A Harsh Unforgiving Worldby Starbolt SunshineChaptersBe Her RainbowA FlashbackDreams and RealityBe Her RainbowChapter 1...Be Her Rainbow Nopony could ever predict the world turning out this way... But who possibly could when even the most powerful beings in Equestria couldn't. Since the sky was covered with murky polluted clouds... Since the toxic wastes turned the rivers to muck... With no clean water to use to tend the fields... It just got worse and worse. It hit us hard and the magic of the world seemed to fade out of existence... The lowland pegasi found it harder to fly through the thick air... not to mention the constant dust makes it impossible to spend too much time out of shelter. That is what hit me the hardest I think...not being able to do what I was born to do....what I loved doing.... Though it hit us all hard....in some way.... whether it be AJ not being able to grow her crops.... or Rarity not being able to get new gems... or Pinkie not being able to make anyone smile... Fluttershy struggling to take in too many animals.... the hardest to watch was Twilight.....she tried so hard to find a way to fix the world... but....in the end....she gave in to the sadness, its hard to watch her even when we are living together...she took me in when I couldn't reach my house anymore.... I see the sun through the window trying to fight through the smoggy sky, in the distance the factories continue to add to it...how could Celestia allow this to happen.....she of all people should have fought against it... I sigh softly and get up from where I was sitting, my wings aching from the lack of use, I doubt that I could even fly to the top of our library.....'our library' it feels strange to say that when Twilight spends most of the day in her bed....mourning over what we couldn't change...but it's time for me to go to the market...I need to get what little food we could afford for dinner and I don't want to ask Twi to go.... I put on my old pair of flight goggles....along with a scarf to keep from coughing, not that it could help much anyways...I walk to Twi's bed....those stairs up to it seem to take forever to climb...I place a hoof on her back...I can feel her head nod giving me the sign that she understands...well it's time for me to go....I can feel the silence...its a painful sting to my soul... I make my way to the front door, taking one last glance to the upper level....wishing more and more everyday that Spike was still around...I think a piece of us all died when he decided to leave...I know it hurt Twi more than anyone though...but that’s enough thinking on bad memories...I have two bellies to fill tonight...I finally open the door realizing I have been staring at it now for a few minutes...the silence makes me lose track of the time once in a while.... I head out into the brown fog my goggles getting covered in ash and muck...I flap my wings once in a while to keep the build up of the gunk down...glad I am covering my hair...even though faded my rainbow mane is all that reminds me of what I once was....that and my cutie mark... I soon find myself standing at the market...it was moved into Sugarcube Corner after the cakes moved away....the four salespony inside always smile...though I still don't know how they do it....not many smile these days...well maybe the Flim Flam brothers....after all their factories are making enough money to put Manehattan to shame...that’s all those two ever cared about...money... but I shouldn't think about them...nothing I can do to change it... as I reach the food salespony I point at the usual items I buy and she gets it ready for me....the orange pony is far to familiar to me for me not to know her.... and seeing what Scootaloo has become...with all the potential she had....makes me sadder than most things....but I guess she and the other two are at least making money....however much they get being salesponies at this makeshift market. After my sack is ready I put what little bits I have for it onto the counter....she knows how bad we are struggling....taking way less than what the food is worth...I reach over the counter and pat her on her shoulder....she smiles wider...guess I am still her hero...even without my flying.... I wave as I get ready for the tread home...it always seems easier to return than to leave....and my heart beats hard with every step...I just want to be back home....home with her.....the only one of us I still am in contact with.... as I enter the library I see Twi has gotten up...waiting in the center room for me, her eyes meeting mine as I shut the door taking the ash assaulted goggles off and setting them on the side table. Her eyes are dull but still....I like seeing them...even in this state...and though she doesn't show it right now..I can tell she is happy I am home...but right now I need to start dinner...I take my scarf off and brush the dust and ash from my wings....they were covered....now wonder they felt so heavy... I make my way to the kitchen and start preparing the food I had gotten us...occasionally glancing to see Twilight...she moved to the window and was looking out at the sun easing its way towards setting...I just want to see her smile...like when we practiced her flying....she was getting better at it too...then this happens. A few hours pass and I set the bowls at the table...the usual stew...or what I think is stew....still not good at cooking....but she accepts it....and doesn't complain...I know its not the best but its all I can afford....we sit in silence while we eat...my eyes on her....watching her as she stares blankly into the want-to-be soup... I open my mouth....desperately wanting to say something....but...no words come out....it feels like I have forgotten how to speak...but then....what would I say....'I love you'?....'wish your castle hadn’t been replaced with a factory.....' there was nothing I could say...nothing I could convince myself to say. I close my mouth in defeat...I don't want to bother her mind any more than it is...nopony should have lost what she did....because of a couple greedy brothers....but we can't change that now....not even Celestia and Luna can....and since Cadence shut off the Crystal Empire....to keep it protected from the new Equestria.....she is not able to change it....not to mention its far to gone.... After I finish my soup I wait....in that mind numbing silence for her to finish....before getting her bowl and mine and placing them in the sink....I sigh glancing out the window to the now setting sun...it will be dark soon...and the candles will need to be lit... guess I should get to it... As I start to light the candles I can see Twilight slip back up to her bed...I wish to join her....but my blanket in the corner is enough for me...complicating things would just make it worse for Twi I think....no matter how bad my feelings want to be with her. With