contingent

Chapters

Chapter 1: Beautiful Day
Chapter 2: Victim
Chapter 3: Captured
Chapter 4: Break
Chapter 5: Return
Chapter 6: A Gift
Chapter 7: Choices
Chapter 8: Thoughts
Chapter 9: Friendships

Chapter 1: Beautiful Day

It was a nice spring day in Equestria with everypony out and about enjoying the sunshine. Taking advantage of the weather, Rainbow Dash decided to do some flying practice as well as try out some new stunts she’s been working on. Since she has developed the ability to do the sonic rainboom, Dash has been trying to incorporate it into her performances.

As she was off to her normal practicing zone near the Everfree, because you can’t exactly do a rainboom too close to town, she thought about maybe taking Scootaloo with her today. Dash has been giving flying lessons to her at least once a week since their camping trip, but the filly hasn’t really left the ground yet. Dash could give a little lesson and then have an audience for her practice. That was always nice.

She veered her direction off to the schoolhouse where the CMCs should just be getting done for the day. Doing some loops and simple little tricks as she was on her way, she could hear the kids as she got to her destination.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!” She could hear Scootaloo above the rest as Dash landed next to her.

“Heya squirt, what you up to?”

“Nothing really. We were thinking of trying for our arc, arcy, uh, arcyol –“

“Archaeologist.” Sweetie Belle provided.

“Yeah, that. Archaeologist cutie marks.”

“Really?” Dash asked. That was a little tedious work for the usually energetic and wild fillies they were.

“Yeah” Apple Bloom said. “We were talkin’ bout ancient civilizations n’ stuff at school today. And archaeologists are the ones that find all that. It sounds like fun!”

“Plus” Scootaloo added. “Who doesn’t like to play in the dirt every now and then?”

Rainbow chuckled. “I can think of a few ponies”

“So what are you doing?” The orange filly asked.

“Well, I was gonna see if you wanted to tag along with me today, Scoots”

“Really!? I would love to!” The young Pegasus then realized her two friends. “But I don’t want to leave our other plans”

“Aw, it’s fine Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom said. “We can get our archaeologist cutie marks later.”

“Yeah” Added Sweetie. “Go ahead and practice with Rainbow. We’ll be at the clubhouse when you’re done.”

“Really? You guys are ok with that?”

“You heard ‘em Scoots” Dash said as she picked her up and placed her on her back. “They’ll see ya later.”

“Well, ok.” She said with a huge smile and then started to nudge Rainbow’s sides with her hind hooves. “Let’s get going then you slow poke!”

“Slow poke? You calling me a slow poke?” Scootaloo just nods. “Oh, it’s on now”

Dash took off without warning, causing Scootaloo to grab onto Rainbow’s mane in order to not fall off. They gain speed as they flew over Ponyville, doing loops and dives. Not long later they made it to a nice grassy field at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Dash landed and the filly hopped off of her back.

“So you think I’ll fly today?” Scoots asked hopefully.

“Anything can happen squirt. I’m not gonna say no, but I’m not saying yes either. But I do know you won’t progress at all if you do nothing. Now come on and do some wing-ups.”

“Aw, fine.”

They both began to warm up by doing various stretches and exercises. Dash really liked hanging with Scootaloo, being able to teach her properly how to fly. They have been doing more and more together since Rainbow became her honorary sister. It was a nice break from her normal routine of save Ponyville and Equestria from certain doom. It was all pretty stressful and moments like these were nice and calming.

“Alright squirt, have you been practicing moving your wings at all like I told you?”

“Of course I have! Every single day! Just like you said!” The filly began to demonstrate by rotating her wings and then flapping them.

Rainbow gave out a chuckle at her enthusiasm. “Good. Now how about we try to get you to glide today?”

The orange Pegasus began jumping with excitement. “When do we start?”

“Calm down first ok?” Scoots stopped hopping, took a few deep breaths, and then looked at Dash.

“Can we fly now?”

“Fine, come here.”

Scootaloo jumped into Dash’s arms as they took off. Rainbow was holding Scoots below her so she could have a firm grip but also so the filly’s wings could move freely. Once they began to gain some speed, the young Pegasus’ wings began to buzz and then flap.

“Don’t flap your wings just yet.” Dash instructed. “We’ll worry about that later, just hold your wings out and let them glide on the wind.”

Scootaloo did what she was told. Rainbow slowly started to let go off the younger one until she was gliding all by herself, without her knowing. Dash flew beneath the orange filly and then turned so that her back was facing the earth and she was face to face with Scoots.

“You’re doing it, look no hooves.” Dash demonstrated by holding her hooves in front of her. Immediately the filly went into panic and started to flail a bit but Rainbow grabbed her hooves to steady her.

“You’re fine, you’re fine. You’re just gliding slowly down, not quite flying, but close.” She slowly let go of Scootaloo again and the filly began to smile. “Think you can glide all the way to the ground?”

“Y-yeah!” She answered a little unsure of herself. “I think so.”

“I know so, you can totally do this. Just keep your wings out. I won’t help unless you really need it. I’ll be right next to you till we land”

“Ok, I-I can do this”

They began their slow descent downwards towards the earth at a gentle pace. They soon made it to the ground where Scootaloo began jumping up and down.

“I did it! I did it!” She exclaimed. “Did you see that!? I glided all the way to landing!”

Dash laughed. “I was right there, of course I saw it. You were amazing. Keep at it and you’ll be flying soon enough.”

The filly ran and hugged Rainbow’s leg. “Thank you so much Rainbow Dash. I wouldn’t even be doing this much if it weren’t for you.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who said you could get all sappy?” Scoots looked up at her idol with a slightly disappointed face. “I’m just kidding. Only for you.” Dash hugged her back.

“But, do you really think I’ll be actually flying soon?” The filly asked. “All I did was glide a little. It’s not really flying.”

“What? Of course it is! You were all excited about it a second ago, what happened?”

“I don’t know. I was just thinking. I wanna hear the truth, not what will make me feel better. Everyone always just tells me what will make me feel better. But I don’t want to hear that. I wanna hear what’s really happening.”

Rainbow thought for a moment. “Look, kid. You will fly, ok? I promise that. But I honestly can’t tell you when exactly that will be. That all depends on you and how hard you work at it. So, just keep doing what you’re doing.”

Scootaloo smiled and hugged the rainbow mare. “Thanks Rainbow Dash.”

Dash hugged her back then her ears started to flicker as she heard something.

“Hey Rainbow Dash!”

The two looked at the direction of the voice to see Ditzy Doo the mail mare coming their way. She sure seemed to be in a hurry. Her bag was slightly open and some papers were flying out. The cross-eyed mare also had a letter in her front hoof that she was waving about, as if it were urgent.

“Rainbow Dash! You have a letter!” Ditzy flew in and tumbled in front of them, holding the letter up.

Dash took it. “You alright there, Derpy?” She asked using the mare’s nickname.

Ditzy picked herself up. “Yeah, I have accidents like that all the time.”

“Why the rush?”

“I was going my normal route when I came upon yours, and I saw the Wonderbolt symbol on the front, so I figured it was important. But when I got to your front door, you weren’t home. I thought you needed to see it right away so I went to find you. Found you..”

“Oh, well thank you. I wasn’t expecting anything from them. I haven’t really done anything with the Wonderbolts since the academy.”

“Well what is it?” Scoots asked. “Are you in the Wonderbolts now?”

“No, it’s not that easy, kid.” She opened it and began reading. “It’s just from Spitfire, she invited me to a Wonderbolt show. Something about discussing things with me.”

“Aw, I guess it wasn’t something super important after all.” Ditzy said a little disappointed. “I’m sorry Rainbow dash.”

“Oh, no, it’s alright Derps. I really appreciate you coming and finding me just to give me a letter. And it is important. Spitfire herself wants to speak with me. In person. At one of their shows.”

This immediately brought a smile to the gray Pegasus. “You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help! Though I should really be going now.”

“Alright” Dash said. “We’ll see ya around.”

The wall-eyed Pegasus flew off to continue her mail route. Dash turned her attention back to the filly who had a smile on her face.

“So Spitfire wants to talk to you!?”

“That’s what the letter said. Gotta go to a show of theirs tonight to meet her.”

“You think she’s letting you into the Wonderbolts?”

“No, it doesn’t work that way. If I had to guess, it would be she wants to talk about the next step I’ll have to take. I’m only just beginning, Scoots.”

“Still though!” The young Pegasus jumped with excitement. “You have the attention from the captain of the Wonderbolts! That has got to be good for something.”

“Oh, it is.” Dash assured. “They want me on their team. I just know it. It’s just going to take some time.”

“Can I go with you tonight?” The filly asked with big puppy dog eyes. “Pleeeeeeease?”

It took everything within Dash for her to take the logical side of the situation. “Sorry, Scoots. But no. This is official business and she didn’t say I could bring somepony.”

Immediately Scootaloo’s face fell. “Oh, ok. I understand.”

“Look, if I could, I would bring you in a heartbeat. But I just can’t. Next time though. I promise.” Still seeing the orange filly was a little disappointed, Dash thought they should just move on from the subject. “So, how about watching some new tricks?”

This perked up the younger one. “Yeah! That sounds awesome!”

Dash smiled at how much the filly adored her. As she was doing the tricks and such, her mind wandered on this. Scootaloo looked up to Dash quite a bit, meaning that anything Dash does, would probably affect Scoots. She would hate to make the wrong decision and see the girl completely devastated about it.

The weight of the whole “sister” situation was really starting to dawn on her. Rainbow decided she would be way more careful about what she does. What message was she sending by saying reading was stupid? Before, and still a bit now, Rainbow doesn’t particularly enjoy it unless it’s some Daring Doo. But before she admitted to liking reading, did Scootaloo refuse to read too? She’s in school, she should be reading.

Or what about that time when Dash let the hero thing get to her head? She was showing the filly exactly how not to behave with attention. Rainbow just taught her how to be a hot-headed jerk. She sure hopes Scoots doesn’t really pay attention that much and took to heart Dash’s actions. But deep down, she knows she is. Rainbow was the same way when she was little, taking the same steps as of the Wonderbolt team, mostly Spitfire.

She pushed those thoughts aside and finished up her routine by doing a sonic rainboom which knocked Scootaloo onto her back. Dash quickly went to check on her only to find the filly laughing.

“That was awesome!” She exclaimed.

Rainbow chuckled. “Glad I could entertain you.”

“It’s kind of your job if ya wanna be a Wonderbolt.”

“Can it, Squirt.” Dash said as she ruffled the filly’s mane. “Let’s get ya to your friends now. I should head back and take care of tank before I head to the show. It’s all the way in Cloudsdale.”

“Aw, ok. Can we practice again tomorrow?”

“Of course, kid. I’ll pick ya up tomorrow at eleven. Sound good?”

The young Pegasus crawled onto Rainbow’s back. “We’re all staying at Sweet Apple Acres tonight. The Cutie Mark Crusaders are gonna make pie with Granny Smith and Applejack!”

Rainbow takes off and starts to head to the Apple farm. “Sounds like fun. Then I’ll just come pick you up from there.”

“Alright! Tomorrow is gonna be so fun!”

“Just make sure to save me a piece of pie, ok?”

“Yeah, of course! If I don’t eat it all!”

They arrived at the farm house shortly as the excited filly jumped off Rainbow’s back. The two entered the house and find Granny Smith and Applejack on the couch. Granny was knitting while AJ was reading. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were coloring peacefully on the floor. Usually peacefully and any of these fillies don’t go in the same sentence unless it’s disturbing the peace.

“Heya you two” Applejack greeted. “How’d flyin’ go today?”

“I glided all the way to the ground today!” Scootaloo said as she buzzed her wings.

“Oh wow.” Sweetie spoke. “That’s awesome! You’ll be flying soon for sure.”

“Yeah, especially now that Rainbow Dash is helping me! That’s the best flying coach you could ever get”

“What about the captain of the Wonderbolts?” Apple Bloom questioned. “Or even the co-captain?”

“Spitfire and Soarin ain’t got nothin’ on Rainbow Dash!” The young Pegasus stated as she joined in the coloring session.

“Allright Scoots.” Rainbow stopped the boasting filly. “I’m not that great… Yet. I’ve got some ways to go.”

Applejack laughed. “Well we’re all rootin’ fer ya Dash. You’ll get there.”

“Yeah, speaking of that. I’ve actually got a meeting with the captain herself tonight at their show in Cloudsdale.”

“Really?” Applejack asked in wonder. “Wow, good luck with that.”

“Thanks. So tomorrow I’m gonna pick up Scoots around eleven.”

“Sounds good ta me, we’ll see ya tomrrah, Rainbow.”

“See ya guys. See ya Scoots. And don’t you three cause the Apples too much trouble, ya hear?”

“Loud and clear.” Scootaloo saluted as Dash left.

She took off and headed home to take care of a few things before going to Cloudsdale. Dash should probably eat and she had to take care of Tank. Soon enough she was at her cloud mansion and she entered, looking around.

She left Tank in the living room area this morning, so he couldn’t be far from there. Rainbow kept his flying gear off inside, otherwise he’d knock everything over and wreck the place. So she had Twilight put some spell on him that would prevent him from falling through clouds. Egghead stuff.

Dash turned the corner to find Tank chilling literally in the exact spot she left him, in his shell by the couch. She walked up and lightly knocked on his shell.

“Hey Tank. Buddy come on out. It’s time to eat some dinner.”

The tortious poked his head up to find his beloved owner. Dash nuzzled his nose with her own as she picked him up and headed to the kitchen. Rainbow cherished these moments she had with the loveable tortoise. She would never let anyone see how mushy she got around her precious pet Tank. It would be the end of her reputation. Could you imagine if everyone knew that the rough and tough Rainbow Dash gave butterfly kisses and talked to her pet? Dash couldn’t risk it.

She set Tank down next to the table as she started to rummage through her fridge. There was some sandwiches and old pasta stuff. Wasn’t gonna feed that to him. She pushed her milk and butter aside to find that salad she bought the other night.

“This’ll do. How about some salad, Tank?” The tortoise just slowly began to smile. Dash chuckled at this. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

She took the salad out and two bowls and put the various veggies into them. She set one bowl down to his level as he began to eat out of it. Rainbow then proceeded to eat her own.

She had a big night ahead of her, can’t go messing it up. She would head there right after dinner as to be early, but not rudely early. Just professionally early.

She was doing it. She was taking whatever this next step was into becoming a Wonderbolt.

Chapter 2: Victim

As soon as Rainbow finished dinner, she refilled Tank’s water and made sure to give him an apple for dessert. He wasn’t finished with his salad meal yet, for he was as slow as a… well, tortious. She grabbed the letter they sent her with a pass that was inside.

Dash locked her door and headed towards Cloudsdale. She was so excited for this opportunity. To have the captain of the Wonderbolts on her side, to really want her on the team. It was a great advantage. Usually you have to jump through all the hoops and then the captain would notice you, and may or may not let you on. It was really tough to get in. But here she was, going to have a meeting with Spitfire herself at one of their shows!

Soon the stadium came into view. Lights were shining about and there were Pegasi in the line that seemed to go for miles. She landed near the end and started to walk forward. Wondering where she was going exactly, she tried to flag down one of the security officers.

“Hey! Hey, excuse me?” The guard wasn’t paying attention so she tapped on his shoulder, this caused him to turn around in an agitated way.

“Look, back of the line. No one gets to cut or move forward.”

“Uh, no. I have this pass from Sp-”

“I ain’t going to buy this story miss. Sorry but, back of the line.”

“Hey, pay attention and actually listen to me!” Rainbow was starting to get irritated herself at this point. She was just about to shout at him when she heard someone calling her name. She turned around to find an old friend.

He was a light brown Pegasus with a Ice blue mane and the cutie mark of a single flame falling from a cloud. It was Flare Chaser from flight camp.

“Whoa! Flare Chaser?” She asked as she approached him, who was standing in line. “I haven’t seen you since flight camp! How’ve ya been?”

“Oh, you know. Nothing much. Just working at the weather factory now-a-days and stuff. How about yourself?”

“Oh, uh. I’ve just been living down in Ponyville, being on the weather team. Still practicing for the Wonderbolts.”

Flare chuckled. “Still going on about them I see?”

“Look at yourself?” She countered. “You’re in line to see one of their shows.”

“Yeah, as a fan. You’re still chasing some dead end dream to be one.”

“Wow, glad you have confidence in me. Thanks.”

