Everybody Wins

Chapters

Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Beginning Anew (Chapter Seven)
Chapter 8

Chapter Four

These excerpts are taken directly from Pegasus Device by: AuroraDawn

"Everybody wins," Dash announced with pride, hefting Corona onto the conveyor belt. The orange pony groaned, stirring, but Dash ignored him and walked towards the controls. Atmosphere grinned and stood next to her, helping her do the final set up before the Device could run.

"Rainbow Dash!"
That voice, it almost sounded familiar. It echoed in the back of Rainbow Dashes head.

"You let my friends go! NOW!"

"Why in all of Equestria would I do that."

"If you don't, I'll open this valve!"

Dash turned, staring at the strange mare standing on the scaffolding and noticed exactly which valve she had her hooves on. Her rose eyes connected with the dusty purple ones of the stranger, and her heart stopped.

"It can't be," Rainbow whispered to no one in particular. "Who do you think you are?" she screamed.

"I've heard 'not a single soul gets through' muttered in these halls more than once," Absentia said.

Dash couldn't speak. She could only look in stunned silence, her body quivering. Eventually, Dr. Atmosphere stepped forward, chuckling nervously.

"N-now, you won't do that. There's no point, you see. You'll take us out, yes, but your friends with us. And without Dash or myself," he continued, gaining confidence, "you'll never be able to get out of this factory! So, what now, you foolish filly? What could you possibly hope to do?"
Absentia ignored Hide, still looking into Rainbow's eyes. She had had a future, once. Cloud Cover had tried to explain that once they were out, Absentia too could have a future of her own. I don't care about a future, she figured. I just want to fly.
"I killed you! You're dead!" It hit Rainbow Dash in a flood.

"You're right, Dashi, I am dead. I'm a ghost. A ghost that loved you like a sister."

"But, how?"

"HOW?!? YOU kept me alive all these years. You know how? I want to know 'Why?'"

"But I didn't... I-I saw to it myself, I did it with my own hooves!! You're DEAD! I killed the worthless failure that disappointed me that day."

"Yes, you did, but you couldn't harm your little sister who you loved so much!"

"My little sister...," Dash said, showing the beginnings of a smile. Reality snapping her back, the smile was gone in an instant. "Even so, what are you going to do? Dr. Atmosphere is right, you can't get out of here without one of us at least."

"You're right, Dashi. Unless we all go out together."

Rainbows eyes were as large as plates. She couldn't fathom that this mare could do such a thing.

"Why would you do that?"

"That way 'everybody wins'. Isn't that what you said?"

"My dear, I'm sure there is a way to work this out without causing any more death than what has been done already," said Hide coolly.

"Who would run my company if you take us all out?" questioned Rainbow. Still defiant.

"I'm pretty sure there would be somepony to step in and maybe even stop all the senseless killing of 'failees'," said Scootaloo.

"I can assure you there is indeed a process that can do just that my dear. It was just recently discovered, and we haven't had a chance to start using it yet," said Hide.

As if a light switch had flipped, Rainbows mind came back to her. The insanity, that she only knew as heartbreak, was gone. Her mind raced, trying to comprehend the implications. If this mare was indeed who she seemed to be, then she would do anything to keep her alive. She would have a second chance with her little sister. Even if that meant that the Company suffered and Hide got his way. But Dash didn't care about that stuff right now.

With tears starting to pour out of Dash's eyes. "Scootaloo? I don't know 'how' or even 'why' you are here. But I do know that I love YOU more than anything. Even more than this company. I would understand if you could never forgive me for what I've done. I'm not sure I can even do that. But, at least let me try to make it up to you."

"How? How could I do that, Dash? All the horrible things that have happened in this place. And you were the one that made it happen."

"I know how horrible it....I was, but please!? Please! I don't want to lose my little sister again! I couldn't bare it, even in death, it would be too much to take."

Scootaloo stood there ready to throw open the valve that would end everything. Stop all the violence, torture and senseless killings from ever happening again. She was so sure of what she had to do when she got up on that catwalk. But, now she wasn't sure at all. She was given a way to save her friends and get another chance with the one mare she loved most in the world. "All of this will stop? Right now? No more killing of foals because they made one mistake?"

Dr. Atmosphere spoke up. "I can make that promise to you right now! There will be no more of the barbaric ways of the past. We, together, all of us here, can grow this company for the better. I know you have no reason to trust me, but the plans are already in place to come clean about what was happening here, in the upper floors of the factory. And to unveil our newest technology that will have ponies coming from far and wide to help create rainbows. No death. No violence. All I ask is that you give me, err, us the chance my dear."

"Dashi, can I trust you to do that? To stop all the violence of this place?"

Rainbow walked slowly to the controls of the machine, only taking her eyes from Scootaloo's long enough to make sure she was hitting the correct buttons. The pegasus device turned off. Rainbow sighed, knowing that it would be for the last time. "Your friends are free to go." She went and untied them, helped them off the conveyor and stood back beside Hide again. "No more violence. I promise. I don't want any more deaths caused by my hooves."

Cloud Cover and Corona, both, stood in astonishment at what they were witnessing. Not sure if they could or should trust Rainbow Dash or Dr. Atmosphere.

Cloud gave Absentia an unknowing look of what they should do.

Corona was just glad to not be on the conveyor and on his way to death.

"Well, my dear, the proverbial 'ball is in your court'," said Hide.

Scootaloo looked at everypony, all she wanted to do was fly again. Be it with her new friends, Rainbow Dash or both, she knew that that one thing was what she wanted most right now. She took her hooves off the valve and stood watching Dash and Hide for any signs that this was a trick. As she backed away from the valve Rainbow kicked off the floor and was nose to nose with her before anypony had a chance to think.

Cloud and Corona started to launch, but Hide gently rested a hoof on their shoulders and just shook his head with a smile. "This pony isn't the insane Ms. Dash we all have come to fear. That pony is gone. I saw it in her eyes as soon as she realized that this was her sister and there was some kind of hope that they could be together again," he whispered just for their ears.

Rainbow stood, looking into those purple eyes. She knew this was her little sister. Knew it in the depths of her heart. She grabbed her up in a hug so big they almost toppled over the railing. She was sobbing now. Tears of joy, true joy, something Rainbow hadn't had in two decades.

Scootaloo, almost thought Rainbow Dash was trying to kill her, but after hearing the sobbing and feeling the tears run down her, she finally returned the hug and started sobbing with her older sister. She was happy, but still angry for what Dash did to her. She had all these questions she wanted to ask, but she knew they would be answered in time. She still wanted to fly.

Dr. Atmosphere gathered the group. "Are you ready to change history for the pegasi race? I know I am!"

With that they all headed to the elevator.

Dash looked at Scootaloo and realized that she needed to be cleaned up and looked at by a real doctor. Also, the question of 'how' never got answered. "Hide! Do you have any idea who would defy me and go into the Main Theater?"

Hide, continued to walk towards the elevator, not looking at her. "I did. And there, hanging from the chains was this filly, who you must have loved so dearly. I knew it, because she was still alive. I figured, when you came to your senses you would release her. So, I had one of the workers feed and walk her all these years."

"How could you not tell me?" She said with anger and sadness in her voice.

"You never went back into the Theater. Besides you were quite adamant about nopony ever going back there, and a little crazy to boot."

Rainbow Dash shot a look of pure anger toward the red stallion. "I think, you would be a little crazy too, if you had just sentenced your one and only little sister to death!"

"I sincerely agree, but I guess things worked out after all. In a manner of speaking, I mean. And you two," speaking to Cloud and Corona. "WOW, what a Tarturus of a show you put on. I haven't had that much excitement since the last time this happened. Although, I believe that this time is going to be a much happier ending."

They all entered the elevator together. On the way down, no one spoke. Cloud Cover and Corona, happy to be getting out of hell. Scootaloo still wanting nothing more than to fly. Rainbow Dash needing to be with the one she loved most in the world, even if that meant leaving the Weather Company that she had such a big hand in building. Hide Atmosphere wanting nothing more than a new beginning for the pegasus race.

Reaching the bottom floor Hides hoof hovered over the 'door open' button.

"Ready to change the world?" he asked as the doors slid open.

Chapter Five

They all stepped out of the elevator onto the bottom floor of the Factory. It was empty, except for them. They all headed toward the front of the building.

"What do we do now?" Corona asked.

"Well, the first thing I would do is go tell my parents that I passed the test, as it were. Then come back here so we can all get this place back in shape," said Hide.

"Why would we want to ever come back here?" asked Cloud.

"Well, as partners, your help and presence would be greatly appreciated as we go through this transition."

"Partners? Wait just a minute now!" protested Rainbow." This is still MY Factory you know."

"My apologies Ms. Dash, but I think that this is the least we could do for our new friends, and old. After all that they have been through to bring back Scootaloo and end all the violence. Don't you agree? Plus, I will need some help since you will want to spend most of your time with your little sister, I'm sure."

"Fine, I guess I can see your point. Welcome to the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation family."

With that, they had reached the front doors.

"Scoots, let's get you to a doctor so we can get to flying again. What do ya say?"

