Delta very egotistical. He thought a lot of himself and his band. That was the only thing he really cared for. That and booze. After his concerts, the band would celebrate at a tavern or club. Delta drank heavily and it really effected him. When he drank a lot, the slightest thing would set him aflame. After a very successful concert in Manehatten, Delta and his band went to a club. Delta was drunk within an hour or so, and Splitz began to realize this and tried to get Delta to leave. Only problem was that Delta was nowhere to be seen. Splitz got worried and looked through every inch of the club. He went to the bathroom and found Delta fighting another stallion. Delta slammed the stallion's head against the wall as Splitz stopped the fight. Delta fought Splitz, but Splitz calmed his brother down before things got physical between them. Splitz looked at the injured stallion on the floor. He had woken, but he was beaten beyond being able to make it home. Splitz went to the nearest payphone and got the stallion to the hospital. Delta was put in jail for six months on assault charges. When Delta was released, he immediately saw his band waiting for him at the gates. They gave him some fresh clothes and songs to consider singing. Delta continued his singing career, laying off the drinks, and his band was reborn. At their third concert, Delta met a mare named Shimmer. He adored her for her kindness and beauty. They eventually hooked up and got married. They were inseparable, except when Delta went on stage. They lived a happy life for a few years, but Delta got his drinking habit up again. Shimmer didn't like it when Delta drank, but decided to keep quiet. She stayed quiet until Delta nearly took off someones head with a bar stool. Shimmer grabbed his hoof before he swung. He turned and looked at her with pure rage in his eyes. He bucked Shimmers back legs, knocking her to the floor. He slammed the stool over her back with all his might. Thankfully the bar stool was cheap, but it still hurt Shimmer badly. She was sent to the hospital and everyone shook their heads at Delta as he passed them. Delta tried to save his relationship with his wife, but it was no use. She didn't want to live with a drunk mess like Delta. She divorced him as soon as she was released from the hospital. Delta was sent into a long pit of stress and vowed not to drink again. His band questioned if he would keep to his vow. The ride to Ponyville was long, but Delta slept most of the way. About three hours before he arrived, he woke up to a rainbow-maned figure pass the train at sonic speeds. "Ah!" Delta yelled. "What in Celestia's name was that?!" "More like who, darling." came a Canterlot voice in the seat across from Delta. "That's Rainbow Dash. She enjoys a good fly once in a while. I'm Rarity." "Delta. Delta Star. I'm lead singer in Delta and the Six Stallions. You ever heard?" Delta asked. Rarity's face just lit up. She was riding with one of her favorite band's lead singer. "Of course I know who you are!! You sing some of my favorite songs!" "Well, somepony who likes my music. I'm sorry, but classical didn't cut it for me as a kid. Thank you for the appreciation, but I am not feeling the best and need some rest, if you don't mind." Delta said. "But of course. I'll wake you when we reach Ponyville." "Thanks, again." Delta said, closing his eyes. He felt a tug on his wing and looked down at a filly. "Can I have your autogwaph?" The filly said. Delta smiled and pulled out his quill and wrote his signature on the small photo of himself in the filly's hoof. "There, kid. My next show is in Ponyville in a few days." "Awesome! Mom! I got Delta Star's autogwaph!" the filly said, running to his seat. Delta smiled and saw that Ponyville was still a ways away. Delta, feeling emotionally exhausted, tried to get some shut eye again. He finally got comfortable and drifted off to sleep. "Ponyville station!" the conductor yelled. "Delta, darling, we're here." Rarity said. "Hmm? Oh okay." Delta said, standing up. He grabbed his luggage and proceeded to a motel, just across the street from the train station. He entered it and walked up to the reception desk. "Room for one. One week, under the name Delta Star." "Will that be all, sir?" the receptionist asked. "Yes, thank you." Delta replied. He went to his room and unpacked.. I might as well practice a bit. He began to sing a few of his popular songs to himself as he got ready for bed. After about a half an hour of singing, people