“Just trying to knock some sense in ya. You’ve been talking about being one since we were kids.”

“I’m actually here to talk to Spitfire herself.”

“Aren’t we all?”

“No, I mean she requested me. I got into the week Wonderbolts academy and Spitfire wants to talk to me about the next step into becoming a Wonderbolt.”

“If she’s so interested in you, why aren’t you already on the team?”

“It doesn’t work that way! Why does everyone think it’s that easy?”

“Ok, back to reality. I’ll let ya cut in line here. You gotta move before the security guy looks back this way.”

“What? No, I have a pass to get in.”

“Look, no one’s gonna buy that fake pass. Just get in line, quick.”

“It’s not fake!” She started to walk off. “I’ll show you!” She walked back up to the guard and got his attention.

“Miss, I told you before-”

“No, I told you before! I have a pass that Spitfire herself sent me today. She wishes to speak with me and invited me to this show.” She showed him the pass from the letter. It was signed by Spitfire. “Now let me in!”

“This could easily be forged. I would’ve gotten a call in if I was gonna be expecting you. Now please get back in the line!”

“Rainbow, come on.” Flare begged. “Just get back in line and stop making a scene.”

“No! I’m not lying!”

“Ok, now I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“What’s going on out here?” A voice said from behind them.

Spitfire came from the front entrance, investigating the noise. Immediately fans started to inch closer to her without losing their spots in the line, while the security guards kept them in check.

The security officer that was speaking with Dash suddenly got very nervous at having the captain in his presence. “O-oh! We just have some wack-a-doodle fan trying to forge some pass.”

“I’m not a wack-a-doodle!” Rainbow shouted from behind the officer. “And it’s not forged!”

“Rainbow Dash?” Spitfire questioned. “She’s right there, Officer. It’s not forged. I sent her that.”

“M-my mistake ma’am! I-it won’t happen again!”

“It’s fine, you were just doing your job. I should’ve let you all know in advance. Come on Dash, we have a lot to talk about.”

“Right.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Rainbow heard Flare over the rest of the crowd. She knew it wasn’t right, but she did like showing off a bit. This was one of those moments where the universe just let that all play out for her. As Dash and Spitfire walked back inside, the line began to move and everything was back in order.

The place smelled of popcorn and cheesy pretzels. There were fans already going towards the snack line, others rushing to their seats. It was quickly becoming crowded. Spitfire and Rainbow went through some corridors and past some big and beefy looking officers guarding the entrance to a VIP box. As soon as they saw Spitfire, they let her and Dash past them.

Inside there were members of the team that weren’t performing tonight, which included Lightning Streak, Fleetfoot, and Blaze. The two took a seat and food was quickly added to a table near them. Spitfire grabbed a soda and began to speak.

“So Dash, I assume you know why you’re here?”

“Uh, not exactly.” She had a pretty good idea, but didn’t want to assume she had the right answer.

“You’re performances at the academy were top game. And I have seen nothing but greatness in you in the past. And I highly want to see you on my team in the future. But in order for me to be able to do that, I have to see more.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Now next month there is another academy that only a select few from the previous one have the opportunity to attend. They will be getting they’re notice in a few weeks. I’m giving you yours now. In person.”

“R-really? I appreciate it captain.”

“I want you to succeed, Dash. So I’m giving you an advantage. Use it. Be on your toes and train every chance you get. I want you to be ready for everything I throw at you.”

“Yes ma’am!”

Spitfire chuckled. “You can relax, kid. Just enjoy the show and hang out. Have some food and drinks. We’re all friends here.”

“Awesome, thanks.”

“No problem.” She began to look around. “Hey, where the hell is Soarin?”

“I have no idea.” Stated Lighting Streak. “He was supposed to head here with me, but never showed. And I didn’t want to be late.”

“Lazy bum.” Spitfire mumbled. “Probably skipped out.”

“No I didn’t.” Came from behind them. They all turned to find Soarin in the doorway, heading to sit. He chose to sit on the left side of Rainbow, Spitfire was on the right. “I just got caught up with something. That’s all.”

“What happened?” Blaze asked.

“Oh, uh. Pftftrft. Nothing. I just… Uh.” Soarin seemed to be at a loss of words.

“Couldn’t find your keys again?” Spitfire supplied an answer for him.

“Maybe.”

“Where were they this time, Soarin?” Fleetfoot asked.

“Oh, uh. In the fridge. I don’t know why or how, so don’t ask.”

“Do you find your keys in weird places all the time?” Rainbow asked, curious.

“Yeah. I misplace those little buggers all the freaking time.”

“Weird.”

“What do you mean weird? Don’t you misplace stuff all the time?”

“No, my house is organized… Enough. Organized at least to the point where I know where everything is.”

Soarin chuckled as the show began. “So Rainbow, how’s it going? I haven’t seen ya since the academy.”

“Oh, everything is fine. Nothing really exciting or worth reporting.”

“Really? Nothing?” Soarin asked, a little shocked. “There has to be something going on in the life of the amazing Rainbow Dash.”

“The amazing Rainbow Dash?” Rainbow asked, however she was ignored as Soarin continued.

“You’re friends with a princess now, right? No new whacky adventures?”

“Nope! It’s been pretty chill. I’ve had plenty of time to practice and form new tricks. l guess something new is I've been trying out teaching. I’m helping a little filly learn to fly.”

“Wow, tricks and charity work? Busy life.”

“It’s not charity.” Dash thought for a moment. “Or maybe it is? I actually don’t know. She was born with wings too small though. She normally would’ve been flying years ago. She’s already eleven.”

“Eleven and can’t fly yet? Poor kid. I bet she’s glad to have you.”

“Yeah, she lets me know every time I see her.”

“Sounds like a cool kid. I’ll have to come by and meet her sometime.”

“That would totally make her day, you have no idea!”

“How about tomorrow?”

“What? Tomorrow? Really?”

“Yeah, does that work?”

“Y-yeah! Of course it does. I was actually gonna pick her up from a friend’s house tomorrow at eleven. So you could meet at like, one?”

“Works for me! Where exactly am I going?”

“Oh, right. We’re gonna be at Sweet Apple Acres. I wanted to use the trees for some weaving stuff.”

“Alright! I’ll even help her with some flying also.”

“Thanks so much. This will mean the world to her. Hopefully boost her confidence a little too. She still doesn’t think she’ll be flying anytime soon.”

“I’ll fix that, don’t you worry.” He said with a smile.

The show continued and amazed Rainbow once again. She engaged in small talk among the Wonderbolts that were present, but not much conversation happened. She was still so stoked that Soarin was gonna come and help Scootaloo! This was gonna boost her confidence level through the roof!

Scoots seemed to be a little down after the initial hype of her progression today. It killed Rainbow to see her that way. That little filly has so much potential, if she kept pushing herself like she has been, she’ll get there soon enough. And Soarin stopping by will definitely be a help.

The show ended with a final fly by with sparks and firework display. It was time for everyone to head out. The crowd started to leave, pushing and shoving as if they all had somewhere really important to be at that moment. The performing members made their way to the locker rooms. Dash took this as her sign to head out also.

“Alright, I’m gonna go ahead and leave now.” Rainbow said as she was getting up.

“We’ll see you in a month, Dash.” Spitfire said. “Train hard and have fun”

“Will do, captain.” She saluted.

“Oh!” Soarin spoke up. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Dash!” He smiled at her and she returned it as she walked out the door.

She got past the beefy guards and merged into the large crowd. A few ponies were pretty rude, just pushing and shoving others out of their way. It was pretty chaotic all together. After some skilled maneuvering, Dash made it through the thick of the pony mass and was finally outside. She heard someone yelling her name and started to look around for whoever it was. Just when she was about to brush it off and continue on, Flare Chaser comes out from between two ponies.

“Hey, there you are.” He says to her. “Was looking for you.”

“Were you now?”

“Yeah, you kind of got pulled away earlier. We didn’t get a chance to catch up! How long has it been?” Flare asked as they continued to walk.

“I don’t know. like, six years? Wouldn’t have been so long if someone didn’t drop out of school.” Rainbow said.

“Whoa, come on. Who needs high school?” The stallion asked.

“Normal ponies.”

“I was done with education after that flight camp.”

“And that is why you work at the weather factory.” Rainbow countered.

“What if I want to be there?”

“That’s a pretty small goal, and a somewhat sad life if all you want is to work there.”

“Eh, it pays the bills and my schedule is very flexible.”

“Well at least I am trying for something bigger and better in life.”

“The Wonderbolts.” He pauses and thinks for a little bit. “I’m sorry for earlier. Saying you weren’t good enough for them and wouldn’t make it.”

“And?” She asked, trying to get what really bugged her out of him.

“And for calling you a liar about Spitfire and such.”

There it was. “Thanks. It was a pretty outlandish thing to ask everypony to believe anyway.”

“Yeah, especially me. The last time I saw you, you couldn’t do much. Crashing all the time and being pretty reckless. All you had going for you was speed.”

“Hey, I was in the flight camp for a reason. I needed work. But now look at me.” Rainbow said while puffing out her chest and giving off a heroic pose. “On my way to the Wonderbolts and the fastest flier in Equestria! I say I’ve come pretty far.”

“Ok, ok. Meeting Spitfire and such is pretty awesome, I’ll give you that.”

Dash chuckled. “Don’t forget she asked for me. I didn’t just meet her. She requested to see me. Besides, I’ve already met her before. At the academy, The Young Fliers competition, the Gala, and when Ponyville brought the water to Cloudsdale.”

“Oh well jeez. Aren’t we special?” Flare sarcastically asked.

Rainbow responded by sticking her tongue out at him. “I am. How many ponies are as awesome as me?”

Flare seemed to be deep in thought. “Uh, Spitfire and Soarin, Vinyl Scratch, the princesses, um, many others I’m sure. In fact, I think they might be more awesome.”

“You suck.” Dash said as she punched his shoulder.

“Hey, I’m only kidding.” Flare defended. “You’re making it up there on the awesome scale.”

“Damn straight.”

“Quite the ego you got there.” The stallion chuckled. “You haven’t changed a bit. So, you still hang out with your griffon friend?”

“Gilda?” Remembering all that happened with that griffon a while back didn’t bring up the greatest feelings. “Uh, not really. We tried to stay friends but she turned out to be a real douchebag.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Flare said, noticing her change in attitude. “I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject.”

“No, it’s fine. You didn’t know.”

Awkward silence filled the air as the two continued to walk the streets of Cloudsdale. It was pretty late and there was nopony around anymore. The streets were bare and all the house lights were out. Rainbow just had a little bit further before she got to a good take off zone to fly home, and it was getting a little too awkward for Dash’s likings. But Flare broke the silence.

“Hey, you wanna go get a drink?”

“Sorry Flare.” Dash apologized. “But I got some things I need to do tomorrow, so I probably shouldn’t be out drinking tonight.”

“Oh come on. I have work tomorrow too.”

“I just don’t really feel like staying out late. I have plans for tomorrow.”

“I’m giving you one last chance, Dash. Just come out drinking. It’ll be fun! To celebrate your meeting with the captain!”

“Look, I’m sorry, but not tonight. Maybe some other time, ok?”

“Some other time just isn’t going to work for me.”

Flare took on a more hostile tone, which made Dash a little nervous. She backed off a little before speaking again.

“What? It’s gonna have to work, dude.”

All of a sudden Flare lurched forward and pressed a cloth to her face. She hit him and struggled while making muffled protests, but he kept it against her. Slowly she was losing it, feeling weak and slipping. The last thing she saw was Flare giving a wicked grin before everything went black.

__________________________________

Rainbow groaned as she started to come to. Her head hurt and she felt like slept on a hard floor all night. As she opened her eyes and moved around a bit, she realized that was exactly what happened. She tried to move but she was tethered to the ground by a one link chains around each hoof, allowing little to no movement.

'Flare that sick bastard,' Rainbow thought. He had obviously planned this. But how? No one knew that Dash was gonna be at that show, not even herself! How the hell did he?

Pushing those thoughts aside for the moment, Rainbow looked better at her surroundings. It seemed as though she was in a basement of some sort. There was all sorts of boxes and junk about. Old weights in one corner, a dart board on the wall, some clothes strewn about near an old beat up washer and dryer. But everything was out of her reach as she was chained up in the corner. A complete concrete floor with bare walls and nothing in her reach for about a yard away.

Why was she here anyway? What did he want? Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. She had to get out of there. Rainbow tried to wiggle around but didn’t even budge. These cuffs around her hooves made it impossible to move whatsoever. Which worried her greatly. She could barely lean from side to side let alone get out.

Before she could investigate any further, the door suddenly opened and in came Flare. As soon as he saw her, he got a pleased look on his face.

“Look who finally woke up.” He said. “Was starting to think you never would.” He began to walk towards her.

“What the hell is all this, Flare!?” Rainbow yelled. “Let me go!”

“Ah, well I'm afraid I can't do that. You see, if I let you go, I don't get to do what I want” He said while patting Dash's head.

Dash was starting to get seriously worried on what was going on. “Yeah? And what is that?”

“I picked up this new hobby.” He explained while taking a seat in front of her. “About a month ago, I was out drinking a bit. I wasn't drunk by any means. Just out. But I've been getting lonely as of late. Not having a mare, you know?”

At this Rainbow's mind started to think of the sick intentions of Flare's. She wasn't liking what it was coming up with. She was holding onto the hope that maybe he wasn't going to do.... that. But maybe he just wanted to keep her here to have company? Somepony to talk to that just had to be a mare? It wouldn't be long before the ponies back home realized she was missing. They would notice by tomorrow at the latest. So hopefully Flare wouldn't be planning something horrible.

Flare continued his explanation. “So I decided to buy her some extra drinks, get her a little drunk. Just a little. Enough to talk her into going back to my place. She was all for it until it started getting serious. She tried to leave, but I didn't want her to. So I made her stay. I wanted to have my fun. So I made it happen.”

Now Dash was officially scared. “Y-you, you....”

Flare adopted a sick smile. “Yeah, I did. And you know what? I loved it. The rush. The adrenaline going through me. It was amazing. By the end of it she scurried away, but not after I threatened her never to say a word. I never did see or hear of her again. But that wasn't the end. I wanted more.”

“So this time I took a trip down to Manehattan and hung out in one of the alleyways down in the ghetto part of town. Waited for a few hours and soon enough a mare found her way down the same path. I did very much the same thing I did to you earlier with the cloth and took her into one of the abandoned buildings there. When she came to, I had my way. But then I had this problem.”

He paused as if he was waiting for something, so Dash spoke up. “What was the problem?”

“She wasn't going to be quiet about this. She was going on about how she was gonna turn me in and there was nothing I could do to change that. But there was.”

Flare paused again, so Dash asked. “W-what did you do?”

“I'm afraid I had to dispose of her. Had to kill her. I couldn't get caught, that would ruin everything. It would take my fun away. I really didn't want to kill anypony, but sadly it came to that. She brought it onto herself. She wouldn’t behave and kept threatening me. So she had to go. I did it to a few more mares before my presence was becoming known, so I left that town.”

'Sweet Celestia this pony is crazy.' Rainbow thought. And she was at his mercy. This didn't look good. Rainbow knew where this was going, and it terrified her.

“That was a couple weeks ago.” He continued. “I decided to wind down a bit and stay low until the Manehattan murders blew over. So I went to the Wonderbolt show, saw you, and thought, 'this might be interesting.' I perused and you know the rest.”

“You're sick.” Rainbow spat.

“Nothing I haven't heard already.” Flare struck back. He got up and started to circle her. Studying her very closely. “If you behave though things don't have to be difficult. I won't even need to kill you. Now I know you've noticed you're nice cuffs on your hooves. You agree that you absolutely can't move or even break out of them, right?”

Rainbow attempted to squirm but to no avail, so she nodded in agreement.

“Good. Since you know that and have come to terms with it, there is no need to try and fight against it. It will only make things worse for you. Oh, and no screaming. No one can hear you and frankly it is very annoying. I will be forced to hurt you if you do that. You understand?”

This was happening. Rainbow never imagined this would ever happen to herself. This was always something that happened to other ponies. Something you only read about in the news. But this was real. She was going to be a victim of rape, and no one was there to help her. She was already victim of kidnapping.

Rainbow had no doubt he would go through with his threats. She could scream and suffer the consequences until help heard her, but that would just get her killed. She could try and break out, but that was literally impossible in these cuffs. Be very difficult to the point where he just killed her, to get it over with maybe? No, she couldn't take the coward's way out.

What could she do?