"I would like that Dashi!"

"Where do you want to go first, Corona?", asked Cloud.

"I'm not really sure."

"My house first then. We'll be back soon."

"Sounds good to me," said Corona.

As everyone went their separate ways, leaving Hide Atmosphere to himself, he thought of how glorious this new factory was going to be. Ponies coming from far and wide to donate blood for the purpose of making rainbows. They would even pay to do it. Right then and there he was working on what needed to be done to get the factory up and running again only with the new changes, opposed to the old ways.

Rainbow gently helped Scootaloo wash the twenty years of grime from her body. She used extra care with her wings. The wounds left from the barbed wire were pretty deep. She had scars from all the years of torture and persecution. As the grime disappeared, Rainbow couldn't help but see just how beautiful Scootaloo had become. She was heartbroken to see that Scoot's cutie mark had never appeared.

"I promise that I will help you get your cutie mark Scoot's, if it's the last thing I ever do!"

"Thanks Rainbow, but I don't think that it really matters anymore. All that matters is that I get to fly again."

"Are you kidding? That's what you were all about! Being part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and all!"

"That was in a former life. One that has been long lost and forgotten."

"I'm so sorry Scootaloo. I...... I know I'm the one responsible, but I wish there was some way I could make it up to you," Dash said with tears in her eyes.

"I just want to be out there flying. I know my wings are going to get better and seeing the doctor will help, I'm sure."

"You're right. So let's finish getting you cleaned up and we'll be off in a jiff."

Rainbow had a nagging question that she needed answered. A question that, with the anger and disappointment she had felt that day, she was unable to ask. She felt that this was as good a time as any.

Tentatively, she said, "Scootaloo, I didn't have the ability or control to ask you what happened to cause you to not pass your flight test that day. I would understand if you don't want to talk about it."

Scootaloo took a breath and sighed deeply. "Well, we were all nervous. Orion especially. AuroraDawn was the first up. She cleared, flew, and fell."

"So, she passed."

"No. She was the last pony you killed to get to me. And she was my friend."

"Scoo-"

Scootaloo cut her off. "She opened her wings at the end of her fall and they disjointed. She had done that move perfectly in all of our practices. Then, no one came to help her. It wasn't her fault!", Scootaloo was yelling now. "She couldn't help it, Dash! No one helped her!" Calming in an instant. "Except Orion. He refused to take the test. My best friend. He failed himself to help her. The others just ignored them. They took their test and left. Left them to die, Dash. I was the last to go. I had flown with you so much that I knew I could pass with no problems. I took off, instinct took over and I cleared with no problem. I started through the rings... 1... 2... 3, but as I was headed toward the fourth I glimpsed Orion and Aurora. It broke my concentration, knowing I would never see them again, and I ran into the bottom of the ring." Scootaloo was crying now.

Rainbow dash wasn't sure what to say or do. She wanted to comfort Scootaloo, but SHE was the one that had killed both of her friends. Her mind was racing. She was angry again. But the anger wasn't for Scootaloo. It was for Orion. It was his fault that Scootaloo failed her test. She was shaking. Not from the anger, but from the thoughts of what she had done to Scootaloo by choosing him first. Then she remembered the filly with the bandaged wings, that was the last pony between her and Scootaloo, and what she had done to her. Instead of feeling anger, she felt sick. She collapsed. She couldn't take it anymore. All of the images from that day flashing through her mind. She was ashamed of everything she had done.

Rainbow was curled up on the floor sobbing and muttering that she was sorry for everything. Not just what she had done to Scootaloo, but everything.

Scootaloo didn't know what to do. She didn't think that Rainbow Dash was going to break down like this, or she wouldn't have told her. She would have lied. Told her she couldn't remember. She wiped the tears from her eyes and curled up next to Rainbow, like she had done so many times before when she was young.

Rainbow hugged Scootaloo for all she was worth. "Scoots, please help me. I need you. I am so ashamed of what I've done. What I've done to you. Don't forgive me. Just be here for me, please.

"I still love you, Dashi. I don't know if I can forgive you, but I will always be here for you," Scootaloo said softly.

"I love you too," replied Rainbow.

They finished getting ready and headed to the doctor. The visit went well. Although the doctor was concerned that Scootaloo didn't have her cutie mark. They made up some outlandish excuse about how Scootaloo has tried so many different things in her life that her cutie mark just doesn't know what it should be and that they were still working on it. The doctor reluctantly accepted their excuse. He prescribed good food and short flights until her full strength returned and the wounds on her wings had healed.

"Did you hear THAT! You will be up and flying in no time. What a team we are. Coming up with that excuse on the fly like that," Rainbow beamed.

"We were an unstoppable team weren't we?" Scootaloo said with a pang in her voice.

"What do you mean 'were'? We still are. What gives?"

"I've dreamt of this for so long, Dash. Now that I have it, I don't know if it's real or a dream."

"This is as real as it gets, Scootaloo. Me and you together. And Cloud and Corona alive. They have you to thank for that you know. I hope you see it."

"I know. I also know that if it weren't for them we wouldn't be here together. For being failures, I think they passed something much harder than the flight test."

"Please, don't use that to describe them, but you're right. They are the reason we are here right now, and I don't want to disrespect anypony that helped that happen. I just hope that one day all of you can forgive me for what I've done."

"I think we should get back and find the others."

"Ok, Scoots. Whatever you want."

"Mom, Dad I'm home! I made it!" screamed Cloud Cover as she ran in the front door.

"What happened to you? Are you ok? You look terrible!" her parents said together.

"We, Corona and I, just had the most horrible experience. We actually failed the flight test and were going to be killed in the Rainbow Factory!" Just then she heard the TV in the background. It was showing Dr. Atmosphere in a news conference explaining what has been taking place inside the walls of the upper factory for centuries. That there was new technology that would change that forever.

Cloud felt as if she were going to throw up. She wasn't sure why, only that it had something to do with the fact that she was now an official part of this. She also felt that she should be at the conference. "Mom, Dad we have to go. Sorry to cut this so short. I love you." With that they ran out the door and back to the factory as fast as they could. Leaving her parents dumbfounded of what their daughter just told them.

Dr. Atmosphere was there when they returned, along with Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

"Where are all the cameras and reporters," asked Cloud Cover skidding to a halt in front of the group.

"You must have seen the newscast then. It was prerecorded," said Hide.

"What newscast?" asked Rainbow.

"The one that is telling the world of the atrocities that have happened here. Also they are being told about the new technology that will be taking us to a new level for pegasi kind."

"I knew it was going to happen, but not this soon. Damn it Hide!"

"Ms. Dash-"

"Don't be a smart-colt, Hide."

"Rainbow, then, we needed to get this out as soon as possible. That way we can get the wrath of the Princesses out of the way."

"The Princesses! I didn't think about that!" She got that crazy look in her eyes. Scootaloo reached up and hugged her tightly and cooed to her that they were all in this together. That it would be ok no matter what happened. That brought her back.

"Yes, well, we will be visited by Princess Celestia and her team of investigators soon. I just hope that she will understand," Hide said not too sure of what the outcome might be.

Chapter Six

Gauge lay on the bed in the emergency ward of one of the upper levels. The piece of steel had been removed from his leg, but it left him unable to help get the factory back up and running like he was used to. He could barely get around on his own. He had his own personal helper for that though. Gentle Butterwing, the newest engineer to the team, helped to get him where he was allowed. Which was pretty much the emergency ward and the new location for the control room. It had comfortable chairs for them to sit in and help to orchestrate the cleanup, repairs and renovations that the factory was now under. He was also given the task of trying to 'fix' Gentle Butterwing's mind.

Gentle's mind had been twisted by all the violence happening in the upper factory. The deluge of horrible information that was given to her. The factory disintegrating in front of her, and finding Gauge with that piece of metal in his leg was the last straw. But seeing Gauge getting better, working with him and focusing on getting the factory up and running again, with no more violence, was all that was keeping her together. With the help of the workers, Gauge and she were able to get rid of most of the rubble and were starting to plan the actual repair of the factory.

Contrail mostly kept to himself and his work. He wasn't sure if he liked the thought of the 'new' technology and the fact that the 'herd' would have pegasi that weren't actually worthy of the lives they were now able to live. The old way was so ingrained in his mind. He figured he would have to accept the change or stand losing any sanity that he had regained. All he knew was that he worked for Cloudsdale Weather Corporation and it needed his help to get back up on its feet and on top of the weather again. It also kept his mind off of the loss of his friend Pipe Wrench, who was one of the unfortunate victims of the recent 'incident'.

During Princess Celestia's investigation of the Factory, she wanted nothing changed from when the news conference came out. She needed to see for herself exactly what two foals were able to do to this impenetrable Factory. She was told that Scootaloo was also somehow involved in this. A name that she had not heard in some years.

As she was shown all of the floors to the factory she couldn't help but imagine the atrocities that happened here. In the back of her mind she knew what was going on in the upper factory. She could just remember when the Factory was opened and the deal that was struck.