began to crowd his door. He then stopped and closed it, locking it in the process. The people were disappointed, but he didn't care. He continued to sing until he was fully ready for bed. At about eleven he began to drift off. He had to think of what to do for three days until the concert. "Uh, R-Rainbow? W-will you go out with me? Oh forget this." Twilight said to a picture of Rainbow Dash, as if she'd get a response out of it. Nothing. Twilight began to cry. For months she's really wanted to ask Rainbow Dash out, but she was nervous about the negative attention of being a fillyfooler. "Spike, help me. I don't know what to do. I feel like an idiot talking to a picture of Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said, breaking out in tears. Spike, seeing his friend crying, wrapped around her neck, hugging her until her crying subsided. "Twilight, you've been at it for weeks. You have to tell her soon. She's been looking around, you know. Rainbow Dash doesn't want to be alone anymore, either. Go talk to her. I'm sure she'll say yes." Spike said, reassuring that Twilight had a chance. "You're right. Give me a few days. I need to figure out the perfect time to ask her." Twilight said. She decided it was time for bed, since it was getting late. Tomorrow would bring another day. Delta woke up peacefully the next day. He rose from his bed and put on a suit and his bow tie. He always liked to dress nice, especially in public. He walked out of his room and downstairs and saw a couple getting a room. The mare had a leg around her stallions neck, and the stallion laughed and kissed his mate. This made Delta feel alone and sad, like he'd been feeling in the past weeks. "Ugh. I want someone to call 'mate'. Someone to hug and kiss." Delta said to himself. He walked outside and looked around and saw a library just down the road. He decided to look into stress relief books. He started to sing Long Way from Your Love. One of his slower songs. He passed the pony, now he knew as Rainbow Dash, and she was kicking a cloud away. She flipped her mane out of her face and met eyes with Delta, who was looking right at her. "Hey up there. You sure do keep this place looking good!" Delta said to Rainbow Dash, adding charm in his voice. "Oh. Thanks. Wait...I know you. You're Delta Star! I love your music! I heard you play at a Wonderbolt Show a few months back. Where are you headed?" Dash asked. "The library. I was going to get some books on stress relief. I recently divorced and I've been down lately." Delta said, putting back his tears. Dash came down from the sky and stood next to him. "Hey. That mare is stupid to let go of someone like you. I have the perfect solution to your problem. Lets go to Sugarcube Corner and get something sweet to eat." Dash said. "What's that?" Delta asked, having not been to Ponyville for a long time. "A place to go if you crave sweets and a dentist appointment. It's a really good place, I'll introduce you to Pinkie Pie, the cook." Dash said, meeting eyes with Delta again. The two turned around and headed in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. "See, now that isn't that a good milkshake? Tell me about yourself, Delta, and what happened with your wife, if that's not asking much." Dash requested. Delta didn't want this kind mare to be troubled with his past, so left out the parts about getting drunk and made up a story on why he got divorced. "....and that is that." Delta said to Dash. "Wow. You had a cool childhood. Only things I'm know for is my loyalty and awesomeness! Not to mention I'm in the Wonderbolt Reserves. I also hold the element of loyalty, one of six elements of harmony that protect Equestria." Dash said. She began to tell Delta about all the cool things she's done and Delta listened to every bit of it. He liked Rainbow Dash's personality and he decided to write her a song to "woo her." "I'll get the tab. Listen I have to get ready for my concert. I'll tell my bouncer to let you and anyone with you in for free, in the front, of course." Delta said, again adding charm in his voice. "I'll see you around sometime. The concert's in two days, seven at night that day. Have a nice day, Rainbow Dash." Delta said, leaving the five bits for the milkshakes. He winked in Dash's direction, put his sunglasses on, and flew toward the hotel.
