A Hero Of War (UNEDITED)

by DontWakeTheNeighbour

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Adventure, Human, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Rainbow Dash, Sad
Length: 60492

Rainbow Dash finds herself on the frontline in one of the most fearsome battles in existance.

The element of loyalty is put to the ultimate test as she finds herself stranded in a foreign world with no idea where she is, how she got there or how she can even get back. When she is rescued by a small group of battle hardened soldiers on a secret search and rescue mission, she has no choice but to go with them if she wants to stay alive.

Soon she realises the seriousness of her situation as she finds herself on the front line on one of the worlds most fearsome battles.

WARNING: Contains strong language and graphic injury detiail.

Published 2012-04-28 23:24:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-10-30 18:32:12 UTC

Horror

The captain recoiled in shock, as did the soldiers behind him. The strange cyan creature just spoke, her voice sounded so dry and so frail. The silence seemed to last forever until the captain was first to speak.

"Jesus Christ."

Rainbow Dash was unable to repeat her sentence, her mouth opened but words didn't follow. She tried one last time before she resorted to a gentle nod. The captain then turned to his team, stood behind him with dumbfound looks on their faces.

"Andy. .... Get the water. Bishop, see if you can get these chains off."

The shortest soldier in the group ran across, taking his backpack off before pulling a small bottle out of it. The second soldier was close behind, walking next to Rainbow Dash before taking a closer look at the chains. Andy then gave the bottle to the captain, Rainbow watching the metal container as it being opened in front of her.

The captain held the bottle in front of the Pegasus before tilting it whilst pressed against her lips. Rainbow didn't think, her instincts took over as she quickly gulped the ice cool water down as fast as she could, like a baby lamb being given a bottle of milk. Tears of relief now flowed down her face as the refreshing fluid pooled down her neck, gently massaging the dry cracks in her throat. The sergeant looking at the chains then pulled out his machete. Rainbow heard the blade as it was pulled out of it's sheath and jumped away, just as Dixon sprinted through the door with a look of panic on his face.

"SIR!! WE GOT COMPANY!! .... What the fuck?! What is that?!"

"Where Dixon?!"

"U-uh. North! NORTH!!"

The captain immediately jumped to his feet, looking out the window, where he saw a convoy of trucks in the distance. His heart race as the oncoming platoon drove closer and closer to them.

"Aw, shit! .... MOVE!!"

Whilst Rainbow Dash was stricken with fear, the sergeant holding the blade used one firm swing to break the chains binding her to the wall. Before she had time to flinch, bullets began to shower the room around her. The captain then returned fire before running to the exit, waiting for his men to follow. Sgt Bishop then turned to Rainbow who was covering her head with her hooves.

"Can you move?!"

"W-wha-"

"CAN YOU MOVE?!!"

"Y-yes! I think so!"

"Then stay behind me! Don't fall behind! Got it?!"

"Got it!"

Despite the fact that seconds ago she could barely stand, the sudden urge of adrenalin gave Rainbow the strength she needed to keep up with the sergeant. As soon as they regrouped with the team the captain sprinted out into the open, shooting at the enemy as they returned fire. Rainbow Dash's eyes strained in the burning light as she continued to run, bullets flying past, some as close as a few centimeters away as wisps of hot air surrounded her. Barely able to see who or what was in front of her, Rainbow Dash did everything she could to keep up on the sandy surface.

The soldiers then dove for cover just before Rainbow Dash followed. As her eyes once again adjusted to the light in the shadows, she could see that she was on a large beach and the enemy soldiers were coming from the south, still firing their weapons as they were only a few hundred yards away. Rainbow looked around her surroundings to see that she was in an abandoned trench surrounded by old collapsed buildings whi-

"GET DOWN!!"

Rainbow was pulled down just as an explosion shook the ground, filling the air with dirt and debris. She was on her back, staring into the sky as the dull ringing in her ears got louder and louder. Suddenly the captain was looking down at her, shouting in her face as she was picked up off the ground by sgt Dixon. As she was carried across the battlefield, numb, disoriented, her hearing slowly started to come back as the captain shouted at his team.

"-nd we can't afford any mistakes!! We need to call in an evac as soon as we can!!"

"But sir!!" Andy yelled, his voice no louder then a faint whisper compared the destruction which surrounded them. "They're just gonna follow us back!!"

The captain paused, trying to think of a solution as opened fire on the enemy once again. Rainbow, still disoriented watched as the shells from the gun appeared to move in slow motion as they fell to the ground. The soldiers then dove into a pit, taking cover as Dixon placed Rainbow on the ground. The captain then quickly reloaded his weapon, bullets showering the air as he turned to sgt Dixon.

"Alright!! You get to the top of that small cliff as we cover you. Bishop you do the same in those trees over there. When you get to your positions, take out as many foot soldiers as you can. Use you're shotgun to scatter them and fire you're pistol to take them out one at a time. Hopefully they'll think there is a shitstorm waiting for them, and then they'll pull back. Giving us enough time to run into the trees. .... You got it?!"

"Yes sir!!"

"GO!!"

Sgt Dixon and Bishop both ran out of cover as the remaining three soldiers aimed and fired. Rainbow watched, lying on the floor as SST Bishop sprinted across the beach towards the trees. They continued to fire at the opposing enemy's as they took cover in the trenches. Bishop was first to make it to the Forrest, Dixon only seconds behind.

"RELOADING!!"

The captain ducked into the sandy pit, his hands shaking as he grabbed another clip. As he pushed the magazine into his weapon he caught a glimpse of the cyan creature in front of him, those large magenta eyes staring at him once again as if they were looking deep into his soul.

A stray bullet then scratched his cheek, making him wince in pain before he stood up to fire, letting out a primeval roar as he fired his gun.

Both Dixon and Bishop were now in position, looking at the enemy down their sights as they both fired upon the enemy. Soon the opposing soldiers did just as the captain predicted, they began to break formation, looking for cover as Dixon and Bishop both began to pick them off one by one.

Meanwhile Rainbow Dash, overwhelmed and still confused began to crawl up the walls of the sand pit, fear driving her body to push her weight towards the top. When she finally made it to the top before resting her head on the ground, her senses cleared, her eyes widened as the reality of what was happening around her finally sunk in.

She watched as enemy soldiers screamed in fear and pain before they were shot down one at a time. Her mind raced as she saw bullets rip through flesh, shrapnel tearing through their bodes as blood sprayed across the battlefield. Rainbow Dash watched as the captain continued to fire upon the soldiers, showing not a hint of mercy. She covered her eyes in horror but soon looked at her hooves. The blood now staining her coat had painted her body in a dark crimson tone. She began to shake as the stench filled her nose, reaching her senses.

She recoiled, falling down the steep hill before landing on the wet sand below, getting the wind knocked out of her. She dragged herself along the ground, gasping for air, those gruesome images of those men being slaughtered in front of her eyes. She pulled herself towards a large puddle before staring into it's reflection. It was the first time she had seen herself in this strange world.

Her face was almost completely covered in blood, she looked at herself before she started to scream hysterically, stamping on her reflection and using the dirty water to try and wash the gory stains off her face. She scrubbed furiously, her cheeks burning as she could feel herself getting weaker and weaker.

She collapsed onto the ground shaking, feeling physically sick as all of what she had just seen, everything that she had just witnessed, proved all too much for her to mind cope. She found herself slipping away, her tearful eyes slowly closed as she finally let herself drift into a deep and dark sleep.

Reality

Her eyes fluttered open, the same dull ringing in her ears from before clouded her senses. She felt cold, her head was burning and her hooves couldn't stop shaking. As her surroundings got clearer she could see that it was dark, she was surrounded by trees and the sound of rain which was soothing to her ears. Just then she saw a small fire in the corner of her eye. She turned to look. All five soldiers were there, talking amongst themselves as she looked into the small blaze in front of her and then her memories came rushing back into her mind.

The explosions, the screams of terror and the blood, all the gore splattered onto the ground, painting the once soft sand in a thick coat of red. She quickly looked at her hooves, they were not covered in blood like they were before but there were still dark red splats of the red fluid that stained her fur. She started to sob into her hooves as she realized that this was definitely no dream. She was in a world surrounded by war and she has already watched countless people get slaughtered in front of her eyes. Nothing could have prepared her for such a horrific ordeal.

Just then, the captain saw the cyan filly moving, he stood up holding an apple in his right hand before walking over to the quivering Pegasus. The other soldiers stopped to watch as the captain placed his hand on Rainbow Dash's shoulder.

"Hey, how y-"

He didn't finish his sentence, Rainbow Dash screamed in anguish before smacking his hand away. Her mind was a wash of anger and fear, she jumped onto her hooves her chest heaving as she gasped for air.

"Get away from me!! .... You monster!! YOU MONSTER!!"

Before the captain could react, the devastated Pegasus ran away into the dark woods before the captain chased after her. She ran almost blind as the rain and her tears blurring her vision. The captain was surprised by the agility of the creature as it weaved between the trees and jumping over large rocks.

"Stop!! .... STOP!!"

Rainbow Dash ignored his commands and continued to run, soon she could hear the captain was right behind her. She flapped her wings in a desperate attempt to fly away but she couldn't summon the strength to hoist her weight into the air. She was then tackled to the ground, she flailed widely as she was held down, trying to push the captain off her. She began to use her legs to firmly buck the captain in the stomach. She continued to struggle on the muddy ground as the rain soaked her fur, matting her mane to her forehead.

"Let go!! Let me go!!"

Rage slowly turned into sorrow as she firmly kicked the captain in the stomach one last time before she slumped onto the floor. Rainbow looked into the captains eyes as he held her down before Dixon and the rest of the team soon found them in the muddy pit.

"Sir! .... Are you okay?! Is everything alright?!"

"What does it look like?!"

Rainbow looked over the captains shoulder to see Andy running towards them carrying a large blanket. As he knelt beside them the captain let go of the Pegasus arms and walked off, clearly angered as he pushed his team away as he walked past. Andy stood over Rainbow before wrapping the warm blanket around her.

"Come on. .... Let's get you back to camp."

Rainbow Dash didn't respond, she just stared blankly as she was scooped up off the floor and carried out of the dark pit. Andy felt concerned for her as she felt limp in his arms. They walked back into the dark forrest as they made their way back to the fire, Andy could feel the small Pegasus shivering in the thick blanket as he jogged back to the camp.

Later that night back at the camp four of the men were sat eating their food as the captain was trying to get a signal to call for help.

The soldiers quietly ate their food as they looked at the blue Pegasus in front of them, glaring into their eyes, sat next to the fire still shivering from the cool breeze that surrounded the camp. Andy was the first to speak, leaning forward holding a piece of chopped up apple.

"Y-you want some?"

He threw the piece of fruit in front of her, she gave it a quick glance before she stubbornly kicked it away. The men looked at eachother, unsure of what to do next. Bishop was next to speak.

"Uh. We never got a chance to introduce ourselves." He said nudging the soldier to his right with his elbow.

"Uh. Ahem. I'm sergeant D, Cole. .... Uh. D is for Daniel. But you can me Spoony. Heh. It's because I'm the cook."

Rainbow Dash continued to stare bitterly as Cole looked over at his team mates, hinting the soldier next to him to speak next.

"I-I'm sergeant L, Bishop. I'm a weapons specialist from Philadelphia. .... Do you know where Philadelphia is? ...... Okay. This is private Andy, Clarkson."

"Hey."

"He's a translator. He can speak three different languages, French, German and Russian. He helps us with communications. .... Dixon? .... Dixon?"

Dixon leaned forward wiping his weapon with a bloody cloth, he looked at the cyan Pegasus with a stern look on his face. He noticed Rainbow Dash staring at the blood stained rag his hand. He stood up, looking into her eyes and without warning he threw to her feet, making the mare yelp before diving into a bush.

"What the fuck man?!!" Bishop yelled before standing up to Dixon. "Why did you do that?!! That's not funny?!!"

"Heh. Sorry. I thought it was funny. Wanna try it?"

"Fuck you!!"

"HEY!!" The captains voice yelled from a distance. "Knock it off!! Both of you, I don't want to hear you two bitching all night!!"

Dixon smirked before Bishop shoved Dixon to one side, running to the bush where Rainbow Dash was hiding. Bishop parted the leaves to see the blue pony covering her eyes.

"Hey. .... It's okay. .... Nothings gonna hurt you."

Rainbow Dash peeked through her hooves, her pupils were pin pricks as she looked at Bishop. He reached into the bush putting his hand in front of her, Rainbow glanced at his hand before reaching out. Bishop grabbed the hoof before pulling Rainbow Dash out of the bush, she walked past the sergeant still not breaking the silence as she walked towards the fire..

She tilted her head to look at Dixon who then smirked at he, Rainbow Dash quickly looked back at the burning timber before grabbing the blanket with her teeth, pulling it towards the fire. She wrapped it around herself before facing away from the soldiers, looking into the woods.

Bishop scowled at Dixon before slowly walking to the Pegasus, he could hear her quietly crying to herself. He sat next to her looking into the woods, he turned and grabbed the piece of apple from before, dusting most of the dirt off before holding it next to her.

"I'm sorry about that. Dixon can be a real asshole sometimes. .... Here. .... Come on. You gotta eat something."

Rainbow Dash looked at the piece of apple before grabbing it with her teeth, she slowly started chewing on the fruit, the taste was pretty plain compared to how the apples tasted back in Equestria but she savored the flavour as it was the only thing that reminded her of home. When she was finished eating the she continued to look into the darkness in front of her. Bishop stayed silent, trying not to pressure the pony into saying something.

"What happened?" Rainbow faintly said.

Bishop took a deep breath, thinking of what to say, still astonished by the fact that he was talking to what was basically a small horse.

"War. .... People fighting for power."

"But why? .... How did it all start?"

".... *Sigh* .... I don't even know anymore. .... I was just a carpenter when this all started. One day I wake up, people are running out of their houses, packing their things. People screaming, hiding in shelters. I took me three days to find out what was going on. By the time I found a place to stay, that was when the bombs started dropping."

"What happened?"

"I don't know. .... First the shelters were blown up, then all the homes were destroyed. Everyone was panicking, stealing food, water anything that wasn't theirs, they took. When I got to Ohio I saw these posters, saying that they needed soldiers to go to war. I didn't know what what to do. I went to the nearest recruitment office, signed some papers and before I knew it I was fighting for my country against the Japanese. I'm only with these guys because my platoon was wiped out, I was the only one left alive. .... Lucky me eh?"

Rainbow Dash looked out into the sky, looking at the moon, surrounded by thousands upon thousands of stars, she felt empty as she couldn't help but see those gory images. She shuddered before adjusting the blanket wrapped around her body.

"Things were so different back at Equestria."

"Equestria? .... Is that your home?"

"It's another world."

".... You mean you not from this planet?"

"No. My home is somewhere out there in the stars."

"I'm sorry but I find that hard to believe. .... Then again after seeing talking horse nothing can surprise me now."

"I'm not a horse! I'm a pony! I'm a Pegasus!"

"Eh! Sorry, I didn't know. .... So. .... What is this planet of yours like?"

"Beautiful. ..... Colorful ..... A place of magic, a place of peace and harmony. There's never been a war for hundreds of years."

"Hmm. .... Sounds like my kinda place."

"I should be there. .... I don't belong here! .... I gotta get back. But I don't know how I got here!"

Bishop placed his hand on Rainbows soldier, making her flinch, she then laid on the ground as Bishop rested his hand on her back, gently stroking her fur as he looked at the stars.

"I've never really thought about whether there were other worlds out there. But if what your saying is true, then I'm sure if you managed to find away here, then your friends will find a way to take you back. .... Damn. All this is making my head spin. You wanna go talk with the others?"

"I-I dont know."

"Hey, dont worry about Dixon. He's just a dick who we have the displeasure of working with. He's alright once you get to know him. .... Come on."

"........ O-okay."

Departure

-sh pollen entering her nose as she tensed her wings and:

*WHOOSH*

Inches from crashing into the ground Rainbow Dash pulled out of the deadly nosedive. She leveled out, the tall grass tickling her belly as she looked around for something to do. In the horizon, the clouds parted revealing a large mountain in the distance. It was strange, Dash had seen it many times before but never thought much of it.

Today was different thought, whether it was because she was bored or it was the adrenaline rush that cleared her mind. Curious and with nothing to do, she slowly started to make her way towards it, aiming for the summit. She took her time, she knew it was a long way away, at least 12 miles, so she relaxed, taking in the sights a she made her way towards the large mountain.

She looked down, she was above the clouds flying over sweet apple acres, Rainbow Dash she could see AppleJack below, bucking trees one after the other. The earthpony then caught a glimpse of the cyan Pegasus flying above her.

"Howdy!" Applejack shouted.

Rainbow didn't hear what the earth pony said, so she just returned a wave before flying off into the distance. She continued to look down at the ground before her head hit something. The impact was soft and seemed to bounce away from her, Rainbow Dash looked up before her eyes widened at the sight of Pinkie Pie in front of her.

"EEK!" Pinkie squeaked floating away into the distance.

Rainbow Dash quickly flew to her friend before holding her steady. The Pegasus looked up to see Pinkie with a forest of balloons above her.

"Pinkie? What are you doing?!"

"I just wanted to say goodbye before you went."

"Uh. .... Why?" Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow.

"My right ear was flopping. That means I have to say goodbye to somepony. But Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity were at their houses so then I thought. 'How can I say goodbye to myself?' But then I saw you flying away from Ponyville, so I grabbed as many balloons as I could and, well here I am. .... Goodbye Dashie!"

The Pegasus rolled her eyes, she patted her friend on her mane before pushing her back towards Ponyville. Pinkie used her legs to face Dash as she flew backwards away from the Pegasus.

"Thanks Pinkie! But I'm only going to that mountain, I'll be back soon!"

"Okay bye! Whoa!" The pink pony said, flailing her legs to keep herself steady.

Rainbow Dash turned back to her task and with another firm thrash of her wings she set off again, this time faster then before. She focused on her path, carefully looking for faster routes around the clouds. She thought it would be easier to just fly above the clouds and fly the rest of the way. But where's the fun in that?

As the mountain got closer Rainbow Dash noticed a small light glisten, not too bright but just enough to get her attention. She adjusted her course and took a deep breath as she slowly made her way towards her destination. She breathed in the crisp morning air as she glided through the clouds, feeling the air caressing her blue coat as the sun bathed her in a warm glow. She closed her eyes as a smile grew across her face.

"This is the life." She said to herself as she floated through th-

"Hello?"

**********

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes to see sergeant Bishop standing over her, she groaned as she was pulled away from her dream. She sat up and rubbed her eyes looking around her to see the platoon packing theirs bags and checking their weapons.

"Wh-what's going on?" She coughed, standing up and flapping her wings.

"We've gotta move, the boss said he's found a way for us to get back to base."

Rainbow Dash crouched, flexing her legs and forehooves, her joints clicked and popped with every firm stretch before she stood up and looked at the sergeant through her ruined mane. She brushed it to one side before turning her head to look at the soldiers, she noticed that they weren't their usual, cheerful selves.

"What's wrong?" Rainbow asked, her ears pressing flat against her head. Bishop sighed before kneeling down, almost matching her height.

"We've just been informed that we can't get an extraction from here. We need to go to a nearby town and get picked up from there."

"I-Isn't that a good thing?"

"We have to go through a red zone to get there?"

"R-red zone? .... That's dangerous isn't it?"

Bishop stood up and looked around him before looking down at Rainbow with dismay in his eyes. Her heart sank as she could predict this was not going to be good news.

"You should get ready. We'll be moving in 10 minutes."

The sergeant walked off to his team before Rainbow made her way towards the smoldering ash of the fire she was stood next to last night. She followed the smoke as it made it's way up into the air. But the Rainbow saw past the smoke and found herself looking down the barrel of a gun. Instantly she was paralyzed with fear as she started to shake uncontrollably.

"DIXON!! THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!!"

Rainbow Dash watched as the weapon was ripped from her vision, she backed away from the smoke to see the captain holding Dixon by the scruff of the neck. Dixon forced his superior off of him before brushing himself off.

"Just what do you think your playing at?!!" The captain yelled, just inches in front of the unruly soldier.

"I'm demonstrating how easily I can see this thing! Look! She'll blow our cover if we go into Norden! I'm getting a migraine just looking at it."

Rainbow's fear turned into rage as she stomped her hoof firmly into the ground, gnashing her teeth.

"IT?!! .... It, has a name, jerk!!"

Dixon didn't react, he looked at his team, almost as if he was preaching to them.

"That thing, is going to expose us and from where I'm standing we're hardly blending in as it is. We don't need this bitch, so why the fuck are we protecting it?!"

Bishop stood walked past the captain to Dixon, squaring up to him.

"Are you fucking retarded?! It's not that we don't need her. She needs us you selfish prick!! And it's a soldiers duty to protect the innocent!!"

"You're talking as if she's human! She has wings, why doesn't she just fly away huh?!"

"WHERE WOULD I GO!!" Rainbow wailed, instantly silencing the stand off. The two soldiers didn't break eye contact as Rainbow Dash began to break down in tears once again.

"Where would I go?! I can't go home! I don't even know where the hay I am!! I'm staying with you because your the only guys I know who haven't tried to kill me!! .... I don't want to be here! I hate this world, I hate being scared all the time and I hate this war!!"

Bishop was first to break eye contact, walking towards Rainbow Dash he could feel the eyes of every soldier looking at him as he walked towards the cyan Pegasus. He then kneeled down looking into those magenta eyes before turning to his captain.

"I'm not leaving her behind captain. You know as well as I do that she wouldn't last a second out there."

The captain looked at Bishop and then he looked at Rainbow Dash. There was no way she could tell what was thinking, of all ponies and creatures she had met the captain no doubt had the best poker face she had ever seen. He then picked up a large bag off the ground and threw it at Bishop's feet.

"You empty that bag. She can ride out in there as we walk across Norden, unless you have a better idea."

"Thank you sir."

"Now come on everyone! We're already late! Move your asses!"

The soldiers continued to pack their things as Dixon gave Bishop a menacing scowl before turning to his bag. Bishop turned to Rainbow Dash, she leaped forward and wrapped her hooves around his neck, muzzling his shoulder as tears began to soak his shirt.

"T-thank you. .... Thank you."

She let go of his neck before sitting on the the ground, Bishop gave her a sly smile before grabbing his bag. As he opened it Rainbow could see there was not much inside, he pulled out some ammo and a small black book before tipping the rest of the junk inside, onto the ground. Bishop then held the book in his hand, looking at it before looking at Rainbow Dash.

"W-what?" Rainbow said. "What is it?"

"I uh. .... I never got your name."

"R-rainbow. .... Rainbow Dash."

"Really? .... Uh alright. Come on lets get going."

"Okay."

Incoming

Bishop was quite surprised at how light the pegasus was in his backpack, despite being just under 2 foot tall and being very strong for her size she didn't weigh no more then your average household cat. Rainbow Dash was curled up inside the bag looking through the holes of the fabric, watching as the platoon made its way through the forrest. Bishop was walking with the captain as Andy, Cole and Dixon followed in the rain.

Rainbow Dash could hear the harsh weather crashing against her shelter, with the odd rain drop seeping through and tickling her nose. Every gust of wind cooled the sweat on her coat, making her whole body shiver.

"You okay in there?" Bishop asked quietly, looking around for enemy soldiers.

"I'm okay. .... It's, nrgh! A little cramped in here."

"Try to get some rest. Don't worry, we'll be there soon."

Rainbow Dash squirmed to try to get into a more comfortable position, she laid on her back spreading her wings so they covered the small holes in the bag. She started to think to herself as she bounced with every step Bishop took. 'How did I get here?' She closed her eyes and tried desperately to remember her past.

One memory in particular kept creeping back into her mind, Pinkie Pie, floating in front of her, saying goodbye. 'Was it just a dream? Did it actually happen? If so then what was in that m-

"Shh!"

Bishop stopped moving, Rainbow Dash listened to see what was going on, but she couldn't her anything. She could feel the sergeant laying down on the wet ground, she stayed as quiet as she could, not knowing what was going on. The sergeant then cocked his gun. Tense seconds passed by as Rainbow held her breath, she could hear Bishop's heartbeat as she waited.

"You got him?" The captain said quietly.

"Got him."

*BOOM!!*

The deafening explosion made Rainbow Dash jump in the bag, instantly her body was struck with a surge of adrenaline as her surroundings were quiet again. But then the same dull ringing in her ears began to return as she could feel a painful throbbing in her head. She began to quiver, holding her head in her hooves, not knowing what was happening.

"Number 2 is on the move, got him?"

"Got him."

Rainbow Dash firmly covered her ears, shutting her eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

*BOOM!!*

Covering her ears hardly made a difference, the ringing got louder as the pain in her head got worse. She then felt the sergeant standing back up, she began to calm down as she heard Bishop sigh in relief.

"Good shooting." The captain praised, patting Bishop on the shoulder. He looked out into the distance, seeing the small town, no more then a mile away.

"Alright, let's ge-"

*Fwoop!*

The noise made Bishop flinch as the captain stumbled backwards, his mouth hung open, he looked at himself. There was on open, bloody wound, still smoking on his chest. Bishop stared in horror as he looked through the gory cavity, time seemed to slow down as the captain looked at him in the eyes before:

*Fwoop!*

A second impact struck the wounded man between the eyes, the captain gurgled as blood spurted from the gaping hole in his skull, covering Bishop in a dark crimson. The startled sergeant watched as the commanding officer fell to the ground. He looked around, disorientated, in shock, looking for the attacker before another gunshot struck the tree, inches from Bishop's head. His senses cleared, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

"SNIPER!!" Bishop screamed.

The sergeant dove to the ground before the team did the same thing, Bishop looked through the sights of his weapon, scanning the trees, the ground, breathing heavily as he tried to find the shooter in the deep depths of the woods.

"Dixon! Get your ass up here!"

Dixon crawled up to Bishop before grabbing the sniper rifle, he scooted into position before cocking the weapon. Bishop felt Rainbow Dash squirming in the backpack as he watched Dixon, looking down the sights of his weapon, waiting for the right moment. He saw movement up in the trees just as a bright flash was seen down his sights. He ducked, the bullet with inches to spare before looking down his gun, he held his breath, grasped the gun tightly and then:

*BOOM!!*

Dixon fires a shot, shortly followed by another, screams echoed through the forrest as Dixon watched his target fall out of the tree and onto the solid ground. Dixon stood up and gave Bishop his weapon before leading the way.

"Clear."

Bishop quickly took off his bag and unzipped it, he saw Rainbow Dash, curled into a cyan ball, looking at him with terror in her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

Rainbow Dash couldn't reply, she tried to talk but she was too scared to even utter a sentence. Bishop sighed, he knew that there was no stopping now, he had to carry on.

"It's okay. I promise it's going to be okay."

"B-b-b-bl-blood?" She whimpered.

Bishop wiped most of the blood off his face, looking at his hand he could see the captains blood all over his palm, he looked at the commanding officer, lying on the ground, in a pool of his own blood. He winced before turning back to the terrified Pegasus. A small, yet obviously fake smile spread across his face.

"W-we're almost there, just sit tight."

Rainbow watched as he zipped the bag up again. Bishop grabbed his gun before putting his bag back on his shoulders. Quickly he regrouped with the platoon, they all looked back at their fallen captain, Bishop then quickly turned away and then carried on walking into the forrest.

"We'll mourn him later. Right now we need to keep moving. Dixon, you get in front, keep an eye out. These guys are sneaky bastards."

"No thanks." Dixon said with a slight chuckle. "Your not my boss. I'm staying back here."

"Dixon! This is no time for bitching! Get your ass up front! Now!!"

"Fuck you!! I'm staying back here!!"

Bishop looked at Andy and Cole before turning to Dixon again. He scowled before turning to face the treturous path they were going to take. Bishop said nothing and started walking in front of his team, they closely followed, grasping their guns as they prepared themselves for another fight.

**********

It wasn't long before they were walking past the shooters body, sprawled on the blood soaked floor. The soldiers became nervous as they looked around their surroundings. The thunder crashing and the rainfall, almost making it impossible to hear, the thick fog whick surrounded them, making it hard to see where they were going. Andy walked up to Bishop before tapping him on the shoulder.

"I don't like this Bish. We really exposed out here."

"Just keep watch. We should be fine."

The sergeant gave Andy a reassuring smile before continuing ,Bishop then looked back to see Dixon, still hanging back but doing his job at least.

"Everything alright back there Dick?" Bishop shouted.

"Yeah. Everything clear. .... And don't call me Dick."

Bishop turned around again, walking backwards as he face the sergeant with a smirk on his face as he could see Dixon was clearly afraid for once.

"Why? It's your nickname isn't it?"

Dixon gave Bishop a menacing look before slowly walking closer towards the sergeant.

"My FRIENDS call me Dick. You're not a friend, you're not a pall, you're not even a partner. You're just some guy, who I have the displeasure of working w-"

*Fwoop!*

"FFFFFFFFUUUUCCK!!"

Dixon fell to the ground, accidentally dropping his gun as the excruciating pain consumed his mind. He continued to wail in agony as he grabbed his pistol and started shooting wildly into the woods. Bishop ran to Dixon as the other soldiers opened fire.

"Dixon!! .... Dixon?!!"

"GAH!! FUCK!! FUUUUCK!!"

"You're hit!! Where are you hit?!!"

"MOTHERFUCKER SHOT ME IN THE ASS!!"

Bishop couldn't help but smirk as he helped the wounded sergeant to his feet. Bishop quickly ran past Andy and Cole, keeping his head low as they soon followed. Using the nearby trees as cover as they sprinted as fast as they could.

"Come on!! Move Dixon!! MOVE!!"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!"

*Fwoop!*

Muffled blood curdling screams filled Bishop's ears as he felt the cyan Pegasus flailing wildly in his backpack. His heart skipped a beat as Rainbows cries of pain echoed through the forrest.

"ANDY!! COLE!! TAKE DIXON!! NOW!!"

As soon as Dixon left his grasp Bishop jumped behind a large tree before taking his backpack off as quick as he could. Rainbow Dash was still screaming in agony as he unzipped the bag, seeing the Pegasus squirming in pain.

"Rainbow! Where are you hit?!!"

"My wing!! AAHHHAH!! MY WING!!"

Bishop could see the wound was bleeding heavily, the Pegasus looked at him, tears flowing from her eyes before mixing into the small puddle of blood under her. Bishop looked up to see Andy, Cole and Dixon, waiting for him as they fired at the enemy.

"DIE!! YOU MOTHERFUCKERS!! DIE!!"

Bishop looked back at Rainbow, her eyes were fixed as she screamed hysterically, he quickly reached into his bag and pulled Rainbow from it, creating new, ear shattering wails of pure agony. Bishop cradled Rainbow in his arms before taking a deep breath.

He started to sprint as fast as he could towards his team, with the Pegasus bawing in his arms.

"FOllOW ME!! FOLLOW ME!!"

Bishop stormed past the soldiers and continued on, Andy, Cole carried Dixon as fast as they could as they followed the sergeant. Dixon grunted and yelled as he limped with his one good leg, still firing at the enemy, rage burning in his eyes.

Daring

Rainbow Dash was now only a few hundred yards away from her destination. She was still looking at the light that caught her attention, she noticed it was coming from a large cave and it have a blue tint to it. She spread her wings and slowly descended, breathing deeply as she lightly adjusted her altitude. She loosened off her legs before she landed on the solid ground.

She retracted her wings before examining her surroundings, she felt. .... Optimistic. Rainbow Dash always wanted to do some exploring by herself, mainly because of her being a huge fan of Daring Do, who was always the lone ranger in the stories she read. Rainbow Dash quickly looked around her to make sure nopony was around before excitement started to well up in her chest. Seeing the coast was clear, Rainbow posed before saying.

"This looks like a job for. .... Daring Dash!"

She giggled to herself before she slowly walked towards the mouth of the cave. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness inside she froze, looking in awe. Inside the cave was large stone sculptures of ponies she had never seen before, covered in jewels and standing proud.

This only fueled Rainbows fangirl excitement even more. It was exactly like something out of one of Daring Do's adventures. But then Rainbow Dash paused before thinking to herself. 'Is it really a good idea to go by myself? .... What if there are monsters inside?' She then shook her head, ignoring her nerves as she pressed on, looking at every sculpture she passed.

"I can't wait to tell the girls about this!"

Rainbow Dash's confidence then grew as she began to jump from rock to rock inside the cave, commentating herself as she leaped across the room. 'Daring Dash, knowing danger could be moments away, she leaps, fearless across the dark corners of the dungeon. She would never stop, she will never tire until she finds. ...... Uh. ...... Hmm. Oh oh! THE CRYSTAL GOBLET!! Yeah!!'

Rainbow Dash was lost in her imagination as she threw herself into the air, spreading her wings, closing her eyes, she felt fr-

*Thud!*

Yeah that was dumb.

**********

Rainbow Dash crashed to the ground, shaking the dark cave around her.

"Oww. .... Urgh. My head."

She blinked as her vision slowly cleared, all of a sudden a gust of wind stroked her coat, sending a shiver down her spine. She was no longer Daring Dash. She looked around before she started to get nervous. Just then she a blue flashing light to her right, she darted her head towards the source just as it disappeared.

She slowly got back onto her hooves before she walked towards where she saw the anonymous glow. She then saw it again, now she could confirm it wasn't her mind playing tricks on her. All of a sudden an odd buzzing noise caught her attention, her ears perked up as she then saw a dark figure run in the tunnel in front of her. Rainbow Dash jumped back, her eyes widened, she could have sworn it was a pony by the way it was running. Was it in trouble, why was it running.

After a few moments of silence Rainbow Dash found the confidence to run down the tunnel, if somepony was in danger she was the only mare who could help. She continued to charge down the passage as her heart was racing, her legs throwing her forward before she entered the dungeon. Hovering in the air, Rainbow Dash scanned for the mysterious pony before she quickly gave up and landed back on the ground.

"Hello?!" She shouted, her voice echoed through the cave as she began to follow the path in front of her. She looked around, she saw more statues crowding the room around her, they seemed more dazzling then the last ones. Even more jewels covered them, the statues themselves were gold plated, standing tall, looking at th-

*Thump!*

"GRR!! Not again! .... Whuh?"

She looked at what she just bumped into, instantly she was confused, she couldn't tell what it was. It looked rather out of place for it to be a treasure or a statue, she stepped back, tilting her head as she looked at the particular object perfectly in the centre of the room. She tried to figure out what it was but she had never seen such a thing before. It was wooden, tall, square. .... And.

"Blue?"

Comfort

Rainbow's mind was filled with a wash of multiple feeling and emotions as she slowly woke up, her wing was throbbing, her head was burnings. She began to feel dizzy as he whole body began to shiver. 'What happened? Where am I? Where is everyone?'

Just then she felt her stomach churn as she tried to stand up, she tried again but this time her body wouldn't allow it. She turned to her right as her stomach emptied it's contents onto the floor. Every fiber in her body was burning as she spat the last of the vomit from her mouth. She then heard a farmiliar voice approaching her, she couldn't see who it was or hear what it was saying, she didn't struggle as it picked her up, careful not to touch her wing.

She was carried through the room, which was still nothing but a blur as she tried to focus on what was around her, she felt disorientated, her whole body was limp and her mouth hung open as she tried to breath normally again. She was then placed on something warm and soft, her eyes began to focus on her surroundings, she could see she was indoors.

The floor was covered in debris, the walls were covered in bullet holes and all the shelves in the room were empty. 'Shelves?' She thought to herself, she squinted her eyes before she could see she was in a pharmacy, the color of the room, the medical supplies on the floor, at least it looked like a pharmacy, or a hospital even.

Rainbow could now see clearly again, she could see sergeant Bishop in front of her, looking at the others as they patched Dixon up, who was still groaning in pain.