A solution quickly came to her. A slim chance this would work, but all she had to do was endure his disgusting actions long enough for her friends to find her. That means she couldn't be difficult at all. She had to give him reason to keep her around for a few days, reason to not kill her. No witty retorts, no struggling, no fighting.

She had to let him have his way.

This was going to be torture.

Rainbow nodded. “I understand.”

“Perfect.” Flare said as he got close to her. “Are you going to be a good girl?”

Dash mentally vomited. “Yes.”

He gave a wicked smile. “Then I'm not going to waste anytime.”

Chapter 3: Captured

Flare continued his evil grin as he walked to Rainbow's backside. She was preparing herself for the worst. Rainbow shoved those thoughts out of her mind. She could be depressed about that later.

“Well?” Flare asked expectantly.

“Uh, well what?”

He chuckled. “Come on Rainbow, I'm getting a little eager back here.”

She was about to ask again what he meant, when realization hit her. She blushed a little at having to expose herself, but reluctantly bent her forelegs, putting her face nearly to the ground, and leaving her rump in the air. She had to put all her comforts away. Dash had to go through with this peacefully if she wanted to make it out alive.

“That wasn't so bad, was it?” The stallion asked sarcastically.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatev - ”

Rainbow gasped as he suddenly began. Dash squeezed her eyes shut and tried to put herself in a happy place. She had to make it back to Scoots, to see her fly, to get her cutie mark. She had to get into the Wonderbolts. To see her friends again. She has to get back and let them all know that she's ok.

It took every ounce of her not to utter sounds of discomfort or weakness. As time went on Flare started to get a little rougher, eventually putting his forelegs around her torso resting on her back while he abused her. It seemed to go on forever. Rainbow was panting and sweating, just wanting it to end. There was no way in hell being forced upon was enjoyable.

Soon enough though, he finally finished, much to Rainbow's relief. She flat out collapsed in a pile of sweat and other nasties while she tried to slow down her heart and her breathing.

Flare walked over to a spot near the dart board and grabbed what looked to be a small four foot chain. He walked up to Rainbow and revealed there to be a collar at the other end. He fastened it on her neck with a lock and then hooked the other end to a link embedded in the concrete floor with another lock. He then proceeded to unhook the cuffs.

“I know these can be a bit uncomfortable to sleep in. As I'm sure you figured out already, right?”

Rainbow just glared at him, not saying a word. Flare didn't seem to like that answer very much because he suddenly punched her in the muzzle.

“F-fuck!” The mare yelped as she grabbed her nose, feeling a little bit of blood.

“Answer me.” He plainly said.

“Yeah.” Rainbow said, remembering to behave if she wanted to make it out of there. “They really hurt my hooves and are uncomfortable to sleep in.” She removed her hoof and examined if, confirming the blow had caused a little blood.

“That's a good little filly.” He said while patting her head. He began to walk towards the door. “I'll bring you some food and water in the morning. Get a good nights sleep.”

And with that, he flicked the lights off and shut the door. Leaving Rainbow all alone in the darkness. She curled up in her little pool of filth and closed her eyes. She was so exhausted and felt dead that soon enough, she was asleep.

_____________________________________________________

Back at the Apple Farm, Scootaloo was looking out the window with a forlorn face. Rainbow was supposed to come get her at eleven, and it was one in the afternoon already! Rarity already came and got Sweetie. All that was left was her and Apple Bloom.

“Heya Scoots.” The little red headed filly said as she approached her. “Maybe we could go play out in the orchard to take your mind off of it. I'm sure she just got caught up in important business.”

“She would've said something. But she hasn't even come to apologize or say that it just won't work today.”

“I'm sorry Scoots. But there isn't really anything we can do. Mopping around sure ain't gonna fix the problem.”

“Sorry, I guess you're right. I was just really looking forward to it. And she's never stood me up before.”

A knock resided from the front door and Applejack came to answer it. When she opened it there was a very light sky-blue pegasus stallion with a navy blue mane.

“Well hi there.” Applejack said cheerfully. “What can ah do ya for?”

“Um, I was told to be here around one to help Rainbow with a little filly? But she doesn't seem to be anywhere.”

That's when Scootaloo saw who it was at the door. She zipped right past Applejack and was bouncing in place right in front of the stallion.

“You're Soarin! Co-captain of the Wonderbolts! What are you doing here!?”

“Oh” Applejack said. “Didn't recognize you without your suit on. You're looking for Rainbow too?”

“Yeah, she told me to meet her here.”

“I'm sure she got caught up in something. You're welcome to wait here for her.”

“Are you guys serious?” Asked Scootaloo. “Rainbow wouldn't ditch me. She wouldn't go do something else without at least telling me. Somethings wrong.”

“Scoots.” Applejack said. “She can't help it if something caught up to her. Maybe she had weather things to deal with.”

“She is the Element of loyalty.” Pointed out Apple Bloom. “I don't think she would just leave to go take care of something else.”

“See?” Said the orange filly. “Can we at least go check her house? Just to make sure? And then her job?”

“Scootaloo I just don't think -”

“I'll take you to go check.” The stallion interrupted. “From what you say Scootaloo, I'm starting to think something is up too.” He picked up the young pegasus up and placed her on his back. “I'll come back and let you know what we find Apple... Apple …?

“Applejack” She supplied for him. “The names Applejack, one of Dash's good friends.”

“Alright, nice to meet you. We'll be back later”

“See ya!” The excited filly on his back said. And with that they took off.

“So where are we going?” Soarin asked.

“The only giant floating cloud home in Ponyville, just floating of over there.” She pointed to some hills near the edge of town. “You can't miss it.”

“Got it.”

Scootaloo was getting really worried about Rainbow. She has never left her before. And for her to think something is bad is one thing, but for an adult to be worried as well? That was never a good thing. It only confirmed her fears.

Soon they approached Rainbow's house and landed at her front door. Immediately the filly hopped off of Soarin's back and went to open the door, but it wouldn't budge.

“It's locked.” Scootaloo said.

“Well that means she isn't home.”

“No. She only locks her door when she is out of town.”

“That's not safe. She leaves it unlocked all the time?”

“It's Ponyville. Nothing bad like that ever happens here. But that's not the point I was getting to. She only locks it when she is out of town.”

“The Wonderbolts show last night. That was out of town. Which means...”

“She never even came home last night. And still hasn't.”

“You're real smart for your age.”

“Thanks, but that also means Tank is starving inside. We have to get in!”

“Whoa, whoa. Ok, calm down. You know where the extra key might be?”

The young pegasus sat there and thought for a moment before heading off to the side near an odd shaped cloud chunk in the ground. She fluffed it aside and there was a small key underneath and grabbed it to unlock the door.

Scootaloo quickly ran to Tank's bowls in the kitchen and found both the food and water were empty and Tank was sitting right next to them.

“Aw Tank.” She said. “You must be starving. Here” She filled his water and food bowl as Soarin made his way into the kitchen.

“So this little turtle is Tank?”

“Tortoise, and yeah. He's Rainbow's pet. But now that he's taking care of, we should go find Rainbow and make sure she's ok”

“Calm down. She obviously isn't home and never came home. So we should go check her job now. Where does she work exactly?”

“The weather team, their office is in the middle of town.”

“Well then let's get going.” He said as he scooped up the filly and set her on his back and took off. The two made it to town in no time at all, quickly scanning the town.

“There it is!”

Soarin followed her hoof that pointed to a building. He landed as Scootaloo jumped off and started for the door. She opened it and rushed inside, going straight to the front desk. The periwinkle mare at the desk was startled at the sudden loud entrance. Straightening a few strands of her blonde mane, she found her voice.

“Can I help you?”

“Where's Rainbow Dash!?” Scootaloo shouted.

“Whoa, calm down. She never came in today.”

“N-never came in?” The filly fearfully repeated. This could only mean something was seriously wrong.

“Is she here?” Soarin asked as he finally caught up with the energetic kid.

“She said Rainbow never came to work today.” Scootaloo said with a face of sadness.

“I'm sorry.” The mare at the desk said. “I wish I could tell you where she is, but she didn't call in or anything. Which isn't like her.”

“Soarin?” Scootaloo look up to him with sad eyes. If she isn't here either and didn't even call in, something had to have happened. And it couldn't be good.

“Soarin?” The desk mare asked. “Soarin Soarin?”

“Um, yeah. Sorry about bursting in and all. And thanks. Come on Scootaloo.” He said while picking her up and setting her on his back. “We should head back to that farm and let your friends know.”

With that he left the building and took off towards Sweet Apple Acres. He might not know Dash that well, but from what he does know, and from what her friends have told him, this isn't like her at all. Something is really wrong with this whole situation. And it had to have happened last night. After the show.

He mentally fachoofed. He should have flown her home. He was thinking about it last night, but decided it would've been weird to offer. You never let a mare fly home on her own late at night. Ever.

“Ugh, I'm such an idiot.” The stallion muttered.

“Why?”

“N-nothing.” He lied. He knows he can't go blaming himself. But, like any normal pony, he found himself doing so anyway.

Soon they made it back to the Apple's farm, landing on the porch. Scootaloo hopped off and entered the house, Soarin following her lead.

“Find anythin'?” Applejack asked. “She probably got caught up at work, huh?”

“She is missing!” Scoots suddenly shouted. “She wasn't anywhere and didn't even come home last night.”

The mare looked at Soarin for confirmation. But all he could do was nod.

“We might want to go let Twilight know.” AJ stated. “She'll know what to do.”

“Then let's go!” The pegasus filly said impatiently. “No time to waste, come on!”

The adults couldn't argue as they began to make their way towards the library. Soarin forgot about the princess within all the slight panic. Since they have her as such a close companion, things will get done quicker. Which means Rainbow will be found quicker. Everything will be fine... Right?

His thoughts drifted to the little filly quietly walking with them. Eyes focused on the ground, surely thinking on what has become of Dash. She really seemed to care about Rainbow. Obviously she meant a lot to her.

“So Scootaloo. You and Rainbow seem pretty close.” He asked, trying to start conversation.

“She's the best flier ever, no offense. She’s the only one who has really taken the time to get me to fly. She has even taken me under her wing. I'm like, her sister now.” Her happiness didn't last long as she started to seem down again. Looking at the dirt.

“Hey.” Saorin said as he slightly nudged her side. “I'm sure she's just fine. Ok?”

If there is one thing he has learned about being a Wonderbolt, is that ponies look up to you. He may not be in uniform, he may not know these ponies very well, but what he does know is that he can inspire hope within this little filly. And that's what kids need within situations like these. Assurance from the adults.

They arrived at the library and walked in. The whole place was floor to ceiling with books. The smell of dust and pages filled the air. Out from around the corner came a little purple dragon.

“Hey guys, what brings you here?” The tiny reptile asked.

“Heya Spike.” Applejack greeted. “Is Twilight around?”

“TWILIGHT!” He shouted.

“Well I could’a done that.”

Moments later the young alicorn walks down the stairs, seeing the odd group gathered in the library.

“Oh.” She said in surprise. “What brings you all here?”

“Twilight, Dash has gone missin'.” Applejack said, not wasting anytime.

“Missing? You sure?”

“Sure as sure!” Scootaloo popped in.

“It's true princess.” Soarin said. “I've done a little investigating myself into this matter and according to what I have found, I believe something is...” He trailed off, thinking of better words to use around Scootaloo. “Is amiss.”

“You brought the Wonderbolts into this already?” Twilight asked.

“He showed up on his own.” The farmer corrected.

“I was on my way here upon personal business. I told Rainbow I would show up to make an appearance for Scootaloo. But when I got here I was told she never showed, so I took it upon myself to figure out what was up.”

“And something is up.” Scootaloo finished.

“Spike? Write a letter requesting a search party sent out to....?”

“Cloudsdale was the last place she was seen.” Soarin supplied.

“Cloudsdale.” The lavender princess continued. “We're looking for Rainbow Dash who has been missing since...?”

“Uh, I guess around 11:40 last night when she left the show.”

“Since approximately 11:40 PM last night.”

Spike finished the letter with other formalities that needed to be written. Then burping a green flame upon the parchment, the letter was sent magically to its destination.

“So that's it?” Scootaloo asked. “We just wait and let the guard take care of it?”

“That's how these things work.” Twilight explained. “It's their job and they'll find her, don't worry.”

“You wanna stay at the farm till she turns up?” Applejack offered the little pegasus.

“Yeah. I think that would be best.” She was so scared now. Where was Dash? Something that keeps Rainbow away from promises, from her, had to be very bad. Maybe being around friends 24/7 would be better.

“Alright, we'll stop by the orphanage and let Miss Caring know. Come on now.”

With that they left the library. Leaving the Wonderbolt there.

“Thank you for investigating this off duty. It means a lot to us. I'm sure once this is all over, Dash will appreciate it as well.”

“It was the least I could do. The sooner she's found, the better. But, uh, I should really be headed home myself. I've been flying around all day. Let me know if anything turns up?”

“Of course captain.”

“Co-captain.” He corrected with a chuckle as he left the library. He started his flight home, hoping that Rainbow turned up soon. And in good health.

_________________________________________________

Flare finished his dark deed once again. Leaving Dash in the pool of filth on the ground. He put the chain and collar back on while detaching her from the cuffs in the ground.

“You're feel pretty great. I might just keep you around longer. You know?” He ruffled her mane.

“What're gonna do when you get tired of me?” She skeptically asked as he got out of her reach. With correct caution as she has gotten a little violent before. The other day, when he was turned, she rushed and tried to get him from behind. But, all it got her was a gash on her leg. He wasn't kidding when he said she would have consequences. So she hasn’t tried anything since.

He thought for a long moment. “I haven't actually thought that far ahead for you. You're a little more....fun, than my previous mares.”

“Fun?” She asked with a tone of annoyance. She was sick and tired of this. She was a living breathing pony. She shouldn't be treated this way. She was getting pretty annoyed playing this little game. Maybe speaking out would be worth a few cuts and bruises.

“Why don't you just let me go? How many days has it been? Four? I can’t even tell! I just want to go home and -”

Her sentence was cut off by a punch to the muzzle followed by Flare pinning her to the ground. Now normally Dash would've been able to fight back easily. But she hasn't exactly been in the best conditions or having the best of diet these past few days. He held her face down to the ground and began talking right in her face.

“And what?” He spat in her face. “Tell them about me? Ruin me? Get me thrown in jail? Huh!?” He rubbed her face a bit into the floor. “I know you Dash. You aren't just gonna let this slide. If I release you, that's the end of me. So, you're just gonna stay here and help me with my needs.” He squished her face even more. “Got it?” She nodded as best she could under his hoof.

“But, I'm not such a bad guy. I mean, you're my friend. We go way back. I can't bring myself to kill you. Unless you give me reason to. But, that aside. I think I'll just keep you around. Maybe you can help all the other mares that come and go through here. Teach them how it works. How's that sound?”

He turned her head so that she was facing him. Rainbow took the opportunity to bite his hoof, drawing some blood. He yanked back. “You little bitch!”

He immediately grabbed her right wing and twisted until there was a sickening crunch resounding from it. Rainbow cried out in immense pain. Flare got off of her, cradled his hoof, and began leaving the basement.

“That should teach you not to bite the hoof that feeds you. You also ain't getting food this evening.” With that, he left the room.

Dash immediately started to regret deciding to talk back. Her wing felt like it was on fire. Her eyes watered at the pain. She dared look back at her wing, but she had to see the damage.

It was all bent at an awkward angle. It was already oddly colored and sickly looking. She quickly looked away, not being able to whiteness it any longer. All she could do at this point was curl up in a little ball and hoped sleep consumed her once more. She really hoped her friends would hurry up and find her.

'How much more of this can I take?' She thought

Chapter 4: Break

It has been five days since Rainbow disappeared and they have had no such luck in finding her. The guard has been processing everypony who was at the show that night for a couple days now. Asking them questions like if they saw her, saw her leave, if she was with anyone else, anything that would lead them to anything. So far, nothing. There were so many ponies at that show that it's going to take forever to find out who saw her and who didn't. But it was the only thing they could do to find a lead.

Soarin sat on the sofa in the old library with all but one of the element bearers. Everyday after his shift at the Wonderbolts HQ, he would head to the library to talk with the girls. They would talk about the next moves about finding Rainbow at the beginning, but the conversation would drift to casual talk after a while.

