Farewell

by Dusk Melody

Chapters

Heartbreak Hospital
Mistress Flutteshy
Picnic & Proposal
A Wedding to Die For
Loyalty Falls
Farewell Rainbow
Rainbow Crash

Heartbreak Hospital

BEEP

Rainbow was very suddenly aware of an incessant beeping noise whereas before there was nothing.

BEEP BEEP

Where the hay was she? She was lying on her back. Warm, she was warm. Everywhere was black, why was it black?

BEEP BEEP

Rainbow attempted moving her arms, nothing. Okay. She tried moving her legs, nothing. Wherever she was she couldn’t move and it smelt clean, bleach clean.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

She noticed her heart was beating faster, the same time she noticed the damned beeping increase too. Where in Equestria was she?

BEEP BEEP – “DOCTOR! She’s waking up!”

“Why’s Fluttershy shouting?” Was her first thought, then “Doctor……..” Sunk in – memories of the crash returned in a wave of unpleasant sensations. She remembered the pain, speed, the pain, the loss of control, the pain. It had hurt, a lot. She found if she tried really hard she could open her eyes a little, a small crack at first, then the whole way, wincing as bright light flooded her eyes. The White light was everything. Slowly her eyes adjusted and Rainbow took in her surroundings.

Rainbow Dash was half laid, half sat in a pristine white bed, crisp white sheets covering her. Her right arm and left leg were both in casts, as was her right wing, the unfamiliar weight of it jarred her slightly. Looking down she could see various needles and tubes coming from her left arm, her nose and the breathing tube in her mouth. She noticed her collar was still around her neck, otherwise she was naked under the sheets. Flexing a few muscles she could feel the bandages and paddings around her body “Holy shit,” she thought, “I've never been hurt this bad before.” To her left by her side was Flutteshy, who was stood motioning for a doctor to come and see Rainbow.

Finally able to move her left arm a little, Rainbow reached over to Shy and gently nudged her right arm. She tried to speak a greeting but the tube in her throat prevented words, with a startled “Eeep!” Fluttershy spun round to face Rainbow Dash, her face full of delight despite the puffy eyes and tracks of dried tears staining her cheeks, the dirty unkempt pink hair and wrinkled clothes. Rainbow knew Shy must've been here a long time, a slight feeling of guilt built up in her gut. It was swiftly banished as Fluttershy swooped down on Dash, gathering the blue girl up in a crushing embrace, burying her head in her girlfriends neck and showering her in kisses and fresh tears. “Dashie you had me so worried, we thought you’d never wake up! We, I mean, I, we um was so scared for you”. Fresh sobs poured into Rainbow at these words. Rainbow tried bring her left arm up around Shy to return the hug but found she couldn't due to the restricting nature of the wires and tubes in her arm. Resigned, Rainbow let Shy hold her as tight as she could, not wanting to break this moment.

The Doctor knocked slightly before entering the room, allowing the reunited girlfriends a chance to separate, although Fluttershy kept hold of Dash’s hand for all she was worth. He looked impeccable, white coat over a dark blue suit, short brown spiked hair with sideburns just below his ears. Rainbow was drawn to his eyes, which seemed entirely too old for such a young man. He gave a polite cough to get their attention then began, addressing Rainbow and reading from her notes on a clipboard.

“Miss Rainbow Dash, 20, resident of Cloudsdale, attending Equestria University. Correct?” Shy and Dash both nodded. The Doctor went on, “First of all, let's get that tube out shall we?” Rainbow noticed his gloved hands gently grip the tube in her throat, felt it move upwards as he slowly removed it. She fought the urge to be sick, instead giving a wet cough as it came free. Dash’s throat felt sore and dry, and her voice didn’t sound like her own when she thanked him. “Thanks Doc, ugh uhhhh how long have I been here?” The Doctor took a seat to the right of Rainbow’s bed, facing her and Shy. When he spoke his voice was solemn “Miss Dash you were admitted here, Equestria Royal Hospital, just over four months ago.”

“Four months?” Rainbow interrupted, “I've been out four months? What the hay happened to me?” The Doctor suppressed a look of irritation at being interrupted. “Yes, four months. Now you were admitted in a very bad way Miss Dash. I cannot stress how lucky you are to be alive now, it's only your innate Pegasus nature that kept you from being a smear and a memory”. He looked at her lying there holding her girlfriend's hand before continuing on in a softer tone. “You impacted the ground at 148 metres per second. That’s unheard of for you to have survived that crash, even for a Pegasus. Your injuries were very severe, including multiple breaks, fractures, internal bleeding and extensive damage to almost all your internal organs, especially your liver and kidneys.” Fluttershy wrapped Rainbow tighter in her arms as The Doctor read off her lover's list of injuries. “The breaks we have of course repaired over the course of several surgeries. However Miss Dash I have to prepare you for this unwelcome news. You will never fly again. I'm sorry.” He smiled softly at her as these words washed over her.

“But, you said you mended me, right? I mean, look.” Confusion reigned as she demonstratively flexed her right wing. As she did so she suddenly felt wrong, off balance. She noticed immediately Fluttershy pulled away from her, sobbing through her hands at her face. Rainbow caught “I, I’m so sorry R, Rainbow” between her whimpering sobs. Rainbow didn't get it, “Sorry for what” she thought. Rainbow was about to flex her other wing when she stopped cold, an icy dread making its way to her gut. It hit her then. She couldn't feel her left wing at all, there was no weight, no discomfort. Nothing. Rainbow tried to turn her head to look over her shoulder at her wing but Fluttershy wouldn't let her. The Doctor put his hand on her shoulder at that moment, calming her somewhat. He broke the news to her as gently as he could. “Rainbow, Miss Dash, you will never fly again because we had to amputate your left wing. It was too badly damaged in the crash. The bones were shattered, the muscles ripped from bone and the tendons severed. Had we not removed it you would have bled to death………..”

The Doctor was still speaking but Rainbow wasn't listening anymore. She'd just been told she’d never fly again, that there was no chance of her ever flying again. She couldn't believe it. Her whole life had been spent in the air, she lived to fly. Not anymore. How could they take her wing from her? She was Rainbow Dash! Equestria’s best flier! Performer of the Sonic Rainboom! No. She was. WAS. Not anymore. Now she was nothing.

“Show me”.

The Doctor stopped abruptly, Fluttershy raised her head from her hands, looking shocked at Rainbow. “Miss Dash, the bandages must be kept in place for your own good, at least for now.”

“Show me”. She looked stubbornly from her girlfriend to The Doctor. Neither one seemed inclined to move anytime soon. Rainbow was crying herself now, rage was building in her. “I said SHOW ME!” She hadn't meant to shout, she certainly hadn't meant to scare Shy so much that she had to flare her own wings in order to avoid hitting the floor. She just wanted to see firsthand what had been done. Fluttershy hovered in place as The Doctor reluctantly stood over her and gently removed a large section of the bandage on her left side. Easing her forward slightly he peeled them back from her toned blue skin. Turning her head to the left Rainbow looked over her shoulder and saw to her horror the surgically repaired stump twitching pathetically against her back where her wing used to be. She felt her world fall away. Everything she had trained for since being five years old was gone. Her dreams of joining the Wonderbolts, gone. Everything she was, everything that made her Rainbow Dash was gone, taken from her in an instant, stolen by a freak accident, a random strike of chance. As The Doctor reapplied the bandages Fluttershy lowered herself toward Rainbow, her cheeks blushing bright red as she was suddenly aware of her own flight, and not wanting to upset Rainbow anymore than she already was. Shy went to her, her own wings held very firmly against her pink jacket as she once more held Rainbow in a tight embrace. The mounting despair broke from Rainbow in that second, she wept uncontrollably in Shy's arms for what felt like hours. All the while Fluttershy held her firm, stroking her prismatic hair and offering comfort in her caress.

“Ahem”. They’d quite forgotten The Doctor was there. Rainbow lifted her head from Fluttershy's sodden shoulder to look at him. “There is more, I'm afraid”. More? How could there possibly be more? What the hay was worse than losing a wing? Rainbow rather thought she didn’t want to know.

“What is it Doc? Tell me”.

He leant back in the chair, an unreadable look on his face. “Okay Miss Dash, here it is. As you know in the crash you sustained severe damage to your internal organs, most of which we were able to repair in surgery. However, the damage to your kidneys was to much, and we had to remove them”.

Rainbow clutched her guts instinctively, too stunned to reply. Shy spoke up in her delicate voice “What does that mean?”

“In short, it means that unless we can find a suitable donor to offer replacement organs within six months your body will go into toxic shock and you will die of renal failure”.

Rainbow felt like she'd been pole axed. Her world was gone, her dreams were gone and now she had been given half a year to live. No tears came to her though, the cyan Pegasus felt empty.

“You will need to be connected to this artificial kidney machine from now on, you can be away from it for a few hours per day, no more. It will assume the role your kidneys played, filtering the toxins from your body. However it is not perfect and while on us you will deteriorate unless donor organs can be found in time”.

Rainbow was numbed to her core, thankful that Shy was there with her, that she wasn't hearing this news alone.

“Miss Dash I am truly sorry for what has befallen you, believe me I am. If it is any consolation to you, you won the race you know, and your Rainboom was truly magnificent. Now, once you've been checked over you'll be released from here in a couple of days, I feel this is redundant but do you have somewhere to live, someone to care for you?”

Without looking away from her stricken love, her gaze drawn to the collar Dash still refused to remove, Fluttershy answered. “She has me. Rainbow will always have me. She knows I'll care for her”.

As The Doctor stood to take his leave, he motioned to the unnoticed package at the foot of Rainbow’s bed. “While you were unconscious I understand a friend of yours left this for you. And these, tokens from your friends and admirers.” He offered kindly, indicating the vast array of cards and balloons she hadn’t noticed before now. There were too many to count at once, the window sill overflowed with them, then they were stuck around the window and all over the rest of the wall. Surely she didn't know this many people? Scanning the cards from her bed she saw the largest most colourful card, in the centre, the one that meant the most to her right now. The one marked simply with three butterflies, three apples, three diamonds, three balloons and a six pointed star, all surrounding a multi coloured lightning bolt coming from a white cloud. “Thanks girls.” Was all Rainbow could say.