She also knew that these workers, in the upper factory, were all on the edge of sanity. She had met some of them. After all, they were on the front lines of the violence that occurred here. She wasn't sure how they could handle it at all.

What she was sure of was that Rainbow Dash and Dr. Atmosphere were sincere in their feelings of regret for what they were forced to do, and that they were the ones, along with their new partners, to get the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation out of this barbaric age and on the right track with this 'new technology'.

"Rainbow Dash, Dr. Atmosphere can you show me this Main Theater that I have heard so much about, please?"

"Yes, Princess Celestia, at once," they said in unison.

"Thank you. I believe that is where Scootaloo has lived most of her days?"

With tears welling up in her eyes, Rainbow Dash hung her head in shame and answered with a choked, "That's right."

Dr. Atmosphere stepped up and took over. "Princess, Rainbow Dash was unaware that she was still alive until the recent 'incident'. I don't think Ms. Dash should be put under any undue stress about this matter. I was the one who kept her alive, although it was not under the best of circumstances as we were still under the old ways. If we could excuse Ms. Dash from this part of the tour?"

"No! I-I need to do this. I need to go back. I need to go in there. I need to see for myself what it was like in that room for twenty years." Tears now completely filling her eyes.

Rainbow couldn't see for the tears and she let Hide lead her and the Princess to the Main Theater. It took all the courage she could gather to step through the doors. She wiped the tears away and she looked around the room. Again, she remembered. The floodgates opened, and she remembered. All the rage, all the disappointment and the way she wasn't able to bring herself to hurt her little sister. The way she had just left her hanging there to die on her own. Thinking, that in that way she would be spared the torment of watching her little sister torn to shreds in the pegasus device. She also noticed all the bones left on the floor and the barbed wire that was not there when she left Scootaloo hanging to die all alone.

The Princess and Hide had to pick her up off the floor because she was too distraught to even stand on her own. They helped her to the emergency ward and called for Scootaloo to meet them.

Scootaloo was waiting when they arrived. After seeing Dash in the state she was in she ran to her side.

"What happened?"

"She went into the Main Theater."

"How could you let her do that? You know how fragile she has been!"

"She insisted on going. I didn't want her to go. I figured, with the Princess here, that maybe she would be able to handle it," Hide said.

"I think she needs you my dearest Scootaloo," insisted Princess Celestia.

"Yes, Princess. If you think that would be best? I don't like coming back here, but I would do just about anything for Rainbow Dash." As she helped Dash into the room Dash started apologizing and saying how much she loved her. Sobbing like she never had done before.

"I know," said Scootaloo. Holding Rainbow Dash as tight as she could. Letting her get it all out of her system. Hoping this might help with some kind of closure for her older sister.

"Now, Dr. Atmosphere can we continue the tour?"

"Yes, Princess, as you wish. Where would you like to go next?"

"I would like to meet the two foals that caused all......THIS!"

"It would be my pleasure, Princess."

Cloud Cover and Corona had been down on the bottom floor of the factory when they received the call to meet Dr. Atmosphere and Princess Celestia at the elevator. They did not like being in the upper levels of the factory, as it still felt like they were not part of the family. They had been avoiding the Princess too. They both figured that they were going to be punished for all of the damage they had done to the factory.

They reached the elevator just as the doors opened. Out stepped Princess Celestia and Dr. Atmosphere. They went into a deep bow for the Princess. She acknowledged this and asked them to walk with her.

"Did you have a plan to cause all this destruction?" asked Princess Celestia.

"No. Not in the beginning. We were trying to run away is all," said Cloud. "When they told us that we were going to be 'used' to make rainbows, we were scared. We found an exhaust vent that was broken and fell down it. We were ready to give up when we found, Absentia, I mean Scootaloo."

"Absentia? How did you come by that name?" asked Princess Celestia.

"Cloud came up with it. From the old tongue. Cloud is really smart, like a bookworm. She was our editor of the school paper," said Corona proudly.

"Really. I had a Student once, who liked nothing more than to sit and read. She is extremely smart like you. Do you know Princess Twilight Sparkle?"

"I know who she is, but I have never met her," Cloud sighed.

"Perhaps that could be arranged," said Princess Celestia smiling. "And my sister, Princess Luna and Princess Cadence."

Cloud Cover almost passed out. She was certain that they were going to get punished, not asked to meet all the Princesses of Equestria.

"I don't understand Princess. I was sure that we were going to be punished for all the damage done."

"Cloud Cover, Corona you were not the cause of the damage to the factory. That was the workers trying to stop two scared foals running for their lives. I wanted to meet both of you. To congratulate you on bringing Scootaloo back from the dead and Rainbow Dash back from the brink of insanity. To thank you for helping bring the factory into the light for what was done here, and also for helping to start the change that so desperately needed to happen, sooner than later."

With those words she bowed deeply to the two foals standing in front of her. Dr. Atmosphere followed suit.

Cloud felt her legs go soft. It was all Corona could do to keep her on her feet. Neither could believe what was happening.

The Princess thanked Hide Atmosphere and left for Canterlot leaving the rest of the investigation of the factory to her investigators. She had been there long enough in her opinion.

Author's Note

I'm working on a continuation of this ending. But, I don't know if it will be a new story or new chapter/chapters. That is the reason for the incomplete.

Beginning Anew (Chapter Seven)

Contrail had been mostly correct in his assessment. It would be about a month to get the factory back into working order, although it wasn't going to be quite the same as it was.

Princess Celestia had taken her 'tour' and wanted the pegasus devices cleaned up, but not moved. She had said that they would be left in place as reminders to everypony of a time we should strive never to repeat.

Contrail didn't care about all that. He knew what he was about. It had been a long time since he could say that about himself. He had absorbed himself in his work since his mind had cleared. It helped keep Pipe Wrench out of his thoughts. It was a little ironic that the pony that had killed him was now one of his bosses. Not that Corona even tried to act like a boss anyway. He didn't care. He kind of liked the kid. Actually, when the two of them would come across each other, Contrail almost felt bad for Corona. He would try to at least be friendly, but Corona would look away, mumble something about being sorry for taking Pipe Wrench from him and then run off in another direction.

Contrail had many hours to contemplate what he would have done in the same situation. He concluded that he would have done the same thing. He just wanted to tell Corona that he no longer thought bad of him. Also, if Corona ever wanted to talk that he was willing to listen.

Gauge and Gentle were inseparable from the moment Gauge came out of surgery. Gauge had opened his eyes to see his leg fixed up and Gentle staring at him beaming, but muttering, "Broken. Fixed. Broken. Fixed." He could tell that she was trying so hard to keep herself together.

Dr. Atmosphere came to visit soon after Gauge had woken up. He told them that there were changes coming. That there would be no more violence in the factory.

That seemed to relax Gentle a tiny bit.

He continued, saying that Cloud, Corona, and Scootaloo had survived and were now partners in the Company.

That sent Gentles face into twitches and a most confused look. Dr. Atmosphere noticed just how close to full insanity she was. That's when Gauge was told that the responsibility of Gentles mental state was all his. They needed her sane so that she could help get the factory up and running as efficiently as possible. And somehow she had taken a liking to him and for that reason he was chosen to make her right.

He also said that the change that was coming would NOT lead Pegasi to a fall, but rather lift them to new heights.

Gauge would only believe it when he saw it.

"Trust me, my friend. Look after Gentle. Get yourself better. Get the factory back together and we will be back on top in no time. Got it?" Dr. Atmosphere told Gauge as he left.

Gauge nodded slowly.

That first week was awful. The medical staff wouldn't release him from his room. Saying his wounds were too severe to be out and about. Also, Princess Celestia wouldn't allow them to start the cleanup, which left him trying to keep Gentle from losing it. With nothing to keep her focused she would fade into herself, start giggling, then chant, "Broken. Fix. Broken. Fix." Sometimes, Gauge could snap her out of it by getting her to talk about the inefficiencies of the factory and what they could do to make it better. Other times he would have to just sit there and listen. Thinking to himself that if they didn’t get out of here soon he was going to go crazy himself.

The medical staff finally released him with orders that he could only go back and forth from the NEW control room to his hospital bed. Better than being stuck in that room all day, he thought to himself.

Gentle seemed to be happy, because she could now 'fix' the factory. She also seemed to like the idea that she was helping to fix Gauge as well. It worked out well for both ponies. Gauge wasn't able to get around on his own yet, so Gentle acted like his own personal assistant. It seemed to give her a sense of purpose and focus.

That first day back on the console was pretty tiring for Gauge. Gentle, seeing all the damage, was nearly completely useless. It was like she was trying to start on everything at once. Frantically switching from spot to spot. Gauge spent most of his time trying to keep Gentle as close to sane as possible. The rest was spent assessing just how much damage there really was and what it was going to take to get it repaired. That didn't include the clean up either.

As the weeks passed and the clean up transitioned into repairs, Gentle started to show signs of improvement. At least as far as Gauge could tell. She started making organized decisions for the cleanup and even had a schedule for the repairs. Of course, she still had her moments of hysterical laughing fits straight into crying, which ended just as fast as they would start. Then she would have her moments of sheer brilliance. Gauge thought if Gentle Butterwing had her way with this factory, it would be so efficient that the costs to run it might be cut down as much as 75%.

