My Little Sinner Ch. 8: Falling Towards the Sky

Because of what I did to Dash, I ended up having to carry her to the café.  It was a long silent trip for me; the only noise was my companion’s gentle breathing and the wind bending through those fingerlike branches of nearby trees.  It could have been a pleasant walk, and I wanted it to be, but….but it wasn’t.  I couldn’t stop thinking about what Rainbow Dash said.  Where did she learn that saying?

Could it be possible that Rainbow is actually Aurelia reincarnated as a pony instead of a parallel version?  It would explain why she remembers it.  No, that can’t be; if that was the case, I think she would have told me.  Maybe it was that Leon?  It could be possible that Leon is actually one of Reiku’s embodiments.  But if that’s true, then I think I may have killed him during some point of my journey.  Damn, why did it have to come this?

Within my peripheral, I noticed that Dash is eyeing my baked apples like a curiously hungry kid.  I decided to let her have one as an act of kindness towards our new relationship status.  At least I consider her my new girlfriend; I wonder how she feels about this relationship though.  But that’s the least of my worries.

“Hey Rainbow, can I ask you something?”  I have to know.

“Yeah, go for it.”

“Where did you learn the phrase tumoe no sai?”

“Hmm?  Just around.”  I could tell she was lying.

“You do know that it translates into: I forever love you.”

Her face became a little flushed as she slipped out an embarrassed smile and chuckle.  “I heard you say it in your sleep while waiting in line for Cider Season.”  I could tell from this reaction, this was the truth.

I felt relieved knowing that the pegasus hearkened the saying from me.  I’m glad it seems Leon isn’t one of Reiku’s incarnations.  But I’m also a bit disappointed that Dash isn’t Aurelia.  I feel like if she was, we could have started where we left off oh so long ago.

“So why did you say it then?”  Since she didn’t know the meaning, then what was the purpose of saying it?

“Well, when I saw you say it, you were smiling.  So I wanted to do something that would have made you happy for…you know…..making me…feel good…”  She rubbed the back of her head as pink covered her face like a mask.

“Heh, thanks Dash.  And about that massage….I didn’t intentionally plan to take it that far.  By the way, with that last orgasm…Did…Did you cum?”  Her face turned bright when I asked that question.  Her only response was lowering her head and nodding; it was embarrassingly cute.  “Now that spot, the base of your wings.  Is that area extra sensitive?”

“For most pegasus ponies, it is.  I try my best not to get aroused if anything is to make contact against the right spot.”

“Then I guess my magic fingers can turn you on whenever I want.”  I said playfully wiggling my fingers closer to her.

“No don’t.  If you want to, you’re going to have wrestle me for it.”  Dash pushed my hands away while she wore a grin.

“Is that a challenge?”  I smirked

“Why don’t find ou-“For some reason the mare stopped herself.  When her face turned red again, I envisaged why.

“Sexual thoughts?”  I teased.

“No!  No.  Nothing of that sort.”  The cyan equine objected.  Her cheeks said it all.  The idea of intercourse with Dash made me blush a little as well.  If we did, she would be my third; Karen being my first and Aurelia my second.  With all this notion of sex and Rainbow’s reaction, it’s making me wonder; is Rainbow a virgin?  And oddly enough, it reminded me of something I promised Dash.

“Since we have the day to ourselves, maybe we should-“

“Woahwoahwoah!  You’re not talking about doing it, are you?”  She interrupted.  Well, now that she mentions it…Nah.

“No, what I had in mind was actually what I promised you in the hospital.  Since we’re not busy, I was thinking we have that race.”  I reassured.

Her face lost that flushed look as it switched to a beaming joy.  “Now you’re talking my language.  You’re on!”  She said with much vigor.

“Name your track.”

“Okay, we’ll start with-“

“Wait, I need to see Twilight first.”  I interrupted.

“How come?”  She asked quizzically.

“I’ll need a map.”  My comment made her laugh, but she agreed to plot out the path on a map so I know which direction to take.

Upon arrival at the library, not only was I greeted by Spike and Twilight Sparkle, but also visiting this oak tree were Pinkie Pie and Rarity.  I don’t know why they were there, but since Dash announced our plan, the four gained an interest.