the candles lit...I swallow my fears and head up those stairs...the fears of rejection or simply being ignored swimming freely with my tired mind...I soon find myself at the side of her bed, she is facing so she is looking out the window....the gray smog now being seen with the rising moon.... My heart pounds in my chest as I open my mouth once more, waiting and hoping for something to come out.... “hey...” I see her ear twitch with my coarse voice...its been forever since we have spoken to each other....but to my surprise after a few moments of silence she shifts to look at me...causing my heart to only pound harder in my chest... “Thank you....” her words echoed in my mind as I smiled ever so slightly at her....did she understand....was she meaning what I thought she was....my fears clouded my mind....and I found that I was now thinking for far to long on what to say next... “...for what?...” I ask....even though it hurts my throat a little when speaking I wait for an answer wanting to put my stupid thoughts away once and for all, my eyes meeting hers...pity....among other things are in her eyes...but there’s more than was there earlier.... “...everything....” I stand there getting my answer....my body stiff as I feel a tear run down my cheek....my eyes still locked with hers before I hear her sigh.... “...all I have now....is you Rainbow....in this harsh unforgiving world....” Her words hit me like daggers...and I understand even more how she feels....its not pity....but regret....for not being able to do anything else to save our home.... “I....I will always be here Twilight.....to whatever end...” my words sound hollow....but I mean every one...and she knows it....I can tell by the glint of happiness in her eyes....I finally notice she has been crying a little...obviously since I spoke to her....then....she hits me with what I have hoped...the words I wished to hear for....what feels like a lifetime now...breaks the silence.... “...I love you Rainbow Dash....” My heart soars...the first time in Celestia knows how long...I gulp....a ball in my throat as I feel my legs wanting to give way...but its been to quiet...at least 5 minutes have passed since her words....and I see that she has....shes.....smiling.... “...I...Love you too Twilight Sparkle.....” I close my eyes holding in my tears....but before I know it I feel her forehooves around me...pulling me into her embrace onto her bed... I dare not open my eyes wanting to feel and not see....and I soon feel her soft muzzle against mine...we are kissing.....We are kissing!....I still can't believe it....but Celestia knows I love it.... I break the kiss and hold her tightly in my return of the embrace.... “....we have to keep going on....find something worth living for....” once again my words are cheesy....and hollow sounding...but she still knows I mean every word....and I open my eyes to see her still smiling, her eyes gazing into mine.....with...a glint of hope and happiness I have not seen in far to many moons....and we stay that way for a few...the silence no longer something bad...but one showing that we are choosing words from far too many feelings.... “....I found mine....what about you?” her voice is soft....and rings through my ears as I wrap my wings around her...my tears being held back as I gulp smiling at her. “...I found mine long ago...” and in that moment....from the moment those words left my lips... she knew that I would not leave her.....that even in this world... our love will be strong when nothing else could be.... and its this moment that I will remember...the moment where we hold each other...and finally let our feelings out.... from this moment...we are each others....she will be my Sparkle in the dark ...and.....and I.... well I will be her Rainbow....in a Harsh Unforgiving World.... Author's Note Well here goes nothing! Jumping off the board into the big blue sea of this website and its amazing people. A FlashbackThe sound of the train horn breaks me from my day dream, I shake my head before looking around at the others, I have been floating here staring off into space not noticing what they have been up to. Now that I pay attention I can see that Rarity has been fussing over Twi not wearing a dress to this important summon, and Pinkie has been trying to convince AJ and Fluttershy that Everfree is full of cupcake monsters. I wish I had been paying attention... Its not polite of me to be ignoring them like this....but its just easy for me to get lost in thought lately. Somethings been off recently...the air has seemed heavier and my wings are having a harder time keeping me up for overly long time frames.... Twi tugs at my back leg to get my attention. “You ok Rainbow? You're never this quiet...” I smile softly and nod....not announcing my inner worries....this is her day...not mine.... “Your kiddin' right Twi? Just thinkin' about some things is all” She raises a brow at me and I can tell she doesn't believe me...I don't blame her....It's easy to see that I am hiding something.... The train stops in front of us and we don't take long getting into our seats...I glance out the window looking to the sky....the blue is duller than usual....I wonder why...but Pinkie startles me her face so close to mine if we were closer we would be nuzzling... “Whatcha doooooin!?” her yelling makes me wince slightly but I smile at her... “just lookin' at the sky” She tilts her head before shrugging. “guess that's normal, well somepony is sure to win that contest to be a Wonderbolt!?” She nudges me....I mean it's obvious who she is talking about...the thought causes me to smirk.... “I will have to practice a lot after we get done with Twilight's summon” Pinkie nods before I watch her bounce off to sit with the others leaving me to my thoughts....the sky....why is it so different lately....perhaps this summon would answer the questions swimming through my mind.... After a while we arrive at Canterlot and I don't take my time flying out and waiting for the others....sitting in that train was driving me crazy....The others quickly catch up with me and we start to make our way to the castle. “I wonder what this summon is about?” Twi seems overly excited about this when she said that.... The Castle door opens for us as would be expected....after all Twilight is a princess....I'm glad the others are excited but my mind is still filled with worries....I soon feel my wings actually feeling tired....somethings off even here...why.....I sigh softly and land next to the group walking along side them....I can see that Twi still knows something is wrong....but I am glad she hasn't pressed the issue... before long we are standing before Celestia....Luna is probably resting before she has to start her night shift....Celestia seems to be smiling and I slow my walking speed falling a little behind. “I am so glad you could make it Princess