These mares had amazing stories to tell, that's for sure. And since Rainbow was always the start of their daily conversations, there would always be stories about her. The more he heard, the more awesome she sounded. He may not have known her that well before, but they were still friends. Once this was all over he had to make an effort to see her more. Become proper friends. That'd be nice. She was headed to the Wonderbolts after all. They'd see each other every day.

The girls finished one of their tall tales. Something about all of them knowing each other before they met, or something crazy like that. But what did catch his attention was the rainboom mentioned.

“So, wait wait wait.” Soarin said. “Rainbow at that age, managed to accomplish that much of a feat?”

They all nodded, though it was Fluttershy that spoke. “Nopony believed her when she'd try to bring it up again. I mean, even now the majority of ponies don't believe she did it when she was that young.”

He whistled in impression. “Dang. I believe it though. Why would all of you lie? That's what I would find hard to believe. But still, wow. I've seen her do the Rainboom. All pegasi know the legends of being able to break the sound barrier. Never dreamed I'd see it happen in my lifetime. Just accomplishing it is amazing in of itself. But doing it as a little filly? That's impressive.”

Fluttershy smiled. “You should tell her that.”

“Oh yeah!” Pinkie piped in. “That would just make her day be all superific-tastic!”

“Super-if-wha?” The stallion asked, confused at the odd vocabulary.

“It would make her day.” Twilight clarified. “You have a high position within the Wonderbolts. To hear it from someone like you... I think it would just mean a lot.”

“Especially after finally being found.” Rarity added then sighed. “We have no idea what the poor dear is going through.”

And the conversation was brought back to the harsh reality. They all knew by now that being gone for five days meant her position wasn't good. She obviously needed help, but they had no idea where she was.

“But we're doing everything we can.” Twilight reminded them. “What we can't do is give up.”

“Twi's right.” Applejack said. “I think we can all come to agreement that something is wrong. Terribly wrong. But we'll find her. And fix whatever mess she turns up in. It's all we can do. Just be here when she gets back.”

Soarin sighed at the sad truth. When they do find Rainbow, she isn't going to be in good condition. Somepony had to of taken her. Kidnapped. She might be beaten, hurt, malnourished, or even worse... He shook his head. Can't let his thoughts go wild. For all he knew she could have been kidnapped by someone who takes good care of their victims. It isn't unheard of.

Just then a loud knock was heard from the front door and a large royal guard stallion entered the library. They all looked at him with shock at the sudden entrance, but then realized who it was. Secretly there was that shred of hope that maybe, just maybe, he would have the news they've all been waiting to hear. That Dash was found.

“Princess.” He saluted before proceeding forward, handing her the scrolls. Twilight began to skim them as the guard continued. “We have finally got a lead. A couple of the show goers said they saw the brightly colored mare leaving the show with a stallion.”

“A stallion?” Rarity asked.

“Anything else?” Applejack also asked.

“From what they could tell, it didn't seemed forced. She was strolling right along with him. They were able to describe him of having a brown coat and light blue mane. Another witness said his cutie mark appeared to be a flame and a cloud.”

“A flame coming from a cloud?” Fluttershy asked as the guard nodded. “Oh my goodness...” She said quietly.

Twilight looked up from the official scrolls of the witnesses statements. “What is it Fluttershy?”

“W-well,” she squeaked being put on the spot like that. “Back when me and Rainbow were in school, we knew a guy just like that.”

“An old friend?” Soarin asked, Fluttershy nodded.

“That would explain why she would be walking willingly with him.” The guard thought out loud.

“You remember his name?” Twilight asked hopefully.

Fluttershy looked at the floor, struggling to remember.

“Please please please remember.” Pinkie slightly begged.

“U-uh.... Flare. Yeah, it was Flare Chaser.”

“You sure?” Soarin asked.

“Definitely. Bu-but, he would never do anything to hurt anypony. He was our friend.”

“Alright.” Twilight looked at the guard. “I want this Flare Chaser's records and address ASAP. Go to his house and grab him for questioning. I want to know every detail. He might have been the last one to see Dash.”

He saluted. “Yes ma'am. Right away.” And with that he left.

“I think this was the break we were waiting for.” The lavender mare stated with a smile.

_______________

Another day has passed making day six, and Dash was in no better condition. Flare was true to his words of not being too cruel and patched up her wing best he could. But she knew she needed an actual doctor. It wasn't going to heal properly this way.

He had rutted her once again since the wing break. That was the worst. Every little thing she did that upset him, he would hurt her. Her saying rude remarks or complaining wasn't going to fly. She hated to admit it, but he was starting to scare her.

The basement door creaked and light poured in from the other room. Flare entered and turned on the light, making Rainbow squint. Flare approached the mare with a bowl of slop. She shrank out of fear the closer he got. He dropped the bowl roughly on the floor, making Dash flinch.

“Time to eat.” The stallion simply stated. But Rainbow didn't move. She looked at the bowl then looked away. He usually just left it at that and left her to eat. But he stayed there, staring at her.

“Can I help you?” She skeptically asked.

“Well, the thing is, I got another mare knocked out in the living room. She should be waking up soon, so I need to get her into the cuffs there.” He motioned to said cuffs just to the right of Dash. “So, I'm gonna have to move your chain here to the other corner. Now, are you gonna behave?” She nodded. Not wanting anymore pain than necessary.

With that he unhooked the chain from the floor and started dragging it and Rainbow along with it. She walked calmly and clumsily. Not walking around for five days really took a tole on her. More than she realized. She wanted to go run around so badly, and up to last night, fly too. To breath fresh air. If it's only been five days, she can't imagine being here forever.

Flare hooked the chain onto the wall as Dash unceremoniously plopped onto the floor. He reached his hoof towards her head, making her flinch, but he just ruffled her mane. “There's a good girl.” The stallion then walked back to the cuffs, kicking the bowl towards Dash. She flinched and covered her head, expecting it to be kicked much harder. But all it did was gently skid to her. She slowly opened her eyes, realizing this fact.

Flare left the basement and returned a few minutes later with an unconscious mare on his back. She was pink with a periwinkle mane up in a loose ponytail. Her cutie mark was a sun setting on a hill. He placed her where the cuffs were and attached them to her.

“Alright, I gotta head out and run some errands. She'll wake before I get back, so don't panic or anything.” And with that he left.

Dash stared at the slop in her bowl then started to eat it. It was always some bland oatmeal wet cereal stuff. Didn't taste so good, but wasn't unbearable either. As she was finishing up, she looked at the mare across the basement.

The poor thing had no idea what she was gonna wake up to. Then another thought occurred to her. He got rid of his mares when he was done with them, that was what he said. Rainbow was apparently the acception. But what about this pink mare here? Rainbow sighed, coming to the realization that this girl was doomed the moment she fell into Flare's trap.

Then the mare started to stir, making some groaning sounds, gathering conscious. Slowly she began to look around, trying to piece together where she was. Then her sight settled on Rainbow Dash in the corner.

With confusion written all over her face, she asked. “Where am I?”

“You're in some type of hell.” Rainbow simply put it. “Were you out drinking or something with a blue maned stallion?” She nodded. “Yeah, that's why you're here. You are now a sex toy. Congrats.”

Panic shot through the mare's face as she looked at the cuffs and then back at Dash, noticing her condition. Her poorly bandaged broken wing, cuts and bruises everywhere, dirty coat, greasy tangled mane, and pure exhaustion written all over. “I take it you've been here a while?”

“Something like that, yeah.” Dash answered, shifting a bit.

“I'm Sunset Daze, by the way.”

“Rainbow Dash. Look, everything will be easier on you if you just roll with it. Don't fight or anything. It only makes things worse...”

Sunset studied Dash's expression, then to her wounds. “I take it you've tried fighting?”

“Not at first. I thought my friends would've found me by now. So I just went with it, as not to make things worse like he said. But as the days drew on I started to get.... agitated, at the situation. Talking and fighting back. He didn't like that, so these kind of happened...” She gestured to herself, implying the wounds.

“That's awful.”

“No kidding.”

“So, he just comes in here and... uh...”

Dash could tell she was a little uncomfortable with the subject. Hey, under normal circumstances she wouldn't want to talk about sex with anypony either. “Fucks you? Yeah. That's the gist of it”

Sunset looked down at the ground. Probably contemplating her fate here. “Have you tried to escape?”

“Yeah, that's how I got this gash here and this one over here.” Rainbow said as she pointed to the wounds. “Nearly got my leg broken when I attacked him. Haven't tried again since.”

“Oh.” Was all she could say as her hope was most likely dwindling.

Rainbow decided to leave it at that. If Sunset was going to die, she didn't want to raise her hopes to high. There was just nothing she could do. Time passed and soon enough when the front door could be heard opening. That meant Flare was back.

“Just keep calm.” Dash said as Flare entered the basement. He smiled as he saw that his new victim was awake.

“Oh good, you're up! You two get acquainted while I was gone?” He ventured further into the basement as Dash nodded. “So then, what's her name?”

“Sunset Gaze.” Flare smiled and set a little cupcake in front of her. Rainbow just stared at it, unsure of what to do. A treat? This was new…

“Go ahead and eat it. I figured you should start earning stuff.” She greedily took it and ate it in one bite. Enjoying its flavor and sweetness. He ruffled her mane. “There's a good girl.”

Sunset stared at the spectacle in front of her. Rainbow devoured it in mere seconds, licking the icing from her lips greedily. All the while he sat there and praised her like a dog. The two made eye contact and Dash quickly looked away, embarrassed by her behavior.

“What do we say?” The stallion asked the cyan mare.

“Thank you.” She said cowering back into her corner.

“Now then, on to the newbie here.” He said, directing his attention to Sunset. “I take it she explained how things work around here?” She nodded. “Fantastic, then we can start right away.” Her eyes widened in panic.

“W-what?”

“You heard me. Go on, bend over.” She just looked at him. “Alright, have it your way.” He grabbed her head and forced her front down roughly. “That's better.”

Rainbow and the other mare's eyes met once again. Dash looked away sadly, turning so she was facing the corner and curled up on the floor. She knew what was gonna happen, and she didn't want to see it.

As he started Dash could hear everything. Flare enjoying himself and Sunset suffering. She covered her ears to try and block out the sounds. But, no such relief came. She could hear Sunset fighting back with some attitude, but not long after was a short yelp and she would silence herself for a while. Then it would repeat. Obviously Flare was hurting her much like he did to Dash herself, the gashes a constant reminder.

Sunset was being very bothersome it seemed for Flare. Dash could hear the pink mare actually try to physically fight back, which she only heard a sickening crunch that sounded like bone and a pained scream from Sunset. But, she still refused to look back. She told her not to fight back or anything.

After what seemed to be forever, Rainbow heard the end of it. Sunset collapsed on the floor with a thud. Dash finally turned around to find Sunset all bloodied and beaten. Her left forearm was bent all funny and she was covered in gashes.

“You're a little bitch, you know that?” Flare spat angrily at the beaten mare as she whimpered and flinched at every word. “You were more trouble than you're worth!” He grabbed her roughly and unhooked her from the cuffs, then threw her to the side. He looked around and grabbed what appeared to be a screwdriver and stabbed her neck.

Dash only looked on in horror. She couldn't look away or say anything as he repeatably stabbed her now dead body. She concluded in this moment, that she officially feared this stallion.

He stood up and threw the screwdriver to the side. He looked at the bloodied body as if he was admiring his work. He turned to Dash and the fierce look in his eyes disappeared.

“Sorry you had to see that. It's kind of what I do to the ones that are more trouble than needed.” He began to walk over to her. “But you're not like that, are you?”

Rainbow shrank back as he got closer to the point where she was as far in the corner as she could get. “No-no.” She stuttered out as he patted her head.

“There's a good girl.” Then there was a knock coming from the front door. Flare had a puzzled look on his face. Apparently he is never supposed to have visitors. He returned his attention to Dash with a stern look. “Don't you make a sound.” He said as he left the basement.

Thoughts were racing through her mind. She could scream…? But, what if they didn't hear her? That might get her killed by Flare. But, what else was she going to do? Might as well try and accept her fate if it failed. This was her one chance.

She flicked her ears in the direction of the door, trying to hear what was transpiring on the other side. She heard murmurs of Flare answering the door. Then the unmistakable sound of a royal guard introducing himself. The guard wanted Flare to come with him, but he kept saying he couldn't. Something about the guard not having the right to do so.

Flare was probably a little messy from his little murdering session before. No wonder he is trying real hard to get this guard to leave. Before he did though, Rainbow had to make her move. 'It's now or never,' she thought.

She screamed at the top of her lungs. Then, with another breath, began to scream some more. “Hey! Hey, down here!! Please!” She went to go scream more, but heard a loud bang and scuffling hooves. Then the basement door slammed open revealing a very pissed off Flare. Rainbow cowered in her corner.

“You fucking little bitch.” He simply stated before rushing at her.

She heard poundings at the front door, obviously the guard trying to get in. Flare slammed into her, pushing her onto her back as he stood tall above her. Then without any warnings, he started to beat her. Hitting her in the face. Too outraged to even obtain the screwdriver again. She tried to fight back, but she was in no state to. Rainbow was beginning to accept the fact that she wasn't going to make it out of this.

Her vision was blurry, going black. All she could see was Flare's evil face. Then a giant blur of white and gold slammed into him, knocking Flare off of her. Some more punches were thrown before the guard knocked Flare out. He stood over the unconscious Flare a bit, breathing heavy, before turning and seeing Rainbow. He got off the stallion and went to her in a hurry.

“M-miss Dash! Are you alright?”

She struggled to speak, but found the strength. “Does...Does it look like I am?”

“Right. Sorry, I -Just-” The large stallion stammered, trying to organize his thoughts. “I sent my partner to go get help. Just hang in there.”

Rainbow made some sort of grunt noise in response, before accepting the blackness. Drifting off....

Chapter 5: Return

Soarin sat on the train with the Elements, Spike, and little Scoots. Earlier that day Twilight had received a letter explaining that not only did they find Flare and are bringing him in for questioning, but that he had Dash as well. She is alive, broken a bit and will get better, but alive.

She was brought to the hospital in Canterlot by some guards and a medic. Flare was currently in holding cells awaiting trials at the capital as well. That was all they needed to hear in order to be reassured. Immediately all the Elements began to plan for the train that night.

Soarin naturally wanted to go. He had been a part of this since the beginning and wanted to see his friend safe and sound. And rightfully apologize for not flying her home. Twilight originally didn’t see it fit. As soon as Soarin offered to go along, she started to say otherwise.

“Soarin, you’ve been so much help this past week and we appreciate it so much.” Twilight started. “But now that she is safe I don’t think you need to worry about it anymore. You’ve done your job. No need to feel obligated to do this. We’ll make sure she can thank you when she is back here in Ponyville, ok?”

“I don’t think you understand, princess.” He stated. “I want to go see her as a friend who cares, not my job and what I’ve been doing to help the investigation. Which is really nothing.”

Twilight all at once understood why Soarin has been doing all of this. “Oh, I didn’t realize -” She slaps her hoof on her forehead. “I’m sorry Soarin. I’ve had my head in those official scrolls on the case and researching stuff on kidnappers -”

“Had a lot on your plate.” Soarin summed up.

“Yeah, that I didn’t even think you'd be here for more than your job and the investigation.”

“It's fine.Me and Rainbow are firiends. This has nothing to do with my position as a Wonderbolt captain.”

“Oh. She hasn’t really said anything. I’m really sorry again for assuming that you were just here for the case and-”

“Twilight.” He interrupted. “It’s fine. Don’t sweat it.”

“Thanks for understanding.”

Now that they were all on the same page, they all left on the train. Which is where they were now. They anxiously waited for their trip to be done. All they wanted was to see Rainbow safe and sound. Well, that and to know what happened. Everypony was curious. This Flare guy had her for nearly a week, anything could've happened…

“That Flare is behind bars now, right?” He asked no one in particular.

“Yes.” Twilight answered. “Well, in holding right now. But there was the matter the... body... found on the scene. That is enough to have him under custody. We already have proof of several things he could be arrested for. But official court needs to be held for legal reasons. You know.”

“I still can't believe the Flare we knew as kids was capable of such horrendous things.” Fluttershy said.

“You said you haven't seen him since you were kids.” Rarity stated. “A lot could have happened since then.”

“And you said that you and Rainbow were never really close to the feller.” Applejack also pointed out.

“Still...” Fluttershy trailed off.

With that it grew silent as the ride continued. Eventually they made it to Canterlot and left the train, Scootaloo making sure she had her saddle-bag, and all left straight for the hospital. Upon arrival they were greeted by the receptionist. A light blue mare with a maroon mane.

