Dash's Decisionby Drac KeaganVAChaptersDreamingWaking UpRotten to the CoreNight ReturnsDreamingA Dark veil. Wedding music. Rainbow Dash saw herself walking down the aisle with the vail covering her eyes and half her face. Was she smiling? She could not tell. Scootaloo was ahead of her as the flower filly, spreading the petals on the aisle carpet. Princess Celestia stood at the alter awaiting her with her Colt to be. She could not see who it was. Spike stood there holding a pillow with the rings, necklaces attached to them for the pegasi. “Hurry now, bride to be. We are all waiting.” Said the impatient Princess Celestia. Rainbow Dash stopped dead in her tracks. ‘Something does not feel right.’ She thought. She was being forced into this. This was not what she wanted! Then suddenly there was a crack of thunder and a lightning bolt hit Celestia and Luna appeared where she was. “Princess Luna? What are you doing here…am I dreaming?” “But of course. But you are not to have this dream…I am sorry. There is something wrong with my spells lately. It has something to do with the cosmic alignment and I am powerless to stop its interference but I can intercede. Are you alright?” Luna asked the troubled blue Pegasus. Rainbow Dash nodded. “It takes more than a bad dream to upset me!” boasted the brave mare. Suddenly Rainbow Dash awoke with a start, and saw the sun shining through her window. She stretched and yawned. What a night. She did not want another like that. “Oh pony feathers! I’m late for weather disbursement!” she said and dashed out of her house with heavy flapping wings. She made quick work of her chore with handing out the weather assignments and decided to consult Twilight about the dream. “So you have no idea why you had this dream…?” Twilight asked her friend suspiciously, knowing she had a crush on the Wonderbolt celebrity, Soarin, but also knew a local Pegasus, Thunderlane, had the hots for her. Dash sighed as she went over the story again about Luna and the wedding and was getting aggravated as she flopped her wings at her side. “*sigh* for the millionth time, Twilight, no. N. O. I have…wait a second…are you trying to say that I LIKE somepony?” Twilight rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose as she finally got it. “Who then? I could not see the Groom.” Dash said. Twilight growled in frustration. “Honestly Rainbow Dash. If I know who you like and who likes you than YOU of all ponies should know too!” She tapped her hoof awaiting her to get it. Nothing but a blank look on Dash’s face. “Really? Soarin…you like Soarin! And Thunderlane likes YOU! Oops!” She quickly covered her mouth on the Thunderlane part and turned red, as did Rainbow. He had told her that in secret. Well it was not a secret anymore. It took a moment to sink in. But when it did, Rainbow Dash burst into laughter. “Hahahaha, Thunderlane…hahahaha…likes me. Okay who is pulling my leg here?” “No, he really does Dash, you’ll hurt his feelings!” Dash stood up and flapped her wings, getting ready to go confront him. “Yeah, yeah, I will make this right. Thanks for the laughs Twilight…Thunderlane and me, HA! See ya!” “Oh no! He will never trust me again! Rainbow Dash, wait, please!” Twilight hung her head. There was no stopping, or catching up to her. But Dash heard her and stopped mid-flight. She could tell her friend was upset. “Alright. I won’t go…but I want him to tell me. So, how do I get him to tell me or even tell that he likes me?” “Tell that who likes who?” Apple Jack asked as her and Applebloom approached the castle. They had overheard the two as they were on their way to deliver some apples to Twilight. “GASP! Gossip, oh do share please!” Another voice chimed in. It was Rarity. She was coming over to help Twilight decorate a dull room and she had Sweetie Belle with her. “Ohh, does Rainbow Dash have a Very Special Somepony?” squeaked Sweetie Belle teasingly. Dash turned beat red. “No kid I don’t!” “Rainbow Dash, easy on Sweetie Belle! She is just a youngin’!” Apple Jack scolded her. The six ponies all went inside to lessen the embarrassment already bestowed on Rainbow. They all sat at Twilight’s Dinner table and all began to ambush Rainbow for answers but were silenced by the quickly growing impatient Princess. “Quiet, all of you! This is not helping.” Twilight said and slammed her hoof down on the table. Rainbow Dash collapsed into her hooves hiding her face. “This is my fault. I accidentally let out a secret that was told to me by somepony and…it is for Rainbow to know and find out for herself. That is all there is to It.” she said. “I am sorry Rainbow, that it slipped out and you had to suffer this embarrassment. I hope you can forgive me.” Twilight said and placed a caring hoof on Dash’s shoulder. Suddenly there was a knock on the large castle doors and Spike got it, and let in the guest before Twilight could say anything...it was Thunderlane. He was there to help move some furniture for Spike and her. “Come right in Thunderlane. I hope your strong cuz this stuff is heavy!” Spike said as he led the dark Pegasus into the room with the mares and fillies. Once Dash saw who it was she quickly hid up in the rafters. AJ and Rarity, along with the two fillies got the jest that this was who liked Rainbow Dash and looked at each other. Then words escaped their mouths in unison. “Ohhhhh Thunderlane huh?” The four ponies said like it was rehearsed. “Hello everypony…having a uh…discussion or something?” he asked. He had not seen Dash. “Yeah.” AJ said. “Or somethin’.” A smile crossed her face as she looked up briefly at Dash who was begging her with her arms not to draw attention to her. She was not ready to confront Thunderlane…not yet. “Thunderlane! Wha…what are you doing here?” Twilight asked forgetting about their previous appointment. “Umm, I am here to help you with furniture, remember, Princess?” he asked innocently. “Oh, heh, right…uh…Spike, take Thunderlane to the Parlor please and show him what we need moved. Big Mac will be here soon to help you.” Twilight fumbled over her words as she was trying to give Rainbow Dash an escape. “Unless you want Rainbow Dash to help too, Twilight, oowww.” Applebloom began but was silenced by Apple Jack’s hoof and a stern look at the end. “Wait…Rainbow Dash is not here.” Thunderlane said quickly turning around. Looking for his crush and blushing a bit. Twilight gritted her teeth and looked at Applebloom. “What did I say?” The innocent Applebloom asked rubbing the back of her head. “Oh yes she is. She is right up there…oops.” Squeaked Sweetie Belle unsilenced by Rarity who was giggling at the entire situation. “What, where…ahh. I see her now. Um why are you up in the rafters?” Thunderlane asked the floating Rainbow Dash. She sighed and decided it was time to come down but not before she thought of an excuse. “She’s hiding from you!” Sweetie Belle blurted out again. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity scolded but still giggling. Rainbow Dash flew down trying to play it off. “Yep! Those rafters are pretty drafty Twilight! You defiantly need some banners or something up there. What’s up Thunderlane?” she said trying to play everything off as cool. But he wasn’t buying it. He nodded his head and slowly trotted up to her, a bit closer than usual. Dash blushed, now knowing what Twilight did. She bit her lip as she turned her head and coughed. “*cough cough* Oh man, I think I am coming down with a cold, I think I’ll leave…” “What’s the rush? Why not stay and help out a stallion?” Thunderlane said leaning into Rainbow, close enough to smell her mane. She was uncomfortable and she was about to let him know it. “Whoa whoa, back off man! What is with you?” “Oh…I think you know by now. I overheard Twilight spill my secret. So what do you say Rainbow Dash, Wanna go grab something to eat when I’m done here?” Rainbow Dash was flattered and weirded out a bit but was considering his offer. All the other ponies were on toe watching and listening awaiting Dash’s decision. Dash was red in the face. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes briefly. Then she exhaled. “You know what, why not? Sure Thunderlane! Now let’s go move some furniture!” The other ponies where shocked. “Did she just say yes?” Rarity gasped. The other ponies all nodded as they watched the two pegasi walk into the parlor together nearly wing to wing. A smile on Thunderlane’s face. “Hey AJ, where is your brother at?” Rainbow shouted over her shoulder as she passed thru the archway to the parlor. Thunderlane thought to himself, ‘At last I have you where I want you…now if you will only drink my poison…’ Waking UpLuna tossed and turned as she felt her body being lifted into the night air unwillingly. It was Tantalus again taking control of her. Transforming her into the dreaded Nightmare Moon. “No! Please…don’t do this! Sister…Tia…help…me…ahh…ha…haha…hahaha.!!! YES! I AM BACK!” Nightmare Moon cackled and her laughter echoed thru the night but went unheard by the sleeping Celestia and the guard. The magical Alicorn flew swiftly on silent wings and quickly cast a spell to gather a few winged followers. That spell had also reached a certain dark Pegasus in Ponyville… “Wow Thunderlane! Your stronger than I took you for.” Rainbow Dash said as she watched as he moved the furniture with ease alone. Big Mac was standing there with his hoof on his head wondering why he was there now. Thunderlane’s eyes flashed catlike and glowed for a brief second but not long enough for anypony to notice. The spell was in him now. He was under Nightmare Moon’s control and he did not even know it. With this spell came great strength and speed. “Like I said, I am stronger than anypony else I know.” Boasted Thunderlane as he showed off for Rainbow Dash trying to impress her. Big Mac rolled his eyes and let out a muffled nope under his breath. He was fed up with this show off and decided it was time to head home with his sisters. “Come on AJ, Applebloom, Thunderlane can do this alone.” He said with a hefty voice. “I reckon it is time to go. It is past your bedtime youngin’.” AJ said to her little sister. “Bye Twilight, Rainbow Dash have fun on your uh, date.” She said and they left along with Rarity and Sweetie Belle. The young fillies yawning on the way out the door. “Goodnight.” Chimed the two young ones in unison as they trotted out with heavy eyes. “Yeah. Thunderlane you have done enough. You two go and have a good time. I am getting sleepy myself. Thanks!” Twilight said to the two pegasi and walked them out. She watched as the two took off and flew in the direction of the train station. She wondered where Thunderlane was going to take her. She had a creeping feeling that something was wrong but had no clue it was as big as Nightmare Moon’s return. “So what are you hungry for?” Rainbow Dash asked Thunderlane as they landed at the Train station. Thunderlane bought two tickets to Maretropolis and handed them to the conductor. “I had more of an idea of a dinner and a show if that is ok with you Dash?” Thunderlane said with a coy smile. Dash had an inkling of an idea crawling into her mind and she began to get excited. “No way, you can’t mean the Wonderbolts show in Maretropolis? Really!?” the excited mare blurted out showing her giddy side. Thunderlane nodded and she flung her arms around his neck like a young school filly. Then she caught herself and drew back. “Whoops, uh sorry.” She said blushing. Thunderlane blushed and nuzzled her cheek a bit. “It’s fine Dash. You can do that anytime you like.” He said to her really enjoying this relationship blossoming rapidly. But Dash was not quite ready for that fast of a relationship. So she settled for holding hooves on the train ride. She fell asleep on his shoulder on the long ride and he nudged her awake as they approached the bright lights of the city. “Dash, were here.” He said sweetly to her. She fluttered her eyes open and she swiftly awoke as she saw the huge Wonderbolts sign as they pulled into the station and exited. There were signs everywhere and ponies all over the place in town for the big show. But Thunderlane just pulled Dash to the head of the line. For he had bought tickets with VIP Meet and Greet passes for Dash. Her mouth dropped wide open when she saw them. “Are you for real?” she squealed. Thunderlane nodded with half closed eyes as he saw how happy this made her. “Anything for you Rainbow Dash.” He said and kissed her on the cheek quickly. Rainbow Dash jerked back. “Whoa whoa buddy!” she yelled and placed a defensive hoof on his chest pushing him away. “Just because you wow me with these does not give you the