Twilight” Celestia sounds upbeat....perhaps I have been worrying for nothing....and Twilight is more than happy to see her as well... “I wouldn't miss it Princess Celestia!” I look between the two before flapping my wings returning to my hovering over the group. “I have big news that is going to change Equestria...Two brothers have invented something that will make travel easier....I believe they called it the Flim Flam Auto Carriage” I tilt my head and notice that so does Twi....perhaps she is as confused as I am... “is it magic powered?” Twi asks the obvious question...its like her to think magic first.....but Celestia shakes her head... “Not at all...its powered by something called an engine...and they have been given permission to start mass producing them and will be putting factories up very soon” I feel the heaviness of the air even in this place...and I can't hold back any longer.... “Why is the air so thick Princess?” I gulp nervously after I realize that I just spoke out of turn to her.... “I haven't noticed anything like that Ms. Dash....but I will have some Pegasi check out this....thickness of the air soon, please do not let it bother you.” Her smile is polite and I do trust her words.....but there is no way it wont bother me....perhaps she does notice....and is just trying to think of what to do.... The rest of the summon went as could be expected and we are soon heading back home...back to Ponyville....I didn't realize I missed my home that much....I can't wait to lay back with a good read of the latest Daring Do book after feeding Tank....yeah...my plans for tonight sound nice and help put my stressed thoughts at ease. The train ride seemed to take longer than usual maybe its just that I am tired....and once back in Ponyville we say our goodbyes and fly my way home...by Celestia I feel so tired....my wings are even a bit sore and all I want to really do is lay back with my Daring Do and read... I sigh happily as I snuggle back into my bed, pulling the covers up over me as I sit back pulling Daring Do and The Quest for the Sapphire Statue from my bedside table....what a day....it's been a strange day... I dreamed of....heh...perhaps I shouldn't say but I woke up blushing and wishing the dream didn't have to end...but...it did.... As I go through my morning routines I hear a loud crashing....it sounds like half of Ponyville was being demolished...I rush to the window my eyes still blurry from having just woken up...and then I see it....Twilight's castle....being....destroyed....it instantly wakes me up and I hurry out the door flying as fast as I can to it...any faster and I might have done a Rainboom....and as I fly up I see that the others have all gathered as well....and now.....well I see that Celestia approved of it....in a way....stating that the Flim Flam Factories could be built anywhere they think it would be best for production.... I land next to the others....and....She's crying....well...of course she should be...this was hers....I drape a wing over Twi's back...Fluttershy does as well to show that we both are here for her....we stand back from the others...Rarity and AJ are going at Flim and Flam but....I don't think it was going as well as they hoped....and Pinkie...well Pinkie is holding spike back from 'having at those two' as he puts it.... I frown softly as I look at Twi...seeing the tears running down her cheek make it hurt even more...the difference between seeing and knowing that she is upset is like living and dying...I swallow nervously before I look back at the now large pile of rubble... “We should go Twi...you shouldn't have to see this....” She lets me tug her away and back to the library...god I wish we could have seen this coming....perhaps AJ did...it is the only thing she could talk about the entire ride home....that Flim and Flam are heartless....and I guess she was right.... days pass....and the factory is built almost as fast as one of AJ's barns.....before we know it....black smoke rises from the stacks....and now I realize what caused the air to get heavier....how could Celestia allow this..... I visit Twilight almost everyday....at least shes somepony who hasn't given up yet....she is researching every time I stop by....and Spike....well she seems to yell at him constantly...wanting him to search for this...or for that...and I am thinking that he can't take much more of it.... I wake up....my body sore from practice in this....this hell....I would fly to Cloudsdale if I had faith that I could make it.....looks like I am going to miss my chance to be a Wonderbolt....but....I think helping Twilight has become all I can think to do now...and so I ready myself and put on my goggles before heading down to the library....as I enter I see something I knew was coming.... Twilight was...crying...again...but this time....not for her castle.... in front of her stands Spike....his stuff slung in a sack on his back...then I hear the words I dreaded...just from seeing these two like this... “I'm sorry Twilight....but I am a friend...not a slave....I'm going to live where a dragon can be appreciated...goodbye...and tell the others I said good luck....” and of those words...he left....I float over to Twi before landing next to her wrapping my wing around her... “m....maybe he will come back..” I know he wont....but she can't give up....not her....she needs to keep fighting for something....for anything... we sit in silence....and...I don't like it...but I think she needs it....then...my ear twitches as she speaks.... “he won't....I....I can't save Ponyville.....please Rainbow....just....go home...” I sigh and watch as she walks up the steps to her bed....I look towards the door....my wings....are they able to even get me home...the air felt so heavy on the way here....my wings were hard to flap in this thick...smog.... I exit the library and can see Twilight watching me from the window....I push off of the ground and start to ascend....but...my wings....they are...to heavy....and I feel myself finding it harder and harder to keep my momentum...and then.....I'm falling....I....am falling....me....please....let this all be a bad dream...let me wake up to a bright day....so I can fly and spend the day in the sky above my friends.... Not a dream....no matter how hard I wished....it was real...and I was falling towards the ground.... I watch it getting closer and closer....the dirt of the earth.... but before I hit it....I'm floating.... how....then I look to the library.....she saved me.... I am gently lowered onto my back....and I get onto my feet....standing in front of me was Twilight.... “You can stay here as long as you need...I can tell you can't fly in this....” her words hit me like a rock....and I know they are true....as much as I don't want to believe them..... “thank you....” We go back inside...and I shake the ash from my body before sitting