"GAH!! Are you fucking done yet?!!"

"Almost." Cole smirked to himself. "Just, one. .... Last."

*Click!!*

"GAAAAAAAAHHH!! .... FUCK!!"

"Done. .... How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been shot in the ass, you dumb fuck!!"

"Hey Bish! How's she doing?"

Bishop turned around and placed a hand on her mane, although she liked it, she couldn't tell him how painful it was as he patted her head.

"I think she's coming around, go on Andy, make the call. Let's get out of here."

"Yes sir!" Andy said triumphantly as he ran out of the room. Bishop then turned back to Rainbow to see she was wincing in pain.

"How are you doing?"

Rainbow tried to speak but she was too lethargic to do so, the sergeant smiles before putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, it's the drugs, they do that to you."

Rainbow Dash then began to look around the room, her eyes scanned the area around the area as she tried to gain the strength to talk.

"We made it Rainbow." Bishop said with a large smile on his face, a look which Rainbow Dash needed at a time like this.

"We made it to Norden. This room we're in was a hospital, before the war started. We couldn't reach the other building but we found a radio in here. Andy's gonna call for backup, and hopefully we'll be out of here by sundown."

Rainbow Dash was getting her strength back again, she squirmed around before she was on her stomach, the heated surface underneath her warming her body. She looked at the sergeant in front of her before looking at his with a questionable look in her eyes. She opened her mouth, trying to push words out of her lungs.

"Hey. You should really take it easy. You've lost a lot of blood."

With one firm push, Rainbow Dash managed to force the words out of her mouth but it came out more like a screech then a whisper.

"Why are you here?" She said, feeling her vocal chords loosening, allowing her to talk again.

"W-what do you mean?" Bishop asked as he furrowed his eyebrows.

"W-wh. .... Why are you here? Fighting by yourselves?"

Bishop understood her question but was hesitant to answer it.

"We uh. .... I'm sorry, I can't discuss that."

Rainbow Dash glared at Bishop, she felt like she was being patronized.

"Can't or wont?" Rainbow said with a slight growl.

Bishop then stood up and walked towards his team. Rainbow Dash was surprised by his sudden change in attitude, but that only confirmed her suspicions that something was going on. Andy then came back into the room, wheeling a large table into the room, on top of it was an old radio.

"Bish! I got a signal!"

All the soldiers instantly jumped from their positions towards Andy, Bishop patted him on the back as Andy talked on the radio.

"I got us a signal to base. Their waiting for the captain to speak."

The sergeants looked at eachother, Bishop took the microphone out of Andy's hand before pressing a button which put the device on speaker.

"This is Master Sergeant David, Ann, Bishop."

"Bishop? .... Where's the captain?"

".... *Sigh* .... Captain Matt, Finn, John was killed in action two days ago."

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as her heart, it was the first time she heard that the captain was killed.

".... Whose with you now sergeant?"

"I'm currently with, Private, Andy, May, Clarkson. .... Sergeant, Daniel, Saint, Cole. .... Sergeant, Adam, Isaac, Dixon. .... And a cilvilian."

"A civilian? .... Who?"

Bishop looked at Rainbow Dash before turning back to the Radio.

"A prisoner we found in the place where Sergeant Cage was executed. She's english and she's with us now. .... Injured. So is Private Andy, sergeant Dixon and myself. We need an immediate evac, we are low on ammo and supplies. .... Hello? .... Hello?!"

Just the a high pitch screech came from the radio before it went silent. Then a deep and throaty voice cam on the radio.

"Sergeant Bishop."

All the soldiers recoiled, shocked at the voice on the radio, the unmistakable German accent seemed to scare the soldiers, Bishop then stood closer to the metal box before talking into it's microphone.

"Who is this?" He asked, before a laugh was heard over the radio.

"Who I am, is the last thing you should be worried about sergeant. You come into our country, you spy on us and kill our soldiers. .... This is not your fight sergeant."

"You made it our fight when you snatched one of our men!"

"He was foolish enough to spy on us."

"This conversations ov-"

"No it's not!" The commanding tone shouted. "You're going to listen to what I have to say. .... Where there's an action, there's a consequence. And you, my friend, you are going to know what happen when you fuck with our business. .... You're going to regret this."

After a moments silence, Bishop leaned forwards and turned the radio off. Nobody said a word as they looked at sergeant Bishop, who was staring blankly at the table in front of him.

**********

Later that night sergeant Cole was looking at Rainbow Dash's wound on her wing, closely examining it as she winced in pain. The sergeant then reached back for the whisky before holding it close to her wing.

"What's that for?"

"Clearing any infections. .... It's best to be safe then sorry."

"I guess. .... Will it hurt?"

"Don't worry about it."

Rainbow watched as the sergeant poured the alcohol onto her wound, she instantly gasped as the ice cool liquid, strangled every exposed nerve in the wound, making her scream in pain.

"AAAAHHHHAAAHHH!! You said don't worry about it!!"

"Would you have let me do it if I said it would hurt?"

Rainbow Dash continued to grunt in pain before the agonizing sting slowly started to fade in her left wing. Cole then slowly wrapped it up before Rainbow Dash looked at it, saddened, thinking she would never fly again. When he was she pulled it from his grasp before cradling it in her forehooves. Tears began to well up in he eyes as she looked at her precious wing, devastated like a mother loosing her beloved child.

"Dont worry." Dixon said, leaning forward. "I've seen much worse before."

Rainbows ears pricked up, she looked at Cole with a strange twinkle in her eyes.

"You're a pony doctor?"

"What? No no no, I'm a vet. Well, I was. .... I've worked with all kinds of animals, cats, birds even fish."

"Before the war happened?"

"Yeah. .... Listen, I'm really sorry about the pain we've put you through. We was doing what we could with what we had."

"It's okay. .... I'm fine now. I'm alive. And I'm thankful for that. So thank you."

"That's good to know. .... *Yawn* .... Alright, I gonna get some shuteye. See you in the morning Rainbow."

"See yah."

Sergeant Cole waked off into one of the wards before climbing into one of the beds, leaving Rainbow Dash to think to herself, to think about how she ended up here. She knew now that what she was seeing in her dreams was real, she could remember it as clearly, she even cringed at the cheesy quote she said before she entered the cave. 'Daring Dash. .... Really?' She thought to herself.

Just then, the blue box came back to her. She could have sworn that she had seen it before, outside the cave, but she couldn't figure out where. Tall, wooden, square and blue. 'What was it doing in there?' All of a sudden she could remember what happened next.

**********

Rainbow Dash began to walk around the big blue box in front of her. As she circled it she looked into the details, such as the windows, the doors, the odd blue light on the top and the white letters on the top saying.

"Police Public Call Box."

Just then the light on top flickered, she jumped back before walking closer, she walked towards the double door in front of her, she gulped before lifting a hoof and grabbing the handle.

**********

Her mind went blank, she couldn't remember what happened after that. As she squinted her eyes, trying to force her mind to remember what the heck happened that day, Dixon limped into the room. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, looking at the wounded soldier before she started trying to resist the urge to smile, knowing it would on piss him off. Dixon gave a glare before hopping towards the ward where sergeant Cole was sleeping.

Rainbow Dash laid slowly stood up for the first time, stumbling before she got her balance. She began to stretch her legs as she slowly made her way into the ward. By the time she walked inside she saw Dixon, Cole and Bishop, already sleeping. Rainbow looked around the room, she could imagine it once full of nurses and busy doctors running around, but now it was nothing but a deserted skeleton of a building, holes in the walls and the floor from where explosions and shrapnel had done it's damage.

"Psst."

Rainbow Dash looked behind her, a yellow glow flickered against the wall, she looked around the corner to see Andy sat against the wall, in front of him was a candle, illuminating the book surrounded by notes on the floor.

"Come here."

Rainbow Dash walked up to the private as he went back to reading his book. Rainbow Dash sat beside him, looking at the book he was reading, she couldn't understand the writing as it was written a foreign language.

"What are you reading?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Found it in the library next door. It's called The Common Rouge written by Max, Ludwig."

"How can you tell that? .... Oh yeah. You speak different languages."

"French, German and Russian to be exact."

"Right."

Rainbow Dash went back to looking at the book, trying to mime the words.

"Gussen. .... Gus. ...G. What does that one say?"

"That one? .... 'Gesundheit.'"

"What does it mean?"

"It means 'god bless you' in German."

Rainbow Dash paused before reading out the word again.

".... Gesundheit. .... *Sigh* All this thinking is making me sleepy."

"You look like you could do with some rest. .... Go on, get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay. .... Goodnight."

"Gute Nacht."

Rainbow Dash walked back towards her blanket in the next room, she stopped, feeling nervous as she looked into the darkness. She then walked back into the ward before walking past Andy again, he watched as she walked up to the bed of where sergeant Bishop was sleeping.

"Bishop? .... Bish?" Rainbow whispered, but there was no response.

She stood back before she reared up and jumped onto the bed and still the sergeant was refusing to wake up. She slowly crept up to Bishop as he laid on his side, she muzzled his arm but once again he was still deep in his sleep. Giving up, she lifted his arm before she crawled underneath, curling into a ball and shuffling close to his body's warmth.

Rainbow Dash sighed as for the first time in weeks, she felt safe, like nothing could touch her again. After shuffling on last time to make sure her wing was as comfortable as possible, she looked through one of the holes in the ceiling, looking into the sky she could see the stars looking down on her. With one deep breath, she closed her eyes as Andy watched in the corner of the room. He smiled before turning to read his book.

"What weak, inglorious fools we mortals are.

That war must be, or any need of war.

And yet, the better day is coming when the teachings of the lowly Nazarene Shall be the rule of nations--as of men;

The sword and bayonet shall be preserved, By the fair children of a nobler race, As relics only, of a barbarous past."

Sympothy

Rainbow managed to have a peaceful rest, no sudden wake ups, no headaches and thankfully, no nightmares. For the first time in days she had a peaceful sleep. She woke up, refreshed and happy, just realizing the she was still laying next the still sleeping sergeant. She noticed it was still dark and she didn't want to disturb him after the stressful day everyone had yesterday. Trying not to wake him up, she slowly shuffled towards the side of the bed before jumping to the ground, a brief moment of pain caught her off guard, making her stumble.

She felt refreshed but then an unpleasant smell filled her nose, it was her dirty coat. She gagged at the stench, she hadn't washed since she first woke up in this strange world. She needed a shower, bad.

She slowly walked out of the ward, looking at the sleeping platoon as she smiled, she had grown to like her new and only friends in this harsh world. Well, except Dixon, who she noticed wasn't in his bed. She looked around but he wasn't in the room. She walked out of the large room, hoping to find a shower or a source of clean water somewhere to wash herself. She was never known for being that much bothered about her hygiene, but even she thought she smelt like a half ton of compost.

She turned right, walking into a dark corridor, she was nervous and didn't like the thought that Dixon was out there somewhere, maybe even watching her. But just then, she heard something, she couldn't tell what it was or where it came from as it echoed through the corridor, but it was somewhat farmiliar. She paused waiting for it to happen again. Then it did, she could hear that it was coming from in front of her, she slowly walked up the corridor, looking around for the source.

After walking a few yards it got louder, she still couldn't tell what it was but she could tell where it was. She looked to her left, the noise was coming from behind the closed door in front of her, noticing a few bullet holes in it's frame she walked closer to take a peek inside. After letting her eyes adjust she could see a black silhouette inside, at first she thought it was an enemy soldier inside, but then she saw the unmistakable bandage on his upper thigh. It was Dixon, she leaned closer, noticing he was holding something square, a harmonica.

He began to play a strangely, gentle tune, which Rainbow Dash thought was odd considering he was such an aggressive being. He was stumbling around the room, a scent of alcohol hit her nose, almost making her eyes water at how strong it was. She saw bottles scattered on the floor, she then saw a picture on the table, a woman, Dixon then staggered towards the piece of paper before picking it up. He stared at it before grabbing another bottle, he smashed the top of it against the table and began to drink out of the broken bottle. She then let out a little sob.

Dixon then grabbed the picture with both hands before ripping it in two, quietly sobbing as he did, dropping the bottle by accident. The sergeant grunted as the broken glass slipped out of his hand cutting it deeply. He clenched his hand hard, despite the gash, squeezing blood from the wound. He then angrily shouted to the floor before he fell to his knees.

Rainbow Dash backed away from the door, she felt sorry for him, despite the fact he was mean to her, she couldn't help but fell pity for him. Rainbow Dash could clearly see he was in a lot of pain, both mentally and physically. She looked away from the door, wanting to help but she didn't how he would react in his drunken state. She turned back to the corridor, realizing she got sidetracked, she noticed a map of the hospital pinned to the wall. She looked at it, noticing most of it was either missing or burnt, but to her luck she saw where she was and almost as if the words were jumping from the paper, she saw the words 'showers' below the German text above it.

After studying her surroundings she knew where to go, she looked back one last time at the damaged door she just walked from before she carried on walking down the corridor. She still couldn't grasp how such a strong and arrogant man was reduced to crying in a puddle of alcohol, did he loose someone he loved? Was it the person in the picture?

She continued to think about Dixon before realizing she almost passed the room she was supposed to go to. She hopped back before opening the door, she did it slowly, not knowing what was behind it, she saw three doors in front of her, not knowing what any of them were she instinctively walked to the one in the middle.

Luckily, as she opened it she saw that it was the right one, there was a line of showers right in front of her, the sight was a huge relief for Rainbow Dash as she could finally clean herself. She galloped as fast as she could to the first one she saw before she stopped, trying to figure out how it worked. The large metallic button was a give away, she reared up before jumping, hitting the button with her hoof firmly. As she landed on the ground she heard a loud bang, it made her jump but more spluttering noises came from behind the wall, she stood underneath the shower waiting for the precious water.

*BANG!*

The showers pipes jerked before a brown sticky mess was spat into Rainbow Dash's face.

"Eeeeeeeeeewwww! Gross!"

She wiped the slurry from her eyes before jumping to press the button again, this time backing away. The same happened again, the shower head gurgled before more of the brown mess was sprayed onto the floor. She furrowed her eyebrows before running to the next one, but that also did the same, this time completely covering her coat.

After testing the other showers Rainbow Dash found herself left with the last shower in the room, annoyed and completely covered in, Celestia knows what, she leaped this time slamming the button as hard as she could, the chrome button then flew off like a Champaign cork, striking Rainbow Dash in her chest. The Pegasus flew across the room before landing on her head, As she grunted in pain she opened her eyes to see water spraying from the hole in the wall. Like a man in a desert she quickly picked herself off the ground before running towards the water.

Rainbow Dash shivered as she stood in the cold spray, feeling her coat being caressed, her mane being washed for the first time in days. She hopped on the spot moaning in relief as she washed off the dirt and blood, trying carefully not to let the water seep into her bandages. She started scrubbing the blood off her body, the stubborn stains took a few minutes to clean but eventually she could see the blue in her fur and eventually she even managed to see her cutie mark again. When she finished scrubbing furiously at her coat, Rainbow Dash sat sat on the wet floor, closing her eyes as she let the cool water pool down her body and into the drain.

Thirst for blood

Rainbow Dash looked at herself in the mirror as she started shaping her mane with her hooves, she looked into her own eyes, almost as if she was looking at someone else, adjusting every loose hair and wiping off and dry flakes of dried dirt and blood. When she was finished Rainbow Dash looked at her injured wing, seeing the bandages were all wet, despite her careful attempts at trying to keep them dry. She reached down with her teeth before she pulled the material off, when the bandages revealed the wound Rainbow Dash slowly began to spread her wings.

Her right wing was fully extended, no pain, she could feel the farmiliar burning in her left growing stronger and stronger with every inch. She pushed through the pain until it was fully extended, she stood there, staring at herself in the as she posed to herself, looking strong and proud. She grinned as she retracted her wing. She repeated this a few times until it was slowly getting easier.

She eventually stopped, knowing it was going to take some time before she could even think about flying again. Saddened, she walked out of the shower before closing the door, looking at the mess she had made before she smiled. She stood in the middle of the room before she smelt herself, she still wasn't as fresh as daisies but at least she didn't smell half as bad as she did ten minutes ago.

Rainbow Dash stretched her legs before briefly jogging on the spot, she then heard footsteps coming from the corridor. The Pegasus happily jogged outside of the room to then walk into the corridor, she looked to her left, seeing the sun was risi-

*Thud!*

Rainbow Dash bounced off the cushioned surface before she luckily fell on her good wing. After apologizing she stood up before turning to what she ran into. She looked up starting with the black boots, then the dark green trousers, Rainbow's heart stopped as she looked up and saw the unmistakable Nazi symbol on the soldiers arm.

"Was zum Teufel?"

Rainbow Dash looked into the soldiers eyes before realizing he wasn't alone. Four more soldiers walked around him looking at the cyan creature in front of them. Rainbow Dash stayed quiet, unsure what they we're going to do next. They began to walk closer to her, holding their weapons steadily, Rainbow Dash quickly found herself being cornered. She was afraid to call for help, her protectors were out numbered and by the looks of the weapons they were holding, they were most certainly out gunned.

Rainbow Dash backed against the shower room door, one of the soldiers in front of her kneeled down, she closed her eyes. Rainbow Dash held her breath, petrified, she felt the urge to scream but she withheld it in the desperate hope that they weren't going to hurt her.

The soldier then touched Rainbow Dash on the chin. She snapped. Her instinct took over as she snapped, biting down hard on the dirty finger, making the soldier shout in pain before ripping it out of her mouth.

"Scheisse! ... das kleine Miststück hat mich gebissen!"

Rainbow Dash froze in horror, the taste of blood lingered in her mouth, her eyes widened as she realized the mistake she just made. The soldier then pulled out a bayonet from his jacket, leaning forward before growling at the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, ready to scream as loud as she could.

*CRUNCH!!*

The soldiers turned to the noise behind them, what they saw next made them feel sick to their stomach. On of them was stood behind the commotion, his body was facing the soldiers but his head had been yanked to face in the opposite direction. The other soldiers watched in horror as their comrade fell to the ground, showing Dixon, who was stood behind the soldier and was now staring at them, holding a bloody knife, with a lust for blood clear in his eyes.

Rainbow Dash looked at Dixon, he had a psychotic smile on his face as he started to laugh, sending a cold shiver down everyone spine. One of the soldiers quickly lifted his gun to shoot, but with one firm swing Dixon swung his knife, the blade slicing through the soldiers neck, almost completely decapitating him, blood and gore spraying across the room as Dixon growled through the baring teeth of his wild grin.

The enraged sergeant then swung for the next soldier in his sight, the German was quick to move out of the way, inches from certain death. As another soldier lifted his gun, Dixon threw his knife into the soldiers neck, the blade piercing through flesh and artery as even more blood spurted across the corridor. Rainbow watched in fear as Dixon then grabbed the next two soldiers by the neck before body slamming them to the ground, sending another ungodly crunch through the corridor.

Both the Nazi soldiers began to wail in agony as Dixon straddled the soldier on the right before grabbing the terrified soldier by the neck and roaring in his face. Both men were incapable of moving or fighting back as Dixon threw punch after punch, screaming almost as if he was in indescribable agony. Every punch became stronger and more rapid as he continued to beat the helpless soldier, as the wails of agony turned into weak and blood filled gurgles. Rainbow Dash couldn't take it, the sight was almost too much for her to watch.

"Stop it!!" She screamed. "STOP IT!!

Dixon didn't listen, and as he drew his arm back for one last time Rainbow Dash closed her eyes before covering her head.

*CRUNCH!!*

Rainbow Dash refused to open her eyes, she knew what had just happened, now the only thing she could hear was, the remaining soldier on the floor and Dixon wheezing in exhaustion. The infuriated sergeant then caught his breath before moving to his next victim. Rainbow Dash then heard approaching footsteps in the distance, she peeked through her hooves, it was Sergeant, Bishop, Andy and Cole running to Dixon's aid.

"DIXON!! STOP!!"

Dixon looked over his shoulder but just like before, he refused to acknowledge their existence. The drunken sergeant then stood up before grabbing the last soldier by his helmet before lifting him off the ground and onto his knees. Dixon then dragged the helpless soldier across the floor as Bishop ran up behind him, grabbing the enraged sergeant by his arms.

"GET OFF!! .... GET OFF ME!!"

"Dixon!! .... Stop it!! Let him go!!"

Without warning Dixon threw his arm back, hitting the sergeant in the nose. Bishop fell to the ground covering his face, cursing in pain, Rainbow Dash shrieked before running to the wounded sergeant as blood poured from his mangled nose. Sergeant Cole then ran to his aid before Andy sprinted for Dixon.

"Bish! You alright?!" Cole shouted trying to look at Bishop's face.

"URGH!! No!! .... ARGH!! Motherfucker just broke my nose!!"

Rainbow Dash turned to look at Andy, he was now stood between Dixon and the enemy soldier, trying to subdue him. The German soldier was shouting, pleading for mercy as he held his hands up. Andy tried to loosen the deathly grip but it just got tighter and tighter.

"Dixon no!! He's w- STOP!!"

Dixon then grabbed his sidearm before pointing it at Andy's face. The private froze as he saw the bullet in the chamber, despite his drunken state, Dixon was still holding the pistol steady, like the perfect marksman he was.

"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!!" He growled through his teeth.

Andy quickly backed away, he knew better then to take on a drunk soldier holding a gun to his face. Dixon then slammed the German soldier against the wall again, still not breaking eye contact with Andy.

"YOU SEE THIS?!! IT MEANS BACK THE FUCK OFF!! I'M NOT DONE W-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the injured soldier tackled Dixon, both men ran across the corridor and through a glass window, both men screamed as they fell down the side of the building for two stories before landing on a heap of garbage. Andy ran to the window, looking down before running past sergeant Bishop as Cole tried to stop the bleeding.

Rainbow Dash then quickly ran from Bishop towards the window before looking down at the German soldier, who was crawling on the ground. The injured Nazi was dragging his broken legs as he tried desperately to flee. But his break for freedom was cut short as Dixon grabbed on of his broken legs, making the soldier wince as he was dragged back to look into Dixon's eyes. The enraged soldiers face was covered in his own blood, dripping from the deep laceration on his forehead.

"P-p-please. .... No kill! No kill!"

"FUCK YOU!!"

Dixon spat in the soldiers face before he threw him across the floor before he picked his gun off the ground. If wasn't infuriated before, he sure as fuck was now. Dixon paused before slowly walking to the Nazi soldier, pointing the gun at his head before saying:

"Auf die Knie. .... AUF DIE KNIE!! .... ON YOU'RE FUCKING KNEES!!"

The soldier couldn't do anything, the pain in his legs was just too excruciating. He screamed in agony with every attempt to right himself until Dixon walked up and pistol whipped the helpless soldier to the ground. The drunken sergeant then pulled# the soldiers helmet off before grabbing his hair, pushing his face down tot the pavement.

"Put you're teeth on the fucking curb. .... Beiß in den Bordstein!"

The soldier looked at Dixon before pleading for him to stop, Rainbow Dash watched as Dixon continued to beat the soldier to the ground before forcing his head onto the pavement.

"DO IT!!"

Dixon pressed the gun into the soldiers temple before stepping on his broken leg, he watched as the the Nazi soldier grunted in pain before he slowly opened his mouth before biting into the solid concrete. Dixon then heard private Clarkson in the distance, running towards him.

"DIXON!! .... STOP!!"

"Say goodnight motherfucker!!"

Rainbow Dash and private Clarkson could do nothing but watch as Dixon stomped on the soldiers head, making a hollow crunch echo through the streets of Norden. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her eyes as she watched the soldiers blood mix with the rain water before spreading across the concrete. Rainbow Dash couldn't turn away from the horrific sight, she looked from her window at the German soldier sprawled onto the floor, lifeless his skull mangled, blood and gore covering what was left of his face. Rainbow Dash turned pale, she slowly walked away from the window, feeling dizzy, physically sick and disorientated.

She stumbled, towards Bishop and Cole, her mind trying to prossess what she just saw. The mad look in Dixons eyes, the helplessness of the soldier at his mercy and that chilling crunch. She couldn't take it anymore, the final tether in her mind, keeping her from completely loosing her mind had finally snapped.

Soldier

Rainbow Dash started to hyperventilate, her mind was racing and her whole body was shivering, she started to whimper.

"N-no. .... I gotta get out of here! .... I wanna go home! I wanna go home!!"

No matter how hard she tried she couldn't stop the images of all the violence she has just witnessed. Flesh being torn, blood spraying like a fountain, the strangled cries of all the soldiers who were killed in front of her eyes and when Dixon crushed that Germans head as if he was nothing more then a petty insect.

Rainbow Dash could no longer suppress, she let out a tortured wail, her screams echoed through the corridors of the hospital, she could feel herself starting to shut down, she then felt a hand touch her back.

"Hey! It's alright-"

That was as far as sergeant Cole got before Rainbow Dash smacked his hand away.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!! .... ALL OF YOU!! STAY AWAY FROM ME!!"

Rainbow Dash was then picked up off the ground, she flailed wildly before she was face to face with sergeant Bishop. She kicked and squirmed as hard as she could before the injured sergeant shook her firmly.

"Snap out of it!!"

The Pegasus struggled for longer before she couldn't fight anymore, she broke down, she threw herself forwards and wrapped her hooves around the sergeants neck, openly sobbing as tears poured down his shoulder.

"I just wanna go home!! .... WHY CAN'T I JUST GO HOME?!!"

Sergeant Bishop returned the hug, streaking her coat, careful not to let his nose bleed on her now fresh fur. Sergeant Cole walked up and looked at Bishop.

"What are we going to do Bishop?"

The sergeant paused, still holding the devastated mare in his arms.

"We need to go. Right now."

"What about Dixon?"

".... *Sigh* .... I don't know, head back to the ward and start packing, we've got a shitstorm waiting for us."

Sergeant Cole nodded before running towards the ward, sergeant Bishop paused before walking towards the window, shielding the Pegasus in his arms from the gruesome sight he was about to see. Rainbow Dash rested her head on his chest as she felt the warm sun on her body. The sergeant then leaned out the window, seeing only the mutilated soldier lying on the ground, blood still spreading, staining the concrete and fractured teeth shattered across the ground as the rain slowly washed it all away. The sergeant had a lump in his throat as he looked at what was left of Dixon's handiwork.

"Fuck. .... Come on. We have to leave."

As he started to walk back to the ward he felt the Pegasus shuffle in his arms before he looked down to see those large magenta eyes staring back at him.

"P-p-please, don't leave me. .... I don't want to die. I don't want to die!"

Rainbow Dash laid her head against the sergeants chest before she started to loose her strength. Sergeant Bishop felt the Pegasus go limp in his arms as he entered the ward.

**********

The cold handle of the blue box felt strange on her hoof, she felt an odd tingling sensation go through her body before she pulled the handle, it didn't budge, she pulled harder, it still didn't move. She then pushed the handle instead, the heavy door opened inwards as she heard a loud explosion coming from inside, she quickly pushed the door open and looked inside, instantly she was taken back by the shear size of the room she just entered.

Rainbow Dash stumbled back before she stared in disbelief. She ran around the blue box staggered by how it was bigger on the inside. Just then the light on top of the blue box started to glow brightly as a strange noise came from the inside. Rainbow Dash ran to the front door as fast as she could, before she could enter the box again she tripped on the step, landing in a heap on the floor.

She shook her head before she looked into the large room, there was a strange machine in the middle of the room, she looked at all the buttons, levers and lights which covered the strange contraption. She then looked down, she began to see the floor of the cave through the floor of the blue box, she then heard someone shouting in the distance, a male voice that carried a strange accent.

"NO!!"

**********

Rainbow Dash woke up to the sound of metal crashing, as she jumped to her feet she saw sergeant Bishop throwing Dixon against the wall, screaming in his face.

"You STUPID motherfucker!! .... Do you have any, ANY idea what you've just done?!!"

The drunken sergeant stumbled before pushing Bishop off, he then began to laugh before he walked up to the enraged sergeant, squaring up to him, breathing in his face. Bishop stared into Dixon's drunken eyes, waiting for him to speak first.

"Do that again and I'll put you're head on a fucking pike."

"They were scout soldiers you dumb fuck. When their convoy finds out that they're not coming back, they're going to know that we're here. They're going to send every Nazi soldier they have to hunt us down and kill us. And now you're threatening me?!! THEY'RE THE FUCKING ENEMY!! NOT ME!!"

Dixon then turned to look at Rainbow Dash, he smirked before turning to Bishop again.

"If I didn't kill them they would have most certainly have killed you're little furry freak. If anything it's that cunts fault."

Bishop looked at the blue Pegasus, seeing she was awake and looking back at Dixon.

"You had no right to kill a man who was clearly surrendering."

Dixon then grabbed Bishop by the collar.

"You think those bastards would have shown us any mercy?!! .... HUH?!!

Bishop shoved the sergeant away, without warning Dixon threw a punch which sergeant Bishop was lucky to dodge. Bishop then threw a bone crunching right hook to Dixon's rib cage, knocking the wind out of him, before throwing a punch to his face, making the sergeant fall to the floor, groaning in pain before spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"That's why you're no better then them. You're just scum!! You hear me motherfucker?!! SCUM!!"

Dixon roared before clambering to his feet, the soldier then sprinted towards sergeant Bishop, but the charge was cut short when gunfire showered the room. Bishop, Dixon, Andy and Cole all dived to the ground. The deafening firefight carried on as Bishop and Dixon both looked at eachother before grabbing their weapons.

"MOVE MOVE!!"

The three soldiers ran straight for the exit as Bishop looked around the room for Rainbow Dash before seeing the terrified Pegasus in the distance, shielding her head with her hooves.

"RAINBOW!!"

She opened her eyes before looking at Bishop, she closed her eyes before galloping towards the sergeant through the hail of gunfire which was slowly destroying the entire building as it began to collapse around her. She leaped into the air and into Bishop's open arms. The sergeant held Dashie tight before he started to run to his waiting team, taking cover behind an overturned desk.

Escape

Bishop sat behind the overturned desk as his team fired at the enemy, every so often he would peek above the table to see what was going on, only to have to dive back down again as bullets narrowly miss him every time. He looked at the sold wood guarding him, tiny holes started to appear in the varnish as the table slowly began to fall apart.

"Sir!!" Andy shouted. "What do we do?!!"

Bishop looked at Rainbow Dash, she was shaking, holding the sergeant tightly, like a child holds onto it mother, he tried his hardest to think but his mind was still consumed with anger having almost ended up in a fist fight with Dixon just moments ago. Then he thought of something.

"The garage!! .... There was a Jeep in the garage right?!!"

The constant gunfire almost made it impossible to hear what was anyone was saying.

"Yes!!"

Sergeant Bishop then turned to Dixon who was still firing at the enemy.

"Dixon!! We're moving this desk to the left, we're gonna make a break for the garage!!"

Dixon didn't respond he continued to blank the sergeant as he took out enemy soldiers one by one.

"Dixon!! DIXON GOD DAMN IT LISTEN!!"

Nothing. Dixon completely blanked the sergeant, that was until he heard that noise.

*Click!*

The intoxicated soldier turned, he then recoiled at the sight of a pistol pointing straight in his face. Rainbow Dash, private Andy and Sergeant Cole watch as Bishop held the weapon against Dixon's head. The drunken soldier looked surprised, but then he quickly lifted his weapon to Bishop's head. Both men stared at each other despite the raging battle coming closer to them. Rainbow watched as both men refused to back down.

"We are getting out of this shithole!! With or without you!! Now we are leaving this place or god as my witness I will shoot you dead you selfish motherfucker!!"

Dixon looked over the sergeants shoulder, both Andy and Cole had their weapons ready and the blue Pegasus shivered in Bishop's arm. Dixon went back to staring at sergeant Bishop, who had still not broken eye contact, tense seconds passed by before Dixon took one hand off his weapon and grabbed the desk.

Still pointing their weapons at each other both men hoisted the table up before running out of the gunfire. Both soldiers then lowered their weapons as they all made a break for the garage. Rainbow Dash was running by Bishop's side staying as close as possible. Being the oldest of the group, sergeant Bishop found it difficult to keep up, despite that Rainbow Dash continued to run by his side.

Bishop then felt the gunfire by his feet as he looked behind to see the Nazi soldiers behind him. He the leaned down and grabbed the cyan Pegasus, shielding her from the gunfire as he held her to his chest. The three soldiers ran through the garage door before turning to wait for the sergeant.

Bishop held his breath as he pumped his legs as fast as he could but he still wasn't quick enough. Sergeant Bishop screamed in agony as three scolding hot bullets tore through his back, chunks of flesh and sprays of blood sprayed into the air as the sergeant collapsed yards from the door. Rainbow Dash was dropped onto the floor, luckily she landed on her feet before she looked back in horror, watching as the sergeant wailed in indescribable pain.

"BISH!!" Rainbow squealed before running to his aid before grabbing his collar with her teeth, pulling furiously as the soldiers in the distance got closer.

Sergeant Cole then came from behind before helping Rainbow pull Bishop to safety, the wounded sergeant the roared before pulling out his sidearm and started to shoot wildly at the enemy.

"MOTHERFUCKER!!"

He mustered all the concentration he could before he accurately took out soldiers as they ran closer, but just before he was pulled into the garage another bullet struck the sergeant in his right shoulder. Andy closed the large metal door and locked it just before the Nazi soldiers started to try and kick it open.

The private then ran to hold the sergeant down as sergeant Cole examined his wounds. Rainbow Dash was sat next to Bishop crying as the firefight continued outside.

"Give me some room!!" Cole said as he pushed the mare away.

Rainbow Dash watched as sergeant Bishop squirmed, roaring like a wounded animal as sergeant Dixon got into the Jeep before searching for the keys. Sergeant Cole looked at the bloody wounds feeling the heat from the bullets inside Bishop's body as they burned his insides.

"GAAAAAAAHHH FFFFUUUUUCK!!"

Blood was pouring from the wounds as sergeant Cole quickly opened his bag, frantically searching for something, anything to help, but there was nothing but junk. He then heard the vehicle start behind him.

"Andy!! Give me a hand!!"

Rainbow Dash watched as the two soldiers picked up the still screaming sergeant before carrying him towards the jeep. Rainbow walked behind the soldiers along the trail of blood, she turned back to see the strong metal door, now hanging off it's hinges, soldiers shooting theirs guns through the cracks of the doors as Bishop was lifted into the back of the truck. Rainbow Dash quickly jumped next to Bishop just as Dixon put the vehicle into gear.

"Dixon!!" Cole shouted. "Get out the car, Andy's driving!!"

Dixon ignored the sergeants orders and slammed his foot on the throttle, the sudden acceleration made Rainbow Dash loose her footing and fall off the truck. She landed on her back before she realized had just happened she looked at the steel door, she watched in her upside down view as the enemy soldiers finally smashed it open, making it land on the ground with deafening crash.

Her heart stopped she panicked, she flailed her legs before she was back on her hooves, Rainbow Dash then ran as fast as she could outside the garage before seeing the soldiers driving away in the jeep.

"Wait!!"

She was caught off guard as the ground shook beneath her hooves, she turned around, she almost swallowed her tongue as she saw a tank coming towards her. She started to run, feeling her legs burning from the fatigue as she looked back to see the large cannon on top of the armored vehicle as it fired at the escaping Jeep.

Rainbow Dash galloped, dodging the gunfire as it struck the ground below her feet, her vision was clouded by the dust and rocks that flew through the air, making almost impossible to see where the jeep as they drove away. She couldn't run any faster, she lost sight of the truck as I drove into the woods, she could see sergeant Cole and private Andy shouting at her as they disappeared.

She didn't stop, she continued to sprint as fast as her legs could carry her, following the same path they took into the forrest. She screamed for help as the sound of the engine got quieter and quieter, the last thing she heard was sergeant Bishop screaming as her legs couldn't take the strain any more.