right to kiss me! That is way too fast.” She said. Thunderlane was outraged. He went out of his way to buy the most expensive tickets there were and make sure she got to meet the Wonderbolts and she shoots him down when he kisses her cheek! How dare she! “Oh really? You think that was fast huh? Well maybe I will just take another mare that appreciates a little physical interaction!” Thunderlane yelled in her face and jerked the ticket from her wing. Dash looked crushed. Maybe she overreacted a bit. “Wait, no! I…I’m sorry. I’ve never had a colt friend and I…I’m not exactly sure how to act. Okay, now let’s just go and watch the show and have a good time, please?” she begged the angry stallion. Thunderlane’s eyes flashed green again and cat like, and Dash thought she noticed but passed it off as the reflection of the city lights. Thunderlane smiled and handed the ticket back to her and a little devilish laugh escaped his mouth. “Hehe, sure Dash. Let’s go. We are right up top. The best seats. Follow me.” He said and led on. Rainbow Dash sighed and followed, embarrassed at both of their behavior. She thought she saw Lightning Dust in the crowd when they reached their seats just a row or two down. But she could not be sure. Thunderlane got them some food and drinks and the show began. Rainbow Dash was astounded at all the aerial acrobatics that was performed and then at the end when things was at the best part something went wrong. Soarin, her secret celebrity crush, suddenly began a free fall. At first, all thought it was part of the show but when Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts, broke rank to go and try to catch him, it was clear he was in peril. Fleetfoot, her right wing mare was right on her flank, but they just were not fast enough. Rainbow Dash clasped her hooves over her mouth. “Oh no!” she said and bolted from her set in a streak of rainbow as she raced thru the sky to Soarin’s aid. “Rainbow, what in Equestria are you doing?” Thunderlane yelled after her. He was outraged that she had left him to save another colt. Rainbow raced with all her might and caught Soarin just before he hit the ground and took all the brunt as they both hit the ground in a tumble of dust and rocks. Gasps from the crowd could be heard. Then another mare came flashing across to their aid too. It was Lightning Dust. She managed to push Spitfire and Fleetfoot out of the way of hitting the now unconscious Soarin and Rainbow Dash. There was now a jumble of ponies on the air field. A total of two injured. Dash and Soarin. “Are they okay?” she asked as she noticed a couple possible broken wings, plus some bumps and bruises. “Hey we need an ambulance over here!” she yelled and Spitfire and Fleetfoot took off to guide the paramedic ponies to them. The next thing Rainbow Dash knew she was waking up in a hospital to an annoying beeping sound and a pounding headache. Everything around her echoed. Her vision was even a bit blurry. Her whole body ached and her left wing was wrapped up tight in a splint. It was broken, no doubt about that. She looked over to her left to see Soarin in a bed next to her, in a very similar condition. But his wings were not broken, only sprained. She had spared him that and saved his life she would find out from the doctor. But he was out cold still. Then she heard a familiar voice calling her name, but it was not pleasant. “Rainbow Dash.” His voice echoed some in her head. “Rainbow Dash, can you hear me?” It was Thunderlane. He was there, standing next to Lightning Dust looking at her with a stern glare. “Thunderlane?” “Uh yeah! Just what the hell were you doing? I suppose you wanna be with Soarin instead of me!? And you know what? That is fine because I found me a new mare, Lightning Dust.” Rainbow was confused. All she did was react. Yes she did have a crush on him but she had no idea about the feelings, if any, that Soarin had for her. “Wait a minute! Thunderlane you have it all wrong! I just reacted. I would have done that if it were anypony!” Dash pleaded with Thunderlane to listen to her but he seemed to have made up his mind. “Come on Thunderlane. She is just jealous of me. She has been since Wonderbolt Academy. Paybacks Rainbow Dash. Don’t they just blow?” She said with a flap of her wings as she brushed them roughly, slapping Dash across her face with her feathers. Rainbow growled and tried to get out of bed but was stopped by pain. “Haha, see ya, loser!” Lightning Dust boasted as her eyes flashed green and catlike just like Thunderlane’s did a few days ago, what was up with that? She left with a wing wrapped around Thunderlane as they walked out of the hospital together passing by Spitfire and Fleetfoot… Rotten to the Core“Now my followers, hear my call! Do as I command and bring friendship to a downfall! Hahahahaha!” Nightmare Moon released another spell and pushed the few under her spell to do her bidding and spread hatred while she stayed hidden from her powerful sister Celestia and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. A crack of lightning and there came another pony in view. But this was not a usual looking Pegasus. He was a hybrid. He was large like a Clydesdale with furry hooves and clawed wings. He had horns on his head like a ram and had the magical ability to transform into a large crow which was also his cutie mark, as well as any other animal. His name was Diaval. He was very loyal to Nightmare Moon and obeyed her every will. Thunderlane and Lightning Dust also appeared and bowed to her. “I am here my Princess. What is thy bidding?” he asked in the old tongue as he bowed while in flight hovering at eye level to Nightmare Moon. The other two snickered and licked their lips at each other, engulfed in the lust of her poison spell. “I want you to fetch me the blue Pegasus, Rainbow Dash. Separate her from the Element of Loyalty and of her friends and she shall be yours. Then the Elements of Harmony cannot be used against us. I can deal with Celestia myself. Now go.” She commanded of her follower. “As you wish my Princess.” Thunderlane and Lightning Dust left the dark princess and fled for Ponyville to try and drive the other bearers of harmony apart. They began to cause mischief in Ponyville little by little. But Rainbow Dash was still in the hospital in Maretropolis and her friends