The ConcertDelta stayed up all night thinking of lyrics for his song for Rainbow Dash. He decided to call the song I'm Wrapped in Rainbow hoping the song would win her heart. The next day he would try to sing it. The next morning he pulled out his microphone and, turning it low, started to sing. Not five minutes passed before Delta heard a knock at his door. He put his mic down went to open it. When he did, he was greeted by a hotel manager. "A few ponies nearby called complaining that someone in room 14 is being too loud. Keep the loud music outside, or else that's where you're going to end up. Got it, buddy?" The hotel manager snapped. Delta was about to buck the stallion, but held back his anger, seeing where it got him before. Delta exhaled angrily, "Okay. I will take my singing outside. Happy?" Delta snapped back. He turned around and grabbed the song lyrics he'd been working on and went outside. He walked out the doors and saw signs pointing toward a park. He began to trot in that direction. When he walked through the gates, he saw a bench. He went and sat on the bench and, holding the lyrics, began singing once again. He made a few changes to it and it was eventually perfect, in Delta's view. He started singing the new song, plus some of his old ones. Ponies began to crowd around clapping along, throwing tips in his direction. Once Delta was finished, he put the tips and the song lyrics in his saddlebags and proceeded out of the park to walk around town. Upon leaving, he was stopped by two ponies. One, a mare, had a country hat on. The other, a red stallion, was as big as Celestia, it seemed. "Hold it right there!" Said the mare. "Eeyup!" the stallion snapped. "Oh Celestia, is this a mugging. In a public park!" Delta said, loud enough to draw attention. "No, it's not. I just wanted to ask you somethin'. What was that one song about rainbows written for?" the mare asked. "For a pony I recently met. Her name is Rainbow Dash. I'd really like to get to know her and-" Delta said being tackled to the ground. "Ain't nopony doin' nothin' with Rainbow Dash! Especially some drifter like you!" the mare said, on top of Delta. Delta's scared expression was replaced by a smug smile. "I see we have a strong one. You know who you, so rudely, tackled to the ground?" Delta asked. "A lowlife drifter who makes money singing crap music! That's who!" the mare yelled. This set Delta off. He pushed the mare off of him to the ground and got on top of her. "Listen, I am Delta Star, lead singer of Delta and the Six Stallions. I am very popular in Canterlot and wanted to grant Ponyville with good music. I don't take kindly to ponies yelling in my face. Now since you are a mare, I have to have manners." Delta said standing up, holding out his hoof to help the mare up. "Now get up. If you weren't a mare, EMS would have you in intensive care, but I show complete respect to my fellow mares." Delta said, brushing off his suit. Applejack simply stood up on her own and calmly began to speak. "I've got my eye on you! C'mon Big Mac" The two ponies proceeded out of the park. Delta stood in shock. "I will do what I please. That definitely wasn't Rainbow Dash's mother or anything like that." Delta said. He walked around town and later found himself under a giant cloud mansion. "Wow would I like to live in that house." Delta said. "Well you can't live there, but you can come inside. You have two wings, put 'em to work!" Rainbow Dash said flying past Delta. "Oh, will do!" Delta said laughing with Rainbow Dash. They flew up to the front door of the mansion. Delta got to the door and opened it. "After you." "Wow. Okay enough of the gentleman act, just go in." Dash said flying past Delta into her home. Delta proceeded into the house and found himself in a large living room. "Hey I have some hard cider. Want some?" Rainbow asked. Delta was going crazy, not having alcohol for ages, but refused the drink. "I'd rather not have alcohol, if you don't mind." "Hey suit yourself, this stuff rocks!" A few hours passed and Delta and Rainbow Dash talked for a while. At about five in the evening, Delta needed to head over to the train station to greet his band. "Dash get ready for the concert. I need to head over to the train station and help my band get the equipment over to the performance center. Don't be late! I have seats reserved in the front for you and about five others, like you requested. See you at he show." "Hey Splitz!" Delta said, greeting his brother off the train. "How was the ride?" "Good. I'm ready for this performance. How 'bout you?" Splitz said, nudging Delta. "Ready as I'll ever be. Hey I have a new song