She collapsed onto the ground in a muddy puddle, her previously fresh blue coat was now once again covered in dust and dirt as she gasped for air before slowly breaking down into tears.

"D-don't go. .... Don't leave me. .... Please."

She openly sobbed in the muddy water the rain still crashing against the trees of the forrest as she cried into her hooves. She was all alone, in this dark unforgiving world, consumed with war, hate and disharmony.

Contempt

Her mind was tired, her legs were weak, she found it hard to breath, she kept walking in the freezing temperatures in the forrest, looking around for any signs of life. Her throat was sore, she had been calling for the soldiers for hours on end as she weakly limped, trying to walk as straight as she could, praying that someone would hear her.

She could feel her pulse throbbing in her head as her mind began to wander, she shook her head, trying to keep focused as her eyelids grew heavy. Rainbow Dash found herself growing more and more tired with every step she took. Every time she lifted her hoof it felt like her leg was made of thick lead.

After three steps she couldn't carry on, Rainbow Dash tried rocking back and forward, hoping the momentum would help but her legs felt like they were bound to the wet grass below. She sobbed before collapsing to the ground, she couldn't care less about her coat, she just wanted to feel safe, like she did when she was curled up close to sergeant Bishop as he slept.

Then thoughts of Bishop crept into her mind, she remembered how he screamed in agony as the bullets tore through the flesh in his back as he held her to his chest, like he was her shield. Was he alive? If so how bad is he hurt? And what's going to happen between him and Dixon? She remembered the unbearable tension as both men stared down the barrels of their guns, neither of them backing down despite the raging battle coming towards them.

She began to think if Dixon was really capable of killing the sergeant. Dixon was taller, younger and had a more bulky physique, after seeing him mercilessly slaughter five men, she began to worry if he could kill the three soldiers left in the platoon. One gravely injured, or dead and two who wasn't as strong, cold and anywhere near as heartless as Dixon was.

All these thoughts only drove her to summon the strength to carry on. As if she was doing a 100th press up she used every ounce of her energy to stand up, placing each hoof in it's correct place before staring into the dark depths of the woods, she growled, she threw herself forward but her front legs didn't follow. She fell to the ground with a thud, slamming her head against a fallen tree, she yelped, grabbing her muzzle.

Pain spread across her mouth, she felt something, she spat something solid and bloody from her mouth before she realized it was a tooth. She could feel the gap left behind in her mouth, she gasped as she looked at her reflection in the puddle, seeing that it was one of her two front teeth that was missing. Usually she wouldn't panic about such an incident, as dentists back in in Equestria could solve this incident with simple magic. But she didn't know how long she would look like this or if she would ever return to her home again.

She couldn't hit the tree with her hoof in fustration if she wanted to, her body was now nothing more then a helpless ragdoll. She felt herself falling into unconsciousness she knew if she fell asleep in his cold weather, she would freeze to death.

She closed her eyes, feeling drops of rain patter against her head, feeling ashamed that she was reduced to wallowing in a muddy puddle. She saw the blood in her mouth as it pooled into the brown water swirling around, feeling her life slowly drain away with it. Her whole body began to sake violently, she clutched herself curling into a ball, her teeth jittering as she whispered to herself.

"I-I-I-I. .... I J-j-just want t-to go. .... H-h-home. .... I. .... I."

She no longer had the energy to speak, wine or even cry. All she could do was rest her teary eyes, hoping it wouldn't take too long and hope that the pain. The torturing pain, will finally stop. The last thing she remembered before she closed her eyes was the warmth of Bishop's body against hers as she felt safe for the first time. Rainbow Dash bled a tear, closing her eyes as she smiled, repeating that treasured memory over and over again until she drifted off into a cold dark slumber.

Picture

Tuesday 6th 7:00am

I guess this means I’m alive.

Didn’t get much sleep last night; I spent most of my time trying not to scream because of the pain in my chest. I need to get to a hospital, which is ironic considering we were in one not 24 hours ago. We tried looking for supplies but it looks like the entire building was cleared out during the evacuation.

I’ve had a lot of time to think to myself lately, I find myself looking at the stars, I’ve always liked to look into the night sky but that get boring after 3 hours. So I decided to do something I haven’t done in a long while. I drew a picture.

When I was a carpenter I used to draw a lot of floor plans for houses, sketch blueprints for furniture, my wife always said I should make a living out of it, but I just saw sketching as a job rather than a hobby.

I’ve had an image in my mind for quite some time now; I just can’t seem to get it out so I decided to draw it. I can remember when I was back at the hospital; I was cleaning the guns whilst Cole was looking around the hospital for some painkillers.

Rainbow Dash was in the room with me, she didn’t say anything the whole time, watching me as I did my job. I just remember that split second when I turned around to look at her and she was looking at me with those sad eyes. That image just stuck in my mind ever since, I thought I might as well draw it, maybe it’ll help me accept that I might not see her again. But I'll never forget her. I tried to draw every detail I could remember, the small pile of rocks the detail of the gun and the large building visible through the hole in the wall.

After 10 minutes I finished it, not exactly how I remembered but close enough and I was a bit pissed off about the smudge but I can always redraw it if I wanted to. I’m going to stick it in this journal for now and hopefully I can have it as a picture on my desk at home. If it’s still there that is.

It’s strange, after everything I’ve been through I don’t think I’ve felt this sad about losing someone I know in this war. I guess I grew numb to the feeling because I've lost so many people in this war. My farther, my uncle. .... My daughter. After that I didn't feel the pain anymore. I was nothing but an empty shell that had all it's emotions torn away. Everything I loved dissected from my life until I had nothing left. That's why I took care of Rainbow Dash as best as I could, she helped me to feel again. But now she's gone.

I know there was nothing I could’ve done to save her, I guess it’s best if I just let go and say to myself that she’s gone. It's what I've always done. Otherwise I’ll go mad trying to think where she is in this forest.

I’ll miss you Rainbow.

Sergeant, David, Ann, Bishop.

Threat

Later that morning Sergeant Cole was inspecting Bishop’s wounds as the injured soldier was propped up against a tree looking into the distance, trying everything to ignore the indescribable pain. As Bishop caught a glimpse of Dixon cleaning his weapon in the distance, Sergeant Bishop stared at the rebellious soldier as Dixon returned the glare.

“What are we going to do about him?” Sergeant Cole asked.

Bishop paused, still looking at Dixon before he broke eye contact and turned away.

“…. *Sigh* …. I don’t know Cole. …. I don’t think we are in In the position to make any rash decisions.”

“Rash decisions? What the are you talking about? …. He’s lost it Bish. He’s a drunk and he’s dangerous.”

Bishop paused, looking at his surroundings before looking at Dixon again. A question then entered his mind, idly circling around before as he looked at the ground.

“What would you do?”

“…….. Sir?”

“If you was captain and you had the choice, what would you do?”

“Honestly? …. I would have cut that bastards throat in his sleep a long time ago.”

The wounded sergeant then stood up before Cole could finish his work, Bishop stumbled, still unsteady walking by himself. He looked at Dixon again before turning back to Cole, anger and frustration clear in his eyes.

“And that’s exactly why you’d never become captain. As much as we all hate his guts, he’s still one of us Cole. He has a family in Mississippi.”

“I have a family too sir! …. And so do you and Andy! …. I know it’s not right but isn’t it logical? …. Who knows what’s going through his head. You’ve seen what he’s capable of, what he can do, what happens when it’s you that he goes for next?!”

“Then I’ll snap his neck the next chance I get, but as of now he’s still a part of this team. He’ll get his comeuppance when he serves his sentence at home.”

“That’s my point sir. …. Right now, we are the only people in this world who’ve seen him commit his crimes. What if he doesn’t want to serve his sentence?

Sergeant Bishop didn’t reply he heard footsteps coming from behind; he turned to see the intoxicated soldier walking up to him. Sergeant Bishop stood his ground before Dixon then walked past him with a smirk on his face. Dixon chuckled before holstering his pistol.

“You know that feeling you get when you know someone’s talking about you? It’s funny isn’t it? …. You might think you’re in control David but you’re no more of a soldier then I am. …. Hmph… Looks like japs and Nazis aren’t my only enemy. …. Trust me Bishop, I may not be you’re friend but you sure as fuck don’t want to have me as an enemy. …. After all.”

Dixon then patted Bishop on his wounded shoulder, making the sergeant wince in pain.

“You’re not looking too good, old man.”

Bishop quickly grabbed Dixon’s hand with a firm grip before pulling it away from his shoulder, Sergeant Cole watched, his hand was hovering over his sidearm as the two men stared at each other, Bishop with a look of rage in his face and Dixon’s grin receding into a sinister scowl as Bishop refused to let go of his hand.

“Listen to me DICK. Don’t forget the situation we’re in. I don’t think you’re in the position to be threatening me, especially with two armed officers’ close by, who are more than willing to shoot reckless sons of bitches like you. So right now, you can take you’re bullshit threats, you’re bullshit excuses and you’re bullshit attitude to someone who gives the slightest fuck what you think!! …. I’m not the enemy you stupid fuck!! The enemy is out there waiting for you!! …. And don’t you dare fucking touch me again.

Sergeant Cole is now holding his pistol; Dixon was now centimeters from Bishops face, both men standing tall as they stared each other down. Bishop then let go of Dixon’s hand before pushing him away, without skipping a beat Dixon then spat on the sergeants’ shoe before he growled.

“From now on, you best stay the fuck away from me. All of you.”

Dixon looked at Cole, seeing that he was holding his pistol before turning away and walking back to where he was stood before. Sergeant Bishop then held his shoulder, rubbing it as he turned back to Cole who was stood behind him.

“Let me see that.”

Sergeant Bishop limped towards the tree before his legs collapsed under his weight, making him fall to the ground in a heap, shouting in agony. Cole was quick to run to his aid, as Bishop tried to push himself up from the ground, tears of pain fresh in his eyes. Cole carefully avoided his bullet wounds as he helped turn the wounded sergeant on his back.

As Cole inspected Dixons handiwork sergeant Bishop coughed up a mouthful of blood.

“Shit. …. How do you feel Bish? Do you feel numb?”

Bishop tried to talk but his voice was a mix of painful coughs as tearful cries. Sergeants’ heart then sank as he realized what is happening.

“Fuck. …. Looks like one of those bullets grazed one of your lungs, pretty fucking badly as well. …. You’re going to have to take it easy. …. By the looks of things, you need to keep your heart rate down, or the wound is only going to get bigger.”

Bishop kicked the floor in anger, he clenched his fists as the pain and rage before screaming into the trees above before his body went limp.

“S-sergeant?”

“Yes.”

“Forget what I said. …. I hope that motherfucker burns in he- AHHH!!! FUCK!!”

Bishop couldn’t control his body as he shook violently; clenching his teeth and squeezing Coles jacket as he couldn’t help but scream, the shrapnel in his torso was churning in his flesh with every move he made. Cole could do nothing but hold the sergeant down as a tear rolled down his cheek. Cole closed his eyes, seeing the sergeant sobbing whilst squirming in a puddle of his own blood was a sight he just couldn’t bear.

The sergeant was beaten, bloody, mangled and heart broken, all Bishop wanted was to see the blue Pegasus by his side, just to give him the push he needed, the strength to carry on. But she was gone and all Bishop had left was the pain. …. The never ending, torturing, excruciating pain.

Dictator

“…. Mnn. ….. M-mff. …. Mm? MMF!! …. HMMMMMF!!”

Dash woke up to find herself surrounded by darkness, upside down looking up into the air. Her mouth was gagged by a cloth, soaked with her drool. The only evidence of life was the light coming through what appeared to be stitches, and the movement of whoever was carrying her, bobbing up and down, sending shockwaves of agonizing pain to course through her body as every muscle under her flesh was burning.

“MMMMM!! MMMMF!!”

Rainbow Dash quickly gave up, a throbbing pain in her head was slowly getting worse and worse with every failed attempt to scream aloud. She quickly found herself out of breath, she started to concentrate on her breathing as she listened to the ambiance surrounding her.

She hear people roaring, people cheering, the noise was almost unbearable and was not helping her terrible migraine. The Pegasus then attempted to move her legs before she realized they were bound together. Her heart sank, she began to whimper as the riot outside her fabric prison raged on.

She could barely think she was so exhausted, her fur was still soaking wet from when she collapsed in the woods, her nose was running, she felt sick, she was alone. Then the noise began to fade, she heard a door open, seconds passed by before the door slammed shut from behind, instantly blessing her with the gift of peaceful silence with nothing but footsteps to listen to.

Despite the fire in her legs, Rainbow Dash began to pull at whatever was holding her feet together, she squirmed as she heard another door open, then she heard that German language she had grown to fear. She now knew a man was carrying her and now he wasn’t alone, she tried her best to understand what was being said, but she didn’t understand a single word, apart from;

“Gesundheit”

Rainbow Dash faintly smirked as she remembered Andy telling her what it meant but then she snapped back into reality, she was finding it hard to concentrate. She then heard yet another door open, this time she could hear other people in the room, she could smell fresh wood burning as it warmed the room. The movement stopped, Rainbow Dash waited, hoping something mig-

*ZIP!*

The bottom of the bag opened up, almost blinding her with daylight as she fell onto the ground like a wet sponge. The floor was solid, cold and polished wood, if she wasn’t, so tired or gagged she would have screamed the house down, but all she could muster was a weak groan. Her ears started to ring as she started to shiver on the cold floor.

Her eyes were closed tight as she listened to the silence in the room. She was laid on her side as she tried throwing her legs forward and back, trying to right herself, but she was still disorientated from the fall. She opened her eyes, seeing she was surrounded by humans before quickly closing them again, the bright light was still too much for her head to take.

She couldn’t struggle anymore, she let herself go limp as she attempted to open her eyes again, the pain had subsided as her eyes adjusted, she quickly saw three tall men in suits in her blurred vision. They began to talk amongst themselves, Rainbow Dash had completely given up, her only conciliation was the thought of why would they bring her in as opposed to leaving her to freeze in the rain.

A surge of heat then caught her attention, her eyes darted around the room for the source, there was a large fireplace in the room, she used her legs to roll herself onto her belly before she slowly started to drag herself across the room. Little by little, centimetre by centimetre she dragged herself closer to the fire, every refreshing wave of heat more and more fulfilling with every move she made. She kept moving until she was laid next to the fire, she curled up on the floor as her body began to cease shivering.

She looked back at the men in the room, her vision was clearer now, she could see the dumbfound looks on their faces, but one man on the far right didn’t react at all. Rainbow focused her gaze on him for a while, she could see that the man was missing an arm and he had a large patch which went over his right eye. Rainbow Dash looked at his clothes, she recognised the red material on his sleeve, bearing that strange logo she had seen so many times before.

“Mrr! Mmmmf! MMF!!”

She tried to speak nut the drool soaked cloth was making it a herculean task to just breath. Then a door opened, she looked to her right as dozens more men walked into the room, all dressed in dark suits as a distinctive individual walked in. Rainbow Dash squinted, the man was wearing a brown suit, wearing the same logo on his sleeve as the others, this man was now walking up to her.

In a commanding tone he shouted something, Rainbow Dash was still trying to focus her vision so it wasn’t blurred, he was marching too fast for her eyes to adjust. Just then two suited men walked up to her and grabbed her legs before pulling her off the ground, carrying her away from her cherished fireplace. Her head felt heavy as she was held upside down, before she knew what was happening she found herself face to face with the suited individual, those dark eyes looked to be staring into her soul.

She could see him as clear as day, every paw in his skin, every wrinkle in his face and:

“Mmm? …. Hmm. …. Hmhmhmhmmmhm!”

The man looked confused, he looked around, was this creature. …. Laughing at him? …. He reached out and untied the cloth before pulling it out of her mouth.

“Mmhmh- HAHAHAH!! …. HAHAHAHAH!!”

Rainbow had tears in her eyes, her stomach was starting to hurt she was laughing so hard. The man protested she couldn’t understand what he was saying but that only made her laugh even more. She tried everything to supress her laughter but it was no use, not until a hand grabbed her mane, pulling her closer. Rainbow at his point had stopped laughing but she was trying everything to keep it that way.

The room fell silent as he spoke again, his questionable tone helped her understand what he was saying.

“Y-y. …. You- *Snort* …. What’s that thing on your mouth?!! BAAHAHAH!! …. Oh my Celestia!! …. Y-y-you look like such a dork! AHAHAH!!"

She couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore, she once again broke out in snorts and giggles as she pointed at the uniformed man’s moustache. His face was a mix of confusion, surprise and blind anger, Rainbow Dash knew it probably wasn’t a good idea to make fun of him but she couldn’t care less.

The uniformed leader shouted again, this time the soldiers holding her legs had let go of her, letting her body fall to the ground. It didn’t take long for that smile to be wiped off her face as she wailed in pain. The man leaned down and kneeled before looking at her with a menacing scowl. Rainbow Dash was no longer laughing.

Negotiate

"Well. …. This sucks.”

Rainbow Dash sat in the cold room of the prison cell, shivering as she glared at the two guards looking at her through the small broken window on the door, grinning, pointing and joking.

“Hey jerks!! Why don’t you take a picture, it’ll last longer!!”

The two soldiers looked at each other before turning away from the door, Rainbow Dash looked around, the rooms walls were solid concrete with a small window behind her, creating just enough light to help her see.

Her stomach growled, she hadn’t eaten since the first day she slept at the abandoned hospital, her throat was dry and she was growing weak. She looked to her left where the guards had left some dog food on the floor, Rainbow bent down and breathed in the potent smell before she recoiled in horror, the meaty smell filled her nostrils making her retch.

“MEAT?!! …. THAT’S MEAT!! …. YOU EXPECT ME TO EAT MEAT?!! …. Y-YOU’RE SICK!!”

She backed into the dark corner of the room, seeing that the guards outside were looking at her again. She gritted her teeth, growling in rage; she sprinted at the door before throwing herself against the window. Rainbow Dash growled as she used her back legs to kick the door as hard as she could.

“YOU CANT KEEP ME IN HERE!! …. LET ME OUT!! …. LET ME OUT NOW!!”

Rainbow Dash climbed up the frames of the steel door before peering through the window.

“COME GET ME!! …. YOU HEARD ME?!! …. COME IN HERE!! …. I DARE YOU!! …. I’LL KICK ALL YOU’RE FLANKS!! …. I’LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!!”

“SHUT UP!!”

A guard used his gun to smash the tiny window on the steel door, glass shattered in all directions, making Rainbow Dash loose her balance. Instinctively she flapped her wings to keep herself from falling down but the pain in her left made them both cease up before she landed on the solid floor, knocking the wind out of her.

She laid on the ground, coughing, her legs hung in the air as she squirmed on the ground, groaning in frustration.

“Okay. …. Urgh. …. That was stupid.”

With one swing of her legs she flopped onto her side, staring off into the distance as she tried to catch her breath. She remained silent, she began to worry, she felt different, the ringing in her ears was getting louder, the room felt like it was spinning, her head was beginning to throb, she was starting to change.

Her mind had been poisoned by this war, she saw things no mare should ever see, she felt numb, like she was drowning in rage, like her heart was fuelled by nothing more than unadulterated hate, she was starting to change, she could feel it.

“Y-you’re losing it Dash.” She whispered to herself. “Don’t. …. Lose it. …. Do. …. Not. …. Lose it.”

*CLUNK!*

Rainbow Dash looked up, the large steel door with the recently broken window had opened, two men walked into the room through the light. The exhausted Pegasus squinted, one man was holding some sort of a collar and the other one was holding a chain. Both men looked at her before they slowly advanced. Rainbow Dash growled, she backed into the corner of the room, gnashing her teeth as she glared at the imposing soldiers.

“Oh no! …. You are NOT putting that thing on me!!”

**********

Rainbow Dash grunted with every firm tug on her neck as she was pulled along the polished floor of the hallway. She pressed her hooves firmly into the ground, doing everything she could to make it as hard as possible to drag her along. After being shouted at and threatened numerous times she still refused to cooperate, to which the guard dragging her turned around and kicked her in the stomach chest. There was nothing she could do to jump out the way or run off as she was struck by the leather boot.

She fell to the ground, gasping for airs as she held her aching stomach, tears streaming from her eyes. Both the soldiers then began to shout at each other as Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, trying not to bewail in front of them.

The feud between the two men had stopped before the soldier handling Rainbow Dash started dragging her across the floor. The quivering Pegasus went limp as she was dragged into another room, her body quickly tensed up as she felt the soft carpet tickle her belly, almost making her smile. She was then picked off the ground by one of the soldiers; she was unable to struggle as she was dropped onto a large chair. She took a minute to gather her senses as she slowly sat up opening her eyes.

She was sat next to a large wooden table, she looked ahead to see a black suited man sat opposite her a few feet away, holding a file.

“Good morning.”

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up, she sighed in relieved that someone spoke English. She smirked before trying to put a brave face on.

“W-where’s the dork with the moustache?”

“…. *Ahem* …. Sir Hitler is currently engaged at the moment. I’m his translator Paul Schmidt. I’m here to discuss you’re current situation.”

Schmidt placed a file on the desk before opening it up and showing a map to her, Rainbow Dash had no idea where she was so reading a map was pointless but she looked at the distinctive red lines drawn onto the map.

“As you can see we’ve been tracking you’re friends movements for quite some time. Ever since they attempted to aid their undercover agent. …. Thomas, Felix. We’ve managed to keep track of their movements until 2 days ago, where we. …. Lost track of them. …. I can understand how stressful this must be for you. You’re clearly not from around here. But I’m afraid, considering the circumstances, we need to be more. .... Direct with you.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“We know you were being escorted by these American soldiers.”

Schmidt pushed a handful of files to Rainbow Dash, her eyes widened as she looked at the familiar faces on the profiles in front of her. They were all there, her saviors, her friends, Sergeant Bishop. She hesitated before she reached forward, grabbing the picture with her hooves, pulling it towards her as she dreaded what was coming next.

She looked at the picture of the uniformed soldier, standing tall and proud, she smiled as she sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye.

“S-so that’s what he looks like when he smiles.” She said under her breath.

She lowered the picture to look at the others, Sergeant Cole, Sergeant Dixon, Private Andy and Captain Matt, Finn, John, his picture stamped with large red letters that spelt some German word she didn’t understand but she didn’t need any German lessons to figure out what it meant. Whilst the picture of Bishop was hidden under the table she discreetly unfurled one of her wings before slowly hiding the picture in her feathers.

“We know that you’ve spent a lot of time with them. ….Obviously you must have talked to them at some point. …. We want you to tell us where they are heading, before they do anything else rash. Before they get themselves killed for, frankly pointless reasons.”

“Y-you’re concerned about them?”

“Yes.”

“Oh really?”

Rainbow Dash stood in her seat leaning across the table glaring at Hitler’s translator dead in the eye.

“Was you concerned about them when you attacked us? When you shot my friends?!! When you SHOT ME?!! YOU DON’T WANT TO HELP THEM!! YOU WANT TO KILL THEM!! …. I may not be from around here, but I know what war is and I know when somepony is lying to my face! …. SO FRANKLY!! …. YOU CAN GO!! …. SHIT YOURSELF!! …. Wait, did I say that right?”

Schmidt sighed in frustration before pulling the files away from the opposing creature in front of him.

“I was hoping it wouldn’t have to resort to this but it’s your choice.”

“Huh? …. R-resort to what?”

With one firm yank Rainbow Dash was pulled off the chair, falling onto the ground with a thud, she looked up to soldiers above to see a disturbing grin wiped across their faces. She saw Schmidt walking away towards the door before he turned around to say.

“Remember men, we need her alive if she decides to talk, so don’t kill her.”

“K-k-kill me?”

“I can understand you’re loyalty but my führer said he wants answers. In the end he always wins. …. I’m sorry.”

Schmidt walked out of the room, Rainbow Dash looked back at the men standing above her, cracking their knuckles as she started to shake, knowing what was coming next.

“…. Uh. …. Gesundheit? …. Eheheh. …. *Gulp*”

Loyalty

It was nightfall, a storm was brewing the clouds parted as the moonlight pooled into the empty prison cell. Footsteps could be heard through the walls as water started dripping through the ceiling.

*CLUNK!*

The large steel door opened, two soldiers walked in, knuckles grazed and bruised, their clothes covered in rips and scrapes as they dragged the barely conscious Pegasus into the concrete cell. Rainbow Dash’s entire body had been cut beaten and bruised, clearly she had not said a word, but the cruel and relentless torture had taken its toll.

She laid limp on the floor using what was left of her energy to simply breath, her chest heaved with every deep gasp she took, Rainbow Dash stared off into the distance like a lifeless ghoul as her mind was completely overwhelmed with pain, far worse than when she was shot, if only she had the strength to scream.

Both men didn’t bother to take the chains off the Pegasus as they smirked at their handiwork before leaving the room, closing the large metal door with a deafening slam, leaving the tortured Pegasus, shaking, freezing in her prison cell.

She wanted to cry, but she had no tears. She weakly reached back pulling her treasured wings to her chest. They had been pulled and stretched, almost to the point of being torn off her back, but she did her best to be careful as she pulled out the now creased picture from her feathers. Her heart sank; the picture was almost completely covered in blood, making it almost impossible to see Bishop’s smile. She used her bruised hooves to weakly wipe most of the blood from the paper. She continued to lay on her side as she looked at the picture in front or her, before pulling it to her chest.

Her smile soon disappeared as she began to sob loudly into the ground, clutching the picture with a tight grip as she could feel the physical and emotional, each as unbearable as the other. With every second she cried, flashbacks of her encounters in this war, flashed into her mind, when she saw Bishop getting shot, when she watched soldiers getting torn apart by shrapnel and gunfire, the haunting screams of men being burned to death in explosions.

She held her head in her hooves, firmly pressing her hooves into her head as she attempted to clear her mind of those horrific images, but her current emotional state almost made it impossible to do so and with that she screamed.

At the top of her lungs she roared into the ceiling, her cries echoing through the prison corridors, but it wasn’t long before her cries of pain soon faded as her headache began to grow worse with every second she screamed. After wheezing the last bit of air from her lungs she kicked the air before letting herself flop onto the ground. As she did she noticed the splashing sound, she opened her eyes before she noticed the puddle by her hooves, like a man in a dessert, she desperately used her beaten legs to drag herself across the floor. It was only seconds before she was looking into the dirty water.

She didn’t care, she lowered her head, taking an experimental sip of the water before her eyes widened, she spat the water from her mouth but the disgusting taste still lingered on her tongue. She pushed herself into a sitting position before looking at the water again. She didn’t want to drink another drop, but she knew she didn’t have a choice.

She closed her eyes, trying to imagine that she was going to drink a giant keg of apple cider, but this only help a little. She held her breath before she dover her head into the muddy puddle, drinking the water as fast as she could before her stomach disagreed with her. After three large gulps she backed away, her stomach heaved as she clamped her mouth shut, trying everything to hold it down.

The vile taste in her mouth stung her senses as she managed to keep the water down, she couldn’t will herself to drink anymore. As she opened her eyes she saw her reflection in the water, her mane was matted to her head, her right eye was bruised, bloodshot and swollen and blood was coming from her mouth.

“I.” She choked. “I-I-I c-can’t take this. …. I can’t take it anymore! I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE!! I DON’T WANNA TELL THEM!! I DON’T WANNA!! …. I don’t know if I can take this anymore. …. I’m sorry. …. I’m so sorry.”

Rainbow Dash felt a familiar feeling rush through her body, she knew what was happening. She didn’t want to but she needed to see. She looked back into her reflection. Her mind didn’t want to believe it but her eyes weren’t lying.

A salty tear was pushed out of her eye before it fell into the watery reflection, her magenta eyes, her rainbow mane, her cyan coat had now become the same colorless grey she became when her loyalty was lost to the clutches of Discord, only this time it was her own desperation pushing the lives of her heroes to one side as she couldn’t bare her torture anymore. Knowing that was what hurt her more than all the pain she had felt so far.

She could feel her emotions changing, her sadness and desperation, turning into anger, rage and hatred, she gritted her teeth as she flared her nostrils, hitting the floor in frustration, screaming in anguish as the war in her mind was declared. She stood up shaking her head, stumbling around the room as she fought the unbearable desire for the pain to stop, it wasn’t long before she finally gave in.

“I’m. …. S-so sorry.”

Chance

“Ready to talk yet?”

Rainbow’s tormenter brought the leather belt up to his shoulder, using all his might as he struck her on her already bruised back, her eyes widened, she couldn’t scream, her mouth was gagged with the same dirty cloth as before. Her back arched as the agonizing pain washed across her entire body, she looked around at her audience, the room was full of business men, generals and soldiers, all watching as she was beaten mercilessly.

Rainbow scrambled to her feet running as fast as she could to the nearest door she could see, but the crowd guarding her exit pushed her back towards the center of the room. Conflicting thoughts raced in her mind. ‘JUST TELL THEM!!’ Her body screamed for mercy, her heart ached as her mind was seriously considering telling them where her heroes were.

“P-PLEASE STOP!! …. I CANT TAKE IT!! …. I CANT TAKE IURK!!“

Her sentence was cut off as she felt a deadly grip tighten around her neck, unable to breath she flailed her legs widely as she was lifted off the ground. Her face soon turned purple as the lack of oxygen was making her weak, adrenaline surged in her veins as her hooves yanked desperately at the leather belt, doing everything she could to loosen the grip.

Finally she was dropped to the ground, her chest heaved as she gasped for air, she looked around, nobody was going to save her. After she put her head in her hooves she began to bawl, knowing it was only a matter of time before she would give up. But then she noticed that the room fell silent, even the heartless tormenter behind her had stopped walking, she looked up, she saw the same man with the brown suit as before, had she not been in so much pain she probably would have burst out laughing at his moustache again.

The dictator marched up to her, Schmidt, his translator followed as Rainbow Dash came face to face with the infuriated mam. He then yelled at the top of his lungs, Rainbow Dash covered her head expecting another painful blow to her beaten body, but it never came.

The dictator then began to talk to her, she couldn’t understand what he was saying but whatever it was, he was talking in a chilling tone which sent a shiver up her spine. Schmidt then translated.

“You have become an extreme nuisance to me.” He began, translating as the enraged dictator continued to yell at the helpless mare. “If you are not going to talk then you will be of no use to us. I’m giving you one last chance to speak, then I’ll end you’re suffering. …. Otherwise you’re going to die right here.”

The dictator yelled again, raising his hand, Rainbow Dash squeaked before she raised her hooves, pressing them firmly against her head. She began to shake her heart stopped; she paused before she peaked through her hooves looking at the suited man in front of her.

“P-p-please, d-don’t hurt me. …. No more. I beg. …. I beg!”

The leader growled, turning away before gesturing by waving his hand to the soldier stood next to the colorless Pegasus. To which he replied by wrapping the belt around Rainbow’s neck again, once again Rainbow Dash choked as the air was squeezed out of her lungs. Her vision blurred as the grip grew tighter and tighter, her heart surged, desperately trying to pump the last of her oxygen to her brain. As she was seconds away from blacking out she brought her legs up to her chest before she used the last of her energy to kick the soldier behind her as hard as she could.

“AAAAAUUUGH!!”

The grip loosened around her neck, she was dropped to the ground as the soldier yelled in agony. Quickly collecting her thoughts, Rainbow Dash looked back, seeing that the heavy blow had struck the soldier in the groin, her eyes widened, she panicked as she turned to face the crowd in front of her, the dictator screamed out a command, pointing at her to which his right hand man pulled out a pistol from his jacket.

Rainbow ducked as the soldier fired at her, she felt the heat of the bullet as it flew past her ear, grazing the flesh as it went through the window behind her. Rainbow Dash looked at the cracked window, she saw her chance, but she had a score to settle.

Felling the blood pump into her muscles, she sprinted towards the infuriated as he yelled at his guards, with one great leap, she threw herself into the air, leaning back as she flew across the room.

“Take this!!”

Using her back legs, Rainbow Dash kicked the Dictator in the nose with all her might, feeling the bones crack under her hooves as she used the force to sling shot herself towards the window. She felt the deafening scream ring in her ears as she braced herself for impact. Using all her body weight she smashed through the thick glass, she started to fall before her body tensed with fear as she saw herself plummeting to the ground outside the six story building.

She screamed as gravity began pulling her towards the ground, out of instinct she closed her eyes as she unfurled her wings and with one firm thrust she started to glide along the ground. She opened her eyes looking at her wings as the biggest smile wiped across her face. For the first time in this world she was flying again, the pain was unbelievable but she didn’t care.

All of a sudden she heard bullets flying past her, she turned back to see almost every soldier in the building she just escaped from, firing their guns at her. Rainbow Dash almost lost focus as she wobbled in the air, with a graceful swoop she dove towards the ground in a vertical nose dive, pulling up just as she was inches from the concrete path. She carried on flying towards the horizon as she dodged the bullets as they struck the ground beneath her, kicking dust into her face, but with the gaze of an eagle she carried on dodging and diving like a fighter jet in a dog fight, in no time at all she could see a forest into the distance.

As soon as the gunfire ceased she dropped to the ground, landing on her feet before she sprinted into the trees.

Hope

As Rainbow Dash stumbled through the forest she could feel the relentless hunger in her stomach starting to cloud her senses, she hadn’t stopped running for 2 hours. Even in the running of the leaves she never ran that fast or far before, she began to go through her memories as a filly and when she was with her friends. She began to picture them in her head.

Twilight Sparkle, lavender eyes, straight purple mane with a pink highlighted stripe, kind, helpful, can be a bit of an egghead sometimes.

Applejack, green eyes, blond mane fashioned into a ponytail which hung over her shoulder, honest, hardworking, would always put herself before her friends.

Rarity, sky blue eyes, curly purple mane, generous, workaholic, a bit of a drama queen.

Fluttershy, blue eyes, long pink mane, with additional hair extensions, quiet, loving, giving, always needing somepony to help her.

And pinkie pie. …… Blue eyes, pink puffy mane, random.

*Growl*

“Urgh. …. I’m starving!”

She began to look around the woods; her eyes started scanning for something, anything to eat. She clenched her stomach, squeezing it tight despite the bruises. Just then she caught a glimpse of something, an apple? Just in front of her gaze she spotted a decaying green apple on the floor, she looked up, she saw probably one of the biggest apple trees she had ever seen in her life.

Her mouth watered as her stomach churned, with one flap off her wings she was air born, she circled the tree before hovering in front of a branch. She nudged and apple with her hoof, it wasn’t a hallucination.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!”

She snatched the first apple from the tree before sinking her teeth into the fruit, it was juicy, crunchy and so much larger than what she was used to in Ponyville, but she agreed they were nowhere near as tasty as Applejack’s. One after another she chewed furiously consuming one apple at a time, she screeched in joy, feeling her stomachs torturing hunger finally subside.

She began to hum to herself as she swooped through the air, hooves full of apples; she dove to the ground landing on her feet as she gorged herself on the fruity delight. She started to tear up, this was the second to best feeling she had ever experienced in this world.

After eating at least 20 fresh green apples she slumped onto the floor, placing a hoof on her stomach as she laid on the prickly grass, feeling the cool breeze sweep across her coat. She sighed, before she smile soon deteriorated.

“How the hay am I going to find them? …. I don’t even know where they are going.”

After a few minutes passed, she lifted herself off the ground, feeling queasy after consuming so many apples at once. She begins to flap her wings slowly pulling herself into the air, feeling noticeably heavier than before. She weaved through the thick branches of the trees, before emerging out of the woods, hovering in the sky as she looked in all directions.

She saw the building where she just came from, she shuddered at the sigh before turning around to see the coast. She reached into her feathers before pulling out the bloodstained photo of Bishop, she smiled, feeling her strength build up before she put the picture back In her feathers and taking off into the clouds.

