Loyalty Doesn't Always Mean Staying

by Frothy

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sad, Main 6, Romance, Drama, Original Character, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 7174

Rainbow Dash has faced many things in her life but climbing up ten simple steps proves to be the hardest thing she has ever done.

After a discovery made by Twilight at a slumber party, everyone's life changes and when faced with her greatest challenge... Rainbow dash pays the price.

Though many obstacles have presented themselves to rainbow, facing ten simple stairs seems to be the hardest thing that she has ever had to do.

(This is my first fanfic and it is only short, but I hope it will be a good one to kick off my Fimfic account:twilightsmile:) (cover art/ picture belongs to me! it's changed to a picture I have drawn now!)

Published 2015-12-29 11:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-01 20:14:38 UTC

Discovery

Destiny, it's a funny thing. Some think it may already be written. Fixed with no changing it, much like a cutie mark. But what if something came between you and your destiny before you could reach it? Just those few steps away from your goal and then... It's gone. No-one should ever experience this... yet...here she was.

She stood alone. Funny how life can turn out so ironic. Years of bearing the element of loyalty dismissed as all that surrounded her was darkness that rode on the thick smog in the air.

Coughing slightly she took her place on the next step. Her magenta irises focusing on the bright light that shone from the other side of the door causing silhouettes to dance around the hall. The old entrance seemed to glow itself for a while as another impact occurred from behind the wooden plank. To even call it a door at this point would be strange. There were many holes and gaps in it which allowed the light to burst through in an array of reds, whites and oranges.

Beautiful as it was, Rainbow looked at it with tear filled eyes. She knew what lay behind it.

Raising a shaky hoof up to the next step she blew out a long breath closing her eyes to banish the tears. Rainbow Dash doesn't cry! Yet why was she still shaking? And why did she have faint lines on her face indicating that the salty water had laid its tracks to make way for more?

She didn't want to do this. There was no simpler way to put it. She was scared. She was fragile. She was mortal.

Slowly, she raised her head up to face what lay in front of her.

Stairs. Ten to be exact.

To anypony else, 10 mere stairs were simple, an old invention to get earth ponies, well, upstairs. But to this rainbow maned mare, these were a countdown. A countdown to what you ask? Well it's a long story.

Flashback

Night had fallen over the towering castle. Luna's brilliant moon shone bright over the slumbering citizens of Ponyville as the stars and sky awoke. For many this would indicate the end of a hard day. For others it would indicate the preparation for tomorrow. But for the six element bearers, it meant the start of a slumber party and if it involved Pinkie Pie (which it did!) Would last till dawn.

Inside the mass of crystal, sat Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity exchanging spooky story's by the light of a lone lantern. Lined up against the edges of the room were Twilight and Fluttershy taking turns in gazing through a grand telescope.

Fluttershy, having no interest in being scared witless for the rest of the night, decided to help Twilight with her stargazing.

The group of mares sat behind them let out a scream which lasted about 2 seconds before descending into giggles.

"Girls," Twilight begged "I am trying to see if I can navigate the strange object I saw in the sky today. Can you please keep the noise level to a minimum."

"Sorry Twi," Applejack chuckled "ah will try not to make Rainbow jump out of her skin."

"Hey I was not that scared!"

"Come on Dashie, we all heard you scream." Pinkie giggled while imitating Rainbows face, causing another round of laughter from the surrounding mares.

"I thought you turned the most delightful shade of white, darling." Rarity added with a smirk.

"I-I must have had something caught in my throat...or-or something." Rainbow stuttered, failing miserably to brush it off and opening herself up to more kinds of teasing.

"Girls...please?"

"Sorry Twilight..." They all said in unison.

"Thank you, Fluttershy can you mark of these co-ordinates here please?" Twilight said returning to her telescope.

"You know Rainbow," Rarity turned to her with a grin. "I do believe you act the same way around Soarin..."

"Don't go there Rarity!" Rainbow warned her wings and nostrils flaring.

Ignoring the threat from the small mare in front of her she continued "...I do have to wander wether you have a cru..."

" Rarity!!! "

"Fine! I shall not push this issue any farther..."

A relieved sigh came from the blue Pegasus as her wings and head drooped in a comical relaxed state.

"...if..." Rarity continued causing Rainbow to groan and look at her with pitiful eyes. "...you can say his name without blushing! That way you can prove that you totally don't have a crush on Soarin." She finished with an evil grin.