“Can I help you all?” She asked.

“Yes, we're here for Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, yes. Of course. Room 287.”

The group began to migrate that way and spotted the room in no time. They walked in one by one, Twilight in the lead, Soarin with Scootaloo in the back. The doctor was just beginning to leave as they were entering.

“Oh” He said, surprised. “You must all be Rainbow's friends.”

“That's us!” Pinkie spoke up.

“Right. Well, she is still sleeping at the moment should be waking anytime now. Hasn’t woken up since she got here. And I understand that there is an officer headed here later, correct?”

“Yes” Twilight answered. “Officer Shield has been called in to question Dash and get her official story on what happened. She should be here in a little while.”

“Excellent.” The doctor said. “Then we are all on the same page. Would you like the papers on her injuries and such? ”

“Yes actually. That would be useful.” He handed the papers to her, smiled, and continued his way out of the room.

There were several chairs off to the left of Dash's bed and a couple more to the right. The group made to go sit down. Soarin made his way to the farthest seat away to the left and let Scoots sit next to him.

Rainbow has looked better. Her right wing was all bandaged up as well as most of her forearms. It was clear that she had several gashes that got stitches. It was a little hard seeing Rainbow like this. She's always so bold and tough and went head first into anything life threw at her. But here she was, beaten and bruised. Soarin looked at Scootaloo, who was staring at the broken mare.

"You all right, Scoots?" He asked.

She took her sight off of Dash. "Yeah. I'm ok. It's just weird, I guess. Seeing her like this."

He ruffled her mane. "It's alright. Once she gets better, everything will go back to normal."

She smiled up at him. "Yeah."

"The poor dear." Rarity said "Just look at the state she's in."

"She's fine though." Applejack stated. "She's here, safe, and getting proper treatment. She'll be fine."

The others silently agreed. Having her here was the road to recovery. What happened, happened, and they'll worry about it later. Twilight was reading the papers on Dash very closely, her expression getting very grim towards the second page.

“Everything alright there, Twilight?” Soarin asked.

“Hm?” Looking up from the papers for the first time since receiving them. “Oh, uh, yeah.”

“You seem unsure. What do those papers say?” He was very confused at this point as was the whole room. Everyone looked towards the young princess with the same puzzled expression.

“Nothing. It’s fine.”

“Doesn’t sound fine.” Scootaloo asked. But before Twilight could answer, slight mumblings could be heard from the hospital bed. Everyone instantly became quiet and looked on in anticipation for Rainbow to wake up.

“Ugh.” She said as she opened her eyes. “Where am I?” She tried to sit up but winced in pain and laid back down.

“You're in the Canterlot hospital.” Twilight answered.

“You were a mighty mess when they found you.” Applejack said.

Soarin stayed away in the back while the friends reunited. He ushered Scootaloo to go ahead, but she turned around to grab something out of her bag first. It appeared to be a thing of tinfoil.

“Pinkie, I would appreciate less hugs right now please.” Rainbow was telling the pink mare. “They kinda hurt more than anything.”

“Oh” She got off of Dash and backed off a bit, smiling. “Sorry.”

Scootaloo then came up to the bed, hopped on, and sat right next to Rainbow.

“Hey there squirt.” She said, ruffling the filly's mane. Dash then noticed the tinfoil “Watcha got there?”

The young pegasus handed it to her. “I-it's for you.” Rainbow un-foiled it to reveal a piece of apple pie. “I told you I'd save you a piece...” Tears were forming in the brim of her eyes now. “I.. I saved it for you. For our afternoon practice. A-and when you never showed-”

Scoots was crying at this point, unable to continue her sentence.

With how brave the little filly was acting through this whole ordeal, it was easily forgotten that she was going through a lot. Rainbow Dash was the world to her. To have her guidance figure, close friend, even parental figure in most cases, up and disappear like that can be frightening.

Dash set the piece of pie on the side table and pulled Scootaloo in for a hug, ignoring the pain. She let her cry for a few minutes, the others in the room looking on, before her sobs died down. Rainbow pulled from the hug and looked at the filly.

“Hey, I ain't going no where. Ok? I'll never disappear again. Pinkie Promise.”

Scootaloo wiped her nose, sniffing, before responding with a smile. “Good.” With that she hopped off the bed, satisfied with her greeting, and went to sit down.

Light knocking was heard at the door. Everyone turned to see a mare police pony standing in the doorway. She was light brown with a sandy mane. Her cutie mark was that of a riot shield.

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" The officer asked

"Of course not." Twilight answered.

“I’m officer Shield. I understand Rainbow has some information we could use for the Manehatten murders? You’re a victim as well as the only witness.”

“Murders? Who died?” A curious Scootaloo asked.

“Alright!” Soarin said, standing up. “Why don’t you and I go get some ice cream, huh? That sound good?” He started to usher the filly out the door.

“I wanna hear what’s going on!”

“Maybe some other time, ok? Let the adults talk.”

“I’m twelve! I’m pretty much a young adult already.”

“I’m twenty-three and still don’t get to be treated as an adult. Let’s go get some ice cream.”

“Spike, why don’t you go with them please.” Twilight instructed.

“But -” He began to protest before Twilight interrupted him.

“No arguing.”

With that the three left.

"So, Rainbow." Shield addressed as she pulled a chair up and sat right next to Dash.

"Yeah?"

The cop pulled out a clipboard and pencil with her magic. "Ready to tell me what happened? Do you want everypony else to leave the room?"

"No, I want them here. I-I don't want to explain it more than once."

"Alright then. Girls, please no interrupting no matter what you hear. Got that? This is a witnessing account that will hold up in court along with your spoken testimony, Rainbow Dash." They all nodded. "Good. Now Dash, talk at your own speed and don't feel that you need to let it all out at once. We can take a break."

"Yeah, alright." She paused, took a deep breath, and began her tale from when she left the stadium.

She described how Flare was acting funny, how he knocked her out, and how she woke up chained to the floor and not knowing what was going on.

"He came down and described what he had been doing in the past. All the mares he's killed and such. From-from there he said not to fight and just...just forced himself."

Dash was having a hard time continuing the conversation, not wanting to talk in the first place. She was sitting there staring down at her hooves. But a comforting hoof from Fluttershy found its way to her shoulder which was enough to make Dash continue. She needed to talk about this. Not only for bringing Flare to justice, but to let her friends know the situation.

"I decided not to fight back. Just let it happen. I was chained down and if I didn't want to die I just... There was nothing I could do. He decided he liked me and didn't want to get rid of me. So he kept me around. I became his little toy."

"How many times did he...?" Shield asked skeptically, not knowing if saying the word was ok around the victim at this point.

"Rape me? I don't know. At least once a day. More on some days. Lost count."

"I see. And what happened on that last day? With that other mare."

"Sunset Daze?"

"Yeah, her."

"Flare came back that day and said he had a new mare. He brought her down to the basement and told me to tell her the ropes. So I did. But when he started to... You know, she fought back. So he killed her."

"With the screwdriver?"

Dash nodded. "And those guards showed up shortly after. You guys know everything else."

The officer finished some notes and put the clipboard back into her saddle bag. "Thank you, miss Dash. You have no idea how much your witness account will have on this case. All those other unfortunate mares who didn't make it alive will receive justice as well. He freely admitted to doing such acts and we have enough evidence from past cases to put him behind bars."

"Glad I could help." Rainbow said half heartedly.

Officer Shield left at that point saying saying she'd send them word on the case. As soon as she was gone, Pinkie zipped to Dash and bestowed her a hug.

"Ah! Pinkie! I'm hurt remember?"

Ignoring her, the pink mare continued to hold her friend. "We had no idea what had happened was this bad."

"Yes" Rarity agreed. "We were under the assumption it was a kidnapping and abuse."

"Last thing to cross our minds." Applejack summed up.

"Yeah well. It happened." Rainbow said. "Whatever. Just move on from it."

"That’s a positive attitude." Twilight said. "But if you ever need help or anyone to talk to, we’re all here for you.”

“Yeah yeah.”

Just then Dr. Scalpel walked into the room carrying some papers.

"We have some good news miss Dash. Your tests came back and you’re completely in the clear. No diseases, no pregnancy.” She handed the papers to Rainbow who began to read them. “If anything seems off please stop in and we’ll see if something may have slipped by. Highly unlikely though.” The doctor left.

Dash slumped in her bed. "Thank Celestia."

Just then a little orange filly made her way into the room with Soarin and Spike in tow.

"Hey Rainbow!" Scootaloo greeted happily. "You doing ok now?"

"I'm fine squirt. Nothing to worry about."

"Well that's good to hear." Soarin said.

“I thought I saw you earlier. What’re you doing here?”

“He’s been helping us find you all week.” Applejack said.

“He was a real help.” The princess added.

“Ah, well.” Soarin said, scratching the back of his head. “It was nothing really. What’re friends for?”

“Apparently for saving you from psychotic assholes.” Dash said.

“Language, Rainbow.” Rarity scolded.

“Buttholes.” She corrected herself.

“Yeah well.” Soarin started. “You’re safe now. So where you staying while your wing is out of commision? Can’t exactly fly home all the time.”

“I forgot about that.”

“I got my whole castle.” Twilight offered. “ You can easily stay there and even have Spike help you with anything you need.”

“That’d be great, Twilight. Thanks.”

“We can go get your stuff and Tank when later when they let you out of here.”

“That’d be nice. When do I get to go? How long have I already been here?”

“You’ve only been here a day and the doctor said you should be fine to leave today.”

“Good. I’m done being confined. I wanna walk around.”

“Just be careful.” Twilight warned. “You’ve been kind of inactive for a whole week.”

“I’m fine.”

_____________________

It was a quiet ride home for the Six, Spike, Soarin, and Scootaloo. Rainbow was a little wobbly at first but quickly regained ability. Her right wing was all bandaged up as well as other various parts of her body. A few stitches here and there but nothing too terribly bad.

Twilight teleported Rainbow to her home as they grabbed Tank and anything else Dash might need. They went back to the castle and Twilight showed Rainbow the spare room. The pegasus walked in and plopped her things on the ground and set Tank off to the side.

“Thanks, Twilight.”

The young princess placed a hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “Anything for a friend. I’ll leave you to it. We’re all having dinner in the dining hall tonight, so we’ll be down there.”

“Alright. I shouldn’t be long.”

The alicorn left Dash to her business. She put her blanket up on the bed and shoved her bag under it. She got Tank’s food and water bowls and set them in the corner.

“Well. This is our home for a couple months.” She mumbled to no one. Tank immediately made himself at home and slept in the corner. “Glad you’re comfortable.”

She plopped herself on the bed and laid there. She was alive. She did it. Her plan worked and everything was falling back into place. She’d have to talk to Spitfire about her training though, no way was her wing going to be ready in three weeks. But that was easy to work around. She’ll just go to the next one they hold. Everything is fine. Everything seemed fine. The doctors told her she was fine. Was she fine? She was fine. She had to be fine.

Flare was behind bars and she was lounging in the comforts of a freaking castle. She was still going to take the next Wonderbolts step. She was still going to heal.

“Hey Dash?”

The pegasus yelped and jumped, landing ungracefully on the floor. She looked up and saw Soarin standing in the doorway, a surprised look on his face.

“I - Um. Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

Rainbow got up. “It’s fine. What’s up? What’re you doing here?”

“I’m eating dinner with you guys. I was invited.”

“Oh. Gotten cozy with my friends while I was away, have ya?”

“Yeah well, we all spent a lot of time together while trying to find you. Anyway, dinners ready and such. Twilight said I should come retrieve you.”

“Right, thanks.”

“You ok?”

“Hm? Yeah. Of course. Why wouldn't I be?”

“I just. Well, with all that’s happened. I don’t know. You seem off.”

“I’m fine!” She shot back rather angrily.

“Whoa, sorry. What even happened anyway?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” With that, she left down the hall to get to dinner. She realized she hadn't really eaten today and was starving. The thought of having real food was starting to make her stomach hurt with want.

She didn't have intention to be mean at Soarin. It kind of just, happened. She was starting to feel guilty and made a mental note to apologize later.

She got to the dining hall and sat down with everybody. Food was spread across the table. Looked to be some lentil-barley burgers with fruit, fried chickpea and arugula Pita sandwiches, loads of hay fries, and more. She started to drool at the sight. Rainbow quickly grabbed some and began to chow down. Soarin made his way in and sat down at the table and began to eat with the others.

“Aw man! This is so good! Thanks, Twilight.” Dash mumbled with a full mouth.

“Actually.” Spike piped up. “I made it. Have you seen Twilight cook?”

“Let’s not talk about that.” The alicorn stated.

“Whatever! I don’t care. It’s good.” Rainbow said, finishing her second burger.

“Rainbow please.” Rarity said. “Manners.”

The unruly pegasus just loudly slurped her drink, not breaking eye contact with the proper unicron. “I do what I want.”

“Ugh, whatever.”

Rainbow just chuckled. It had been a while since she laughed.

It felt good.

Chapter 6: A Gift

Rainbow woke suddenly, screaming. She looked around and quickly realized she was in one of the castle's spare rooms. it was a dream. She wasn't back in the basement. Flare wasn't there. She was fine. Everything was fine.

She wiped her face, feeling some wetness. She had been crying at some point in her sleep. A knock resided from the door.

"Rainbow?" It was Twilight. "You Ok?"

"Yeah. I'm... Fine. Everything's alright."

"... I heard screaming."

"I'm Ok! Go back to bed."

"Alright... Just know that I'm right upstairs."

"I know. I'm fine."

The broken made could hear hoof steps leaving. She looked at the clock, four forty-two am. Not feeling like sleeping anymore, she opted to take a nice shower. Rainbow got up and and went to the connected bathroom to her room. She started the water and gazed at herself in the mirror.

She didn't like what she saw. Mane was a huge mess, red puffy eyes, a broken wing. She looked terrible.

"Ugh." This was the worst she had ever felt. She could at least try washing it all away. The cyan mare stepped into the shower and just stood there. She didn't know exactly how long she was there, maybe hours, before she finally washed herself. Getting out, drying off, and making her way back to the room she found it was already seven am.

Her stomach made empty sounds, demanding attention. Guess it was time for breakfast. Making her way to the kitchen she found Spike making eggs and toast.

"Morning, Rainbow. Sleep well the first night here? It took me some time getting used to it when we first got here."

"It was alright. Can't complain. You guys have a sweet setup here."

"Yeah, it's nice. Want some?" He indicated the food. Rainbow nodded and went to sit at the reasonable sized table in the corner, compared to the dining hall. Spike brought breakfast over and joined her. It was really nice, waking up, eating breakfast, and seeing friends. Twilight came in a few minutes later.

"Morning you two." She said with a smile whilst grabbing breakfast and joking them.

"Morning, Twilight!" Spike chirped.

"Sleep good?" The princess asked as Spike nodded. "Rainbow?"

"Yeah." She answered flatly, nibbling some toast.

"You sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure."

"I don't know. I heard -"

"I slept just fine!" She bursted out, slamming her hoof on the table. Spike and Twilight froze, staring at her. "I'm going for a walk."

Rainbow left, not even looking back. She wanted some fresh air. That'll help. The mare left the castle and started to walk. She didn't have a destination in mind, she just wanted to be moving. She didn't really mean to shout like that. Maybe she was snippy because of the lack of sleep. But they all keep asking.

Everyone always bugging her. 'Are you alright?' 'Want to talk?' 'Everything Ok?'

It annoyed her... Why though? They were just trying to help. Right?

"Rainbow!"

She looked up to see Soarin. She had somehow managed to make her way to the outskirts of town, no wonder it was quiet.

"Hey."

He landed next to her and joined her walk. "How ya doing? I was just coming by to see ya. I told Spit about your... Situation, and she said you have a guaranteed spot in the next level training camp we hold."

Her face lit up. "Really!?"

"Of course. We'll always bend some rules for you, Dash."

"Thanks. This means the world to me."

"I figured. So you didn't answer me, how you doing?"

She shrugged. "Alright, I guess."

"Want to... Talk about it?' He ventured.

"Why?”

“Just thought you would want to talk. That's what everyone usually asks those who're... In troubled times.”

"I'm not in 'troubled times."

"Maybe not troubled but had something bad happen. I just figured talking was nice or something."

"Well I don't want to talk. It's stupid."

"Have you talked with anyone yet?"

"No!" She stopped walking and got angry. Soarin, shocked and slightly scared, shrunk under her venting.