When he and Gentle had directed workers to start the repairs to the pegasus devices there was some confusion. The workers reported that they couldn't work on them. Gauge started getting really angry that they wouldn't do as instructed and was yelling at them over the intercom when Rainbow Dash interrupted. She told the workers to take a break. Then she announced that there was going to be a group meeting in the control room as soon as everypony could get there.

Gauge cringed. These meetings with Rainbow Dash usually ended with somepony being tortured. He was still in no shape to take any kind of torture.

Dr. Atmosphere along with Contrail were the first to arrive.

Contrail looked Gauge over. "You look like you've been to Tartarus and back."

"You look like you've lost your sense of humor," shot back Gauge.

Gentle started cackling.

"What happened to her?" asked Contrail.

"It seems you two have switched places. Hers is almost gone and yours is back," said Gauge.

Contrail looked at Gentle curiously.

"Sanity, my friend, he’s talking about your sanity," Dr. Atmosphere said.

"Hey, Doc, is this meeting really necessary? I mean, with Ms. Dash and all? She makes me real nervous," Gauge was still cringing. "I was hoping we could get back to it soon. You know what I mean?"

Atmosphere looked them all over for a minute. "There has been some changes. Firstly, Ms. Dash is not the same pony you had come to fear. You'll see when the others arrive. She is still fierce, don't get me wrong. Secondly... well... let's wait for the others."

Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Cloud Cover and Corona all headed toward the control room. Corona asked the question that Cloud was feeling. "Do WE have to go? These are the same ponies that were trying to kill us."

"Capture you, Corona. I was the one trying to kill you," said Dash sarcastically.

"That doesn't really help you know."

"I'm sorry. I was just trying to ease the tension."

"Speaking of tension," said Cloud, "we are outnumbered if you think about it."

"How so? There are four of us and, if you add Gauge and Gentle together... One, two, two point two-five, two point seven-five. I don't know, maybe, three?" joked Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo finally spoke, "Dashi? Didn't you just get done saying that you were the one trying to kill them?"

"Yes, but I... I see your point. I'm sorry. I don't think you realize just how much I’ve come to really care for you guys. You brought my little sister back to me! I owe you BIG time! So, don't you worry. I've got your back no matter what!"

Cloud and Corona looked at each other, then at Scootaloo. She looked at them both, smiled and nodded assuring them that Rainbow was telling the truth.

They walked with a new confidence from that one look Scootaloo gave them.

All of a sudden they were at the door to the control room. Rainbow Dash gave them a sly look, winked an eye and...

The door slammed open, Dash stomped in with a look so fierce even Dr. Hide Atmosphere took a step back.

Contrail leaped back looking for somewhere to disappear into.

Gauge nearly passed out.

Gentle squealed, then started to giggle.

Rainbow Dash grabbed her stomach and fell to the floor with laughter, "You should've seen your faces!"

Scootaloo, Cloud, and Corona came in and stood as far away from Contrail, Gentle, and Gauge as they could.

Hide shook his head and snickered. "Ms. Dash, I think we should get this started, if you would?"

“Yes, yes you're right. My apologies. Ok. First, I think introductions are in order. Scootaloo, this is Contrail, one of the smartest ponies I know, except for Princess Twilight. This is, Gauge, he knows this facility like the back of his hoof. This is, Gentle, I believe is her name, she is the newest addition to the engineering team. She has brilliant ideas of how we can make this place way more efficient. All, this is my little sister, Scootaloo."

"I have met them, if only briefly," Scootaloo said, looking away quickly.

All three looked at her like they had never seen her before.

Then she remembered. She looked different than she does now. "I was the mare with these two," pointing a hoof at Cloud and Corona, "that you were trying to stop."

They looked at Cloud and Corona. Then, all three looked at Scootaloo, shocked.

Scootaloo smiled, not knowing what else to say.

Rainbow broke the awkwardness. "Cloud Cover, this is, Contrail, Gauge, and Gentle."

Cloud stepped forward, smiled, nodded her head and said, "Hi, all."

"How could you bring them here? They’re the ones that did all of that," shouted Gentle, pointing at the screens. She had forgotten that Dr. Atmosphere had told her that they were now partners in the Weather Factory a couple of weeks ago. She leered at them.

Gauge had forgotten also. He was fuming mad, but held his tongue.

Rainbow stepped between Gentle, not sure of her mental state, and her newly adopted family ready to defend them to the death if need be. “Actually, it wasn’t them that did that. We did that.” She pointed at each one of them in turn, “You, you, and yes, even you, Contrail. I’m just as guilty. So is Dr. Atmosphere. But we’re over all that now. Got it!”

Contrail spoke up, "I think I heard that you made them partners in the factory, right? So... does that mean we’re going to be seeing a lot more of them around here?”

"What?" Gauge and Gentle said together.

"Yep, they have been brought into the company as partners for their ability to overcome adversities that would have squashed most other ponies. For setting this company on a new path, and for bringing back my most cherished possession in this world. My little sister. Who is also a partner," said Rainbow Dash, flashing a smile at Scootaloo.

Scootaloo was floored. She didn't think that the original offer included her. She had missed that part the day of the incident.

"And technically they are your bosses, but they don't know enough about the inner workings of the factory yet to give out any orders," concluded Dash. "So, that brings me to last but not least, Corona."

Corona stepped up beside Cloud and Scootaloo and said, "Hi."

"Best thing you've said to me in days!" Contrail admitted.

Corona still couldn't look at him, "I'm sorry, ok!"

"Fine. You’re sorry," Contrail said soothingly, "but we need to talk kid." He moved to stand by Corona.

Scootaloo started to intercept him.

"It's ok, Scootaloo. I need to do this sometime. I guess now is as good a time as any," Corona said, trying to convince himself as much as the others.

"Ok. Now that the introductions are done," announced Dr. Atmosphere. "If I may, Ms. Dash, inform these two about the pegasus devices and why they cannot be repaired?"

"Be my guest Dr. Atmosphere," returned Rainbow.

"When Princess Celestia was here, she said that the pegasus devices were to be cleaned up and left in place because they will remind us of a time that we never want to repeat. She also wants them to be inoperable." He paused for a minute. "I believe that once we get the new devices that Dr. Test Tube built into the production mode we will be replacing the pegasus devices with them."

"Sir, what does this new device do?" asked Gentle.

"It actually creates spectra from donated pony blood. And here’s the best part; without harming anypony."

"No more foals getting slaughtered!" Gentle screamed. "This is like waking up from a nightmare!"

"How is this going to help us as a race?" asked Gauge. Anger showing on his face.

"I know it seems like we are letting possible failures have lives they don't deserve, Gauge, but let me tell you that this will actually help the Pegasus race in the long run. We no longer have anypony to fear. This whole land of Equestria is peaceful. We will not fall. We will fly. I guarantee it!" Hide Atmosphere stomped his hoof.

"Well, do we know what needs to get done to get this place going again?" asked Rainbow Dash.

A collective, "Yes," was said by all.

"Now that we all know the plan, I think it will get done fairly quickly," said Gentle. Gauge looked at her from the corner of his eye. "What? I think we can get back into production in as little as three weeks from now."

"Production? Dear, I just wanted the factory RUNNING in FOUR weeks," said Dr. Atmosphere, surprised that she was so sure of herself. Like she wasn't on the edge of sanity at all.

"Even with all the damage that still needs to be repaired, I think we can get extremely efficient and still get everything up and running to the production level in the four weeks that you were expecting. There will still be ongoing upgrades of course, but if we stick to my schedule I think we can do it."

"I guess I'll be having a lot of sleepless nights. I think I might need somepony to help me out," said Contrail looking right at Corona. "What d'ya say? I can teach you about the factory and we can help each other get through some of this crap we might be dealing with."

Rainbow Dash cut off Corona's answer, " I don't know about that. It might be a little soon still. What do you think, Scoots?"

"I think, Corona needs to be the one to make that decision. Not us. Sorry, Dashi."

"Well. It's up to you, buddy."

Corona finally looked at Contrail. He could tell that he was trying to be sincere in his offer. "Ok. I guess it couldn't hurt anything to try."

"Sounds like we have a plan," said Dash. "Meeting adjourned."

As they all started to disperse. "Contrail, I need to talk to you. Alone, if I could, Corona?" Dash said.

"Sure, Ms. Dash."

Dash gave him a sideways squint eyed look, thinking she needed to tell him that he shouldn't call her that, but he was already heading off to join the others. She turned back to Contrail, "Contrail, I hope you are being sincere about trying to teach Corona about the factory."

"I really am, Ms. Dash. I've had time to think about it, and, well, I think I would have done the same in their situation."

"In that case, you can't let anything happen to any of them if they are working with you. Understand?"

"Yes, Ms. Dash," he said, nodding his head.

As Corona reached Cloud and Scootaloo he asked, "What do you think they are talking about?"