“Though it may be a little uncouth, I must say, it’ll be titillating seeing what a human is capable of.”  Rarity began.

“Oooo, you’re planning on racing Rainbow?  She’s really fast so good luck!”  Pinkie emboldened.

“I’m sure I can handle myself against her.”  I boasted.

“I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you.  You haven’t seen the speeds I can reach when I perform a sonic rainboom.”  Dash stated.

“What’s a sonic rainboom?”  From the sound of it and considering that it’s from Rainbow Dash, it may be a sonic boom and rainbow combined.  If that’s true, then how is such a concoction possible?

“It’s like only the most coolest thing ever!  When a pegasus like Rainbow Dash gets going so fast…BOOM!  A sonic boom and rainbow happens all at once!”  The pink pony ecstatically answered.  Ha, I was right, but it still doesn’t answer how such a thing can exist.  Magic maybe, but then that would imply that the pegasi breed can also perform such feats, which I know can’t happen from the books I read.

“It is a spectacular event to witness, but overall this whole race will be worthwhile.”  Twilight added while levitating a rolled up map to the center table.  I wonder, is that unicorn saying that to complement the race or for what may transpire?  But I will agree this event will definitely be worthwhile.

I summoned the De’la Windbloom’s Mask and fitted it onto my face so I can activate its mapping feature and have a recorded copy of our course.

“That mask…..It’s a bit tacky.  Don’t you think?”  Rarity asked with some displeasure.

“Not at all.”  I know she means well, but I must be her anti-vogue.  “Besides, this mask has sentimental value.”

“Really, like how?”  Pinkie said sliding in front of my view.

“That is a tale for another day, my pink friend.”  I don’t think my companions here are ready for that piece of history.

“Heeeey, there are no eyeholes.  How do you see out of this thing?” she said while putting the mask on.  Wait a minute...When did she-…..How did she-…How did she remove my mask without me realizing?

The pink equine placed the false face over hers, and with a metal scrapping sound, the item fitted to her facial structure.

“Hey!  Who turned out the lights!?”  Pinkie Pie added while stumbling into the wall.

Moving over to the collapsed equine to reclaim my gray mask, Spike chimed in.  “Whoa, why did it do that?”

“It’s because of the magic built into it.  In order for the mask to stay on the wearer’s face, it’ll alter itself to fit onto the facial features of its host……Now where was I?”  I said returning to the map.  “Do you want it to be a short race or a long one, Dash?”

“Let’s make it long; just to give you a chance to catch up when I leave you behind in the dust.”  Rainbow boasted.

I wasn’t worried; I have faith in my abilities.  “Then how about we begin here…and finish here.”  I had my finger start in Sweet Apple Acres, trail through Ponyville, and end past this place called Ghastly Gorge.

“Seems like a decent challenge.”  She agreed.

“So then what does the victor win?”  Rarity asked.  I hadn’t thought about that and I think my cyan companion didn’t either.

“Uh don’t kno….Gloating rights?”  I shrugged.  I turned to Dash and she nodded in approval.  “Then it’s agreed; let’s go get ready.”

Upon arrival at Sweet Apple Acres, the six of us caught sight of Applejack bucking and collecting apples, who in turn also noticed us.

“Howdy ya’ll; what a’ doin’ here?”  The tan mare asked.

“Rainbow and Inrei are planning on racing and designated your farm to be the starting location; if that is alright with you?”  Twilight said to AJ.

“Well shoot, of course it’s alright.  After working with and seeing how fast Inrei is, there’s no way I’d want to miss an event like this.”  Applejack acceded.  She then turned to me and gave me a subtle wink.  So not only is Applejack itching to see the results, she’s also doing this for mine and Dash’s sake.  Thanks AJ.

Both Dash and I took our places at the barn on the edge of the farmland since it is the furthest point away from our destination.  Rainbow shifted various joints and appendages, causing them to pop as she prepared herself.  I leaned down into a runner’s position, digging my fingers into the dirt.  A gentle breeze is the only noise until Twilight gives us the signal to begin.  While the two of us speed through our track, the other ponies and Spike are going to use a short cut and meet us at the end.

“There’s still time to back out.”  I teased.

“Nah, you should be the one to do that.”  The blue pegasus playfully countered.