down....still dumbstruck from my failure.... grounded....I....was grounded....but....at least I wasn't alone....and neither was she..... That’s all I could hope for now....not to fly...not for the perfect world....but to just...not be alone.... Author's Note If you didn't like the first chapter then do not bother reading the second, because odds are if you didn't then you would be wasting time that you could spend reading a fanfic more to you liking. Dreams and RealityI find myself standing in the falling ash.....its heavy...and weighs me down...and then...I am falling....I flap my wings....but they are to heavy....the ash keeps me from the momentum I need.....Why....where did the ground I was standing on go....and how can I breath in this cursed soot...then.....a voice.... “This is a dream Rainbow Dash....For too long have I been locked in this prison trying to get word to somepony” My eyes widen and I once again feel the ground beneath me.....and before me standing...is somepony I have not seen in many moons...Princess Luna.... “Luna...how could you and Celestia let this happen...I thought-” She raises a hoof to silence me mid sentence...and I understand...I need not have asked... “Celestia has banished me to the moon....but did not restrict me of my powers....I am just trapped...” Her words hit me like a stone...and I frown....but...she...she is smiling and I can tell...she is overjoyed just to see somepony.... “but...why....how....” I stubble and fiddle with what I should ask my head swimming with all kinds of questions... “Please Rainbow....Flim and Flam have corrupted my sister...and used her to bring Equestria to the brink of ruin... I will help put you on the path to fixing it....but you will need help along the way....” I smile softly....I know who she means....and I wouldn't have it any other way.... She fades from my view and I find myself flying....fast....nearing the rainboom stage.....and between my forehooves is a large metal spike...and beneath me....is...that accursed factory...... then....it happens... I break the barrier...and I find myself flying towards this demon building and then...I let go of the spike before pulling up....I look over my shoulder to see it.... the blaze of redemption....that building....exploded....and the rainboom clears the air of its foul taint....the sun....by Celestia the sun is shining.....and I...I can fly!.....I can fly!! the feeling brings tears to my eyes then.... I land....at the site of destruction....and Luna stands beside me.... “This is a dream Rainbow Dash....but this Dream you must make Reality...once this building is destroyed...you and Twilight must free me...she is an Alicorn...the magic is within her to do it....” Her eyes weigh on me and I can feel them....I gulp...knowing the task will not be easy.... “promise me...please....” I sigh...knowing it is a promise I must make.... “I promise...” Her smile is the last thing I see as my vision fades...and I wake...still clutching a sleeping Twi...I know what we must do....and it will only be us....but...we can do this....I feel....stronger...a strength I haven't felt in Celestia knows how long.... I close my eyes...not sleeping...but resting...the task is big....and I will need to be ready..... “is everything fine Rainbow?...” Twi's voice causes me to open my eyes...and I see her looking at me.... “actually....great....know what I.....we...have to do to save Equestria....” her eyes get a flair...one of....determination...and anger....it scares me at first....but I know its not directed at me...and she smiles.... “just tell me what we need to do.....” I return the smile and finally pull myself from her glaring out the window...then to a light post nearby.... “first....we need a spike.....” She looks at me....I can now hear the hesitation in her voice.... “A...spike?” I nod....my eyes filled with the same determination.... “I am going to destroy that building...” I see now...a sparkle in her eyes....one of readiness as she beats me out the door and I can see her through the window uprooting the post and shaping it into the tool of destruction from my dream.... She sets it outside the library before returning to me.... “Will that do?” The...upbeat nature of her voice....Celestia I missed it....I nod...and know my next task... I hurry outside and grip the spike....stretching my wings feels strange....not like it usually does....this time the fear of falling is gone...and all I feel is the strength of the impending victory... With one powerful flap I am sent into the sky, my wings beating almost as fast as my heart....this...rush....its like the first time all over again... the spike weighs me down.....but I don't care...my muscles are tense...powerful...and ready for this... once at height I glare down at my target.... Vengeance...and victory...the sweet taste is almost mine.....ours.... it's time...I launch myself at the ground....a fire in my eyes.... it...ends...today for her.....for myself....for the others....for Equestria....I cannot fail now... The wind through my wings....my mane......my tail....its great...and as I pick up speed...I know whats coming....what I use to relish in....the thing that got me my cutie mark.... The Sonic Rainboom.... My speed increases and then.....boom....well..Rainboom to be exact....I feel the wind...I am the air...and I see the ground getting closer and then...its time...I release my package....my weapon....my tool of freedom... then....fire....the glorious fire of redemption....and....then...the sky...the...blue sky....the clean air....the blue water.....by Celestia....Ponyville....you are free... I fly...without fatigue...and then...I see her....my love....my heart.....my sparkle...and the tears of joy.... I land in front of her...and before I can speak...she latches onto me...and I return it...joining her tears are my own.... I shake my head free of this and then look at Twi... “we have to free Luna....” her eyes widen as she hears my words...”free....Luna....wait....what” I explain to her and before I even finish she is tugging me off to the ruins in Everfree. Into the library I am drug and we get straight to work...book after book.....page after page we read... And...nothing.....but we cant give up...I made a promise....then....Yes! Here it is! “here Twilight! I found something...” I hand her the book and float above her....to fly again....my prayers were answered.... after a few moments I watch Twilight work her magic....quite literally.... out of the portal steps Luna....and...before we can even speak she is clutched to us....hugging us both.... “thank you both!....I am free....” I nod at her smiling as she releases us...and for the first time I feel my old self again.... “of course....I keep my promises....Element of Loyalty duh...” Author's Note Once again if you did not like the previous chapters you will not like this one, so if you didn't save your time and read something else.
