Those Who Need A Friend

Thump

Thump...

“Rainbow, Hey! RAINBOW!”

“Who? What, AHH.”

Crash.

Rainbow groaned as she made impact with ground. “What happened?” She groggily looked up into the amused eyes of Applejack.

“You okay there sugar cube?” Applejack asked, offering a hoof to help her up which Rainbow graciously took.

Rainbow looked around in confusion. It was nearly dark. “How long have I-”

“I don't know, I just found ya here.” Applejack giggled. “It's gonna be cold tonight, you might want to get on home before your wings freeze to your sides.”

“Yeah... Yeah I guess you're right... I'll see ya later Applejack.” However a hoof caught her shoulder just as she was about to turn away. Rainbow looked away when she saw Applejack studying her face.

“What happened to you?” She asked flatly.

“Nothing.” Rainbow replied quietly.

“Nothing? Don't lie to me.” Applejack growled.

“Just a little scuffle Applejack.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Do I need to go get Big Mac?” Applejack asked.

“No, no it's over.” Rainbow sighed. “I'm fine. I just want to go home and get to bed.” In truth she wasn't tired, she'd slept too long in the tree to be tired, plus the night was still young.

Applejack gave her a skeptical look but released her. “Be careful now Rainbow.” She warned. “I don't want to see any more of those bruises on ya.”

“Is it really that bad?” So far Twilight and Applejack had been the only ponies to notice, but then again they were the only two ponies she had talked to since.

“No, it's not bad. I barely saw it. I don't want to see it again though. Else me and Mac are gonna go look for a pony to blame.” She warned.

“Thanks Applejack, but I'm fine really. I can handle my self.” Rainbow smiled meekly.

“Now I know that Rainbow.” Applejack replied. “I'm just sayin I'm gonna help whether you like it or not next time some pony gets to puttin their hooves on ya.”

“You don't need to worry about that.”

“If ya say so Rainbow.” Applejack managed a smile. “You want to stay with us tonight anyway?”

“Oh no no, that's alright. I can be home in fifteen minutes. Nothings gonna happen in fifteen minutes.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “You're a little over protective.”

“Call it what ya like.” Applejack retorted. “I ain't gonna let anything happen to you or any of the mares though. I'll leave ya alone now. Have a safe flight.”

“You to, I mean... Well, have a good night.” Rainbow blushed with her mix up in words. Applejack didn't seem to notice. She can't have a safe flight. She won't be flying. Duhh. Rainbow laughed at herself and began to trot away.

She got a running start before taking off into the cold evening. Really cold once you could feel the wind through flight. She shivered but sped up anyway. Sooner she was home the sooner she could get warm.

Within minutes she arrived at the gates and landed just inside. She was going to try and catch Pinkie before she closed up shop so she could ask her what had happened with Sane. She'd made this decision without a second thought but now found herself wondering why she even cared. Why didn't really matter at the moment. All she knew was that she did care and asking wouldn't hurt much.

She was only a few blocks away when something hit her on the side of the head, causing her to stumble and yelp. She shook her head and crouched out of instinct, looking for what had hit her.

Not what but who.

A short earth stallion with dark gray fur stood just a few feet away from her with a smug expression on his muzzle.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” She growled, advancing on him. Rainbow was bewildered and enraged when she saw him turn tail and run. “Big fucking mistake.” She growled to herself. He wouldn't get too far away before she caught him, even on hoof.

His laughter only fueled her rage as she chased him down one road, then another. A couple of ponies still out and about stopped to stare but nothing more. Rainbow ignored them in favor of keeping her target in sight. She was gaining on him, but much too slow. If she flew she'd risk losing him if he ducked under a cart or into a dark alley.

Which is exactly where he turned next. Without thinking twice she followed him, got half way down the alley, and could see him no more. “Where are you, you stu-” she cried out when something crashed down on her back, sending her to the ground.

“Shut her up!” Somepony exclaimed in a hushed tone.

All of a sudden there were three of them, and one smashed her muzzle in the dirt, holding her still. Her eyes watered and she tried to back away but one of them had her pinned to the ground by a wing. Rainbow thrashed wildly, but was no match for the three ponies. When struggling seemed a waste she abandoned her efforts in favor of identifying her attackers. Her heart sank, the large brown stallion from earlier today was standing off to one side, eying her.

She went to yell but couldn't open her muzzle and the sound came out as nothing more than loud frustrated mumbling.

“I bet you didn't expect to see me so soon did ya sweety?” The stallion laughed.