Rainbow Dash looked into the distance, focusing her gaze on the coast as she glided through the air, her left wing still burning from her past injury. She began to look down, searching for any signs of movement below, but all she could see was empty space, she tried to clear her mind from the enormity of her task, she pressed on.

*BOOM!!*

A blinding light knocked her off balance, she plummeted to the ground, only just managing to flap her wings at the last second, softening the still rough landing. She rolled on the ground like a log before hitting a tree, the wind was knocked out of her as she opened her eyes. Was she being attacked? Did she hit something without seeing it? Not ready to take a chance she crouched, ready to throw herself off the ground, but something caught her eye.

She stood normally, squinting her eyes as she saw something glisten in the distance, she step forward, taking a closer look. She began to walk closer, she could see that whatever it was, it was stuck in a tree. As she walked up to it she gasped, she recognized what it was, she leaped into the air before grabbing the object with her teeth.

It was firmly lodged in the bark as she used her bodyweight to furiously yank at it, until.

*SNAP!*

It broke free, she fell to the ground again on her rump, she winced in pain as she dropped the object from her mouth and into her hooves. She couldn’t believe her eyes, the golden shine, the ancient marking on the base, the large lightning shaped jewel engraved into the metal. Her heart skipped a beat, she felt her first glimmer of hope as she held the item into the light.

“M-my element!”

Choice

She held her element in her hooves as questions began to pour into her mind. ‘What’s my element doing here? How did it get here? Did it find me? Did somepony send it to her? Does this mean I can go home? How is this even possible?’

She shook her head before she stroked the red jewel; she smiled before she quickly put it around her neck. The cold metal felt uncomfortable around her bruised neck as it clipped into place, she always felt safe wearing it, every time she used it’s magic she felt like nothing could touch her, almost like how she felt when she slept by Bishop’s side in the hospital that night.

She sighed, looking at herself, she noticed that she was still colorless, her body was still just as grey as when she left her concrete prison. She hung her head as she started to carry on walking, she flapped her wings, lifting herself off the ground again as she took off, she looked into the sky, she didn’t know what she was looking for, whether it was some kind of a portal or a bright light hanging ominously in the sky. All of a sudden a sense of static electricity strangled her neck as she choked, an invisible force was pulling her, as she grabbed onto her element she felt herself being engulfed by a chilling breeze as her vision turned white.

**********

“Urrgh. ….. Hey! Where am I?”

The Pegasus found herself floating in blackness, she felt cold, she tried to move but she felt like she was swimming in syrup.

“Rainbow Dash?”

The colorless mare froze, hearing the all too familiar tone of Twilight’s voice.

“Twilight?!”

“Rainbow!!”

“Twilight!! Where are you Twilight?!”

“Oh my gosh are you alright?!”

“I’m fine!! Where are you?!”

Rainbow Dash squinted her eyes as yet another white flash caught her by surprise.

“DARN IT!! Will you stop with the flashing?!! I’m gonna go blind!! ….. Huh?”

Through a thick mist in front of her Rainbow Dash saw all her friends, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie. Rainbow Dash gasped in joy as she looked at her friends, as they stared back at her, with concern clear in their eyes. Rainbow Dash tried to reach out for them but they weren’t physically there. She had never felt so relived in all her life as she thought she would never see their faces again.

“Gosh golly!” Applejack gasped on the verge of tears. “What in Celestia’s name happened to you?!”

“Nice to meet you too Applejack.” Rainbow Dash grinned, all she wanted to do was hug her friends and never let go of them again. “I’m fine now that you guys are here. …. Wait.”

She snapped out of her moment of joy before her mind began questioning.

“What am I doing here? How did you find me? What happened?!”

The five ponies looked at each other, exchanging glances before turning back to their grey friend. Twilight stepped forwards looking to her left, away from her friends before looking back at Rainbow Dash.

“I can’t explain it myself. …. But I know somepony who can. Rainbow Dash, meet Doctor Whooves.”

All of a sudden a brown colt jumped into Rainbow Dash’s view.

“Hello there! It’s me the doctor!” He chirped with a slightly eccentric attitude.

Rainbow Dash gasped, she recognized him, the dreams, the blue box, the strange accent, the anonymous pony she chased in that cave, it had come together in her mind.

“You?” She growled, taking the six ponies in her vision by surprise. “You did this?!”

“*Ahem* Well strictly speaking, it was you’re fault.”

“MY FAULT?! …. You just wait till I get my hooves on you!! You littl-”

“Listenlistenlisten! It was all a terrible accident, okay. But it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. As a matter of fact everything’s ready. …. Hmm. Twilight! Press that big green, blue and yellow button.”

“What’s happening?!!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the top of her lungs, despite her sore throat. “Will somepony PLEASE tell me what’s going on?!!”

Everyone was silenced, the doctor turned to Twilight before taking a deep breath and turning to Rainbow Dash.

“The blue box you found in that ancient tomb was my Tardis, T, A, R, D, I, S. Time and relevant dimension in space, it’s a ship which has the ability to travel in time but in some cases it does malfunction, when you came into contact with the Tardis you were sucked into the time vortex which spat you out in a random time AND dimension, three trillion and four light-years north east to be exact, luckily the Tardis automatically followed you but we landed a few miles off course from where you landed. When we returned to Equestria we noticed a strange flux of foreign energy coming from planet earth but by the time we discovered it you disappeared off my radar. But later I discovered that you’re necklace had an infinite bond with the electromagnetic charges in your brain cells. So by connecting you’re element to the Tardis’s mainframe and having Twilight send it to you, using her magic, I’ve been able to construct a kenilocolovical tether, which connects you to my ship, so it can take you back home.”

Rainbow Dash’s mind went blank, she didn’t understand a word that just came out of his mouth, apart from that whatever he’s done means that she can finally go home. She became pensive, home, it’s what she wanted right?

“ALRIGHTY!!” The doctor shouted. “Batten down the hatches! Fasten your seatbelts. …. And enjoy the ride. You ready Rainbow?! …….. Go!”

Rainbow Dash felt her body being hoisted through the blackness, she forcefully brought her hooves up to look at them. They were still grey, her whole body was still lifeless with color and her soul still felt empty. She was kind of relived, she was going home, but something felt strange. …. She didn’t want it. Memories of her moments with Bishop began to flash into her mind as a white light appeared in front of her. All the times when he was there for her, when she slept soundly by his side, when he took those bullets to protect her.

She started gritting her teeth, ever since she wound up on earth she wanted nothing more than to go back to Equestria and spend the next three weeks laying in her comfy bed, she missed it so much. To be with her friends, to live in a peaceful world once again, no fighting, no war, no disharmony and no more pain. But it didn’t feel right, it wouldn’t be right.

Without a moment’s hesitation she began to lift her hooves which felt like deadweights, as they got closer to her element, the light in front of her grew brighter, she knew it was only a matter of time. She felt lighter as it got closer and closer, she could smell the fresh Ponyville air, a scent she had yearned to breath in again, but she wasn’t ready yet, she needed to make sure Bishop was safe.

Her arms got heavier as sweat began to pour from her body, her muscles were burning, her joints were aching, the pain was excruciating. Screaming a primeval roar she used the last ounce of her strength to reach the back of her element before grabbing the hinges holding it together.

“I-I can’t. …. I can’t go back. Not yet!”

With one firm tug the clips detached the necklace from around her neck before floating off into the distance. She watched as the vision of her friends reaching out, screaming for her disappeared with the blackness and before she knew what had happened she found herself falling through the sky, towards the forest ground.

Paper trail

Rainbow Dash opened her wings before turning to see the oncoming forest. Weakened by her earlier struggle she was unable to avoid crashing into the ground. As she descended she used what strength she had left to tilt her wing to send her into a steep glide. Rainbow crashed into multiple branches and trees before her feet struck the ground, causing her to spiral out of control.

She rolled on the ground before crashing into a large rock. It wasn’t long before she was reminded of her harsh reality as she opened her eyes to look around. Just then her element crashed into the ground, causing it to shake under her hooves. She groaned before she pulled herself up, she leaned forward to walk but her front legs collapsed under her weight, using her back legs, she lazily pushed herself along the ground until her element was right in front of her gaze.

Waiting for her strength to come back, Rainbow Dash stared into the reflection of the jewel, sighing as she was bathed in a warm glow. But then she noticed something.

“The Jeep!”

She turned, the rock she crashed into was supporting the vehicles weight as it was perched on top of it. Her strength came back in an instant, she eyes lit up as her spirit was lifted.

“Bish! BISH!!”

She started to run around the demolished vehicle, there was no answer, she kept shouting at the top of her lungs till her throat felt like it was on fire, but nobody was around. She stomped her hoof in frustration but at least she found the Jeep, ‘that’s start right?’ she thought to herself. She began looking around the truck, searching for clues, for any signs of her heroes.

She tried to concentrate to every conceivable detail she could find on the truck, she leaped into the back of the Jeep before her eyes were struck by an eerie sight.

She looked around, her mouth went dry as she stared at the bullet holes, the used cartridges scattered on the floor, and the blood. She pressed her hoof against the metal walls of the jeep, staring into the bullet holes as a potent smell struck her senses, the smell of alcohol and blood mixed together gave off a scent which made her gag.

Unable to stand the smell for any longer she backed away before falling out of the Jeep, landing on her back. Groaning in pain as her bruises began to throb she hoisted herself off the ground before looking at the dent she made on the floor, that was when she saw a large boot print in front of her gaze, her eyes widened she saw the ground covered in a dark crimson, as she jumped onto her feet she saw herself surrounded by footprints, all covered with blood.

As her heart jumped into her mouth, Rainbow Dash began searching for a trail, it wasn’t long before she saw the trail of blood going into the trees in the distance, with a stampede of footprints following. She quickly ran to her element and picked it up, holding it under her wing before she began to gallop, following the blood as it lead her deeper into the woods.

***********

Rainbow Dash was growing tired, the trail didn’t seem to end, the blood and footprint just appeared to go on and on. She had ran for what felt like an eternity but she kept her focus, not knowing if Bishop was dead or alive was enough to give her the strength she needed to carry on.

As she entered a clearing she closed her eyes for a second moistening them before she tripped on something. Her body was thrown forward, she yelped as she tumbled onto the ground when she came to a stop she opened her eyes, what she saw next, she’ll never forget.

Right before her was a pair of dark, glazed eyes, staring into her soul, as her eyes widened she noticed she could see the sky through the bloody wound on the soldiers head. Rainbow screeched flailing her legs before she backed away as fast as she could, seeing that it was a dead Nazi soldier, surrounded by dozens more. The stench was horrific, she covered her mouth with her hooves as her mind began to panic, making her whole body shake as she stared at the dozens of decaying bodies in front of her. Some had their insides sprawled out on the floor, one was missing a head one had been burnt to a crisp, the skull exposed as the fire surrounding the body made the flesh sizzle, the smell of burning flesh pushed her stomach too far, she hunched over as it began to empty it’s contents onto the ground, her head hung as she hurled, seeing that she was stood in a large puddle of blood, her vomit mixed into the gore below her as she let out a blood curdling scream of anguish.

She began to hyperventilate, looking in all directions for a way out but she was completely surrounded by death, blood and gore, closing her eyes she took off into the sky as quickly as she could before inevitably crashing into a tree. Landing on her rump she jumped back onto her feet as began seeing stars, shaking her head, she was still in a state of panic, not daring to look back she crouched ready to start running before something caught her eye.

Still breathing erratically, her heart running on nothing more than adrenalin she saw someone laying on the ground, but it wasn’t a Nazi soldier, he was wearing American attire. At first she didn’t want to believe it. ‘N-no. …. It can’t be!’ She thought, running to the soldiers side, she stumbled before falling to her knees, sliding on the floor before she found herself sat next to the body of:

“D-d-daniel?

Reunited

At first she refused to believe it, but as her eyes wandered the evidence was clear, his hands were burnt, his torso looked to have been torn apart, she looked back before instantly snapping her head back, the area had all the tell tails signs of some kind of fire or a huge explosion.

But then she realized, if Cole was the only American soldier here and the fire around her was still burning, then that means she was close, they couldn’t be much further away right? Fire doesn’t burn forever. She looked back at sergeant Cole before standing up, she held back her tears before pulling herself away, she began to search the floor for footprints, but all she could see was blood. Rainbow Dash cringed with every step she took, her hooves squelched on the moist ground.

After jumping over another charred body she saw three sets of deep footprints moving away from the area, she felt that glimmer of hope once again but before she ran off she turned around and look at Coles body in the distance, turning back she began to run again. She tried everything to keep a brave face on as she galloped through the woods but her efforts were fruitless as she choked, she began to openly sob as she picked up the pace, running as fast as her legs could carry her.

*********

In all her years Rainbow Dash had never experienced war so brutal, seen death in front of her eyes or been so scared in all her life, coming from such a peaceful world there was no way she could be prepared for the brutality she suffered, she wanted to go home but not when Bishop could be alive, waiting for her. She continued following the footprints, her legs quickly grew tired so she opened her wings and took off, this time she made sure she checked what was in front of her before looking down again, she had already made that mistake several times.

Just then, she heard something, it was barely audible; she touched down before staying as still as she could. She heard it again, someone was talking, her ears perked up as she began to walk closer. Unable to tell what was being said, she creped as quietly as she could, tense moments passed, part of her wanted to sprint towards the noise hoping it wasn’t a trap or even another Nazi platoon. If there was one thing this war had taught her it’s that nothing can ever be predicted, she kept herself composed still walking down the woods as she kept her ears open.

The noise was now coming to her right behind a large bush, she paused, still trying to listen in, it was definitely a conversation, but who was it? She hesitated before she tip hooved her way into the shrubbery, she saw light and with that she saw someone, her eyes lit up as she recognized the backpack.

*Snap!*

She felt a twig snap under her weight, with that the dark figure in front of her spun around before firing it’s weapon. Three defining gunshots barely missed her as she felt one bullet in particular tear through her mane, pulling out her delicate hairs and scorching her neck, she opened her mouth to scream but her hooves covered her mouth, she whimpered as the figure fired another shot into the bush.

“DIXON!!”

Rainbow Dash’s heart sored, it was Andy. Words couldn’t begin to describe how she felt so relived. The only thing holding her back now was seeing the pistol being pointed directly at her, if he fired his gun one more time it would most certainly be her end.

Tense moments passed before the dark figure slowly backed away from the bush, she pulled herself up, her eyes following the man before the change in light showed it was Dixon. In a funny way it was actually a relief to see him too. The sergeant then turned around walking next to the private, and there he was, the beaten, bruised and wounded soldier standing tall, holding his weapon in his hands. Rainbow Dash stepped forward peeking her head through the leaves, but then Bishop snapped his head towards her, lifting his gun and aiming it directly at her, she froze as the others did the same.

“Whose there?!!” He yelled, sending a chill down her spine as she listened to the menacing tone in Bishop’s voice.

Rainbow Dash mustered all the strength she could she pressed a hoof out into the light, at first there was silence; the Pegasus closed her eyes, not knowing how they’d react.

“R-rainbow?”

She opened her eyes, the sergeant had lowered his weapon, so did the others, now was the time. She hesitantly stepped out of the bushes, not breaking eye contact with the Bishop, she watched as the soldiers eyes widened before his mouth fell open. His face was a mix of surprise and devastation; he looked at all the cuts, bruises on the fragile, colorless creature that stood before him. Bishop threw his gun to one side; that was Rainbow’s cue.

Dash, sprinted towards the sergeant as he kneeled, she closed her eyes as she jumped into Bishop’s arms, she wrapped her forehooves around his neck before they both embraced each other, Bishop was startled, he couldn’t believe what was happening. Rainbow Dash buried her head into his chest sobbing into his jacket, tears dripped into sergeant Bishop’s wounds, making him hiss in pain, but he didn’t care one bit.

Rainbow Dash was in just as much pain, her burning muscles, her wings, only now she realized how much pain she was in, she gripped tighter, the sergeant sniffed, holding back his tears, he was overcome with joy. Rainbow Dash looked up at him before she started to feel strange, she looked down, she cried in bliss as she watched her color started to come back.

Starting from her hooves, her cyan color swooped across her legs, her tails rainbow color appeared with glistening sparks surrounding her body, the warm feeling consumed her entire body until she was back to the way she was. Rainbow Dash felt a sense of overwhelming pride in her heart as she looked back at Bishop with teary eyes.

“I. …. I missed you. …. Oh Celestia I missed you.” She whispered between sobs, before placing her head against his chest again.

Bishop paused before her stood up as he held the Pegasus in his arms, he couldn’t hold onto his emotions any longer. He squeezed the Pegasus tighter as he sniffed, felling the warmth of the cyan creature against his body as his tears soaked into her rainbow mane. Rainbow Dash once again, felt safe, like nothing could possibly hurt her again as they both cried.

Dixon

Since they were reunited Rainbow Dash never left his side for a second, she was so overwhelmed with bliss that she could never bring herself to lose sight of him, Bishop didn’t mind the extra attention, because he was equally as overcome as she was.

Later that day it had just turned dark, the stars were starting to appear in the night sky as the clouds moved to surround the moon shining its light into even the darkest depths of the forest. Rainbow Dash stared into the moon as she sat next to Bishop; Andy was checking the wounds on his back as the Pegasus found herself stunned by the uncanny resemblance of the small white planet in the sky. She stared into the brightness until she heard the commotion next to her.

She turned to see Bishop with the leather handle of his in his mouth, she almost giggled at the sight until she saw Andy behind him holding his can of whisky. She the remembered the purpose of the leather strap, she leaned closer looking at the sergeant in the eyes as she began to worry about the pain he was about to go through, because she remembered exactly how it felt, it made her wing burn just thinking about it. She looked at the bag to see the haunting sight of her own blood almost completely staining the entire bag.

She placed a hoof on Bishop’s leg before the sergeant gave her a reassuring wink, with that he looked ahead as Andy stood behind him.

“You ready Serge?”

Bishop nodded, his hands clenched before he closed his eyes, Rainbow Dash scooted closer as Andy quickly poured the alcohol on the sergeants back. Bishop’s eyes widened, he sunk his teeth into the strong leather as he tried not to move, Rainbow Dash stood in front of him but he was looking past her as his face started turning red. His hands started shaking, Dash wanted to do something to help but there was nothing she could do, instead she watched as tears began to stream out of his eyes, she watched Andy as he worked frantically, wiping a cloth around his wounds to dry them.

“Done!!” Andy shouted, to which Bishop shot up off the ground and began to jump on the spot, screaming in agony, he spat the leather strap from his mouth as he flexed his back. After taking a few deep breaths he started walking away from the camp.

“Hey, wait!” Dash yelled.

“No Rainbow! …. Just, stay here. …. I’ll be back in a bit. I promise.”

Dash sat on the ground as a frown spread across her face, she watched every step the sergeant took as he disappeared into the distance. She turned around and started walking back to Andy, she then looked to her right, she almost froze at the sight of Dixon walking towards her with a bloody knife, she gasped before sprinting for the private.

Rainbow Dash jumped next to Andy, hiding behind him before looking around him to see Dixon, who was now stood next to a tree. Andy turned to see the quivering Pegasus behind him.

“Hey. Are you okay?”

Andy then turned to look at Dixon, he watched as the sergeant firmly stabbed the large knife into the strong wood before using it to wrench a large piece of bark from the tree, after putting it under his arm Dixon put the gory blade in his mouth before reaching into his jacket pocket with his free hand.

Rainbow Dash whimpered at the disturbing sight as the blood of the sergeant’s victims dripped down his chin, Dixon then pulled out a lighter, he took the knife out of his mouth, glaring at the Pegasus with a glint of madness in his eye before walking back to where he was.

“Fuck me!” Andy exclaimed, he turned back to Rainbow Dash, she was shaking, hiding behind the private. Before he could put a hand on her back to stroke it Rainbow Dash jumped to her feet, running off, as Andy watched her he saw the Pegasus run up to sergeant Bishop. The sergeant was almost knocked off his feet as Rainbow jumped into his arms.

“Whoa! Careful there! …. Hey. …. You’re shaking. Rainbow, what’s wrong?”

She didn’t reply, gripped the sergeant tighter around his neck, Bishop looked at Andy in the distance before turning to Dixon. Bishop’s eyes widened at the sight of Dixon sharpening his knife with blood smeared around his mouth. Dixon glared at the sergeant almost like a lion stalks its prey, Bishop heart began to race in his chest, his body all of a sudden felt cold. The sergeant was all too familiar with what Dixon was thinking, with that he started backing away, not once breaking eye contact, he gently placed Rainbow Dash on the ground before shuffling up to Andy, still not breaking eye contact.

“Andy. …. You trust me right”

“Yeah?”

“Get my piece.”

“…. What?”

“Do it now. …. Slowly”

Andy obeyed, keeping the pistol hidden he pushed it along the ground, Rainbow Dash saw clearly what was going on.

“B-bish?” She whimpered. Placing a hoof on his leg, the sergeant then stood up putting the pistol in his holster.

“Stay here. Both of you.”

Bishop slowly started to walk towards Dixon as Rainbow and Andy watched, the sergeant took a deep breath, trying to think of what to do next. He had seen many in the soldiers in the past, shell shocked, have a nervous breakdown, even turn suicidal, but this was different, Bishop looked into Dixon’s eyes and he saw a lust for blood.

He hovered his hand over the pistol before he sat opposite the sergeant, Dixon stopped sharpening his blade, he placed it on the ground, not once breaking eye contact, as Bishop leaned forward to speak

Snapped

Bishop took a minute to come up with something to say as Dixon continued to stare at him, so far the crazed sergeant hadn’t so much as blinked yet. Rainbow and Andy watched from a distance as the tension grew, Rainbow Dash then caught a glimpse of Andy reaching into his bag before pulling out a large machete. Bishop felt a knot in his stomach as he felt the sweat dripping under his clothes.

“Not looking so good Dixon. …. You need a hand with any of this?”

“Fuck off.” Dixon growled.

“…. I know what you’re feeling Dixon. …. That sense of helplessness, the lonely feeling in your chest. Believe me, we’re all going through it.”

“….”

“We can get through this. If you take it easy, we can get out of here, as a team.”

Dixon paused before silence turned into a chuckle, Bishop placed his hand on his pistol as Dixon leaned forward, the blade was now directly below him and inches from his reach.

“Hehehh. ….. Your talking as if I crazy.” Dixon said in a disturbingly friendly tone. “A team you say? …. Since when did being a team matter in this fucking shitstorm? Since when does a “TEAM” plot to kill one of their own?!”

“…. We’ve not discussed such things.”

“Then why the piece?”

“It’s best to be prepared in a war.”

“BULLSHIT!!!!”

Before Dixon finished his scream he found Bishop’s had withdrew his pistol and aimed it at his head. Andy stood up hiding the large blade behind his back, Rainbow Dash’s legs were screaming to run and help but Bishop’s word was the only thing that was keeping her where she was. The mad sergeant sat back before laughing again, Bishop’s hands were shaking, he looked down the sights of his weapon as Dixon continued to snigger.

“You’re right. Heheh. It IS always good to be prepared in this war. …. Because you never know what’s coming. …. After all this time I’ve killed many Japs, Nazis but ironically it looks like they’re not my real enemy.”

“You are your own worst enemy Dixon. You’ve proven yourself to be a threat to this unit.”

“Unit? WHAT FUCKING UNIT?!! …. There’s three of us, excluding that cunt!”

“You know the damn drill! Don’t make me do it. The only thing stopping me from pulling this trigger is knowing you have a family who love and care for your wellbeing.

“My family?”

Dixon had a look of woe spread across his face.

“D-didn’t nobody tell you?! ….. THEY’RE DEAD!!”

Bishop looked down to see the blade had disappeared, before he could focus his vision on Dixon again, the crazed sergeant had tackled him to the ground, knocking the gun out of his hand.

“BISH!!”

Andy sprinted towards the fight, machete in his right hand. Dixon had the sergeant pinned to the ground, Bishop could feel the shrapnel churning in his muscles as he struggled.

“ANDY!! NO!!” Bishop choked.

The private brought the blade back to swing but Dixon saw him in the corner of his eye. Throwing a punch to Bishop’s temple he threw himself towards Andy, blocking the attack with his right arm before grabbing Andy by the throat with his left. The private’s face turned red as the sergeant choked him against a nearby tree, Bishop tried to stand up but the throbbing in his head and the ringing in his ears was disorientating his senses.

Dixon lifted the skinny private off the ground still pinning him against the tree before, yanking the machete out of his hand.

“NO!!”

Dixon was thrown against the tree as he felt something jump on his back, looking back he saw the cyan Pegasus, Rainbow Dash was holding the crazed sergeant by his neck, doing everything in her power to stop the relentless violence.

Without thinking, Dixon threw his head back, head-butting the filly on the snout, knocking her off his back. Dixon then turned back to Andy, with one firm swing of the machete Dixon drove the blade into the privates chest. With a crazed grin spread across his face, Dixon watched as the blade pierced the privates skin, feeling the bones breaking and the muscles tearing under the force. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes at the gut wrenching crunch, she looked up only to see the blood as it splattered on her face and her eyes. Andy gasped before looking at the sergeant in the eyes, feeling the cold steel inside him.

Dixon let go of the blade, leaving the private pinned against the tree.

“How does it feel?” Dixon growled, still smiling.

Andy didn’t answer; he scowled before spitting a mouthful of blood into Dixon’s face. The sergeant recoiled, wiping the blood from his eyes before throwing a punch to Andy’s jaw. Dixon didn’t pause he made his way towards Rainbow Dash, wielding the blade in his hand.

The Pegasus was wiping her eyes, trying to see, her nose was throbbing, dripping in blood as her vision cleared, she spotted the sergeant walking towards her, she looked past his to see the private hanging from a tree. She turned her gaze back to Dixon as she saw the blade in his hand.

“No. ….No, no. Nononono.”

She flipped into her stomach before flapping her wings, as she took off she felt the crazed sergeant’s hand grab her leg. She flapped her wings furiously before she was pulled back to the ground, she hung upside down as Dixon held the knife to her.

Bishop’s senses were slowly returning as his vision started to clear, he then heard a ear-splitting scream coming from the distance. His head darted to see the sight of Dixon slowly cutting Rainbow Dash on her chest.

“DIXON!!!”

Bishop tried to stand but his legs collapsed under his weight, Dixon stopped, looking at the sergeant as he held the Pegasus in his hand. Rainbow Dash clutched her wound, still screaming as she looked at Bishop through teary eyes.

Bishop saw Andy pinned to the tree, his heart was beating out of his chest, Bishop looked for his pistol before realising it was by Andy’s feet, he slowly turned back to Dixon.

“You lay one on finger on her I’ll-“

“YOU’LL WHAT?!!”

“…. Please. …. Not her just. …. Please. Don’t hurt her, she hasn’t done anything to deserve it.”

Dixon paused looking at the blue pony in his hand, Rainbow Dash looked at him, eyes pleading for mercy. Dixon turned back to Bishop with a neutral look on his face.

“…. Please.”

Dixon stared at Bishop, the silence was agonising, slowly Dixon started to smile, the evil grin sent a shiver down Bishop’s spine, Bishop desperately started to try and climb onto his feet as Dixon grabbed Rainbow Dash by her tail.

All Bishop could do was watch as Dixon slammed the Pegasus on the ground, Dash’s strangled cries tore a hole in Bishop’s heart. Bishop screamed in anguish as he watched. Dixon continued to mercilessly beat the helpless creature against the ground. Dixon then threw the Pegasus into the air before kicking her into a tree. Rainbow’s beaten body fell to the ground. Bishop grew numb as he saw the Pegasus’s limp body rolled on the ground into a puddle. He stared at the motionless creature on the ground as the clear puddle slowly turned red.

Uncontrollable anger began to consume his mind; Bishop clenched his fists until his nails began to draw blood from his palms. He felt the fire burning in his chest as he stumbled onto his feet; he stared at Dixon dead in the eyes as a storm began to brew in the sky. Thunder crashed, blinding streaks of lightning exploded around them as the tension grew and grew. And with that, powered only by unadulterated rage, Bishop roared before he sprinted towards the armed soldier.

Fixed

Dixon drew his blade as the infuriated soldier sprinted towards him, he poised his knife before swinging for the sergeant, missed, Bishop tackled Dixon to the ground before holding Dixon by the throat with one arm and holding the hand holding the knife with the other. Bishop roared as he smashed Dixon’s hand against a nearby rock, doing everything to disarm him.

Dixon began to lose consciousness as Bishop’s grip grew tighter and tighter, after shaking his head Dixon growled before jabbing his thumb into Bishop’s shoulder wound, the injured sergeant screamed in agony as he felt Dixon’s thumb under his flesh, twisting and churning his muscles and tendons. Bishop the tightened his grip around Dixon’s wrist until:

*CRACK!!*

Dixon wailed before pressing his hand deeper into Bishop’s shoulder, he let go of the knife as the sergeant straddling him could no longer stand the excruciating pain. Bishop jumped onto his feet clenching his shoulder as blood began to pour out of his wound.

Dixon clambered onto his feet before throwing himself at Bishop, his superior weight and strength made it impossible to overpower the madman as he grabbed Bishop in a sleeper hold. Bishop choked, looking everywhere for some kind of a weapon, he threw his legs up before pushing against a tree, throwing them both to the ground. As Bishop and Dixon landed in a large puddle Bishop caught a glimpse of the knife in the distance, he reached out to it, millimetres from his grasp Bishop kicked his legs in the air, desperately trying to move those precious, extra millimetres towards the blade.

Dixon laugh maniacally as Bishop finally grasped the blade in his hand, without any hesitation he drove the knife into Dixon’s thigh. The soldier winced but kept his grip, Bishop then yanked the knife out again, stabbing two more times in the same spot before Dixon threw the sergeant off.

Bishop gasped for air crawling away from Dixon as fast as he could before he found himself being dragged back, out of instinct Bishop threw himself onto his back, turning just in time to stab Dixon firmly in the shoulder. Instantly the crazed madman released his grip, grunting in pain before recoiling with a long blade sticking out of his shoulder.

Dixon slowly grasped the bloody knife before using all his strength to firmly tug on the blade before realising it was lodged firmly in his collar bone. This didn’t so much as even discourage the lunatic before he dove for the sergeant again. Bishop kicked furiously at Dixon’s face as the sergeant tried to get a grip on him, Dixon then grabbed Bishop’s leg as he was kicked in the face once again, Bishop saw Dixon beginning to pull him towards the firearm by the tree.

Bishop looked at the ground before he grabbed hold of a tree, Dixon paused before kicking Bishop in the face with all his might. Bishop’s body went limp, Dixon grinned before turning to the sergeant before flipping his body onto his stomach. Sergeant Dixon then pressed his shoe into Bishop’s shoulder, making the sergeant scream as he grabbed Bishop’s left arm with his right. Bishop saw what was coming but there was nothing he could do to stop it, he braced himself before Dixon heaved, using all his bodyweight to dislocate Bishop’s shoulder.

The entire forest was rocked with the screams of the sergeant as Dixon slowly bent the sergeant’s arm across his back. Adrenaline sending his mind into frenzy, Bishop kicked his leg upwards, striking Dixon in the groin. Bishop ripped his arm from the sergeants grasp before running to a nearby tree, leaning against it he looked back at Dixon, who was now staring at him with venom in his eyes. Bishop used is good arm to push himself off the tree.

“WHAT YOU WAITING FOR?!!” Bishop yelled, tears dripping from his eyes as the rain grew heavier. “I’M RIGHT HERE YOU BITCH!!”

With that Dixon sprinted towards the taunting sergeant, Bishop braced himself before lifting his leg, when Dixon was only moments from striking him, Bishop used all his remaining strength to stomp on Dixon’s knee, the perfectly timed blow sent a deafening crack through the woods, Dixon once again screamed as he fell to the ground immobilized. Bishop stared down at Dixon as the sergeant turned onto his back, looking down at his leg which was mangled beyond recognition.

Dixon then look at the sergeant towering over him before he attempted to reach for Bishop’s leg as he grunted:

“F-fuck you!!”

Bishop responded by stomping on the blade lodged in Dixon’s shoulder, driving the sharp blade all the way through his shoulder. Dixon screamed again as Bishop watched before slowly looking up at Dixon’s handiwork, breathing heavily his hands shaking as the pain in his arm was becoming unbearable. He then looked at private Andy, seeing the blood dripping out of his mouth, Bishop then gasped.

“Dash!”

His arm swung loosely as he ran towards the blue Pegasus, Dixon was wailing in agony as he kneeled by her side, seeing the blood pouring into the puddle Bishop mustered all his will before using both his arms to pull her out of the water.

The sergeant opened her eyes, seeing they were lifeless before looking at her lacerated ribcage, he sighed in relief as he saw her chest moving up and down. She was alive but only just, leaning over her the sergeant began to bawl, he looked up at Andy again, time seemed to slow down as the torturing grief began burning in his chest. Realising the situation he was in.

The heartache thought quickly subsided as he heard Dixon laughing, to which Bishop stormed towards the pistol, grabbing it with his right hand before marching back to Dixon, unadulterated rage would be a considerable understatement to how Bishop really felt.

Dixon looked up only to be presented with Bishop’s shoe as he kicked the down sergeant in the face, Dixon continued to laugh despite the onslaught. Bishop stopped, pointing the pistol at Dixons face as the cocky grin continued to grin.

“Y-y-you won’t do it. …. You don’t have the gumption YOU SPINELESS FUCK!!”

Bishop paused, staring down at the sergeant through the sights of his Colt 45, he tightened his grip, taking a deep breath.

*CLICK!*

*CLICK!*

*CLICK!*

The gun was empty, Bishop checked the weapon before Dixon began to laugh once again.

“Looks like.” Dixon grunted between breaths. “Looks like fate is on my side. Heheheh. Fuck!”

Bishop scowled before stomping on the blade lodged in his shoulder again. The sergeant growled before he straddled Dixon’s chest, flipping the gun until he was holding the barrel in his hand.

“LOOK AT ME!!” Bishop roared. “LOOK AT ME YOU MISERABLE FUCK!! BECAUSE I’LL BE THE LAST THING YOU’LL FUCKING SEE!”

With that Bishop struck Dixon across the face with the pistol, Dixon spat out a tooth and some blood before turning to look at Bishop in his eyes.

“Is that all you’ve got?! YOU HIT LIKE A FAGGOT!!”

Bishop’s mind went blind with hate as he stuck Dixon across the face again, again, again and again. Bishop repeatedly began to hit the wounded sergeant, each blow slowly growing faster and stronger as blood began to splatter all over him. He began to cry out in pain with every blow he delivered, his arm began to burn until he could no longer move it.

Bishop stood up, gasping for air as he looked down at Dixon, his face was completely covered in blood, the only signs of life were the faint gurgles emitting from the sergeants throat. Bishop brought his leg up before finishing the job.

Safe

With every step the sergeant took, it brought him closer to his freedom. He limped through the forest, the bag on his back, the critically injured Pegasus’s head stuck out of the top, allowing her to breath normally. Bishop grabbed everything he could with his good arm before setting off, ammo knives food, everything he could find. He was now on his own, in the woods, his left arm hanging loosely as he staggered through the rain, every so often he’d reach back and feel Dash’s temperature.

The wounded sergeant’s mind was blank, with only one mission in his powering his fatigued body, his brutal suffering with Dixon had jolted the shrapnel under his flesh, creating twice as much pain then before causing his wounds to bleed profusely, leaving a crimson trail behind him. He was growing weak, he started to pick up the pace he quickly found his vision slowly growing darker, his heart started to race he ran faster before seeing something through the trees.

He continued his pace, checking again to see if Rainbow Dash was still breathing, he stumbled, looking up he saw civilisation, a small town in the distance, not only that, he saw people walking around. He was finally out of that damn forest and now he was in the clear, he laughed to himself in joy, running as fast as he could onto the field separating the forest from the town.