"D-do you really think that it's necessary?" Seeing the expecting look on the mares face, she knew that she wouldn't take no for an answer."Fine..."

Rainbow dash sat on the cold floor and straightened her back as if preparing for what she was about to say. Pinkie and Applejack had also dropped their own conversation to listen in. It was now or never.

"S-S-Soarin..." She spat out her face such a bright shade of red that it put Big Macintosh's coat to shame.

"Aha! So you do like him, yes?" Rarity questioned (though already knew the answer to).

"Shut up!" The Pegasus sulked while trying to hide the remains of a blush.

Pinkie Pie practically bounced around the room, squealing with excitement.

"Awwww! That's soooooo CUTE! Could I plan your wedding? I'm thinking rainbow themed and...OH! Can you name your first foal after me?"

"WHAT! No no no no no NO!" Rainbow shook her head in quick succession while glaring at the pink mare. She had just crossed the line.

Rainbow decided it was better to leave this conversation entirely and see if she could maybe help Twilight instead. That would also prevent the others bringing it up anymore than it had already been mentioned. She didn't think she could handle that.

Landing next to the purple alicorn, Rainbow plastered on her trademark cocky grin.

"Hey Twi, need any help?"

"Aaahhh!" The alicorn jumped "Rainbow! I am trying to stargaze, and if I lose my place because of you I..." Twilight stopped suddenly, all of the anger draining from her body, beginning to be replaced by a different emotion.

Her eyes went wide yet her pupils stayed at pinpoint size. Her mouth grasping on the words that she could not force herself to say. It was as if time itself had stopped and she was frozen in position. It was scary to say the least.

"Um... Twilight...are-are you ok?" Fluttershy asked grabbing all of the other mares attention.

As the rest of the girls gathered around the frozen mare, something suddenly clicked in the lavender mares mind.

"I need to see the Princess..." She said trying to search for the right words.

"Twilight are you su-"

"YES! I am sure! We need to speak with her, NOW!"

It was not question. Something had spooked Twilight through that telescope. If only the others had any idea of how much it would influence their lives at this point, they would not have had the courage to go to Celestia's castle. Or get past the guards. Or even see Celestia's reaction to the news. Many things had the element bearers faced but this would turn out to be a trail on everyone's part. They had no idea what awaited them in their future and frankly, that was a good thing too.

Author's Note

Dun dun duuuuuun!

I know I left it on a cliff hanger but I will carry on writing and editing it as I go. I really hope that the tags and everything are right as am still getting used to the controls of Fimfic and all it's uses...

Anyway, thank you for reading this and please comment below (constructive criticism only please otherwise I will probably cry :fluttercry: )

I will update soon but till then, Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! ( I know Christmas is gone but I thought the happy New Year would get lonely :rainbowlaugh:)

Answers

Despite the humidity in the air, Rainbow had a chill that traveled from the tip of her muzzle to the end of her tail.

8 steps left... she thought to herself.

Ruffling her feathers a little, she climbed to the next step.

There was no force to keep her climbing. She didn't have to if she didn't want to either. That's what made it harder. At this point, Rainbows determination was the only thing that kept her motivated.

Another chill.

It was as if the ghosts of her past were coming back to haunt her. She heard the voices of her friends laughing with her. The echoing footsteps from the pacing. The announcement to one and all. The truth.

Flashback

Tension was in the air.

Not a few moments ago, Twilight had entered the other room to talk to the princess, leaving the five friends to their thoughts. But sometimes the mind only needs silence to create its most evil delusions.

All of the mares were sat in a line against the wall opposite the grand doors, as if afraid of what lay behind them.

Then came the moment of truth.

One of the doors opened to reveal a very distraught Twilight.

"Girls,... I think you deserve to hear this..." She whispered, motioning for each of them to come inside.

In the circular room, sat Princess Cadence, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia who each turned to face the new arrivals.

"Hello, my Elements of Harmony. Please come in and take a seat." Celestia welcomed and looked out of her window. "I do believe you have had a long night." She said raising the sun as she spoke.

"You could say that..." Rainbow concluded rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof bashfully.

Applejack took the silence that hung in the air to ask the question that they had waited for.

"What happened back there Twi?"

Silence.