"Probably, what the factory needs and how Contrail will most likely be handling most of the stuff on the floor since Gauge and Gentle will be in the control room directing," said Cloud.

Just then they all saw Rainbow Dash stomp the floor along with a crazed look at Contrail with more discussion.

"NO. I don't think you do." Stamping a hoof. "See, they have become like my own colt and filly. If something happened to them... I think that the clarity that has found you and I again might just slip away. And this place might revert back to its old ways for a while. A little torture before we get back up and running. NOW, do you understand?"

"I will treat them like the foals I never had, Ms. Dash."

"So long as we're clear. Thanks, Contrail."

And just like that Rainbow Dash was off with her new found family.

Contrail stood, thinking. What did I just get myself into? He looked around and noticed just how dangerous the factory really was. That's without it being half destroyed. He whistled out loud and headed toward his work.

"I thought I was going to go help Contrail?"

"You are," said Dash trotting up to them.

"Where is he going then?"

"He has a lot on his mind right now. Go catch him. Be CAREFUL!" Rainbow screamed after him.

"Dash, are you sure he'll be alright?" Cloud asked.

"Contrail knows what needs to be done. Corona will be fine. Besides, Contrail needs somepony right now, and Corona had to do something that nopony as young as you guys should ever have had to do. I have a feeling that this will be good for both of them. But, if Corona calls me 'Ms. Dash’ again, I think I'll clobber him."

Cloud and Scootaloo both giggled.

"So, what are we off to do, Dashi?" asked Scootaloo.

"We have some work of our own to do. Let's go." The three of them headed down the corridor.

Corona caught up to Contrail not too far down the hall. "Contrail, wait up. I thought you wanted to talk?"

"Yeah, I do. There will be plenty of time for that while we get this place whipped back into shape. Are you ready for a little hard work?"

"I'm not scared of work. This place is a little intimidating though," said Corona as he looked at all the different pipes, valves, and conduit running in all directions throughout the factory.

"If you don't know what you're doing, not only is it intimidating, it can be downright dangerous. I need you to only touch what I tell you too, ok?"

"Sure. So, where are we going to start?"

"I think we need to get down to the old section and get started on fixing the systems that took the most damage." He stopped in his tracks. "We don't have to go there yet, actually."

"That's ok. we can start there if you want to."

"I don't think that would be the best place to start after all. Too many... memories."

"Oh! You mean... THE old part of the factory. I think you make a good point. I don't think I'm ready to go back there yet myself."

They both stood there. Eyes wide. Wondering when or if they would ever be ready to go back.

"I know of a place in a totally different section that we can get started in. How does that sound?" Contrail was looking at Corona now.

"Um, yeah. I think that would work out nicely," Corona was still uncomfortable looking directly into Contrails eyes.

Contrail could tell that he was still feeling guilty. "Corona, I've been trying to tell you for a while that I know you only did what you thought you had to. I would have done the same in your situation. I'm still sad, but I'm trying to work through it. I can't say that I don't blame you. Not yet at least. I'm hoping that I can one day. But, I get why."

"You have every right to blame me. I was the one that killed him. But in my defense, it was me or him, or at least that was the way the situation looked to me."

"We were given strict orders not to kill either of you. Don't look like at me like that. You didn't know that. Neither did any of the other workers that were there fighting. After Pipe Wrench fell, I left the fight knowing that they didn't know you were to be left alive. I actually had hoped one of them would get you."

Corona started shaking. He was scared. They were alone, and Contrail just said that he wished that he had been killed. I have to work on this dangerous stuff with him!

"I'm actually glad that you made it though. You, Cloud, and Scootaloo have all saved a lot of lives. I don't know if it will turn out good or bad, but as long as we have work to do then we will have a purpose. That's all we can ask for. Well, that, and a friend. I was hoping that we could try to be friends."

"What? How could you want to be friends with me? I took your friend from you. I don't understand."

"You don't have to understand because I don't understand it either. Although, you and I are similar. Not quite the same, but similar."

"How's that?"

"I have seen a lot of death in here. More than I want to ever remember. I built the machine that caused most of it. So, in that way, their blood is on my hooves. You, my friend, have blood on your hooves as well. You killed somepony yourself. I call that pretty similar. You see where I'm coming from now?"

"I still don't get it. Are you trying to mess with my head? I don't think I can do this, Contrail."

"Look, I'm not trying to mess with you at all. Do you remember when I said, 'Good luck, make pretty rainbows, whatever your fate is I hope it works out well for everypony. And remember, no pony is better than anypony else'."

"I remember."

"I meant what I said. I'm not any better than you are. In some ways, probably worse. I wasn't trying to save my own life when I built that machine. Yet, I am responsible for a lot of lives that have been ended just so we could make rainbows. That's a lot to take, especially alone. I was thinking that we could try to get through being murderers together."

"Ok. I get it. I'm a horrible pony!"

Contrail sighed, "You still aren't getting it. I didn't mean to call you a murderer. I just meant that I need a friend and I thought that you could be that friend. If you don't want to be my friend that's fine. I'll take you back to the offices so you can hang out with Ms. Dash and Dr. Atmosphere."

"Contrail, I don't want to go back to the offices. I would like to learn how the factory works. If we become friends while doing that, well, then it's Celestia's own will. That's what I can offer. I hope that would be something you can accept?"

"I think I can accept that. It's a start in the right direction anyway. You ready to get to work then?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Rainbow, Scootaloo, and Cloud all walked down the hall joking and laughing. Mainly Rainbow telling the jokes and the others laughing at them. They went on this way until they were outside in front of the factory.

Finally, Cloud spoke up, "Where are we going anyway, Dash?"

"I think there is somepony that we need to go see. I'm not going to lie, I can't do this myself," Dash replied.

Scootaloo was at a loss to think who it could be. "Ok, Dash. I give up. Who is it?"

"You'll know when we get there. How do your wings feel, Scoots?"

"They’re doing better. I can fly, but not more than thirty minutes at a time. Doctors orders," Scootaloo said rolling her eyes.

Cloud broke in, "Scootaloo, you know the doctor is right. You should take it easy. If you push too hard you might not be able to fly at all."

"She's right, Scoots. I would've pushed you hard in the past, but I want you to fly as well as you once did. So, let's not push too hard, ok?" said Rainbow looking pained at the thought of Scootaloo not flying ever again.

“How far do we have to go then, Dashi? How far is it from here to see this pony?” Scootaloo asked wondering who it could be.

“I need you to help me go visit Ponyville, ok? I haven’t been back there in years. I… I thought that my friends were abandoning me, but it was me who was pushing them away. Oh, Scoots. What am I gonna do? I’m scared. Will my friends even want to see me much less talk to me?” Tears were forming in Rainbows eyes and she hung her head.

Scootaloo looked at Cloud with concern for Rainbows state of mind. She turned back to look at Rainbow, “Dashi, look at me for a second won’t you? I think if you made the attempt at an apology to them, they might forgive you. Without trying you won’t ever know. We can only go as your support group. Cloud nor I can do this for you.”

“I know. A support group would be awesome. I couldn’t do this alone. Thanks, gals,” Rainbow said wiping her tears with a foreleg. “I guess we can take the train. That would be best I think.”

“I agree. Scootaloo’s wings would definitely not make it to Ponyville from here. Sorry, Scootaloo I know how much you want to fly, but I think the train would be our safest route,” Cloud said, watching Scootaloo’s reaction to her two best friends telling her that they didn’t want her to do the only thing that she ever wanted.

Gauge and Gentle hadn’t spoken for a little while after Dr. Atmosphere excused himself from the meeting. Finally, Gentle broke the silence, “What the horsefeathers just happened? I’m fine with no more killing, but how did those three get to be partners? We’re the ones busting our flanks for this place.”

“I don’t like this one bit. All this is going to end in a big mistake. Mark my words. I think Dr. Atmosphere wants to retire and all this is so he can. I guess, if we wanted to we could go find other jobs now too. I’m not sure, but I think we are free to come and go as we please also. Still, I have too much time invested in this factory to leave it. Not that I have anywhere else to go anyway,” said Gauge.

Gentle just nodded her head. She didn’t know that they could leave. I could leave. I could leave? Could I leave? She was trying to comprehend the possibilities of that statement and forgot about the three new partners. This place is such a mess. I think I need to stay. This place could use a major overhaul. I’m staying. Gauge needs me too. Another reason to stay. It’s settled then. “I’m staying too,” she said aloud.

“I figured you would be gone as soon as you found out that we could leave,” Gauge said with a little sadness in his voice. There was a tiny piece of him that hoped she would go. Maybe find something a little less chaotic.

“I couldn’t leave you,” she said blushing. “Plus, I believe I could do some good with the factory too,” Gentle said glancing up at Gauge shyly.

“Thanks for sticking with me, Gentle. I think the factory will flourish with your improvements. I… I’m just not sure about this new plan. I think it’s too drastic of a change. If you haven’t noticed I’m not very fond of change. Especially after spending so many years doing the same thing,” Gauge said looking to the floor.

