Lost Soul

Rainbow Dash yawned. It was early, too early for her taste. She was standing nearby the entrance to the Ponyville's park. Normally she would be still in her bed but today was the day she have been waiting for weeks, Wonderbolts will visit Cloudsdale today. For her, travel to Cloudsdale is no big deal and would take an hour max. But she wasn't going alone.

Longwing.

Where is that pony? He was the reason she was up that early in the morning, she could fly fast as lighting, he was another story. A fresh flyer had much to learn and she couldn't let that make them late for the show.

She smiled to herself as she recalled their lessons, long and hard. She remembered all his stumbles and small victories, his determination and devotion.

The day he flew for the first time, the pride she felt... And the sting of sadness. She grew accustomed to their meetings, she liked spending time with him... And now it was over... He didn't need her anymore. Later that day she realized how stupid that thought was. They were still friends, even when not training, they still hung out with each other from time to time. What caused her reaction? This matter tormented her for days now.

I really like him, but that don't answer why did I feel like that... What's the difference between our trainings and times when we hang out with others? When he accepted my invitation I felt like... Like we are returning to our trainings. She processed her thoughts. Then a realisation hit her. Our trainings... Not AJ's, not Twilight's... Ours... I invited HIM to go with me... Not others... Just me and him alone. Her eyes opened wide, her ears fell and her mouth was agape. "Am I... Am I developing a crush on this pony?" She covered her mouth quickly and looked around. Nopony was there. Did I really say it aloud? She walked to the nearby tree and sat in it's shadow. She tried to process all of this. She wasn't the most experienced pony when it came to feelings stuff. Sure, she had coltfriends before, but nothing serious. And now this... She slowly eased her mind and tried to think about it calmly. Or maybe it's something different... Maybe it's just a teacher's attachment. She considered this option. It had sense. Longwing was the first pegasus that asked her to teach him how to fly. And now he was going to leave her teachings.

She stood up and smiled to herself. We'll see... For now I will not fret about that. I am going to have fun today! And no matter what the problem is, I will figure it out and meet it headlong! With a new portion of determination... She sat down... "If that pony doesn't move his flank soon, I swear I will kick it to the moon."

Several minutes later she saw the familiar grey shape closing in fast. Longwing landed heavily on the road, momentum carried him towards the stone wall. He stopped with his nose centimetres away from the obstacle.

"*fhew* That was close." He looked around and spotted Rainbow Dash sitting next to the tree and sending him an angry stare. He smiled sheepishly. "Heheh... Hi Rainbow. Sorry, I know that I'm late but I had to help Apple Bloom, she and her friends tried bungee jumping from the barn and ended entangled, hanging four metres above the ground."

Rainbow's expression softened. "Okay, I forgive you this time." She trotted closer to him. "Are you ready? With your speed it will take us few hours to get to Cloudsdale."

He gave her a smile and nodded. "I'm ready." Before he said another word Rainbow Dash was high above him gesturing him to hurry. Longwing shook his head and took off.

..............................................................................

As Rainbow Dash predicted, trip to Cloudsdale took them over four hours. Longwing was tired, not used to such long flights, if not for Rainbow's encouraging and teasing they would arrive even later.

All signs of weariness disappeared from Longwing's face when he saw their destination.

Rainbow Dash lined up with him and chuckled seeing his reaction. "Welcome to Cloudsdale Longwing."

"Wow." It was the only word he could articulate right now. Speechless, his mouth agape he admired the sight of the city. Giant conglomeration of buildings made of clouds amazed him. A world full of wonders.

Silence was broken by Rainbow. "Pretty cool huh?"

He looked at her in disbelieve. "Pretty cool? This is amazing! A city in clouds!"

She smiled. "Glad you like it. Well... Since we still have some time before the show, let's grab some food and rest a bit. I know just the place." Longwing nodded and followed the cyan mare through the crowded sky of Cloudsdale.

After few minutes they landed before a building looking like a pub, slow peaceful music could be heard inside. Huh? They have reggae in Equestria?