Nopony moved for a while, each of the Princesses not wanting to speak what the future held.

After a few minutes, Celestia took initiative and began to explain.

"As each of you know, Twilight Sparkle saw something a little out of the ordinary in the sky yesterday, which lead to her stargazing during the night." All of the mares nodded and looked to Celestia to continue. "It gives me great pain to tell you this, but what Miss Sparkle spied through her telescope was in fact a meteor."

All five of the mares gasped, looking at one another in shock. Twilight had a good reason to react the way she did when looking through the telescope.

Taking a deep breath, the Princess continued.

"After further examination from Princess Luna, it has been confirmed to be heading our way. Working out the exact time will be challenging but it will be around 4 or 5 days till it arrives. I suggest getting prepared for the main collision."

Nopony spoke.

It was in that moment that they knew life would never be the same. All of them exchanging looks of despair and fear.

Finally, someone decided to break the gloomy atmosphere.

"Come on now y'all," Applejack smiled "we can't just sit here. We have a job to do. We need to warn the citizens of Equestria as fast as possible. It's our job to make sure every moment counts... what'd ya say?"

A new determination came formed in the mares. This was their moment. It's what they accepted when they became elements and they would be damned if they didn't live up to the responsibility. This is what they were born to do. This is what they were chosen to do.

Without a word more, the six got up and left to fulfil their roles of the elements while the Princesses prepared to warn their kingdoms.

The worst was on its way.

Author's Note

This is my least favourite chapter,... I know it's very short but an update will come soon now that this boring chapter is out of the way.:twilightsheepish:

Shelters

6 stairs...

It's hard to appreciate everything that you have. Most things you take for granted till their gone. But when it is gone, you will regret not respecting the power it had on your life. Though sometimes it is the smallest of things that you have to be thankful for that will get you though your darkest moments. Just like Rainbow's friends and family are what was giving her strength at this moment.

Heat started erupting through the cracks in the door hitting her at full force. It was like a furnace.

The one dim light that hung over the mares head started to flicker.
Staring at it intently, not wanting to look ahead, Rainbow noticed a sort of buzzing sound that came with the flickering.

Realising what was about to happen, she raised a wing over her head as the lightbulb shattered. Small prices of glass flew in many different directions and cut up her feathers. It was alright to Rainbow,... her wings had been pointless for a while now.

Glancing at what remained of the lightbulb, she turned her attention to the same electrical buzzing sound outside. It sort of resembled one of the horror films she had watched with Pinkie one time. For such a joyful mare, she sure had good taste when it came to horror.

Though the town was empty, it was far from quiet.

Flashback

"Scoots!" Rainbow called over the heads of the crowd. "Scootaloo!"

The meteor was now visible in the sky without a telescope. Time was running short.

Hovering a few feet off of the ground, the tried calling out again, but alas, had no response.

The meteor was bringing all kinds of electrical disturbances in the atmosphere. This imbalance in the air made it particularly hard to use magic for the unicorns but it had its effect on everypony. For many Earth ponies, they lacked their normal physical strength and for the Pegasi, they could hardly lift off of the ground without tiring themselves. What little magic they had inside them was being drained by the electrical storm.

Everypony was heading underground. The Princesses had opened up the bomb shelters that was sure to keep its occupants safe.

For the elements of harmony though, and their family's. they would be staying in Princess Twilights bomb shelter. They had to be protected too as it was the Princesses job to help repair the city's and towns as soon as the event was over.

Flapping her wings in quick succession, Rainbow frantically scanned the crowd for any sign of her surrogate sister.

She was just about to call out again when something collided with her side.

"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry, here let me help you."

Scowling at the tall figure she stood up quickly. "There will be no need for that. But than-" She stopped and focused on his green, emerald eyes. "S-Soarin?"

"Hi Rainbow Dash." He replied quietly.

"Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Oh! I was posted here by spitfire to help everypony underground. Unfortunately, that means that I am stuck here too till we get our magic back..."

Suddenly, Rainbows mind clicked back to her current situation.

"It's really nice to see you and all Soarin," She said quickly turning away from him "but I have to find my sister."

Soarin grabbed her on the shoulder making her turn back to look at him.

"Wait, maybe I could help you find her! Two voices are stronger than one."

Gazing into his eyes, her mouth opened and closed trying to find the right words to say.

Soarin, her hero.