Be Her RainbowChapter 1...Be Her Rainbow Nopony could ever predict the world turning out this way... But who possibly could when even the most powerful beings in Equestria couldn't. Since the sky was covered with murky polluted clouds... Since the toxic wastes turned the rivers to muck... With no clean water to use to tend the fields... It just got worse and worse. It hit us hard and the magic of the world seemed to fade out of existence... The lowland pegasi found it harder to fly through the thick air... not to mention the constant dust makes it impossible to spend too much time out of shelter. That is what hit me the hardest I think...not being able to do what I was born to do....what I loved doing.... Though it hit us all hard....in some way.... whether it be AJ not being able to grow her crops.... or Rarity not being able to get new gems... or Pinkie not being able to make anyone smile... Fluttershy struggling to take in too many animals.... the hardest to watch was Twilight.....she tried so hard to find a way to fix the world... but....in the end....she gave in to the sadness, its hard to watch her even when we are living together...she took me in when I couldn't reach my house anymore.... I see the sun through the window trying to fight through the smoggy sky, in the distance the factories continue to add to it...how could Celestia allow this to happen.....she of all people should have fought against it... I sigh softly and get up from where I was sitting, my wings aching from the lack of use, I doubt that I could even fly to the top of our library.....'our library' it feels strange to say that when Twilight spends most of the day in her bed....mourning over what we couldn't change...but it's time for me to go to the market...I need to get what little food we could afford for dinner and I don't want to ask Twi to go.... I put on my old pair of flight goggles....along with a scarf to keep from coughing, not that it could help much anyways...I walk to Twi's bed....those stairs up to it seem to take forever to climb...I place a hoof on her back...I can feel her head nod giving me the sign that she understands...well it's time for me to go....I can feel the silence...its a painful sting to my soul... I make my way to the front door, taking one last glance to the upper level....wishing more and more everyday that Spike was still around...I think a piece of us all died when he decided to leave...I know it hurt Twi more than anyone though...but that’s enough thinking on bad memories...I have two bellies to fill tonight...I finally open the door realizing I have been staring at it now for a few minutes...the silence makes me lose track of the time once in a while.... I head out into the brown fog my goggles getting covered in ash and muck...I flap my wings once in a while to keep the build up of the gunk down...glad I am covering my hair...even though faded my rainbow mane is all that reminds me of what I once was....that and my cutie mark... I soon find myself standing at the market...it was moved into Sugarcube Corner after the cakes moved away....the four salespony inside always smile...though I still don't know how they do it....not many smile these days...well maybe the Flim Flam brothers....after all their factories are making enough money to put Manehattan to shame...that’s all those two ever cared about...money... but I shouldn't think about them...nothing I can do to change it... as I reach the food salespony I point at the usual items I buy and she gets it ready for me....the orange pony is far to familiar to me for me not to know her.... and seeing what Scootaloo has become...with all the potential she had....makes me sadder than most things....but I guess she and the other two are at least making money....however much they get being salesponies at this makeshift market. After my sack is ready I put what little bits I have for it onto the counter....she knows how bad we are struggling....taking way less than what the food is worth...I reach over the counter and pat her on her shoulder....she smiles wider...guess I am still her hero...even without my flying.... I wave as I get ready for the tread home...it always seems easier to return than to leave....and my heart beats hard with every step...I just want to be back home....home with her.....the only one of us I still am in contact with.... as I enter the library I see Twi has gotten up...waiting in the center room for me, her eyes meeting mine as I shut the door taking the ash assaulted goggles off and setting them on the side table. Her eyes are dull but still....I like seeing them...even in this state...and though she doesn't show it right now..I can tell she is happy I am home...but right now I need to start dinner...I take my scarf off and brush the dust and ash from my wings....they were covered....now wonder they felt so heavy... I make my way to the kitchen and start preparing the food I had gotten us...occasionally glancing to see Twilight...she moved to the window and was looking out at the sun easing its way towards setting...I just want to see her smile...like when we practiced her flying....she was getting better at it too...then this happens. A few hours pass and I set the bowls at the table...the usual stew...or what I think is stew....still not good at cooking....but she accepts it....and doesn't complain...I know its not the best but its all I can afford....we sit in silence while we eat...my eyes on her....watching her as she stares blankly into the want-to-be soup... I open my mouth....desperately wanting to say something....but...no words come out....it feels like I have forgotten how to speak...but then....what would I say....'I love you'?....'wish your castle hadn’t been replaced with a factory.....' there was nothing I could say...nothing I could convince myself to say. I close my mouth in defeat...I don't want to bother her mind any more than it is...nopony should have lost what she did....because of a couple greedy brothers....but we can't change that now....not even Celestia and Luna can....and since Cadence shut off the Crystal Empire....to keep it protected from the new Equestria.....she is not able to change it....not to mention its far to gone.... After I finish my soup I wait....in that mind numbing silence for her to finish....before getting her bowl and mine and placing them in the sink....I sigh glancing out the window to the now setting sun...it will be dark soon...and the candles will need to be lit... guess I should get to it... As I start to light the candles I can see Twilight slip back up to her bed...I wish to join her....but my blanket in the corner is enough for me...complicating things would just make it worse for Twi I think....no matter how bad my feelings want to be with her. With the candles lit...I swallow my fears and head up