Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy made it out of the compound, and into a dark alley. They hopped over the fences and pushed garbage cans behind them, hoping to slow their three pursuers. “GET BACK HERE, YOU BASTARDS!”, Shouted one of the male pegasi chasing them through the streets. Fluttershy was too afraid to simply fly up, and Dash knew they couldn’t lose them in the air. Dash would be fast enough, but Flutters would slow her down. “SHIT SHIT SHIT!!!”, Dash’s mind raced. She was both mentally and physically exhausted. “How the hell was I supposed to know they were part of some crime syndicate! This is insane! I should have never grabbed this thing!” Gilda had already got out earlier, to go inform Twilight about what they saw, and Pinkie smoked-bombed the place. It was probably the best idea she has had in a long time.
The girls turned a corner and ducked into a dumpster. Dash peeked out quickly to assess the chase, and dived back in when the followers flew past. She listened for the hoofs to fade, both of them breathing heavily. She waited for a second before finally comforting Fluttershy. “Flutters, I’m so sorry I made you come with me! Let’s cool out here for a sec. How are your eyes?” Dash asked. Fluttershy calmed herself before weakly squeaking out a reply. “I’ll be okay, Dashie. But I did “the stare” far too long tonight. I’m not sure they will be okay afterw-” She squeaked, before Dash noted, “Don’t be a ditz! I’m not worried about them, I’m worried about you!”
“Dash, shhhh....I think they will hear us...”, Fluttershy whispered. Dash decided to check the surroundings, and everything looked clear. They began to climb out slowly, Dash first, then Fluttershy. As Dash helped her out, Shy slipped and fell on top of Dash, and into some cans. The crash alerted one of the male pegasi, who yelled, “THEY’RE OVER THERE!” Shy bounced up in fear and hid her head, but Dash scooped her up and begun to do what she knows best: Time to jet!
Immediately, her wings flew open and seemed to grasp at the air like it was solid in front of them. They lifted both Shy and Dash a few feet into the air, and she blasted forward. Dash knew she was the fastest, and that the three after them would be eating dust. The only problem was, Dash was used to jetting by herself, not with someone in her hooves. Her wings beat at a pace that matched her heart, and the toll of the chase was beginning to show. She searched desperately for another place to hide, to at least get some time. Her eyes caught the old textile mill, and knew that was her best choice. No lights, big place.... lets hope Pinkie hears them and gets here quick. Before her wings let out she flew inside and landed behind a large sewing machine. She has jetted twice today, it’s amazing her wings haven’t fallen off. They ached in pain, but she would have to ask Flutters to help later. Fluttershy ducked down too, and started shaking. Dash was just about to comfort her, but heard the landing of the hunters outside. Where are you, Pinkie?!
“Quickly! I think I saw them go over here!” The masked, male Pegasus noted. “How could you IDIOTS lose them!?”, snapped the female pursuer, “I know you’re here, Dash. Hand over the gem...” She growled. She was unmasked, but clearly was part of a less-than-savory type of people. The dark purple Pegasus’s mane was in wild colors and sharp points. A mohawk, somewhat like what Gilda had, but this was insane. Her red eyes seemed to pierce through the dark of the night, almost glowing. They darted back and forth, searching for not only Dash and the others but for the “thing” in question. They entered the old textile factory, which had been long left to nature. It was quickly becoming nightfall, so the light was fading fast. They wanted to find their prey before too late.
“Pony, please. It’s not like they could get far...”, quipped the masked male pegasi. Little did he know, Dash and Fluttershy we’re just on the other side of a large sewing machine, with Dash hold up against the machine. “Well crap, they really want this thing.”, Dash thought, as she hoofed the gem in her pocket. She was not about to let these bastards have it.
“I’ve never seen ponies book it like that when they could have easily taken off, especially that blue dweeb...”, the masked male one said, hopping up to the rafters to get a better view. “Yeah well, I’ve been told the yellow one is the more dangerous one. Somehow, she was able to totally psyche out 2 guys by herself, and they weren’t posers...”, the unmasked male warned. Dash listened intently, trying to figure out how to escape with Fluttershy without warning them. Dash thought hard, “The windows?... No, Flutters would be afraid of the glass. Maybe she could use that “stare”, but she’s already done it once...and her eyes are welded shut... Man, this is so lam-”, But before Dash could finish the thought, a loud crash came through the other side. “Oh crap, not more!” Dash begged. She truly thought this might be the end. Instead, the hunters rushed to the other end of the building, allowing Dash enough time to grab Fluttershy and rush to the door. “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS CRAP?!?!”, yelled the purple one. Dash looked back to see what she was talking about, and saw the remains of Pinkies work. The foals had caught themselves into Pinkie’s famous “Capture Cake trap”. Confetti covered the floor and the pegasi were covered in cake batter. They squirmed for freedom, with batter covering their wings. They would need a heavy cleaning to fly again. Dash smiled and simply giggled, “Pinkie pie, you are totally rad!”