Slowly, she nodded, indicating the search had begun.

Returning to her previous pattern, Rainbow began to call out Scootaloo's name again.

Soarin, who had never met Dashes sister, decided to copy Rainbows method by calling out her name as Rainbow had done.

As they moved their way through the crowd, their persistence was finally rewarded when they heard a small cry coming from the back of the group of ponies.

As quick as a spark, Rainbow pushed her way toward the back, Soarin trailing after her.

After the game of marco, polo ended, rainbow spied the small filly jumping up and down calling her name.

Tears were falling from her eyes as she ran up and hugged her little sister.

"R-Rainbow!" Scootaloo cried, burying her muzzle into Dash's chest. "I-I thought that...that for a minute I wasn't going to see you a-again."

"Shhhh! It's ok, squirt. I'm here now." Rainbow rested her head on the filly's head and pulling her in closer. Though she was trying to stop Scootaloo from crying, she too had tears cascading down her face.

Looking up at Soarin who was just watching the two with a grin on his muzzle. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Thank you!"

"My pleasure." He exclaimed bowing comically causing the two fillies to laugh. "H-Hey um... you know, after this thing is over, do you want to meet up maybe."

Seeing the unreadable expression on her face he quickly continued going bright red.

"It's just I was at Town Hall earlier, on the balcony part, looking up at the sky and I thought 'hey it's actually quite pretty up here' and I thought of you because well, your pretty and...um...what?...I mean...uhh..."

Looking up, Soarin saw that Rainbow had gotten up from her previous position and was now close to him. Very close in fact.

His heart fluttered in his chest as their lips connected for the first time. Slowly, he let the warmth of her lips embrace him, closing his eyes and gradually leaning into the kiss. After a while, she broke apart, their eyes still locked with each other.

"I'd like that." She said smiling.

"Really? I mean... great!" He said stumbling over his words "So yeah... I need to get going now... but I'll see you there when this is over right?"

Rainbow looked over at Scootaloo who was smiling at the two adult ponies as if Christmas came early.

"Right!" Rainbow replied.

As the rest of the crowd, including Soarin, dispersed in the underground bomb shelter, Rainbow and Scootaloo made their way to Twilights shelter. Looking back over her shoulder one last time to where she had just had her first kiss, for the first time in the past 4 days, she smiled.

Author's Note

Hope you liked it!

It's getting closer to the end now.:fluttershysad:
I am really proud of how fast I got this chapter up too... I finished the previous chapter yesterday and after trying to elongate it and pace it for about an hour I gave up:twilightsheepish:

Anyway thanks for reading!

Problems

Four stairs left.

Remembering her moment with Soarin filled her heart with sorrow.

She loved him.

Even after all of the trails the two had faced, they always came out friends but... never lovers.

Unfortunately, this time would be different. The two would be lovers but,... not both of them would come out.

With that thought set in her mind, she bit down hard on her trembling lip, causing blood to flow in her mouth.

Regret flooded into her body.

If only I'd told him sooner. Then I would have had more memories of us... She trailed off in thought wishing more than anything that he was there with her now.

But... No!

She didn't wish he were there with her. She wanted to do this alone. To have him there with her is selfish.

No, it was better this way.

With a heavy heart she continued her ascent.

Don't ever forget that I love you. I love you all...

Flashback

Rainbow and Scootaloo were running.

They had left it too late.

The meteor had already made its first collision with the ground.

All there was to be seen at the time was one large dot in the sky. Till... BOOM!

The large meteor had exploded into many smaller rocks as it hit the planets atmosphere.

The smaller meteors were now falling toward the town.

Panic overtook the two Pegasi as the glowing meteor transformed the sky into a dark red colour. The smaller rocks were glowing white in their descent, indicating the atmosphere was heating it.

At this point, all that mattered to the two ponies was getting to safety.

The first collision with the ground, from only a small looking meteor, caused a massive shock wave to spread out across the small town knocking the two off of their hooves.

Quickly recovering, Rainbow looked to Scootaloo, who was struggling to get up as fast as the rainbow maned mare beside her.

If only Rainbow could fly. Then they wouldn't be in this mess.

Lifting Scootaloo onto her back, Rainbow continued their race against time.

They were so close now... she could see Twilight standing at the open door of her shelter. Hers had been magically protected, while they still had time, to stay above ground so that they could know when the worst was over and send a message to everyone else.