“HEY!!” He screamed at the top of his lungs.

In the distance a woman looked at him, Bishop screamed again running on the large field into the open, the woman called out to her friends, pointing at him. The sergeant slowed down, allowing himself to catch his breath before falling to his knees. He shook the bag off his shoulders accidently pulling on his dislocated arm in the process. He placed the bag in front of him, looking at the wounded Pegasus inside her eyes we bloodshot as they looked up at him. Bishop stroked her face before she rested her head on his palm. Bishop smiled, her body was still warm but her breathing was weak up to see a group of people running towards him.

“It’s okay. Were here, it’s all over. …. It’s all over.

As soon as the residents ran up to him he finally relaxed, letting himself collapse onto the ground, once again knocking his dislocated arm. The sergeant laid still

********

“Uuuuuhhhh. …. Owwwww. …. What happened?”

Rainbow Dash looked up seeing the bright lights in the ceiling hurting her eyes. She blinked looking at herself, she covered almost head to hoof in bandages, then a nauseating throbbing feeling started to pulse in her muzzle, she reached out to tough it before she yelped loudly, the sharp pain in her back stopped her from squirming.

She looked at her surroundings, it was strange, the room she was in was almost exactly how she remembered the hospital in Ponyville, she was in a bed next to the window to her left there was a closed curtain an in front of her was a door with shadows rushing by.

The commotion outside was giving her a headache, she laid back down on the comfy bed, seeing the clock above her bed, then she noticed something, she felt her bruised wings there was nothing in her feathers.

“My element!!” She exclaimed, trying to shuffle off the bed.

The pain in her back restricted her movements, she yelled in pain again, she began to panic ‘What if someone stole it?! What if I lost it?! Is it in the forest?! How will I get it b-“

Rainbow Dash jolted as a flashback exploded in her vision, Andy, the knife, that bloody knife and Dixon’s evil eyes looking into her soul before her head smashed against the floor. She felt her head, feeling the pain slowly get worse and worse. She then remembered seeing Bishop on the floor pleading for Dixon to stop torturing her, she looked down, seeing the stitched up laceration on her chest which stretched as she breathed, causing her to wince with every breath she took. Her whole body was burning with pain she leaned forward trying not to cry as her eyes were so sore.

Just then the curtain to her left opened, the sergeant was sat in the bed next to her, his face was black and blue, barely recognisable because it had swelled up so much.

“B-bish?” She said faintly lifting a hoof towards him.

The sergeant responded by standing up before limping towards her bed, his left arm was in a cast and his chest was completely mummified in bandages. He kneeled beside the bed, resting his arms on the duvet as he looked at her.

“Rise and shine.” He smirked passing it off as a bad joke.

Rainbow Dash smiled back before laying on her side, resting her head on his arm, still looking up at him. Bishop rested his hand on the only part of her body that wasn’t bruised or cut. She snuggled closer to Bishop, felling the warmth of his body once again. She closed her eyes as Bishop moved his hand to her mane, gently stroking it, calming her nerves, making her feel safe once again.

Element

Bishop and Rainbow sat next to each other as they watched the commotion outside the door, Rainbow Dash was leaning against the sergeant, still unable to move freely.

“W-where are we?”

“Emden, Germany. …. This is where injured civilians get medical attention. We were actually pretty lucky to get here before it started to get really busy.”

Bishop looked at the Pegasus to see a noticeable frown on her face.

“Hey.” He started. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s. …. It’s nothing.”

“Nothing huh?”

The soldier briefly glanced behind him before looking back at Rainbow Dash with a quizzical look in his eyes.

“Rainbow. …. I want to ask you something.”

“What?” She said still looking at the floor.

Bishop stood off the bed, Rainbow Dash started following him with her eyes, the sergeant went to his bedside table before opening a small drawer, before pulling out her golden necklace. Dash’s eyes widened.

“M-my element! …. Where did you find it?!”

“It fell out of your wing when I was carrying you. …. Is there something you haven’t told me?”

“…. Yes.”

Bishop started walking back with the item in his hands, not breaking eye contact as she sat next to her on the hospital bed. Dash reached out with her hoof and took it out of his hands before holding it tightly against her chest.

“What? …. I know you didn’t have that when we first met.”

“…. No.”

Bishop waited, allowing Dash to collect her thoughts, she slowly placed the element on the bed.

“When I was in Equestria I was known as the ‘Element of loyalty’ I was given this necklace because it was one of six pieces of the ‘Elements of harmony’.”

Bishop stayed quiet, raising an eyebrow, still listening to everything she was saying.

“The ‘Elements of harmony’ is the most powerful magic in the world of Equestria, me and my friends use it to beat monsters, gods and dark wizards. This probably sounds crazy to you, being in a world without magic.”

“ …. Trust me, I’m willing to believe anything right now. …. Who are your friends?”

“Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy.”

“And they’re. ….”

“Like me, yes.”

The sergeant looked at the solid gold on the necklace, examining the markings, the red jewel and the clip on the back.

“Does it mean something?”

“…. When it was given to me I was also given the title of being the element of loyalty. …. That’s why I was grey when you saw me in the forest. When those guys were beating me, torturing me I was actually about to give in and tell them where you were heading. Because I went against what I stood for I was no longer serving my purpose in the world of being loyal to my friends and that was when I turned grey. …. It was horrible. I got so angry, I even kicked that moustache guy in the nose.”

“Moustache guy?”

“Yeah, this guy with a weird moustache was shouting at me, he got angry because I laughed at it.”

Rainbow Dash heard Bishop snort, she looked at the sergeant to see him covering his mouth before he started to laugh hysterically.

“What? …. What’s so funny?”

“Oh my god. …. You do know who you kicked in the face right?”

Rainbow Dash looked blankly at the sergeant.

“Who?”

“…. Never mind. You wouldn’t know him.”

“Tell me!”

“Okay, okay.”

**********

“Oh. …. My. …. Celestia.”

The sergeant continued to laugh as Rainbow Dash looked at him in horror, Bishop tried to calm himself down but he couldn’t contain his amusement. Rainbow Dash shortly followed, laughing with Bishop.

“Oh my.” Bishop chuckled. “I would have paid to have seen that. That’s hilarious!”

Slowly, minute by minute the room got quieter until they were stuck in the same silence as before. Soon Bishop found his smile slowly fading away as a thought crept into his mind.

“Rainbow?” He started, the Pegasus turned to face him. “You said your friend sent you that necklace right? …. Does that mean you can go back?”

She paused briefly looking to the ground, Bishop began to predict what her answer was going to be.

“Yes, if I put it on I’ll go home.” She mumbled, shuffling her hooves. The sergeant then leaned closer.

“You already know what I’m going to say next, don’t you?”

“…. I couldn’t. I wanted to make sure you were safe. I couldn’t leave this world knowing you were in danger. …. I’m sorry.”

“…. You was mighty brave for coming back, knowing what was waiting for you. But it was stupid, I would’ve never have forgiven myself if you died out there.”

“I know. …. I know it was dumb but I wanted to stay. Please don’t be mad.”

“Mad? I’m not mad. …. I’m happy how things turned out. You was very lucky, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. Every second you’re in this world you’re in danger and if there is a way for you to go home then it’s only right for you to do so, Instead of risking your life for something you don’t need to go through.”

“B-but. …. I don’t want to. …. Not yet.”

“I’ll be fine, I’m going to contact base from here. I’ll get picked up and taken back to my country where I’ll be able to perform my duties again. Everything is going to be fine. For you and for me. …. I’ll make it easy for you.”

Bishop grabbed the element before opening it, Rainbow Dash started to tear up, her bottom lips was quivering as Bishop held the golden necklet, looking at it, he took a deep breath as he brought it to Rainbow. The Pegasus started to wince as it got closer to her, she lifted a hoof stopping Bishop from getting any closer.

“No! Wait. …. Please.” She said, tears welling up in her eyes.

“…. Come on. Don’t make this harder for me then it already is.”

“I know I have to go back. I know. …. I just. …. I just want an hour. …. One more hour. …. Please?”

Bishop stared into her eyes, she wore the most adorable puppy dog expression on her face and it was working. The sergeant placed the necklace to one side before turning back to her.

“…. One hour. And you’re going home.”

Rainbow Dash jumped forward, wrapping her hooves around him, Bishop felt his shoulder getting soaked as she openly cried into his neck.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

Bishop hesitated before returning the embrace, doing his best not to touch her bruises, the sergeant found himself fighting back his tears as he began to savour the last few minutes he’ll be spending with her.

“Hey Bish.”

“Yeah.”

“B-before I go. …. Can. …. Can you do something for me?”

“What?”

Rainbow Dash stepped back looking at him, shuffling her hooves again.

“Can you. …. Read to me?”

Bishop paused again, one tear managed to escape his eye, rolling down his cheek as he smiled.

“Okay.”

Departure

As Bishop and Rainbow savoured their last moments together they sat close next to the warm radiator as the night loomed over the hospital. He was reading a book that he had picked up from the bookshelf nearby, it was about the civil war, it had been an interesting read, plenty of action, morals and important messages which Bishop could relate to. As his eyes began to tire he glanced at the clock, 9:10pm, only 20 minutes to go. As much as he wanted for them to spend another hour together he knew that hour would soon turn into two then three until there was no way he could possibly let her go. He was barely keeping his composure as it was.

When Bishop finally stopped reading, he had only just noticed that his trousers legs were soaked with his tears, he turned to Rainbow Dash, his heart sank, she was on the verge of breaking down in tears too. He reached his hand out before gently stroking her cheek, once again she stood up before embracing his warm body, she glanced up at the clock, 9:30pm, times up.

“I’m sorry Rainbow. …. It’s time for you to go home.”

Rainbow squeezed tighter as Bishop stroked her back, her wings were still burning with fatigue as she rested her head on his shoulder. A thought then came into her mind; she pushed herself away looking at the floor, thinking what to say.

“Rainbow? …. What is it?”

She opened her mouth but hesitated, she then looked into his eyes before saying in a quiet tone.

“Come with me.”

Bishop recoiled slightly, his heart skipped a beat and his eyes widened as his mind tried to clarify what he just heard.

“W-what?” He stuttered with a dumbfound look on his face.

Rainbow Dash stood closer, looking at him with pleading eyes full of salty tears.

“Come to Equestria with me. Please, you don’t have to stay here, you don’t have to fight here anymore. T-there’s no need for you to be sad anymore. …. Y-you can be happy again.”

He wasn’t mistaken, she had actually asked for him to come with her to her world. He stayed silent, only the ticking of the clock ringing in his head as he forced the next sentence from his mouth.

“Rainbow. …. I’m sorry. …. I. …. I can’t.”

“W-why?” She said her voice barely a mumble.

“I. …. I can’t run away from this. I can’t leave. …. I. …. I just cant.”

“P-please.” Rainbow choked through her tears. “D-don’t stay here and fight. Not anymore! Please, d-don’t fight please! …. I don’t want you to die.”

Rainbow tightly held Bishop as she buried her head into his chest; Bishop placed a hand on her mane, gently stroking it as she cried openly into his bandages.

“I’m sorry Rainbow. I can’t go with you. I still have a duty to serve as a sergeant. …. I know it’s tough but your friends need you in your world more than I.”

“But I don’t want to go without you!” She cried.

Bishop began to tear up as he watched the Pegasus bawl, all the memories of this war, all the pain he’s ever felt and all the people he had lost were nothing but memories on paper and now it was only a matter of time before he’d have to say goodbye again. Using almost all his willpower he tried to stay strong.

Just then Bishop saw something in the corner of his eye; he saw his journal sticking out of his back pack, tears now freely flowing from his eyes he slowly pushed Rainbow Dash in front of him, looking into her eyes.

“Stay here for a moment.” He whispered.

The Pegasus wiped the rivers of tears from her eyes as the sergeant stood up, also wiping the tears from his face before he made his way to the bag, Rainbow Dash could see the sergeant beginning to crack. Despite his rough appearance and his usually strict attitude, even he was finding it hard to control his emotions as he grabbed the book he let out a quiet sob before he walked back to sit by her side again. He held the journal by his knees, staring at the dirty cover with small drops of blood and dry tears covering the edges..

“What is it?” Rainbow asked with a weak mumble.

“It’s my diary. …. In my spare time I’d just start to write in it, what happens in a day or what I’m thinking. It’s not much in reading material and it’s a bit worn. …. But I want you to have it.”

He passed the book the Rainbow Dash, she slowly pulled it from his grasp before holding it close to her chest, she gritted her teeth, it was all happening so fast, she just wanted more time but deep down, she knew it was best. She looked up at her hero giving an obviously fake smile.

The sergeant reached across the bed, grabbing the golden necklace before holding it to his chest, Rainbow watched the element as Bishop opened it.

“You ready?”

Rainbow Dash nodded, she slowly walked towards him, holding his journal tightly as she sat in front of him. The sergeant’s eyes were sore and bloodshot, tears pouring out of them as he used all his will power to attach the necklace around her neck as he looked deep into her eyes.

*Click!*

Nothing happened, Bishop checked again before looking back into Rainbow’s eyes.

“Rainbow? …. Are you okay?”

A look of horror was spread across her face, Bishop felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as the room turned cold. Just then Rainbow slowly began to rise into the air, her wings weren’t moving, an unknown force was hoisting her body into the air. Bishop watched as Dashie then turned limp, dropping the journal onto the floor as she closed her eyes.

“Rainbow!!”

Bishop jumped to his feet as fast as he could, grabbing the journal but before he knew it, his body was thrown across the room. Excruciating pain throbbed around his entire body, looking up, he shielded his eyes as a blinding light consumed the entire room followed by a deafening boom.

Home

“Is she gonna be okay?”

Rainbow was conscious but her eyes wouldn’t open, her tortured body ached as she tried to move. Tired, disorientated and confused, all she could manage was a faint twitch in her right wing.

“Di- …. Did she just move?”

The Pegasus recognised the country tone of the voice coming to her left, she heart soared as Applejack’s voice became music. With one hearty groan she, used her new found strength to lift her left hoof towards the noise.

“Oh mah Celestia! Girls! Girls! …. She’s awake!”

Rainbow heard the gallops of her friends running up towards her, she immediately felt relieved to hear their voices down as they all babbled on around her. The smell, the feel of the air the warmth, it just felt like home. Rainbow Dash coughed, silencing the ponies around her.

“W-where am I?” Dash grumbled. “W. …. Why can’t I see? …. W-where’s Bish?”

“Y-you’re in a hospital, in Canterlot.” She heard Twilight say in joy from her right. “You can’t see because there are bandages covering your eyes, it’s precautionary. We’re so happy you’re okay Rainbow. You were in a coma when we found you.”

“Urgh. …. Where’s Bishop?”

Rainbow felt somepony jump onto the bed, she didn’t have to think twice to know it was Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash could feel her strength returning as she grew more and more frustrated.

“OH MY GOSH I CANT BELIVE YOU’RE BACK!! I KNOW I HAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOU THAT DAY!! YOU SEE I ALWAYS GET THE-“

Before Pinkie could finish her sentence Rainbow Dash slammed her hooves on the bed, knocking the wooden frame as she growled, instantly silencing the room. Only then was she reminded of the excruciating condition she was in.

“I SAID WHERE’S BISHOP?!!” She choked.

She gritted her teeth, her chest felt like it was burning, as she listened to the silence she suddenly felt guilty for shouting at her friends. She didn’t say anything, she just sat back waiting for the inevitable answer.

“W-who’s Bishop?” Twilight said, breaking the silence.

Rainbow Dash turned onto her side, feeling the warm glow of the sun shining through the window as she curled up in the bed, pulling the sheets over her.

“Never mind.” She muttered.

Her friends looked amongst themselves, confused, saddened, Applejack walked around the bed before sitting close to Rainbow Dash.

“What in Equestria happened to you Rainbow? …. Who? …. What monster did this to you?”

Dash let out a quiet sob before covering her head, openly crying into her forehooves, Applejack was devastated, she began to break down into tears as well. Never had she seen Rainbow Dash, one of the most daring and bravest ponies she had ever known, reduced to a sobbing mess. Applejack placed a hoof on the Pegasus’s shoulder her mouth quivering as she tried to stay strong.

The rest of the mane 6 was soon gathered around the bed sharing the emotion with their long lost friend. Rainbow Dash couldn’t stand the pain, her salty tears soaked through the bandages and dripped into her stitched wounds. Her face throbbed with every move she made with her face; her whole body was shaking instinctively as she felt cold. Being reunited with her friends was not the loving, joyful experience she craved for.

Instead, she felt empty, she was home again but Bishop was still in that gruesome war.

She never even had the chance to say goodbye.

Support

Dear Princess Celestia.

It’s been three days since Rainbow Dash came back to Equestria. I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t think it was going to be this difficult. Over the past few days she’s been distant, when we see her it’s almost like she’s not in the room with us. It pains me to think of what kind of ungodly torture she went through in that world, her wounds are healing okay but I can see the damage isn’t physical. Whenever she does speak it’s always about someone called Bishop. Who he is she hasn’t clarified but I’m guessing he was someone who she cared for.

She’s going to be discharged tomorrow but she’s going to be on 24 hour observation, she’s going to be stuck in her house for quite some time if the doctors get their way. Knowing Rainbow, she’ll probably ignore them and try to fly around Ponyville. At least that’s what I’m hoping, because it means she’ll be back to her old self again.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

Your loyal student. Twilight Sparkle.

**********

As the morning sun rose in the horizon Rainbow Dash was woken up by the faint bleeps of the machine wired up to her. Her eyes fluttered open, the bandages were removed when she left the hospital four days ago but the light still punished her sinuses every time she blinked.

She took a moment to look around, her home was left just the way it was when she disappeared, all the furniture was left just as it was, all the pictures of her friends were on the mantel piece, to the left of them was her cherished Wonderbolts poster, signed by her childhood idol, Spitfire.

“Never lose faith kid.” She read, smirking slightly as she did.

Heaving herself off the bed she could hear her helper in the kitchen, after adjusting to the ground beneath her hooves she started to limp towards the commotion. A few painful steps later she was in her kitchen looking at the busy mare making breakfast. The pearl coloured pony then turned with a bowl in her hooves as she stirred the mixture inside of it, she caught a glimpse of the beaten Pegasus in front of her before she recoiled slightly at the sight.

“Oh my! You scared the life out of me.” She nervously chuckled.

“Thanks.” Rainbow said blankly before sitting down on the floor. “What are you making?”

“Just some pie for supper. Your friend came by this morning and dropped off a basket full of apples for you. Don’t forget your pain killers Dash.”

“…. *sigh*”

“You know. You should go back to bed, you need your rest.”

“I’m fine.” She grumbled. “I just want to walk for a bit."

The nurse didn’t argue, she gave a concerned look before turning back to the stove, Rainbow Dash then stumbled towards the front door of her house. The white Pegasus watched as Rainbow Dash slowly made her way towards the door.

Before long, Rainbow was staring out the window of her house, watching the world go by. Everypony was happy, going on with their days, Rainbow Dash turned away, walking back to the kitchen where she saw the glass of water and the yellow capsules next to it. Slowly and steadily she lifted a shaky hoof, reaching out for the liquid.

“Rainbow!”

Bishop’s voice echoed off the walls of her home, the sudden shock caught the Pegasus by surprise. She darted her head to the left and then to the right, nobody was there, she started to shake as a dull throbbing pain began to throttle her senses. Then a sudden flashback knocked her to the ground.

“ARGH!!”

Her mind became a wash of violent images she saw in that dark and cruel world. Groups of men being mutilated, blown up, burnt, it was all coming back to her, as if she was there again. She could feel the heat from the fires she ran from, the blood of other soldiers coating her body, her wings being pulled to almost being torn off her body.

“W-what’s happening to me?!”

The sound of screaming started grow louder, the pain was getting stronger and heat was getting hotter, she began to shake uncontrollably, gritting her teeth, Rainbow Dash grabbed her ears, pressing them hard against her head.

“S-stop it! ….. Please stop it!”

It didn’t stop, it grew worse, the pain was indescribable, her whole body began to spasm as her senses were pushed to their limit.

“Stop it!!”

She felt herself being bombarded both physically and mentally, each painful blow as powerful and as painful as she remembered. Being beaten, both her body and her mind, she kicked has hard as she could, flailing wildly as gasped deeply.

“LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

Silence, everything had stopped, no pain no visions, no noises. …. Nothing. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, she found herself stuck in a black void like she was before, no gravity, no colourful ponies, nothing. She found herself floating in the perfect definition of nothing.

“Where am I?!” She sobbed, her mind still burning like nothing she had ever felt before.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t move her hooves, she stayed there, floating in blackness, she began to panic. ‘Am I dead?’ She tried once again to lift her hoof but just like before, her whole body felt like it was made of lead. She laid there, waiting, waiting to wake up, waiting for something to happen, waiting for anything. Just then she caught a glimpse of something in the distance, a light.

“W-w-why me?”

The light slowly started to grow brighter, Rainbow Dash kept closing her eyes, praying this was just a weird, messed up dream. Her heart began to pound against her chest, her shallow breaths soon turned into large gasps as her body grew cold. As she shivered she could feel herself being pulled closer towards the light, something felt strangely familiar, she could feel her strength returning to her legs, she looked down to see that all the wounds on her body had disappeared.

The light grew larger warming her body as she began to reach out to it, the unknown force pulling her was growing stronger as she heard Bishop’s voice echo in her mind.

“It’s okay Rainbow. …. You can go home now.”

“B-bish?”

“Rainbow?”

“Bishop! It’s me!! It’s me!!”

“Rainbow!”

“BISHOP!!”

Rainbow Dash reached out with both hooves until they disappeared into the light, suddenly she felt a solid mass in her hooves. Tears pouring from her eyes, she pulled with all her might, feeling whatever she was holding slowly coming closer to her. The blinding light burned her eyes as she squinted, with one last heave she pulled the anonymous object from the white abyss, feeling the pain slowly return.

“RAINBOW!!”

“Bish”

Rainbow Dash began to fall from the light and back into the darkness, still holding something in her hooves, she lifted the heavy item to look at it but her eyes grew heavy and closed before she could see what it was.

********

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes to a festoon of blurred colours in front of her, she grunted as her vision cleared, she could see she was back in the hospital, the persistent beeping from the machine, that same nauseating smell.

“W. …. What happened?”

Rainbow’s vision cleared, all her friends were stood, looking down on her, once again looking concerned and frightened. Twilight slowly stepped forward resting a hoof on her shoulder.

“Are you okay?”

“I. Ow. …. I’m fine. What happened?”

“Your carer called for help when you fell to the ground started screaming, when we got to you, you were unconscious. We brought you back here just to be safe. You’ve suffered some minor brain trauma. …. You really had us worried for a moment.”

Rainbow Dash looked down to see an oxygen mask on her muzzle, the tight elastic straps pressed against the wounds on her bruised face. Wincing she turned to her left, closing her eyes.

“It. …. It was just a dream.” She said, with a mixture of relief and disappointment in her voice.

“It’s okay now Dash.” Applejack said. “We’re with you now. …. Everything’s going to be okay.”

“I’m. …. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” Applejack said. “What in the hay are you sorry for?”

“F-for being such a jerk. …. I’m sorry, I haven’t been myself lately, I’ll tell you guys everything. …. I promise.”

“You.” Twilight started on the verge of tears. “It’s okay Dash. …. Anypony who had gone through what you did would be the same. It’s clear you went through a rough time. You don’t need to be sorry for anything, we are your friends no matter what.”

Rainbow Dash sighed, feeling that warm sense of comfort she had craved for so long.

“Thank you.”

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, then they got wider and wider, the ponies surrounding her could see a look of horror spread across her face, Rainbow Dash began to breath heavily, her chest heaved as her gaze could not be broken.

“Rainbow? What’s wrong?!” Applejack said. “What’s wrong?!”

Rainbow Dash began to shake Twilight turned around.

“NURSE!! …. HELP!!”

Rainbow Dash didn’t blink, she didn’t look away for a second, the heart rate monitor went haywire.

To her left, on the coffee table next to her bed, was the blue, blood stained book that was Bishop’s journal.

The Doctor

Dear Princess Celestia.

It’s now been a week since Rainbow Dash came back to us. Like I said in my previous letter it wasn’t going as smoothly as I’d hoped. Just recently she was brought back to hospital after having a random seizure. When she woke up however, I saw that old Rainbow Dash I once knew, I missed her so much. I thought that she was back, but then she went cold.

She hardly speaks now and she never seems to let that old book out of her sight, I’ve asked her countless times what it is but she never answers. I don’t know what to do next, every time I think we’re getting through to her she goes back into her shell again. One shudders to think of what horrors she must have seen that cruel world she went to, I should be overcome with joy that she has finally come back to us, but now I’ve realised that she never really did come back.

I’m sending you this letter because I need your advice, I don’t know what to do next. I can’t get rid of this nagging feeling that we’re slowly losing her.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

**********

It was a cold night at the hospital, a large storm was brewing outside, the halls grew quiet as everypony settled in for the night. Rainbow Dash lied down, motionless on her bed, staring at the ceiling above. She held the journal close to her chest as the storm outside grew louder. She shivered, feeling the cold liquid in her drip being pumped through her veins. She looked at the dirty book, remembering when she saw it for the first time, how Bishop looked at her when he held it in his hands. She smiled, opening the first page, suddenly something fell out of the book, a piece of paper swooped underneath the bed. Rainbow Dash quickly pushed the book aside, scooting to the edge of the bed, she dropped to the solid ground, grunting in pain.

Her wounds had been healing well; most of the bruising had disappeared, leaving only the bloody stitches on her chest. Rainbow Dash laid on her stomach before she began to crawl underneath the bed, after much trial and error she managed to grab the paper with her teeth, before scooting out from under her bed.

Jumping back onto the soft mattress she placed the piece of paper next to the book, seeing something though the paper she turned it around, only to see a pencil sketch of herself. She was taken aback by the detail of the picture as she remembered where she was when he drew it. She stared into the picture, looking at every detail, every feature until she noticed a smudge on the page, looking closer she saw something familiar and then she recoiled as she felt her heart jump into her throat.

Under the smudge was the blue box she saw in the temple before she was taken to the other world.

“The Doctor.” She whispered.

She quickly grabbed the picture, placing it back in the open book before grabbing the drip with her teeth, wincing before she ripped the needle out of her flesh. Ignoring the pain she grabbed the journal before she jumped off her bed, making her way towards the door. She could already feel herself growing tired as she walked out of the ward, her legs became weak and she could feel her heart pumping in her chest. This began to bring back the memories of when she was crawling through the woods, in the pouring rain.

“I’ve got to find him. ….. I-I need to find him.

She could feel herself growing weaker with every step she took, until she collapsed onto the floor, sighing in frustration as a member of staff spotted her in the distance.

“Miss Dash? …. Oh my! Hold on! I’ll get some help!”

As the nurse ran out of sight, Rainbow Dash heaved herself onto her back, taking the journal out of her wing before holding it close to her chest, staring into the ceiling once again.

“Urgh. …. That was stupid.”

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to rest, before she slowly felt herself slip into unconsciousness.

…… Rainbow.

The Welcome Party

The doctors and nurses decided that this time Rainbow Dash was to be allowed to go home one the soul condition that she could look after herself again. Two days later Rainbow Dash was ready to leave, she was sat at the edge of her bed, waiting for the doctor to give her the go ahead. As she waited, she was reading the latest entry of Bishop’s journal.

Monday 2nd 7:00pm

Today is supposed to be one of the proudest days of my life. Today I was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and was also promoted to captain. I was stood behind a podium, looking out to hundreds of people looking at me as if I’m their hero. The truth is I’m just an ordinary sergeant who got lucky.

I’m not at all ungrateful for receiving this prestigious award, I realise how much of an honour it is to have received it, I just don’t feel like I truly deserve it. I’ve done many things in this war which I regret, some which make my skin crawl. The only thing I can say which can justify the things I’ve done is that it was either kill or be killed.

Tomorrow I am being transferred to a naval base. I’m still uncertain where my future lies, if this war is to end, if it ever ends, I don’t know what I’m going to do next. Since I have no other life outside the army. Since the rest of my family is-

….

I guess we’ll have to see what happens next.

David, Ann, Bishop

**********

“Rainbow Dash?”

The Pegasus looked up to Nurse Redheart who was stood in front of her.

“It’s time to go. …. Are you okay? …. You look upset.”

The Pegasus wiped away the tears from her face as she closed the book before holding it in her wings.

“I’m fine. …. Can I go now?”

“You’re free to leave. If you feel you’re up to it.”

With that, Rainbow Dash jumped off the hospital bed before walking past the nurse, still weak from her last attempt to walk out the hospital by herself. Redheart placed a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder.

“Y-you are okay right?”

Rainbow swatted the hoof off her shoulder turning back to face the timid nurse.

“I’m fine! Like I’ve said the past million times before! I’m fine! ….I’m. …. I’m sorry. I-Ive-“

“It’s okay.” The nurse said with a small smile. “It can be frustrating being in hospital for a while. …. Go on.”

“O-okay. …. Sorry again.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Redheart said with a smile.

Rainbow Dash turned back to the door, shaking her head as she tried to clear her mind. She walked into the hallway, thinking about what she just read in the journal, but every moment she did only brought her closer to breaking down in tears again.

Feeling her legs wobble under her, she focused on walking out of the hospital on her own. Seeing the front door she picked up her pace, smelling the scent of flowers and freshly baked bread, an indulgence she missed in the other world. She was happy to experience it once again.

She noticed that through the glass doors of the hospital were her friends waiting for her, as she continued she noticed there were considerably more ponies crowded around the hospital.

“Look! She’s coming.!” A familiar filly voice screeched.

Rainbow Dash could hear the commotion growing louder as she walked closer to the door, when she use a hoof to push it open the ground trembled beneath her hooves as the crowd cheered. Rainbow was taken by surprise, she looked at her best friends to see them stood behind a hoof made banner which said: ‘Welcome home Rainbow!!’ in large multi-coloured letters.

Still surprised by the warm welcome, Rainbow Dash walked over to her friends, looking at all the ponies crowded around them.

“A-all this for me?”

“Of course.” Twilight said in a chirpy tone before Applejack stepped forward.

“We thought, this time you could have a warm welcome. You do deserve it after all.”

“I-I. …. I don’t know what to say. …. Thank you.”

Rarity was next to step forward, holding a large box with her magic before placing it in front of her. Rainbow Dash looked around the parcel, giving Rarity a questionable look.

“What is it?”

“Open it.”

Rainbow Dash paused before leaning forward to grab the tape with her teeth, opening the top of it to see a dazzling outfit inside of it, tailored just to her liking.

“Whoa. …. Thank you Rarity. It’s awesome.”

“I did it just for you. And you can wear it at the party tonight.”

“Party?”

Pinkie Pie then came up from behind Dashie, jumping over her before a blast of confetti startled the Pegasus, Pinkie Pie then executed a perfect backflip before landing on her back hooves in a power pose, taking in a deep breath.

“YOUR WELCOME HOME PARTY!!”

The crowd cheered once again as Rainbow Dash felt a warm smile spread across her face, it had been a while since Rainbow Dash felt like this. Since she ran into Bishop’s arm’s this was the happiest she felt in a long time.

**********

The welcome home party was being held at Twilights library, nearly everypony in Ponyville was there to celebrate. Downstairs was a riot of singing ponies, the room was festooned with party decorations. As everypony celebrated downstairs, Rainbow Dash was upstairs, trying on her new dress.

The measurements were perfect, the colour schemes were perfect, but she was struggling to put it on, the only bad thing about the dress was the lightning shaped buttons. As Rainbow struggled she turned to face the mirrors as she stood on her hind legs. Just then she froze as she caught a glimpse of the large scar which went across her chest.

She walked up to the mirror before she placed her front hooves on the frame. Her mind then went back to when she was being held by her leg as she hung helplessly as Bishop watched Dixon used the large knife to cut her, after that she couldn’t remember what happened. But she didn’t need to guess as she remembered how she felt when she woke up.

The Pegasus stroked the deep scar, looking at the still shorter hairs surrounding it as her chest was shaved so the surgeons could operate on her. Her head hung as she sighed, trying to get into the spirit of things.

“Rainbow?” Flutter shy’s voice spoke quietly behind her.

“Oh. Um.” Rainbow came down from the mirror before walking up to her friend. “Heya. Fluttershy, how are you doing?”

“I’m. …. I’m fine. What’s wrong?”

“Uh. Dress. …. The buttons don’t work.”

“Here.”

Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow Dash, grabbing the buttons before quickly attaching the pieces of the dress together.

“Guess Rarity didn’t think about how hard it would be to put the dress on by yourself.” Fluttershy said as her voice cracked.

Rainbow noticed Fluttershy beginning to quietly sob as she helped put the dress on.

“Fluttershy? …… Fluttershy what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry Rainbow. I. …. I thought I was never going to see you again. I got so worried. When I was at my cottage I couldn’t stop worrying about you, I started crying and that made my animal friends upset and that made me even more upset.”

Before Fluttershy began cry Rainbow Dash held her head in her hooves, looking at her with a smile on her face.

“Hey. It’s okay. I’m here now. I’m fine. Come on, don’t cry. …. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Fluttershy smiled before wiping away her tears, she went back to finishing the job. As she fastened the last button she stood back before Rainbow Dash turned to look at the mirror again. She was surprised how well the dress suited her and how it symbolized the character she was, as she took a pose in the mirror she saw the scar on her chest again.

“It looks really nice.” Fluttershy said before she made her way back down the stairs. “I’m going back to the party Rainbow, I’ll see you soon right?”

“Yeah. …. I’ll be down in a minute. Thanks for the help Fluttershy.”

As Fluttershy walked back down into the down stairs room, Rainbow Dash stood closer to the mirror, inches away she looked deep into her own eyes, She stared at herself for a little while before a thought clicked in her mind, taking her by surprise but she quickly dismissed her emotions as she glared at herself.

She turned away from the mirror, making her way down the stairs with a determined look on her face.

“I’m coming back Bish.”

Mission

It was a beautiful morning which dawned over the still sleeping town of Ponyville. Twilight was the first to wake up in the library, noticing she was asleep on the floor. As she stumbled onto her feet she looked around to see Pinkie was snuggled up in a blanket on the couch and the library completely trashed, covered in plastic cups, confetti, props and punch.

Sighing at the mess, she turns to go up the stairs where she sees Fluttershy sleeping in her bed.

“Fluttershy?!” She said, startling the Pegasus.

Fluttershy clumsily fell out of the bed, hitting the wooden floor with a loud crash.

“Oooh.” She groaned, lifting herself off the ground. “W-what’s wrong? …. Oh my. Was I in your bed? …. Uh. This is embarrassing.”

“…. Don’t worry about it. …. You haven’t seen Rainbow Dash have you?”

“Umm. …. I think she left when we was playing pin the tail on the Pegasus. …. Ow. My head hurts.”

“Hmm. …. Probably wanted to sleep in the comfort of her own home. …. Can’t blame her.”

*GASP!!*

Twilight flinched as the noise was shortly followed by another large crash, causing Twilight’s ears to ring. Shortly after, Pinkie Pie was sprinting up the stairs, Twilight turned to face her oncoming friend.

“Pinkie” What are y-

Before she could finish her sentence she was tackled to the ground by the crazed pony, they rolled on the ground before they came to a stop with Pinkie Pie looming over her.

“Thisisbadnoimeanreallybadimeanreallyreallreallyreallybedlikewhenr-“

Twilight shoved a hoof into Pinkie’s mouth as she continued to blabber on.

“PINKIE!!” Twilight screeched, silencing her pink friend. “What is it?”

Pinkie swiped Twilight’s hoof away before staring into her eyes, inches from her face.