those stairs...the fears of rejection or simply being ignored swimming freely with my tired mind...I soon find myself at the side of her bed, she is facing so she is looking out the window....the gray smog now being seen with the rising moon.... My heart pounds in my chest as I open my mouth once more, waiting and hoping for something to come out.... “hey...” I see her ear twitch with my coarse voice...its been forever since we have spoken to each other....but to my surprise after a few moments of silence she shifts to look at me...causing my heart to only pound harder in my chest... “Thank you....” her words echoed in my mind as I smiled ever so slightly at her....did she understand....was she meaning what I thought she was....my fears clouded my mind....and I found that I was now thinking for far to long on what to say next... “...for what?...” I ask....even though it hurts my throat a little when speaking I wait for an answer wanting to put my stupid thoughts away once and for all, my eyes meeting hers...pity....among other things are in her eyes...but there’s more than was there earlier.... “...everything....” I stand there getting my answer....my body stiff as I feel a tear run down my cheek....my eyes still locked with hers before I hear her sigh.... “...all I have now....is you Rainbow....in this harsh unforgiving world....” Her words hit me like daggers...and I understand even more how she feels....its not pity....but regret....for not being able to do anything else to save our home.... “I....I will always be here Twilight.....to whatever end...” my words sound hollow....but I mean every one...and she knows it....I can tell by the glint of happiness in her eyes....I finally notice she has been crying a little...obviously since I spoke to her....then....she hits me with what I have hoped...the words I wished to hear for....what feels like a lifetime now...breaks the silence.... “...I love you Rainbow Dash....” My heart soars...the first time in Celestia knows how long...I gulp....a ball in my throat as I feel my legs wanting to give way...but its been to quiet...at least 5 minutes have passed since her words....and I see that she has....shes.....smiling.... “...I...Love you too Twilight Sparkle.....” I close my eyes holding in my tears....but before I know it I feel her forehooves around me...pulling me into her embrace onto her bed... I dare not open my eyes wanting to feel and not see....and I soon feel her soft muzzle against mine...we are kissing.....We are kissing!....I still can't believe it....but Celestia knows I love it.... I break the kiss and hold her tightly in my return of the embrace.... “....we have to keep going on....find something worth living for....” once again my words are cheesy....and hollow sounding...but she still knows I mean every word....and I open my eyes to see her still smiling, her eyes gazing into mine.....with...a glint of hope and happiness I have not seen in far to many moons....and we stay that way for a few...the silence no longer something bad...but one showing that we are choosing words from far too many feelings.... “....I found mine....what about you?” her voice is soft....and rings through my ears as I wrap my wings around her...my tears being held back as I gulp smiling at her. “...I found mine long ago...” and in that moment....from the moment those words left my lips... she knew that I would not leave her.....that even in this world... our love will be strong when nothing else could be.... and its this moment that I will remember...the moment where we hold each other...and finally let our feelings out.... from this moment...we are each others....she will be my Sparkle in the dark ...and.....and I.... well I will be her Rainbow....in a Harsh Unforgiving World.... Author's Note Well here goes nothing! Jumping off the board into the big blue sea of this website and its amazing people.
A FlashbackThe sound of the train horn breaks me from my day dream, I shake my head before looking around at the others, I have been floating here staring off into space not noticing what they have been up to. Now that I pay attention I can see that Rarity has been fussing over Twi not wearing a dress to this important summon, and Pinkie has been trying to convince AJ and Fluttershy that Everfree is full of cupcake monsters. I wish I had been paying attention... Its not polite of me to be ignoring them like this....but its just easy for me to get lost in thought lately. Somethings been off recently...the air has seemed heavier and my wings are having a harder time keeping me up for overly long time frames.... Twi tugs at my back leg to get my attention. “You ok Rainbow? You're never this quiet...” I smile softly and nod....not announcing my inner worries....this is her day...not mine.... “Your kiddin' right Twi? Just thinkin' about some things is all” She raises a brow at me and I can tell she doesn't believe me...I don't blame her....It's easy to see that I am hiding something.... The train stops in front of us and we don't take long getting into our seats...I glance out the window looking to the sky....the blue is duller than usual....I wonder why...but Pinkie startles me her face so close to mine if we were closer we would be nuzzling... “Whatcha doooooin!?” her yelling makes me wince slightly but I smile at her... “just lookin' at the sky” She tilts her head before shrugging. “guess that's normal, well somepony is sure to win that contest to be a Wonderbolt!?” She nudges me....I mean it's obvious who she is talking about...the thought causes me to smirk.... “I will have to practice a lot after we get done with Twilight's summon” Pinkie nods before I watch her bounce off to sit with the others leaving me to my thoughts....the sky....why is it so different lately....perhaps this summon would answer the questions swimming through my mind.... After a while we arrive at Canterlot and I don't take my time flying out and waiting for the others....sitting in that train was driving me crazy....The others quickly catch up with me and we start to make our way to the castle. “I wonder what this summon is about?” Twi seems overly excited about this when she said that.... The Castle door opens for us as would be expected....after all Twilight is a princess....I'm glad the others are excited but my mind is still filled with worries....I soon feel my wings actually feeling tired....somethings off even here...why.....I sigh softly and land next to the group walking along side them....I can see that Twi still knows something is wrong....but I am glad she hasn't pressed the issue... before long we are standing before Celestia....Luna is probably resting before she has to start her night shift....Celestia seems to be smiling and I slow my walking speed falling a little behind. “I am so glad you could make it Princess Twilight” Celestia sounds upbeat....perhaps I have