Even closer... seeing the frantic expression on Twilight's face, she kicked it into top notch. Nothing could stop her now. Except...

"Rainbow, Scootaloo, look out!" Twilight warned from the doorway looking up at the sky.

A comet was heading their way and though small, they all knew the impact it caused.

There was no other choice. Grabbing the small filly on her back with her forhooves, she threw her to the purple alicorn a perfect arch.

Catching the small filly in her arms, she looked to Rainbow who was doubling back on herself to avoid the collision point.

Realising that it was the only way they could all avoid destruction Twilight closed the door to the shelter.

"RAINBOW!!!" The small orange filly cried, struggling against Twilight's grip.

A large explosion came from just outside the shelter. Sending a small shock wave through the protected room.

Scootaloo closed her eyes tight and shook her head, tears cascading down her cheeks as she pushed herself out of Twilight's grip.

"NO! No no no no no! WHY DID YOU SHUT THE DOOR!" She shrieked as the alicorn touched her shoulder for comfort. "You're supposed to be the Princess of Friendship for Celestia's sake!"

"Listen to me Scootaloo!" Twilight said looking directly at the small filly face and grabbing her shoulders forcing her to meet her gaze. Twilight continued, her voice taking on a harsh tone. "I will open the door for Rainbow Dash to enter in a minute. I only closed the door to avoid getting blown to bits ourselves."

The Pegasus looked around the room. Applebloom was sat in big Mac's lap with Applejack to the side of them, Granny Smith asleep on the bed behind them. Sweetie bell was sat with her parents and Rarity who were huddled together in the corner. Sitting in the centre of the room was Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy playing with Angel. Everypony looked at her with distraught expressions.

"Rainbow knew that I had to do it, which is why she doubled back to avoid the meteor instead of continuing to run here." Twilight continued in a softer voice. "She will be alright."

Right on cue, the speaker in the corner of the room started to crackle.

Rainbow was trying to talk to them from the outside.

"Rainbow!" Twilight said making her way over to the microphone in the wall. "Rainbow, can you here me?"

The static from the microphone the other side was then interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Yeah,... I hear ya." Came the response, making the occupants of the room to whoop and cheer.

"Is is it safe to open the door?" Twilight asked.

"I don't think that you will be able to do that Twi..."

"Nonsense, I can just..." Twilight said trying to press the button that should open the doors. But it didn't work.

"W-What's going on? I should be able to..."

"It won't work Twilight!"

"Why not?" The purple alicorn asked, panic flooding into her body.

"The meteor,... it contained some kind of metal..."

Twilight blinked away a few tears swallowing the lump in her throat. "Which means?"

" .............."

"Rainbow," She said, her voice catching slightly as more tears arose. "What does it mean?!?!?!?!"

There was a long hesitation from the other side.

Finally, Twilight got her answer.

"The door is soldered shut..."

Author's Note

Phew,... only two more chapters to go.

I hope you like the new update and I hope it was worth waiting for (I got it out asap:scootangel:).
As much as it sounds evil, I actually really enjoyed writing this chapter.
I hope you have as much fun reading it!:derpytongue2:

Anyway, thanks for reading and...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!:coolphoto:

Goodbye

The door was drawing close now. Too close.

The two steps in front of her seemed to be too short of an ascent for her taste.

She was scared of what came after.

Flashes of memories built up in her mind. But that's all they were... memories.

She couldn't change the past and, for all that she tried to put it off,... she no longer had control of her future either.

Helpless was the one word the mare had always despised. Weak was the last thing she wanted to be. Numb was the worst thing she ever had to feel.

Funny how all of that can change in an instant.

Flashback

Staring at the sky, Rainbow turned to the closed door.

A silvery like substance covered the crater the meteor had caused which also trailed halfway up the bomb shelters door, sealing the bottom to the floor.

Rainbow walked across the middle of the crater to investigate the door.

What if they can't get out... Her mind thought in panic.

She ran a hoof along the bottom of the doorway. It was solid.

Looking back up at the sky, she realised something that eased the panic within her. As soon as the main part of the meteor was over, Twilight's magic would not have any electrical imbalance to prevent the alicorn from bursting though the door.

As the meteor in the sky came closer, Rainbow felt a sudden surge of sadness.
They will be able to get out... but how do I get in...