“Mmuck yu” She growled through her clenched jaw.

“Aww, don't be that way.” He replied with false hurt. Then he looked over to his friend who still had her muzzle. “Let her go. If she screams, break her muzzle.”

Rainbow's heart began to race. The pressure from her muzzle let up but the pony behind her, probably the one she'd chased still held her down by one of her sensitive wings. If she struggled he might break it. “What do you want!?” She did her best to sound confident, but choked on the words.

“Me? I'm just taking some advice.” He closed the distance between them and glared at her with an unreasonable hate.

He got too close. Rainbow spit in his face and growled. A swift crack of her muzzle punished the behavior. The colors didn't even leave her eyes before she was hit again. She hit the ground hard and squealed. The noise was cut short when something pinned her by the throat.

When she could see again the stallion was standing over her, with his two friends sitting off to the side with amusement. Her chest heaved with each breath she managed with what little room her windpipe maintained. What was worse was the stallion was smiling. “P-please,” she choked. She was suddenly deftly afraid she wouldn't make it out of this with just a beating. The sick fuck laughed down at her.

“Please what? Now you're begging? Fucking pathetic. Fucking pegasi, think you own the place. You all talk like you do too, up until you realize you're in trouble. Shoulda just went and got my drink you stupid bitch.” His smile faded into a scowl.

Is He Serious!? The Drink? Her mind raced for a solution. She couldn't scream, could barely breath. The light from the sun had all but went out and she couldn't see anypony else in the alley. “Look, I-I'm sorry, p-p-ple-”

“Shut Up!” He shouted, then looked down the alley nervously. Too loud, but nopony had heard him besides his friends. His smile returned when he glared back down at her. She whimpered and this pleased him. “What was it you told me to do? Get laid? I just might.”

Her eyes grew wide with the realization. “N-no let me go! Don't fucki-” The hoof pressed further into her throat, causing her to cough and sputter.

“If you play nice, I might let you live after I am done with you... After I cut out your tongue of course. Can't have you telling stories now can we?” His sick twisted grin widened as he gazed down her body. “I'll give you pegasi mares one thing. You know how to maintain a figure.” The stallion looked over his shoulder. “Get her hooves.” He barked.

No! No he isn't serious. No. She willed herself to wake up from a nightmare she wasn't in. With nothing to lose she swung up at him, connecting with the end of his muzzle and again in his eye. He didn't back down however, just growled shook his head and put even more pressure on her throat. Before she could strike him again the two remaining stallion each took a forehoof and forced it to the ground.

Rainbow kicked and bucked in vain to escape. They were all just too big. Earth ponies, and stallions at that. She was just the opposite. A small mare pegasi. She would have trouble with one, much less take all three.

She wasn't sure where the tears came from, the lack of oxygen, the pain, the helplessness. She just knew she was sobbing at this point. She closed her eyes and turned her head as far as the hoof on her throat would allow, she couldn't watch this. Rainbow whimpered as she felt the hoof that pinned her throat gently begin to slide down her body. She didn't dare scream now. They'd kill her.

However a loud crack shook her back to reality. Several shouts followed afterward and all pressure was released from her. Without missing a beat she jumped up and looked around frantically. A tan furred Pegasus was grappling with one of the stallion while the pony that had been atop her lay unconscious just a few feet away. Unfortunately there was still another.

Sane growled and ducked a swing from the big clumsy pony and struck him twice, then drove his shoulder into his chest, knocking him back. Something crashed into his side, sending him to the dirt a moment later with a cry. He couldn't stay down though, and quickly jumped back up in just enough time to sidestep a follow up attack. By this time however the other had recovered and clipped the side of his head.

Sane didn't go down, but instead returned the favor. However he was still slightly smaller than the smaller of the two and suddenly wished he'd had his armor and weapon. He spread his wings and tried to take flight to gain an aerial advantage but something took hold of his left wing as it spread. With it he was tossed into the wall of the alley.

His vision blinked for a moment and the ground started to spin. As he stood he stumbled and fell right after. His breathing was labored and the only sound he could really hear was the heaving from himself. He was surprised he had enough time to get shakily back to his hooves and for his vision to clear. Then he saw why.

Rainbow had jumped the pony who had hit him, and was beating him with reckless abandon as she screamed in rage. Her efforts were made vain however when the other took her by her mane and tossed her into the wall as well.

Sane went to defend himself again but was cut short by the sounds of more shouts from down the alley. He'd never been so glad to see his fellow guards.