had no clue. And Twilight was about to find out. For her friend had been gone for three days now with no contact and that was not like her. Twilight sat at her large Map table and scoured over it trying to think of a spell to reveal Rainbow Dash’s location. Thunderlane was not making any sense to her. All he did was laugh at her and wrap his wings around Lightning Dust and flew away, his eyes glowing. Very strange behavior even for him. She sighed with aggravation. Somepony must know where she was! “Aha! Find Rainbow Dash through Equestria and beyond, I now cast this spell without the wave of a wand. Oh please find her.” She mumbled after the spell and awaited for her cutie mark to show up on the map. Then like magic it appeared. Her cutie mark flashed in Maretropolis. “Gotchya Rainbow! I’m on my way!” she said to herself and let Spike know where she was going. She opened her wings and began her flight to find her friend. Spike went to let the other four know of her travels. In Maretropolis Hospital… “Ohh, my head.” Soarin moaned. He flicked his eyes open as he saw his Captain and co flyer looking at him with worried eyes. “Ah yes, he is alive!” Fleetfoot screeched. As she punched him playfully in the shoulder. “Ow, hey! Now come on Fleetfoot, I was just in a crash and…hey what really happened Spitfire? I…I don’t remember.” He said rubbing his shoulder. Spitfire looked at the two young ponies and shook her head. She looked over at Rainbow Dash who had fallen asleep crying over Thunderlane. “See that brave mare over there?” she motioned for him to look to his right. He did and nodded then returned to her gaze. She recalled the whole thing in her mind. “She was faster than both of us and saved your life, Soarin. You owe her. And I think…she is a little taken with you to tell you the truth and the stallion she was with just dumped her for another mare.” She said sympathetically. She thought her and Soarin would be a nice pair and also knew that Soarin deserved a nice mare like her. “Poor girl.” He said sadly as Rainbow Dash moved to get comfortable in her bed. She pulled the covers over her head. She had awoke and heard them. So she played it off and listened with her head under the covers. ‘Soarin is awake?’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself. Should she reveal herself or not yet? She waited for the chatter to die down and Spitfire and Fleetfoot to leave, but began to doze off. Then she felt a nudge on her back and it made her jump. Her back leg knocking Soarin in the jaw. “Oouch! What was that for?” he yelled rubbing his mouth. Rainbow Dash covered her mouth and snickered muffling a laugh and started to apologize to him. “Oh Soarin, I am so sorry. I…I, you scared me and I, well I was not scared but you made me jump and I, well. It was an accident.” She stammered still stifling a laugh as the celebrity Wonderbolt began to laugh as well. “Well, it did not hurt as bad as that crash. Which would have hurt a lot more if it were not for you. Umm, what I am trying to uh, say is…Thank you. Thank you Rainbow Dash, for uh, saving me! That is um you are super brave for a mare. No that’s not what I meant either, I meant…” Soarin was tripping over his words and messing up his gratitude speech. Rainbow got his jest and was trying not to laugh at him. But a smile was inevitable. She decided it was time to make the first move. She leaned close to him and with Soarin being close enough to her and not paying attention, she kissed him on the lips. Soarin blushed red and stepped back with awe. Rainbow Dash turned red with embarrassment. Did she go too far? “Uh Soarin…I can explain…”was all she got out before Soarin retuned the kiss with his own. The two shared the first kiss as an unexpected guest appeared behind them while their eyes were closed. “Well I see your doing okay Rainbow Dash. That is good.” Said a familiar voice. The two stopped and stared at the entrance at the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. She had found her friend at last. “We were all so worried about you Rainbow! We had no idea where Thunderlane took you. And boy is he acting strange and Lightning Dust is all over him now! And I see you and Soarin are umm…together?” Twilight bombarded the poor pegasi with information as Dash rolled her eyes and sighed as she told Twilight all about the date Thunderlane took her on. Soarin sat back and listened intently. The sun set on Maretropolis and the three talked into the night. A dark figure floated outside the window and spied on them unseen though. It was Diaval. He had arrived and was ready to try and break apart the friendship of Rainbow Dash and Twilight…through Soarin. Diaval’s eyes glowed as he called upon dark powers to transform himself into a normal Pegasus pony to avoid recognition as an outsider. Night ReturnsIn Canterlot Castle...Princess Celestia paced the halls worried sick about her sister. There was a disturbance in the magical forces and cosmic alignment and her sister was missing. All signs pointed to one thing and she did not want it to be true. Not again. She could not bring herself to have to banish her sister again. “Oh Luna, what have you done?” She spoke aloud in a worried tone looking out the window watching as she was about to lower the sun yet again. She awaited news from her guard on the search party she had sent out. But there was no new news on her sister. However, after she had lowered the sun a letter arrived from Spike, about Twilight and Rainbow Dash, and also about Thunderlane and Lightning Dust acting strange. “This is very interesting. Dear Spike, please have Twilight and her friends come see me as soon as they arrive home. It is of grave importance I speak to them face to face.” She looked up from her writing at the moon she had just rose. “I hope I am not too late.” An evil cackle can be heard in the distance as Nightmare Moon was watching her sister in a spell. “I am afraid, you are sister. Luna is gone! Nightmare Moon will rule Canterlot, the Night and soon, all of Equestria!” the dark princess yells while her clouds swirl around her and she laughs and her eyes glow evil white in the night. Bats circle her and she spreads her wings wide, wind whipping her feathers about wildly. She had evil plans in store for the ponies her sister called her champions and for her. As long as Diaval could pull of his part… More to come...