In the distance, Dash and I spotted a pinkish-purple light flare out into the air; once it explodes, we start.  With some rapid eye movement, I brought up the mask’s menu to view the map on my screen; would hate getting lost or having to trail behind the winged pony and accidentally lose because I didn’t speed up at the end.

BANG!

The two of us launched forward with such velocity, that it exploded into gale force winds behind us as we sped off.  I focused all my mentality and energy on both the air and space.  Then I thought about soaring across the land.  And with that, I lifted off the ground and took flight using my powers.  With Dash, I could see that she performed minimal wing flutters for she kept them tucked at her side most of the time.  Both her front hooves were kept straight forward as her back legs were pointed back.  She honestly became aerodynamic as proven by her undisturbed rainbow contrail that chased after its owner.  As she zoomed across the farmland, her speeds had the exact same screams as any jet engine.  The wind aggressively wisped in and through her mane and tail as Dash continued to fly.  Her expression held a determined smirk as her eyes contained this gleam.  The kind of gleam that showed me Rainbow is truly Rainbow right now; she is in her pure state as she exhibits the potentials of her racer side.  This blue pegasus….My cyan friend looked even more impressive than before, and I’m glad I get to share this moment with her.

Seeing Dash like this made me realize something.  Out of all the times I have flown, I’ve never experienced the sensation that Dash is enjoying right now.  So I relaxed every ounce of my physical and spiritual being, in hopes of gaining that same feeling.  The passing air encased my mass and I wore it like a third layer of clothing.  The roaring winds carefully brushed my body, filling me euphoric adrenaline shots.  The sudden anticipation replaced my blood and this new found passion flowed through my veins as I also had the need for speed.

“I guess you were all talk!”  Rainbow triumphantly shouted at me.

While I was lost in my thought, I apparently did fall behind.

“We’ll see about that!”  I objected.  I increased my speed and glided until I was literally flying right next to her.

“Ha ha!  There’s my challenge!”  She joyously grinned.

The two of us were over Ponyville now.  I know we’re still racing, but I feel I can make this a bit more beneficial to our relationship.  Since I’m currently matched with Dash, I started spinning around the mare as we continued.  Rainbow caught on to my intentions and luckily enough for me, she decided to join in my playful motive.  I’m sure some of the citizens below witnessed the aerial dance displayed by Dash and I.  The rainbow mane pony and I coiled each other during flight; we would execute flips at such speeds, that Rainbow’s contrail holds a multicolored sphere for a few seconds before dispersing; and when the cyan mare and I passed through various clouds, the vapors were pulled along by our impetus.

After our aerial acrobatics performance, I decided it was time to take first place.  I concentrated my vitality on a single point in my velocity.  I released that burst of energy and I could feel the world itself race past me.  My intense thrust literally caused a loud bang as I broke the sound barrier.  As I zoomed by, I could tell I was breaking apart the particles in the air like lightning during storms since my ears picked up on the clap following me.  Turning my head to the corner, I spotted Dash all the way in the distance behind me.

“Who’s leaving who in the dust now?”  I teased as Dash became speck in my vision.  I wonder if that was too much.

BOOM!

What the hell was that?  The source of the noise came behind me, right where Dash would be.  Turning to the source, a large rainbow spectrum ring began spreading through the sky.  Suddenly a fast multicolored trail accelerated right next to me, and leading this flashy line is none other than the cyan pegasus, Rainbow Dash.  This must be the sonic rainboom.

“As you were saying?”  Dash stated.

“Impressive execution.”  I commented.

Before we knew it, we were already at the entrance for Ghastly Gorge; for a ravine, it’s pretty massive and barren of life; in fact I’d even say I could compare this place to a desert canyon because it is so void of life.  Above the gorge were all the plant life, but down here is just dark rocks and a mostly dried up river bed.  The two of us dived straight down and glided above the dying stream which leads into a natural wind tunnel, but due to our great speed, we blasted straight through it with next to no effort.  Next we flew into the first actual sign of plant life in this ravine.  This form of greenery turned out to cactuses with huge thorns, grown mangled in spider web and vine like fashion upon closer inspection.  Dash zigzagged through this simple organism with such ease and grace, it made me ponder over the thought that she has either flown through Ghastly Gorge many times or she is the essence of the perfect flyer.  I on the other hand slithered through this maze in a snake like fashion.

