contingent

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.”