Rainbow Dash nodded at the pub. "My Dad's place. The best food and drinks in the whole Cloudsdale, although the music is to slow for my tastes." She entered first and gestured him to follow.

The inside of the pub was warm and cozy, walls were decorated with music equipment, posters and images of the tropical landscape, tables occupied most of the floor, to the left there was a small stage on wich a band of three pegasi and a griffon played the music filling the air with a relaxing mood. Rainbow Dash led him to the counter on the far side of the room. They sit on the tall chairs unnoticed by the bartender who was turned in the opposite direction.

Rainbow Dash grinned and spoke loud. "Hey bartender! Two Rainbooms, no ice, extra chilli and double taco to that!"

Bartender, the older brown pegasus with green and yellow mane combed into a dreadlocks and a colorful beret on his head straightened and spoke without turning to them. "Sweet Celestia! Let the manticore eat me if that's not the prettiest mare in the world who visited me." He turned around with a big grin on his face. "Yo big girl!" He reached over the counter and hugged rainbow.

Rainbow giggled. "Hi Dad! I missed you." After a while they broke the hug.

Old stallion looked at his daughter, smile not leaving his face even for a second. "What's up kid? What brings you to Cloudsdale? They finally fired you from the weather patrol?" They both laughed loud.

"Nah, me and my friend are going to the Wonderbolts show and we want to eat something good before it starts." She gestured at Longwing.

Raibow's father looked at him and extended his hoof. "Hi big fella! Name's Spectrum. Spectrum Dash."

Grey pegasus shook his hoof. "Longwing. Nice pub you have there."

Rainbow's father placed three glasses on the counter and started to mix drinks. "I bought this place about ten years ago when I quit from weather factory, I was mixing rainbow ingredients back then." He was talking and juggling two shakers at the same time.

Rainbow shook her head. "First. You bought this pub thirteen years ago. Second. You didn't quit, they fired you when you poured pigment on the hall manager."

"That was an accident... It was intended for somepony else. And he got rid of the pigment from his mane... Eventually." He chuckled pouring the multicoloured content of the shakers into the glasses. "It was boring job anyway. Those are on the house, cheers!"

Longwing quickly emptied his glass and coughed. Liquid was sweet and spicy with a faint aftertaste of lemon. "Good stuff."

Rainbow patted his back and snickered. "Slowly Lon or you will choke on it." She turned to her dad. "Have you seen mom lately?"

"Nope. You know her. Always on business. Duty for Equestria and other silly things." Stallion waved his hoof in a mocking of a salute.

"Yeah that sounds like her."

Longwing observed their conversation in silence. Rainbow and her father seemed so alike, lighthearted, cool, carefree... But he lacked the fire she had, Longwing wondered what her mother was like.

They talked a bit more, then taco was served and Longwing had to admit, it was the best taco he ever tried, despite the fact it was without meat. Strange... It was only a month and I don't even remember how meat taste like... Was it like that when I got here or I slowly lose my mind? He was sitting there unmoving for a couple of seconds until Rainbow poked his head with her hoof.

"Equestria to Longwing, heeey you there?" He shook his head returning to reality. "I know it's delicious but if you keep contemplating it we'll be late for the show." She said with a smirk.

"It always has this effect when you try it for the first time." Spectrum remarked emptying his glass.

"You mean taco or drink?"

"I was talking about the Clover."

"We're not smoking Clover dad."

"*snif**snif* Then where is that smoke coming from?" He turned around. There was a visible trail of smoke coming from the kitchen. Spectrum's eyes widened. "SHOOT! I forgot to turn off the oven! Sorry Rainbow gotta go! Se ya!" He disappeared in the next room swearing loudly.

When they finished their meal Rainbow and Longwing left the pub and headed to the Cloudsdale's stadium.

"I'm surprised that this pub survived that long under his management." Rainbow chuckled. "Dad always has his head somewhere else."

Longwing nodded. "He is cool. Crazy like you but still cool." He chuckled and sped up towards the stadium.

Rainbow Dash snickered and followed him.

......................................................................................................................

It was the best air show Longwing ever seen. The agility and speed showed by the Wonderbolts was unbelievable. No wonder they are called the best of the best.