DreamingA Dark veil. Wedding music. Rainbow Dash saw herself walking down the aisle with the vail covering her eyes and half her face. Was she smiling? She could not tell. Scootaloo was ahead of her as the flower filly, spreading the petals on the aisle carpet. Princess Celestia stood at the alter awaiting her with her Colt to be. She could not see who it was. Spike stood there holding a pillow with the rings, necklaces attached to them for the pegasi. “Hurry now, bride to be. We are all waiting.” Said the impatient Princess Celestia. Rainbow Dash stopped dead in her tracks. ‘Something does not feel right.’ She thought. She was being forced into this. This was not what she wanted! Then suddenly there was a crack of thunder and a lightning bolt hit Celestia and Luna appeared where she was. “Princess Luna? What are you doing here…am I dreaming?” “But of course. But you are not to have this dream…I am sorry. There is something wrong with my spells lately. It has something to do with the cosmic alignment and I am powerless to stop its interference but I can intercede. Are you alright?” Luna asked the troubled blue Pegasus. Rainbow Dash nodded. “It takes more than a bad dream to upset me!” boasted the brave mare. Suddenly Rainbow Dash awoke with a start, and saw the sun shining through her window. She stretched and yawned. What a night. She did not want another like that. “Oh pony feathers! I’m late for weather disbursement!” she said and dashed out of her house with heavy flapping wings. She made quick work of her chore with handing out the weather assignments and decided to consult Twilight about the dream. “So you have no idea why you had this dream…?” Twilight asked her friend suspiciously, knowing she had a crush on the Wonderbolt celebrity, Soarin, but also knew a local Pegasus, Thunderlane, had the hots for her. Dash sighed as she went over the story again about Luna and the wedding and was getting aggravated as she flopped her wings at her side. “*sigh* for the millionth time, Twilight, no. N. O. I have…wait a second…are you trying to say that I LIKE somepony?” Twilight rolled her eyes and wrinkled her nose as she finally got it. “Who then? I could not see the Groom.” Dash said. Twilight growled in frustration. “Honestly Rainbow Dash. If I know who you like and who likes you than YOU of all ponies should know too!” She tapped her hoof awaiting her to get it. Nothing but a blank look on Dash’s face. “Really? Soarin…you like Soarin! And Thunderlane likes YOU! Oops!” She quickly covered her mouth on the Thunderlane part and turned red, as did Rainbow. He had told her that in secret. Well it was not a secret anymore. It took a moment to sink in. But when it did, Rainbow Dash burst into laughter. “Hahahaha, Thunderlane…hahahaha…likes me. Okay who is pulling my leg here?” “No, he really does Dash, you’ll hurt his feelings!” Dash stood up and flapped her wings, getting ready to go confront him. “Yeah, yeah, I will make this right. Thanks for the laughs Twilight…Thunderlane and me, HA! See ya!” “Oh no! He will never trust me again! Rainbow Dash, wait, please!” Twilight hung her head. There was no stopping, or catching up to her. But Dash heard her and stopped mid-flight. She could tell her friend was upset. “Alright. I won’t go…but I want him to tell me. So, how do I get him to tell me or even tell that he likes me?” “Tell that who likes who?” Apple Jack asked as her and Applebloom approached the castle. They had overheard the two as they were on their way to deliver some apples to Twilight. “GASP! Gossip, oh do share please!” Another voice chimed in. It was Rarity. She was coming over to help Twilight decorate a dull room and she had Sweetie Belle with her. “Ohh, does Rainbow Dash have a Very Special Somepony?” squeaked Sweetie Belle teasingly. Dash turned beat red. “No kid I don’t!” “Rainbow Dash, easy on Sweetie Belle! She is just a youngin’!” Apple Jack scolded her. The six ponies all went inside to lessen the embarrassment already bestowed on Rainbow. They all sat at Twilight’s Dinner table and all began to ambush Rainbow for answers but were silenced by the quickly growing impatient Princess. “Quiet, all of you! This is not helping.” Twilight said and slammed her hoof down on the table. Rainbow Dash collapsed into her hooves hiding her face. “This is my fault. I accidentally let out a secret that was told to me by somepony and…it is for Rainbow to know and find out for herself. That is all there is to It.” she said. “I am sorry Rainbow, that it slipped out and you had to suffer this embarrassment. I hope you can forgive me.” Twilight said and placed a caring hoof on Dash’s shoulder. Suddenly there was a knock on the large castle doors and Spike got it, and let in the guest before Twilight could say anything...it was Thunderlane. He was there to help move some furniture for Spike and her. “Come right in Thunderlane. I hope your strong cuz this stuff is heavy!” Spike said as he led the dark Pegasus into the room with the mares and fillies. Once Dash saw who it was she quickly hid up in the rafters. AJ and Rarity, along with the two fillies got the jest that this was who liked Rainbow Dash and looked at each other. Then words escaped their mouths in unison. “Ohhhhh Thunderlane huh?” The four ponies said like it was rehearsed. “Hello everypony…having a uh…discussion or something?” he asked. He had not seen Dash. “Yeah.” AJ said. “Or somethin’.” A smile crossed her face as she looked up briefly at Dash who was begging her with her arms not to draw attention to her. She was not ready to confront Thunderlane…not yet. “Thunderlane! Wha…what are you doing here?” Twilight asked forgetting about their previous appointment. “Umm, I am here to help you with furniture, remember, Princess?” he asked innocently. “Oh, heh, right…uh…Spike, take Thunderlane to the Parlor please and show him what we need moved. Big Mac will be here soon to help you.” Twilight fumbled over her words as she was trying to give Rainbow Dash an escape. “Unless you want Rainbow Dash to help too, Twilight, oowww.” Applebloom began but was silenced by Apple Jack’s hoof and a stern look at the end. “Wait…Rainbow Dash is not here.” Thunderlane said quickly turning around. Looking for his crush and blushing