“Sometimes… change is a good thing. I think that this is going to work out for the better. I know it is. I have to believe it will or… or…,” she started trembling from the thoughts going through her mind, “I… I don’t want to think about it. Let’s get back to work. This place really needs our help,” she said, looking back at the screens.

Gauge looked at her with a raised eyebrow, “Sure, Gentle. I think that’s a good idea.”

“Contrail, where are we going? Isn’t most of the damage that way?” Corona asked looking back down the hall.

“Huh? Oh. Yeah,” Contrail said distracted. He kept walking anyway.

“What’s going on Contrail? All of a sudden you seem to be very distracted,” Corona said wrinkling his brow at Contrail. “What gives?”

Stopping in his tracks Contrail wasn’t sure where he was going. “Sorry, Corona. I’m not sure where I was heading. Just walking I suppose,” Contrail said looking around trying to find his bearings. He knew where he was, but had no idea why he had come this way. Well, maybe he did. He was under the strictest of orders to keep Corona safe and that was going to be difficult with all the mess that was left to sort out. Why did I agree to this? I wanted him to be my friend, but now… now I have to be his… his guardian. That isn’t what I wanted at all. “Corona, I…” not sure if he should say anything about Ms. Dash’s order, “I guess we need to go back the other way.”

“Really,” Corona said sarcastically. “What is going on? First we agreed to not go to the main theatre for obvious reasons, but there was plenty to do in other places. Why the distracted walk?” Corona asked a little miffed.

“I… ok. Fine. The truth. I was put under strict orders from Ms. Dash to protect you from harm. I am supposed to look after you like you were my own colt. Also, Cloud. Like she was my own filly,” Contrail said looking at Corona with an odd look on his face.

Corona knew he wasn’t supposed to know or Contrail wouldn’t have made that face. “Contrail, you really didn’t have to tell me that. She didn’t want us to know, did she?”

“No, she didn’t, but if we might be friends someday I think we need to be honest with each other. Don’t you think?” Contrail said smiling slightly.

“I think honesty is good no matter what. But how am I supposed to learn about the workings of the factory if you hide me away?”

“I don’t want to hide you away. I wanted you to help me fix this place and put it back together. It is a dangerous place though. After what Ms. Dash said, I don’t know what to do. I wanted you to be able to get your hooves dirty, but if you get hurt,” Contrail shuddered with the thought of what Rainbow Dash would do to him, “I don’t think I could handle the torture that would be inflicted on me.”

“Torture!? Is that what her talk was about? Contrail, I… I don’t want anypony getting tortured. Especially because of me. You can take me back to the offices after all. You can’t do your job and be worrying about me at the same time. One or both of us is bound to get hurt or dead that way, but I really would’ve liked to learn the inner workings of this place,” Corona said, looking around as he started off towards the elevator.

Contrail wasn’t sure what to do. He knew that this colt had just been as honest as anypony could’ve been. If he was worrying about Corona’s safety though, then he would surely miss something and get them both hurt or worse. He also didn’t want Corona to feel that he was just dumping him off. “Corona, I know you don’t like me anyway, but I think we could’ve been friends given different circumstances.”

“It’s ok, Contrail. We’ll hang out later. If you think you’re getting out of teaching me how this place works? Try again. I’ll talk to Rainbow Dash about not torturing ponies anymore and maybe we can get to work tomorrow,” Corona said, giving Contrail a small knowing grin over his shoulder.

Contrail hung his head as he started following Corona to the elevator. “I guess this is the best way. If Ms. Dash takes back her threat I’ll make sure you learn everything that I can teach you, but only if she takes it back,” he said shuddering again.

At the train station Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Cloud stood on the platform with tickets in hand for Ponyville. Rainbow was looking nervous.

“Are you ok, Dashi?” Scootaloo asked, furrowing her brow.

“Huh? Oh. Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little anxious is all,” Rainbow said with a small nervous giggle.

“Rainbow Dash, you know we could postpone this trip. We could wait for Scootaloo’s wings to get better and then fly to Ponyville,” Cloud said somewhat hopeful.

“This trip isn’t just for me. This is for you too. There is somepony there that I think you should meet. Actually, Princess Celestia wants you to meet this pony too,” Rainbow said giving Cloud a reassuring smile.

The train came into the station. Scootaloo and Cloud both stood and watched Rainbow Dash, waiting for her to get onto the train. She didn’t move. “What if they hate me?” Rainbow said with wide blank staring eyes.

“Dashi! The only way you will ever know is to go back. Let’s get on the train and find out. Plus, didn’t you just say that this trip wasn’t only for you?” Scootaloo said.

Snapping out of her thoughts Rainbow recovered herself just in time for the last call to board, “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get going.”

They all boarded the train bound for Ponyville. After everypony got settled in their seats Rainbow Dash started daydreaming again. She thought about the last time she had seen any of her friends and the pain that she must have caused them. As she thought about it she came to realize that it was indeed her that pushed them away. Not the other way around. As the scenery passed by the windows in a blur Rainbow drifted off in deep thought.

First, she thought about her last conversation with Applejack. It hadn’t gone so well.

“Applejack! I told you that I’m fine. Will you just drop it!”

“Rainbow, ya need to talk to us. If not us, then me. Ya aren’t fine. You’ve changed. I can’t put my hoof on it, but ya aren’t yourself anymore. Sugarcube, I really want to help ya through whatever it is that’s got ya outta sorts lately.”

“Don’t you ‘Sugarcube’ me! You don’t really want to help me. Besides, there isn’t anything to help with. I told you, Applejack, I’m fine. If you don’t want to just be friends and stop trying to help me all the time. Then, fine. Bye, AJ.”

Rainbow Dash hung her head. All she wanted to do was help get me out of the dark place I was in. Oh, Applejack. I’m so sorry.

“We’re going to see Applejack!?” Scootaloo said excitedly. “I wonder if Apple Bloom will be there?”

Rainbow Dash sat up and looked at Scootaloo wondering how she knew they were going to see Applejack, “How did you know that’s where we were going?”

“You just said ‘Applejack. I’m so sorry’. I just thought that might be where we’re going. Am I wrong?” Scootaloo questioned.

“No. I think that’s where I want to go first. I hadn’t realized that I said that out loud. Sorry, I’ll try to keep my thoughts to myself from now on,” Dash said with a small smile for her companions before drifting off again.

“Twilight, why are all of you trying to help, when there is nothing wrong with me? Work has been a little stressful lately. That’s all!”

“Ever since you got that promotion to the factory you aren’t the same, Rainbow. I think you really should talk about it. Let us in on what has you so worked up and we can help you get through it.”

“That’s just it, Twilight, I don’t need any help. I’m the same amazing pony I’ve always been. How come you guys can’t see that?”

“I know you’re amazing, Dash, but even you can get over stressed. And that can change a pony. Usually not for the better. If you could just talk about it. I’m sure that would help.”

“I CAN’T!” Rainbow shut her eyes, regained her composure, “I’m working in the top secret section of the factory and I could get fired or worse just for telling you that much.”

“Worse? Ha. I don’t think they would do more than fire you, Rainbow. If they would even go that far.”

“Ha, yea. Me either. So, see. There isn’t anything you could do for me. Could you find a way to tell the others without telling them about my job? Please.”

“Why can’t you tell them yourself?” Twilight asked with one eyebrow raised.

“Work is going to be taking up most of my time. And I have to leave straight from here to go back. Can you just do this for me, Twi? Please?”

“Fine. You owe me, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight called after her as she headed out through the door.

“Thanks, Twilight!” Rainbow yelled back as she took off for Cloudsdale. Knowing that it would most likely be her last time in Ponyville.

Author's Note

I apologize that this took so long to get out. This story has put up a block that's been difficult to get around. I'm still clawing to get passed it though.
I hope that I can get more chapters out a little faster than this one. We'll see.
Thanks for reading!

Chapter 8

As the train arrived in Ponyville, Dash was still deep in thought.

“Rainbow.” Cloud rolled her eyes when Dash didn’t respond, “Rainbow Dash!”

“Huh? Oh. We’re here already,” Dash said blankly, staring absently out of the window still not really seeing the station right in front of her.

“Let’s go! This was your idea. Come on!” Scootaloo nudged Rainbow trying to get her moving.

Sighing, “Let’s get this over with.” Dash got up and they exited the train just as the conductor made his last call. Rainbow was sure the ponies that were once her friends were going to disown her for what she’d done. She had it in the back of her mind that there might even be a lynching in Ponyville. She almost thought that she would welcome it. How would they even stomach seeing me? Element of loyalty. Ha! I ran out on them. Not even a goodbye. Well, except Twilight. She wasn’t even at the inquiry now that I think about it. And I’m going back to see all of them. She stopped and stood perfectly still. I can’t do this. They’ll just shun me. Or worse. I should’ve stayed in Cloudsdale. At the factory. I shouldn’t even show my face here. Oh Celestia! What am I doing!?

“Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash, come on. Hello!!?? Snap out of it!” Cloud touched Rainbow gently on her shoulder. “Are you ok? Rainbow Dash. We really need to get out of the middle of the walkway. People are starting to stare.”