The sun started it's slow descent announcing the late afternoon. Two pegasi were on their way back to Ponyville, green mass of the forest and occasionally rock formations moving beneath them.

"... then I caught Rarity and the Wonderbolts and returned to the arena." Rainbow clapped her hooves and struck a heroic pose.

"Wow! No wonder they saluted you at the end of the show." Longwing was trying to keep up with the cyan mare.

"Yup! I'm telling you Lon. They're going to ask me to join them soon. I just know it." Longwing saw the flash in her eye and smiled.

Next few minutes they glided in silence, Longwing was admiring the landscape, while Rainbow sunk in thoughts.

Morning dilemma returned to her. All the day she was free from it but now as they were alone it returned. She looked down at her companion. Hanging out with him was fun, she had great time today. It all just felt... Right. They were friends, really good friends. Would it be that strange if I was interested in him? He is a handsome, strong pegasus. He is cool and nice. Cyan mare gracefully avoided the cloud before her. I wonder if he is even into mares. After all, he has been a pony only for a month now. She glided closer to Longwing.

"Hey Lon?" Rainbow spoke while leveling with grey pegasus.

Longwing turned his head towards her. "Yes Rainbow?"

"I was curious if... If, you know... Are you interested in ponies? Like interested interested?" She tried to sound as casual as possible.

Longwing lost a balance for a moment, surprised by question. "Um... Well I... I don't know. I haven't thought about it before... I-I'm not sure." Slight blush appeared on his cheeks as he turned his head forward. None of the two said anything for next few minutes.

Rainbow wasn't satisfied with lack of answer. She was preparing for next attempt to talk about it but a shadow passing over them interrupted her.

Both pegasi stopped and looked up. They saw a pair of griffins descending towards them. Rainbow recognized the pair instantly.

"Shoot." She hissed quietly.

"Well well well. What do we have here? Isn't that our old pal Rainbow Dash?" Large male griffon stopped at their level and looked Rainbow straight in the eyes.

He was quickly followed by a much smaller female griffon. "Yes indeed. It's her."

"Gorn. Rita." Rainbow dash tensed and shoot Longwing a quick warning glance. "What do you want?"

"Look at her! So brash! You should be nicer, especially after what you did to Gilda!" Gorn closed to Rainbow and poked her chest with his claw snarling. "And they call you a pony of loyalty? Pfff! Treacherous nag!"

Longwing quickly pulled griffon's claw from Rainbow and glared at Gorn. "Get your claws off her!"

Large griffon turned to him with a grimace of anger. "And who do you think you are huh?!"

Alarmed Rainbow Dash relocated quickly to Longwing's side. "Stop it Longwing! I will handle this." Situation was starting to look serious. She didn't want to pull any of her friends into her problems. Stupid Lon! Why is he provoking him? Gorn was tough and she knew it, escape was not and option because Longwing was to slow. Think Rainbow, think! "Knock it off Lon." She whispered.

Grey pegasus turned his head to her. She could se anger in his eyes. "No one threatens my friends." He returned his attention to the griffins.

Gorn smirked. "A real hero. Who are you? Her new coltfriend? A blank pony? Looks like she started to look for company among other failures just like her."

"You talk much for an overweight hen." Longwing spoke slowly, almost spitting on griffon.

Griffon started to close to Longwing glaring at him until they were eye to eye. "I could pluck you with one claw."

That was it, no going back now. Longwing maintained the eye contact and spoke slowly. "Why don't we land now so you could prove it." He knew that he had no chance against the griffon in the air.

Gorn chuckled and started to descent. "It's your funeral." Longwing followed him slowly.

Rainbow tried to close to Longwing but was stopped by female griffon that blocked her way. "Don't try something stupid. We don't want to spoil boys fun, do we?" She smiled spitefully and flew down.

Both males landed on a small flat rock formation, glaring at each other. Cyan mare stared at the scene before her, her mind working as fast as possible to find a way out of situation. Think Rainbow! He wouldn't be in that situation if not for you. She shot a quick glance at her companion and his opponent. Bingo! I'll wait for the right moment, then I will kick Gorn as hard and fast as possible, and then we will run away. She smiled a bit, but was still worried about her friend.