been worrying for nothing....and Twilight is more than happy to see her as well... “I wouldn't miss it Princess Celestia!” I look between the two before flapping my wings returning to my hovering over the group. “I have big news that is going to change Equestria...Two brothers have invented something that will make travel easier....I believe they called it the Flim Flam Auto Carriage” I tilt my head and notice that so does Twi....perhaps she is as confused as I am... “is it magic powered?” Twi asks the obvious question...its like her to think magic first.....but Celestia shakes her head... “Not at all...its powered by something called an engine...and they have been given permission to start mass producing them and will be putting factories up very soon” I feel the heaviness of the air even in this place...and I can't hold back any longer.... “Why is the air so thick Princess?” I gulp nervously after I realize that I just spoke out of turn to her.... “I haven't noticed anything like that Ms. Dash....but I will have some Pegasi check out this....thickness of the air soon, please do not let it bother you.” Her smile is polite and I do trust her words.....but there is no way it wont bother me....perhaps she does notice....and is just trying to think of what to do.... The rest of the summon went as could be expected and we are soon heading back home...back to Ponyville....I didn't realize I missed my home that much....I can't wait to lay back with a good read of the latest Daring Do book after feeding Tank....yeah...my plans for tonight sound nice and help put my stressed thoughts at ease. The train ride seemed to take longer than usual maybe its just that I am tired....and once back in Ponyville we say our goodbyes and fly my way home...by Celestia I feel so tired....my wings are even a bit sore and all I want to really do is lay back with my Daring Do and read... I sigh happily as I snuggle back into my bed, pulling the covers up over me as I sit back pulling Daring Do and The Quest for the Sapphire Statue from my bedside table....what a day....it's been a strange day... I dreamed of....heh...perhaps I shouldn't say but I woke up blushing and wishing the dream didn't have to end...but...it did.... As I go through my morning routines I hear a loud crashing....it sounds like half of Ponyville was being demolished...I rush to the window my eyes still blurry from having just woken up...and then I see it....Twilight's castle....being....destroyed....it instantly wakes me up and I hurry out the door flying as fast as I can to it...any faster and I might have done a Rainboom....and as I fly up I see that the others have all gathered as well....and now.....well I see that Celestia approved of it....in a way....stating that the Flim Flam Factories could be built anywhere they think it would be best for production.... I land next to the others....and....She's crying....well...of course she should be...this was hers....I drape a wing over Twi's back...Fluttershy does as well to show that we both are here for her....we stand back from the others...Rarity and AJ are going at Flim and Flam but....I don't think it was going as well as they hoped....and Pinkie...well Pinkie is holding spike back from 'having at those two' as he puts it.... I frown softly as I look at Twi...seeing the tears running down her cheek make it hurt even more...the difference between seeing and knowing that she is upset is like living and dying...I swallow nervously before I look back at the now large pile of rubble... “We should go Twi...you shouldn't have to see this....” She lets me tug her away and back to the library...god I wish we could have seen this coming....perhaps AJ did...it is the only thing she could talk about the entire ride home....that Flim and Flam are heartless....and I guess she was right.... days pass....and the factory is built almost as fast as one of AJ's barns.....before we know it....black smoke rises from the stacks....and now I realize what caused the air to get heavier....how could Celestia allow this..... I visit Twilight almost everyday....at least shes somepony who hasn't given up yet....she is researching every time I stop by....and Spike....well she seems to yell at him constantly...wanting him to search for this...or for that...and I am thinking that he can't take much more of it.... I wake up....my body sore from practice in this....this hell....I would fly to Cloudsdale if I had faith that I could make it.....looks like I am going to miss my chance to be a Wonderbolt....but....I think helping Twilight has become all I can think to do now...and so I ready myself and put on my goggles before heading down to the library....as I enter I see something I knew was coming.... Twilight was...crying...again...but this time....not for her castle.... in front of her stands Spike....his stuff slung in a sack on his back...then I hear the words I dreaded...just from seeing these two like this... “I'm sorry Twilight....but I am a friend...not a slave....I'm going to live where a dragon can be appreciated...goodbye...and tell the others I said good luck....” and of those words...he left....I float over to Twi before landing next to her wrapping my wing around her... “m....maybe he will come back..” I know he wont....but she can't give up....not her....she needs to keep fighting for something....for anything... we sit in silence....and...I don't like it...but I think she needs it....then...my ear twitches as she speaks.... “he won't....I....I can't save Ponyville.....please Rainbow....just....go home...” I sigh and watch as she walks up the steps to her bed....I look towards the door....my wings....are they able to even get me home...the air felt so heavy on the way here....my wings were hard to flap in this thick...smog.... I exit the library and can see Twilight watching me from the window....I push off of the ground and start to ascend....but...my wings....they are...to heavy....and I feel myself finding it harder and harder to keep my momentum...and then.....I'm falling....I....am falling....me....please....let this all be a bad dream...let me wake up to a bright day....so I can fly and spend the day in the sky above my friends.... Not a dream....no matter how hard I wished....it was real...and I was falling towards the ground.... I watch it getting closer and closer....the dirt of the earth.... but before I hit it....I'm floating.... how....then I look to the library.....she saved me.... I am gently lowered onto my back....and I get onto my feet....standing in front of me was Twilight.... “You can stay here as long as you need...I can tell you can't fly in this....” her words hit me like a rock....and I know they are true....as much as I don't want to believe them..... “thank you....” We go back inside...and I shake the ash from my body before sitting down....still dumbstruck from my failure.... grounded....I....was grounded....but....at least I wasn't alone....and neither was she..... That’s all I could hope for now....not to fly...not for the perfect world....but to just...not be alone.... Author's Note If you didn't like the first chapter then do not bother reading the second, because odds are if you didn't then you would be wasting time that you could spend reading a fanfic more to you liking.