“We have to panic! She’s going. She’s leaving!”

“What?! Whose leaving? What are you talking about?!”

“Rainbow Dash!! … My right ear was flopping! That means I have to say goodbye to somepony! Last time that happened Rainbow Dash disappeared and we nearly never saw her again we need to find her before she goes away again!!”

Twilight paused before she pushed Pinkie off, standing up she look at Pinkie.

“Just because it’s happened before doesn’t mean it’s going to happen again. Maybe it’s some other pony you need to say goodbye to. Maybe it’s me or Fluttershy.”

Pinkie began to jog on the spot, panic in her face, Twilight rolled her eyes before she began to walk down the stairs.

“If it makes you feel better we’ll go see her now. …. I bet she’s already flying around Ponyville, enjoying herself.”

**********

“Ohnonononononononono! This is bad, this is really really bad.”

Twilight was pacing around Rainbow Dash’s house, picking up random objects with her magic while the other ponies search around the different rooms of the house.

“Fluttershy, did you ask the Pegasi at Cloudsdale?”

Fluttershy’s head poked around the corner before she walked into view.

“Yes I did, no pony’s seen her since the party.”

“Pinkie did you ask EVERYPONY in Ponyville?”

Pinkies head popped around the corner, her mane was deflated and her fur had lost some of it’s colour.

“Of course! I even asked all the little bugs and animals at Fluttershy’s cottage, I even spoke to Tank but he wasn’t saying anything, then I started getting some weird looks so I came back here!”

Before Twilight could talk back Pinkie darted around the corner, she sighed in frustration before going back to picking up random items in the house, realising that her house looked at little more bare then usual.

“Sound somin!” Applejacks voice shouted in the lounge.

Twilight’s ears perked up as she ran into the room, Applejack was holding a piece of paper in her mouth, as Twilight picked it up with her magic she turned it to see that it was a letter, written in the same sloppy mouth writing as Rainbow Dash’s.

Dear Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie.

I’m sorry I had to leave unexpectedly, but if you knew what I was going to do you’d probably send me to the nut house. I’m not going to lie about what I’m doing, I going back to the other world. I’m not sure how long I’m going to be gone for but you don’t have to worry about me, I know what I’m doing.

Fluttershy, please take care of Tank whilst I’m gone, Pinkie, thanks for the awesome party, I had so much fun last night, Rarity, I can’t thank you enough for the dress, Applejack thank you for giving me support when I was in hospital and Twilight.

Thank you for bringing me back but I can’t stay in Equestria knowing one of my friends are in danger, don’t follow me, I need to do this, for my sake and Bish’s.

I’ll see you soon girls.

Rainbow Dash.

No pony said anything once the letter was read, after a short time however Applejack was first to break the silence.

“N-no. …. She can’t be serious. She can’t go back there! Twilight we need to stop her. …. Twilight?”

“That name again. Bish.”

“Twilight!” Applejack said frantically grabbing the purple mare by the shoulders. “We’ve gotta do something! We can’t just let her leave! She’ll get herself killed!”

Twilight paused to think.

“T-the Doctor! …. She’ll be looking for The Doctor! We need to find him before she does!”

“But where do we start?” Fluttershy said. “He could be anywhere.”

**********

Rainbow Dash felt cools breeze brush across her wings as she ascended higher towards the city of Canterlot.

“He must be there.”

Before long she landed on the ground just as she walked up to a toll booth, opening her saddlebag she pulls out a small bag full of bits, she takes out two before giving them to the mare behind the glass, to which the large gate opened in front of her.

“Welcome to Canterlot.” The mare said in a chirpy tone as Dash entered the large city.

Rainbow Dash looked around, seeing the crowded streets, all the different Pegasus ponies flying through the sky, all the unicorns and earthponys walking down the street. Rainbow sighed, realising the large task which laid ahead.

“Don’t give up Rainbow. You’ve come th-“

“Rainbow!!”

Dash turned to the source of the sound to see the light brown stallion walking towards her with a large grin on his face. The blue eyes, that crazy hair, it was unmistakably him. ‘How convenient.’ Dash thought as he got closer.

“Oh my it only seems like it was an hour ago when I was pulling you through time and s- URK!!”

The colt was pulled by his tie into a small alley between the building. Rainbow Dash held the brown pony against the wall as he was still stunned.

“Uh. …. Hello? Did I start off wrong? What was it? Oh I should be concerned, that-“

He was interrupted as a hoof covered his mouth, he furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the multi-coloured pony in front of him.

“We, need to talk. NOW.”

Search

“Right ear flopping! Right ear flopping!!” Pinkie screeched.

She looked out the window of the locomotive as it charged down the rails towards the city of Canterlot. As the train neared its destination Twilight was sat on her seat next to Applejack as she looked at the map on the table in front of her.

“Okay everypony. This is the plan. Me and Applejack will go look for The Doctor, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie will search around the streets for Rainbow Dash.”

“B-but.” Fluttershy spoke. “Wouldn’t it be best if we all stick together?”

“No. If we split up we’ll have a better chance of finding her. It’ll be easier if we catch Rainbow Dash before she finds The Doctor.”

“I don’t know Twilight.” Applejack leaned in with concern in her face. “She seemed mighty determined at going back to that world.”

“Which is why we have to find her as soon as possible. I can’t begin to imagine what’ll happen to her if she goes back. …. I’m not about to lose a friend.”

**********

Rainbow Dash stayed close to the brown colt as he looked left and right when they entered an opening in the buildings. Rainbow Dash could feel the butterflies in her stomach as she tried to plan what she would do if she went back.

“We’re here!” The Doctor chirped as he stood next to the big blue box.

Rainbow Dash rubbed her eyes, looking at the almost alien sight in front of her. She quickly regained her composure before walking up to The Doctor.

“So. …. What is it you want to talk about?”

“I. …. I. *Sigh* I want to go back to the other world.”

Rainbow Dash expected a face of surprise or at least shock, instead she was presented with a look of curiosity.

“Oooooooooookay.” The Doctor said. “Any reason why?”

Rainbow Dash paused trying to think of a plausible answer which didn’t sound as crazy as the truth. She quickly gave up.

“I met a soldier there called Bishop, he saved me and did his best to protect me. I never got a chance to say goodbye to him. But. …. That’s not all. I’m scared form him. …. That he’s going to die.”

“Are you two? …. You know? …. Friends, friends?”

“What?! NO!!”

“Okay okay! Sry. I just thought. It seems a bit odd, risking your life for someone you hardly knew.”

“It’s not like that. He took care of me. If it wasn’t for him I would’ve gone insane, well if I wasn’t killed first. …. I have to save him. You have to help me save him. I have to go back.”

“Uh. …. I can’t begin to explain how mind-numbingly complicated that would be.”

“Please! …. You brought me back right? You were the reason why I ended up there in the first place.”

“Hey. That was dumb luck. Realistically, you should’ve been left in that time vortex for eternity. A split second, that’s all it was.”

“There must be some way.”

“There are over a billion ways. All of them are stupidly dangerous. I’m sorry, I can’t help you. I can’t risk it. You’re the Element of loyalty Rainbow Dash. You’re too important in this world. Maybe you should decide who you’re loyal to.”

The Doctor turned away from Rainbow Dash, opening the doors to the police box before Rainbow Dash stomped a hoof, making the colt turn his head to face her.

“Loyalty isn’t about what you’re willing to give. It’s what you’re willing to sacrifice. …. He needs me more than my friends do right now. I’m not about to go against what I stand for just because it’s dangerous. …. I thought you of all ponies would understand. …. Twilight told me about who you are, what you do. At first I thought you sounded cool. Turns out you’re just a hypocrite.”

Rainbow Dash turned away before sitting on the floor, looking at the ground as she could feel her chances of seeing Bishop again, slowly slip away. Tense seconds passed, the Pegasus then heard the wooden doors close behind her. The loud noise made her heart sink but then she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“I do understand. …. But I know what humans are capable of. They’re ruthless, aggressive and some are worse than any monster you can face in this world. …. If you want to go back, I’ll help you. But you better know what you’re doing. Because one mistake is all it takes Rainbow. You have to understand there is a chance you won’t come back a second time.”

“…. I never came back the first time.”

**********

It was now dark in the streets of Canterlot, Applejack and Twilight were now the only ponies roaming in the city. Applejack hung her head, clearly exhausted from the lack of sleep.

“We’ve looked everywhere Twilight. He’s not here.” Applejack complained, keeping up with the out of breath, purple unicorn pacing in front of her.

“We can’t stop looking. We have to search everywhere!”

“We’ve walked down the same streets at least 3 times already. We’ve looked everywhere.”

Suddenly Applejack saw Twilight’s eyes widen as a thought popped into her head.

“Twi? …. What is it?”

“We haven’t checked everywhere. There’s still one last place. Come on!”

“Hey! Wait up!”

**********

“Can you see anything up there Fluttershy?!” Rarity called up to the flying yellow Pegasus soaring above the now empty streets of Canterlot.

“No. I can’t. …. It’s really dark down there.”

“Keep looking. …. For Rainbows’ sake.”

“Right ear flopping! Right ear flopping!!” Pinkie repeated.

“Yes! We know Pinkie!”

Pinkie Pie looked at Rarity before her face turned into a frown before looking at the ground.

“I’m sorry Pinkie. …. We’re all stressed right now. I can’t stop thinking about poor Ra-“

“Girls?!” A distant voice in the sky shouted.

“What Fluttershy?! …. What can you see?”

“I see. …. I think I can see a blue box!”

**********

Rainbow Dash sat on the floor of the strange room as the brown colt ran from one corner to the other, pressing button after button, pulling lever after lever, leaving Rainbow Dash looked around in awe.

“This. …. Is. …. Just. …. Too cool.”

“Alright!!” The Doctor shouted in a triumphant voice before jumping in front of the Pegasus. “Where should we start? First! We need a way of connecting your bio-molecular structure in this world and the others at the same time. That way I can bring you back safely and soundly. …. Do you still have your element?”

“Y-yes I have it.”

“Good! Get it out quick!”

Rainbow Dash reached into her saddlebag, pulling out the gold artefact with her teeth before passing it to The Doctor.

“Okay. Now. If you’re planning on bringing Bishop you need something that has his DNA. A hair of his, fingerprints, blood?”

“I have his journal!”

“Good, good, good! Get it quick!”

Unfurling her wings, Rainbow Dash pulled the heavy book out of it before also handing it to the brown colt in front of her, he then ran to the control panel of his ship before he tore a page from the book. Rainbow Dash cringed but didn’t say anything, he seemed to know what he was doing.

“I’d close your eyes if I were you!”

Rainbow Dash looked to the ground, covering her eyes with her hooves, taking a deep breath before a bright white flash engulfed the room. Opening her eyes again she looked up at the once brown colt now completely covered in black dust and his mane now spiked up towards the ceiling.

“*Cough!* …. Okay. That’s that done. …. Now stage 2.”

Goodbye

Applejack followed Twilight close behind as she looked through the alleys between the tall buildings. The purple unicorn was using her magic to illuminate the streets as Applejack was on the verge of falling asleep.

“Can you see anything Applejack?”

“…. *Yawn*”

“APPLEJACK!!”

“Whuh! What? What?!”

“I said can you see anything?”

“No. ….. Nothing yet.”

“Darn it! I could’ve sworn that it was around here somewhere.”

Twilight poked her head down another alley before her eyes widened, there it was in the open, standing tall.

“We have him App-“

Twilight was thrown off her feet as a charging Pinkie Pie crashed into her. Twilight fell to the ground dazed as she began to see stars flying around her head.

“Oh no!” Pinkie squeaked. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there. We haven’t found Rainbow Dash but I think we’ve found your Doctor friend.”

“Oooowwww. …. Yes Pinkie. He’s down there. …. H-help me up.”

As Twilight was picked off the ground the 5 ponies saw a blinding white flash come from the blue box down the narrow alley. Allowing their eyes to adjust Applejack stepped forward, horrified.

“W-were too late!”

Applejack was then pushed aside as Pinkie Pie charged past her.

“Not yet! Come on everypony!”

**********

Rainbow Dash recoiled as a bunch of sparks exploded from the control panel of the ship, she watched as The Doctor wrestled furiously with the controls.

“Come on you little!!”

*CRUNCH*

“Yes!! …. Alright!! Now we are in business!!”

The brown colt then turned around to Rainbow Dash holding her element, the Pegasus noticed a few visual changes in her necklace as he passed it to her.

“W-what did you do?” Rainbow asked as The Doctor ran back to the controls.

“If you intend on bringing Bishop back to this world you’re going to need two things, one is Bishop himself the second is your element, as long as you’re both touching it I should be able to take you back. Right now I’m locating your friend using the DNA you gave me on his journal, I should be able to track him down to the nearest mile, when you get there it’s up to you to find him.”

*VWOOP!!*

“Are you ready?”

“…… Yes. Let’s do it.”

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

“RAINBOW DASH!!” Twilight voice screamed from behind the doors.

The Doctor turned to the noise before looking back at Rainbow Dash, giving her a faint smile before putting the element around her neck.

“Thank you.” Rainbow said with a tear bleeding from her eye before she gave The Doctor a gentle peck on the cheek, making the brown colt blush. He shook his head standing back trying to regain his composure.

“*Ahem* …. Okay. Stand over there by the Gravetic Anormalizer.”

“Wat?”

“Big blue flashy thing!”

“O-okay! Got it!”

Rainbow Dash ran towards the centre of the room where the large glowing piston began to move up and down. She stood facing the brown colt as another burst of flames exploded from the control panel.

“I-is it supposed to do that?”

“No. Don’t worry about it yet.”

“Y-yet?”

*BOOM!!*

Both Rainbow Dash and The Doctor turned to see the rest of the mane six inside the room, Pinkie Pie stepped forward.

“GOODBYE RAINBOW DASH!! *Phew* I’m done. …. Wait! No Rainbow Dash, don’t go!!”

The Pegasus looked at The Doctor whose hoof was hovering over a large red button. Twilight was next to jump forward using her magic, before her horn spluttered and stopped, she turned to see the brown colt holding a glowing device in his hand.

“W-what did you do?!”

“Sry Twilight.” The Doctor said in a serious tone. “No magic can be used in the Tardis. So as long as I have this in my han- uh hoof.”

Twilight gave The Doctor a vicious scowl before everypony focused their attention on Rainbow Dash, a tense moments passed before Twilight took another step closer to Rainbow Dash who, then backed away from her at equal distance.

“Rainbow. Please.” She pleaded. “D-don’t go back there. W-we can’t lose you. …. You can’t go.”

Rainbow Dash could feel herself tearing up, closing her eyes she started gritting her teeth as she couldn’t bear to look at all her friends.

“I’m.” Rainbow sniffed, Twilight turned back to Rarity who then focused her sights on The Doctor, seeing that he was distracted.

“I’m sorry.” Rainbow sobbed before looking at the brown colt across the room.

Twilight panicked running towards Rainbow Dash, Rarity then responded by surrounding the doctor with a blue glow before she strained to lift him off the ground. As Twilight was just a few feet away, Rarity heaved The Doctor into the air who was quick to press the button with his hoof.
The whole room seemed to erupt with sparks and flashing colours as Rainbow Dash was picked up by an invisible force which surrounded her in a blue aura. Twilight was too late to grab hold of Rainbow as the pegasus simply vanished before her eyes.

Making an entrance

Rainbow Dash took off once again, avoiding the security before looking down at the base, not knowing where to start she began to circle around the base. Squinting her eyes, she realised how difficult it was going to be to find one man in the midst of thousands.

Watching the small convoy drive across the bridge she spotted a gap between two large buildings in the distance. Still keeping her eyes on the two trucks she began to descend rapidly, occasionally looking around to see if she was being watched. Slowing down she momentarily caught a glimpse of a group of men stood by the main doors of one of the buildings, noticing they were dressed in suits rather than war attire she thought it would be best to start there, keeping her distance she waited before she could see them walking into the tall building.

Rainbow Dash flew as quickly as she could towards the building, lying flat against the wall, staying in the shadows, scanning left and right for other people. With nobody in sight an idea came into her mind, she quickly flew to the roof of the building, landing on the roof however she saw two soldiers looking away from her, unaware of her presence, she looked at them both before looking to her right.

“Yes!” She cheered to herself.

In front of her was an air vent which went straight into the building itself, sneaking over to it she noticed it was big enough for her to fit into. Using her wings to lift her off the ground, she looked over her shoulder one last time before climbing into the vents.

**********

“Urgh. It’s so dark. …. Oh no. I’m lost. …. Oh nononononono! I’m so lost. Darn it! How will I get out? I can’t even see! …. I’m going to be stuck in here! FOREVER! …. Wait. Hold on.”

……

“Ow. If I could just reach it. ….. Nrgh! Got it!”

Her surroundings brightened up as she held her element in front of her, the magical glow was still shining from when The Doctor modified it, helping her observe her surroundings. As she stayed quiet she heard a conversation coming from in front of her, using her back legs, she started to scoot towards the noise, holding her element in one hoof and dragging herself with the other.

As she neared the conversation she recognised one of the voices, it was the man from the radio. She picked up the pace before slowing down again, realising the noise she was making.

“The hell was that?” She heard from below, making her whole body freeze.

Seconds passed as she held her breath, she felt like she could feel the tension swimming around her as she laid still.

“Someone in there?”

….

“Nah man. Nobody can fit in there, it’s probably a mouse or something.”

“…. *Sigh* You’re right.”

“You’ve gotta lay off the coffee. That stuff can make you edgy.”

“You know I fall asleep on the night shift. I need this shit to stay awake.”

The voices faded as the two men walked away, Rainbow Dash slumped to the ground, sighing in relief. She carried on, crawling towards the conversation in the distance, before long she was looking through a vent which looked down on a large table, surrounded by men in suits, sat in silence as a decorated general walked into the room.

“Good morning gentlemen. My apologies for postponing this conference for so long but as you know it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a secure meeting place. As I’m sure you all know we have had one of our top spies in Germany for over a year now. Ever since we detected a threat we’ve sent in total 13 spies to gather as much intelligence as possible. Thomas James, was the last one to be sent. Three months ago he was KIA by nazi soldiers as one of our rescue teams were sent to bring him back. However, despite this valuable loss, Captain Bishop, sitting to your left, who despite being the only one left in his platoon, managed to gather some incriminating information on Adolf Hitler’s next attack on European soil.”

As the general sat down Rainbow Dash noticed movement coming from the left, her heart raced as she searched for the captain, but just as she could see him, he walked out of sight. Groaning in frustration, she looks around the room, to which she sees another air vent in the ceiling which looked down on the meeting.

Shuffling to her right she saw a steady incline in the vents, no doubt leading to the opening in the ceiling. She began to crawl her way up the slope as she heard Bishop’s voice, focusing too hard on trying not to make a noise she couldn’t catch what he was saying, but she didn’t care, she heard Bishop’s again. Still holding her element in her left hoove she quietly made her way towards the vent on the floor, looking through she finally saw the captain again.

At first she happy to see Bishop, alive and walking but that soon changed when she took a closer look at Bishops face. She gasped, Bishop had many more scars and wounds on his hands and face since she last saw him. One scar went from his left ear to his chin, another went over his left eye. As she squinted her eyes she also noticed a deep scar which went across the width of his neck. Dash cringed, placing her hooves on the vent, thinking of how he got th-

*SNAP!!*

Rainbow Dash fell through the metal gate below and onto the solid wooden table, creating a large crash as she screeched in pain. Papers flying everywhere, she gasped for air as the wind was knocked out of her again. Slowly opening her eyes, she looks around, seeing everyone staring at her with dumbfound looks on their faces. She then turned to look at Bishop, seeing his jaw drop as he looked at the Pegasus with horror in his eyes.

“Um. ….. Hi?”

“R. …. Rainbow?”

Captain Bishop

“…. *Sigh* …. Not again.”

Rainbow Dash leaned against the concrete wall of the small room she was being held in. She felt frustrated rather then threatened; she planned on making a more subtle approach to seeing Bishop again, instead she made a complete mess of it.

She stood up, walking to the door, seeing someone stood outside, using her wings to match the guards height she hovered next to the window.

“Hey!” She shouted. “How long am I gonna be stuck in here?”

At first the guard ignored her, furrowing her eyebrows she kicked the door, making the guard jump out of his skin.

“Hey! I’m talking to you! I don’t like being stuck in here!”

“J-just.” The guard stuttered. “Just, please stop talking. …. It’s really creeping me out.”

“Where’s Bishop? …. Is he coming?”

“*Sigh* …. Y-yes. He’ll be coming soon. …. J-just wait.”

**********

Hours seemed to pass; Rainbow Dash was knocking her head against the wall as she waited. Tapping her hooves, she was trying to think of what to say to Bishop, she had plenty of time to do so. Not knowing if he would be pleased upset or angry, she tried to think of what would be best.

*Clunk!*

Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up as her head darted to the left, she smiled as she saw the decorated soldier walk into the room. However her smile soon turned into a frown when she saw the disappointment in his eyes as he closed the door behind him, leaving just him and the Pegasus in the room.

As the silence continued, Rainbow Dash looked at the scarred man in front of her, finding it difficult to look him in the eye, as she turned away the sergeant was first to break the silence.

“You know.” He said leaving a pause. “Three months ago, when you disappeared in that hospital. I was upset but I was happy, knowing that you were finally back home. …. I thought that I would never see you again but I was glad. Because I knew you were safe again.”

Rainbow Dash cringed as she detected a hint of growl in Bishop’s voice.

“You and I both knew that it was for the best. Yet you’ve come back, knowing what’s waiting for you. For me?”

Dash began to feel fresh tears begin to well up in her eyes as she tried to speak.

“I. …. I.”

“Do you have any idea how this makes me feel? That now I’ll be responsible if anything happens to you, that I now have my burden on my shoulders. What the hell are you thinking?!”

Bishop turned to face the wall behind him, the Pegasus brought herself to look up at the captain as she thought what to say next.

“I. …. I’m sorry. …. I-I thought.”

“…. *Sigh* …. Thought what? …. That I was hurt? Dead? …. If I was I was you would have come here for no reason and you probably would’ve gotten yourself killed. You damn lucky I WAS in that meeting, otherwise they would have punished you for trespassing and I don’t know if human rights apply to talking ponies!”

“I’m sorry okay!” Dash shouted back, to Bishop. “I’m sorry! I was scared! I didn’t know what to think! I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye!”

“Well here’s your chance! Say goodbye and go back home! Because I’ll be dammed if I’m gonna have another death my conscience! I’m fine, you can see that I’m alive and I’m perfectly happy here!”

“THAT’S NOT WHAT YOUR JOURNAL SAID!!”

The captain recoiled, his eyes widened, speechless; he couldn’t believe what Rainbow Dash just said.

“…….. What?” Bishop said, clearly shocked. “What did you say? …. You have my journal?!”

“I. …. When I was home something weird happened and it appeared. I read the last thing you wrote in it.”

“…. Damn. …. I thought I lost it in that motel. …. *Sigh* …. I spent hours looking for that damn thing. …. Well know you say that, I can’t blame you for being worried. But I was broken back then, I’ve changed a lot in the past three months. I’ve gotten stronger.”

“So have I. …. I have you to thank for that?”

Rainbow sat on the floor looking at Bishop with a small smile on her face, after a while Bishop’s cold frown also turned into a contempt grin.

“So.” Bishop started, his tone much calmer then it was before. “Can you go home? …. Do you have that. …. Element?”

“Yes. …. But I can’t leave. Not yet. Apparently this thing has to charge up again, traveling through galaxies uses a lot of energy.”

“…. Alright. …. I suppose for now it’s okay, given the circumstances. We’re in a pretty safe part of the world. Come on, I told the general that you’re okay, you free to leave, so as long that I don’t let you out of my sight. Until you go home.

Rainbow Dash leaped into the air and into to Bishops arm, wrapping her hooves around his neck as her tears began to dampen his shoulder.

“Thank you. …. Thank you.” Dash sniffled.

“…. Come on. It’s getting late, you can sleep in my motel room tonight.”

**********

Bishop walked with Rainbow Dash out of the building and through the car park, Rainbow Dash looked around, seeing soldiers passing by giving her curious glances. Nervous, Rainbow Dash moved closer to the Bishop’s side.

When Bishop stopped, Rainbow Dash looked up to see a peculiar shaped vehicle in front of her. She tilted her head looking at her reflection in the metallic paintwork.

“You like it?” Bishop asked, opening the passenger door.

Rainbow Dash looked around inside the vehicle before jumping onto one of the seats. Bishop closed the door before walking to the other side and sitting into the driver’s seat.

“What is it?” The Pegasus asked.

“It’s a 1940 Cadillac lasalle . It’s my grandfather’s. …. Never got a chance to drive it.”

“…. What does 1940 mean?”

“The year it was made.”

“Oh. …. What year is it? Actually day what is it?”

“Um. December 6th 1941.”

Bishop took some keys out of his pocket before putting one of them in the ignition, Rainbow Dash watched as he turned the key making the metal beast roar into life.

**********

After a lengthy journey Bishop pulled up outside a large motel, turning off the engine before turning to see Rainbow Dash asleep in the passenger seat.

“Hey.” He whispered, placing a hand on her back.

Dash’s eyes fluttered open as she stretched.

“We’re here.”

Rainbow Dash looked out the window to observe her surroundings, her eyes watered as she was caught off guard by the bright neon sign the car was parked next to. Bishop opened the door, the cool breeze sent a shiver down her spine as she jumped out.

“You the window up there.” Bishop pointed to the top left corner of the building.

“Yeah.” Dash replied, rubbing her eyes.

“I’ll open it up for you. I’ll be 2 minutes, just sit tight.”

“Okay.”

“Seriously. Don’t go wandering off around here; it’s easy to get lost around here.”

Bishop jogged into crossed the road, walking into the building as Rainbow Dash stretched her wings before taking off into the air. Focusing on the window she took her time, embracing the wing as it caressed her aching wings. Meters from the window she hovered in front of the glass, looking inside the dark room. Seconds later the light was switched on, Dash saw the captain walk into the room, giving her a smile as he walked up to the window and opened it.

She flew into the room before landing on the soft carpet, looking around the classy hotel room she quickly spotted a couch before jumping onto it. She looked at bishop as he took his jacket off, throwing it on the bed, as he took his tie off he turned to Rainbow Dash.

“I’m gonna go get a shower, just call me if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

Bishop walked into the bathroom unbuttoning his shirt as he closed and locked the door behind him.

**********

Rainbow Dash was looking out the window, gazing at the stars as they lit up the night sky. She began to think about what must be going on back in Equestria, her friends must be giving The Doctor a hard time, does princess Celestia know? What would she do if she did?

*Click!*

Dash turned around as Bishop walked out of the bathroom, shirtless with a towel on his shoulders, brushing his teeth. Walking next to the wooden box in the room, he pressed a button, making an image appear on the screen. Rainbow Dash then caught a glimpse of yet more scars which went across Bishop’s back whilst also slyly admiring the toned definition of his muscles.

As the captain sat down on the couch, Rainbow Dash quickly followed, jumping onto the furniture before pretending to watch the TV. Rainbow Dash looked at Bishops toned arms to see yet more past injuries showing on his skin, curious, she wanted to ask she but didn’t know what to say, in the end she gave up and just said it.

“What happened when I went?”

Bishop turned to face her, still brushing his teeth.

“Those scars.”

Dash pointed at the injuries, to which the captain sighed before walking back into the bathroom, spitting the tooth paste in the sink. Walking back out he patted his face with the towel before sitting back down.

“You really want to know?”

Dash hesitated to answer before she gave a timid nod, not sure if she wanted to really did.

“…. I never got picked up by a helicopter.”

“What? …. Why?”

“There not as assessable as you’d like think.”

“W-why didn’t you tell me?”

“You wouldn’t have left if I did. …. I managed to call HQ on one of the radio at the hospital. The only transport they could offer was a boat that was 50 miles away. It should’ve taken no more than a day; instead it took me a four. …. Every mile was struggle, every step I took I had to look over my shoulder to make sure nobody was hunting me down. When I got there, they were waiting for me, medics, foot soldiers, the lot.”

“That doesn’t explain the scars.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“Yeah. ….. Well, at some point, someone must’ve found out what was happening. They sent a heavily armed platoon to take us out.”

Dash looked back down at Bishop’s injuries, looking up and down at the scars that covered his skin, trying to picture how painful it must have been.

“We must have fought for a good two hours, when we thought we took them all out we made our way towards the boat. When we least expected it one jumped out of a bush holding a large knife. I tried to disarm him but he was too quick, he got me twice.” He said pointing at his eye and chin.

“He then knocked me off balance before he got me in the neck. I can’t remember what happened after that, next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital bed. …. That’s it I guess.”

Bishop stood up, walking to the bedside table where he picked up a bottle containing a golden liquid inside. Twisting the cap off he poured it into a small glass before taking a swig, glancing at the Pegasus on the couch as he finished his drink.

Bishop poured himself another before walking to the couch and taking a seat.

“H-how much did it hurt?” Rainbow Dash asked lifting her hoof to touch one of the large scars on his arm.

“A lot. …. But at some point your heart’s beating so fast that you can barely feel it. It’s like I’ve stuck my head in a bucket of cold water. That same chill you get up your spine, that rush that goes through your body when you’re too scared to even move.”

Bishop flinched as he felt a cold hoof press against his arm, looking down he saw the Pegasus moving her hoof down the length of on of the scars on his bicep. Rainbow Dash felt the leathery texture of the wound as she felt it.

Bishop turned back to face the TV before finishing his second drink with one gulp.

*Knock!* *Knock!*

The captain quickly stood up to walk to the door, Dash slowly brought her hoof to the couch as Bishop opened the door. She looked at the bottle across the room, curious she flew off the couch before hovering next to the bottle. Grabbing it open with one hoof she sniffed the open top, the potent smell burnt her nostrils.

She briefly paused before she took a sip from the bottle, nearly choking on the burning liquid before she swallowed it. She gagged, it had a spicy tinge to the taste, reminding her of the time she tasted a rainbow for the first time.

She quickly put the bottle down, flying back to the couch before landing on the cushions, the burning taste still strong in her mouth. As she heard the door closed she turned to look at Bishop to see he was holding an extra set of cushions in his hands and a small blanket.

“Can’t have you sleeping in the cold, here.”

Bishop passed the pillows and blankets to Rainbow as she looked at him.

“I’ve got another meet up in the morning, we need t be up early if we’re gonna make it there on time.”

Bishop switched off the light, only the moonlight illuminated the room as he made his way towards the bed.

“Sleep tight.”

“Goodnight Bish.”

The captain climbed into his bed as Rainbow sighed, arranging the quilts on the couch before she crawled underneath them. As her head poked out the top she took a moment to look at her surroundings as thoughts began to circle her mind. ‘Can I convince him to let me take him back? He’s so loyal to his country.’ She quickly focused her mind back to trying to sleep, knowing it was going to be difficult as the spicy taste still tickled her taste buds. But as she took one last look at the brave soldier sleeping in the darkness, it wasn’t long before her eyelids grew heavy, slowly closing before she drifted off to sleep.

All in a days work

Rainbow Dash was woken up by a beam of light which shined in her eyes through the curtains, as her eyes adjusted she turned away from the burning light to notice Bishop was in the bathroom. As she heard the water running she rubbed her eyes, a throbbing headache began to pulse in her forehead.

*Click!*

Dash looked up to see Bishop in his suit, buttoning up his shirt as he smiled at her.

“The bathrooms free for half an hour.” He said with a small chuckle.

Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow before walking past to look at herself in the mirror, her mane was a knotted mess. After quickly adjusting it with her hooves until it was back to the way it was, she heard Bishop packing his suitcase outside. Flying back into the room she sat at the window looking out, staring at the hills and fields that surrounded her, for a split second she could have sworn that she saw sweet apple acres in the distance.

“So. …. What’s happening today?” Rainbow asked.

“Well, I have that meeting I told you about but after that. …. I suppose we can go find something to do.”

Dash had a glint of joy in her eyes as she looked at Bishop with a large grin on her face.

“Really?!”

“Yeah. I’m sure there’s something fun we can do. I could use a break.”

“Yesyesyesyes!”

Dash did a small summersault in the air, landing on her hooves. This was finally a chance for them to spend some time together, no fighting, no war, just the two of them, which was all Dash wanted since she left him.

“Well, we better get going. I suppose you can have a look around the harbour if you want.”

“What? …. Really?” She said, uncertain.

“Yeah. Don’t worry. Everyone’s much friendlier here, nobody will bother you. …. Hey. It’s better than being stuck in a hot room for an hour, especially now you’ve broken the air conditioning.”

“Eheh. Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“It’s alright. You should have seen the general’s face.”

The both of the laughed as finished packing, Rainbow Dash opened the window as Bishop walked to the door with the case in his hand, switching off the lights he walked outside before locking the door behind him, leaving Rainbow Dash poking her head out of the window.

Dash waited until she saw the captain walking towards his car before she opened her wings and glided towards the ground. As she touched down she gave Bishop another contempt smile before jumping into the vehicle, as Bishop got into the driver’s seat he looked at the Pegasus to see that she was resting her head on the open window of the car, sighing as she felt the cool breeze tickle her nose.

**********

As the car drove down the long roads towards Pearl Harbour he looked over to see Rainbow Dash with a nauseous look on her face.

“Hey. …. You alright?”

“Uh. …. I don’t know.” Dash said weakly. “I feel sick.”

“It’s okay. We’re nearly there, try and think of something else.”

In response the first thing Rainbow Dash did was lean forward a press her hoof against a silver flap which made the panel open up. Bishop was still focusing on the road as Dash pulled out a wooden box from inside.

“What’s this?”

“Huh?”

Bishop looked at the, he frowned as he saw the wooden container in her hooves.

“What? …. Did I do something wrong?”

“No j- …. Open it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, yeah, go ahead.”

Rainbow hesitated before opening the latches with her teeth, after unlocking the latches with her teeth she opens the case. The first thing she noticed was the polished firearm, surrounded by the blue velvet interior of the case. The next thing she noticed was the golden medal next to it, ignoring the pistol; she smiled as she looked at the reward.

“It’s really nice.” She said, looking back up at Bishop. “What did you get it for?”

“…. I don’t really know anymore.” They said it was for "exceptionally meritorious efforts and contributions to the welfare of the Nation." As far as I know, all I did was stay alive while I watched good, honest men die.”

“You didn’t want it.”

“…. How did you? Oh yeah, you read my journal. …. Okay, were here.”

Bishop pulled up to the security gate before leaning over and closing the box Rainbow was holding and putting it back in the glove box before sitting up in his chair again.

“Hey.” He said with a smile stroking Dash under the chin. “Come on. In an hour we’ll be able to enjoy ourselves.”

“Sir?” A soldier said walking up to the drivers’ window.

“Morning soldier.” Bishop replied.

“Oh, wow, it’s you sir!” The soldiers neutral expression flipped into a smile as he recognised the captain. He leaned forward holding his hand out.

“It’s an honour to meet you sir.” He said as Bishop shook his hand.

“It’s great to meet you too.”

“You going to general W. …. What’s that?”

Rainbow Dash looked at the guard as he stared back at her, the Pegasus frowned, she didn’t appreciate being gawked at.

“Is there an issue?”

“Um. …. N-no. No sir. …. No problem. Uh. Have a good day sir.”

The large gate in front of the car opened up as the soldier backed away from the window. As Bishop began to drive down the narrow bridge he noticed Rainbow Dash looking angry.

“Are you alright?” Bishop said, asking the pointless question.

“…. I. …. I don’t like it when people stare at me.”

“Well it’s not everyday someone sees a talking pony, you’re gonna have to get used to it. People are gonna look.”

“Yeah, I know. …. But it just makes me feel like. …. Like I’m a freak to you guys.”