Why do I always have to put myself into something? Longwing observed the griffon in front of him. He looks tough. Fortunately for me, I'm smarter than him... Right?

Griffon scratched the rock with his right paw. "Any last words before I kick your flank?"

Grey pegasus smirked. "Bring it on chicken!" Play it smart lad.

Gorn hissed and charged at Longwing who standed still. As the gap between them shrank Rainbow grimaced, sure that Longwing will be turned to dust any moment now. But what happened caused both the mare and the female griffin to gasp.
As Gorn was about to crash into Longwing the pegasus jumped aside and slammed his hoof down on the griffon's head causing him to somersault in the air and land on his back.

Rainbow Dash smiled. Maybe i underestimated him.
"Pff! Lucky hit." Rita spat glaring at Rainbow.

"Wha?!" Big griffon shook his head in disbelieve and jumped on his paws with a mixed expression of surprise and anger. Longwing braced himself for the next attack, he knew that this trick wont work again. Griffon growled and charged again, this time pegasus pounced at him trying his best to defend from hits.

The two were exchanging blows and it soon became clear that griffon was superior brawler, Longwing was tough but Gorn was stronger and faster. Gorn pummeled Longwing mercilessly, pegasus was able to block most of the punches but some still reached the target. Longwing was slowly pushed back towards the edge of the rock. Knowing that he is running out of space he dropped defensive and punched as hard as he could. Pegasus managed to hit his opponent straight in the eye causing him to sway back a bit. Taking advantage of the situation, Longwing turned around and bucked the griffon in the head with both of his hind legs, causing him to fly backwards and land on his back. "Big Mac's training program you punk!" He shouted while turning towards Gorn.

"Way to go Lon!" Rainbow Dash cheered excited. Wow he is good. But now we should get out of here. Rainbow's muscles tensed as she waited for the best moment to help Longwing to escape, but Gorn ruined her plan.

Panting and hissing, big griffon stood up and gave Longwing a death-glare. Then he roared and flew towards him. Before Longwing could react Gorn smashed into him and send both rolling down the cliff. During the fall Longwing hit a rock and his right wing bent in unnatural angle causing him to yelp in pain. Both combatants slowly stood up by the foot of the rock glaring at each other.

"Thats it." Longwing hissed to himself. Pain and anger mixed with adrenaline pushed him forward as he charged at Gorn. They were closing to each other at high speed now. Just before they met Longwing jumped forward and head butted Gorn with all his strength. They bounced from each other. Gorn took two steps backwards before collapsing unconscious on the ground. Longwing swayed but remained on his hooves.

Rainbow Dash and Rita flew down to them, both dumbfounded from what they saw.

Rainbow trotted to Longwing her mouth agape. "Lon?"

He looked at her and spoke slowly. "Let's go Rainbow." They took several steps towards the forest when Longwing stopped and turned his bruised head to Rita who was staring at him while trying to wake up her friend. He gave her serious look. "Next time... Don't mess with the pegasi." He resumed his walk with Rainbow Dash at his side.

When they crossed the line of the trees Rainbow smiled wide. "Wow Lon that was awesome! I knew that you had fire in you but what you did-" She was interrupted by Longwing leaning against her, struggling to keep balance. He looked at her and smiled weakly. "Your welcome Rainbow." He grimaced in pain. "Just don't make me do it again okay?"

Longwing stopped and tried to flex his right wing, but as soon as it moved he hissed in pain. "For the- Ah!"

Rainbow's expression changed to worried. "What's wrong Longwing?"

"My wing... Argh. It hurts." She trotted to his side to examine the wound. She had little experience with those, back on the flight camps there was always a nurse tending to wounded. When she looked at the place where wing joins with the torso she saw that it started to swell.

"That doesn't look good Long." She shook her head.

"Tell me something I don't know." He hissed again.

"Hey be a stallion!" She trotted to face him. "Looks like we're gonna go back home on hooves." She looked south. "We shouldn't be too far now, one, maybe two hours from Ponyville. If we're lucky we will be there before the sunset."