Fluttershy still held Rainbow in her tight hug, planting soft kisses over her cheek, neck, collar and exposed shoulder. Her soft voice was almost inaudible in Rainbow’s ear. “Open the package, you'll like it.” With shaky hands Rainbow looked at the package she held, no larger than a briefcase. On it was a simple message to her.

“To Rainbow Dash. A true Wonderbolt if ever there was. Your Rainboom was awesome and you showed all of us there the qualities of an elite flier to finish that race, let alone win it in such spectacular fashion. I've watched you since you saved us and your friend at the competition in Cloudsdale. You never fail to impress me. This is yours, you earned it a long time ago. With greatest respect, your friend Spitfire.”

Carefully tearing the package to preserve the note, Rainbow looked down to see a pristine blue and gold Wonderbolt uniform, RAINBOW DASH carefully embroidered in large white letters on the left breast, her cutie mark displayed on the right, a privelidge only granted to captains like Spitfire. Hugging it and Fluttershy close to her, she spent the rest of the day cuddled next to the two things she loved most in all the world.

Mistress Flutteshy

Four weeks later

Almost a month had passed since Rainbow Dash was discharged from the hospital. Fluttershy had of course insisted she stay with her. She thought nothing of converting the front room of her cottage to accommodate the hospital bed, kidney machine and other miscellaneous things she’d need to care for Rainbow. To Rainbow it was nothing short of an invasion, burdening her useless self on her girlfriend who thought she had little choice out of a sense of duty. To Shy it was a happy day, she and Rainbow had talked of living together after all. Rainbow wanted it but not like this. The dark seeds planted themselves in her mind that day.

The first week ended badly. At first their friends came every day to see Rainbow and Shy, chatting about whatever it was that was occupying them at the time, or attempting to lift Rainbow’s mood. However the more they tried it seemed her mood got darker and more morose until she didn't bother hiding her disdain, simply rolling over in the bed and ignoring them until they left. Day after day Fluttershy made excuses for her girlfriend, hoping her friends weren't too upset with her. She hoped it was a phase, that Rainbow would simply snap out of it if given time. Even their alone time though Rainbow was becoming more and more distant, retreating within herself to such an extent even Fluttershy found it painful to watch. Eventually her depression reached the state where Rainbow refused to even acknowledge Fluttershy was there, she looked at no one, talked to no one. She didn't even bother getting out of the bed anymore after the second week. Fluttershy of course cared for her as best she could, and Rainbow let her, unresponsive as ever as Shy almost had to force food into her mouth, limp limbed as she allowed Shy to bathe her every night and back in the bed as soon as she was dressed. Every attempt to reach her failed, the more their friends tried the more Rainbow shoved them away. Eventually after the third week her friends stopped calling, preferring to stay at their homes than sit in a stony silence and unwelcome atmosphere that was Rainbow’s world right now. Even Pinkie gave up in the fourth week, Rainbow’s depression too much for even her to handle.

Mid Week, the Fourth Week.

Fluttershy was in her bedroom of her cottage, crying silently into her pillow, hating herself for it but not knowing what else to do. Rainbow was downstairs in the bed, napping she assumed as she could hear snores from the room below. Not that it mattered much, when Rainbow was awake all she did was stare unblinking at the wall, focused on something Shy couldn't see. Utter despair threatened to overwhelm the butter coloured girl, Celestia knew she had tried her best with Rainbow, to care for her, to love her in what she knew in her heart were her final months. Yet she couldn't bring herself not to care, after all she loved the cyan skinned girl with all her heart, had done since they first met all those years ago in Cloudsdale. Although Fluttershy had to admit, if only to herself and her bunny Angel, even her legendary patience and kindness were wearing a little thin, no, a lot thin if she was honest. There was one last ploy she hadn't used, one she hadn't thought of trying. At this point though she was all out of other bright ideas. Lifting her head from her pillow, drying her eyes on her sleeve she looked about her room, her eyes finding what she was looking for. Dash’s old leash was hanging from the wall. Cogs and gears turned in Fluttershy's brain, giving her an idea. It had been over five months since she’d last used her alternate persona. Obviously while Dash had been out in the hospital all her time had been spent there, and in the month she'd been home sex of any sort had been out of the question, let alone the sort of sex Fluttershy had in her mind right now.

Standing from her bed Shy crossed her room and took the leash down, feeling it's leather in her hands. Knowing what she had to do next Shy took a moment to steel her resolve before committing, she opened her drawers and took out the clothing she knew Dashie liked best and got herself ready.

Maybe soft and delicate Fluttershy couldn't reach her love, but Mistress Fluttershy could. Getting herself ready at last she descended her wooden stairs carefully, flying the last few steps and gliding the distance between her and the sleeping Rainbow. Mistress wanted her asleep, for the first bit anyway. Mistress Shy grinned an evil grin and got to work on her sleeping pet, thankful that Dash was a heavy sleeper.

Mistress Shy walked round the bed, double checking the bindings were secure. True she hadn't indulged this for a little while and while she was rusty, she was sure they'd suffice for this session. Surveying her sleeping pet Fluttershy was pleased with her handiwork. Rainbow was on her back, naked – Shy couldn't take credit for that, Dash couldn't be bothered to dress anymore – her arms extended behind her head, tied together at the wrists to the head of the bed by a length of pink silk. Her legs were secured at the ankles to each corner at the foot of the bed by two more lengths of pink silk. Her wing was secured tight to her right side by a five inch wide rubber belt, Shy made sure the belt didn't obstruct the tubes from the kidney machine. A foam ball gag was buckled behind Dash’s head, designed to expand as it caught her drool, effectively gagging her. Completing the look Shy threaded the leash through the hook on Dash’s collar. Dash was ready. Shy caught sight of herself in the mirror as she rounded the bed on the right side, smiling she stopped to admire herself. Her long pink hair was scraped back into a harsh ponytail, white bra covered her ample cleavage – Dash was always jealous that Shy’s breasts were that much bigger than her own – Almost sheer white stockings covered her long legs, and a white mini skirt rounded off her attire. One last deep breath and she was ready. She really hated what she was about to do but it was for Dash’s own good.

Reaching her fingers towards Rainbow’s wing, Mistress gently grasped a tertiary feather in two fingers. Then pulled hard, tugging it free in one swift motion.

Rainbow woke instantly, screaming with the pain, which was muffled by the expanding gag. Looking at Shy standing there Rainbow wondered what the hay was going on, she wriggled a bit, sizing up her situation before lying still, gasping against the pain in her remaining wing.

Sauntering over to the bound Pegasus Mistress lowered her head to Rainbow’s ear. “Do I have your attention? Nod if you understand me.” Rainbow nodded weakly. “Good. Now I'm going to speak. You will listen.” Another nod. Shy walked to the foot of the bed, and turned to face Dash. A look of pure contempt etched across her face. Dash had never seen that look before, it was worse than the Stare. “You are an animal Rainbow Dash. A self pitying, wallowing disgusting animal.” Rainbow couldn't get over the venom Shy used in every syllable. “I sat by your bed every day for four months in that hospital. Every. Day. They had to get a mattress at the side because I refused to leave. Our, no, MY friends had to take shifts taking care of my animals at the shelter so I could take care of YOU. We all quit university so we could take care of YOU. We’ve been through wars together, we’ve battled together and saved Equestria together more than once, and this, THIS is how you repay me, us?” Fluttershy had gotten almost nose to nose with Rainbow as she finished, not once had she raised her voice above her usual quiet tone, but the poisonous tone she used scared Rainbow half to death. She realised Shy was right, she deserved every word directed at her. She felt the deepest shame and regret that she’d pushed her girlfriend to this, that she’d pushed her friends away. She had no time to think on it however, Mistress wasn't finished. Shy stood back up, turning her back on Rainbow. “So, Dash, it comes to this. You've had me feed you like an animal, bathe you like an animal. That's fine. You want to be an animal? Get out of that bed, out of my house and get in that garden and live like one! Or, you can shake your head and come back to me, to us where you belong. Make your choice.” Rainbow laid there, taking it all in, too stunned by the tirade of bile from Fluttershy to think for a moment. Dash didn't feel Mistress gently take hold of a secondary feather on her wing until it too was roughly yanked out, eliciting another muffled scream of agony from Rainbow that lasted at least 30 seconds. “I. Said. Chose. Now. Or the next feather will be a primary and you'll be out.” Blind panic mixed with fury and pain within Dash’s bound form, but she knew where she belonged. Frantically she shook her head, begging Shy to notice.

Fluttershy gave her a warm smile as she bent down to remove the gag from Dash, who was still breathing hard, whimpering from the pain in her wing. Shy gave her a soft kiss to the cheek and stroked her hair. Standing once more she looked at Dash still trussed up on the bed, another idea forming in her head.

“Now that's settled, Mistress wants to play a game with you my pet. But first I'm going to ask you some questions, and I want honest answers. Do you understand?” Rainbow nodded slowly. “I can't hear you my pet.”

“Yes…….Mistress.”

"That's better. Now, we begin.” Fluttershy opened her wings, flaring them out to their fullest span, a good eight feet across. Slowly, deliberately she flapped them, raising a few feet from the hardwood floor and hovered there effortlessly in front of her bound pet.

“What am I doing?” The question caught Dash off guard. Looking up at her mistress Dash knew exactly what she was doing, and could see where this was going, and she hated and loved her for it.

“Y, you, you’re f, flying, Mistress.” Dash stammered out, looking away from Shy as she said it, her cheeks blushing a fierce crimson.

Mistress Shy changed direction, hovering in front of Dash’s face once more. “Do you like it, pet?”

Dash scrunched up her eyes and through clenched teeth answered “Yes, Mistress.”

