contingent

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