Dreams and RealityI find myself standing in the falling ash.....its heavy...and weighs me down...and then...I am falling....I flap my wings....but they are to heavy....the ash keeps me from the momentum I need.....Why....where did the ground I was standing on go....and how can I breath in this cursed soot...then.....a voice.... “This is a dream Rainbow Dash....For too long have I been locked in this prison trying to get word to somepony” My eyes widen and I once again feel the ground beneath me.....and before me standing...is somepony I have not seen in many moons...Princess Luna.... “Luna...how could you and Celestia let this happen...I thought-” She raises a hoof to silence me mid sentence...and I understand...I need not have asked... “Celestia has banished me to the moon....but did not restrict me of my powers....I am just trapped...” Her words hit me like a stone...and I frown....but...she...she is smiling and I can tell...she is overjoyed just to see somepony.... “but...why....how....” I stubble and fiddle with what I should ask my head swimming with all kinds of questions... “Please Rainbow....Flim and Flam have corrupted my sister...and used her to bring Equestria to the brink of ruin... I will help put you on the path to fixing it....but you will need help along the way....” I smile softly....I know who she means....and I wouldn't have it any other way.... She fades from my view and I find myself flying....fast....nearing the rainboom stage.....and between my forehooves is a large metal spike...and beneath me....is...that accursed factory...... then....it happens... I break the barrier...and I find myself flying towards this demon building and then...I let go of the spike before pulling up....I look over my shoulder to see it.... the blaze of redemption....that building....exploded....and the rainboom clears the air of its foul taint....the sun....by Celestia the sun is shining.....and I...I can fly!.....I can fly!! the feeling brings tears to my eyes then.... I land....at the site of destruction....and Luna stands beside me.... “This is a dream Rainbow Dash....but this Dream you must make Reality...once this building is destroyed...you and Twilight must free me...she is an Alicorn...the magic is within her to do it....” Her eyes weigh on me and I can feel them....I gulp...knowing the task will not be easy.... “promise me...please....” I sigh...knowing it is a promise I must make.... “I promise...” Her smile is the last thing I see as my vision fades...and I wake...still clutching a sleeping Twi...I know what we must do....and it will only be us....but...we can do this....I feel....stronger...a strength I haven't felt in Celestia knows how long.... I close my eyes...not sleeping...but resting...the task is big....and I will need to be ready..... “is everything fine Rainbow?...” Twi's voice causes me to open my eyes...and I see her looking at me.... “actually....great....know what I.....we...have to do to save Equestria....” her eyes get a flair...one of....determination...and anger....it scares me at first....but I know its not directed at me...and she smiles.... “just tell me what we need to do.....” I return the smile and finally pull myself from her glaring out the window...then to a light post nearby.... “first....we need a spike.....” She looks at me....I can now hear the hesitation in her voice.... “A...spike?” I nod....my eyes filled with the same determination.... “I am going to destroy that building...” I see now...a sparkle in her eyes....one of readiness as she beats me out the door and I can see her through the window uprooting the post and shaping it into the tool of destruction from my dream.... She sets it outside the library before returning to me.... “Will that do?” The...upbeat nature of her voice....Celestia I missed it....I nod...and know my next task... I hurry outside and grip the spike....stretching my wings feels strange....not like it usually does....this time the fear of falling is gone...and all I feel is the strength of the impending victory... With one powerful flap I am sent into the sky, my wings beating almost as fast as my heart....this...rush....its like the first time all over again... the spike weighs me down.....but I don't care...my muscles are tense...powerful...and ready for this... once at height I glare down at my target.... Vengeance...and victory...the sweet taste is almost mine.....ours.... it's time...I launch myself at the ground....a fire in my eyes.... it...ends...today for her.....for myself....for the others....for Equestria....I cannot fail now... The wind through my wings....my mane......my tail....its great...and as I pick up speed...I know whats coming....what I use to relish in....the thing that got me my cutie mark.... The Sonic Rainboom.... My speed increases and then.....boom....well..Rainboom to be exact....I feel the wind...I am the air...and I see the ground getting closer and then...its time...I release my package....my weapon....my tool of freedom... then....fire....the glorious fire of redemption....and....then...the sky...the...blue sky....the clean air....the blue water.....by Celestia....Ponyville....you are free... I fly...without fatigue...and then...I see her....my love....my heart.....my sparkle...and the tears of joy.... I land in front of her...and before I can speak...she latches onto me...and I return it...joining her tears are my own.... I shake my head free of this and then look at Twi... “we have to free Luna....” her eyes widen as she hears my words...”free....Luna....wait....what” I explain to her and before I even finish she is tugging me off to the ruins in Everfree. Into the library I am drug and we get straight to work...book after book.....page after page we read... And...nothing.....but we cant give up...I made a promise....then....Yes! Here it is! “here Twilight! I found something...” I hand her the book and float above her....to fly again....my prayers were answered.... after a few moments I watch Twilight work her magic....quite literally.... out of the portal steps Luna....and...before we can even speak she is clutched to us....hugging us both.... “thank you both!....I am free....” I nod at her smiling as she releases us...and for the first time I feel my old self again.... “of course....I keep my promises....Element of Loyalty duh...” Author's Note Once again if you did not like the previous chapters you will not like this one, so if you didn't save your time and read something else.