"Why does everyone want me to talk about it!? That's not gonna make it go away! It's not going to change anything! It still happened! None of you know what it’s like. Me telling everyone isn’t gonna fix everything like you all think it will. I don't even know anymore. I just!" She stopped, realizing that her anger tyrant had turned into her crying.

She didn't even know why or when. She just kind of started. She was furious a second ago. Now she was crying, something she already hated doing. It was weakness. And she was doing it in front of somepony.

She looked up and saw a scared, awkward Soarin standing there. Staring.

"Uh..."

"I'm sorry!" She sniffled turning away from him. "I didn't mean to yell at you. Yesterday too. I don't know what's gotten into me. I'm sorry." She sniffled again, wiping her face.

"It's fine. Really, I wasn't upset about it or anything.... Do you want to go get tissues or?

"No. I'm done. I'm done." She said, wiping the tears away and calming herself down. "Don't you dare tell anyone about this."

"You snapping at me?"

"No. That I, uh, started... Crying."

"Dash. Everyone cries. You're a pony."

"I don't cry. I'm Rainbow Dash."

"It's not healthy to keep emotions pent up, you know."

"I know..."

"Right, well. Headed home? I could walk ya there."

"I don't need help for every - "

"Just accept my help." Soarin said sternly.

Dash didn't say anything. She wanted to protest, but she opted to let it be. As the two walked back to the castle Rainbow didn’t say a word. She couldn’t believe she just did that. She just briefly bawled completely out of nowhere. If front of the Co-Captain no less. It was so embarrassing. Dash walked with her head down.

“I don’t see you as anything less for crying, you know.” Soarin spoke up.

“Huh?”

“You just seem like everyone would look at you different for some reason. You were trying to hide your crying earlier. Thought maybe it had something to do with your RD pride you got going on.”

“Yeah, well.” Irritated, she looked away.

“I just think you need to know that your friends won’t see you as some sniveling wreck if you just let some emotion show. It’s very normal.”

Rainbow sighed. He had good points. She was kind of being a brat. But talking with the others is hard. “I get what you’re saying. Uh, thanks.”

“Sorry. I’m really bad at this stuff. I’m not so good at getting what I’m thinking out. I guess what I’m trying to say is know that we’re all here and won’t judge. Yeah, that sounds good.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Thanks Soarin.”

Soarin returned the smile as they got to the castle. The two entered and found their way to the throne room, which functioned like a living room for all of them. Twilight was lounging with a book while spike was playing with a JoyBoy devise.

“Hey guys.” Dash said smiling, announcing their presence.

“Hey, Rainbow. Soarin” Twilight greeted. “You seem better.”

“Much. It’s all good.” She awkwardly scratched the back of her head. “Sorry about earlier.”

“As long as you’re alright.”

“She’ll try and keep things in check. I’ll make sure of it.” Soarin added jokingly.

Rainbow playfully rolled her eyes as she went and sat on her throne. “Is there still food?”

“Yeah.” Spike spoke, not breaking eye contact with his game. “It’s in the fridge.”

“Good, I didn’t get to finish.”

“I’ll catch you guys later. And I’ll let Spitfire know you’re interested in the next training camp. It’s in three months so you got plenty of time.”

Rainbow was on her way to the kitchen. “Awesome, thanks.”

The two left their separate ways, leaving the princess and the dragon. Twilight went back to her book.

“She is all over the place. I just hope it gets better.”

“As long as she stops being a moody grump.” Spike said. “I don’t think I can handle that on a normal basis."

________________________________

A month has passed and the nightmares haven’t let up. At least once a night they would wake her up, a cold sweat, tears, and sometimes screaming. Dash wasn’t getting full nights of sleep. She didn’t even feel like doing anything because she was so tired all the time. Rainbow spent most of her time lounging around the throne room. Pinkie was nice and got Dash a bean bag chair for her to sit on instead of those thrones. That was a lifesaver. Rainbow would be reading some of Spike’s comics or Daring Do and sometimes sleep in twenty minute increments in that chair.

Every other day they had to change the bandages on her wing. Only three more weeks until the bandages were off and the wing was healed. It felt good when her wing was uncovered, like it could breathe. But, like always, it had to be rebandaged. Being grounded was making everything so boring. When she would normally fly, she would have to settle for reading comics instead. Not that she had the energy for flying recently anyway.

Her general mood hasn’t been easy to control either. She’s had to bite her tongue on many occasions for wanting to snap at everypony. She couldn’t even remember why she was mad. Then she would be reading and feel happy and content but halfway through an issue she’d just feel 'meh' and just straight up sorrowful. No warning, no reasoning. It was starting to irritate her.

At the current moment though, Dash was leaning over her toilet. She hasn't been feeling good these past few days. The pegasus usually spent a few hours in the bathroom everyday recently, puking her guts out and when she wasn't doing that, she felt like it. She hadn't told anyone yet. She didn't want to worry anyone.

The young mare had already been up since five thirty this morning. She hadn't been keeping time. Its probably been a few hours since she first woke up with the need to release her stomach contents. .

Knocking could be heard from her bedroom door. 'Great.' She thought. Just what I needed right now. Company.'

"Rainbow? It's me, Twilight. You're usually up and about by now. We’re supposed to change your wing bandages.” She knocks again. “It's already nine thirty, are things alright?"

The sick pegasus was going to respond but before she could, another wave hit her and what little was in her stomach wanted to be back out again.

"Rainbow? ... I'm coming in." Twilight entered her guest's temporary room to find it empty. She proceed to the bathroom door to hear the retching. "Rainbow!? Are you Ok?"

"I'm fine." Dash had to stop speaking and focused on the toilet water, trying not to throw up again.

"Have you been in there all morning?" Twilight asked from the other side of the door.

"Kind of. Yeah."

"This isn't the first time, is it?"

Rainbow sighed. "No."

"I told you to stop hiding stuff and let us know what's going on! You could be seriously sick or something."

"I'm fine. I've been sick before. Isn't the first time I've been stuck to the toilet." Dash got herself together and stood up. She rinsed out her mouth in the sink.

"Have you been taking stuff for it?"

"Yeah, its not helping."Rainbow exited the bathroom, surprising the princess. "Just got to wait it out. It'll turn out fine."

"Rainbow. Please."

"What? It's fine." She chuckled. "Really. No need to worry about everything."

"We should still go to the doctor. Remember what she said? Come back if anything seems off."

"It's been nearly a month! I'm sure she didn't mean this far down the road."

"I beg to differ."

"I don't need to go."

Twilight huffed slightly with frustration. "Just to prove nothing's wrong then. To put my, and I'm sure the others, worries to rest." Rainbow didn't respond. "Please?"

The pegasus sighed. She didn't want to find out that something else was wrong. That she had to deal with yet another problem. But Twilight had a point. If something was amiss they needed to know sooner, rather than later.

"Fine.” She gave in. “But on one condition."

"What?"

"We stop for ice cream on the way." Rainbow began to leave the room.

The alicorn paused with some confusion."But we have some in the freezer."

"I already finished that last night."

"Already fini-? I just got that a few days ago!"

"I've been nibbling on it." Dash left.

"Nibbling!?"

________________________________

At the doctors office in Ponyville, Rainbow and Twilight sat in a room, waiting. The sick pegasus had answered all the questions, did everything the doctor asked, even peed in a cup. The two were just waiting now. Apparently they wanted to go run a few tests. Rainbow didn't like it.

"He already knows what's up. Why doesn't he just tell us?"

"He has an idea and he's checking if he's right. Quit making him sound like he's keeping secrets. He doesn't want to tell us in case he's wrong. No need for false scares."

"Whatever. I just want to go home. This is a waste of time."

"Quit being a grump. I already have to escort you here because I can't trust you to go on your own." Rainbow just sighed heavily. "You feeling alright?"

The multi-colored mare just shrugged. "Just light headed. That's been a normal lately anyway."

"Seriously? Why can't you let me know what's happening? We could've gotten you help days ago."

"Ok, mother." Rainbow responded sarcastically. "I didn't think I needed to report the stupid little things."

"Are nightmares something stupid and little?" The cyan mare looked at her, slightly surprised. "Its really obvious you have them. I can hear you every night while I'm up in the library."

"They're not important."

"Rainbow."

Irritated she answered. "What?"

"This is serious. If you aren't going to open up to us then you should probably start seeing a therapist."

"A what!? No!"

"Then start helping yourself! Stop moping around. It's been hard for all of us to watch you lie there with a dead look in your eye. You don't do anything anymore. You wouldn't even go running with Applejack last week." Silence from the Pegasus. "We're all worried sick about you."

" ...... I'm sorry."

"I know things can't be easy for you. But we need you to try instead of hiding in your own problems."

Dash heavily sighed. After a few moments of silence she spoke up. "Every night I just end up being back in that basement as he tortures me. So I haven't really been sleeping. Which is probably why I haven't felt like really doing anything. On top of feeling like I'm just going to vomit all day and actually doing it from the butt-crack of dawn till hours later. That's been my past week. And then I'm starving but I can't get anything down. I've only been really able to eat at night." She finished with frustration.

"And it's been my ice cream."

"I've had a sweet tooth."

"Well, hopefully we'll get answers and you'll get proper medication or whatever is needed for recovery."

"Yeah... What's taking so long anyway? We've been here for hours!"

"It's been twenty minutes." Twilight deadpanned.

"Feels like hours."

The doctor entered the room minutes later with a clipboard. The two mares looked to him, waiting for his diagnosis.

"Sorry for the wait." He said. "Always want to double check with these things."

"So what's up, doc? Not dying am I?" Rainbow asked.

"Not at all. Quite the opposite actually."

"That's good, right? So what flu I got?"

The doctor handed the papers to the princess. "Actually, Miss Dash, you appear to be pregnant."

Rainbow's face fell. She was what? "No no no no. There's a mistake somewhere. Wh - when they had me in Canterlot they checked me for that!"

"It can sneak by in its first few weeks and go undetected. Quite common."

The cyan mare began to breathe heavy. "I can't. This is not happening."

Twilight stepped in. "Rainbow, calm down."

"Calm down!? Did you hear him!?"

The princess set a hoof on Dash's shoulder. "Don't panic. Everything will be Ok. We'll handle this. Thank you doctor, you've been a huge help. Come on Rainbow."

Twilight guided Rainbow out and they began the short trek home. Dash hadn't said a word the whole way. She was too busy inwardly panicking. A kid!? And it was... His? It sickened her. There was a piece of him growing in her.

They finally got to the castle and Rainbow felt like dying on the bed. But Twilight had other plans.

"So. Pregnant, huh? That explains a lot."

"Please don't say it aloud. I don't like to hear it."

Twilight guided her to the throne room where Rainbow plopped herself on the bean bag.

"It's not gonna go away by us not saying it.

"I just don't want it!"

"You Don't have to keep it."

"I know... But... It's his, Twilight. He fucking left me with a 'gift."

"Language. And don't think of it like that. There's a little pony in there with so much potential. You can give it away and life will go on. Just another obstacle. Show everyone how strong you are."

"I can't! I can't do this, Twilight! This isn't some bump in the road you can just drive over."

"Rainbow that's not what I meant. Just -"

"I'm going to lay down." With that she got up and left. She went and laid in bed wanting the world to go away.

How could this happen? Why?

Just go through with it and send the foal on its way. The end. Life goes on. Right? Right. That's what's going to happen. Everything will be fine.

... Right?

Chapter 7: Choices

Twilight gathered with the girls at the map table. All except Rainbow Dash. The young princess purposefully set this meeting early in the morning when she knew the pegasus would be asleep or preoccupied.

“Twilight what is this all about?” Rarity asked. “Some of us need our beauty sleep.”

“Where’s Rainbow Dash?” Pipped up Pinkie. “Are we waiting on her?”

“Actually,” Twilight began. “She’s sorta the topic.”

“Oh no.” Fluttershy said. “Something’s not wrong, is it?”

“That depends on how you wanna take it.” The alicorn answered.

“Well what is it?” Applejack joined in.

"Yes, what could possibly be wrong with her now?" Rarity asked. "This past month or so has been tragedy enough."

“Rainbow’s with foal.” Twilight blurted out.

Silence filled the room. Minutes passed while the group was processing this shocking information. The whole situation before had already put things on a bad setting. Their once bright, brash Rainbow was now a couch potato that was constantly upset. It hurt all of them to see her as such. And it was all because Flare happened. None of them really knew how to handle it. Stuff like this just doesn’t happen.

“Is it… his?” The farm pony broke the silence.

“There’s no one else’s it could be.” Rarity pointed out.

“Oh my” Fluttershy spoke.

“What’s she doing?” Applejack asked.

“From what I gathered, put it up for adoption.” Twilight answered.

“Poor dear just can’t catch a break.” The unicorn said.

“This is great!” Pinkie suddenly spouted. The rest looked at the bright mare, confused. “What? Why wouldn’t you be excited for a new little foal around? I bet it’s just what Dashie needs.”

“Pinkie, I just said she’s not keeping it.” Twilight stated. “And I don’t quite think you understand the weight of the situation. Rainbow isn’t exactly taking this positively.”

“What!? Why not?”

“Pinkie, darling, I didn’t take you for one to be this clueless.” Rarity said.

“Well, I know why she wouldn’t be happy.” The bouncy mare said. “I guess I just want her to be happy about this. It’s the exact thing she needs to boost her mood!”

“Well, I guess someone is taking this well.” The alicorn said. "But it's a really sensitive topic for her at the moment. As I'm sure you all already understand. Well, maybe not Pinkie."

"I get it. I'm just trying to be positive!"

"Anyway, I doubt she was really going to tell you guys, and I don't think I'd want to put her through that right now. So I took the liberty to do so myself"

"Do what yourself?"

Everyone turned to see Rainbow in the doorway. Her mane and facial expression clearly read that she had woken up recently.

"Rainbow! You're up!"

"Yeah, I have been for an hour now. Why is everyone here?"

"We heard about your condition." Applejack said.

"My wha-? Oh... That."

"How are you holding up with all this?"

"I'm going to go eat some toast." And with that Dash left for the kitchen.

"Why to go Applejack. " Rarity said annoyed. "You scared her away."

"What? I thought we were supposed to know so we can talk about it!"

"What part of sensitive don't you understand?"

"I'm sorry!" AJ said angrily.

"Girls! Stop!" Twilight shouted. She sighed and began to rub her temples. "She'll come out of her shell eventually. Well, we can hope. The best we can do is be there for when that happens. Like we have. I finally got her to talk a little bit yesterday so it’s progress."

"Wow, I didn't think she ever would." Rarity added.

"This whole predicament is something new to all of us. And now a pregnancy is being thrown into the mix. Let's just be cool about it and be there for her. Business as usual. What she doesn't want right now is attention." The princess added.

"For once." The farm pony put in.

"This is all just so awful." Fluttershy joined. "I feel terrible for her about all this. I went home and couldn't sleep that night we got her home. The very thought of what happened, happening to a friend... I just don't understand how she's acting like nothings happened."

"Well, she is trying to cope." Twilight justified "She's just... Depressed. All day sitting there. So in her own way, acting like nothing has happened is her way of trying to deal with the fact that something has clearly happened."

"Hey Twilight!" Rainbow shouted from the other room, beginning to enter the map room. "You're out of bread. I may have just finished it." She sits at the table too.

"Noted. I'll get more today."

Awkward silence filled the air. No one knew what to say. What do you say?

"So..." Applejack started, trying to break the silence. "Why are you up so early, Rainbow? Never really seen you to be an early bird."

"Me and the toilet had a five-o-clock meeting. I didn't want to be late. But, after that bout of spewing I couldn't get back to sleep. So here I am."

"Oh, that doesn't sound, uh, pleasant."

"I've always heard about the hardships of being pregnant." Rarity said. "Got quite the adventure ahead of you."

"It can't be that bad." Rainbow argued. "I just gotta tote the thing around for awhile, pop it out, and send it on it's merry way. Then I can go back to my life."

"Do you know anything about carrying foal?” Twilight asked.

"She did skip the reproductive section of health class a lot when we were in school." The butter Pegasus chimed in.

"I don't need to know any of that junk!" Dash defended. "I didn't exactly plan on this. I never wanted kids, they slow you down. Plus, making one requires some guy. Relationships are dumb distractions and only lead to foals. So why would I need any of that schooling?"

"Just in case."

"Whatever. I did better things with that time. I always went and did extra training in the field."

"And now you're a clueless pregnant gal." Applejack jokingly pointed out.