written. It's got the same rhythm as 'Wing Speed', you know that one right? You guys could pull it off." Splitz was surprised by the new song getting thrown at him so fast. "Let me see the lyrics." Splitz said. Delta got them out of his saddlebag and handed them to Splitz. He read them over a few times, not liking the way it went. "Delta, you didn't write this for anyone, did you? I said no mares!" "Splitz, she's really good. I want to start a new life again! Give me a chance to live! Maybe I want a wife and foals some day. Look at you. You have a wife and two fillies. I want that life. I never had that chance." Delta said, hoping his brother would understand. Splitz put his hoof on his brother's shoulder. "Delta, I love ya, but you and me both know you aren't getting married in the week we'll be here." Splitz said. "What?! I didn't mean now! I want to stay here in Ponyville. It's a great place to be, and I've only been here three days. If things get going after tonight, I'd really like to date this mare. She is truly a kind souled pony, with some attitude. I've always wanted that! Shimmer never-" Delta stopped himself from crying. "I would've never done what I did to Shimmer if I wasn't drunk. You, of all ponies, would know that." Delta said. "Delta you and me both know you have a temper, sometimes without the booze. I'll give you a chance with her, but if you get violent, I'll put you in jail myself. I don't want someone getting hurt again. We'd be ruined." "Thank you, Splitz. Trust me, I haven't had a drink since I left Shimmer. I even rejected a drink at Rainbow's house last night." "Wait. You went to Rainbow's house?! I'm guessing Rainbow is the mare you're into. You didn't, you know, did you?" Splitz asked his brother. "No, oh Celestia, no! I don't want things like that to happen so fast. I have some decency, Splitz." Delta said. "Good." Splitz said. "We're on in fifteen minutes, Delta." Dusty said. "Ready, Splitz? Run this song over the others while I get dressed." Delta said. "Ugh, Okay. Be on stage on time." Splitz said going toward the others. "Hold it, who are you?" the bouncer said. "I'm Rainbow Dash. My friends and I have reserved seats. In the front." "Hmm, ahh yes. Okay, seats 1-6 are reserved for you and your friends. You may enter." The ponies walked inside and went to their seats. They waited about ten minutes before the curtains parted and the band was revealed. Delta walked to the front of the stage, in front of Rainbow and her friends, and turned on the microphone. "I want to sing this as an opener to our show." Delta said. He began to sing the songs he had planned and the crowd loved it. People were throwing flowers here and there. Then Delta walked backward to his band and whispered to them. "You guys got the new song down?" "Yeah, we don't have a backup part, so we'll just play 'Wing Speed' without the backup part." Splitz said. Delta walked back up on he front of the stage and pulled the mic up to his mouth. "This last song is dedicated to somepony special." Delta said. He looked at Rainbow Dash and winked. She blushed heavily, but smiled in the process. Applejack saw it and growled. She went to stand up, but Twilight pushed her back down. Applejack looked at Twilight about to ask her why she'd pushed her back down, but saw that Twilight was almost crying. "Twilight? What's wrong, sugar cube?" Applejack asked in Twilights ear so she could hear. Sniffling, Twilight responded. "I'll tell you later." Twilight was silent for the last song. The crowd was roaring and cheering. They loved the song, knowing who it was wrote for. As everypony cheered, Delta leaned down in Rainbow Dash's direction. She was crying, as she loved the song. Delta motioned for Dash to lean in so se could hear him. "Meet me outside in five. I want to ask you something." "Oh my gosh! Okay." Dash said rapidly flapping her wings. Delta turned around and went backstage and put away his microphone. He then proceeded outside and looked for Rainbow Dash. He found her, still slightly crying, near the back entrance. "Rainbow Dash. I have an important question I'd like to ask you." "Speak away." Dash said with a voice crack. "I know it's only been three days and I should've waited longer to ask you this. Would you be my marefriend?" Delta asked. Rainbow Dash was expecting that be the question and hugged Delta. "Yes. You've been a great friend since I met you and you aren't a stuck up musician like a lot. Yes, I'd like to go out with you. In fact, no