“Liar.” Mistress Shy raised herself up a little higher, she reached out with her stockinged left foot and seized one of Dash’s primary feathers in her toes. “Now, I'll ask again. Do you like it?”

Dash trembled with fear as she felt the pressure on her feather. “N, no Mistress I don't.”

“That’s better,” cooed Mistress Shy. “Why? Why don't you like it?” She asked as she wiggled the feather in her toes, reminding her pet of the need to answer quickly. She could see tears begin to stream from Dash but she wouldn't relent.

Dash was weeping openly now, her cheeks blushing furiously. She was afraid to answer but afraid not to. She knew the answer, and she hated herself for saying it. In a low voice she said “Because I can't Mistress.”

“You hate me for doing it don't you pet?” She gripped the feather as tight as she could, applying enough force to make Dash shake with fear. “Answer me.”

Rainbow couldn't contain it anymore, the weeks of pent up emotions she’d suppressed washed over her like a dam bursting its walls, she held nothing back. She admitted everything, how she hated her body, resented herself for the accident, her jealousy over Fluttershy being whole, how she hated this whole situation and how much she was scared of what was to come. At some point Rainbow had cried herself out, she had no tears left, she was dry sobbing in the wake of her humiliation. She didn't feel Fluttershy release her wing, and land beside her on the bed, pulling her into an embrace like she hadn't done since that day she woke up in the hospital. Planting a soft tender kiss on Rainbow’s lips she stroked her multi coloured hair, comforting her girlfriend till her sobbing stopped. Eventually Shy sat up, breaking the embrace and looked at Rainbow, her expression serious once more.

"One more question pet. Just one more. After what I've just done to you, do you still love me?”

Rainbow raised her head up as much as her bindings would allow. Looking at Fluttershy she saw the Mistress façade slip just a little, her timid self vulnerable. Rainbow knew deep down what the last few moments had cost her, how hard it must've been for her girlfriend to do what she’d just done, for her sake. Realisation dawned, she felt like the last four weeks were sloughing off her like a bad second skin. She’d never felt more like herself in a long time.

“Fluttershy, no. I love you because of what you've just done, because of what it cost you to do. You're my angel and I love you so very much.” Fluttershy raised her head up, her smile firmly back in place now she knew she had her Rainbow back. Running her hand down Rainbow’s tight stomach, she cast a glance between her spread legs and noticed she was incredibly wet. A most un-Fluttershy like idea struck her then, as she wondered just how turned on her girlfriend was. Without warning Shy clapped her hand to Rainbow’s sex, the slap stinging her folds and eliciting a soft moan and a trickle of juice from Rainbow.

“So, still want to play my game Dashie?”

Rainbow nodded enthusiastically, after all she wasn't in a position to refuse.

“Excellent peasant.” Fluttershy spread her wings once more, and rose above the bed, hovering over Rainbow’s face. Lowering herself just a little, Shy placed her left foot on Rainbow’s chin, her stockinged toes resting on her lower lip. “My feet are tired peasant. You will attend them. Understand?” Rainbow understood alright. She gave Shy her nod without hesitation. “Good. Now, open your mouth and take my stocking in your teeth.” Dash did as she was told, tilting her head forwards as she opened her mouth allowed her to take all of Fluttershy's toes in at once, running her tongue over and around each through her white stocking. Shy let out a surprised “Eeeep!” Before turning into a low moan of pleasure. Casting a glance upwards Dash noticed for the first time that Shy hadn't bothered with panties under the short skirt, and that three fingers on her right hand was buried knuckle deep in her moistening pussy, sawing away at her shaven slit while Rainbow continued her attention on her toes, now adding little nips and sucks to each digit in turn. Shy then lifted her foot from Rainbow’s mouth and quickly inserted her right one instead. “Let us not forget this one peasant, it also needs attention.” Rainbow smirked a happy smirk as she got to work, mirroring her earlier efforts, sucking Shy’s toes for all she was worth while she dug her fingers deeper into her wet snatch. Dash could tell from her moans she was close to cumming, that and the steady drips of fanny juice slashing Rainbow’s forehead. All of a sudden Shy moved her foot, placing them either side of Dash’s head. Flutter Shy glanced down, watching Rainbow watch her get herself off. “Know what peasant? I have something better for you to clean.” With that she abruptly folded her wings and dropped to her knees straddling her girlfriends face, placing mare hood inches from Rainbow’s mouth. “Tongue out. Now, as far as it will go.” Trying not to look too eager, Rainbow stuck out her tongue, waiting for Shy’s descent.

“Peasant, you have ten seconds. I want to cum in ten seconds flat.” With that Fluttershy sat down, the bridge of Rainbow’s nose brushing against her clit and forcing her tongue deep inside her. Immediately Rainbow swirled her tongue around, before wrapping her lips around Shy’s hard nub, sucking like her life depended on it. She knew Shy was close to climaxing, and ten seconds of this attention was more than enough time. Surely enough, with a gentle nip and a last giant suck, Fluttershy came hard, screaming as she rutting herself against Rainbow’s face, both hands clutching almost painfully at her prismatic hair for support as Shy rode out her orgasm. Dismounting her girlfriend, Fluttershy sat next to her on the bed, panting slightly as she leant in for a kiss, tasting herself as she gently forced her tongue between Rainbow’s lips, a gesture she quickly returned. Breaking the passionate kiss finally, Shy stood up and started untying the silk restraints on Rainbow’s wrists. “Let's get these off you sweetie, seeing as we’re done here.” She said with a warm smile.

“But………..” Rainbow tried and failed to not look disappointed as she moved her freed arms to her side and pushed herself to her elbows. Shy gave a soft chuckle as she moved to untie her ankles. “I never said you got to cum silly, it was my game.” Shy flapped her wings once, vaulting the edge of the bed and landing astride Rainbow’s hips, unbuckling the wing restrainer. “But, if you behave later this afternoon, then I suppose we can play again, and I think a certain awesome Pegasus has an unopened Wonderbolt uniform?” Rainbow sat upright, hugging Fluttershy in her arms, covering her neck in rapid kisses. Unfurling her wings, Shy wrapped them around her and Rainbow, pulling her in closer. She felt Rainbow flinch ever so at their touch, trying to pull away from Shy’s wings. “You ok with me using these?” Rainbow nodded slowly, her eyes not meeting Shy’s. “Not your fault Fluttershy, I guess I'm just feeling awkward, y’know?” Shy’s feathers found the stump of Rainbow’s left wing and she swirled them around it, caressing it as a mother would a newborn. “You don't have to explain Dashie, and I understand it's awful for you, but we are all here for you, remember? Let us help you.”

“Us? Y, you mean, Twi and the others? I thought I'd pushed them away, that they were your friends now, not mine……….” Dash’s voice trailed off to silence, she was sat in Fluttershy's wings full of shame. “Well, you um, did, sort of, and well they err, did all fall out with you, um rather a lot, but well they're all going to meet us for a picnic in an hour on the edge of the Everfree so you can build your bridges there.”

Rainbow wasn't buoyed by this revelation, she knew she’d acted badly, and now wanted more than anything to make amends. “But, what if they don't want to know? You know I'm not good with the mushy stuff Fluttershy.”

Shy removed her wings from Dash, folding them against her back. “I'm not saying they’ll forgive you overnight Dashie, just come and sit with us, talk to them, for me?” Fluttering her eyes Rainbow knew she was beaten.

“I don't have much of a choice do I?”

"Not if you want to play Captains and Cadets later, no you don't.” Shy hopped off the hospital bed and started to retrieve her clothes, dressing herself as she hummed a tune.

Rainbow scooted to the edge of the bed, about to get up when two things caught her eye. Reaching over her left hand she picked up her two sky blue feathers that were lying on the bed. Running her fingers over them she mulled the events of the last hour. The pain in her wing was little more than a dull ache, nothing she couldn't handle. Not that she’d need them for flying anymore…………….. No, she banished that thought as quickly as it occurred.

“Aren't you getting dressed?” Fluttershy asked as she walked back in the living room, having dressed herself in a longer green skirt, white t shirt and pastel pink jacket matching her hair. “Not that I mind, but I don't think Trixie will want Twilight ogling you, and you know AJ, Rare and Pinkie don't swing their barn doors in your direction babe.” She added with a giggle and a smile, which faltered when she saw the look on Dash’s face.

Holding up the two feathers Dash asked “Was this necessary?”

Fluttershy slipped her feet into her white trainers, considering her answer as she tied them. Finally she turned to Rainbow “Yes, I'm afraid it was. You were slipping away from me, and I didn't know how else to reach you. I'm sorry I had to hurt you, but I'm not sorry I did it.”

Dash let that truth sink in for a moment, knowing in her heart Shy was right. She couldn't be cross with her, she’d left her girlfriend no other option. She pushed the ache in her wing to the back of her mind, replacing it instead with an ache in her heart. She didn't want to ask the next question, but she had to know. “Shy, I, I came close, didn't I?”

“To what?”

“To losing you.”

In a barely audible voice, Fluttershy answered “Yes, yes you did.”

“How close?”

Shy took the sky blue feathers from Rainbow’s hand, looking them over before handing them back. “Two close. Now come on get dressed and let's go.”

Picnic & Proposal

Rainbow was finally dressed, black trainers and denim jeans, white t-shirt and a blue denim jacket. She had trouble with it at first, until Fluttershy helped her guide her wing and stump through the holes in the back. Rainbow's coloured hair was spiked with gel, and she felt as ready as she’d ever be. Standing before the door to their cottage, Dash placed her hand on the knob and froze, uncertainty gripped her. Fluttershy was immediately by her side, her hand finding Rainbow’s and giving it a delicate squeeze.

“What’s wrong?”

“I, I'm scared Flutters. What if they don't forgive me? I don't want them to hate me.” Her shoulders slumped with the admission.

“Give them a try, you might find that you start to understand how much we all love you.” Fluttershy placed her other hand on top of Rainbow’s, holding the door knob with her and giving it a twist before pulling it open towards them. “Now, one step at a time, come on.”