Absently, Dash let herself be led along the platform, “Oh… yeah.” Deep in the back of her mind she knew why they were staring. They're staring in disgust; staring at the element that killed all those failu- colts and fillies. “I WAS JUST DOING MY JOB!!!” she yelled, her eyes going wild.

Cloud jumped in front of her, grabbed her head and forced Dash to stare at her, “Stop it! Focus! They're looking at Scootaloo. They're not looking at you anymore.” Dash tried to look around Cloud’s face. “No! Look at me or look at Scootaloo. Don't worry about them. You understand?” Dash just stared at her. “Do you understand?” Dash finally nodded her consent. “Thank you.” Cloud released her grip, stepped aside and immediately began to shake as Dash headed off toward Sweet Apple Acres focusing on the ground rather than what or who was around her.

Scootaloo looked over at Cloud and saw her shaking, “That was either really brave or really stupid. Are you alright?”

“I know, but she needed to understand that they weren't staring at her anymore. Which is a little weird. She still looks the same as she did. Why hasn't anypony come to greet her? Angrily or otherwise? Do you recognize anypony, Scootaloo?”

“They may be too scared of her. Or maybe it's because it's been so long since she's been here that they've forgotten her. Either way, we need to catch up just in case she has another outburst.” They both started after Dash. “I thought that I recognized a couple of ponies, but I can't recall their names or if I really did know them.”

Cloud gave a soft smile, “It's ok, Scootaloo. I didn't mean to put you on the spot.”

Returning the smile, “You can call me Scoots.”

“Oh. I didn't want to because it was a name Rainbow Dash used for you.”

“What? No. My friends used to call me Scoots. Not just Dash. And you, Cloud, are probably my closest friend.”

Cloud stopped and looked sidelong at her. “I thought Dash was your closest friend?”

Looking at her feet, “She was my big sister. We were basically family. That all changed when… She wasn't the one that saved me. She could've come back, but she never did. She may not have been able to outright kill me, but she did leave me for dead in that room. Then you came along and freed me. You and Corona. You two saved not only me, but a lot of ponies that might have failed that awful flight exam after you.” Scootaloo took Cloud into a hug and kissed her cheek. “Thank you so much.” She released her grip and put her hoof on Clouds cheek and smiled, “We'd better catch up.”

Cloud was rooted in place. She watched Scootaloo turn, take a couple of steps and then propel herself into the air after Dash. “But we only saved ourselves. We couldn't save all the other ponies that were in our group. Or Pipewrench,” she whispered to nopony. As she watched Scootaloo shrink into the distance Cloud snapped out of her trance, shook her head, spread her wings and flew after her friends.

Corona sat in Dash’s office liking how comfortable her chair was, but not sure what to do for the rest of the day. Especially since Cloud, Scootaloo, and Dash were nowhere to be found. As he sat there looking at Dash’s desk he was amazed at how everything was so perfectly organized. How can a pony so out of their mind be this neat and organized?

Just then Dr. Atmosphere strolled through the door reading over some papers. He grunted his approval at whatever it was and stopped dead as he looked at Corona sitting there. “I’m sorry, Corona, I didn’t know anypony was in here.”

“Yeah, it’s ok. I was supposed to be with Contrail, but Ms. Dash threatened to torture him… or worse, if anything were to happen to me,” Corona said, looking as though somepony had taken his favorite toy away.

Dr. Atmosphere studied him for a moment. “I’m sure she would indeed follow through on her threat if anything were to happen to you, my boy. She has taken a liking to you, you know.”

“Well, I’ll be having a little talk with Ms. Dash when she shows up. I thought she was the one that wanted me to learn the inner workings of the factory!?” His face was flush with frustration.

Dr. Atmosphere took a seat. “Corona, I don’t know why Rainbow has taken to you and Cloud like she has, but she is the Element of Loyalty which means that she will defend and protect you three until her last breath. I’m not saying that like it’s a bad thing mind you. Because it’s not only good for you, but, in a way, it’s good for all of us.”

“How’s that? If it means that she can threaten other ponies on Cloud’s and my account?”

“No no. It’s not like that at all. She’s very protective. Sometimes overly so. It was the factory that she was protective over until the three of you came along.”

“So you’re saying that since we came into the picture she’s less protective of the factory?”

“I knew you were a smart pony! In the past, if something like this happened to the factory, she would never have left until we were one-hundred percent up and running again. All of you are now her new focus. So in that regard I need to thank you. You and Cloud Cover seem to have relieved us of the maniacal oversight that was Ms. Rainbow Dash. And now we will be able to get some real work done and have been.”

“Um… you’re welcome,” Corona said, not really sure if that was the right response.

“HA!” Dr.Atmosphere laughed. “Let’s see about getting you back out on the floor with Contrail, shall we?”

“But Ms. Dash’s threat!?” Corona protested.

“Son, I have a feeling that now that Ms. Dash has you three to dote over she will let us be. She’s going to have to let you figure out how to run this place sooner or later. You have my vote for sooner. Plus, she’s not around to do anything right now anyway.”

“What do you mean? Where is she?”

“She didn’t tell you? Hm. Well, her and the other girls went to Ponyville and I don’t know when they’ll be back.”

“Ponyville? What’s in Ponyville?”

“That’s Ms. Dash’s home town. I think that she even has her house there still, but I think that she was going back to see if her friends still remember her. Also to introduce Cloud Cover to Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Dr. Atmosphere said, scratching his chin in thought.

“Typical. She gets to go see the Princess and I’m not invited.” Corona leaned back in Dash’s chair and pushed away from the desk.

“Hoo. That look suits you, my boy. Feels good to sit in the boss’ chair doesn’t it?” Dr. Atmosphere asked with a smile.

Tentatively Corona said, “I… no. I think I need to understand this place before I can handle sitting here.”

Dr. Atmosphere gave Corona an approving nod, then said, “Then let’s get to it. The longer you wait the longer it will take before you’re ready. Come on. Contrail has a pretty good head start. And don’t you worry about Contrail or Ms. Dash I’ll make sure that nopony gets tortured. Or worse. But, you won’t give her a reason to do that anyway, will you?”

Corona jumped up, “No, sir. All I ask is for the chance to learn what I need to to be the best boss I can be.”

“That’s the spirit!”

Corona started for the door. Dr. Atmosphere dropped the papers he was holding on Dash’s desk and followed the ambitious Corona out into the hallway to track down Contrail.

Cloud caught up with Dash and Scootaloo. She landed, dropping gently down onto her hooves and slowly walked along not saying much. So this is the Ponyville I’ve heard so much about. I see why Rainbow liked it here. Everypony seems kind enough. I just can’t figure out why nopony has come to see Dash. They look like they see her and are ignoring her. And Scootaloo. Doesn’t anypony care that she’s come back from the dead? Ugh. Maybe they aren’t as friendly as I thought. I think this is almost worse than getting confronted about what happened.

“Don’t you agree, Cloud?” Scootaloo asked and waited for a response. “Cloud!?”

“Huh,” she said, snapping back.

“I said that Ponyville seems like a good place to settle down still. Don’t you agree?”

“Oh. Yeah. It’s very quaint. I could see myself staying here I guess,” she said, looking around.

Scootaloo stared at her. “Are you alright, Cloud?”

“I’m concerned.”

“Concerned? About what?” Scootaloo asked.

Dash spoke up softly, “She’s concerned about why nopony has come out to greet us. Didn’t think that I noticed did you?”

“No. I didn’t, but you’re right. They keep glancing at us and then ignoring us. I’m not sure if they’re scared of you or don’t want to cause a scene or what,” Cloud said just as soft.

Scootaloo started to stare at the ponies that they passed. “You’re right. They won’t even look at me.”

“Let’s just get to Sweet Apple Acres. I hope that they don’t feel the same.” Dash pushed off the ground and took off as fast as she could to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Come on.” Scootaloo followed Dash’s lead.

“Fine.” Cloud jumped up and flapped her wings hard to try and catch the leader. She could barely catch Scootaloo, who wasn’t even winded, much less Rainbow Dash, who was almost out of sight already. “I knew you were getting better, but wow, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo was focused on Dash, “I was never as good as she wanted me to be, you know?”

“What?”

“I tried so hard to be as good as she was at everything she taught me, but I just wasn’t good enough. She was always encouraging me, but I could see it in her eyes. I would do my best, but it was always just short of her expectations.”

They both flew on in silence until they caught sight of Dash at the start of the path to Sweet Apple Acres. Landing beside Dash, the three of them looked down the lane.

Lining both sides were apple trees just like the last time Rainbow had walked it. This brought back memories of naps interrupted by Applejack bucking her particular tree for no reason other than to annoy her or Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle making enough noise to wake the dead. A smile broke across her face. But… something… something was different. It seemed quiet. That’s why she came here to nap, but… hoping to get her mind off it, “How ya doin’ there, Scoots?”

“I’m ok,” she said, looking around slowly. “It seems the same. Kinda. I can’t put my hoof on it, but… it’s not.”

Dash started looking around too. “I was thinking the same thing. Just an odd feeling.”

Scootaloo agreed, “MmHm. Cloud, what do you think?”