more staying at that shabby hotel. Stay at my house!" "Oh I don't have to live with you. I couldn't, not yet." Delta said. "Please, please, I really want you to! I'd like to have another pony staying with me!" Rainbow said. "Okay, but I practice a lot. Not at night, but quite frequently." "That doesn't matter. I'd have my own personal jukebox that can follow me!" On that Delta told his band his living arrangements, and that he was staying in Ponyville, they decided it was time for them to return to their families. That night, Delta moved his things into Dash's cloud house and the band returned to their families. Twilight listened to the whole conversation and flew home. She was absolutely destroyed. Applejack was going to follow her and comfort her, but Rarity stopped her from doing so. "Her dreams of being with Rainbow Dash are crushed, Applejack. Let her be alone. Talk to her tomorrow." Rarity suggested. "But he- Wait what?" Applejack questioned the new piece of information. "Dreams about being with Rainbow Dash?" "Yes, for months she's been trying to get Dash to see, but she was never courageous enough to do so. I feel bad for her. First the Princess thing happens to her, now this. I will join you tomorrow in the conversation." "I hope she'll be okay." Applejack said. "Me too, Applejack. Me too." Rarity said
Twilight's SorrowTwilight rose from her bed the next morning from a dreadful sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about the concert the night before. She pulled her pillow close to her chest, hoping for some comfort from it, only getting more sorrow. She buried her head in the pillow and began to weep, leaving the white head rest wet from the salty tears. She heard a knock at her bedroom door and, quickly containing herself, said "It's open." When the door swung open, Spike appeared with a tray of food. "I brought you some breakfast in bed to cheer you up. You feel better since last night?" Spike asked. Twilight shook her head "Not very much, no. You can leave the food on the table. I'm not very hungry." Spike put the tray of food on the cluttered nightstand and hopped up on Twilight's bed. "Look, I know you're upset. Go talk to her and see how she is. You know Rainbow Dash can't keep a good relationship that happens that fast. Even I know that." Twilight sat up in the messy bed. "Maybe later. I just want to be alone today." Spike gave Twilight a hug and hopped off the bed. "Anything you want? I'm headed back downstairs." "No, thanks though." Twilight said, getting up from her bed. She walked over to her mirror and grabbed her brush with her magic. She brushed all the knots out of her mane and tail and proceeded to look in the mirror. In the bottom left corner, jammed in the mirror's frame, a picture of Rainbow Dash lay in front of her. Twilight sighed and started for the door. Before closing the door, she took one last glance at the photo and exited her room. Later in the morning, Twilight heard a knock at the front door. Funny. I thought I left the library closed today. Twilight got up from the couch and opened her door. Waiting outside was Applejack. "Hey Twilight. Can I come in?" "Sure. Yeah come inside." Twilight said rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Rarity told me last night, after the concert, that you've been tryin' to ask Rainbow Dash out. Am I right?" Twilight nodded. "And after the concert, you heard what Delta asked Rainbow. Is that what sent you home in tears last night?" Twilight grimaced as she thought of the events of the previous night. "Yes. What's it matter to you?" "It matters because I care for my friends. Delta ain't no pony to get hooked with. After he told me his name, I asked around my family about this drifter. He's violent and a drunk, according to some of my cousins. Twilight, I feel bad for ya, and I'm afraid for Rainbow's safety. I think we should keep an eye on her and Delta for a while, don't you think?" This information also concerned Twilight. She didn't want to see Rainbow getting hurt. "Yeah. We should. Have you told her yet?" "No. I haven't seen her all day. Have you?" Applejack asked. "I haven't left the library today at all. You think we should check on them?" Twilight asked getting more alert as time passed. "Some time today. The clouds 'r gettin' thick anyway. In a few hours, go up to her house and check on 'er. I can't get up there, you have the wings." Applejack said, pointing to Twilight's wings. "Heh, yeah. I'll go up there later