a bit. Twilight gritted her teeth and looked at Applebloom. “What did I say?” The innocent Applebloom asked rubbing the back of her head. “Oh yes she is. She is right up there…oops.” Squeaked Sweetie Belle unsilenced by Rarity who was giggling at the entire situation. “What, where…ahh. I see her now. Um why are you up in the rafters?” Thunderlane asked the floating Rainbow Dash. She sighed and decided it was time to come down but not before she thought of an excuse. “She’s hiding from you!” Sweetie Belle blurted out again. “Sweetie Belle!” Rarity scolded but still giggling. Rainbow Dash flew down trying to play it off. “Yep! Those rafters are pretty drafty Twilight! You defiantly need some banners or something up there. What’s up Thunderlane?” she said trying to play everything off as cool. But he wasn’t buying it. He nodded his head and slowly trotted up to her, a bit closer than usual. Dash blushed, now knowing what Twilight did. She bit her lip as she turned her head and coughed. “*cough cough* Oh man, I think I am coming down with a cold, I think I’ll leave…” “What’s the rush? Why not stay and help out a stallion?” Thunderlane said leaning into Rainbow, close enough to smell her mane. She was uncomfortable and she was about to let him know it. “Whoa whoa, back off man! What is with you?” “Oh…I think you know by now. I overheard Twilight spill my secret. So what do you say Rainbow Dash, Wanna go grab something to eat when I’m done here?” Rainbow Dash was flattered and weirded out a bit but was considering his offer. All the other ponies were on toe watching and listening awaiting Dash’s decision. Dash was red in the face. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes briefly. Then she exhaled. “You know what, why not? Sure Thunderlane! Now let’s go move some furniture!” The other ponies where shocked. “Did she just say yes?” Rarity gasped. The other ponies all nodded as they watched the two pegasi walk into the parlor together nearly wing to wing. A smile on Thunderlane’s face. “Hey AJ, where is your brother at?” Rainbow shouted over her shoulder as she passed thru the archway to the parlor. Thunderlane thought to himself, ‘At last I have you where I want you…now if you will only drink my poison…’
Waking UpLuna tossed and turned as she felt her body being lifted into the night air unwillingly. It was Tantalus again taking control of her. Transforming her into the dreaded Nightmare Moon. “No! Please…don’t do this! Sister…Tia…help…me…ahh…ha…haha…hahaha.!!! YES! I AM BACK!” Nightmare Moon cackled and her laughter echoed thru the night but went unheard by the sleeping Celestia and the guard. The magical Alicorn flew swiftly on silent wings and quickly cast a spell to gather a few winged followers. That spell had also reached a certain dark Pegasus in Ponyville… “Wow Thunderlane! Your stronger than I took you for.” Rainbow Dash said as she watched as he moved the furniture with ease alone. Big Mac was standing there with his hoof on his head wondering why he was there now. Thunderlane’s eyes flashed catlike and glowed for a brief second but not long enough for anypony to notice. The spell was in him now. He was under Nightmare Moon’s control and he did not even know it. With this spell came great strength and speed. “Like I said, I am stronger than anypony else I know.” Boasted Thunderlane as he showed off for Rainbow Dash trying to impress her. Big Mac rolled his eyes and let out a muffled nope under his breath. He was fed up with this show off and decided it was time to head home with his sisters. “Come on AJ, Applebloom, Thunderlane can do this alone.” He said with a hefty voice. “I reckon it is time to go. It is past your bedtime youngin’.” AJ said to her little sister. “Bye Twilight, Rainbow Dash have fun on your uh, date.” She said and they left along with Rarity and Sweetie Belle. The young fillies yawning on the way out the door. “Goodnight.” Chimed the two young ones in unison as they trotted out with heavy eyes. “Yeah. Thunderlane you have done enough. You two go and have a good time. I am getting sleepy myself. Thanks!” Twilight said to the two pegasi and walked them out. She watched as the two took off and flew in the direction of the train station. She wondered where Thunderlane was going to take her. She had a creeping feeling that something was wrong but had no clue it was as big as Nightmare Moon’s return. “So what are you hungry for?” Rainbow Dash asked Thunderlane as they landed at the Train station. Thunderlane bought two tickets to Maretropolis and handed them to the conductor. “I had more of an idea of a dinner and a show if that is ok with you Dash?” Thunderlane said with a coy smile. Dash had an inkling of an idea crawling into her mind and she began to get excited. “No way, you can’t mean the Wonderbolts show in Maretropolis? Really!?” the excited mare blurted out showing her giddy side. Thunderlane nodded and she flung her arms around his neck like a young school filly. Then she caught herself and drew back. “Whoops, uh sorry.” She said blushing. Thunderlane blushed and nuzzled her cheek a bit. “It’s fine Dash. You can do that anytime you like.” He said to her really enjoying this relationship blossoming rapidly. But Dash was not quite ready for that fast of a relationship. So she settled for holding hooves on the train ride. She fell asleep on his shoulder on the long ride and he nudged her awake as they approached the bright lights of the city. “Dash, were here.” He said sweetly to her. She fluttered her eyes open and she swiftly awoke as she saw the huge Wonderbolts sign as they pulled into the station and exited. There were signs everywhere and ponies all over the place in town for the big show. But Thunderlane just pulled Dash to the head of the line. For he had bought tickets with VIP Meet and Greet passes for Dash. Her mouth dropped wide open when she saw them. “Are you for real?” she squealed. Thunderlane nodded with half closed eyes as he saw how happy this made her. “Anything for you Rainbow Dash.” He said and kissed her on the cheek quickly. Rainbow Dash jerked back. “Whoa whoa buddy!” she yelled and placed a defensive hoof on his chest pushing him away. “Just because you wow me with these does not give you the right to kiss me! That is way too fast.” She said. Thunderlane was