"What're you gonna name it?" Pinkie asked.

"I'm not keeping it! It's trouble enough I have to carry it around! The thing is lucky I'm even doing that."

"Sorry I asked. I'm going to head back to Sugarcube Corner now." The pink mare got up. "I'll make you anything weird for you when ya start wanting them!" Pinkie bounced away after that.

"When I what?

"Clueless." Applejack started to walk out as well. "I got work to do. Farms always open, RD." She left.

"I better go feed the animals breakfast. It's almost seven." Fluttershy left too.

"I want all the details of how you're doing. You're the first of us, surprisingly, to go through this experience so I'd love to chit chat about it sometimes. I'll see you girls later." Rarity left the castle last.

"It's not going to be bad or anything. Right Twilight?" A slightly worried Rainbow asked.

"I've heard it can be trialing. But what all those mares told me it was worth it in the end."

"This is gonna suck."

"You seem much better than you did yesterday. You kind of just shut yourself in your room."

Rainbow shrugged. It was true, yesterday she spent the entire day shut in the room. She was thinking real hard about her new predicament. Dash was really upset at first. Down in the the pit of her own hell. She had a piece of him growing in her. A Flare parasite. After crying about it for hours it hit her like a brick wall.

She wasn't keeping it. She only had to carry it. And one month was already out of the way! This wasn't the end of anything but a postponement. She tried from there to not think about it as a chunk of Flare, but a little life trying to get by. Which was true.

"Just did a lot of thinking is all"

"Glad to hear it, Rainbow. We're happy you're talking more and accepting help. I told you how worried we all are."

"Yeah, I know."

"We just don't know how to react to all this as much as you do."

"Hey, it's fine. I shouldn't have been pushing you all out. But, you know how hard that is for me."

"Believe me, we do. Which is why we've been giving you space."

Rainbow smiled. "Thanks.... So. About that bread? Toast still sounds good and something I can keep down."

_____________________________

A week passed and things started to get better since Rainbow began to be more open and friendly. She didn't start any conversations but she didn't shut others out either.

Currently Rainbow was lying on her bean bag chair quietly wallowing. She had noticed her new pudge that's snuck up on her. Twilight told her she needed to be having regular checkups and the doc had said around now was when bloating apparently happened.

Not fun. This stupid thing was making her fat! And she couldn't do anything about it. Everyone would notice soon enough. That's all she needed now, everypony talking about her. And not in the way she normally likes it.

"Rainbow!"

Startled, Dash looked up to see an excited orange filly. "Don't sneak up on me like that! Gonna kill me one day."

Scootaloo chuckled. "Not my fault you sit there staring off to space."

"Yeah yeah. How'd you even get in here?"

"Spike answered the door and let me in. Duh. But I saw Twilight the other day and she said I was allowed to come 'bug' you again. So here I am!"

"You're very persistent."

"I call it determination." The filly sat down. "So we haven't been flying in like, over a month."

"I've had stuff happening, kid."

"So much that we can't go flying?"

Rainbow sighed. "Look, it's not that I don't want to. It's complicated."

"Then make it not complicated."

"That's not how it works."

"Stop keeping secrets. It's not fair." The filly whined.

"Life's not fair."

Twilight entered the throne room with some books floating in her magic. "I thought I heard voices down here. I see Scootaloo found her way over."

"Rainbow won't tell me why she's ignoring me! Use your princess powers to make her."

"I can't make her do anything. But Rainbow, she's gonna find out eventually. Better from you than the town rumors, don't you think?"

Rainbow made a frustrational groan. This was not a conversation she wanted to have. Especially with a kid. But Twilight had a point. She didn’t want Scoots to find everything out by rumors whispered through town. She’d feel hurt that Dash never told her or something.

“Tell me what?” The innocent young pegasus asked.

“Twilight, you do it.”

“Is it bad? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.” The young princess comforted. “Rainbow is just having a hard time with it.”

“It’s inconvenient and making me fat!” Dash defended. “It came out of nowhere this past week.”

“Well maybe if someone didn’t eat a bag of french fries day. And a jug of root beer.” Twilight countered.

“Shut up.” The pegasus grumbled.

“The doctor said not to give into your unhealthy cravings like that.”

“He’s not the one having them.”

“What’re you guys talking about? Are you sick?” The filly asked, thoroughly confused. “You can just tell me.”

“Ugh, look. I’m, uh, eh expecting.” Rainbow tried to explain.

“Expecting what?” Scootaloo wasn’t quite understanding.

“Um. A foal, Squirt.”

“A what!? You’re having a baby?” The orange pegasus was intrigued and excited. “Since when? Wait, with who? You’ve been seeing some guy and not even telling me?”

“Whoa whoa whoa. Slow down. It hasn’t been long and there is no guy. Trust me.”

“I know where foals come from, Rainbow Dash. There has to by a guy involved.”

“How old are you again?”

“Not the point. Who's the dad?” She asked, not knowing how sensitive the topic was.

“I’m going to head out now. I’ll be back later.” Twilight left, leaving them to talk.

“Wait!” Rainbow shouted. “Twilight don’t leave me here!”

Rainbow sighed. She really didn’t want to have this conversation. But Scootaloo wasn’t any real stranger to the reality of the world. She grew up living in that orphanage with kids coming in and out with all sorts of stories.

“Look, kid. Since you, uh, know how foals are made.”

“Yeah?”

“You also know that sometimes mares are… forced, to do that process. Right?” She started the talk awkwardly.

“Wait, what? Forced to have foals or sex?”

“I don’t want to talk about this.” She sighed. “The second one.”

“Oh, I know that yeah.”

“Yup. Well that happened to me. You know, while I was kidnapped and all that.”

“I knew you were kidnapped, yeah. Didn’t know the other part.”

“It happened. And it led to the foal, so.”

“Why so sad and secretive? People are usually happy that their getting a baby.” The filly innocently said with a smile.

“Squirt, I ain’t exactly keeping it.”

Scootaloo’s face fell. “What? What’re you doing with it?”

“There’s a few nice orphanages and such up in Cloudsdale. If it turns out to not be a pegasus I found another place out in Manehatten.”

“You’re ditching it?”

“What? No. I’m sending it to a better place than with me.”

“You’re it’s mom! You are the better place.”

“I’m no one’s mom. I can’t be one! I’ve got other stuff to do and I’d just be terrible at it anyways.” Rainbow was beginning to be frustrated. What did Scootaloo know? She’s only twelve. She doesn’t understand the weight of the situation.

“So you’re just gonna send it away? Leaving it through it’s whole life wondering where it’s family is? Why no one wanted it? What it did wrong?” The younger pegasus had begun tearing up, letting one or two fall.

Rainbow didn’t know how to respond. She knew that Scootaloo was talking about herself at this point. She had no idea this was how she felt. She thought Scootaloo was fine with living at the orphanage. Dash didn’t think she would believe sending it off would be bad. It was obvious now that of course Scoots would think giving it up was a bad idea.

“Squirt. I never saw myself with kids. I just don’t think I’m cut out for it. And I know it might be hard for you to understand, but it’s got some of him in it. I don’t think I could live with that.”

“It also has you in it. Forget what’s his face, it’s yours! Aren’t you the element of loyalty?”

“Do not throw that at me!”

“Well it’s true! This is the opposite of being loyal. I can’t even imagine what it’d be like growing up knowing I was some rape baby my mom didn’t want.”

“It wouldn’t even know. They don’t tell the kids that stuff. I checked.”

“Trust me, we find out. One way or another, be it sneaking into files or listening to adults when they think we aren’t. I wasn’t supposed to know I was just a drop off, but I do. They still try and tell me my mom put me there because she knew it was better for me and all that crap. I know better. I know that she didn’t want me around because I’d be in the way and a reminder of her mistake of getting pregnant in the first place! Just like what you’re going to do!” The filly got up and began to run out.

“Hey! Scoots!” Rainbow tried to call her to stop. “It’s not like that! It’s…” She was already out the door.

It wasn’t like that… Was it? She would just think of Flare and all those awful things everyday when she looked at the kid. She couldn’t do that to herself or the foal, right? But, on the other hand it would have to live knowing it was once unwanted. Dash even said so earlier, she never wanted kids. She never asked for this.

Neither did the foal.

It wouldn't be so bad having it around, would it? She’d have something to distract her from the horrors of recent. A prodigy to have. What if maybe it didn’t do so well out there dealing with all those things Scootaloo had said? Here it’d at least know it was loved and kept…

Now she was actually considering it.

She didn’t have much more time to ponder it as Spike entered the room. Trotting behind him was Soarin of course. Shows up at the worst of times it seems.

“Here she is.” Spike directed the stallion. “Where she usually is.”

“Thanks, Spike.” He said.

“No problem, I’m sure you can find your way out when needed.” Spike said as he left.

“Why’re you here?” Rainbow asked.

“I had the schedule for training here.” He set them on the table as he sat down next to her. “Thought I’d bring it by.”

“Thanks. But you do know a mailing system exists, right?”

He smiled. “Yeah.” He noticed how forlorn she looked. “You ok?”

“I can’t do the training camp this time around.”

Soarin was taken aback by this news “What? Why not?”

“You’ve been filled in on what happened to me while I was at Flare’s, right?”

“Twilight debriefed me the day you got to go home. I thought you’d be healed by the camp time?” Soarin asked, confused.

“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just that it led to a-” She coughed awkwardly, still not liking talking about it. “Pregnancy.”

Soarin was slightly surprised. “So you’re..?” Dash nodded. “Oh. Well, there’s no need to be worried. After it’s born and your maternity leave you’ll be welcomed still. And there is a great daycare at the HQ! The Wonderbolts make it possible to have a family and a job.” He finished with a smile.

Rainbow was quiet for a few moments. “I don’t know if I should keep it or not. I mean, it’s his. But it’s also mine. I don’t want it to grow up thinking it wasn’t wanted either. That’s probably a shitty feeling. But I don’t think I could take care of it either. I’d mess everything up…”

“Rainbow. You wouldn’t mess everything up. No one knows what they’re doing right away. They figure it out as they go.”

“I don’t think I could do it.”

“Kids need to know they’re loved and have proper guidance. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re the element of loyalty so it’d be abundantly loved and cared for; and it’d be surrounded by the rest of the elements and even royalty. Wonderbolts too. I don’t think it’d turn out half bad. Also don’t think you’d be doing everything by yourself. I’m one hundred percent sure you’re friends would help you with anything.”

“So you’re saying I should keep it too?”

“I’m not telling you what to do at all. All I’m saying is that you aren’t giving yourself much credit. Half of the reason you’re considering this is because of how the foal came to be, right? But you’re also doubting that you could handle being it’s mother. I just think you could easily overcome both.”

“I don’t know if I could…”

“I know you could. You’d be a great mother. If you choose to. In the end it is your foal, so you decide.” The stallion got up. “You think about it. You have time. But, I’m going to head out. Gotta tell Spitfire the update. I’ll catch you around.” He waved off as he left.

Rainbow sat there. She did have a lot of thinking to do. She was actually starting to care about this kid. That seemed dangerous if she was considering giving it up.

She’d have think about it over some french fries and root beer. the multicolored mare got up to head to the kitchen. She couldn’t think straight until she ate some of those gold strips and delicious drink.

Chapter 8: Thoughts

Today was the day the wing bandages came off. Rainbow was looking forward to this day for over a month. Then Twilight had to come in with the bad news. She wasn’t going to be ready to fly right away. But that wasn’t the bad news, no. What was worse was when she was able to fly it was at a time deemed “unsafe” for the foal.

It was stupid! She should be able to fly whenever she wanted. Stupid foal. Stupid Flare. Stupid doctors. Speaking of doctors, one was blabbing at Dash at the moment.

“Your wing is suffering from physical neglect so it will take about another two weeks for you to be able to fly safely. But, regarding your other condition you shouldn’t be flying in two weeks time anyways. So you can count yourself grounded as of now.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” The mare huffed. “This is all stuff Twilight already told me. Can I just go home?”

The doctor rolled his eyes. “Impatient as always. Just remember to stretch and move your wings and by the time you deliver you’ll be good to take flight again.”

“Yeah, uh-huh. Thanks doc.” Rainbow got up and walked out, passing the the annoyed stallion doctor. She hated being told what to do and this foal was causing it to happen a lot.

She trotted her way slowly back the the castle where she was spending all her time. She didn’t like being out in town with people staring at her. She knew they had heard the news by now. It was probably in the papers weeks ago. They didn’t know details of course, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to fill in the blanks.

On her way through the middle of town, a certain Wonderbolt decided to drop in. He landed right next to her and joined her walk.

“Heya, Rainbow!”

“Hey. What’re you doing in town?”

“Had the day off, thought I’d stop by to see how you’re doing. So… How are ya doing?”

She shrugged. “Not too great. I got grounded today. The day my wing is all good is also the day they tell me not to fly until the little booger decides to leave my body.”

“I sense some slight anger towards the baby.” Soarin pointed out with a light humorous tone.

“Yeah well. it’s all it’s fault! I want to fly and I can’t because this demon is living in me.”

“Hey, come on. Don’t hurt his little feelings.”

“It doesn’t have feelings. It’s barely even a thing.”

“Yes he does. He’s got little organs and muscles right about now. And babies pick up on their mother’s emotions and stuff.” Soarin began to direct his attention to her abdomen area. “I’m sure he doesn’t want his mommy to be upset. especially because of him.” He looked back towards his walking companion.

“Do not call me that.”

Soarin realized his mistake quickly. “Right. Sorry.”

“Why’re you calling it a him?”

“Huh? I don’t know. I feel weird calling him an it all the time. So I’m betting on it being a boy.”

“It’s weird. Like you’re addressing an actual - “

“Pony? Dash, that’s what it is. A pony. He’s not some monster like, um, his other genes.”

After a moment of silence, Rainbow spoke up. “I know… I just don’t want it to be an actual person. I don’t know. I just…If I see it as an actual thing I don’t know what would happen.”

"What could happen?"

"I don't know... Caring about it..."

“Being attached to your child is ok. You shouldn’t be afraid of loving it.”

“I don’t want it. It's not staying around."

“Then what are you scared of?”

He had her there. If she was going to get rid of it and didn’t care, then why was she scared of being attached? Why was she attached already? Rainbow found herself talking to it this morning. She asked it if it was up for the doctors today. Like it was going to respond or something. Why couldn’t she just carry it and send it on it’s way?

...

Because it was hers. She was scared of keeping it because of the father.

“I’m… I’m Scared of Flare. Like he’s still going to be there because of the foal.”

“You know that’s not true. He’s in jail. Awaiting trial that by the princesses will end with him behind bars for life already. They just have to go through all that formal law junk.”

“And I know all that.”

Soarin turned to her in a very stern tone. “He is never going to lay another hoof on you. I’ll make sure of that personally. Don’t let that asshole keep you from happiness.”

Rainbow was taken back by his change in attitude. He was real serious and it made her smile a little. It didn’t sneak by the stallion as he returned it.

“I thought about what you said a couple weeks ago. About why I should think about keeping it and I liked the idea. Of keeping it. But I thought that I shouldn’t be feeling that way about it. So I’ve been bitter about it all.”

“Just ask yourself, do you want a foal? This foal?”

Did she? Someone who will always be there and need her. Everyone always say kids are a handful but mostly joy. She could use some of that. A distraction too. Maybe a way to move on from this whole thing? It seemed like a good way to start moving forward. And she wanted to move forward. She wanted her foal.

She stopped while Soarin walked a couple paces forward before realizing and stopped himself. She looked at him in the eye. “Yeah.”

He smiled. “Then there’s your answer.

She chuckled slightly at how stupidly easy that was but was interrupted by her growling stomach. “Sorry. I didn’t really get anything to eat this morning.”

“Well why don’t we fix that? We can go to your friend’s place, the Sugarcube Corner.”

“It has been awhile since I’ve gone out to eat…”

“Then it’s settled! Let’s go!” Before she could say anything he started to trot off. She laughed to herself and followed.

Once in the little bakery, Pinkie greeted them with a smile.

"Hi Soarin! Hey Rainbow Dash! What brings ya in? I usually got to bring your orders to you."

"Todays different I guess." The Pegasus mare answered.

"Do you want your chocolate cupcake with the peppers on it?"

"Ew." Soarin commented.

"Yes please." Rainbow answered, ignoring the stallion.

"What about you?" Pinkie asked him.

Looking at the menu he found on the counter he answered. "Your apple pie shake sounds good for me."