“Get On The Ground!” A voice shouted, and even more rapid beating hoofsteps echoed throughout the alley. The two stallion suddenly looked very afraid and took off in the opposite direction. Four armored ponies ran past Sane, giving chase. Two more pinned the third stallion who was just now coming to, muttering something incoherently. A last guard stepped in front of Sane. It was Rusty.

“Sane? What happened here colt?” He asked with a calm you only gained with experience.

Sane sat and took his time to catch his breath, clear his head and calm himself before speaking. Rusty waited patiently. Once Sane thought he had a pretty good grasp of himself he started. “I-I was flying when I heard a commotion down here. I was only curious at first but when I landed atop this building,” He pointed to the building across from him. “Saw him atop of her, while the other two held her down, so I jumped down to defend her. That's all I know.” Sane finished, and looked uneasy when Rusty smiled.

“Ahh youth, reckless but effective. You should have waited for reinforcements. Though I believe she is glad you didn't, and I'm sure you wouldn't have either way. Are you hurt?”

“No sir, just shaken I think.” Sane replied a little calmer.

“Well,” Rusty spat. “You ain't bleedin. Nothing look broke. What about you?” Rusty turned to Rainbow who had set herself up and was trying to wipe the left over tears from her eyes.

“I'm fine.” She replied with an overcompensated confidence. The guard didn't seem to notice.

“Sane, get out of here. We'll take care of this. Take a couple of days off too. Somepony will cover down for you.” Rusty stated.

“But si-”

“I said git dammit.” Rusty barked.

“Yes sir.” Sane replied and turned away, but looked back to Rainbow. “Come on.”

Rainbow's only response was to trot quickly up beside him as they left the alley. She didn't know what to think about the gesture but was all too relieved. Then again she didn't know what to think at all at the moment. She was still shaking from the experience and had trouble controlling her thoughts.

Sane led her to his place through the most direct route. If anypony paid Rainbow even a second glance they would know something was wrong and he knew she didn't need the publicity with her reputation and all. He could care less what they thought of him when they saw him, he didn't talk to most of them anyway. At the moment nothing mattered but getting Rainbow to safety.

Though his mind did contemplate the events that had unfolded in mere minutes. Behavior like that? In Ponyville? He shook his head with grief. He hadn't witnessed anything like that before, it unsettled him. There were petty thieves, juvenile delinquents, a few fights here and there but Rape? At least... That's what it looked like to him. He hoped it was just a fluke.

Then a thought ran through his mind that made him feel better. Barbaric as it may be, maybe Rusty wold make an example of them. He didn't ask for details... How much had he seen? Wait! He never even asked to talk to Rainbow. The realization hit him. He wasn't following protocol. Rusty was too experienced to have made such a stupid mistake. Which meant... That was intentional.

What did he mean when he said they would take care of it? The possibilities brought an unexpected smile to his muzzle as he trotted quickly along, if only for a moment.

Sympathy for the Rainbow maned mare brought him back to reality.

He was just glad he'd gotten there in time. Luck? He wondered. Seemed a little farfetched but their wasn't much of an explanation that wouldn't involve some pathetic hero's fantasy, nor did he want one to play out. If he had his way with it this wouldn't get out to anypony who didn't absolutely need to know, and those who already knew.

Rusty would keep the other guards quiet, and he didn't think Rainbow would advertise it. At worst she'd console in her friends, which he figured she had every right to do as soon as he knew for sure she was alright.

Then again... He needed to make sure he himself was okay... He felt sick... If he hadn't turned her away earlier that day... She wouldn't have been there... Or he would have been with her from the start. Is this my fault? Did I let my stupid fucking head do this? Always so scared of what others thought... Now look... Over a petty secret... He didn't let it show, he was good at hiding his emotions, but this one threatened to break the dam.

Along the way Rainbow's mind began to clear, and her breathing regulated. She started to put things into perspective. It certainly scared her, that anypony would do anything like that in Ponyville. The fact that that stallion may have done something like that before made her sick to her stomach. The only thing that comforted her was the fact that she'd been able to rely on the guards to save her before things got too far.

No... Not the guards... Sane. She should have felt good about it, but she didn't. Guilt encompassed her mind, relieving her of the fear but replacing it with a burdening sadness. She'd acted like a filly before. First, not being able to control her mouth and second with invading his privacy, even after he had explained to her his mental condition. She shook her head to clear the thoughts. She decided she would talk to him once they got to his room. She had to thank him.

“Come on.”