outraged. He went out of his way to buy the most expensive tickets there were and make sure she got to meet the Wonderbolts and she shoots him down when he kisses her cheek! How dare she! “Oh really? You think that was fast huh? Well maybe I will just take another mare that appreciates a little physical interaction!” Thunderlane yelled in her face and jerked the ticket from her wing. Dash looked crushed. Maybe she overreacted a bit. “Wait, no! I…I’m sorry. I’ve never had a colt friend and I…I’m not exactly sure how to act. Okay, now let’s just go and watch the show and have a good time, please?” she begged the angry stallion. Thunderlane’s eyes flashed green again and cat like, and Dash thought she noticed but passed it off as the reflection of the city lights. Thunderlane smiled and handed the ticket back to her and a little devilish laugh escaped his mouth. “Hehe, sure Dash. Let’s go. We are right up top. The best seats. Follow me.” He said and led on. Rainbow Dash sighed and followed, embarrassed at both of their behavior. She thought she saw Lightning Dust in the crowd when they reached their seats just a row or two down. But she could not be sure. Thunderlane got them some food and drinks and the show began. Rainbow Dash was astounded at all the aerial acrobatics that was performed and then at the end when things was at the best part something went wrong. Soarin, her secret celebrity crush, suddenly began a free fall. At first, all thought it was part of the show but when Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts, broke rank to go and try to catch him, it was clear he was in peril. Fleetfoot, her right wing mare was right on her flank, but they just were not fast enough. Rainbow Dash clasped her hooves over her mouth. “Oh no!” she said and bolted from her set in a streak of rainbow as she raced thru the sky to Soarin’s aid. “Rainbow, what in Equestria are you doing?” Thunderlane yelled after her. He was outraged that she had left him to save another colt. Rainbow raced with all her might and caught Soarin just before he hit the ground and took all the brunt as they both hit the ground in a tumble of dust and rocks. Gasps from the crowd could be heard. Then another mare came flashing across to their aid too. It was Lightning Dust. She managed to push Spitfire and Fleetfoot out of the way of hitting the now unconscious Soarin and Rainbow Dash. There was now a jumble of ponies on the air field. A total of two injured. Dash and Soarin. “Are they okay?” she asked as she noticed a couple possible broken wings, plus some bumps and bruises. “Hey we need an ambulance over here!” she yelled and Spitfire and Fleetfoot took off to guide the paramedic ponies to them. The next thing Rainbow Dash knew she was waking up in a hospital to an annoying beeping sound and a pounding headache. Everything around her echoed. Her vision was even a bit blurry. Her whole body ached and her left wing was wrapped up tight in a splint. It was broken, no doubt about that. She looked over to her left to see Soarin in a bed next to her, in a very similar condition. But his wings were not broken, only sprained. She had spared him that and saved his life she would find out from the doctor. But he was out cold still. Then she heard a familiar voice calling her name, but it was not pleasant. “Rainbow Dash.” His voice echoed some in her head. “Rainbow Dash, can you hear me?” It was Thunderlane. He was there, standing next to Lightning Dust looking at her with a stern glare. “Thunderlane?” “Uh yeah! Just what the hell were you doing? I suppose you wanna be with Soarin instead of me!? And you know what? That is fine because I found me a new mare, Lightning Dust.” Rainbow was confused. All she did was react. Yes she did have a crush on him but she had no idea about the feelings, if any, that Soarin had for her. “Wait a minute! Thunderlane you have it all wrong! I just reacted. I would have done that if it were anypony!” Dash pleaded with Thunderlane to listen to her but he seemed to have made up his mind. “Come on Thunderlane. She is just jealous of me. She has been since Wonderbolt Academy. Paybacks Rainbow Dash. Don’t they just blow?” She said with a flap of her wings as she brushed them roughly, slapping Dash across her face with her feathers. Rainbow growled and tried to get out of bed but was stopped by pain. “Haha, see ya, loser!” Lightning Dust boasted as her eyes flashed green and catlike just like Thunderlane’s did a few days ago, what was up with that? She left with a wing wrapped around Thunderlane as they walked out of the hospital together passing by Spitfire and Fleetfoot…
Rotten to the Core“Now my followers, hear my call! Do as I command and bring friendship to a downfall! Hahahahaha!” Nightmare Moon released another spell and pushed the few under her spell to do her bidding and spread hatred while she stayed hidden from her powerful sister Celestia and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. A crack of lightning and there came another pony in view. But this was not a usual looking Pegasus. He was a hybrid. He was large like a Clydesdale with furry hooves and clawed wings. He had horns on his head like a ram and had the magical ability to transform into a large crow which was also his cutie mark, as well as any other animal. His name was Diaval. He was very loyal to Nightmare Moon and obeyed her every will. Thunderlane and Lightning Dust also appeared and bowed to her. “I am here my Princess. What is thy bidding?” he asked in the old tongue as he bowed while in flight hovering at eye level to Nightmare Moon. The other two snickered and licked their lips at each other, engulfed in the lust of her poison spell. “I want you to fetch me the blue Pegasus, Rainbow Dash. Separate her from the Element of Loyalty and of her friends and she shall be yours. Then the Elements of Harmony cannot be used against us. I can deal with Celestia myself. Now go.” She commanded of her follower. “As you wish my Princess.” Thunderlane and Lightning Dust left the dark princess and fled for Ponyville to try and drive the other bearers of harmony apart. They began to cause mischief in Ponyville little by little. But Rainbow Dash was still in the hospital in Maretropolis and her friends had no clue. And Twilight was about to find out. For her friend had