There was only one answer to that. She wasn't...

Slowly, she picked herself up from examining the strange metal and pushed a small button on the outside of the door thinking about what she would inevitably have to do.

Say goodbye.

"Rainbow, can you here me?"

"Yeah,..." Rainbow replied trying to steady her breathing. "I hear ya."

"Is is it safe to open the door?" Twilight asked.

"I don't think that you will be able to do that Twi..."

"Nonsense, I can just..." Rainbow heard a small fumbling sound coming from the speaker near her hoof followed by Twilight asking what was on.

Rainbow prepared herself to tell them what was really going on. They deserved to know.

"It won't work Twilight!"

"Why not?"

"The meteor,..." Rainbow replied, looking at the crater over her shoulder.
"It contained some kind of metal..."

Twilight hesitated.

"Which means?"

Opening and closing her mouth, Rainbow tried to get the words out.

"Rainbow! What does it mean?!?!?!?!"

She couldn't put it off any longer. Her first priority was letting them know that they were ok or, as ok as they could be.

"The door is soldered shut,... but when this is all over, I am sure that you, Twilight, will get your magic back and you can all leave."

A very distraught voice came from the other side of the door. "Yes, that's true but what about you Rainbow?"

She shut her eyes tight and bowed her head, ears folded back in an attempt to stop the sadness from sounding in her voice.

"I-I... I want you all to know that I love you... and...and..." Rainbow stammered, trying not to let her voice quiver. The last thing they needed to know right now is that she too was scared.

"Don't you dare Rainbow Dash,..."

Rainbow snapped her head up to look at the speaker with wide (yet tear filled) eyes.

She knew it had to happen. She knew that it was goodbye but, like Rainbow, could not face it.

"Listen to me," She begged "I don't have the time..."

The other line fell silent.

Taking it as a 'we are listening', she continued.

"I don't want to do this more than any of you do... but while I have the time, I want you to understand just how important you are to me.
Fluttershy, my best friend since flight camp. No matter what happened, you were always there beside me. You showed me loyalty when nopony else would and... and even though you don't realise it, you were the reason I continued to be brave. You were why I became who I am now. So, don't you dare let anypony tell you that you are weak, you got that?"

A small voice came over the speaker.

"Rainbow, I know that you don't like anything too sappy but, I-I-I love you. Pagasisters for life, yeah?"

She was very clearly crying... though Pegasus on the other side was hardly doing any better.

The mare took a deep, shaky breath.

"Y-y-yeah. Alw- always." Swallowing hard, she moved on. "Pinkie Pie,... when I first met you, I am not going to lie, I thought that you were too annoying."

Letting out a slight, tearful chuckle (and receiving one back from what she assumed was the pink mare herself), Rainbow smiled a sad smile at the speaker. "You proved me wrong. You are funny and an extremely selfless pony, something that even after all these years I have never mastered. You put your friends happiness and,... heck, even ponies that you have just met, you just want them to be happy. So I know that it will be hard but all I ask is that you keep you and the others smiling for me."

"I love you Dashie... I will try..."

"Good...that's all I ask Pinks.
Rarity, I always thought you my opposite in many ways, but after I got to know you, you're a lot cooler than I thought. At least 20% more anyway. When we went together to the Canterlot Wonderbolts show, you stick by my side and believed in me, even when everypony else, including me, didn't. For that I am so grateful. You are an amazing fashion designer don't ever forget that."

"Thank you Rainbow Dash... I wish it weren't goodbye."

Rainbow's voice became caught in her throat. "Me too Rarity... Me too."
Wiping away the many tears she had shed already with a hoof, she asked for Applejack.

"Though we may have clashed before, I do believe that you are the only earth pony who has given me a great competition, even when I was, um... let's put it at slightly advantaged. You are a fantastic athlete and a great friend. I can always count on you to show me a good game even it wasn't entirely fair. But just remember, even though you are a great sportspony, your friends and family love you for who you are, not how many events you win. Don't want to have to use pinkie pie against ya again."

A small chuckle was heard in the speaker followed by Applejack's voice. "Ah promise ya Rainbow."

"Twilight, your next."

"I'm right here Rainbow Dash."

"Cool. Um... ok." Dash said sniffling and looking over her shoulder at the sky.