They took the first step out the door together, feeling the heat and gentle breeze of the early afternoon wash over them, squinting into the sun they lifted their free hands to shield their eyes as they slowly walked down the small dirt path that lead from Shy’s home. They smelled the grass, heard the birds singing in the trees. Reaching the White fence around the house’s boundary Rainbow felt her legs give in a little under her. Instinctively she lowered her free hand to her side, clutching at the bandages under her t-shirt which covered the entry points for the kidney machines tubes.

"You ok Dashie?”

"Yeah, I'm fine I just haven't walked much lately. How much further is it?”

“Not very far, about fifteen minutes if we take it steady, there’s a lovely spot on the edge of the Everfree. You'll love it.”

They walked on, Shy slowing her pace to match Rainbow’s, enjoying the comfortable silence as she walked hand in hand with her girlfriend, she knew this was going to be a good day and was determined it was going to be the first of as many as she could share before it was too late. Shy bent her head to the left, resting it on Dash’s shoulder as they walked, and Dash extended her right wing, wrapping it around Shy’s shoulder and pulled them closer together, their fingers still entwined.

Rounding a bend in the path they were following, they saw the clearing up ahead where the four girls sat on a huge red cloth waiting for them. Dash could see Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack having an animated conversation about something, and Twilight was sat next to them, her own lavender wings folded back as she had her head in a book, only offering the occasional comment here and there. Dash took hesitant steps as she got closer to them, not at all sure how she was going to be received, even less sure how she deserved to be received. Only Shy’s presence stopped her from turning and running away. Dash lowered her wing as they approached the seated group, only for Flutters to replace it with her own, stroking Dash’s arm with her outer feathers.

Too late to run now Dashie. She thought to herself.

They stopped at the edge of the blanket, saying nothing as the conversation between the four seated friends faded, replaced with a very pregnant silence. Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack looked at Dash and Shy with slightly agape faces, not entirely believing what they were seeing. Only Twilight seemed not to notice, her attention fully on the book in front of her. Her left wing still around Dash’s arm Shy gave her hand a squeeze, indicating she should say something. Dash ran her hand through her hair, casting her eyes about.

“H, hey guys……..” Was all she could come up with, suddenly becoming very interested in the ground at her feet, her cheeks blushing a fierce crimson. A thud told her that Twilight had dropped the book, her attention now directed at the two newcomers. Rainbow stood there shuffling her feet, she could feel their stares boring holes into her but she didn't know what to do, her eyes were furiously studying this patch of dirt like it would reveal all the answers to her if she looked hard enough.

After a few minutes that felt like hours Applejack broke the heavy silence.

“Well, lookee who decided ta rejoin tha land o’ tha livin’. Took ya long ‘nuff sugarcube.”

“Darling aren't you going to sit and join us?” Rarity offered after she’d composed herself, ever the lady.

Fluttershy let go of Dash’s hand, kneeling on the red blanket and shrugging off her jacket. Dash stood there, absently rubbing the back of her neck where the buckle of the collar was, eyes still on the ground.

“I, I don't know, that is, if you want me to……AAAAGGHH!! Pinkie!”

Was all Dash managed to utter in shock as she was spear tackled to the ground by a blurring pink ball of energy surrounded by a puffy mane of bright red hair that was Pinkie Pie’s usual way of saying “hello.”

“On my gosh Dashie you're back you're here of course you're here I couldn't tackle you if you weren't here I'd be tackling the air and the air can't be tackled and now you're back on your back oh wow it's been ages and ages and I missed you we missed you and no we’re going to have so much fun fun fun!!!”

Pinkie finally paused for breath and was about to launch into another verbal assault when the hyper excited girl was surrounded by a lavender bubble, and Twilight used her magic to levitate Pinkie off of Rainbow, allowing her to push herself up to a sitting position.

“Afternoon Rainbow.” Twilight smirked as she set Pinkie down next to a pink cylindrical object Dash didn't recognise but which was obviously Pinkie’s as it bore her cutie mark on it. Rainbow clutched her side with a grimace as she sat up, her wince of pain was lost to everyone except Fluttershy as the others collapsed in peals of laughter at Pinkie being Pinkie. Unable to study that really interesting bit of dirt anymore, Dash looked around at the girls sat around her. Not really knowing what to say next she figured she’d at least try for an apology, and hope it sounded as genuine as she felt.

“Listen guys,” she began as the laughter died down, now really aware of all eyes on her and wishing they'd look someplace else. Fluttershy wrapped her arms around her from her position behind Dash, giving her quiet support.

“Y’all ‘right sugar?”

“Take your time darling.”

Pinkie just bounced there saying nothing as Twilight had her hand over her mouth to silence her before another hurricane broke out, and the lavender Alicorn smiled her encouragement. After a few more seconds of silence Twi leant forward slightly.

“You know, as Princess, I could just order you to speak”.

Fluttershy let out a little squeak from behind Dash “ Oh, er, could you? I didn’t know you had that kind of power, you aren’t going to are you? I mean, if that's alright with you and if you wouldn't mind that is…..” Shy’s voice trailed off to a whisper as it always did when she was nervous.

"Darn it Twi, now y’all gone and made her nervy again.” Applejack leant over and dealt Twilight a friendly swat on her shoulder. “Don’t you worry none sugar, Twi ain't gonna be all princessy wi’ us, we know her too well remember?”

Rarity suppressed a giggle as she watched the exchange in front of her before addressing Rainbow once more. “What was it you wanted to say, Dashie dear?”

Rainbow looked at Rarity like she was going to be violently sick, “I had this whole speech planned out, what I was going to say to you guys, but, I, I, well you know I suck with words……” She felt Flutters gently kiss the back of her neck then, still holding her tight, and she felt the burning tears form in her eyes. Her friends had never seen her cry, not ever. She was always more concerned about her stupid reputation. First time for everything, she thought. Dash brought her hands to her eyes as her shoulders heaved, then through the loud heavy sobs to the stunned audience she managed to drag the simple words from her heart. “I, I, I’m sorry guys. I’m so sorry…….” She couldn’t say anymore, her voice failed her as she gave way to her tears. One by one they all moved in for a massive group hug, nobody said anything, there was nothing to say, they just held Rainbow Dash in their arms, six young ladies reunited as friends and brought together as a family once more.

They sat together like that until Dash bought her sobbing under control, and started to breathe normally once more. As they broke apart they were all dabbing at their eyes, each of them having gave way to tears.

“So, am I forgiven?” Rainbow asked, a cocky grin threatening to surface on her lips.

“Darling, you were always forgiven, we just wanted you back, before it was too late.”

Rainbows burgeoning smile faltered then, at the mention of time. She’d have to talk to them about that, but not yet.

"So, we gonna eat this here grub or we gonna flap our gums some more?" Applejack brought the groups attention to the huge spread laid out in the blanket, that had gone wholly unnoticed during the reconciliation. Rainbow had to admit it all looked awesome! There were apple pies, fritters, tea cakes, pancakes, muffins, cupcakes, even those super rare rainbow apples that Applejack’s family grew on their farm. As they all started eating, a sly thought popped into Dash’s head. Grinning she looked over at Twilight.

“Hey, egghead.” As Twi looked over at Rainbow about to come back with a witty retort she added, “You didn’t make any of these did ya?”

The Alicorn blinked her eyes twice, she knew she was being baited. “No jocktard I didn’t, and you know how you can tell? Because..”

“THEY’RE ALL EDIBLE!!!!” Chorused the five others in unison before falling about in tears of laughter.

“Sorry, sorry Twi.” They all mumbled through snorts of giggles, even Twilight joined in, seeing the joke.

“You're all evil cows and I hate you.” Twilight snickered at them. Laughter erupted again, and Rainbow laid back amongst her four friends and girlfriend, she felt better than she had for a very long time.

The rest of the afternoon passed like that, the six of them sharing jokes, sharing stories, filling Rainbow in on what had happened to them all after her accident. She’d asked them all about dropping out of university, and what they were doing now. She was worried they’d all be pissed at her for ruining their educations and their futures, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. As Applejack had so subtly put it, they would have been up the shitter had Celestia and Luna not intervened on their behalfs. Then Pinkie and Rarity picked up the story, about how Twilight had been given the most mahoosive library to run and live in, as it came with a house on the side so grand it made Diamond Tiara twitch every time she saw Twilight. Rarity told her how she’d been gifted the town malls four story boutique to run, and that the top floor was hers to live in. Applejack carried on, saying that as they couldn't give her Sweet Apple Acres Farm as it was going to be left to her anyway when Granny Smith passed on, the royal sisters had given her family an open cheque and told them to order whatever modern facilities they thought they might need. Pinkie was made the official party planner for the whole of the town, for any occasion, and had been granted a hand full of shops and staff that answered to her. Fluttershy finished it off telling her how her modest animal shelter had been hugely overhauled, it now boasted a zoo, nursery and a vets, all with Shy in charge. Asking as to why the royal sisters would go all out like this for five girls in their mid twenties, Rainbow was told it was all to do with them being grateful for them reuniting Celestia with Luna, saving the whole land for what felt like a million times, saving the kingdom at Cadence’s wedding, and so on and so on……..As Pinkie put it, they felt like they owed us a favour. And that was that.

The afternoon was wearing on as the conversation moved round to Rainbow and how she was doing. Applejack had asked Shy how she’d managed to get Dash out the house, to which Fluttershy wasn't going to answer until Pinkie jumped in explaining it was Mistress Fluttershy, the red silk ties and the feather pulling that had done it. Everyone giggled as Shy blushed a crimson so fierce it matched the setting sun.

Suddenly Fluttershy stood up as if on cue, motioning Twilight and Rarity to come over to her as they had a hurried huddled conversation. Rainbow was just about to ask AJ what they were up to when the farm girl leaned over to Dash and asked her about the kidney machine at home.

“Don't think ah’m pryin’ sugar, but are ya ok being away from that doohickey machine o’ yours?”

Rainbow thought about it, remembering what The Doctor had told her back at the hospital. “Yeah AJ it's fine, I'm allowed to be away from it for a couple of hours, it's cool.”