Sane's voice broke her from her thoughts. They were standing in front of his house, with Sane holding the front door open for her. She trotted by him, avoiding eye contact with the disgruntled stallion. She turned when she heard the door close. “S-Sane-”

“Rainbow please... Not now.” His tone was soft, and his look apologetic as he trotted by her into his room. He hadn't shut the door, and Rainbow didn't want to be alone, so she followed him in. She was relieved when he made no move to protest. She watched him sit in his chair, and roll over to his bed where his laptop sat, which he opened.

Music began to play, soft electronic music. Then Sane began to shudder, and he couldn't hold it. He burst into tears, pushing the computer away and letting his head fall to the bed. “Rainbow... I'm sorry... It's my fault!” He choked through his sobs.

Rainbow rushed to his side, not knowing what else to do she sat on the floor beside him. “What? No, no it's not. You saved me.” This was not what she had expected.

“No!” Sane lifted his head and looked to her. “No, it's my fault. I chose to console in you, then I got mad at some petty shit, then turned you away. If I hadn't done any of those things this would have never had happened. You wouldn't be hurt.” This was the only way he could rationalize it... As his own fault.

“S-sane listen to me!” Her voice came out much more forceful than intended, but it got the job done. Rainbow continued when she was convinced he was paying attention. “You couldn't have known that would happen. I made you talk to me in those woods dammit. I wouldn't leave when you told me. You saved me. Period!” She stood up and stamped her hoof to emphasize her already forceful tone.

Sane just stared at her for a moment... He didn't know what to say. “B-but-” Quicker than he could see a stinging pain shot across his cheek as Rainbow's hoof crossed it.

Rainbow was near tears herself as she lowered her forehoof. “N-no Sane. That's enough.” She stammered. “Please... I don't need you to blame yourself. I need you to... to... I don't know.” She looked down to the floor in frustration. She didn't even know what she was feeling, but it didn't mix well with the cocktail of emotions from the night. Something soft brushed against her cheek, Sane's hoof. She looked up, Sane was out of his seat and meeting her eyes with his own.

“I'm sorry.” He whispered. “Not for earlier.” He added quickly. He didn't want her to misconstrue his meaning. “For now... I should be helping you... You're the one that's hurt.” He took a moment to notice the fresh marks, barely visible through her fur but there nonetheless. “You shouldn't be worrying about me right now... You did that already, proved I had a friend in those woods... Now it's my turn.” What scared him the most was how easily the words seemed to flow... There was no doubt now.

That did it... Rainbow broke and fell into his forelegs sobbing. Sane sat down on the floor to better support her weight. Rainbow wrapped her own forelegs around him and cried into the fur on his shoulder for an undetermined amount of time.

For once Sane felt he did something right, and the feeling warmed him as he held her. He felt foolish for even thinking about himself during all this. All he wanted now was for Rainbow to be okay. She had barely known him when she had met him a few days ago, but had been the only pony to ever make a solid attempt to help him... No... Not an attempt.

Slowly Rainbow began to come back to her senses. She pulled away from him and sniffled a bit as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Sorry... I just... Yeah, that wasn't cool...” and looked away. She earned a quiet chuckle from the stallion which made her smile a bit herself.

“Are you alright though, he didn't-”

“No... No he didn't.” Rainbow cut him off, and was glad to see him sigh with relief. “You got there before anything got too bad...”

“You're not too worked up though... Right? I mean that can be terrifying...”

“I was scared, was. I'm fine though. I've been scared before, especially crashing during my stunts. This was nothing,” she tried to convince him, or maybe herself.

Sane nodded his head to himself in approval. Good. “You're sure?”

“Sane.”

“Right... sorry.” He looked away, blushing.

Rainbow smiled at him. Then she shook her head. What is wrong with you? She scolded herself. Why are you acting like a filly? Geez, how will I ever get my reputation back... Then it hit her. Reputation? Seriously... All of this and I'm worried about what ponies will think of me, but that sounds like...

She looked back up at Sane who had scuffled away in favor of messing with his laptop after embarrassing himself.  He's like me... Okay maybe not exactly like me but... Still...  That's why I am so stuck with wanting to help him. If he can get over his fear of another pony's opinions despite his problems, then so can I...

She felt awkward, but warmer with coming to this conclusion, yet also very vulnerable. Though she wasn't scared of this vulnerability. In her mind Sane was safe. He'd proven that he would put his life on the line for her.

No... He'd have done that for anypony I'm sure, but... He's still a good pony. Rainbow thought to herself.

For a moment she was content with wondering about this while watching him mess with his computer, with a coy look across his muzzle.

The music was still playing...