After exiting, there was more empty space of the valley until the canyon walls ominously closed in closer and closer.  Out of the black holes which nested along the left wall, came plunging out giant ruby red daggers with purple fins and sharp tiny teeth.  There was one for every hole.

“What are these things?”  I called to Dash.

“They’re Quarray eels; they don’t like it when anything gets near their nests.”  She answered.  Sounds like a wordplay of quarry and moray, but more importantly…Sea life on land?  These creatures would either be amphibious or be related to sandworms.

While Rainbow moved up and down in a wave formation, dodging the animals’ bites, I lunged against the right stone wall of the ridge and scaled it like a lizard escaping for its life.  We made it out, but it seems my method was the slower one.  So in order to put myself in first or to at least catch up, I hooked my fingers into the edge of wall and flipped into a frog crouch.  My leg muscles tense up as I used my strength to kick off; I kept my body completely flat and straight as I became a bullet.  The acceleration was so great, I broke the sound barrier again.

I over shot Dash by a huge portion, even though she maintained the speed from her sonic rainboom.  I started to tilt myself up and increased my altitude.  “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go higher for an awesome finish.”  I announced.  As I leveled off, I noticed Rainbow had decided to follow me; so she really wants to challenge the elevation limit as well even though she could head straight to the finish line?  Not that it would matter.

I focused myself and in a flash of light, I broke pass the exosphere.  My speed was so great, it took the atmosphere a good minute to close up the hole I created.  I let Celestia’s orb of a sun bathe me in its light.  I closed my eyes and even though interstellar space sits at freezing temperatures, the heat from that star and my inner flame kept me warm enough for the few seconds I decided to lazily drift.  Even in this empty void, it’s relaxing…..Reminiscent.

I ended my quick break, by flipping and positioning straight down, head first.  In a meteor crashing fashion, I plummeted back down to Equestria.  Because I reached orbital velocity, I was encased in a fiery orange hue as it tried slowing me down.  I was falling so fast, that it actually did sound like I was burning.  There was no pain at this point; there was no hot, no cold, no nothing.  My body was able to withstand it all, and in case it couldn’t, I also increased the protective field of my personal aura.

I could see the finish line, so in a top like spin; I coiled and flipped into a landing position.  I impacted in such a way that all the force was transferred into the ground while the flaming friction circled around ground zero.  I extended my arms then slowly lowered them to the earth; the fire mimicked the movements of my hands till it dispersed.  I removed my mask and revealed my vision to the four ponies and one dragon, who all had their jaws ajar and stunned looks in their eyes.  I had completely baffled them for what I just did.  My flashy finish and….I beat Rainbow Dash.

“I win.”  I smirked.

“H-He actually beat Rainbow in a race!?”  Spike stuttered.

“I knew you were fast, but I didn’t know that fast.”  Applejack gasped.

“You actually beat Dash in a race; A RACE!  That’s unheard of!”  Pinkie exclaimed.

“My word, that was most impressive Inrei.  And your clothes aren’t even scorched.”  Rarity added.

“That flame surrounding you was the friction caused by the compression of the air in front of your body, but in order for that to have happen; you would have to reach speeds close to several thousand miles per hour so you could be slowed down to terminal velocity.  Just how fast are you?”  Twilight asked with absolute amazement.

“Do you know the speed of light?”  I asked the lavender unicorn.

“Of course, it is 299,792,458 meters per second; or 186,282 miles per-….Wait are you saying that you can reach speeds of that velocity!?”  She caught on quick.

“I can move so fast that it appears I teleport, create an afterimage, and when I put my mind and body to it, yes I can accelerate to such speeds.”  Twilight seemed even more surprised by my response.  I think if I were to tell her more, she would pass out from the excitement welling within her.

“So where is Dash?  I would of expected her to be here now.”  I added.  Since I couldn’t spot her in the group now, I turned towards the sky in hopes of catching a glimpse of her, but no luck.

“Maybe she got upset for losing and left.”  Spike replied.  I wouldn’t think that is plausible considering how much fun she was having.  And even if she was a sore loser, you’d still expect her to at least make an appearance.

Ten minutes passed and Rainbow is still a no show.  I kept my eyes towards the sky still hoping I would see her.  There is a rising feeling in my gut, telling me something is wrong.  Please Dash, just show now.