Pinkie looked over to her, concern on her bubbly face. “Dashie, we've been here almost six hours, are you sure you're ok?”

Now that Pinkie mentioned it, Dash did feel faint. She put her hand to her bandaged side and pulled it away, trying to hide the sickly green fluid staining her fingers. Rainbow moved her stained hand to get mouth instinctively as she coughed, tasted the coppery tang of the blood as it hit her palm. There was no hiding that, Rainbow knew Applejack had seen it.

AJ got up from Rainbow and ran over to where Rarity, Twilight and Flutters were huddled. “Hey, if y’all are gonna do what ya plannin’ ta do then ya need ta get a shift on, she ain't doin’ too good over there, she needs that machine an’ lickety split!”

Fluttershy looked over at her Dashie laying on the red blanket. She couldn't see the foul green fluid staining her side. With a nod to Rare and Twi she unfurled her wings to their fullest span and shot off into the darkening sky. She flew and flew, getting ever higher until the ground was a smudge and the details were lost. She’d never flown this high before. Steadying herself she waited for the tingly buzz of magic to find her. She knew this high up it'd take longer than their practice sessions. She was going to dive for the ground as the magic would pull her, adding the extra speed she needed to pull this off.

There it was, the buzz and the telltale white and lavender glow aura. She was ready. Tucking her wings in, she dropped earthward like a yellow bullet.

On the ground Rainbow could see a streak of yellow shooting their way. In a panic she tried to get up, to signal AJ something was wrong “Applejack she’s gonna kill herself!”

Instead of concern the farm girl laughed in Dash’s ear (her head was on AJ’s knees for support). “Hush now sugarcube, y’all gonna wanna see this, they been practising it for weeks jus’ for you.”

Dash watched in mounting horror as Fluttershy screamed towards the ground at what she judged were near Rain-boom speeds, but, surely she wouldn't, would she?

At the very last second Shy pulled up, a huge pink explosion the colour of her long hair radiated behind her, not a circular rain-boom, but manipulated magically into the stylised shape of a huge pink heart. As Shy rocketed overhead, beginning to slow down her pink contrail was grasped in the same magical hold, being twisted and formed into huge words hanging above and below the huge pink heart.

MARRY ME RAINBOW DASH

Fluttershy landed next to her Rainbow as Applejack and Pinkie helped her to stand up. Dropping to one knee Flutters asked the question hanging in the air. Swaying slightly, feeling dazed and light headed, Dash looked at her girlfriend kneeling before her. She knew her answer. What else could it be?

“Yes, Flutters, a million times yes.”

The effort of replying felt like she’d flew a marathon. Rainbow was spent. Shy leapt up to kiss her lips, she saw the red trail from her mouth but kissed her anyway, not caring she was tasting Dash’s blood in her own mouth. At that moment Pinkie leapt in the air, a screech of “INCOMING!!” Her only warning. She hit the pressure pad beside the cylinder Dash had saw earlier and it exploded like a million party poppers at once, showering Rainbow and Flutters in streamers, confetti, glitter and inflated balloons.

Rainbow couldn't help but laugh, she swayed even more but Fluttershy caught her in her winged embrace, holding her fiancé close to her. At that point Rainbow’s legs finally gave way, and she blacked out, held up only by Shy’s wings.

A Wedding to Die For

Rainbow opened her eyes, she was laid in her hospital bed in Fluttershy's living room, warm and comfy, dressed in a set of Shy’s pyjamas, all yellow with pink butterflies. Her bandages were clean, and she was hooked up to that infernal machine. Rainbow hated it. Looking about now she was properly awake she saw her four friends and fiancé sitting around the bed, all wearing the same worried expression, except Twilight, who was busy snoring quietly, her head lolling to one side in the arm chair she was slumped in.

“Y’all makin’ a habit outta blackin’ out on us sugar. Gonna start thinkin’ you like the attention stumpy.”

Rainbow shot Applejack a daggered stare before cracking a grin, “Screw you Appleslack, I can still beat you in a race and you know it.” Pointing at Twi she asked “What happened to Sleeping Beauty?”

“She teleported all six of us here after you blacked out, levitated you into bed and then slumped there, exhausted. You've both been out about two hours darling.”

Fluttershy reached over and stroked Rainbow’s arm, sniffing gently. Dash looked at her properly, saw she looked like she’d been crying for two hours. “You ok Dashie?”

Flashing Flutters her best cocky grin, Rainbow assured her she was alright “I'm fine, Shy, don't worry about me. Hey, would you mind getting me a coffee sweets?” Nodding slightly, Flutters got up and drifted towards her kitchen, shooting worried glances to Dash over her shoulder as she went. Returning her gaze to the slumbering Twilight Rainbow asked them “Can you wake her?” Pinkie obliged, jabbing a not so subtle elbow in Twi’s ribs that shocked her awake with a startled snort. Before she could object to the rude awakening Dash hurriedly said what was on her mind before Shy returned.

“Thanks you guys for getting me back here,” she shot a quick smile at Twilight before continuing. “I need to ask you all for a favour and a promise. I, I know I'm not going to last much longer….” She held up her hands to quiet the chorus of objections, “I know I'm not, ok? Now please, after I'm gone, promise me you'll look after her. Flutters will need you there for her.”

“I dunno RD, she’s tougher’n ya think sugar.”

“Listen guys, this'll hit her hard when I go, I know it will. I'm not going to last the six months the docs gave me, I feel like death now. Just care for her, please.” Shakily they all nodded in silent agreement. Fluttershy opened the kitchen door and walked back over to the group, balancing five cups of tea and a coffee on her serving tray. While she was handing them out Rainbow quietly mouthed “wedding, wedding!” To her friends, hoping they’d catch what she meant.

Rarity caught on, quickly taking a sip of her tea before addressing Fluttershy as she resumed her seat at Dash’s side. “Have you two set a date for the wedding?” Flutters looked about nervously, “I um well hadn't planned it much really, beyond, you know, what we did earlier I mean, sorry.” She flushed a bright red and tried to hide behind her hair as Rainbow cut in. “Well I thought we could have a nice long engagement, take it steady, after all there’s no rush or anything….” They all let out a snigger at her sarcasm, even Rare, who knew she’d walked into that one.

Twilight suddenly had an idea “You could have it the day after tomorrow if you like, I can conduct the service just name the place.”

Fluttershy looked beside herself “you can do that?

“Well,” the Alicorn smiled in a smug manner, “What's the point of being a princess if you can't abuse your power every now and again, especially for my friends?”

"Thanks egghead." Rainbow leant towards Twilight, offering her a high five which she returned with a smirk. “You're welcome jocktard.”

As the late afternoon became evening and then night, the six friends spent the rest of the time planning the details of the wedding. Rarity insisted on creating outfits for them, the fashionista simply wouldn't allow her friends to attend any kind of ceremony, let alone a wedding in old dresses. Although on the condition, as she stated quite firmly, that they leave her alone to get on with it and not pester her like that time she made them dresses for the Gala. The only one who wouldn't need something new was Rainbow as she insisted vehemently she was going to wear her Wonderbolt uniform, to the delight of Fluttershy and the approval of the others. Pinkie and Applejack volunteered to take care of the catering and decorations respectively. Even with one day's preparation Applejack was confident that her huge family at the farm could easily handle any amount of food that was needed, as she put it If I need more help sugar ah’ll look under tha nearest bush, there’ll be an Apple under there willin’ ta help. Likewise Pinkie was as enthusiastic about her decorations for the event, unnerving them all slightly as she detailed with maniacal glee her latest invention, which turned out to be six large party cannons all linked up to a single detonator. The only thing left to sort out was the location, Twilight had suggested the new library, which was an excellent idea until Dash insisted on detonating the party cannons inside, at which point Twi hurriedly changed her mind. Many ideas were put forward, Cloudsdale was ruled out because as Rainbow said, how am I supposed to get there? Eventually Flutters came up with the ideal place, the spot at the edge of the Everfree where they had the picnic earlier. Everyone agreed it was a beautiful location, the towering trees on the edge of the clearing, the crystal blue lake in front of the mountains in the distance made for a setting so perfect it had to be used. Twilight assured them in addition to her role as minister there wouldn't be a cloud in the sky, she’d make sure it was the perfect weather. That just left Rainbow and Flutters to work out their vows.

With one last group hug Rainbow sat back against the pillow in her bed, taking the opportunity to take a good long look at her closest friends and fiancé sat there around her. And she saw them, really saw them then for what felt like the first time, arrayed around her, there for her. She saw Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle. For the first time she saw more than that, Rainbow saw Kindness, Honesty, Laughter, Generosity and Magic. She knew then she need anything else, everything she’d ever need was right here in this room around her bed. She felt cheated that she couldn't have more time with them, but Rainbow Dash was determined the time she did have left was going to be spent doing things right. She was going to make damn sure Flutters had a great wedding, that she would be a good wife to her. Rainbow owed her that much. This shy, reserved, quiet beautiful young lady deserved nothing less than the best Dash could give her, and if that was only a few months then Rainbow promised herself she’d make it the best few months she possibly could.

The wedding had gone off totally without a hitch, to everyone's surprise nothing had gone wrong. As FlutterDash laid contentedly next to her wife in their bed, both comfortably snuggled in Flutters’ yellow wings her mind couldn't help but wander over the events of the day. Their day. The most magical wonderful day of Fluttersh..........no, she thought, not Shy anymore, Dash. She was a Dash now. Smiling beside her bride she didn't care they were both still wearing their wedding attire, they'd both been so exhausted they simply flopped into their new bed and fell in their comfortable embrace together. FlutterDash didn't even notice the ever present machine at the side of the bed anymore, so content was she in her snuggles with Rainbow. Suppressing a giggle as her lovers gentle snoring tickled her bare neck and shoulders Flutters allowed her mind to wander, joyfully reliving the best. Day. Ever.