“…. *Sigh* …. You’re not a freak. …. You’re just not from around here. I’m sure if I went to your world, I’d get stared at just as much.”

“Heheh. You’ve got a point. You’d look like a giant in Equestria.”

Bishop drove onto the island and slowed down before he began to slowly manoeuvre his car around soldiers as they walked by and trucks as they came in the opposite direction. Before long Rainbow Dash saw the familiar building ahead, picturing in her head how she broke into the building, feeling like her hero, Daring Doo as she did.

“We’re here.” Bishop said as the car came to a halt outside the building.

“How long is this gonna take?”

“Shouldn’t be no longer than an hour, but something could always come up. …. Come on. It’ll be over before you know it.”

“Urgh. …. I hate meetings.”

**********

After what felt like a millennium, Rainbow was finally walking out the building with Bishop right behind her as she flew in a small circle in the air before landing on her feet.

“Whew! I thought that was never going to end.”

“We was only in there for an hour. It was hardly a struggle to sit through it all.”

Dash ears then perked up as the same heart-warming smile as before spread across her face again.

“So what are we going to do?! Where are we going to go?!”

“Err, Dash? Didn’t you remember? …. I need to go the docks first.”

“What?” She said, her smile slowly dissolving.

“The general gave me this file. Surely you remember, you was sat next to me.”

“Oh, I must’ve fallen asleep.”

“…. Anyway, once I’ve given this file I’ll take you somewhere alright?”

“Okay.”

Dash lifted herself off the ground, hovering at Bishop’s height as she followed him towards the docks of Pearl Harbor.

**********

“Cool.” Rainbow Dash said as she walked with Bishop onto one of the large ships in the docks, keeping the captain in the corner of her eye, she took a good look around her crowded surroundings, noticing how the entire ship was completely spotless. She also noticed how almost everyone she passed was looking at her as they walked past.

As Bishop walked up to the captain of the ship Rainbow Dash kept him in sight as she wandered off to look at one of the large guns on the deck. As she circled around it she accidently bumped into the leg of a sailor, she looked up, only to see a look of confusion on his face as he stared back.

“What the hell?”

“Um. …. Uh. Sorry.”

Dash backed away as the soldier continued to stare turned back to Bishop, just as he finished talking to the captain. The smile grew on her face again, this time Bishop was smiling back, as he started walking off the ship. Dash was right behind him as they made their way off the metal leviathan, they both started walking towards the car as Bishop looked at Dash, taking off his hat and coat.

“So.” Bishop started. “What do you want to do? There’s a bowling alley down the road. If you want a game.”

“Sure!”

Dash felt her heart sore, this was going to be a good day. Finally after all the boredom, fighting and struggling she’ll be able to spend some quality time with her hero. A man who she looked at as a farther.

When they both got to the car Bishop opened both doors before throwing his coat and hat in the back seat. As he got behind the wheel, he closed the door, seeing Rainbow Dash was already by his side, smiling at him. Bishop reached out, stroking her mane, looking forward t-

“CAPTAIN!!” A soldier yelled in the distance.

Bishop looked up, it was the private from the gate, Dash groaned as Bishop opened the door and leaned out.

“What is it?!” He shouted back.

“You gotta see this, sir!”

Bishop looked back at Rainbow and sighed.

“Cant it wait?!”

“No!”

“…. *Sigh* …. Sorry. Stay in the car, I’ll be right back.”

“Alright.” Dash said, annoyed as Bishop walked out of the car before she was given another odd look by a soldier which only pissed her off even more.

Rainbow watched as the captain ran into the distance before meeting the private at the door of a bunker. She leaned her head against the window, tapping her hoof as she looked at the sky. Then. …. She noticed something in the horizon, as she squinted; it looked like a metal bird, flying low along the sea as it got closer to the harbour. Rainbow Dash continued to watch as the metal bird got closer and closer, she then saw something drop from its underbelly but the object disappeared. She looked around, she saw soldiers also staring at the planes, her head then turned to the ship she just came from, seeing the commotion as soldiers began to run on the deck. The all of a sudden.

*BOOM!!*

Dash’s eyes widened as she saw soldiers getting thrown into the sky as the fireball consumed almost half the ship. Her breathing became erratic as another explosion, coming from her left, her mind froze as she could feel the heat getting hotter. Debris showered the car as another explosion erupted only a few yards from the vehicle, making it rock violently. She was thrown into the back seats of the car as she could hear the gunfire tearing the veichle apart; she cowered in the back seats, covering her head.

As her mind began to proses what was going on her body began to shake, terror strangled her senses, she was struggling to breath, she began to whimper through gritted teeth as she closed her eyes.

“N-no! …. Not again! NOT AGAIN!!”

“RAINBOW!!”

She opened her eyes before looking over the seats, she then felt something white hot graze her cheek, making her wail in agony as she looked through the windshield of the car through salty tears. She saw the captain, sprinting towards the car, a look of horror in his eyes as he watched the car get showered by stray gunfire.

“GET OUT THE CAR!! GET OUT THE CAR!!”

Dash saw the open door, she leapt towards it but the an explosion, only a few feet from the car, flipped it onto its side. Dash opened her eyes, she found herself pinned against the front seat of the car and roof, she flailed her legs wildly, but she didn’t budge, looking back up at the Captain sprinting towards her she saw the metal bird flying right behind him. She couldn’t move, she used every ounce of her strength but she couldn’t move.

“BISH!!”

The captain heard the roaring engines behind him, he didn’t look back he kept the vehicle in sight as the ground seemed to explode around him. Dash could only watch as the captain sprinted from the gunfire missing his feet by only centimetres to spare. Bishop threw his legs in front of him before sliding on his back until her next to the car, shielding him from the bullets.

“BISHOP!!”

The captain crawled through one of the smashed windows, seeing the Pegasus stuck in the mangled wreck that was his grandfather’s car. He reached forward.

“Give me your legs!”

Rainbow reached out as much as she could, Bishop saw the gash on her cheek as he got a grip on her hooves. With one firm tug he pulled, only causing Rainbow Dash more pain.

“NO!! STOP!! AHHH!! STOP!!” She screamed in agony.

Bishop crawled in further, grabbing the driver’s seat and using all his untamed might to pull on it. It moved but only a bit. Bishop screamed as his arms burned under the strain, finally he ripped the seat from its mountings, freeing Rainbow Dash, who then jumped forward to hold him tight. The captain then saw the open glove box and the wooden case inside, after pulling it out he crawled from the wreckage.

“LOOK AT ME DASH!! NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS DON’T LET GO OF ME!! YOU GOT IT?!! DO NOT LET GO OF ME!!”

Rainbow nodded back as she was put onto Bishop’s back, she leaned forward and wrapped her forehooves around his neck, and her back legs around his waist. She grasped him tightly as he began to sprint through the carnage which surrounded her.

As she looked up, her mouth fell agape. The sky was filled with the metal birds, flying low as the explosions destroyed the buildings that surrounded them. Rainbow Dash looked in horror as men crawled from flames; that familiar, ungodly smell of burning flesh made her wretch. She looked forward to see a group of soldiers shouting at the Bishop as he ran towards the building for cover.

*BOOM!*

Another explosion consumed the structure, engulfing the soldiers, the force throwing both Rainbow and Bishop to the ground. The captain groaned in pain as Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, seeing a large glass shard sticking out of Bishop’s shoulder. Before she could say anything the Captain stood back up before grasping the splinter. Ripping it from his shoulder he growled like a wounded lion as he turned to pick up his case again.

Pulling the pistol from the wooden box he saw his medal of honour on a pile of rubble, surrounded by deceased soldiers. As he took one step towards it he was cut off by gunfire as it barely missed his legs. Another metal machine flew overhead as Bishop ran towards the dock, the only place was wasn’t yet destroyed.

Running with all the strength his legs could muster, Bishop was soon sprinting on the ports, where he then ran back onto the ship he was on not minutes ago.

“BISHOP!!” The captain of the ship screamed. “GET UP HERE NOW!!”

“WHAT THE FUCK’S GOING ON?!!”

“JAPANESE BOMBERS AND THEY’RE PISSED!!”

Another explosion rocked the ship, Rainbow Dash grasped Bishop’s neck tighter as she watched the metal birds flying towards the ship.

“WHAT ARE YOU FIRING?!! FUCKING BLANKS?!!”

“THERE’S HUNDREDS OF THEM!! WE CANT TOUCH THEI-”

“BISHOP!!” Rainbow Dash screamed, pointing her hoof towards the incoming planes.

Bishop froze, looking in horror before diving to the ground.

“EVERYBODY GET DOWN!!”

The explosion was the strongest one yet, the ship lurched to the right as its hull was struck by the shell. Dash closed her eyes, wanting desperately to shield her ears from the defining assault, listening to men screaming as the flames burned their flesh. The engines roared past, leaving the ship critically damaged.

Bishop stumbled onto her feet, his ears were ringing, he searched for the enemy bomber, looking around before he noticed another plane with a bomb underneath, coming in for an attack.

“Rainbow.” Bishop grunted. “Let go.”

“N-n-no.” Dash whimpered, tears freely flowing from her face.

“Listen to me! Let go now!”

Dash slowly loosened her grip before she was grabbed from behind, looking back she saw a soldier holding her tight.

“Hey, let go!” She screamed. “Let go!”

“Listen to me Rainbow!” Bishop stood close to her. “You stay here! Your hear me?!”

“No! NO!! DON’T GO!! ….. NRGH!! LET GO OF ME!!”

Dash flailed widely as the soldier holding her, kept a firm grip on her waist. Bishop held his pistol in his hand, checking the magazine for ammunition as he walked up the deck on the slowly sinking ship. The metal giant’s nose began to point into the air as Bishop climbed the vessel, Dash could only watch as the plane began to fly towards the captain as he aimed his weapon.

Bishop took a deep breath, stood on the nose of the tilting ship, staring at the bomber as it flew in for the kill. He poised his aim, holding his breath; everything seemed to run in slow motion as he pulled the trigger. Firing his weapon multiple times, Dash was held back as she reached out for him sobbing hysterically.

“BISHOP, NO!!!!”

Bishop was on his last bullet, he grasped the weapon tight, rising his aim before pulling the trigger one last time. Success, the bullet struck the pilot, the bomber veered to the left, barely missing the ship before crashing into the water.

The captain wasted no time in sliding down the ship as two enemy planes opened fire. Bishop stopped just in front of Rainbow Dash who had a look of fury in her eyes.

“Alright! Let go soldier! Get everyone off this ship, NOW!!”

“Yes sir!”

The second the soldier released the Pegasus, Rainbow Dash began to hit Bishop as he held her in his arms.

“YOU JERK!! …. Y-you JERK!!”

Rainbow punches grew weaker before she began to cry in Bishop’s arms as he ran off the ship, looking in all direction for cover as the merciless assault continued. His heart pounding furiously in his chest, Bishop followed the other soldiers as they made a break for a clearing.

Dash watched as the bombers continued to fly perilously close to the ground, firing their machine guns at the soldiers in front of them, tearing their bodies apart as they screamed in agony, falling to the ground. Dash covered her head as Bishop ducked from the gunfire, seeing a group of soldiers taking cover nearby. Jumping down, allowing himself a moment to breath, Dash looked up at him, seeing him staring into space.

“Captain! …. CAPTAIN!!”

Bishop snapped out of his trance, seeing the soldiers in the ditch looking at him.

“What do we do captain?!”

Bishop stood up, still holding the Pegasus as she grasped him tightly, looking at the harbour, what was left of it.

“I.” Bishop gasped between breaths. “We need to move. IS there any shelters around here?”

“They’ve all been taken out.”

“Bunkers?! Anything!!”

“No! Everything’s gone!”

Bishop kicked the ground in rage before looking at the Pegasus in his arms, he looked into her eyes as she stared back into his. Rainbow Dash’s was disorientated, confused, it was all happening too quick for her, she nothing but a sobbing mess in his arms. Bishop held her close, trying to comfort before a distant rumble shook the ground beneath his feet.

Bishop turned around he froze in horror as he saw a plane flying towards them, a bomb primed and ready underneath its hull.

“GET DOWN!!”

Bishop pulled out his pistol and fired, realising the chamber was empty, it was too late the plane was too close, there no time; Bishop used what was left of his strength to throw the Pegasus as far as he could. Rainbow tumbled through the air, unable to control her trajectory as she fell into other soldier’s arms. The second she opened her eyes she watched in horror as Bishop was consumed by a fireball, throwing him into the air as the bomber flew past. Bishop’s body landed on the ground a deathly silence swept the ditch as Bishop lied motionless on the ground.

Rainbow Dash ran to him, terror fuelling her heart as she kneeled beside him, looking at his unconscious body as the soldiers crowded around him. She broke down into a mass of tears, lying on top of Bishop’s shredded body before screaming in anguish into the sky. Collapsing on top of him, she looked at the soldiers crowded around.

“DON’T JUST STAND THERE!! DO SOMETHING!! DO SOMETHING!!!!”

Hope

The bombing never seemed to end, the torture never stopped. The fires kept burning as the soldiers screams echoed in ones ears. Rainbow Dash never left Bishop’s side during the aftermath, him and hundreds more were sent to hospital and hundreds more were killed on the battlefield.

Rainbow Dash had to endure the horrific sights of seeing dozens of men screaming away their last breaths before their eyes blinked for the last time. Seeing the floor flooded with blood as she flew beside her wounded hero when he was carried and transported to the nearest hospital. She spent hours waiting, waiting, not knowing if Bishop was alive or dead, waiting outside the hospital, looking through all the windows for him.

She never recalled feeling so helpless in her life, there was nothing she could do to help, to ease the pain. All she wanted was to know if Bishop was going to at least survive from this endeavour; it wasn’t long before she got an answer.

After flying through the window she sat by his side, looking at the forest of tubes sticking out of his body, his chest slowly raising up and down, the only sign that he was clinging onto his frail life. Looking at his possessions on the end table, Rainbow Dash was trying to hold onto her tears as she saw two nurses walk into the room. Rainbow quickly jumped off the bed and hid underneath it as the women walked up to Bishop.

“Okay. …. Patient 34. …. Blood pressure stable, deep lacerations, internal bleeding.”

“How long do you think he’s got?”

“…. A few hours. Till midnight if he’s lucky.”

“Send the telegram?”

“ …. I heard he has nobody to send one to.”

“…. *Sigh* …. What a waste.”

Dash watched as the two nurses kept walking, she walked out from under the bed, not wanting to be kicked out, she was essentially an alien to them and she didn’t want to have to waste time explaining everything again.

She just wanted to be alone.

“…. Bish.” Rainbow Dash sniffed leaning over him. “…. David. *Sniff* …. Can you hear me?”

There was no response.

“Come on. …. *Sniff* You can do it right? …. I know you can. …. Your stronger than this. Y-your stronger than t-this.”

Rainbow rested her head on his hand, hoping that something, anything would happen, she hung on the hope that the hospital could do something to help him but it was made painfully clear that there was nothing that they could do.

“You can be. …. D-dying. …. You’re the strongest person I know. …. *Sob* Just 2 hours ago. *Sob* …. You said you were going to take me bowling!”

Rainbow Dash all of a sudden felt overwhelmed with emotion, on the verge of tears she gritted her teeth before flying out the window as fast as she could. Keeping her eyes closed she flapped her wings furiously as she flew through the air, ignoring how fast she was really going.

Flashback of when they first met, when they laughed together and when they fought together in this world on made her even more infuriated. Suddenly she felt a resistance against her hooves, opening her eyes she saw the world zooming by. As she tried to slow down she lost her balance, making her stumble, as she adjusted her flight she caught another glimpse of Pearl Harbor as it was still burning, everything from buildings to aircraft destroyed.

Curious she flew down, looking at the carnage before she touched down. Looking around she saw injured soldiers being pulled from the debris, some alive, some barely and others not. She slowly began to walk around the warzone, looking at what was once a ‘secure’ place. Suddenly she stumbled across one of the metal birds which had crashed during the attack.

Looking at the wreckage she saw the machine guns the Japanese logo and the trail of blood where the pilot must have been dragged from the plane. Rainbow Dash then remembered seeing Bishop as he stood on the prowl of the sinking ship, aiming his gun at a pilot, staring death in the eyes before firing his gun.

And now a brave soldier like him was now reduced to nothing but a mutilated heap and all because he fought for what he stood for. He fought back despite the odds, not caring is his life was taken for the sake of hundreds and this is the reward he gets.

“It’s. …. It’s not fair.”

Rainbow sat on the ground, staring into the symbol as she could feel her emotions taking over. Seeing the sergeant being thrown back by the explosion’ being thrown onto the ground like he was nobody else but another soldier that got in the way.

“IT’S NOT FAIR!!”

Dash mustered all the strength in her legs to kick the steel hull of the plane, denting it before she continued to attach the metal wreckage. Screaming in anguish, she blindly bucked anything she could get her hooves on, her body being driven by nothing but pure unadulterated hate.

Suddenly she missed a target, making her fall to the floor in a heap. She laid there, staring into the sky, she looked at the stripy flag, still burning as it proudly flapped in the wind. Suddenly she caught a glimpse of something, a little light in the corner of her eye. As she righted herself she saw it was coming from a large pile a rocks; probably two stories high.

She trotted over, her will slowly diminishing as she looked at the glow, she then saw a familiar shape, as she used her winds to pick herself off the ground she saw that it was Bishop’s medal of honour. Grabbing the gold with her teeth, she yanked it from the rock before flying back down to the ground.

She held the medal in her hooves, looking at the details of it, how it was barely damaged, Dash all of a sudden felt something, almost as if Bishop was standing next to her, knowing it wasn’t true she didn’t turn around to confirm it, she sat down, still staring at the medal. Then a thought crept into her head as she lifted her wing, seeing her element still inside the base of her feather a glimmer of hope fluttered in her heart.

“The elements of harmony.”

“Hey!!”

Dash snapped her head, seeing a group of soldiers running towards her, as quickly as she could she took off into the air. Without looking back she one again flew as fast as her wings would allow. Staring into the distance, she memorised her route, she focused on her destination, she poised herself as she knew that she was running out of time.

“Take Bishop to Equestria. Use Elements of harmony, Bishop lives.” She said out loud, making a note to herself as she began to push against the resistance of nature holding her back.

Feeling the familiar rush she felt at the young flyers competition, she pushed as hard as she could, feeling the air rush across her wings as her speed increased. Feeling tear flying from her eyes, she gritted her teeth, giving one last push.

*BOOM!*

She did it. She smashed through that barrier, she watched as the sky was filled with the spectrum of different colours. As much as she always marvelled at the sight of a sonic rainboom she created she simply did not have the time to do it.

In almost an instant she saw the hospital in the distance, coming rapidly closer, she sprawled her wings open, trying to slow down but she was going too fast. Both her wings were bent to breaking point as she tried to slow down, as the strain became too much she let both her wings go limp before she began to plummet towards the ground. She saw her target, she closed her eyes, bracing for the impact.

*CRASH!!*

Rainbow Dash smashed through the thick glass before rolling onto the floor, sliding across the room before crashing into a cabinet. She didn’t waste time in getting back up. She sprinted around the ward, momentarily lost before she saw the sergeant, still lying there.

Unfurling her wings, she grabbed her element, holding it in front of her as she flew onto the chair next to the bed. As she held the element in her hooves, she could feel the energy slowly build as she activated it. Looking at Bishop, she smiled leaning forward to see his chest was still moving. Now was the time.

Placing the element in Bishop’s hand, she also held onto it with her hooves, a sudden burst of energy sent a small shockwave through the room. A small blast of lighting struck the ceiling as Rainbow Dash could see small items being lifted into the air slowly.

She made sure the sergeant was holding the element as she heard the wards door open; as she turned she saw a group of doctors and nurses staring at the sight in awe. The room began to light up in a blue glow as they were both lifted into the air. Rainbow Dash all of a sudden felt cold as looked down at Bishop, a sudden light began to shine on her hooves, she then all of a sudden felt an excruciating pain burn in her sinuses.

The doctor and nurses opened the door before recoiling in horror at the sight of a cyan creature floating in the air surrounded by a ball of pure energy, with a white glow blooming from its eyes. Dash screamed, desperately holding onto her element before she felt the freezing cold light consume her body and her vision blur as it darkned.

Time

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, instantly she knew she was back in Equestria, as she sat up she felt a stabbing sensation in her stomach as her muscles burned. As she looked to her left she saw a blurred mass of colours that she knew were her friends. Dashie cringed, expecting her view to be nothing but hateful glares but instead, when her vision cleared she saw all her friends looking at her with wide heart-warming smiles spread across their faces.

Dash tried to sit up again but this time Twilight held her down.

“It’s okay Dash. You’re safe. It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry. …. *Hic!* …. I had to.”

“We know.” Applejack said stepping forward, placing a hoof on Rainbows shoulder.

“Y-you know?”

Dash then saw The Doctor, now covered in scuffs and bruises push between the two ponies.

“*Ahem* Well I knew that your friends would look for me once you disappeared. And I knew that I was gonna get a clobbering, so when I tinkered with you element I also installed as Visiocurrentizer.”

“Viziawhat?” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“Visiocurr- *Sigh* It allows us to see everything from your perspective.”

“You. …. Watched?”

“Yes we did.” Twilight started. “We understand why you did what you did. You were so brave. And so was he.”

“Bish! Where is he?! Is h-”

“He’s still hanging on. …. He’s over there. Help her up girls.”

The rest of the mane six helped Rainbow Dash to her feet, the Pegasus then saw that she was on a train. She then saw the Captain laid on his back still breathing, Rainbow Dash felt relived, as she was carried towards him she could feel her legs getting their strength back.

“I will say one thing.” Twilight said helping Rainbow Dash onto a seat. “Your friends has heart for what he’s done for you. Nopony should have to go through what you did.”

“W-where are we going?”

“Canterlot, Princess Celestia is aware of the situation as is waiting with the elements of harmony.”

“W-we can bring him back?”

“The elements can’t bring back the dead Rainbow. But they can heal him if he’s still alive, that’s why we’re taking the train. Teleporting again would most probably finish him off. His body has already gone through enough.”

Dash laid next to the captain, looking up at her friends as they smiled back.

“Thank you. I can’t thank you guys enough.”

Applejack stepped forward.

“Any friend of Rainbow’s is a friend of ours.”

**********

As the train pulled into the station of Canterlot Rainbow Dash looked out the window, seeing a line of loyal guards along the station before seeing princess Celestia, waiting for them. The doors opened, Rainbow stayed close to Bishop as he was carried out of the train by Celestia’s guards.

“It’s okay Bishop. …. Just hang on. Just hang on.”

Rainbow looked around the town as Bishop was carried through it, seeing the peculiar stares as they looked at the wounded giant being carried through their town. Rainbow looked up at the castle, see in princess Celestia stood in the tallest tower, waiting.

She looked back, her friends were right beside her as she felt her legs growing weaker, and they helped her along every step of the way as they were soon walking on the grounds of Celestia’s castle. Twilight stood in front before using her magic to open the large door, allowing the guards to walk in.

Rainbow Dash looked forward, both Princess Celestia and her sister Luna were present as the mane 6 followed Bishop’s beaten body. Rainbow didn’t take her eyes off Bishop for a moment, watching his breathing, making sure he stayed alive for those few precious minutes.

Like a statue made of glass, the guards carefully placed the wounded soldier on the ground before backing away, letting the 6 ponies walk by to their leaders.

As they all bowed in her presence the Alicorn opened the enchanted door, the large golden structure divided into two, revealing the small jewel encrusted crate. Princess Luna then used her magic to unlock the small chest before taking the remaining 5 elements out of it, quickly passing them to the mane 6 who were gathered in a circular formation around the Captain.

But then Rainbow noticed an irregularity in Bishop’s breathing, his chest started moving more irregularly.

“Bishop? Something’s wrong!” Rainbow shouted.

Twilight already spotted this, her eyes widened she began to panic.

“He’s not got long left. We have to hurry.”

All the elements were passed to their owners, first Twilight, then Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and then Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash was already wearing hers.

“Alright girls.” Twilight announced. “This is it. Now focus everypony. This could be life or death.”

Rainbow then saw Bishop’s chest no longer moving up or down, he now laid flat on the ground, lifeless. Dash heart jumped into her throat, she felt tears forming in her eyes, she kept her focus, nothing was going to distract her.

Twilight’s horn began to glow, creating a large aura of magic, hovering over the Captain before consuming him. Dash watched as the soldier floated within the glowing bubble, she felt herself growing light, she was now being lifted into the air herself.

The rest of the main six were now hovering off the ground as Princess Celestia, Luna and their loyal guards watched. A sudden burst of energy then sent a small shockwave across the room, almost knocking everypony off their feet. Twilight’s eyes then opened up, showing the blinding glow blooming from her eyes. Rainbow looked around, the same thing was happening to the others, she could see Applejack squirm as she felt the noticeable pain in her head before her eyes also began to glow a ghostly white.

Rainbow Dash then felt the same thing happen to her, her vision began to turn white as she focused on nothing else but Bishop. Feeling the determination, Twilight then gathered all her strength before blasting a huge beam of pure energy into Bishop’s heart. Everypony stood watching felt their jaws drop as they watched the spectacle, Bishop’s body shook violently, all his muscles convulsed under his skin as his body was being restored.

Scars began to recede his wounds slowly closed up, suddenly the mane six were bombarded with the hideous memories of Bishop’s past as they began to struggle to keep their focus. The explosions, the blood, all the gore, the mane six were experiencing the captains’ most despised memories. Fluttershy felt herself letting go, she began to lower to the ground, Twilight used her magic to lift the Pegasus back up again. Pinkie Pie was next to start falling to the ground, he mane deflated as she was devastated with shock as she saw more of Bishop’s past.

Twilight then focused her attention on Rainbow, watching as she held her head in her hooves, being forced to experience all those horrifying memories again. She began to scream in anguish as it was all coming back to her, all of a sudden there was a second Twilight looked down, Bishop looked to be conscious as the light began to shine out of his eyes. His tortured roar sent a chill down everyponys spine. He chest heaved into the has he began to thrash wildly, Twilight was losing her focus, she began to fall to the ground, as her hooves touched the floor she saw Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all on the ground shaking, desperately trying to prolong the link for as long as possible.

But one pony was missing, in the air Rainbow Dash was still floating almost as if she was consuming all the power of the six elements. Her wails matched the ones of Bishop and a drop of blood fell from her nose. With one last roar Rainbow Dash used all her might to channel as much of the power her body would allow before she finally let go.

Almost three stories high she started falling to the ground, two Pegasus guards were quick to catch her as Rainbow fell limply in their hooves.

“Hot! Hot! Hot!!”

Rainbow Dash pulled off her element, throwing it to the ground, the remaining elements laid exhausted on the floor as Rainbow Dash was put on her hooves. The Pegasus fell, quickly dismissing the guards as she insisted on walking by herself. The whole room fell silent as Rainbow Dash limped towards Bishop, still lying motionless on the floor.

She felt a deep burning in her chest as she rubbed the burns on her neck, she was stood next to the soldier, she recoiled at the sight. Bishop looked to be younger, a lot younger, more like he was in his early 30’s instead of his late 40’s look she grew used to.

She stood closer, looking at his completely refurbished body, no scars, wounds or even wrinkles. He looked like he had been completely reborn, but then Dash looked down, his chest was still not moving.

She placed her hooves on his shoulders, shaking him gently, salty tears burning in her eyes as she began to sob louder and louder.

“No. …. Come on!! No!! …. This can’t be it!! …. You can’t be dead!! NO!!!”

Rainbow Dash laid her head on top of Bishop’s body as she wailed, beating furiously at his chest as she felt her heart slowly tear into two pieces. All the other ponies could do was watch as the mare grieved.

Rainbow Dash lost all her strength, she laid still, gritting her teeth, she then heard something. She pressed her ear against Bishop’s chest. She heard. …. A heartb-

*GASP!!*

The captain bolted up, seeing Rainbow Dash in front of him, he grasped her tightly before standing up in a defensive stance, out of breath, his eyes scanning the room as he struggled to breath. The whole room stayed quiet, the captain looked, confused to see so many different coloured Rainbow Dash’s in one room. ‘Wait, what room?’ He thought to himself as he searched his surroundings. Slowly, he began to calm himself down before holding the cyan Pegasus in front of his view, her eyes, streaming with tears of joy.

“R-Rainbow Dash.”

“D-David!”

As he embraced the Pegasus he caught a glimpse of his hands, now completely smooth, feeling his face he tried to process what was happening, he could have sworn that two seconds ago he was about to kiss the nose cone of a Japanese shell.

“W-what’s going on? …. What happened to me? …. Am. …. Am I dead?”

Rainbow Dash then squeezed Bishop tighter, unable to say anything that wouldn’t be just babbling nonsense. Bishop sighed, a tear falling from his eye, it was all too real, closing his eyes he began to openly sob with Rainbow Dash as everypony watched teary eyed.

Aftermath

After finally being separated from Rainbow Dash, Bishop was taken into a room for a talk with Twilight Sparkle and The Doctor as they were the only ponies in Equetria who understood what was going on most of the time.

Bishop sat and listened, as Twilight Sparkle and The Doctor both explained what had happened. At first the soldier found it difficult to believe it but there was no other plausible explanation. He was already in another world, what’s not to believe.

“S-so. …. I died?”

“Well, theoretically.” The Doctor replied. “But luckily your brain was still alive as the elements of harmony were used on you. This is fascinating; I’ve never seen a human resurrection before. How do you feel?”

“Like the god of thunder just kicked me in the balls.”

“How. …. Interesting.”

Twilight then stepped forward before sitting next to the obviously overwhelmed soldier.

“I know it must be hard for you. It must come as quite a shock to wake up in a completely different world. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. …. What’s happening back on earth? What about the war?”

The Doctor stepped forward. “We don’t know what happened after you were brought into the hospital. You see, we could only see everything from Rainbow Dash’s perspective.”

“You saw?”

“Yes.”

Bishop leaned forward, putting his head in his hands, before looking back up again.

“*Sigh* …. I hate to ask but. …. How can I go back?”

Twilight looked at The Doctor look at each other, this time with a guilty look on both their faces.

“I’m really sorry Bishop.” Twilight said. “There is no way you can go home.”

“What? …. I thought.”

Bishop looked at The Doctor, he seemed to be the only pony who completely understood what was going on.

“How Rainbow Dash came into your world for the first time, was completely by chance. She was lucky she wasn’t thrown into an empty void in time. It was only one millisecond which saved her life from spending an eternity in darkness. …. The second time was more technical. Because she had your journal I was able to track you through the DNA on your journal.”

“DNA?”

“Yes. Um, anyway. Because you were in the other world, still alive I was able to detect your electronic brain activity to the nearest mile. Your journal was your only link between Equestria and your world. Now, you’re here, there is no way to send you back. I’m sorry.”

“…. So it was you who sent her?”

“Sent her? Oh no. She was insistent.”

“’Insistent’?” Bishop’s voice now slowly started to sound more aggravated. “You could have said no. You could have spared her having to go through all that!”

“It was her choice.” The Doctor argued back. “She clearly wanted nothing but to know if you was still alive. I’m not going to lie, it WAS a stupid decision allowing her to go. I said it to her before she left but she didn’t change her mind, not for a second.”

“She could have died.”

“You almost did. Maybe you should be grateful that she came when she did.”

Bishop stood up, walking around the room, taking a deep breath before he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror. As he stared at his new form, Twilight walked up behind him, trying to think of what to say.

“I. …. I can you see you’re upset. But it’s not all bad. Princess Celestia is granting you free residence in Equestria as well as a home for you.”

“It’s. …. I’m not ungrateful. If anything, I’m happy. …. I. …. I just need to think. I just want to be on my own for a while.”

“Okay. Take as long as you want. Me and The Doctor will be downstairs.”

“I never said thank you. …. For saving me. I don’t know how to pay you back.”

“You should talk to Rainbow Dash.” Twi said with a smile. “Without her, who knows what would’ve happened. Come on Doctor.”

Both ponies walked out of the room as Bishop was left along to collect his thoughts. He sat in his chair, looking at the floor, his mind still racing with unanswered question, suddenly caught a glimpse of colour from the window. Looking quickly, he caught a glimpse of Rainbow Dash peeking around the corner.

“Hey there.” Bishop chuckled at Dash’s pointless attempt at being discreet.

Rainbow flew in through the window before making her way towards the soldier, sitting by his side as he sat up.

“Are you okay?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah. …. I’m still a bit confused though.”

“I’m. …. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry. For what?”

“That you can’t go back. For getting you stuck here. I guess I screwed up again.”

Bishop quickly used his hand to turn Dash’s head to look at him in the eyes, he could see that she had not stopped crying they were reunited, her eyes were red, bloodshot, but to Bishop, she still looked adorable.

“You didn’t screw up Rainbow. You saved my life, I’m glad.”

“But I heard you. …. You want to go back don’t you? You’re like me, you’re loyal to your friends and family. Your home.”

Bishop took a pause, but his smile didn’t stop.

“I was loyal to my friends and my family. But they’re gone, I have nothing left in that world, it was all destroyed in that damn war. …. If I’m honest. I’m glad I’m stuck here, because at least I have you. I’m not mad, I’m happy.”

Bishop pulled Rainbow Dash towards him before embracing her, Dash was quick to return the gesture, smiling as she closed her eyes.

“Oh. I almost forgot.” Rainbow Dash said, lifting her wing.

Bishop watched as Rainbow Dash pulled out his journal, placing it on his lap, before Bishop could thank her she also pulled out his badge, holding it in her mouth as she looked at him. Bishop smiled, leaning forward, taking the badge out of her mouth before he held it in his palm.

He looked at all the little dent and scratches it had suffered in the attack but he didn’t care. After taking a quick glance at Rainbow Dash he leaned forward again before loosening the ribbon, Dash saw what Bishop was doing but she stayed still as the medal was put around her neck. She examined it herself, confused, she looked up at the soldier.

“But. …. W-why?”

“I’ve seen many people in this war Rainbow Dash. Some far braver then I’ll ever be. After everything you went through. You deserve this more than any man I’ve served with. And I’m not taking no as an answer.”

“…… T-thank you.” Dash said, completely taken by surprise. “Thank you.”

She embraced Bishop again as the soldier picked up his journal before looking at the cover, taking a moment to let it all sink in as he closed his eyes.

**********

Tuesday 2:00am

Yesterday was probably one of the most traumatic, saddening, painful and amazing days I’ve had in my life. This morning I woke up, went to work, almost spent some quality time with Rainbow Dash, got blasted to kingdom come and got resurrected in a different world looking 20 years younger. Someday, huh?

At first when I woke up in Equestria, I was scared, thinking I was going to wake up, like a man in a wheelchair wakes from a dream where he’s running or flying. I thought it was all too good to be true, but it’s really happening, it can’t be a dream. I’ve never felt so alive.

When they explained what happened, I wasn’t mad, not even a little bit, because I’ve been given a second chance, given to me by my own little guardian angel. From now on, I will live my life, cherishing every second I have. I can now look back at my life as something to be proud of, I fought for my country, technically died and served my duty as a soldier. It’s was fate which brought me here and because of that, I have no urge to go home. …. Even if I could.

This is where my life begins. In Equestria.

Captain, David, Ann, Bishop.

A new life

3 weeks later

It was morning in Equestria, the sun rose above the horizon as its beautiful glow shone across the landscape. Light shone through the curtains, entering the room before Bishop opened his eyes. Taking a moment for his eyes to adjust, he lifted himself from his bed, scratching his head; he took a moment to appreciate the sun rise as it bathed his skin.