Somewhere in the distance stratosphere, my eyes could depict a figure.

“What is that?”  I mumbled.

“What are you looking at?”  Twilight asked.

I pointed straight up at the spot I was staring at.

“I don’t see nothin’.”  Applejack added.

I guess my vision is better than theirs.  I put on the guardian’s mask and activated its recon feature.  I targeted the object and zoomed in.

“Still not clear enough…Increase magnification…”  I could finally see the entity, no problem now.  It was a plummeting cyan blue figure with….a rainbow color mix…..”Oh shit!  It’s Dash!”

“What!?”  The group exclaimed.

“She’s not conscious…Shit!”  I kicked off and launched myself in Rainbow’s direction.  Dash did follow me to the upper layers of atmosphere, the more dangerous parts.  She probably passed out due lack of oxygen…Damn; I shouldn’t have pushed her that far.

I can’t use my powers to suddenly stop her; her terminal velocity and the opposing force of an abrupt spell would cause her to jerk and most likely hurt her; I’ll have to physically grab her.  I extended my hands and when I reached her…my grab missed by an inch.  Her wings are catching the wind currents; I should have expected much.

Quickly turning around, I dived towards my helpless friend.  I targeted a reticle on her while I glanced over at the rapidly decreasing altitude meter; 30,000ft and still dropping.  I went into a freefall state while I matched her fluttering movements as I continued to get closer.  Swaying to the left….Swaying to the right….Foot by foot…..Inch by inch.

Finally Rainbow was in range of my arm span.  I carefully wrapped my arms behind her and retracted the pegasus into my chest.  With Dash in my grasp, I sped off towards the ground and regrouped with the others.

I felt around the mare’s body; it feels like a block of ice.  I threw off my jacket and tightly covered Rainbow enough to give her room to breathe and to help regulate her core temperature.  I held Dash closer than a mother with her newborn baby would and rubbed as much of my heat against her as I could.

“Oh Celestia, is she going to be alright?”  Twilight asked with much concern.

Turning to the others; “We need to slowly warm her up now!”  I ordered.

“Fluttershy’s cottage isn’t too far from here; she may be able to help!”  Applejack yelled while sprinting off.

“Until then, these should suffice.”  Rarity hesitantly said while levitating some cloths out of her saddlebag.  I took them from the sea blue aura which the unicorn produced and wrapped Rainbow in them.  Come on, you’ve got to pull through Dash….I know you can….

I gently laid Rainbow on ground and slightly slipped opened up the chest region for her makeshift blanket.  Then I placed my left ear to her mouth and watched her breast.  Nothing.  Quickly jerking back, I felt around her body for a pulse.  Also nothing.

“She’s in stage three hypothermia….”  Oh fuck no!  I’m not going to let you die!

I tore my mask off my face and threw it aside.  I’m not sure if this will work, but hopefully it will.  I inhaled a large portion of air, heated with my abilities, brought my lips to Dash’s and I ejected the oxygen into her.  I did this twice before moving down to her blue chest.  My hands were a bit shaky as I tried to determine how to proceed with this part.  Eventually I decided to go with the center and started pushing down.  “One…Two…Three…Four…”  I counted in my head.  I continued with that till I reached fifteen chest compressions.  Still nothing.

Dash laid there motionless…limp…unresponsive.  Suddenly Aurelia flashed into my vision where Dash was.  It was just like looking at her dead body all over again.  My voice shuttered as I wanted to ignore the truth.

“NO!  DON’T YOU DARE DIE ON ME, RAINBOW!”  I screamed.  The others were taken aback by my comment, then they slowly stepped closer to me and the lifeless body, examining us.  Spike looked away in sorrow while the ponies’ ears dropped.  Tears started to pour down my flushed face.  I don’t want to you lose you too Rainbow; please wake up!  I’m begging you!  I continued performing CPR in hopes she would wake up.

With my last my last exhale, it was forced back into my lungs.  I pulled myself back and coughed it out as well.  My ears perked up on the sound of a weak, raspy coughing fit.  She’s…Rainbow’s alive!  I couldn’t control my emotional self; I threw myself forward and embraced Dash, not wanting to let her go.