Dash had made good headway before finally looking back at the warehouse, and breathed a sigh of relief. “Fluttershy, it’s cool now. We booked it from those punks.”, Dash assured. Fluttershy finally looked up. Her mane was a mess, and her “sunglasses” were tangled in. She darted her eyes, looking for any followers, but after surveying the area, she decided it was clear. She rose up slowly, and using her wings and hooves, fixed her mane and had it back to its old shape. The glasses fell out, but Dash was quick to grab them. “Twilight just made these new ones, you don’t want to make her mad if you broke these.” Dash warned. “I know. Thank you, Rainbow...”, she softly replied. Although Fluttersy knew her "stare" didn't affect Dash, she still was weary about looking her in the eye without them. Once on, her eyes instead fell on a glow from Rainbow’s pocket. “So, Is....is that the....the....’thing’?”, Fluttershy asked. Dash suddenly looked down, and grabbed the item so they may both get a better look.
Both looked at their new treasure, mesmerized. It gave off a vibrant blue and green glow, and almost seemed to be beating. A small gem, a little smaller then a baseball, sat in her hoof. Dash and Shy had both seen the jewels and gems Rarity had, and knew this was the most brilliant they both had ever seen. Its shape was corse, not yet made into something that you would have found on a ring or necklace. It seemed like it was moving on the inside, as the colors would fade from its rich green to its brilliant blue. “Rarity would totally flip for this thing. I just wonder why a bunch of gang members would have this, and not some rich billionaire...”, Dash asked. “Maybe....it was stolen?”, Fluttershy wondered. “Those dweebs? They were no match for us four of the Fyre Flys, what makes you think they could bust a-”, Dash was interrupted again. A rustling quickly had the gem closed between Dash’s hooves, and they both twisted in the noise's direction. They quickly looked back to each other. “Time to book it. Stay low for now. Meet back at Twi’s place, okay?” Dash said. Fluttershy nodded, and gave Dash a solid hoofbump, before they split. Tired, but confident, Dash had so many questions, and knew just the pony, or ponies, to ask.
Chapter Two
Three months before...
“C’mon Shy! We gotta jet! Get those wings flapping already!”, Shouted Dash. Fluttershy was trailing behind, saddlebag slipping and sliding around. Fluttershy’s sunglasses were slipping, but she was able to get a grip on them. “If we’re late again, that old hag will rip us a new one!”, Dash warned. The morning had the sun rising right in the girls faces as they raced for the doors to the school. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy lived near each other for many years, and have done this route often, but Dash was always first to rise, not for school, but to work out. At a young age, she found herself mesmerized by the shows from “The Wonderbolts” and wanted to fly along with them. Each morning she would train before sunrise. A headband, her own whistle; she made sure she was her own best coach. She regretted that she had to stop for school, but the ‘Bolts had to be both smart and able, and were not going to accept some flunky. Fluttershy, on the other hand, was a late sleeper. She didn’t stay up late or anything, but was not a morning pony. Her hair seemed to be resistant to bedhead though, and Dash was somewhat jealous of that. And even though Dash was first up and much faster than Fluttershy, she would still wait for her best friend.
“Don’t worry, Dash..... I’m sure Ms.Cheerilee won’t get mad at us”, Shy panted. The extra weight of her saddlebag compared to Dash’s...well, nothing, made her slower. She carried more books with her then the other ponies, and Dash seemed to “borrow” other ponies things. Fluttershy did not usually mind, but would get in trouble because Dash would have her book, and she didn’t have the time to complete an assignment. “We’ll see about that, Flutters.”, Dash said. They reached the front entrance, and found the hallways empty. “CRAP! Did the bell ring already?!? We’re so boned!” Dash worried. She flew toward their first class, and peeked inside. Fluttershy walked on over, and caught up with the worried Dash. “CRUD! How are we going to get Cheers to stop talking?!” Dash asked. “I got this, Dashie.” Shy reassured. Dash stepped back and awaited to see what the shyest pony she ever knew was about to do. Confidence was not a usual Fluttershy trait. Shy peeked inside, made a small wave, and took a paper for the bags. She held it up to the door window, and in the next second, the room grew loud. Dash’s heart dropped. They had been found out! “FLUTTERS?!?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?”, snapped Dash. Fluttershy began opening the door, and turned to Dash, “Get to the seat, quick!”
Dash had no idea what just happened. She flew inside and witnessed the entire class and teacher huddled at the windows. Perplexed, she wanted to know what was out there too. Before she could, Pinkie Pie smiled, winked and mouthed, “Shy slow you down?” Dash then connected the dots. “I love these girls!” Dash chuckled. Both Dash and Shy were in seat by the time everyone figured out Pinkie’s “HOLY COW, A TALKING DOG!!!” shout was just silly. They all began to take back seats. Only a few noted the new filled seats, but not Cheerilee. She went right back to the lesson. “Alright class, Lets get back to work....and Pinkie, no more outbursts...”