"Twilight, when I met you... well, my life got a lot more interesting to say the least. We have fought so many battles together which only made us stronger. You are super talented and many things you do could leave any mare or stallion speechless. But after I saw your raw ability, time and time again, I saw just how gifted you are. The only thing that you need to do is realise that too."

"O-ok Rainbow. I will always give it my all just like you have shown me too."

"Heh, thanks."

She was running out of time. It was getting harder and harder for her to talk without breaking down.

"Sweetie bell and Applebloom. I know that I don't really know you two that well, but Scootaloo has told me lots about you. I want you two to always look out for one another. You have been through many trails and are destined to go through more unfortunately. But no matter what happens, always stick together, ok?"

"Ok Rainbow Dash." Said the two in unison.

Something seemed a little amiss with the two normally cheerful voices. They didn't know Rainbow that well either, but they were effected by her departure just the same as the rest of them.

A large explosion occurred as the next collision took place.

Shaking violently, the rainbow maned Pegasus screwed her face up as if she were in physical pain while calling out her little sisters name.

"Rainbow Dash!" The young filly cried.

That was the last straw for Dash. Her hind legs gave way beneath her as she began to say goodbye to the one filly she had ever truly opened her heart to.

"I l-love you more th-than anything S-Scootaloo. You are the only filly who ever got to know the real me whereas many just looked up to me for being a hero. Y-you are a great filly and I know you will grow up to be an amazing mare."

Another explosion.

with her Jaw trembling, Dash closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. "Can you promise me one thing Scoots, before I l-leave?"

"Anything Rainbow, anything."

"Promise me that you will love yourself as much as I love you. You are a better pony than I will ever be. Your funny, talented, smart, loving and a great leader. Promise me that you will believe in yourself."

"I will... I will b-but just please... please just live. I know it's impossible to ask of you but,... just somehow, someway...come out safe. Come home. Please?"

That did it. Rainbow's mouth opened to gasp for air as she cried and wailed at the ground. Her hoof slid down the metal frame as her whole body shook.

"I'm sorry..." She pleaded "I am so sorry for everything..."

Not even noticing the shock wave that travelled through her body, she rested her head against the metal. Her hoof was now above her head on the frame still supporting her body with what little stregnth she had left.a

"I love you all... Please forgive me!"

Author's Note

Happy New year's day! Only one chapter left!:pinkiegasp:

Thank you all for your amazing support:heart:. I hope that the last chapter will answer all of your questions.

ITS THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! Dee Dee Dee Dee, De De De De Dee!:moustache:

The End.

She froze right in front of the door.

The warmth outside was strong, yet she felt so cold.

The emptiness that filled her was unbearable.

Her body shook with grief, causing her to spread her front and hind legs for better balance.

Slowly, she pushed the wooden door open and was greeted to the sight of Ponyville, or what remained of it.

Looking up at the sky, she saw the many meteors yet to come.

She walked out slowly, still gazing up at the sky. It had been her home for all of her life. The one place where she truly belonged. To see it like this was scary.

Smoke was present in the sky, creating black swirls in the air around her from when the meteors came into contact with the ground. This added to the red colour the sky already had due to the meteor penetrating its boundaries.

What was still left to fall from the meteor was larger stronger chunks of it than before adding white dots with a trail behind it to the canvas.

Rainbow came to the edge of the railings to look out at where she once belonged.

Though she was scared, she could not take her eyes off of the sky.

Soarin was right, the sky does look prettier from here...

She was on the balcony part of town hall. The first place she came to when she arrived in Ponyville, the place where the Summer Sun Celebration was held when Nightmare Moon returned, the place that Soarin wanted to take her for the very first date.

She had to breath through her mouth now, pulling in long, uneven gasps.

I'm sorry Soarin,... I wanted to meet you here but... I can't. Please understand.

Leaning on the railings for support, she burst into tears.

I'm sorry everypony... I know that death is hard but... Please try to move on... I am lucky to have had such good friends in life and now... I have to leave you.

How was this fair. She still had her whole future ahead of her. She would miss so much.

I promise that where ever I am going to go now that I will never ever forget you.

The meteor was drawing near now. It seemed as if it were heading for Rainbow Dash herself.

Looking around the desolate land that used to be filled with joy and life, Dash let out a small wail. She didn't have anypony around to stay strong for now. It was just her alone.

Shaking with racking sobs, Dash made one more final promise.