Cloud’s eyes went wide, “Me? I’ve never been here before. It all seems fine to me. It looks like an apple orchard.” She shrugged and could tell that wasn’t what they wanted to hear. “Sorry.”

Dash gave her a small smile, “That’s ok. We’re almost to the farm.”

Cloud looked ahead. She could just make out two buildings.

“Oh. I wonder if Granny Smith has any pies made?” Scootaloo asked, ears perked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Dash stopped dead as she looked away from Scootaloo. Running her hoof through her mane, “Um. Yeah, about that. Granny Smith… well… she passed about five years ago.”

“WHAT!!?” Scootaloo’s ears pinned to the side of her head as she turned away from the others. “You should’ve told me, Dash”

Dash wanted to hug Scootaloo and almost moved to do so, but thought better of it and instead just said, “I know. I didn’t think about it.”

Spinning around to face Dash Scootaloo shouted, “That’s the problem! You don’t ever think about other ponies! You were too busy killing them to think about all the lives that were being destroyed. Not just the ones you killed, but their families too, Dash.” Scootaloo paused regaining her composure, “Is there anything else you know about that I don’t? Or that I should know before we go see anypony else?”

Ears drooping slightly Dash didn’t like being scolded, “Look, Scoots, I’m sorry. You were dead when I was told about it.”

With eyes shut Scootaloo asked as calmly as she could, “How was the funeral?”

“I didn’t go.”

“You didn’t even go to the funeral?” Scootaloo raged.

“I couldn’t go. Everypony would’ve started asking questions that I wouldn’t have been able to answer. And now they know what I was doing and I don’t even know why I thought that this was a good idea. Everypony thinks I’m a monster. So much so, that they won’t even look at me in the streets.”

“We just need to show them that you’ve changed.”

“HA! Have I really? You say that I didn’t think about the lives that I was affecting. You have no idea what I went through each and every time they gave that blasted test. In the thirty plus years that I’ve been working in that factory exactly 8,859 ponies have lost their lives at my hooves. Twenty-seven of those were co-workers and friends. Because of the rules we had to live by I wasn’t even allowed to give my condolences to their families. I see every face that has been through that factory every time I close my eyes. I had to stop leaving the factory because when some of the failu- ponies that came through were faces that I knew or knew their parents it was that much harder. We called them failures so we could justify why we had to do what we did. After a while it got easier. I don’t know if I’d call it easier. For how bad it sounds I did enjoy it after a while. I made up a game to see if I could guess what sounds they would make or what they might say to save themselves or somepony else, but it was just so I didn’t have to think about what we were doing. So what’s changed?”

“You didn’t kill us,” Cloud said.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo agreed.

“You’re right. I could’ve. And if it wasn’t for you, Scootaloo, I would have. I was distraught after you came through, Scoots. I… went numb from anger and disappointment. Not at you, but at myself. My own sister. A failure. I had taught her everything she needed to know. She could pass the test in her sleep. The instructors assured me of that, but somehow I failed her and I had to be the one to…” A tear ran from her shut eyes. “And then you were back… back from the dead. Somehow, Cloud and Corona brought you back to me. A second chance to be with the one pony that I love. I felt again. I felt joy. I feel joy. I feel love. I also feel pain. The pain of knowing what I’ve done. And I’m scared.”

“You’re not scared of anything,” Scootaloo said.

“I’m scared of what might happen to you, Cloud, and Corona. I’m scared that my best friends ever may not forgive me for what I’ve done. Or worse, they do forgive me. What do I do then? Because I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive myself.” Dash paused for a moment. “You’re right, Scootaloo. I have changed. I’m not the same pony I was when I left Ponyville.”

“That’s not what I was talking about.”

“What were you talking about then?”

“You changed in that room with Cloud, Corona, and me. I saw it with my own eyes. You were psychotic and then you changed. You didn’t kill us. You… you…” Scootaloo frowned and shook her head.

“The only thing that’s different is that I have a bit of my sanity back. I don’t think that’s a good thing really. The only good thing that I find in it is that I can spend time with my sister and new family and can remember it. The downside is that I can remember all the other stuff too. All the stuff I’d rather forget.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Yes she does,” Cloud said.

“That’s what I like about you, Cloud. You get it,” Dash said, nodding at Cloud.

“So why did you take us under your wing?” Cloud asked.

“You brought me Scootaloo,” Dash said, as if it were obvious.

“But she had been there the whole time.”

“I didn’t know that. Nopony was ever supposed to go into that room after that day. That reminds me, I have to get even with Dr. Atmosphere for lying to me for all those years,” Dash said, rubbing her chin.

“Hey! He’s the reason I’m still here. You need to thank him, not get even. Maybe you haven’t changed as much as I thought,” Scootaloo said.

“You still haven’t answered my question, really,” Cloud said.

Dash took a breath, “Look, I can’t tell you because I don’t even know myself. I was impressed how two ponies that couldn’t pass a simple flight exam were able to stay alive while my factory was being destroyed in the process of trying to kill them. Then you found Scootaloo and brought her back to me. I will forever be grateful for that. I guess that gave you the warden’s pardon. I don’t know. I feel that you and Corona deserve to be family.”

They all stood there looking around trying not to make eye contact. They failed to notice the pony hiding in the shadows.

“What about the family ya left behind?” a familiar voice called out.

Dash winced at the sound while Scootaloo’s eyes lit up searching. Cloud just stood still.

“Don’t just stand there! Answer me, Rainbow Dash!”

“AJ, I…”

“Don’t ya dare come here after all these years and call me AJ! How could you, Dash?”

“I knew this was a mistake. I’m really sorry, Applejack. I’ll be going.”

“What? Ya show up in my orchard screamin and yellin and expect me to not come investigate? Now I find out it’s you! You have some explaining to do.”

“Applejack. I don’t think that I can.”

“The buck you can’t! Why didn’t ya say goodbye?”

“I couldn’t. I couldn’t bear to have my heart broken five more times. Once was enough.”

“What about mine, Rainbow Dash? Or the others? One day you were here. The next…”

“AJ, I-“

“Don’t you even say you’re sorry! That isn’t going to cut it. Dang it, Dash!”

“I knew I shouldn’t have come back.”

“Why did ya come back then? Just to rub salt in the wound?”

“What! No. I was hoping that I could try and make things up to you, and Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, and Rarity.” She was frantically searching for AJ. “Even though I said goodbye to Twilight I still need to make things up to her too.”

“Hmph. We’ll see about that.” She still sounded upset, “So who are your new friends?”

“You know one of them. The other is Cloud Cover.”

Cloud stepped forward. “Hello.”

“I don’t know that other mare.”

“It’s me, Applejack. It’s Scootaloo.”

“Scootaloo. But you were banished,” Applejack whispered. “You came back. We had heard a rumor that you had to leave Equestria. Where did you go?” Applejack asked as she appeared off to their left.

“Well, it’s kind of a long story.” Scootaloo looked to Dash not sure how to explain, or where to even start.

Applejack just stood there staring, as if waiting for something. Finally, she said, “Well?”

Scootaloo stammered, “It started-“ she was interrupted by another voice.

“I think that Rainbow Dash should explain herself first, darling. Not that we don’t want to hear about your adventures, Scootaloo, but that will have to wait, dear.”

Rainbow Dash shrunk down a little at hearing that voice.

“That’s a story I want to hear for sure, but Rainbow Dash, your story comes first!” A bubbly voice said.

“I guess we should give her the opportunity to explain,” a barely audible shy voice squeaked.

With the addition of each new voice Dash sank lower and lower until she was lying on the ground eyes shut hoping beyond hope that this was a nightmare and she’d be waking up soon. She heard Applejack’s voice again.

“Let’s all go to the house. I think we should wait on Twilight before any story telling or apologies are given or accepted.”

“I agree.” As she said the words Rarity appeared a couple paces to Applejack’s left.

“Ok. I guess so,” Pinkie Pie huffed as she appeared to Applejack’s right.

“O-ok,” Fluttershy whispered. She was standing beside Rarity opposite Applejack.

Cloud was in awe. Dash had told her stories of these ponies. They are all Elements of Harmony. And she gets to see them all together. She started to wobble as her knees started to give out.

Scootaloo noticed her unsteadiness, “Cloud, are you ok?”

“It just hit me who’s standing in front of us.”

Scootaloo was confused. “Yeah? It’s Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. What’s the big deal?”

Cloud looked at Scootaloo like she had grown a third head, “Are you serious? These are the hero’s that Dash told us about!”

“Told you about. I know them. Come on. Let’s go introduce you.” Scootaloo nudged Cloud forward.

Still laying in the path Dash knew that this was her trial. The one that she didn’t get from Princess Celestia or Princess Luna. She would’ve welcomed that. But, for her closest friends to be the ones to pass judgment is the worst thing that could’ve happened.

“Rainbow Dash! Snap to! Get to the house, sugarcube,” Applejack yelled back.

Maybe it won’t be so bad after all. She called me sugarcube. “Coming.” She hurriedly got to her hooves and followed after the others to the house.