Rarity really had outdone herself with the eight dresses. Not only had the very talented fashionista created Fluttershy's amazing dress from scratch, she had also made custom dresses for their friends and gone the extra mile of making bridesmaids dresses for Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, and a trouser suit each for Scootaloo and Spike. Those two were so thrilled to be Rainbow and Shy’s best men. Scoots always regarded Rainbow as her older sister and to be asked to give her away made her so happy.

She conjured up the clearing in her minds eye, picturing the scene she’d always remember. It was a perfect summers day. As per Twi’s assurance there wasn't a single cloud anywhere, and Celestia’s sun hung majestically in the azure sky, bathing the landscape in warmth that shimmered off the nearby lake. At the edge of the lake stood a simple white pedestal, surrounded by a handful of white wooden chairs. This was what Fluttershy had requested, a simple ceremony attended by just her closest friends and immediate family. Shy had never liked crowds.

She paused to appreciate the moment before her, she wanted to capture this in her mind. Everything was perfect. Her long pale yellow dress hung just off the ground, the pink butterflies matching her cutie mark barely visible on the sides. Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie followed behind her and Sweetie Belle and Applebloom both held the edges of her train. Looking ahead she saw Twilight at the pedestal and Rainbow waiting patiently for her, looking thoroughly magnificent in her Wonderbolt uniform. Shy noticed she’d even had her unruly hair smoothed back into something resembling a pony tail. She felt her heart melt at the sight, especially little Scootaloo in her suit, looking so full of pride to be giving away her “big sister”.

She walked towards the pedestal, Spike at her side and her bridesmaids behind her as her other three friends seated themselves behind her. A hush fell over the clearing as Twilight, in full princess mode began her opening speech of the ceremony. Rainbow and Fluttershy held each other's hands getting lost in each other's eyes as Twi addressed them, saying what an honour it was, how lucky they were……and if Fluttershy was honest she wasn't really listening. When Twi got up a head of steam she could go on for hours, and she was entirely lost in this golden moment. She was only vaguely aware of Rainbow speaking now, saying her vows that she’d spent all day preparing the day before. She should pay attention now she thought, it was rude to be so zoned out. But she knew the words by heart anyway. All too soon it was her turn. She hadn't prepared anything, she knew she didn't need to. She looked up into Rainbows beautiful eyes and told her very simply how much Dash meant to her, how much she loved her, how much she’d always be there for her and that no matter what she’d always be there for her Rainbow. Finishing up Shy took the pink rose from her hair and gave it to Rainbow, just like the one Dash had given her on their first date together. Looking at Twilight, the princess announced it was time to kiss the bride. Happily they did as they were told, leaning eagerly into each other. It was a long, tender gentle kiss that seemed to last forever as Rainbow and Flutters folded their right and left wing respectively around each other. Eventually they broke apart as Twilight called for Scootaloo and Spike to present the rings. Scoots put her ring of Shy’s finger, Spike put his on Dash’s. As Twilight called for them to embrace once more Pinkie took her cue to set off the surrounding party cannons, showering the air with streamers, balloons, glitter and confetti as all their friends present cheered Mrs and Mrs Dash.

Once they were finished Twilight and Rarity summoned their magics and teleported them all back to Twilight’s huge library for the reception party. Here Applejack and Pinkie had both surpassed themselves with the catering and décor. Almost everyone from the university had been invited to this, causing Twi to almost have a “smartypants” incident at the thought of her library getting dirty. The happy couple stayed a while as the guests started arriving, and after making sure that they greeted and thanked absolutely everyone for attending they announced to disappointed groans they were leaving. Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack stopped them on the way out, concern on their faces as they asked if Dash was ok. Assuring them all she was, Rainbow told them she was getting tired, and she’d need the machine again soon, and they both told them all to keep the party going as long as possible – Rainbow whispered to Pinkie not to forget the hidden party cannon.

Laughing between themselves at the practical joke Twi would enjoy later Rainbow and Flutters walked hand in hand leisurely back to their cottage, their home. The thought gave Rainbow a quiver in her belly that was nothing to do with needing that machine. They meandered along, Flutters resting her head on Rainbow’s shoulder. Rainbow couldn't remember seeing her so at ease. They reached their home, Flutters giggled as Rainbow held the door open with a bow, allowing her wife to enter their married home. Hearing a startled gasp Dash hurried in after her and stopped dead beside Flutters, not believing their eyes. The living room had been totally rearranged, the sterile looking hospital bed had been swapped with Flutters’ own from upstairs, and streamers and balloons hung everywhere. There was a crate of twenty year old Sweet Apple Cider on the bed along with a note signed to “The Happy Couple.” Opening the envelope they had read it together.

Hey guys

We knew you’d want to take off early so we crept in and left you this surprise.

Congratulations and enjoy.

With love

T, P, R, A

With a laugh and a silent thanks to their friends they threw the note down and flopped together on the bed. Rainbow took a few moments to sort herself out with her ‘infernal’ machine, making sure the tubes where hooked up correctly to herself, and to quickly change the padding that hid the connecting ports that helped to filter out the waste her body couldn't do on its own anymore. Sure she was ok, she turned back to her wife, and they both welcomed each other into their embrace, neither bothering to undress.

As FlutterDash’s memories approached the present moment, she couldn't help but wonder at how lucky she was to have Rainbow, if only for a short time. She bent her head and lovingly kissed her wife's forehead, eliciting a sleepy groan from Rainbow. Snuggling back into her again, Mrs and Mrs Dash allowed sleep to overcome them, unaware as they rolled over together that Rainbow’s tubes had broken loose .

Loyalty Falls

Rainbow and Flutters floated gently on the water, reclining together in the little green rowing boat.

They’d found a little island in the middle of the lake and had both enjoyed their little picnic under the shade of an ancient leafy tree, it's leaves casting dappled shadows from the sun above.

After enjoying their snuggles on the grass for a little while FlutterDash had suggested they take their bottles of Sweet Apple cider to the boat and float together. Rainbow thought this was an awesome idea, immediately scooping up her bottle and a couple of spares for them both before carefully stepping into the faded green vessel and making way for her wife to sit beside her. Rainbow tied the mooring rope to the end of the little wooden pier and let the little boat float on the crystal blue water as she laid back on the blankets and pillow next to Flutters.

“I could stay like this forever, this is so awesome. I want more days like this.” Rainbow thought to herself as she cuddled closer to her beautiful pink haired wife. “Happy Mrs?”

FlutterDash gave a cute giggle into Rainbow’s shoulder as she answered in her usual soft tone “Well, yes of course sweetie, the weather’s beautiful, the lake’s beautiful and I suppose you’re ok too.” She finished with a cute grin that Rainbow adored.

"Anymore of that young lady and I'm tipping the boat.” Rainbow smirked, wobbling the boat gently for emphasis.

“You wouldn't dare.”

"Oh no?" Rainbow shook the boat a little harder, laughing a little at the worried look she was given. “It's ok Flutters, watch this.” She rocked the boat harder still as a wave lapped against the side. The unexpected impact tilted the little boat too far, tipping it over and spilling the newlyweds over the side. Surfacing in a fit of giggles they floated in the clear blue water, splashing each other like little girls. Flutters accidentally caught Rainbow in the face with a splash, making her cough and splutter.

Reaching up her hand to wipe away the sticky green water from her eyes she noticed it wasn't blue anymore, it was a hot slimy gloop that clung to her, giving off a foul smell as she tried to swim to the island. With a panic she found she couldn't move, that Flutters wasn't there. She was on her own, immobile in this foul smelling sea, it was pulling her down. Rainbow fought all she could, it was in vain, she was drowning in this polluted sludge. She took a desperate breath as she was dragged below the toxic water, down and down she went, finally she had no choice to release the breath, her next drawing in the slimy gloop that filled her lungs………………

Rainbow awoke suddenly, breathing deeply to steady herself. Remnants of the dream clinging to her mind. She recalled the lake, the boat, Flutters, but where had the nightmare come from? Her breathing returning to normal, she reached over to find FlutterDash asleep next to her, blissfully unaware Rainbow was awake. Shaking her head at her own silliness Rainbow lowered herself back on the bed, and snuggled back up to Flutters. As she draped her arm over her partner she felt a hot gooey wetness on her fingers. Bolting upright she flailed in the darkness for the light switch. Finding it she snapped it on, leaving a messy handprint on the wall. Rainbow screamed.

Bolting awake at the scream FlutterDash sat up alert, Rainbow screaming at her side. Wondering what had scared her so Flutters immediately saw it. The tubes of the machine had broken loose in the night. With nowhere to go the toxic fluids had built up in Rainbow until they’d leaked out if her in a sizeable puddle, soaking them both in the vile green goo. She had wet herself and vomited at some point in her sleep, the urine and vomit mixing with her intestinal fluids to create a horrid smelling slime. Taking it in Flutters noticed Rainbow was no longer screaming but laid next to her whimpering as she lay trembling in fear. Smiling a gentle smile FlutterDash stood up from the bed, and undid the zipper of her dress, allowing the soiled garment to fall to the floor, then quickly removed her dirty underwear. Once out of the clothes she moved around the bed to the still sobbing Rainbow, gently she lifted her wife to a sitting position. Rainbow hung her head in an embarrassed shame.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…….” She uttered in a pathetically small voice, not daring to look Flutters in the eye.

“Hey, it's ok sweetheart, let's get you cleaned up.” With an infinitely gentle touch Flutters unhooked the buttons on the front of Rainbow’s uniform, moving her arms through the sleeves and her wing through the hole in the back. Motioning her to stand she peeled off the soiled trousers then helped Dash remove her own underwear before attempting to remove the sodden bandages at her waist. Still sobbing Rainbow flinched at her touch, but relented as Flutters shhhhed her gently. Changing her mind Flutters picked Rainbow up in her arms instead, carrying her to the bathroom upstairs. A few flaps if her wings brought them to the bath, where Flutters used her wing to flip the hit water lever in the tap. She carefully lowered Rainbow into the rising hot water as she added a few relaxing oils to the water. Rainbow finally stopped crying as she allowed her wife to clean her, a few quick brushes with the sponge removing the filth on her body. Removing the bandages to clean the wound Flutters flinched as she saw the mottled green discolouration on Rainbow’s skin, spreading over her abdomen. “I’m going to call the doctor hun, you be ok in the bath?” Rainbow sighed in response and Flutters quickly descended the stairs to the phone.