"I promise..." She said aloud with her head between her hooves, resting on the railing. "that no matter how alone you all feel, I will be there for you... even if everypony else has turned their back,... I will never give up on you. I love you all..."

She lifted her head up to look at the sky, for the umpteenth time that day.

It wasn't goodbye,... just a change. They would see each another again one day. But hopefully not be for ages. Live your lives to the full and when the time comes, I will greet you.

That gave her strength. Slowly, she lifted her head to face the meteor her hooves dropping from the railing to stand up straight. It was like she was challenging the very thing that would inevitably kill her.

She remembered all of the fun times with her friends and her sister. When they watched Hinny Of The Hills. When they went to the Equestria games. When Scootaloo got her cutie mark. When Soarin asked her out. Her first kiss.

Letting the last tears fall, she smiled a grateful smile and closed her eyes.

"Did she live Grandma?"

Scootaloo snapped back to reality. A small filly sat at the end of her bed. Her eyes were filled with wonder after the story she had just been told, gazing up at her grandmother with a concerned expression.

"Unfortunately, no sweetheart." She said with a sad smile.

"But I thought that she was the element of loyalty,..." The young foal said screwing his face up in concentration. "doesn't that mean that she shouldn't of left?"

Chuckling slightly, she raised a hoof to ruffle the small filly's mane. "Loyalty takes many forms,... some obvious and some not so much. I do believe that by helping me get to the shelter was a great act of loyalty, but instead of risking all of our lives and running to safety, she turned back. She put our lives above her own showing more loyalty to us than her own well being. Sometimes when it comes to it,... loyalty doesn't always mean staying."

"Electra Zest, it's time to go!"

"Coming Mom! Bye Grandma, love you!" Electra scuttled off of the bed and ran to the doorway. "Ummm... Grandma?"

"Yes?"

"About her waiting for you,... do you really believe that she is there?" She asked looking directly at Scootaloo's eyes.

"With all of my heart Zest. She will be there for me, your Mom and probably even you." She said with a grin "Now get going, you don't want to get your Mother angry, trust me."

The filly's face lit up as she sped away from the doorway and down the stairs.

Sighing, Scootaloo leaned back in bed. Remembering her sister had been an emotional experience. She had aged greatly, though the memories of the last words exchanged were still painful.

"Don't be sad squirt." Said a voice above her.

Slowly looking up to the source, she gasped in awe at who was flying in front of her. It was Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow,... is that really you or have I finally gone crazy?"

"Hehe nope, it's really me!"

"What are you doing here?"

Rainbow hesitated slightly looking at her surrogate sister wondering how to break the news.

"It's my time, isn't it?"

"Yeah,... sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I made a promise."

"Will... Will they be alright?" Scootaloo asked looking toward the doorway that previously held her granddaughter in the middle of it.

"I have a feeling that they will be fine. It will take a while, but they will survive. You raised an awesome family Scoots I can't wait to finally talk to them for the first time." Rainbow said looking at the doorway too.

Scootaloo smiled at her sister. Letting out a long slow breath, she closed her old, tired eyes for the last time.

Her surroundings became a bright white as she looked directly at Rainbow. She hadn't faded away even though her eyes had closed.

"I missed you so much." She said running into Rainbow's arms. Though her body was of an age older of hers when Rainbow had died, the old lines and pains that she used to have disappeared as she fell into her teenage body.

After stepping back a little in shock, Dash slowly wrapped her wings around the filly in her arms. "Missed you too sis."

"How is Soarin doing?" She asked the blue Pegasus.

"He's doing great! He can't wait to see you again, Scoots."

"We have soooo much to catch up on, Dash..."

Leaving her old body behind, Scootaloo walked side by side with her sister who she had yearned to see since her early departure. For Rainbow it was fulfilling her promise. She had met each one of her friends and boyfriend as their time rolled around.

So just remember, loyalty will always exists as it comes with love and if you truly love someone, you are never truly alone.

Author's Note

That's it, it's the end...:derpyderp1:

I hope that you liked the ending (even if it is a little cheesy!) And I want to thank everyone who read this story, everyone who added it to favourites, everyone who is following me because of it. So.......
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

MLP and Bronies rule!
Pegasister for life,
Frothy:moustache:

I have no ideas what story to right next, but it will not be as quickly updated as this one was as I have little time off now...:raritycry: