10. Rainbow Dash I

Rainbow Dash

"Alright," She heard Twilight say, "Let's warn Celestia."

They were back in the same dark room from before. Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Blackblade raced out as fast as they could. Rainbow flew swiftly, while the other two sprinted. With Blackblade being a bat pony, she didn't see why he doesn't just fly. She kept pace with them regardless.

Something had come to her mind as they ran to ask the bat pony a few things. Rainbow Dash was a little puzzled by his now fidgety demeanor. He seemed scared about something.

Why does he look so scared?

"Hey, Blackblade?" She came over to him.

"Um... Y-Yes Miss Rainbow Dash?" He replied nervously.

"I'm curious, how did you levitate that sword?"

Blackblade looked relieved much to her surprise. When they confronted that spy, he had pulled out his sword even though he did not have magic whatsoever. She assumed her friend Twilight might have seen it.

"Well you see it's a special talent that I posses," Blackblade explained, "It works kind of like unicorn magic, but there are very few things you can learn with it."

"Okay... Why are you so nervous?"

"Because... Oh never mind it's nothing."

"What are you guys talking about?" Twilight glanced at them.

"Let's just stop for a second!" Rainbow Dash demanded, dropping to the ground noisily. The rest of them then stopped close to the winding staircase.

"Rainbow Dash, we don't have time for this!" Twilight told her impatiently.

"Just hold on Twilight," Rainbow Dash turned back to Blackblade, "Blackblade, just tell us what's wrong!"

"But if I tell you, you will think I'm crazy." He said trembling.

"It doesn't matter! What are you nervous of?!"

The poor bat pony looked conflicted, which made her more suspicious. But he took a moment to breath as he was about to confess.

"Okay then, you see..." He began, "I... I have visions. I can see into the future."

Rainbow Dash raised her brow, as did Twilight she realized. The look on his face looked pained.

"Yeah, I know. You don't believe me." He said dejectedly, "Everyponyelse doesn't believe me either. They think I've gone insane, but I know I'm not."

Rainbow Dash and Twilight only stared at him in silence for a moment. Even though she would hate to admit it, she does feel some pity for him.

"We could talk about this later," Twilight said hurriedly, "Our first priority is to warn Celestia of the kaerndallans."

"You're right." Rainbow Dash admitted, "We'll talk about it later."

Without another word, they continued. She was not keen to trot down the steps, so she just flew with her wings and descended downwards. Everypony was exhausted from sprinting except for her. She would never get tired of flying. She did not see however why Twilight couldn't have used her wings (she is an alicorn after all); she probably wouldn't have been as tired. Rainbow Dash knows for a fact that Twilight can fly.

"Next time," Twilight panted, "Let's not run so fast."

"You know you have wings right?" She finally pointed out as she hovered over them.

"Well, I'm still used to walking. Besides, were indoors."

"Doesn't matter." Blackblade had said as he flew upwards. "Ha! This is better."

"Yeah I guess you're right." As Twilight was about to take flight, she had then been interrupted.

Evidently Princess Celestia and her guards came up to her and her friends. None of them expected her to appear so soon, but this was not a bad thing, given they were on their way to her anyway.

"P-Princess Celestia!" Twilight had a look that was both surprised and relieved.

"Twilight! I am glad you made it out alright!" Celestia was about as surprised as they were.

"What do you mean?"

"Not long after you entered through the portal, I realized something went wrong with the mirror."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash commented, "We know."

"You do?"

"Yeah, we knew something wasn't right when we were high in the sky." Blackblade explained, "If it wasn't for those nezeni-- I mean the Emperor's knights, all of us probably wouldn't have made it out alive."

"That's good to hear."

Rainbow Dash hadn't heard that voice in a long time. It sounded a lot like...

"P-P-Princess Luna!!!" Blackblade exclaimed stuttering, "W-W-What are doing here?"

"I have heard of what had transpired. Have you done well to protect Twilight Sparkle?"

"To the best of my ability, Princess Luna." Blackblade replied.

Princess Luna seemed pleased with this. "You have done well then."

Blackblade only gave her what looked like a sad smile. She assumed he was upset about something, if only she knew what.

"Princess Celestia," Twilight began nervously, "We have good news, and pretty bad news."

"What is the good news?" Celestia asked intently.

"Well, we won't necessarily have to worry about the sabrathanians anymore."

"What happened?"

"From what we heard," Twilight began, "many sabrathanians were wiped out at one of their largest bases. As far as we know, Sunset Shimmer was among the ponies captured but escaped with others with her."

"Sunset Shimmer?" Celestia was notably surprised, "I suppose her new friends at Canterlot High taught her the magic of friendship?"

"Yes, she's a different pers-- pony than she was before."

She noticed Princess Celestia was still confused. "But she was still in that other world. How did she get there?"

"She had been captured. Evidently sabrathanians have a way to cross other worlds using dark magic."

Celestia had given off an angry look, but not at them. "That doesn't surprise me. At least we don't have to worry about them."

Rainbow Dash had then been reminded of something, "Speaking of sabrathanians--wow I said it right--what about that Adoranz guy? He's still in jail right?"

"Yes he is," It was Luna who answered, "At the moment, he is in one of the lower dungeon cells."

Rainbow Dash remembered the sabrathanian all too well; vile, bitter, and evil. At least they did not have to stress about him.

"What is the unfortunate news, Princess Twilight?" Luna asked Twilight gravely.

Rainbow Dash saw the fearful expression on Twilight's face. "Even though the sabrathanians are no longer a problem," Twilight began to explain, "apparently they aren't the only ronians who have entered Equestria."

Princess Celestia's eyes were filled with a mixture of confusion and fear. "But, how is that possible? The only portal to Ronia has been closed for thousands of years, how could other ronians possibly enter Equestria somehow?"

Rainbow Dash realized Luna's face was expressionless. It is a good possibility she might have known something they didn't. Kind of like how Celestia was when they brought Adoranz to be imprisoned, only without any expression which worried her.

She saw Twilight come up closer to Celestia. "Emperor Mendrion told us that ronians called kaerndallens, have also entered Equestria somehow. He told us of how dangerous they were and that would have no problem with conquering all of Equestria."

When Rainbow Dash turned her head to Blackblade, he looked even more depressed then before. He claims to see visions (of what, she doesn't know), but she doesn't believe him, and neither does Twilight. He is visibly upset about something for sure.

"Kaerndallens? I don't believe I have heard of them." The princess said puzzled.

"All we know is that they will destroy everything in their wake." Twilight continued conversing, "They have caused the emperor much grief. From the what he told us, they seemed to be very barbaric! Who knows what will happen if they take over Equestria!"

Celestia had been silent for a few seconds. "If what he claims is true, and they would conquer all of Equestria," She decided with anger burning, "Then we shall fight back against them!!!"

"Sister!" Luna made an attempt to stop her, "Do you think it would be unwise to put so many lives at stake?!"

"Luna, our world is in danger!" Celestia told her sister furiously, "If that means going to war, then we shall do our part!"

"Celestia! This isn't like you!" Luna tried to calm her sister, "We could probably negotiate with them. Perhaps they are not here in conquest."

She saw the dark blue alicorn fall to her sister's hooves. "Please sister," Luna begged, "Reconsider! We do not really know about them. Maybe the emperor made false accusations?"

The princess didn't seemed moved by this. "I am sorry sister," She declined her offer, "But I am afraid we cannot afford negotiating in a time like this. They have invaded our lands, and we will not tolerate this crusade of their's!"

Rainbow Dash felt obligated to step in, "Even if they are in Equestria, we don't exactly know where."

"You make a valid point, Rainbow Dash. Captain!" Celestia then called for Astral Mark.

Within seconds the red, dark grey maned stallion was already in view. "Yes, your highness?"

"Rally your troops, send as many scouts as you can across the world! Enemies have invaded our world! Send a message to Commander Thunder Charge, inform him to set up large garrisons of soldiers. Should any scout come into contact with the enemy, tell them they are free to kill them."

A smug expression appeared on his face. "As you command, your majesty." And he left them.

"Commander Thunder Charge?!" Blackblade exclaimed. "But he's still in the badlands!"

"Who's Commander Thunder Charge?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"He's one of Princess Celestia's most powerful Commanders!" It was Blackblade who explained, "He's been in the badlands, protecting Canterlot from a possible changeling invasion."

"Sister, that could leave the soldiers there without a superior officer." Luna told her sister, "It could leave them open to a changeling attack!"

Celestia seemed to ignore her sister's pleas. "There are more important matters to be dealt with. Twilight, go back to Ponyville and tell the rest of your friends the knowledge you brought before us."

"Will do, Princess Celestia." Twilight replied, "I won't let you down."

*Gasping*

Everypony in the hall looked to Blackblade. The bat pony was noticeably frightened.

"What is it Blackblade?" It was Princess Luna who spoke, "Another vision?"

What?! She thought puzzled, So he's not crazy?!

She and Twilight were both shocked from hearing this. She didn't expect Luna of all ponies to know this. And since she does know about it, Rainbow Dash now believes him.

"Yes." He answered her.

"Where did the vision take place?"

"Ponyville. Somewhere in Ponyville."

Whatever this vision was about, it didn't sound good. Celestia had signaled her guards to leave her.

"Go with them." Luna instructed, "Find the place you saw this vision, prevent an unfortunate future."

"Yes, Princess Luna!"

"Come on," Twilight rushed, "There's not much time left!"

Everything seemed normal back at the train station. Countless ponies flooded the area around them. To her it was great being back in Ponyville, but with a situation like this the time to rejoice will have to wait. At first, Rainbow Dash and Twilight didn't believe that Blackblade could have visions of the future until they found that Princess Luna knew about it; and believed him.

I'm not sure what his vision is, but if it's bad I'll make sure I'm there to put a stop to it!

"So, when will this vision happen?" She heard Twilight ask.

"I don't know." Blackblade answered, "I know where a vision will happen, but I don't know when they will happen. It isn't an easy thing to explain. Sometimes they happen when I least expect it."

"So it's completely random?"

"Kinda sounds like Pinkie Pie's pinkie sense." Rainbow Dash pointed out, "Only she can't see what's gonna happen, but feels something's gonna happen."

"Okay, I'm confused," The bat pony was lost, "Most ponies don't have the power of premonition. I mean, Celestia can often have visions in her sleep, and Luna can visit ponies dreams. But with me, I can only see visions of bad things happening at any given moment; whether I want to or not."

"I am sorry." Twilight had said to him sympathetically.

"And uh..." He added, "Who's Pinkie Pie?"

"Pinkie Pie is a dear friend of ours," Twilight explained to him, "She was one of the Elements of Harmony, like me and Rainbow Dash."

"And where does she live?" He then asked.

"Sugercube Corner." Rainbow Dash answered him.

Blackblade seemed to have pondered for a moment. "OOOHHH!!!" He seemed to have remembered, "Now I know who you're talking about! I was there the other day with Jolly Blade."

*AHEM*

Rainbow Dash turned around to see a beige colored earth pony stallion, with a short blonde mane and tail, and goatee. His blue eyes gazed lazily at hers. He came up to them.

"Speak of the devil." Blackblade had said humorously.

"So," The beige stallion greeted gruffly, "How's the trip?"

"Not so great," Blackblade had told him disappointed, "The nezenites have declared war against Kaerndall."

"What?!" The stallion exclaimed. His lazy expression replaced with deep concern.

"And what's worse is Celestia is now aware of kaerndallens being here. And she's told Astral Mark to contact Commander Thunder Charge as we speak!"

The stallion turned to Twilight, "Princess Twilight, there are matters to discuss with your friends."

"What do you mean? What do my friends have to do with this?!" Twilight demanded as politely as she could, she realized.

"And Blackblade," He turned to the bat pony, "We gotta get back to base."

She saw Blackblade lift himself of the ground with his bat-like wings. "Jolly, I saw a vision!" He then told him, "There was a house on fire, and ponies being burned alive! I have to save them before it's too late."

"House on fire?!" Rainbow Dash said aloud.

"Oh no!" she heard Twilight exclaim, "We have to help them!

"No!" Jolly told them gruffly, "You go meet with your friends, Blackblade will handle it."

Within a second Blackblade was gone. He flew much faster than she expected; soaring like a falcon darting across the air.

Gotta admit, She said to herself, He's pretty fast.

"Hey, Twi!" She then shouted.

"What is it, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked worriedly.

"You go find our friends, I'm gonna help Blackblade!"

Twilight's expression changed, "Rainbow Dash, we don't have time for this!"

"Twilight, somepony's in trouble! I have to help them!"

She saw her groan, "Alright! Go! Help them! Meet me when you're done."

"No problem!"

She lifted herself quickly, and flew across the sky brusquely. She flew towards town trying to see if she could spot him. Being a fast flier, it didn't take her but a few seconds to get to town square; flying over cottages along the way. She hovered over town hall to get a bird's eye view of the area.

"Oh," She groaned, "Where is he?!"

But then something dark and ominous came into view...

"Wait, is that... Smoke?!"

Black smoke had risen over the sky. She soared faster than ever, dodging any pegasus flying in her path. As she got closer she realized it was a cottage encased in black smoke and orange fire. Ponies were panicking on the ground below as the flames grew higher. She noticed other pegasi were on the scene trying to put out the fire.

"Come on!" She faintly heard one of them shout, "We need more water!!!"

Flapping her wings at high speed, she dashed through the air and into the house; through the open window. Once inside she can feel the intensity of the heat, and can breath little through the black smoke surrounding her. Flames were dancing along objects around the room.

*Coughs*

"Hey- *coughs* -is anypony there?"

The air in here was distorted a little; the smoke blurred her vision. She can faintly make out a few of the objects in the room (such as a poster on the wall) that were not burnt. There was a bed in here, covered in checkered green sheets, banners posted on the wall above it. The more she thought about it... this place looked awfully familiar.

"Wait a minute- *coughs*," She coughed roughly, "This is- *coughs* -Scootaloo's room!!!"

There was a wooden door close by. She dashed over to it and kicked it open. Outside the room, there was a narrow hallway leading two directions: a dead end and downstairs. She went with the reasonable option.

*Hoarse coughing*

A familiar pony appeared from upstairs.

"Is anypony else there?!" He then coughed.

"Blackblade!!!" She screamed. As she got closer, she saw he was carrying a filly on his back.

"Miss Rainbow- *coughs* -Dash!!! What are you doing here?!"

"I'm here to help!" She had to shout. The fire crackled louder than ever as more flames came into view.

"Her parents are sill in here!" He shouted referring to Scootaloo. "*coughs* If you want to help- *coughs* -go find her parents! They're probably in one of the rooms up here! I'll get her out of here! When I do- *coughs* -I'll go back to help you, got it?"

"Yeah!" She answered.

Blackblade was gone in an instant. Rainbow Dash covered her mouth to prevent from breathing anymore smoke. She ran to one of the doorways close by. The door had been locked. She reared up, and bucked the door with her hind hooves. The door opened to a wall of bright orange flames. Sweat beaded down her body from the intense heat. She tried to put out the flames by flapping her wings, but her efforts prove futile.

She moved on to next door, and as she did somepony came up to her and startled her. She realized it was Blackblade instantly.

"I'm back! Did you find anypony?" Blackblade said quickly.

"No, not yet! You're pretty fast I'll give you that." She was then worried for the filly's sake, "Is Scootaloo gonna be okay?!"

"She'll be fine! We gotta find her parents!"

They both went for the other door. This door was locked like the other one. As Rainbow Dash was about to rear back and repeat the process she made on the last door, Blackblade stopped her.

"No, I'll handle this." He said calmly.

An aura of magic glowed around his sword as he unsheathed it. It was still a wonder to her that he can do that. He explained back at Canterlot that it was one of his special talents. The sword was held over him, and then he swung the blade in a diagonal slash.

*Wood cracking and breaking*

Rainbow Dash was stunned. He just sliced the door down, just like that! Flames roared on the other side. Blackblade rushed into the wall of flames without a second thought. She continued to cough; and it only got rougher. But then Blackblade was flung backwards. He staggered, but he rose back up and readied his weapon. Something must have hit him pretty hard.

"Burn!!! Burn for Sabrathan!!!" Something shrieked.

A black robed figure appeared out from the wall of flames. She knew it was a sabrathanian for sure. His head looked as if it were made of dark metal. He was illuminated with an odd glow covering him; as if he was draped in dark magic. He carried a claw like weapon with worm like appendages.

"Die!" The sabrathanian cried, "Die, and let your flesh be caressed with his fiery fingers as you descend!"

"I don't think so!!!" Blackblade challenged boldly.

The sabrathanian let out a throaty GRRRRAAAH, as went to attack him. The bat pony's timing could have been better when he parried the blow. The black creature swung his claws wildly, but Blackblade parried and avoided every strike. His sword floated so gracefully in the air as he attacked, as if it were an elegant dancer.

Blackblade had gained an advantage over him and struck the creature at a weak point; an unprotected spot. He created an enormous gash across his body, cutting straight through him.

*AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHH*

The sabrathanian's shriek echoed the burning house; blocking the sound of roaring flames. The haves of his body split in two directions falling to ground, dark blood pouring out profusely creating a black puddle.

Whoa! She thought, stunned. She was amazed by his effort.

The bat pony leaped into the flames fearlessly. Rainbow Dash followed him, flying through the fire without so much as a singe. The room inside was wreathed in flame. She scanned the room and viewed a horrifying sight.

"Oh no!" She said despairingly.

She saw Blackblade standing next to her, a tear falling down his left eye. Two burned corpses were splayed across the floor; charred and black.

"I'm too late!" The bat pony whispered in grief. He coughed harder than before and fainted.

She had to get him out and fast. She went to him and tried to lift him up. *Rough coughing* He was choking, if she didn't hurry up he would most certainly die. He put quite a bit of weight for her to carry, but she could manage. Flapping hard, she dashed through the flames.

"Aargh!!!" She cried out in pain. She wasn't too careful she realized, burning herself on her side as she got too close to the fire.

With Blackblade unconscious and her side burned, getting out alive seemed too much to bear. She knows better than to give up now. Regardless of how much pain she was in, she had to endure. Now that she was out of the room she has to get out of the blazing inferno. There was an opening downstairs; a cracked window. She flew upwards and descended downwards to the window.

"Yowch!!!" Her front legs scraped sharp glass from the window; leaving a long gash along her fore leg.

Fell down hard, skidding on the ground leaving a dirt path paved. She coughed a little, but breathed in the fresh air with delight. Other pegasi crowded towards her. One of them gave her a respirator, and other pegasi did the same with Blackblade. The air from the device felt fresh as she breathed it in.

She then saw Scootaloo not far from them, looking absolutely exhausted. She was glad she lived. If only she could say the same for her parents. She didn't know much about them, but their deaths will stay imprinted in her mind forever.

"I..." She started to speak weakly, "...could have saved them."

She must have fallen asleep. For when she woke up, she was in a hospital bed. All of her friends were around her: Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie. She also saw the beige stallion, Jolly Blade. All of them had faces showing deep concern.

"Uuuggghhh." She moaned, "What happened?"

Twilight came up to her, "The doctor told us you passed out from heat exhaustion."

"After we heard what happened," Jolly explained, "We decided to rush here and see if you guys were alright."

"Twilight, that house on fire... it was Scootaloo's house!"

*Gasping in shock*

"Oh no!" It was Applejack who spoke, "Is she okay?"

"Yeah... but..." she shed a tear, "...I could have saved her parents! But we were to late."

Tears welled up all the mares eyes. Jolly's face had no visible expression. He had then turned to Twilight. An angry scowl appeared across his muzzle.

"I made my promise to wait," He said to Twilight, "But now we have to explain a few things to you, Princess Twilight."

"Alright," She wiped a tear from her eyes, "What is it you need to tell me?"

"Miss Applejack," He gestured a hoof to Applejack, "Care to tell her?"

Applejack went up to them with a grim expression. "Twilight," She began, "There are now other ronians in Equestria--"

"I know," Twilight interrupted with a hint of anger, "The kaerndallens. And now they've come to take our home!"

Dash saw that the other ponies looked confused. "Um, Twi?" It was Applejack who spoke, "Who told you that?"

"The Emperor himself told us about them and their misdeeds! And now that they've invaded Eque--wait... why did you ask?"

She then saw Rarity come up. "Darling, the kaerndallens are not trying to invade Equestria."

"WHAT?!!" Both Dash and Twilight exclaimed in unison.

"Yeah!" Fluttershy put in, "They're actually pretty friendly. Scary... but very sweet."

Rainbow Dash could barely process what her friend just said. How is that even possible? From what she remembered the Emperor told them that they ravaged their lands, and killed his son. How can they be sweet?.

"What are you talking about?!" Twilight sounded infuriated, "They're barbaric monsters out to kill us!!!"

"No they're not, silly!" Pinkie Pie tried to assure both of them, "They are actually friends with Equestria! They wouldn't do such a horrible thing! They never wanted to take it anyway."

Rainbow Dash was speechless. Four of her friends are sided with those savages. The fact that Fluttershy and Rarity of all ponies do not think of them that way, surprised her the most; especially how posh and uptight Rarity can be sometimes. Twilight seems sure about where she stood. Dash on the other hoof, is not so sure. But then again, she doesn't know much about them other than what she heard.

"But... if they didn't want to conquer Equestria," Twilight inquired, "Then why did they come here then?"

"Now that's an easy question," Jolly Blade answered gruffly, "It's because of the nezenites!"

"Those nezenites have done worse things to Kaerndall," Applejack put in, "Than they had to them!"

"They intend to colonize the northern regions of Equestria; far from pony civilization." Jolly went up to Rainbow Dash aside her hospital bed, "I am a member of an organization who deals with protecting Equestria from any potential ronian threat. Kaerndallens however, are our allies."

"Organization?" Twilight looked as confused as ever.

"Yes. Founded by Princess Luna no less."

"Are you serious?!!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in confusion.

"Blackblade is also a member. We're a duo to an extant."

She looked to Twilight, who still seemed puzzled. "But, what about that day at the fair?" She had then asked, "When you saved Sweetie Belle from that monster? Where was he then?"

"I was conveniently investigating some activity recently, regarding sabrathanian attacks. Blackblade had been patrolling the skies at the time."

Rainbow Dash may have recalled seeing something zipping through the air that day, but her memory is foggy. The only thing that was on her mind was the sabrathanian that killed Scootaloo's parents. She frowned and clenched her teeth for reminding herself.

At least he's dead!

"What exactly are you asking of us?" Twilight had questioned the beige stallion, "What do you want from us? I want to know."

Jolly seemed more composed this time, "I've already told four of your friends this. All I ask is that you join us."

"Join you?!" Twilight said distressed, "That was all you wanted? For us to join this 'organization' that was 'founded' by Princess Luna?"

"Yes," Jolly put it simply, "Applejack and the other three have considered. We were hoping you would help join our cause, to help Kaerndall in its hour of need. Princess Luna would much appreciate it, if you did."

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight again. She can see the disapproval plain on her face. Maybe they were on to something. With what she had experienced, that fight with the sabrathanian, and the death of Scootaloo's parents, she felt more contempt for the sabrathanians than ever. She must do something...

"Hey, Twilight?"

"Yes Rainbow Dash?" Twilight seemed a little annoyed.

Rainbow Dash built up the courage to speak her mind, "If the rest of my friends considered joining, then so will I!"

"What?! You too?!" Twilight looked very disappointed.

"With what had happened in the fire..." Her face lit up with fury, "It was a sabrathanian that did it!!!"

*Gasping in shock*

"And if this organization fights sabrathanians, then I'll join you and make them pay!!!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight exclaimed.

"We do," Jolly answered her, "And we'll make them pay along with the nezenites."

"And Twilight," She turned to Twilight, "If you don't want to join that's fine, but I will!"