While she waited for the doctor to come, Flutters busied herself clearing the bed. The soiled bedsheets were unceremoniously dumped in a black bag and went straight in the bin, the mattress bleached, disinfected and turned over. Finally new clean sheets and duvet were placed on the bed. The ruined clothes were placed in the wash basket, she couldn't bring herself to throw them out.

When Rainbow was finished in the bath, Flutters redressed her side with fresh bandages and helped her into a pair of pyjamas. Once again Rainbow found herself in her wife’s arms as the descended the stairs to the now clean bed. “Doctor will be here soon sweetie.” She said as she held Rainbow’s hand.

Smiling gratefully Rainbow squeezed her hand “Thanks Fluttersh..........I mean Dash.” She corrected herself with a small laugh “I, I don’t think I have long left babe……..”

“Hey now, none of that missy, the doctor will sort you out when he gets here.”

As if on cue there was a loud knock on the door. Answering it quickly Flutters let the doctor in, she was pleased to see it was the same one who had seen them back at the hospital when Rainbow had woken from her coma. She stood fretting beside the bed as he gave Rainbow a full inspection, checking her over and administering an array of tests. Finally he was done, and any hope FlutterDash had that it wasn't as serious as she thought were dashed as she saw the grave look on his face. Putting away his equipment, he sat on the edge of the bed, allowing Flutters to sit next to Rainbow before he spoke.

“I’m afraid it's serious. Due to being off the machine here for over eight hours, the toxins released into your body have gotten into your bloodstream. You have severe sepsis, or blood poisoning, caused by organ dysfunction. I’m afraid it has spread to your bowels and stomach, as well as other organs. There is nothing more I can do for you, I am very sorry.”

Flutters stopped him as he turned to leave “Is there nothing you can do?” He saw the pleading in her eyes, he hated this part of the job. “All you can do is keep her comfortable, she’ll be in pain at the end.”

“How long doc?” Rainbow asked as a cough overtook her, spraying bloody droplets onto the clean bedding.

“I’d say no more than a few hours. I really am very sorry Mrs Dash.” And with that he was gone, closing the door to the cottage as he saw himself out.

Rainbow fought to suppress her tears as she processed what he’d said. A few hours. That's it, that's all she had left. A few short hours. She’d be dead by nightfall. She held up her hands to stop Flutters swooping in for a hug, instead telling her to get on the phone, after all she said, in a voice calmer than she felt, their friends would want to be here. As Flutters dialled the first number, Rainbow asked her for a writing pad and pen. She started writing her favourite poem as Flutters called their friends, and winced as the first of many pains lanced from her guts.

The time had gone much quicker than Rainbow imagined. It was mid afternoon already. She was laid on the bed, it had been moved to face the window. FlutterDash was laid by her side, her left wing wrapped around her wife and her yellow hand entwined with the blue that held on with a weak grip. On the side of the bed nearest Rainbow sat Rarity and Pinkie Pie, her pouffy hair deflated and flat to her head. Applejack and Twilight sat on the other side of the bed. No one said a word. There was nothing to be said. They all knew this was the end, that it wouldn't be much longer. Rainbow was too weak now to look at them, but she knew they were there, that was enough. She knew her wife was next to her, she could hear her soft sobs at her hear. Rainbow gave her hand a squeeze with all the force she could muster, it wasn't much.

“You can't go yet Dashie, you can't leave me!”

“Hey Fluts, you still there?” Rainbow tried to flash her cocky smile, but couldn't.

“Of course I'm here, we’re all here for you.” She kissed Rainbow's cheek softly. “Rainbow Dash, you can't go, y, you just can't go. I, I haven't given you permission to leave me. I won't, I, I need you Dashie!” Flutter Dash dissolved into fresh tears.

With some considerable effort, Rainbow turned her head to her wife, ignoring the pain that flared in every fibre of her being at the movement. With as much of a smile as she could muster Rainbow whispered to her. “I, I'm afraid I’ll h, have to disobey that one Fluts, I can feel it, it's not long now. Let, let me go…..”

Flutters kissed Rainbow once more, holding her weakened body to her. “Go then,” she managed to squeak out, amidst her tears “Wherever you go, wait for me, don't forget me Dashie.”

Rainbow closed her eyes, a contented happy smile on her lips. “Hey, Fluts, remember the big race? That Rainboom, that was, that was just for you babe.” Exhaling one last breath, Rainbow’s chest stayed still. She was too weak to breath in, and a few seconds later her heart stopped beating. Rainbow Dash was dead.

Her head rolled to the right, no longer supported by muscles that had gone limp. With a soft bump it hit Flutters’ cheek, her hand relaxed its grip but Flutters refused to let it go. FlutterDash erupted in a wave of grief and pain, a despair so total it consumed her like fire would a sheet of paper. She buried her head into her wife’s body, not caring of the tears that streamed from her. Her tears were mimicked by the four friends around the bed, each lost in her own sadness and mourning.

Farewell Rainbow

One week later

A week had passed since Rainbow Dash had died in her girlfriends arms. Seven short days. Fluttershy had reverted to her maiden name. She had intended to carry on being a Dash but the very first time someone had called her “Dashie” she had broken down in tears. She couldn't even recall who that had been. She had lost count of the people stopping her in the street and saying how sorry they were for her loss, for their loss, how it was a blow to Equestria. Fluttershy didn't care anymore, she’d stopped answering them, as good intentioned as they were. They were all the same, boring old platitudes that just got older the more they were repeated. Empty hollow words from people that didn't even know Rainbow Dash, who’d heard about her achievements and adventures, the “Hero of Equestria" or as the bearer of the Element of Loyalty. They didn't know Dashie, her Dashie, the Dashie that had loved her, laughed it's her, defended her and ultimately had died for her.

They didn't know, they couldn't know, it was her fault.

That Rainboom, it was just for you babe.

Rainbow’s last words drifted into her mind, taunting her like they always did, haunting her every moment.

It was for you. Just for you. It's your fault. It was for you.

The girls had rallied around her of course, they had stopped by her cottage on a daily basis. Reminiscing over old events, the day they all met in Ponyville, the time they had caused utter chaos at the Grand Galloping Gala, and other such good times. They recalled their adventures together, how they had confronted Nightmare Moon in the old castle ruins. That was the first time they had adopted the Elements of Harmony, they had returned Nightmare Moon to her pure form of Princess Luna as they drove out her corruption. They spoke of other victories, how they had beaten Discord, or how they had beaten any of the other various and multitudinous threats to the land that seemed to occur on a weekly basis. Fluttershy just sat in her seat, not really listening, merely nodding along. Her friends even insisted on staying over with her, faking turns to sleep on her sofa. It was almost as if they weren't allowed to leave her alone for more than a few minutes. Not that it mattered. Whether she was with company or not those last words still haunted her thoughts.

It was for you, I did it for you. You made me do it, it's your fault, YOUR FAULT!

The nights were worse. Fluttershy lay in her bed, one of her friends on the sofa as normal. She’d fight to stay awake, resisting sleep for as long as she could. Then sleep would come, and so to would the dreams. No amount of company could stop the dreams or ease their intensity.

The race was almost over. Fluttershy was sat with her friends in the VIP box in the stadium, guests of Celestia and Luna. The princesses had insisted they join them, wouldn't take no for an answer. Fluttershy had hated the pomp and ceremony of it all. Rarity had lapped it up of course, Applejack made a show of disliking it. Fluttershy wasn't here to show off, she was here to cheer on Rainbow, to see her Dashie perform as only she could. Rainbow loved to race, lived for it with a desire so intense it was like anyone else breathing air. Rainbow wasn't just good at it, when she raced she was an artist and Fluttershy loved to watch her perform.

From her vantage point Fluttershy could see Dashie turning the last corner of the track, she was easily going to win, and in a joyous state Fluttershy was leaping in her chair, whooping and cheering Dashie ever onwards. Ever since Rainbow had schooled her in the art of a good cheer she was determined to encourage her girlfriend as much as she could, regardless of the amused looks of the VIP’s around her.

Rainbow was looking straight at her. Not just in her direction, Rainbow had managed to find HER in the crowd. In that instant they had connected, somehow. Dashie saw her cheering her on, and Fluttershy had saw her switch to a higher gear, racing ever faster. She saw Dashie give her a wink as the Sonic Rainboom had erupted behind her, saw the sheer pleasure on her face as she broke the sound barrier, the rainbow coloured streak flow from her hair marking her passage through the air.

Then Fluttershy saw Dashie flare her wings, knew the danger signs as Dash tried in vain to slow down. Saw that she was still going too fast, much too fast. She looked on helplessly as Dash lost control, a momentary lapse in concentration and her beloved was spiraling head first to the ground. Shy willed her to pull up, sure it was a prank at her expense. Any moment now she’d rise up, laughing at Shy’s shocked face.

No. It didn't happen. She saw the dreadful, awful impact. Arms still outstretched Dashie ploughed impossibly fast into the ground, leaving a metres long furrow behind her. A second ago there had been the noise of the crowd, now there was utter silence. No one moved, no one even breathed. The other racers had stopped and started milling around the furrowed crater. Shy couldn't stand it, she leapt to her feet and flew down to the track, shoving her way through the gawking athletes.

Rainbow Dash, her Dashie was laid before her, sprawled in an impossible position, limbs bent in unnatural angles. Shy dropped to her knees beside Rainbow, weeping openly.

Then the horror. Dash was moving. Shy saw it but refused to believe. Slowly, awkwardly, Rainbow pushed herself to her feet, turning to face Fluttershy.