Longwing straightened himself. "Lead the way."

They begun their walk south, side by side, orange sunlight piercing the forest canopy.

"Longwing?"

"Yeah Rainbow?"

She hung her head down. "I'm... I'm sorry... I shouldn't let you get Involved in my problems. I screwed it, and you got hurt." She inhaled deeply. And ponies look up to me as the embodiment of loyalty. What a joke.

Longwing put his hoof on her shoulder. "Hey. Don't beat yourself over it. It's not your fault that we met those two jerks. And it's definitely not your fault that I cut into rather than let you to ease the situation." She looked up at him in silence, with sadness in her eyes. He shook his head. "Eh... I just... I have talent in getting myself into troubles, and when I saw him threatening you... I couldn't stand that. I like you a lot Rainbow, you've become a very close friend to me."

She lightened up. "Thanks Lon. It means a lot to me."

Longwing smiled. "You took me to an awesome air show and I made sure that you have one less griffon to worry about, lets call that even okay?"

She laughed and nodded. "Okay. But you still owe me a lunch!"

"Yeah. Anyway, who was those two?"

"Gorn is a brother of my former friend Gilda. Our paths parted some time ago, in rather... Unfriendly manner. I guess that Gilda took it harder than I though and he thinks that it's all my fault. Well now he wont even consider closing to me for some time."

"If you want you can hire me as a full time bodyguard once I heal this wing." He chuckled.

"I will consider that." She joined him in laughter.

...........................................................................................

The sun was closing to horizon relentlessly and it became clear that Rainbow Dash and Longwing wont make it to Ponyville before nightfall.

Two pegasi trotted in silence, they kept fast pace, not wanting to spend the night in the forest. Rainbow Dash was constantly glancing back at Longwing, making sure that battered pegasus didn't fall behind, and slowing down if necessary.

When they finally reached some cleared path Rainbow slowed the pace a bit allowing her companion to rest. After few moments Longwing heard something, a rustle of the leaves. Something is following us.

"Rainbow." He tried to sound as casual as possible.

Rainbow Dash looked at him. "Hmm?"

"You need to take off. It's not safe on the ground anymore."

She looked around. "What are you talking about?"

He looked her deeply in the eyes. "Rainbow, just do it."

"Okay." Rainbow took off and floated above Longwing. "What do you think is it."

Grey pegasus slightly sped his pace. "I'm not sure, but don't want to risk." He saw a clearing in front of them. "Let's go over there." He knew that whatever was following them, if it was hostile they had better chances on the open ground.

When they made it to the center of the clearing he realised how wrong he was. From the forest behind them a big dark creature emerged , and from opposite direction there was second one closing to them slowly. Trap!

"Timber wolves!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Damn it!" Lonwing looked around, trying to find an exit from this situation but there was none. Clearing was surrounded by the thick forest with the exception of the places where it was crossed by a path, but this way was blocked by the Wolves. There was an obelisk to their right but it was too steep to climb upon. Damn wounded wing. There was no chance that he escape and he doubted that they had a chance of defeating the beasts. Longwing looked at the Rainbow Dash hovering over him. If she stays here she will be in danger too. Grey pegasus sighed. "Rainbow!" Mare turned her attention to him. "You need to fly for help!"

"What?!" She glared at him. "No way Lon! I'm not leaving you!" She knew that if she left now, she would never see Longwing again.

Before Longwing could say anything the Timber wolf in front of him pounced at him growling loud. He felt beast's weight crash against him and it's claws tearing his skin, but he managed to keep it's teeth from his throat and kick the wolf away.

Then second timber wolf attacked, it tried to jump at the struggling pony but was intercepted by Rainbow Dash and knocked down by a powerful kick in the head. She quickly turned to her companion. Situation was very bad.

First timber wolf renewed it's attack, this time managing to sink it's teeh into Longwing's neck and knocking him over. Grey pegasus struggled to throw attacker off him but with no avail, jaws clenched on his neck started to suffocate him.

"NO!" Rainbow flew as fast as she could and slammed into the beast sending it flying sever metres from Longwing. Unfortunately before she could gain altitude wolf she stopped moments ago pounced at her causing both of them crash against the obelisk.

Catching his breath desperately, Longwing got up. He noticed Rainbow Dash lying at the foot of the obelisk. She wasn't moving. Her head was bleeding badly. Before the wolf that attacked her managed to rise up, Longwing run to them and delivered a powerful buck sending the beast away from the Rainbow.

"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash wake up!" He shook her but no response came. When he heard snarling behind him he turned around. He saw both timber wolves standing several metres away, glaring at him. The one he just kicked was limping. Both wolves looked at Rainbow Dash, then back at him.

After a moment he understood. They were giving him a choice. Leave Rainbow Dash to them or die.

Longwing was badly wounded, before him there were standing two predators capable of tearing him apart. He managed to wound one of them earning their respect but still, for them he was a prey.

Instinct screamed. RUN!

Heart whispered. Save Rainbow.

He raised his head to look the closest beast straight in the eyes and whispered.. "I will not let another ghost haunt me."
Longwing stretched his wings as far as he could, the pain in the wounded one dulled by adrenaline, the last beams of the setting sun falling at him made his wings look like it where on fire. Then he shouted, pouring his anger and determination into it. "YOU WILL NOT GET HER!"

Wolves snarled at him.

"You will not get her." He hissed and stomped his hoof, glaring into the eyes of the beast.

The wounded one started to draw back slowly, but the second growled loudly and charged at the pegasus.

Adrenaline caused the whole world to move slowly for Longwing. He waited for the right moment. Only one chance.

When it was close enough, timber wolf pounced at Longwing. Now! Right before the beast crashed against him, Longwing turned around and bucked with all his might, straight in the wolf's head. A sickening crunch could be heard as wolf's jaw was broken. With unearthly howl the beast drew back and escaped with it's companion into the forest.

I did it. Longwing let himself a small smile before returning to Rainbow. She was still unconscious and her head was bleeding. Grey pegasus looked south. Rainbow said that we should be close to Ponyville now. He turned his attention to his wounds. His sides and neck were bleeding strongly and he could feel his strength leaving him. Longwing glanced at cyan mare lying before him. I can't fail now.

He put Rainbow on his back stabilizing her with his healthy wing. The sun finally hid behind the horizon. With a cyan mare on his back he staggered in the direction of the town. He knew he had little time but couldn't let Rainbow die in this accursed forest. One thought pushed him forward.

Save Rainbow! Save Rainbow!

Save Rainbow.

.....................................................................................................

Outside the Ponyville, near the edge of the Everfree forest there was a crowd of ponies.

"Okay Listen up!" Twilight's magically magnified voice boomed silencing the gathered. "We're entering now! Stay together and make sure that you have visual contact with at least two more groups all the time!"

Earlier that evening Pinkie Pie bursted into the library screaming that her Pinkie Sense told her that somepony is in grave danger in the forest. Twilight instantly thought of Rainbow Dash and Longwing. She gathered her friends and as many ponies as possible and organized a rescue party. Now all of them prepared to enter the dreaded Everfree forest.

Twilight started to give another order. "Keep formation and-" "Twilight look!" She was interrupted by Rarity standing next to her.

Everypony turned to the direction pointed by the unicorn and spotted the silhouette of a large pegasus.

"It's Longwing!" Pinkie pie shouted bouncing up and down.

"But what is he c-" In the faint light Twilight saw Rainbow Dash lying lifelessly on his back. "We need a medical help here!"

One of the unicorns levitated unconscious Rainbow from Longwing's back and placed her on the grass, allowing the nurse to examinate her.

"Longwing what happe- *gasp*" Only when he entered the light circle she could she him clearly. He was swaying, his sides and neck were torn with wounds, bleeding profusely.

Longwing gave her an empty stare. "Save... Rainbow..." He managed to whisper before collapsing.

Shaking off from shock, she enveloped him in magical aura. "This is bad, really bad!" Twilight said to herself before they both disappeared in the flash of light.