been gone for three days now with no contact and that was not like her. Twilight sat at her large Map table and scoured over it trying to think of a spell to reveal Rainbow Dash’s location. Thunderlane was not making any sense to her. All he did was laugh at her and wrap his wings around Lightning Dust and flew away, his eyes glowing. Very strange behavior even for him. She sighed with aggravation. Somepony must know where she was! “Aha! Find Rainbow Dash through Equestria and beyond, I now cast this spell without the wave of a wand. Oh please find her.” She mumbled after the spell and awaited for her cutie mark to show up on the map. Then like magic it appeared. Her cutie mark flashed in Maretropolis. “Gotchya Rainbow! I’m on my way!” she said to herself and let Spike know where she was going. She opened her wings and began her flight to find her friend. Spike went to let the other four know of her travels. In Maretropolis Hospital… “Ohh, my head.” Soarin moaned. He flicked his eyes open as he saw his Captain and co flyer looking at him with worried eyes. “Ah yes, he is alive!” Fleetfoot screeched. As she punched him playfully in the shoulder. “Ow, hey! Now come on Fleetfoot, I was just in a crash and…hey what really happened Spitfire? I…I don’t remember.” He said rubbing his shoulder. Spitfire looked at the two young ponies and shook her head. She looked over at Rainbow Dash who had fallen asleep crying over Thunderlane. “See that brave mare over there?” she motioned for him to look to his right. He did and nodded then returned to her gaze. She recalled the whole thing in her mind. “She was faster than both of us and saved your life, Soarin. You owe her. And I think…she is a little taken with you to tell you the truth and the stallion she was with just dumped her for another mare.” She said sympathetically. She thought her and Soarin would be a nice pair and also knew that Soarin deserved a nice mare like her. “Poor girl.” He said sadly as Rainbow Dash moved to get comfortable in her bed. She pulled the covers over her head. She had awoke and heard them. So she played it off and listened with her head under the covers. ‘Soarin is awake?’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself. Should she reveal herself or not yet? She waited for the chatter to die down and Spitfire and Fleetfoot to leave, but began to doze off. Then she felt a nudge on her back and it made her jump. Her back leg knocking Soarin in the jaw. “Oouch! What was that for?” he yelled rubbing his mouth. Rainbow Dash covered her mouth and snickered muffling a laugh and started to apologize to him. “Oh Soarin, I am so sorry. I…I, you scared me and I, well I was not scared but you made me jump and I, well. It was an accident.” She stammered still stifling a laugh as the celebrity Wonderbolt began to laugh as well. “Well, it did not hurt as bad as that crash. Which would have hurt a lot more if it were not for you. Umm, what I am trying to uh, say is…Thank you. Thank you Rainbow Dash, for uh, saving me! That is um you are super brave for a mare. No that’s not what I meant either, I meant…” Soarin was tripping over his words and messing up his gratitude speech. Rainbow got his jest and was trying not to laugh at him. But a smile was inevitable. She decided it was time to make the first move. She leaned close to him and with Soarin being close enough to her and not paying attention, she kissed him on the lips. Soarin blushed red and stepped back with awe. Rainbow Dash turned red with embarrassment. Did she go too far? “Uh Soarin…I can explain…”was all she got out before Soarin retuned the kiss with his own. The two shared the first kiss as an unexpected guest appeared behind them while their eyes were closed. “Well I see your doing okay Rainbow Dash. That is good.” Said a familiar voice. The two stopped and stared at the entrance at the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. She had found her friend at last. “We were all so worried about you Rainbow! We had no idea where Thunderlane took you. And boy is he acting strange and Lightning Dust is all over him now! And I see you and Soarin are umm…together?” Twilight bombarded the poor pegasi with information as Dash rolled her eyes and sighed as she told Twilight all about the date Thunderlane took her on. Soarin sat back and listened intently. The sun set on Maretropolis and the three talked into the night. A dark figure floated outside the window and spied on them unseen though. It was Diaval. He had arrived and was ready to try and break apart the friendship of Rainbow Dash and Twilight…through Soarin. Diaval’s eyes glowed as he called upon dark powers to transform himself into a normal Pegasus pony to avoid recognition as an outsider.
Night ReturnsIn Canterlot Castle...Princess Celestia paced the halls worried sick about her sister. There was a disturbance in the magical forces and cosmic alignment and her sister was missing. All signs pointed to one thing and she did not want it to be true. Not again. She could not bring herself to have to banish her sister again. “Oh Luna, what have you done?” She spoke aloud in a worried tone looking out the window watching as she was about to lower the sun yet again. She awaited news from her guard on the search party she had sent out. But there was no new news on her sister. However, after she had lowered the sun a letter arrived from Spike, about Twilight and Rainbow Dash, and also about Thunderlane and Lightning Dust acting strange. “This is very interesting. Dear Spike, please have Twilight and her friends come see me as soon as they arrive home. It is of grave importance I speak to them face to face.” She looked up from her writing at the moon she had just rose. “I hope I am not too late.” An evil cackle can be heard in the distance as Nightmare Moon was watching her sister in a spell. “I am afraid, you are sister. Luna is gone! Nightmare Moon will rule Canterlot, the Night and soon, all of Equestria!” the dark princess yells while her clouds swirl around her and she laughs and her eyes glow evil white in the night. Bats circle her and she spreads her wings wide, wind whipping her feathers about wildly. She had evil plans in store for the ponies her sister called her champions and for her. As long as Diaval could pull of his part… More to come...