Standing up, he smiled as he looked around his new home, walking into the lounge before he noticed his case. He remembered The Doctor explaining to him how everything that was close by was also warped into Equestria. Somebody must have put it by his bedside whilst he was unconscious. He hadn’t opened it since he packed it back in that hotel room. He kneeled down, slowly reaching out to his bag before unzipping the top. The first thing he noticed was the familiar smell of cheap hotel room soap.

After emptying his bag onto the bed, he looked at all his possessions, first grabbing his wallet, blowing the dust off the surface before he opened it. Looking inside, he saw $32 and 16 cents inside. Amongst other items inside, he pulled out a piece of paper, it was a family photo, slightly worn out, he felt a glimmer of sadness as he looked at his now deceased family. Quickly, he placed the photo back before closing the wallet and throwing it to one side.

Looking amongst his possessions, he saw a few unused bullets, then a clip. Then he noticed another object, wrapped in cloth and bulky. He slowly unravelled it before seeing that it was his pistol, he was taken aback by the firearm as it laid there before him.

*Knock!* *Knock!*

Bishop quickly covered the pistol, picking up the bullets and throwing his possessions in his bag. He quickly walked through his house before walking up to the front door, he smiled, he knew who was waiting for him.

As he opened the door he was greeted by a flourish of colours as Rainbow Dash flew around his head.

“Morning sleepy head!” Rainbow Dash chirped as Bishop yawned. “You’re still not tired are you?”

“Heh. Nice to see you too Dash.”

“Soooo.”

“So what?”

“You remember what you promised? That you’d run with me through the forest. Gotta stay in shape right?”

“Oh yeah. Hold on. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Urgh. You always get up late; anypony would think you were an owl.”

“2 minutes.” Bish said as he closed the door.

“Okay!”

Bishop quickly ran to his wardrobe, Rarity was kind enough to sew a new wardrobe for him whilst his house was being built. He picked out a plain white shirt and pants before quickly getting changed. As he put his shoes on he caught another glimpse of his wrapped up firearm on the bed. He paused, his mind wandered before he quickly snapped out of it before he ran over, grabbing the firearm before making sure it was covered as he walked towards the door, hearing Rainbow Dash’s impatient tapping as he grabbed the handle.

*THUD!!*

Bishop recoiled from the door before quickly opening it to see a bunch of letters raining from the sky. Bishop then saw a grey Pegasus sat on the floor, cross-eyed, dazed and confused.

“Derpy.” Dash groaned “What are you doing here?”

The grey Pegasus shook its head looking around the mess it made.

“Um. Letter for a Mr Bishop.”

The soldier kneeled down, helping to gather the scattered letters.

“Derpy huh? You’re the mail pony right?”

Derpy’s eyes lit up before Bishop realised that they stayed cross-eyed.

“Yep, that’s me. And. …. And your sergeant Bishop right?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

Derpy finally found her letter, a red envelope with a wax seal on it. Bishop took it out of her mouth before playfully stroking her mane with his free hand. The Pegasus grinned before taking off into the sky.

“It’s good to see you Bishop! Got more letters to deliver!”

“Derpy!” Rainbow called out. “Ponyville is that way.”

“…. Oh yeah! Silly me.”

Derpy back in the right direction before Bishop chuckled to himself, opening the letter in his hands.

“What is it?” Dash asked.

Bishop pulled out a piece of paper before quickly reading the letter in his head.

David, Ann, Bishop

As a reward for your bravery in protecting one of our residents in Ponyville in the heat of battle, I Princess Celestia grant have given you two VIP tickets to the up and coming Grand Galloping Gala, one for you and one for Rainbow Dash.

Please accept these as a token of my appreciation. Without you, Equestria would have lost its element of loyalty.

Hope to see you two there.

Princess Celestia

Bishop searched in the envelope before pulling out two platinum tickets, as he looked at Rainbow Dash he saw that her pupils had shrunk to the size of pin pricks.

“Um. It says these tickets are for us.”

“Oh. …. My. …. Gosh!!”

Rainbow Dash hovered up before taking a close look at the tickets.

“What’s a Grand Galloping Gala?” Bishop asked.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!! …. You don’t know?! Oh yeah. That’s right. …. Sorry”

Taking a moment to control her breathing, Rainbow Dash started to giggle hysterically to herself.

“The Grand Galloping Gala is like one of the most amazing parties in Equestria. It’s like, impossible to get ORDINARY tickets to go. B-but w-we’ve got. …. *Snort* …. PLATINUM TICKETS!!”

Dash executed a flip in the air before landing on her back, still giggling.

“With VIP tickets, you get free access to all the shows, behind the scenes access to all the shows, dinner with Princess Celestia herself and. …. And! …. A personal meet with the Wonderbolts!! …. This is so awesome!”

“…. Soooo. It’s like a ball then? Er I don’t think it’s my scene.”

“Oh come on. You’ve gotta go, nobody I know has even had a PLATINUM ticket to the gala before.”

“Okay, I’ll go.”

“I’m sure Rarity will fix up a suit for you.”

“Mmmm. …. Hey Dash.”

“What?”

“Think fast!”

Bishop sprinted into the distance, leaving the Pegasus behind as he ran into the woods.

“Hey! No fair!”

Quickly, Rainbow Dash darted after the soldier. Bishop laughed as he felt the wind brush against his skin, knowing Rainbow Dash will catch him up soon he slowed his pace, checking his pocket to see if the weapon was still inside.

“You cheated! Cheater!”

“Look who’s talking! You’re not allowed to use your wings.”

The both of them ran the route of the running of the leaves circuit, Rainbow Dash on Bishop’s tail the whole time. They soon began to tire as they were running up the steep hills, Bishop could feel his legs burning as he slowed down before he reached the summit.

As he stopped he heard a light thud behind him, turning around he saw Rainbow Dash lying on the ground, exhausted, gasping for air.

“Y-y. …. You’re too fast.” Rainbow gasped between breaths. “B- …. Best. …. Best of 3?”

“Catch your breath. …. I’m gonna look at the view.”

Bishop slowly made his way to the edge of the cliff as Rainbow watched him. He used what strength was left in his legs to sit at the edge of the gorge, looking down at the raging current below. Bishop pulled out the covered firearm, holding it in his hands.

He looked at the dents and scratches as little flashes of his past entered his mind, he shook his head, quickly grasping the firearm in his hands before throwing it firmly into the distance. He watched, as the firearm fell to its watery tomb below, it then struck some rocks before getting swiped away by the current. Sighing in relief, he laid back, looking into the sky as Rainbow Dash walked beside him, sitting on the ground, still out o breath.

“S-so. …. Ready for. …. Rematch.”

Bishop laughed, slowly getting onto his feet, Rainbow Dash giving him a nod before the soldier started jogging, before he heard yet another thud behind him. He turned, this time to see Rainbow Dash in a heap on the floor, still exhausted from her last sprint.

“On. …. On second thought. …. I’ll walk. …. You go.”

Bishop rolled his eyes, that Pegasus never knew when to stop. “Come here.” He said, kneeling next to her, scooping up the Pegasus in his arms. Dash was a little surprised but soon calmed down as she heard Bishop’s heartbeat; she laid her head back against his chest, closing his eyes as the soldier carried her through the cliff and the woods, under Celestia’s warm glow.

**********

Monday 8:00am

6 months ago, I was a lone soldier, fighting in the darkest and most gruesome of all battles, living each minute like it was my last, knowing that when my duty was done, I wouldn’t have not home or family to go to. Look at me now.

I’m a new man. I’m younger, fitter and I’ve never felt so happy. I now I keep saying it, but I’ve never felt so alive. Equestria is the perfect retirement for me, no worries, no more fighting and no war. I’m still curious as to what is happening at home but with every passing week, I find myself caring less and less. I died and went to heaven. If fate brought me here, then god damn I’m gonna stay here for good.

Even though my future is still unclear, I’m looking forward to finding out what will happen next, but this time, with Rainbow Dash by my side.

My little hero of war.

Signing off for the last time.

Captain, David, Ann, Bishop.

THE END

Q&A TIME!!

Sry, this isin't a new chapter :(

But I thought it would be fun if I did a Q&A with you guys.

These question can be of anything you'd like wether it's relevent to the stories I've made or you just want me to answer some random questions. Personal, questions about other fics or even youtube videos.

As for the sequel, it could be a week or two before I start writing. Maybe 3 before it comes out on FIM. Sry. I'm just taking a break from writing for now.

And on that note. GOT NUTS!!

Captive

It was yet another beautiful spring morning in Equestria. The sun slowly rose in the horizon, flooding the peaceful town of Ponyville with it's warm glow. Ponies slowly woke up as the peaceful light entered their homes and illuminated their surroundings.

Slowly, minute by minute, the town started to come to life, ponies walking out of their homes, greeting the sweet embrace of Celestia's light as they went on with their lives. Shops opening one by one as the Pegasus ponies parted the clouds just as scheduled. One Pegasus pony in particular was watching from afar on a stray cloud, the element of loyalty Rainbow Dash, brushing her mane to one side as she slowly stood up, breathing in the fresh morning air.

Today was her day off but she had nothing to do, she decided it'd be best to stretch her wings first, that way she'd be prepared for anything, whether it's more flying practice or another crazy adventure. Rainbow Dash peaked over the cloud looking at the ground below her, she slowly flapped her wings, the cool breeze sweeping across her body as she jumped off the small cloud, descending to the ground in a daring nose dive.

Just meters from the ground, Rainbow used on firm thrash of her wings to level out before pulling up again, the tension in her muscles loosening as she stretched her legs in mid-flight. Rainbow weaved and rolled through the air as she navigated her way through the streets of Ponyville, before she caught a glimpse of the burning sun warming her fur. A radical idea then entered her mind.

She used her momentum to throw herself up, using her wings to maintain her velocity. Rainbow Dash assented towards the glowing star, blasting past Cloudsdale and beyond, using nearly all her strength to maintain the blistering speed.

Just as the heat was becoming unbearable Rainbow retracted her wings, allowing gravity to pull her down again. Using her body she moved herself into yet another nose dive, gaining speed as fast as she was losing attitude. The adrenalin started pumping through her veins as she blasted past Cloudsdale visually almost impossible to see. Rainbow then saw the town through the clouds, she tensed her wings, ready to pull out of the deadly decent. Meter by meter, she could almost smell the fre-

*SPLASH*

Rainbow Dash jumped to her feet as her beautiful was shattered around her. Startled, confused, her vision just a blur, she frantically looked around trying to focus on her surroundings. The room was cold, dark and a strong smell of sweat and stale urine clouded her senses.

The ice cool liquid thrown on her fur was making her whole body shiver involuntary as her heart began beating out of her chest. As Rainbow Dash tried to steady herself she slipped, landing hard on the concrete floor as a dull ringing started to echo in her ears.

"Sehen?!"

Rainbow gasped as the foreign yet strangely farmilar language, echoed through the room. She tried to stand up but her legs were burning, her whole body weak as she gasped for air. Her vision soon began to clear, she noticed a pair of dark glaring eyes staring deep into hers. She jumped back, not knowing what was staring at her, to find out that her hooves were chained to the wall behind her.

She tugged as hard as she could, yanking at the steel binds before fatigue settled in, making her weaker then a newborn kitten. Tears began to form in the corners of her eyes as she tried to make sense of what was going on. She dragged her head along the ground to look back into those piercing eyes, still as close to her as they were before. Then it spoke again.

"Interessant."

Rainbow Dash couldn't understand what the hairless creature was saying, she just kept staring into those eyes before it stood up on it's back legs, still not breaking eye contact. Rainbow could see that it was fully clothed, wearing a dark and long green jacket covered in badges and medals, on its left arm a red strip of fabric, a white circle and a black crooked X in the middle.

Rainbow assumed that it was a soldier of some kind, as she could understand that medals were given to brave stallion soldiers in Equestria. She looked around the room to see the same strange logo on his arm on a large flag in front of her and on posters all around the room. Her heart sank as she noticed splashes of both fresh and dried blood across the room, on the wall, on the floor and on the strange machinery which surrounded her. And then the horrifying reality struck her like a bolt of lightning. It was a torture chamber.

"Sie war mit der amerikanischen ja?"

As it stepped to one side Rainbow saw another creature just like it in the distance, tied to the wall like she was. It was covered head to toe in cuts, gashes and bruises, moaning in agony, blood pouring from the large wounds. Rainbow watched as it looked at her with tears in its eyes before turning to yank at the chains, grunting hysterically in pain with every firm tug.

"Come on! Come on!"

Rainbow's eyes widened. It spoke English like she did. A sense of relief eased her mind but as she tried to call out to it, she realized she couldn't speak as an unbearable thirst erupted in her throat. She tried again but it was hopeless, her throat was sore and her condition wasn't going to make it any easier. From the tone of it's voice Rainbow guessed it was a male, whatever it was. At least that's what a male pony sounds like in Equestria. But why was he tied up? What was he doing here? What was she doing here?

Before she could ask herself another question, the foreign voice yelled at the soldier across the room, echoing through the room and sending a cold shiver down her spine.

"Töte den amerikanischen!"

One of the soldiers behind the decorated general, pulled out a sharp blade and walked up to the prisoner, before grabbing his head and holding the blade to his throat. Rainbow Dash could do nothing but watch in horror as the wounded man screamed for mercy.

"NO! PLEASE!! I beg of you!! .... I have a family!! Don't kill me!! DON'T KILL ME!! .... PLEASE!!"

Rainbow tried everything to scream out for help but her throat was still too sore. All she could manage was a faint squeak as the soldier lifted the prisoners head, exposing more of his throat, laughing like a cheesy game show host. He was shown no mercy as the blade ripped through the delectate flesh, severing veins and arteries as his blood spurted across the room and onto Rainbow's face.

The soldier threw the prisoner to the ground as his blood pooled onto the concrete surface, the crimson fluid quickly creating a large puddle staining the petrified Pegasus’s coat. She whimpered in terror, curling into a ball, holding her head in her hooves as she closed her eyes tight. What was happening? Was she in a dream? Did Twilight send her to another dimension? Or was this all some messed up hallucination? Thoughts raced through her mind as she began to hyperventilate.

D-d-ont hurt me, don't kill me, she thought to herself over and over again. She just wanted to wake up from this terrible nightmare, to sit up in a cold sweat on her cozy bed in Cloudsdale, but it felt all too real for it to be a dream. She opened one of her eyes to see two soldiers in front of her, both grinning and laughing as they watched her quiver on the floor.

One of them stood forward, it's face covered in blood as he began to wave the bloody knife in front of her, she tried desperately to back away as it got closer and closer to her muzzle. She took one last look at the still twitching prisoner sprawled on the floor. She felt a part of herself die inside as she watched him reach out for her as his life, slowly drain from his eyes.

Tears were now pouring onto the floor as Rainbow looked at the madman in front of her, breathing through his mad grin, laughing at the same time. She closed her eyes, praying that she'd be granted the wish of at least a quick and painless death.

*BOOM!!*

An explosion blasted through the thick walls of the dark room, sending pieces of flying debris and shrapnel through the room. A large table was thrown across the room before it crashed beside Rainbow Dash before she covered her face, being bombarded with small rocks hitting whole body. She trembled in fear as she listened to the shouting and screaming of her captors, echoing around the room.

She opened her eyes and saw a large hole in the wall in front of her, five silhouettes ran through the cloud of dust and into the dark room. As her eyes adjusted to the bright light in front of her, she could see the dark figures attacking enemy soldiers, using their machine guns to take down her captors one by one. Rainbow Dash dove behind the overturned table next to her, taking cover as bullets showered the room.

"Die you motherfuckers!! DIE!!"

The loud roar came from the leader of the group as he pistol whipped the general across the face, making a unearthly snap as teeth and blood sprayed across the room. The destruction seemed to go on forever as Rainbow Dash whimpered in the dark shadow of the table that she leaned against. When the dust settled they regrouped around the prisoner. Rainbow Dash peeked around the table, now riddled with bullets and shrapnel to see one of the five soldiers throw his weapon on the floor in anger.

"FUCK!!" He yelled before seeing a wounded soldier nearby. He ran across the room before grabbing the only one who was alive. "YOU SON OF A BITCH!!"

He began to lash out on the wounded man, throwing punches to his face, every blow echoing off the stone walls before he was then pulled away by two of his colleagues. The leader then ran across the room, roughly grabbing the infuriated soldier by the scruff of the neck before pushing him against the wall, shaking him and shouting in his face..

"God damn it Dixon, knock it off!! He's dead!! .... There's nothing we can do! Alright? Get your head back in the game! .... Go check the exits and cool off!!"

The captain slowly let Dixon go watching the soldier as her picked up his gun and ran out of the room. The leader went back to his team and knelt down, looking at the remains of the prisoner in front of him. Blood fresh on the floor, his body covered in debris, splinters and dust.

"How long?" He sighed.

"No more than a few minutes."

"Damn it! .... God damn it! .... DIXON!! HOW ARE THOSE EXITS?!!"

"All clear out here captain!! Looks like these bastards were on their own!!"

The captain stands up before taking a look around the room, clenching his fists before sitting down with his team, with anger and frustration clear in his face.

"Okay. ..... Here's the plan. First w-"

*Clink!*

Rainbow Dash darted back behind the table, her chest heaving, sweat bleeding from her forehead as she held her breath. Her heart sank more and more as the silence grew longer. The captain then stood up, looking at the large table in front of him.

"What was that?"

"What?"

"I saw something move. .... Over there."

Rainbows heart skipped a beat as the captain cocked his gun. She could hear his foot-steps walking over the broken glass on the floor. She couldn't do anything to stop herself from sobbing hysterically. She firmly covered her mouth with her blood stained hooves, stifled whimpers escaping her mouth as she tried everything to be silent. But the captain was already aware of her presence.

"There's someone behind the table."

Rainbow could hear the troops quickly move around before the room was quiet once again, just the barely audible footsteps of the approaching soldier echoing through the room. The captain then lowered his voice till it was a gentle whisper, which was strangely soothing to Rainbows ears.

"Hello? .... Are you okay? .... Come on. Come out slowly. .... We won’t hurt you."

Rainbow Dash winced, she had nowhere to go and she wasn't sure if surrendering was the safest option. She knew she didn't have the strength to fly and that's she would probably get shot down if she did. She had no choice. Rainbow scooted to her right, ever so slowly leaning towards the light as she lifted a hoof up to her chin.

Rainbow mustered then all her bravery before she slowly pushed her hoof into the light, the soldiers grasping theirs weapons tighter as they saw a blue, bloodstained hoof peep around the corner.

"What the fuck?"

Rainbow panicked and was quick to pull her hoof back as the captain turned around, a menacing scowl grew across his face.

"For fucks sake, Bishop!"

"Sorry. .... Sorry."

After a long sigh the captain turned back to the table, taking a deep breath before taking one step closer towards the table and reaching out into the shadows.

"Come on. .... Take my hand. It'll be okay. .... I promise."

Rainbow saw his hand creep around the corner, she was scared out of her wits but his reassuring tone voice gave her the encouragement she needed. She slowly reached out and pressed her hoof against the captains palm. He paused confused, it felt strange to him. The blue limb was warm and the colorful fur was soft. He slowly grasped it, feeling muscle and bone underneath. He wanted to rip his hand away, shouting 'what the fuck?!' But he kept his composure and cleared his throat, making the timid hoof flinch.

"O-okay. ..... Now come out slowly. .... It's gonna be fine."

The captain held his breath not knowing what to expect as the creature gingerly limped out into the open. The captain jumped as he saw a large pair of magenta eyes staring back at him. He raised a hand to his team bringing it down slowly, signaling the soldiers to lower their weapons. Despite the obvious shock he continued to slowly guide the cyan creature out, ears pressed flat against it's head as the soldiers saw Rainbow Dash for the first time.

"Whoa."

A deathly silence shook the room as all the soldiers stared at the creature before them, Rainbow Dash was still shaking in fear, unsure if they were going to help her or hurt her. She could barely stand on her own, she felt hungry, thirsty, like she hadn't eaten or drank anything for days. As Rainbow Dash tried to stay on her hooves, the captain leaned closer, unable to believe what he was seeing.

Still holding the gory hoof, he gently started stroking it as he looked deep into her eyes, unable to dismiss the nagging feeling that an animal was responding to what he was saying.

"Can? .... Can you understand me?"

At first she hesitated, looking at the floor but she soon looked up again at the captain before opening her mouth trying to speak. It took a few attempts until she used all her strength to faintly wheeze the words.

"Y. .... Ye- .... Y-yes."

Pain

Sergeant Bishop could feel the adrenaline pumping through his legs as she sprinted deeper into the forrest. Before he could loose sight of his team he slowed down to wait for them. He looked in his arms as Rainbow Dash grabbed his collar with her teeth. She looked up at him, grinding her teeth into the soft denim, looking at him with eyes, pleading mercy for the indescribable pain.

"P-please. .... Pleeheeheeheese! Make it stop!"

"Just hold on, okay, Just hold on."

Just then, Bishop saw his team running towards him, he looked around for cover, but there was nothing but trees, no rocks to jump behind or any trenches to jump into. He then caught a glimpse of the trail of blood left behind, his heart jumped up into his mouth, Rainbow Dash needed medical attention, now!

He helped Dixon, Cole and Andy, still holding the helpless creature in his hand before walking with them behind a large tree close by, bullets still flying through the air as they took cover.

"How many are th-"

His sentence was interrupted by an explosion of shrapnel coming from the tree, Cole and Bishop looked back to see a large hole, the size of a grapefruit going straight through it. Bishop then caught a glimpse of the platoon slowly getting closer.

"Five!!" Bishop said answering is own question. "Looks like we took out guards to a small base camp!! FUCK!!"

*BOOM!!*

The solid tree was shot through again, confirming that the oncoming fleet knew where they were hiding.

"What do we do Bish?!!"

Bishop looked around him, Dixon was yelling in pain as Cole tried to assist, Andy was low on ammo and Bishop was holding a wounded Pegasus, slowly growing paler in his arms. Just then, he thought of a plan.

"Dixon?!!"

"What?!!"

"Can you shoot?!!"

"Yeah, why?!!"

"Get over here!!"

Sergeant Cole helped Dixon to his feet before sitting him against the tree, making Dixon scream in pain again.

"FUCK!!"

Bishop then grabbed Andy's collar.

"Alright you two!! Use the tree, shoot through the bullet holes!!"

"Got it!!"

"Cole!! I need medical assistance over here!!"

"Hang on!!"

Bishop slowly placed rainbow dash on the ground, as he pulled back, sergeant Cole kneeled beside them. Cole quickly looked up and down the Pegasus before looking back at Bishop.

"We're loosing her, fast."

"Can you help her?!"

"I'm not sure! I don't know her anatomy!"

"You've got to do something!"

"Alright! .... Let me see the wound!"

Bishop looked at Rainbow Dash before gently holding her forehooves. Dash looked into his eyes as Cole emptied his bag onto the floor. Dixon and Andy were still shooting as they took out soldiers, one by one.

"EAT THIS!!"

With one precise shot, Dixon fired at one of the grenades tied onto a soldiers belt, making it explode on impact, both Andy and Dixon ducked as shrapnel and flames blasted past them, filling the air with thick dust. Dixon the looked back through the bullet hole, searching for survivors. A loud war cry was heard before he saw a soldier running towards them, holding a grenade in each hand. Dixon fired at his chest, stopping him in his tracks.

The soldier gasped before falling to his knees, gasping for air, Dixon then noticed the grenades had no pins in them. He grabbed Andy before throwing him to the ground.

"FIRE IN THE HOLE!!"

Everyone ducked as Dixon leaped into the air, in mid jump the grenades blew, sending flames and shrapnel in all directions, Dixon landed face first onto the sold ground as Bishop held Rainbow Dash's head in his hands.

"Rainbow. You need to let Cole see the wound."

Rainbow Dash shook her head, terror in her eyes as she struggled to breath calmly. Bishop tried to slowly pull her hooves away from the wound but Rainbow quickly realized before snatching her arms back and covering the still bleeding wound.

"Please. We can't help you if you don't let us see it. .... This is the last thing I wanted to happen to you. Please. Let him see it. I promise you'll be fine."

She looked at him before looking at her wing, she began to grow weak, her heart was beating out of her chest and she began to see double as the loss of blood began take it's toll. Unable to fight anymore she let her arms go limp, instantly regretting her decision as Bishop pulled them away.

Bishop then call for Andy and whispered in his ear. Rainbow couldn't tell what he was saying but before she could ask she felt Cole's hands touch her wings. She flinched, trying her best to keep still as the sergeant examined her wound.

"The bullet is still inside. .... I've gotta take it out now or she'll bleed to death."

Bishop's heart sank, he knew what was coming next.

"Where's the medikit?" He asked.

"We lost it back in Poznan, remember? We aint got no anesthetic. No morphine. No bandages. We aint got shit."

Bishop looked at Rainbow Dash, the image was just too heartbreaking. She was a ghostly pale, her eyes were staring at him, bloodshot with tears flowing from them, her body was a mass of cuts and bruises and her mane was covered in her own blood. Bishop sighed as he thought of a plan but he didn't like it.

"Andy?"

"Yes."

"Pull some thread out of your trousers. Cole. Do you have anything like a, fish hook, a needle?"

"I still have the old stitching needle from when I patched you up."

"Alright. Get it out. We'll use whisky as anesthetic."

"That's too risky Bishop."

"Do you have a better idea?!" The sergeant snapped.

Cole paused before looking back at the wound, he knew it was the only option they had. Sergeant Cole nodded before going through his bag. Bishop then looked at Rainbow as she looked back, weakly groaning in pain.

"Listen to me Rainbow. We're gonna help you. But it's going to hurt. Okay. I promise. I promise you it'll be alright once it's over. You need to trust me okay?"

Bishop looked at his team, Andy gave Cole the thread as he pulled the whisky and needle from his bag. Rainbow Dash whimpered as she watched Cole threading the needle. No matter what she did though there was no way she could stop it now.

Bishop then ripped the leather strap from his backpack before holding it in front of Rainbow Dash. She winced before she opened mouth and bit down hard on the strap. Bishop then looked at Cole before turning to Andy, giving him a nod to which the private responded by firmly gripping Rainbow Dash's legs. She squirmed as she was held down tight. Bishop looked up to Cole, who was washing his hands with they whisky as he finished he kneeled in front of Bishop.

"Ready?"

"Ready." Cole replied with a nod.

"Okay."

The tension grew with every second that passed. Bishop then held Dashie's blood stained wing to the ground.

"One."

Cole held his hand above the wound, taking a deep breath as he psyched himself up.

"Two."

Andy pressed his full body weight against Rainbow's legs, making it impossible for her to move as the final second approached.

"Three!!"

With one firm jab, Cole buried his fingers into the gory wound, Rainbow's whole body tensed up as her pupils were no larger then pin pricks. Her whole body began to tremble as Cole dug deeper into her flesh. Blood spurted from the wound as Cole searched for the bullet. Bishop looked at Rainbow as she buried her teeth into the leather. Stifled screams echoed off the trees as Rainbow chest heaved off the ground. Sergeant Cole cringed as he pushed his fingers past exposed nerves, muscles and tendons. With one last piercing cry, Rainbow Dash slumped onto the ground, numb and lifeless as she lost consciousness.

Bishop's journal

Tuesday 5th 9:00pm

My name is David, Ann, Bishop, when I first set foot on German soil I wasn’t afraid or intimidated by the enormity of our situation, it was just a simple rescue mission, nothing more. We were assigned to retrieve an American spy, some guy called Thomas. He was captured by Nazi forces as he was monitoring their activities, he provided us with the information we needed to stay one step ahead, to help assist our allies in this unforgiving war.

But after losing three men, suffering countless casualties, and going through six counties we found him, beaten, tortured and killed. We failed our mission and now we need to get out of this hell hole to deliver the bad news. Right now there are only four of us left, Captain Matt, Finn, John was killed in action as we were trying to make our way towards Norden, where we were denied an extraction.

We were then attacked by an enemy platoon, we found transport and managed to escape, unfortunately I was wounded in the process. Sergeant Cole did a good job of patching me up, despite our lack of medical recourses. I currently have no feeling in my left arm and I’m finding it difficult to breath. I don’t know whether I’ll survive the night, the pain is indescribable and Cole thinks I have internal bleeding. I guess I’ll just have to wait.

In this war I’ve seen things no man should see, I’ve watched mangled soldiers screaming in agony because their bodies are riddled with bullets and white hot shrapnel, men being vaporized by trip mines and some men being burnt to death, I don’t think I’ll ever forget that smell. But after a while I felt myself growing numb, almost like I was getting use to crawling through the blood and gore of other soldiers. I killed men without a second thought, I thought I was slowly going insane, that was until I met her.

Back when I said we found Thomas, we also found a prisoner, but. …. This is going to sound crazy. She was a. … Pony. Well that’s what she said she was. Damn, I’ve gotten so use to her that it almost seems normal to me. Yes, she was a pony that could talk, she was. …. Blue, and had rainbow hair. At first I thought I was hallucinating, I thought that my ever decreasing sanity had finally snapped, but everyone else could see her too. She’s apparently. …. No, she IS from another world. She told me she that she was from a place called Equestria, a place of peace and harmony and magic. At first I found that hard to believe but then again there was no other way to explain how she got here.

The captain decided that we should help her, saving someone is better than saving no one. She was a stubborn soul, she had a teenager’s personality, but unfortunately she also had a teenagers mind. She had never experienced war before and I could see the damage it was doing to her.

In a way she saved my life, she helped me feel again. I could talk to her like any other person. When our platoon was sleeping in that hospital in Norden, I woke up to see her curled up beside me. It was probably the most heartwarming experience I’ve had in this war.

It was a surprise to me at first but it was obvious in the end, she always stayed close to me, like I was her guardian, she trusted me and that’s what saved my life. I no longer saw myself as a heartless soldier who killed as naturally as he breathed. I was a man following orders, nothing more, nothing less. That night was when I made it my duty to protect her. But I couldn’t.

The next morning when we were attacked by that enemy platoon I earlier today, we were separated; I don’t know where she is or whether she’s dead or alive. I’m just praying to god that those bastards don’t find her. God knows what they’ll do. Kill her, experiment on her or even torture her because she’s different. The thought just makes me sick to the stomach.

As much as my heart yearns to go back and look under every blade of grass until I find her, I cannot risk losing any more men. I have no choice but carry on without her and that’s what’s breaking my heart. Knowing she’s out there, looking for me in the rain, scared, upset, maybe angry. I just hope that she’s safe or by some miracle she’s gone back at her home in her world.

It’s now 9:15pm; I need to get some rest before we move out tomorrow so I’m going to wrap this up. If I survive the night, I’m going to make this a regular thing. I find it to be very therapeutic and if I somehow survive this war, I’ll have something to look back on. Something I can be proud of, because once again, I can feel myself slowly slipping away.

To whoever reads this, whether it’s I or someone who finds it on my body. Sgt, David, Ann, Bishop.

Special occasion

Thursday 7th June 1942 7:30pm

We made some rapid progress today, despite the Jeep breaking down twice due to heating issues, then the fan belt snapped, now we are trying to find a way to patch up the rusty fuel tank. Now I can see why this piece of shit was abandoned in the first place.

But despite these setbacks we’ve managed to drive about 30 miles along the cost, where we are I’m not quite sure, I can just see a village in the distance, and because it’s night I can see the lights in the buildings. Sadly we can’t take the risk of running into more enemy soldiers, we need to get as far away from Norden as possible.

It’s a miracle we haven’t been caught yet, we thought these woods will be crawling with Nazi troops, I suppose they didn’t see us drive into the forest. If they knew that, they’d probably find us, we need to keep moving.

I’m feeling better today, but after lying in the back of the Jeep for 20 miles I started to get serious backache, right now however I can move both my arms but I’m still finding it hard to walk. Cole said the shrapnel wounds on my back are showing no signs of infection, but that means we have to keep pouring alcohol on the wound twice a day.

Which is a pain in the ass because A; it stings like a son of a bitch and B; it means we have to use MY whisky to keep it clean; at least I’m making a steady recovery.

It’s my birthday today, I would’ve kept it quite had it not been for Sergeant Cole, apart from Dixon, everyone was very supportive. We even had a mini celebration, but it was difficult to come up with anything to do, without alcohol, music or cake. I don’t care, I’m just grateful to be alive; I’ll take that as my birthday present any day.

Tomorrow’s going to be a real treat; we have to ditch the Jeep if we want to make any more progress. We need to cross a swamp in the forest if we’re going to make it to the next town. ..... Joy. Hopefully then we can find a town to radio for an extraction.

It’s now that I realize how alone we really are in this war, Nazi soldiers breathing down our neck, being low on ammunition and food, I don’t know if we can survive another ambush. That’s if Dixon doesn’t kill us first.

I’d best stop writing now, looks like a storms coming in.

So, happy birthday to me I guess. Sgt David, Ann, Bishop.

Back

Rainbow Dash’s mind went blank, she struggled to breathe, she felt as if the wind was knocked out of her. Slowly she opened her eyes, the sudden light grazed her senses before she realised that she was falling. Trying to open her eyes she found herself staring into the sun.
Using her wings to flip onto her stomach she could see the ground rapidly approaching, disorientated, drowsy, she tried to open her wings to glide. With one firm thrash, both her wing flared open as she looked at the ground. The trees, the buildings, the colours, she was back. A large grin spread across her face as she looked down, she was back and Bishop was at most a mile away.
As she descended she began to look for a place to land, unsure of how people would react if they saw her. She noticed how much more colourful and full of life the town was compared to the deserted wastelands she was used to before. She had a hard time believing that she was in the right world. She saw a small opening on a large building looking over the busy town, slowing down; she gently came to a stop before touching down.
She took a moment to breath, walking to the edge of the building, looking down to see the residents walking around. Smiling, talking, not fighting to the death, Rainbow Dash grew worried, taking off the element before putting it under her wing.

“This can’t be right. …. This can’t be the right place.”

She jumped onto the ledge before gliding into the alley between the building and the one next to it. She slowly walked towards the streets, staying in the shadows as she observed her surroundings. She poked her head out into the open before a couple passes her, to which she backed into the alley again. She took another look before she began to doubt if she’d ever see Bishop again.
Suddenly a large truck speeded past; she covered her ears as the engine roared past her, Rainbow Dash poked her head out again, seeing a large group of soldiers sat in the back of the vehicle. As a second one passed Rainbow Dash recognised the uniforms, without a moment’s hesitation she soared vertically into the air.
As she gained altitude her spirits raised just as quick, she levelled out before she began to follow the small convoy from a distance. She looked ahead to see the trucks approaching the coast where there was a large base, soldiers walking the docks, ships docked, trucks driving in all directions, she began to descend once again, looking around to make sure she wasn’t being watched, she was all too familiar with how cruel the world could be if she wasn’t careful. As much as she wanted to be able to walk the streets freely without having to be afraid, she just couldn’t bring herself to do so.
Touching down once again she sat next to a large rock, looking around to watch as the trucks drove into the crowded base. As the trucks drove away, Dash squinted her eyes as a small sign was revealed, spelling out the words.

‘Pearl Harbour’

Update.

Hello again!

I'm back bearing good news.

I want to finish this series once and for all aswell as my other story. "Twilight's passage"

I want to start by saying that I'm going to start by editing all the chapters to the first instalment of "A hero of war" but also fuse a few of them together to make it less of a pain in the ass to read.

I suppose some of you are wondering what happened to the sequel to this story. The truth was that I sorta wrote myself into a corner where I had a huge gap to fill with nothing to do so. Because of this, random parts of the plot were introduced in a sloppy way and I wasn't happy with how it came out.

In short that is why I deleted the story BUT that just gives me a chance to rethink how I am going to write it to my liking. But until then I'm going to be working on this one for a while. I'm not sure how regular updates are going to be butI intend to make them as regular as possible.

I loved this story after the first chapter and I want to finish it.

So watch out FIM.

I'M back!!