“Mmm…mm…Thank you….Daddy….”  Rainbow muttered to me.

Daddy?

I leaned back and saw her barely opened brilliant rose eyes were focused on me before she shut them and rested.  Why did she call me Daddy?

“She should be fine now, but let’s get her to the hospital to be sure.”  I ordered.  I lifted Rainbow into a princess carry and proceeded towards Ponyville General Hospital.

I sat in the waiting room of the hospital, expecting to hear more news about Rainbow’s recovery soon.  The seats were made up of cushioned benches that ran along the boring beige wall.  On these walls were some motivational posters and quick health tips, probably placed in order to cheer up visitors.  There were two hallways with a circular reception desk acting as the dividing point.  The nurse currently working the desk and this area is a pure white earth pony with a light pink mane that she kept in tied up in a bun.  Her cutie mark is the same as Nurse Coldheart’s, except this mare’s cutie mark is a red medical cross instead of a white one.

During my time here, I spent it contemplating on what Dash said.  I think I’ve figured out the relationship Dash had with Leon.  Something happens; Rainbow ends up in a world with humans; she meets Leon; the two are with each other for such an extended period of time, that Dash considers him her father; and then Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia appear and take Rainbow Dash back to Equestria.  At least, that is what I guess happened.  In order to be sure, I’ll have to ask one of them.  I think I’ll ask Twilight.  I can’t ask the Princess because I don’t have any ground of understanding with her, so there is no way she’ll tell me.  I’m not sure if Dash will tell me, and even if she did, she’s still recovering and it might stress her out by talking about it.  So the only logical pony to ask would be Twilight.

The reason why I need to know the truth is because I feel like I’m being compared to Leon.

Probably sensing my apprehension, the nurse took a place on my right.

“Don’t worry about your friend; I’m positive she’ll be alright.”  She reassured in a relax voice so not to startle me.

“Hopefully….It’s my fault she’s here.  If I hadn’t challenged her pride the way I did, she would have never had to deal with such dangerous conditions and be put at risk.”

“You may say that, but Rainbow Dash is known for her tenacity.  Even if you didn’t challenge her, I’m sure she would have tried to accomplish her stunt of her own freewill.”

“Maybe…”  Maybe the nurse is right, but it still leaves the two pressing matters.

“Well you shouldn’t feel too distraught Inrei; with the cost of some bruising, you saved Rainbow Dash’s life.”  A familiar sounding, older male voice added.  It belonged to the colt that was my attending physician during my stay here.

“Doctor.”  The nurse addressed as she switched places with him.  “Just remember what I said; so don’t beat yourself up about it too much.”  She stated to me before leaving.

“How is she right now?”  I asked

“We currently have her hooked up to an oxygen tank and she is completely responsive.  Your other friends are already with her.”  He answered.

That’s good to hear and rids me of one of my concerns.  “So when will she be released?”

“Once the rest of her paperwork is finished; she can leave in an hour….By the way, what was it you did to save Rainbow’s life?”

“It’s called cardiopulmonary resuscitation; CPR for short.  Its purpose is to maintain blood circulation and respiration for those who are in dire need of it.  You perform it by given a certain number of chest compressions and one to two breaths into the patient.  I’ve never had to use this technique on a pony before, so I didn’t know how the outcome would have turned out.”  I can assume that Equestria doesn’t have this method, but some form of medical magic used to replace it.

“It turned out to be beneficial as you can tell.  You should go see her now; I think she may want to thank you for it.”

I nodded in agreement.  “I will.  Which room is she in?”

“The same room you were during your stay, so you should be able to find it.”  The doc replied.  I did easily remember where it was, considering how I was holed up in there for the beginning of my stay.

Here is where I’m currently situated; leaning against the wall, peeking into my former room, watching the five ponies chat with their lively recuperating friend.  Dash was of course in the center of the group as she remained sitting up in the hospital bed while wearing provided green patient’s gown and an oxygen mask.  The others stood around her bed, listening to the experience spoken by the cyan pegasus.

“I’ll go retrieve Inrei; he should be here for this.”  Twilight announced.  This was my chance for some answers of the Leon incident.  I waited for the unicorn to exit the area before confronting her.  “Oh Inrei, I was just about to look for you.”