today." Twilight said. A few hours after Applejack's visit, Twilight flew over to Dash's cloud house. She gently landed on the doorstep and knocked on the door. When it opened Dash answered and came out. "Hey Twi" She said. Her voice sounded dry, like she hadn't had anything to drink in ages. "What's up?" "Oh, Applejack said she hasn't heard from you, so I figured I would see if you're okay." "Oh....I-I'm fine. Just feeling under the weather today, that's all." Dash said. Twilight notice that Dash's mane was covering the left side of her face. "Mane's in your face." Twi said as nonchalantly as possible. "Oh uh. I-I have to go." Dash said leaving no time for Twilight to respond, as she dashed back into her house. Twilight turned around and immediately saw Delta standing behind her. "Hello miss. What are you doing?" he said approaching Twilight. "Tryng to visit Rainbow Dash. She hasn't left her house all day. Even when she's under the weather she always likes to fly it off." Twilight said raising her voice. "I'll tend to Rainbow Dash. I think you should leave." Delta said pushing Twilight aside rudely and entering the house. Twilight took no time at all and teleported to Sweet Apple Acres. "Applejack!" she yelled. Applejack emerged from the barn and headed toward Twilight. "What? What's wrong? Is it Rainbow Dash?" AJ asked. "Yes. Apparently she's sick. Doesn't she like to fly even if she feels sick?" "Yeah. Maybe she has somethin' bad." "Yes, but she had her mane covering her face. I think something is up." Twilight said. Applejack thought a moment. Twilight was really upset about Dash getting taken from her. "Twi, I think you should calm down." "But-" "No buts. Look I know you're upset. Dash was probably sleepin' when you went over there, 'cause she was sick. That's probably why her mane was in her face. I know what yr' thinkin' and I don't think Delta's done anything to Rainbow Dash." Twilight looked at the ground. She didn't want to ruin Dash's relationship with Delta if they were happy. She felt a few raindrops on her back. She looked up and saw that the clouds had formed into rain clouds and a storm was immanent. "Yeah. You're right. I'm going home." "Want me to walk with ya?" Applejack asked. "No. I want to be alone." Twilight said. She turned around and headed for the library.
Falling StarTwilight took her time getting home. She was more upset now than she had ever been before. She decided to take a detour and walk under Dash's house, taking the long way home. As Twilight passed under the house, she heard a shriek come from an open window. She was immediately pulled from her trance of despair and teleported to the front door and tried to open it. It was locked. Twilight turned around and bucked the door open and off the hinges. She sprinted inside and looked around. She didn't see anything in the living room. "Stop it! No!" Twilight heard Dash scream from a nearby room. She pushed open the door to the kitchen and saw Delta on top of Rainbow. Dash had bruises and cuts all over her face, but aside from those wounds, Twilight noticed that Delta had broken both of her wings. "Hey!" Twilight yelled. Delta shot a look at Twilight, but looked back down at Dash, who was crying beneath him. "You are dead!" Delta yelled in a drunken rage. He then raised his hoof above his head and in it he held a large kitchen knife, which reflected the moonlight that shone through the window behind him. Delta looked at Twilight and looked back down at Dash. Just before he brought the knife down on Dash's face, Twilight teleported over next to Delta and bucked him as hard as she could. This sent him and the knife crashing out the window. Twilight knelt down to Dash and lifted her to her hooves. "Can you walk?" Twilight asked while supporting Dash with her magic. "Yeah....b-but my wings hurt real bad." Dash said wincing in pain. "I can tell. Let's get you to the hospital quick." Twilight said. She teleported the two of them to the ground. When they got to the ground, Twilight looked over and saw Delta's motionless corpse. It was brutally maimed and nearly looked unrecognizable as a pony, and Twilight couldn't bear to look at it any longer and teleported to the hospital. Upon entering, a nurse immediately took Rainbow from Twilight and down the hall to Intensive Care. Twilight went back to the waiting room and curled up in a chair. She wished that there was a magic un-see button she could press to forget the recent occurrence. That was sadly not the case.