"Oh, they are." The pink mare spoke. "I'll have those right out!"

"Thanks Pinkie." Dash went and sat down with Soarin in tow. "So."

"Hm?"

"I was just wondering why you know baby development. You don't seem like the guy to just know that the foal has muscles and stuff off the top of your head."

"Oh... Well since you told me what you were going through I've been kind of researching foal development and such."

Rainbow was slightly confused. "Why?"

"You've been talking to me about it and I wanted to know how the kid was doing and what the pregnancy in turn does to you. I just wanted to be more understanding because when you started to talk to me I hardly knew anything that was going on. And you've been chatting to me about everything a lot recently so."

The mare smiled. "You're real awesome, you know that?"

"I didn't. My mom's the only one that tells me that so I thought she was just being nice."

Dash chuckled at his answer.

"So when are you going to tell your friends about your new decision?"

"I don't know... How do you think they'll feel about it? What if they think I'm stupid for trying to take this on? Or know I'm going to mess up? Or even -"

"Rainbow stop." He cut her off. "They're not gonna think of you any different. They're going to be there for you."

"You're right. Sorry... I'm not sure how to tell them"

"Tell who what?" Pinkie said while popping up out of nowhere, putting their order on the table.

"Uh..." The Pegasus mare looked to Soarin who gazed down and started on his shake. "I was thinking - or - have been thinking about, uh, stuff."

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah?"

"Um. Stuff about the-the foal. About not giving it up"

"I knew you'd keep it!" She shouted. "This is so exciting! You're gonna have a -"

The party mare was interrupted by a cyan hoof in her mouth. "Shoosh Pinkie! I don't want weird rumors to spread."

Pinkie mumbled into Dash's hoof before she removed it. "What rumors?"

"I don't want ponies to think bad things about me." Rainbow said distraught. "I didn't exactly make what Flare did public and I don't want everyone to think I slept around either."

"That doesn't leave much options there, Dash." Soarin said. "Unless you make your situation public they're going to think the other." Rainbow groaned and planted her head on the table. "You might want to just let Rarity spread the truth like a rumor."

"I don't want everyone to know."

"Then let them think what they want. We all know the truth and that's all that matters. Right Pinkie?"

"Yup!" With that she sped off.

"I guess..."

"Quit being so concerned about what others think of you. Who cares?"

"I do. I'm... Me. Rainbow Dash. I have a reputation and I'm losing it."

"You're still Rainbow Dash to me. In fact, I see you as being even more brave and tougher than before."

She nudged her cupcake. "How? For being careless and getting kidnapped? For being weak and getting raped? For-for being stupid and getting knocked up?"

Slightly frustrated, Soarin answered. "None of that is your fault! No one would've been able to know that their old friend is a psycho. No one would've been able to escape. And No one could've stopped the conception. Stop thinking you're less for going through that but better for making it through. Stronger for still going. For dealing with what his evil has caused."

He looked at her as she was sitting there in self pity. She wiped one of her eyes that was getting dangerously close to leaking her emotions.

"Just." He sighed. "Hey." Rainbow looked at him with sad eyes. "If you don't want to tell anyone, that's fine. But ponies are going to notice and make up explanations in their heads. And that doesn't matter. What matters is you and your foal. Not how it was made, why you're keeping it, None of that."

"You give speeches often?"

"Not these kind, no. Just trying to say what I'm thinking."

"Well, thanks for speaking your mind." She smiled contently.

He returned the smile. "Anytime."

__________________

Rainbow returned back to the castle feeling much happier than when she left. She felt like there was actually a future to look forward to now. Or, someone else's future rather. But she was a huge part of it.

"Hey Rainbow." Twilight caught her in the halls. "You're back late. How'd the doctor go? I got some extra ice cream for ya. Figured you might want it after today."

"I am upset about not being able to fly, but I think I'll live."

Twilight was a little surprised at Dash's calm response. "You're ok? I thought you'd be pretty upset."

"Nah. It's all good. But I'm not saying no to that ice cream. Don't get me wrong."

"What's got you in such a good mood?" The princess asked.

The pegasus shrugged. "Um. I just. I've been thinking and such. About the foal and the future..."

"And? You ok?"

"Y-yeah. I was thinking of keeping it..."

A moment of silence passed before the lavender mare spoke. "Really? I didn't expect that from you."

"I know. I-I'm sorry. It's a stupid choice -"

"I didn't say that. I'll be honest, I didn't think you would keep it considering what happened and your attitude on parenthood. But I'm glad you're having a change of heart." Twilight smiled at her.

"Yeah. I've had some good talks and what Scoots said got to me."

"As long as you're happy and know that this is a forever choice."

Rainbow nodded. "I'm very much aware. I think this kid will be a good way to move forward and boost my mood."

"I'm sure it will be. Did you still want to dive into that ice cream? I also went and found some movies and dug out the projector. I thought you'd need some cheering up when you got home. I was wrong but it doesn't need to go to waste."

"I don't have anything else to do."

The two walked down the halls. "So have you told anyone else?"

Dash shook her head. "Just Pinkie and Soarin."

"The others should probably know too."

"Yeah, I know. This whole thing is still pretty new to me so I'm not really announcing anything."

"I'm sure you'll warm up to it. Deciding to take on the mother role is a beginning."

"Right..."

Chapter 9: Friendships

Rainbow was quietly reading in her bean bag, munching on a bag of chips. She hadn't gotten much sleep again due to those dumb nightmares. They just seemed so real and she couldn't escape until it jolted her awake. She hasn't been sleeping well for months and she knew it couldn't be good for her.

She could still see him, hear him, feel him, and that mare's eyes... She shuddered just remembering that moment Sunset Daze's life was violently taken from her.

During the day Rainbow could easily "forget," but at night they haunted her thoughts and dreams. Her mind brings it up even though Dash wants nothing to do with them. The horrible memories would eventually be put off to a back burner. At least, that's what Rainbow assumed. Or hoped.

As moments passed the mare noticed a pony in front of her, hidden by the book to Dash's face. She lowered the book to find Rarity patiently standing.

Rainbow raised a questioning brow. "Can I help you?"

"I had just come by for lunch. Twilight said we should all come over today. But, it's been awhile since we've chated! How are you holding up?" The unicorn respond.

She didn't know everyone was coming over today. Rainbow returned to her Daring Do. "I'm good."

Unsatisfied with their conversation, Rarity pressed forward. "How's everything else going? I see you've attained a little bump."

Rainbow looked at herself before answering. "Yup. That's what happens when you carry a foal."

"Right... What's it like?"

"Huh?"

"What's it like being pregnant?"

The pegasus peaked over her book. "It's, uh. Weird. Something's growing inside you."

"I can't imagine. Has it moved around yet?"

"No. Doc says I should be feeling some faint movement sometime soon." Dash explained. "A quickening I think?"

"Well that's exciting! Have you found a nice family for the little darling?"

Rainbow hid behind her book once again. "I'm actually gonna keep it."

Rarity stood there in silence for a second, processing what was said. "You're going to keep it? Keep it, keep it?"

"Uh, yeah."

"That's such a huge step for you! You're going to be a mom!" The unicorn said excitedly. "It's quite unexpected from you."

"Yeah. The " M" word."

"Whatever made you change your mind?"

Rainbow pulled her book down from her face, no longer trying to read. "I guess I can't bring myself to send it off. I was stupid and thought I wasn't allowed to like it because it's... His. I'm over it now though, I think. Cuz its mine and I'm keeping it."

"Well that's very brave of you. You certainly are the Element of Loyalty. Your child is lucky to have you "

The pegasus shrugged. "I guess.

"Hey Rainbow!" Pinkie shouted as she came bouncing in. "And Rarity. I brought your cupcake." The pink mare handed the chocolate pepper cupcake to Dash.

"Oh. Uh, thanks. I didn't even know everyone was coming over today."

"Twilight didn't tell you?" The unicorn asked.

"No. She's probably afraid I'll go hide in my room or something." Dash said half joking.

Fluttershy entered the room as well, joining the conversation. "You did do that a lot."

"I had my reasons." She replied, slightly bitter.

"Yes. But, how's the foal doing?"

"Um, good? I can't exactly ask."

"Rainbow here has decided to keep it." Rarity told the butter pegasus.

Fluttershy's eyes widened a little in surprise. "Really? Rainbow that's so unlike you."

Dash shrugged. "Yeah, well."

"Ever since we were little fillies you've always said a family would get in the way, especially a foal."

Applejack finally made her entrance to the room. "You really said that Rainbow?"

"Oh all the time." Fluttershy stated. "You know when you're young and plan your perfect life? Rainbow would always say that when I brought it up"

"That was over a decade ago." Rainbow grumbled.

"I also recall you saying the same things while talking about high school health class." Rarity said.

"I say things, alright!?" Rainbow defended.

"I'm glad you changed your mind though." Fluttershy said, smiling.

"Rainbow changed her mind? Bout the kid?" The farm pony asked, confused.

"Yeah. Apparently everyone knows now." The cyan mare spoke slightly Irritated.

"Well shoot! Congratulations then." AJ smiled at her.

"Um, thanks" Rainbow returned it.

Pinkie began to poke the expecting pony. "Got any names thought out, Mama Dash?"

"Please don't call me that. It's weird." She said, stopping the pink mare's pokes.

Twilight came into the scene, hearing all of the commotion. "Oh, you're all here. And I see that the news has been shared?"

"There's going to be a new pony in our group of friends!" Pinkie shouted. "Though I've known for a couple days now." She then zipped to Dash and hugged her middle. "Or do we already have a new friend? It's technically in here."

Rainbow struggled in the part mare's grasp. "Let go of me!"

Twilight smiled at the scene. "Well Spike made some sandwiches and salad for lunch. It's spread out in the dining room."

They all began to migrate in the direction of food.

______________________

Lunch had passed quite pleasantly. They didn't discuss anymore about Rainbow's decision which she was glad for. She didn't want anymore excess attention on the subject. It was nice to just chat with friends like normal.

But it couldn't last forever. Rainbow knew she couldn't be putting the task ahead off for too much longer. She needed to talk to Scootaloo.

Rainbow hadn't seen her since she stormed off. Telling her about the change would make things better. She hoped.

Rainbow arrived at the orphanage and checked in with Miss Caring.

"She's seemed very upset lately always cooped up in her room. I'm sure you'll cheer her right up!" The olde mare said.

"Let's hope so."

Down the hall Rainbow came to a door highly decorated with Wonderbolts and a handwritten sign that said 'Scootaloo.' She hesitantly knocked.

"What?"

"Hey Squirt."

Nothing was said for a few moments. "What are you doing here?"

"Mind if I come in?"

"It's open."

Rainbow entered into a slightly messy room with comic and wonderbolt memorabilia all about on the walls and shelves. The mare made her way to the bed and sat down on the edge.

"So I know you're probably still upset with me and don't agree with my choices."

"Yeah. I guess."

"Are you mad at me?"

Scootaloo thought for a few seconds before answering. "No."

"Well that's good. I just want you to understand that sometimes being given up for adoption might just be better than staying with your parents. And in the end it's their choice."

"I know..."

"It's not because something is wrong with the foal. It's because there's something wrong with the parents and they know it."

"I guess."

"Do you understand? You aren't here because they didn't want you. You're here because they couldn't have you. They knew you wouldn't be happy with them or that they couldn't take care of you or something. Ok?"

"I'm sorry... "

Rainbow pulled the filly into a hug. "I know you are."

"I didn't mean what I said." She sniveled a little. "I just -"

"Hey, it's fine. I've been thinking and stuff since all this happened. And I wanted to let you know that I've changed my mind."

Scootaloo looked up at the older pegasus. "What? You're going to keep it?" The mare nodded in response. "Really!? Why? I mean, that's great!"

"I just thought about it and I didn't want to send it off. I guess."

"This is going to be great! Do I get to babysit?"

Rainbow hesitated for a second. "Um, maybe. We'll see. But, you better now? We cool?"

"Yeah, we're cool." The two shared a hoof-bump.

Dash let out a sigh of relief. "I was afraid you'd hate me now or something."

Scoots looked over, surprised. "I could never."

The older pegasus pulled the younger in for a hug. "Thanks Squirt."

__________________________

The next few days were painfully boring for the expecting pegasus. She's read nearly all the comics Spike had and she's just been lounging around, bugging Twilight in her study.

"Twilight? Hey, Twilight."

The young princess, annoyed, puts her book down and looks at Rainbow. "What?"

"Have I gotten any letters back from my mom? I've been sending her updates and I haven't gotten any back since my last one." She asked, concerned.

"No, I haven't had any come through. She lives pretty far off, right?" The pegasus nods. "I'm sure it's just taking a while."

"A few weeks though? I talked about the whole foal thing and then I sent one a few days ago about the keeping it part. I'm sure she'd write back..."

"I don't know what to tell you." She answered, slightly agitated.

"Can't you use your princess powers or something?" Rainbow asked while waving her hooves about.

"I don't have any way to make the mail system work faster! You'll just have to deal with it." The pegasus pouted, not liking the answer. "Why don't you go out and do something? You have other friends you know."

"I don't wanna go outside." Rainbow said firmly.

"Why don't you go and see if Fluttershy will hang out with you?" Twilight asked hopefully. "I'm sure she'd like to chat with you."

"I guess, but I don't wanna walk th -"

"Great! You should head there now. I have all these books to get through this week so I need to get back to them."

"I can take a hint." Dash said grumpily. She got up and made her way through the castle. She didn't want to head out where the peering eyes were. Not unless she had to.

Rainbow sat in front of the doors that led outside, pondering if she should leave or not. She didn't have to make that decision however, as none other than Soarin entered through them. He was slightly surprised to see her just standing there.

"Oh, hey!" He said. "What're you doing there?"

"I could ask you the same. You just walk into other ponies homes too?"

"Twilight said I could when I needed. Your turn."

Dash wasn't expecting to have to answer. "Uh. Was going to head out. Twilight said I need fresh air. I think she's just annoyed with me though."

"Well then! Let's get you outside. Come on." The stallion said while gesturing towards the door.

"Why are you here in the first place?" Rainbow asked.

"I have the weekend off. Thought I'd come and hang out." He smiled. "That ok?"

"I guess." She started out the door, Soarin walking beside her.

"Where were ya headed?"

"Twilight was pawning me off on Fluttershy."

Soarin chuckled. "I'll take one for the team and watch you."

"How noble of you. I hear it's quite the challenge." The mare joked.

"Nothing I can't handle," he smirked

Rainbow laughed a little. "We'll see."

The two continued to walk and chat until they made it to the edge of the apple orchids. Dah immediately went to one of the trees and started to reach for an apple.

"You supposed to be taking apples?" Soarin questioned.

"AJ says I can have a few whenever." She tried to reach further but couldn't. The mare looked back at her wing and then up at the apple. Attempting to fly, she flaped it a few times and slightly left the earth.

"Hey, hey, hey, Dash!" Soarin called and she landed. "You're not supposed to be doing that with your healing wing and extra baggage. You could hurt yourself or your foal. Here." He flew up, grabbed the fruit, and handed it to her.

"I was fine. I'm not going to hurt it." She argued.

"But what if you do? Your wing isn't in great shape yet. It's been outta commission for awhile." Rainbow looked away. "Just, be careful and listen to what the doc tells ya. I know you wouldn't be able to live with yourself if you hurt the little guy"

The prismatic mare didn't respond but rather sat down and took a bite of the apple. Soarin joined her on the ground.

"Sorry." Rainbow spoke up.

"Huh? What for?"

"Doing what I want despite what others tell me." She looked at the apple and took another bite.

"Ponies just worry, you know?" He glanced at the pegasus mare. "We care about you and with all that's happened I'm sure you've noticed we're all just on extra edge."

Dash was silent for a bit. "Sorry to put you all in that position. I guess I've kind of been worrying since, yeah." She threw her core off yonder.

"It's fine though. Don't be sorry. It's not your fault and it's all understandable." Soarin comforted.

"That doesn't make it ok. I don't like doing that to everyone. I'm trying to pretend nothing happened, but it comes up all the time."

"All the time?"

Rainbow looked away. "Nevermind."

"Right. Well." The stallion stood. "Wanna head back? Heard Twilight had a projector so brought an old movie I found."

Dash stood as well and began to walk. "Sure. What movie?"

Soarin followed. "Some flying stunt film. Found it while cleaning up yesterday."

“I'm interested.”

“Good! Then I say we have movie night.”