The day went by normally. Flying lessons for Pegasi, Basic Magic for Unicorns, and so on. Much of the ponies in this high school were sensible with fashion, considering their proximity to Canterlot. Crimped, highlighted manes, glitter and side ponytails were common. Some of the more extreme wore mohawks and spikes. Dash’s hairstyle was a few decades behind, and she was made fun of it. The rainbow was natural, but she styled it after her hero, “Firebrand”, who was popular back in the day. She was an older, now retired Wonderbolt, and wore a slicked back mane. Her choice in clothing was retro too. A greaser leather jacket, with studs and zippers. She was given it by Firebrand herself, and it’s old age showed. Worn and patched, Dash still wore it with pride. Fluttershy on the other hoof, wore her hair in a tousled bun. She would occasionally wear her favorite oversized Heart band shirt and bicycle shorts. But she always had on her sunglasses. She wore them as a way to help her with meeting people eye to eye, but in more ways than one.
The day was ending, and as the school was closing, Dash waited for Fluttershy and Pinkie at the entrance. Fluttershy was first to the exit.
“I’m impressed, Flutters!”, Dash said, “I wasn’t expecting you to come up with something like that this morning! Maybe you aren’t as timid as you think!”
“Actually, I planned that with Pinkie a while back for just something like that happening.”, Fluttershy confessed. “I would have died of embarrassment if the class was looking at me as I came in late....” *squeek!* Fluttershy shuddered at the thought.
“Yep, Yep, Yep! We had planned that for a while!”, Pinkie Pie bragged. “I had fun finally getting to do it!” Fluttershy jumped behind Dash, shaking and startled by Pinkie’s sudden appearance. All three of the girls had been friends for a while, but Fluttershy still couldn’t figure out how Pinkie was almost everywhere at all times. Dash was less affected, but still couldn’t wrap her head around it either. Pinkie’s mane was just like cotton candy, but with a streak of blue in the pink. Her tail was adorned with bangles and bracelets of different colors. On occasion, she wore a black tank top with pink fishnet shirt. Her usual dress was her Sweet Cakes bakery uniform. She would also have her “testing bag”, but she didn’t have it today. She wasn’t working, so wanted to tag along with the girls.
They decided to be mallrats at the Mare’s Mall downtown, and see if there were any new movies out. Sadly, they found a limited selection.
The Empire Bucks Back
Once Upon A Time In Equestria
Chariots Of Fire
Buck To The Future...
The girls opted for the movie adaptation of the comic series Mare-do-well. After grabbing some oats, they headed inside. “This better not be bunk, or else there will be hell to pay....” Dash warned.....
2 hours later....
“That....was....TOTALLY RAD!”, Dash shouted. Hoof-pumping and punching the air, Dash's energy was endless. Pleased with how close the movie got to the one comic issue she did read, she was happy it stayed true. With the movie ending after dark, the girls headed outside. “We should totally be vigilantes like MDW!” Dash said. Fluttershy wasn’t as keen on the idea. “...B..But Dash, it’s a comic series. We can’t do things like that.” Shy chimed in.
“Shy, when I first met you, I helped you from those bullies who were ignoring and avoiding you! We could make a difference around here! Especially with your trick” Dash chirped. Dash was referring to Fluttershy’s other reason for wearing her sunglasses. When Fluttershy was young, she found that other ponies would avoid looking her in the eyes. They either became afraid or terrified. She later found out it was only because she had some sort of “stare” that she had no real control over. She was forced to become distant, not wanting to scare others off. The only one to actually look shy in the eyes was Dash, who wondered why no one wanted to look her in the eye. For some reason, Dash wasn’t really affected. Either she didn’t know fear, or was too...”slow”...to have it do anything. Dash introduced Fluttershy to a purple unicorn she knew, and was given the sunglasses. Now she can look others in the eye with no worry of driving them away.
“Hey Dash, I don’t want to do that to anypony. That’s only for emergencies, remember?”, Shy said.
“Well here might be one now!”, exclaimed Pinkie, pointing to the alley across the way. The girls headed over, but as not to be seen. They hid up next to the walls at the end of the alley and peered inside. Three pony figures faced inward, toward a slightly bigger figure in the back. Dash didn’t recognize the outside two, but her stomach sank upon seeing the tail of the middle one. “That spiked taill bracelet! Those drab colors! That’s Dark Chroma!”, Dash thought to herself. She knew that pegasus was bad news. But why were they here? Dash signaled the girls, and flew upon the building. She scouted to find out what the three were cornering. Once she got a good angle, and her eyes adjusted, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
“Is...is that...a.....Griffon?!”