Fluttershy screamed. Rainbow was staggering towards her, her head lolling to one side as her broken neck refused to hold it upright, cold dead eyes staring glassily at nothing. Tattered wings hung limply at her sides, rotted skin sloughing off her dead frame. Then she spoke, a ghastly whisper. “That Rainboom was for you babe. You did this to me. You killed me.”

The corpse-Rainbow was upon her, broken arms reaching around her, pulling Shy into a twisted embrace. Shy could feel fetid breath on her neck as her dead girlfriend kissed her neck and pulled her hair so that she was looking her straight in the eyes.

“It was for you. You. Killed. Me.”

Fluttershy screamed herself awake in the darkness of her room, sweat pouring off her. Rarity and Twilight thundered through the door to comfort her to now avail. Sleep was impossible now. This was the seventh night, the seventh time the dream had assaulted her with the cold hard truth. Dash’s voice was still in her ears. Hopefully the funeral later that day would set some of this to rest.

2pm, that afternoon.

The funeral was to be held at the lakeside. Everyone agreed it was the perfect location. Grey clouds had been arranged for the occasion. No bright sun today. Nature itself was manipulated to reflect the solemn air. Of course the mayor and princesses had insisted on a full state funeral. No small dignified affair would suffice, no small send off was allowed for the passing of one of Equestria’s greatest heroes. Fluttershy hated it. There were hundreds of seats arranged in front of the raised podium. Next to it was the casket and grave. Fluttershy along with Twilight, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie all sat along the front row, mere feet away from the coffin. All the seats were filled behind them. Some people she knew well, others she knew just by name, many many others she hadn't even met. It seemed like the whole of Equestria had emptied out to pay its respects to Rainbow.

Fluttershy was vaguely aware Twilight was standing at the podium, she was speaking. Celestia and Luna respectfully stood behind her, allowing her to conduct the service. Shy could hear Twilight rambling on, occasionally catching words like “nobility of spirit, courageous, exemplary character…….” Fluttershy was sure Rainbow would’ve hated her using words she didn't understand. Although she would've welcomed all the attention, she would've found it awesome.

Twilight was motioning to Fluttershy to come to the stand, handing Fluttershy the envelope so she could read out the last thing Rainbow had written. Shy stood there alone at the podium, facing out at the huge crowd in front of her. Ordinarily her courage would have failed her before now. Not today. She owed this to her Dashie. Opening the envelope she removed the paper within.

A small scream left her. On it was scrawled “your fault”, “you killed me”, “did it for you”, “it should be you in the hole”, “your fault”, “it should be you”. Dropping the paper she crumbled to her knees, sobbing into her hands. Instantly her friends were at her side, helping her up, drying her eyes. Someone handed her the paper back but she just shook her head, not even touching it let alone looking at the evil paper.

Twilight stood at the podium to read it out. Fluttershy made a vain effort to stop her, knowing what was scrawled on that paper. Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity misread her intent and pulled her into a four way hug as Twilight started her reading.

This was it. Everyone would know now. “It's your fault, you should be dead”

“Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you planned:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Than that you should remember and be sad.”

Twilight finished her reading, hers and everyone else's eyes full of tears they had been holding back. The massed crowd as one entity let out the grief they all felt. Fluttershy was stunned to her core, that wasn't what the paper had said, where was the accusing scrawls? With a shaking hand she took the paper from Twi, looked at it and it indeed had the tender poem her wife had wrote. In panic Shy screwed it up and threw it away. Absently Pinkie picked it up and placed it in her purse as Applejack steered Shy to the waiting grave with a gentle hand.

In silence Twilight and Pinkie stood on one side, Rarity and Applejack on the other. With a final goodbye to their friend they slowly lowered the casket into the hole as Fluttershy placed a single pink rose on the lid. Once it was finally resting at the bottom Shy threw a handful of dirt then stood back as Twilight and Rarity levitated the rest of the soil in place. A simple marble headstone marked Rainbow’s resting place on the bank of the lake.

In loving memory of

Rainbow Dash

1994 – 2014

Loving Wife

Sister

Loyal Friend

Fluttershy stood alone for a long time by the headstone, kept company by her thoughts.

“Your fault. You killed me. They all know you killed me. Should be you dead. YOUR FAULT!”

Rainbow Crash

Rainbow Dash was winning. She smiled to herself, “no surprise there” she thought as she sped along the racetrack. The athletic cyan Pegasus was on the second to last lap of the 42km race, having already completed 18 laps and being an impressive 500 metres ahead of her second place rival Thunder Lane. Although the pace was getting to her, her breathing coming in shallow gasps and the lactic acid building in her tired muscles Rainbow refused to slow down. She had trained for this, sacrificed too much for this moment and as Celestia was her witness she was going to win!

Turning the last corner Rainbow gracefully dipped her left wing slightly so as to better take it at speed she exited, the marker ahead confirming she was 2.5km from the finish line. Straightening up she saw the VIP box in the crowd, Rainbow knew the dignitaries there, Princess Celestia, her sister Princess Luna and of course her closest friends. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie were all cheering her onwards. Hungrily her eyes sought out the one girl Rainbow cared for most. Fluttershy. At that instant Rainbow saw her, a vision in the box, the normally shy and reserved yellow skinned girl with the pastel pink hair was transformed as she wildly cheered Rainbow on. Spurred by the sight of her lover, Rainbow knew she had to pour it on on the last straight. 2km to go. She pushed harder, stretching her arms in front of her, straightening her fingers and flattening her ears to her head. Angling her wings just so, she pointed her primary feathers backwards searching for that extra speed. It was working. Rainbow could instinctively feel the air lose pressure around her, beginning to cone around her outstretched fingers and over her arms and back. Static electricity sparked along her length and Rainbow knew she was close. Her muscles screamed in defiance, threatening to seize up but still she pushed, flapping her powerful blue wings ever harder. 1.5km to and she had it in the bag. Now was the time. With a final superhuman effort she felt herself go that little bit extra, then it happened.

With 1km to go Rainbow Dash hit the speed of sound. She felt it happen. The sonic rainboom exploded behind her in a cascade of colour. The crowd was going nuts, they always did when Rainbow performed her signature trick. It was so spectacular it never got old or tired. It was unnecessary to do it, but this race was all about impressing the Wonderbolts, particularly their captain, Spitfire. The first three across the line won the priviledge of trying out for the Wonderbolts Elite Flying team, and Rainbow Dash was nothing if not above a little showing off. At this speed she’d be across the line in under three seconds. 1st place was hers, Rainbow had done it!

In that instant she knew something was very wrong. She was flying way too fast to make the wide upcoming corner. Flaring her wings out to their fullest Rainbow tried every aerodynamic trick she knew to arrest her speed. It was working, she was slowing but not enough. Then came the pain, deep lancing pain in her lungs made her cough and lose breath, her world was going dark at the edges, bolts of bright light flashed across her retinas disorienting her. In a panic she dipped both wings in a frantic attempt to further slow down, but Equestria’s self proclaimed best flier misjudged the manoeuvre and a split second later she was out of control, spinning towards the ground at half the speed of sound. At 150km/second Rainbow Dash impacted the ground. Unconsciousness claimed her as she saw Fluttershy speeding towards her prone form, yellow wings beating to get her to Rainbow as fast as she could, tears streaming from her eyes and worry all over her face. The disbelieving gasps of the crowd fell away as Fluttershy found Rainbow, kneeling beside her lover in the dirt of the racetrack as emergency medical staff from the university attended them, trying to remove Fluttershy so she could be treated. Fluttershy wasn’t going anywhere however, her hand entwined in Rainbow’s own as she was loaded on to the stretcher.

Rainbow was out but far from unaware, Pegasus senses were more attuned than those of other girls at the university. She could still hear and feel the noises around her. Chief amongst her feelings was a truly AWESOME amount of pain, coming from everywhere at once. She’d had spills and accidents before but nothing like this. She knew this was bad, very bad. A spasm in her right wing told her she’d broken it, along with her left leg and right arm. It worried her that she couldn’t feel her left wing, there was a heavy weight of “something” hanging limp and useless at her left flank but it certainly didn't feel like her wing. Then she felt a touch, a soft touch of caring fingers running through her multi coloured hair, down her face and coming to rest briefly on the hard leather collar around her neck. The collar. She’d worn it every day of the past two years, since she’d first gotten together with Fluttershy. It was her mark, a symbol that Rainbow belonged to Shy. Mind, body and soul Rainbow was Fluttershy's. That was exactly the way Dash liked it. At first the collar was a game, a way to stop her losing control when she was intimate with Shy. Now though Rainbow wore it as a badge of honour, even having it engraved with Fluttershy's name in pink lettering for her birthday last year. Shy had loved that. Their relationship had long since stopped being news, their more unusual dynamic being accepted on the university campus. Everyone knew Fluttershy was in charge, that she “wore the trousers” as it were, and that Dash was submissive to her, at times even being her pet. That’s just how it was, and nobody could deny they weren't happy.

Rainbow could hear voices now, no doubt a crowd had grown around her and the paramedics.

“Her wing…………..look at her wing” Blossom Forth

“Which one? They’re both fucked” Thunder Lane

“Thunder Lane stop, you know she can hear you!” Cloud Kicker

“Holy shit, how’s she even alive?” Flitter

“How can they bend that way?” Blossom Forth

“Fuck!!” Lightning Dust

“My god she’s bleeding, look at the blood!” Scootaloo

“I can see bones! Shit!” Flitter

“Gonna hurl!” Thunder Lane

Then among the cacophony of mingled voices came a soft almost inaudible voice that carried such a hard edge that silenced them all instantly.

“Everybody BACK OFF! Leave her alone to be treated, um please”.

It felt good to Rainbow to hear herself defended, at the same time she could hear the teachers attempting to disperse the crowd do the paramedics could get her in the ambulance. She could feel bandages being wrapped around her, she could feel needles injecting into her, administering the pain killers and muscle relaxants removing her remaining senses and fully anaesthetising her. The last thing Rainbow felt was a single tear impacting her closed eyes, the last thing she heard was a very quiet “I love you Dashie”.