“Twilight, could I ask you something in private?”  I quietly asked.  She was a bit confused, but she acceded.  Leading us to an enclosed corner, I began.  “Twilight, what was the Leon incident?”  Twilight was absolutely astonished and remained silent for a few seconds.

“So then Rainbow told you about Leon, I suppose.”  She finally started.

“Not entirely.  She only said his name to me once; the rest I’m taking from what I’ve been hearing.”

“Then why ask about it now?”

“Because at first I didn’t want to bring up any bad memories, but now I want some closure on this case.”  My voice slowly died down.  I’m not sure I should be doing this now.

“There were no bad memories from what I can tell.”  Sensing my concern on the matter, Twilight began.  “The incident happened some time ago.  I had concocted a spell for the weather team to use on some storm development, but the cell they created was too large.  So when I tried to dispel it, a bolt of lightning intertwined with my magic and engulfed Rainbow in the blast.  The results ended up transporting her to a different dimension.  So I and the others, along with Princess Celestia, traveled to this new world fifteen days later in hopes of retrieving Rainbow.  Upon arrival, we met up with the human who was housing her, but discovered something shocking.  When Rainbow arrived in his world, the magic had reverted her back to the age of a young filly with no memory of what had transpired.  So this human, Leon, adopted her as if she was his own.  So what ended up being fifteen days for us…Was fifteen years for those two.  Rainbow considered him to be her father as much as he considered her to be his daughter…..As painful as it was for the two; Leon accepted the truth and let us take Rainbow back home.  Even though we all knew it was the right thing to do….I felt so horrible having to do such a thing to them…..Having to separate a parent from his child…”

I sat there absorbing every last bit of it….Not knowing how to correctly respond.  It was just so much to take in…

“So then….Is it because that incident the reason why you’ve all been nice to me?”  Escaped my lips.

“No, that isn’t the reason why, but…But with Rainbow, she feels more connected with you.  It is because of the fact that you’re a human and you remind her of the time she spent with Leon.  I even think she may be comparing you two.”  Twilight carefully responded.

I knew it; she is comparing me to Leon.  I should take it as a complement for being compared to such a benevolent being, but I can’t.  It’s because I’m being juxtaposed with a person that Dash highly cares for, yet she may never seen again.  There is no way I can compete with that.  Especially with the things I’ve done.

“Inrei, remember when I asked you how you felt towards Rainbow?”  Twilight started up.  I nodded lazily.  “Well after we separated that day, I went and spoke with Rainbow.  I asked her how she felt about you.  She told me that she really likes you.  But I think because of her feelings towards her father, they are interfering with her true emotions for you.”  Twilight continued.

Her words…Twilight’s words…made me think on how I should approach Dash about our relationship….But I wasn’t able to say anything to her until she was released.

Rainbow lead the pack of ponies while I trailed behind.

“What’s on your mind?”  Dash asked while turning to me.

I have to let Rainbow know how I feel now.  “I can’t go on…”  I replied.

“What do you mean?”  She asked quizzically.

“Our relationship…I can’t go on like this, Dash.”  Everyone stopped and stared at me.

“Inrei, what do you mean?”  A sudden concern took over the cyan equine’s voice.

“I’m saying I can’t go on in our relationship knowing that we’re just comparing each other to someone we can’t have.  You’ve been comparing me to Leon and I in turn have been comparing you to someone I’ve lost.  I know full well if we continue to do that, we would only be hurting each other and ourselves in the end….Such a thing would only end in further disappointment and pain…We can’t replace the ones we love; it’s just not possible….This is why I can’t continue further in our relationship like this.”

“In-Inrei….”  Rainbow’s voice was slowly dying; her eyes were starting water; she looked like I just dumped her.

“But I’m not saying I’m going break up with you.”  I proceeded towards her until I stood in front of mare.  “Dash…I want you to be at my side and I want to be at yours as well.”  I knelt down, wrapped my arms around her, and embraced her as much as I could.  “What I’m saying is….I love you!”

“…Inrei.”  She gasped.

“I love you for who you are, not for the person you remind me.”

I don’t care if I was the first one to say it or admit it; what I did care for was letting Rainbow know how I feel for her.  I want her to know that I’m giving her my heart.  And I want to be with her.

Rainbow…I love you….