Broken Rainbows

Chapters

A Warning
The Elements of Harmony
Changelings
The Proud Fall
Fallen Heroes
Changeling Blood
A Rude Awakening
A Successor
Frustration
The Mountain
Arrogance
Chrysalis Crack Down
Losing Hope
Rise
To The Moon
A New Leader
Epilogue
Morning Pursuit
Sister Against Sister

A Warning

Chapter 2: A Warning

Rainbow Dash sat in her dressing room, practically bouncing in her seat.

The Wonderbolts first live performance of the year was today. Over in the corner was the flight suit. Her flight suit. Yes. Her very own Wonderbolt flight suit.

The moment had finally come. She was going to be a Wonderbolt.

She looked down at the old goggles. So small now. Built for a filly. She had outgrown them. Scootaloo had outgrown them. It saddened her that there was nopony to give it to.

There was a fear demon inside her. It was threatening to overcome her now. She continued bottling it up.

"Big day huh?"

Rainbow looked up. Thunderspark stood in the doorway. She smiled. "Yeah Sparky. This is pretty big."

Thunderspark smiled. "You ready?"

"I've been ready for a long time Sparky. Just...not sure I ever thought it would actually happen."

Thunderspark had been a key part of Rainbow's life. He had been the first to coin the name 'Rainbow Crash.' He had also been the first to ever threaten Rainbow's speed records, actually beating her once.

However his reign as the fastest pegasus alive was short lived. All Rainbow had to do was fire off a sonic rainboom to take it back.

Since then, they had finally started getting along, despite the occasional race/brawl. Thunderspark had quit the life of a racing pegasus a couple of years ago, meaning they didn't have to be at each other throats all the time. He was in the Equestrian air force now, and served Celestia faithfully.

He trotted into the dressing room. His eyes came to rest on the tiny pair of goggles.

"I remember those. You used to fly around flight camp wearing those things. Flying around like some big shot."

Rainbow smirked. "Yeah. I was a bit of a tool back then. But Sparky, I am a big shot now. Even you have to admit that."

Thunderspark laughed. "Sure. I guess this is pretty big. Figure I'll be putting on a Wonderbolts flight suit soon enough."

Rainbow snorted. "Fat chance."

They hugged awkwardly. They had once tried their hoof at a relationship. It hadn't worked out. Thunderspark had decided to friend zone Rainbow. Which she didn't much mind. Relationships took time away from important things, she figured.

"Just don't forget where home is, alright?"

Rainbow chuckled. "Spark, I'll always be a cloudpusher at heart."

Twilight and Applejack appeared at the door.

"You ready Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash began punching the air, getting the blood flowing.

"Born ready Twi." She replied, swishing her mane out of her face.

But everypony could see it. She was a nervous wreck. The demon of fear was showing itself.

She was starting to shake. Her legs were wobbling about and she seemed an imminent threat to fall over.

"Hey take it easy sugar cube. You're gonna have a heart attack." Applejack said, patting her friend on the back.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. She took some more deep breaths. Her other friends came into the room.

"What's going on?" Fluttershy asked.

"She's losing her nerve a bit." Twilight said. "It's okay."

Rainbow shook her head angrily. "I'm not losing anything! I'm just..."

"Alright Bolts'! Mount up!" Spitfire shouted. "You ready Rainbow?"

"Yeah...b-b-born ready." Rainbow said, rapidly slipping her flight suit over her head. She had tried on this suit over a dozen times at home. Their it felt like a glove. But here, it was scratchy and tight, and gave her a headache.

"Okay. Okay. I got this." She slipped the flight mask on. "You guys should probably grab a seat. Box seats right?"

The others nodded. "Are you sure you're going to be alright?" Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow Dash could see the other Wonderbolts trotting towards the tunnel.

"Yeah fine." She darted out of the dressing room to join them.

Soarin noticed her loud panting. "You alright RD?"

"Oh yeah. Just a little...unforeseen...stage fright. It's cool."

Her friends waved to her, then went up the stairs into the box.

She waved at them as confidently as she could. She was alone now. The other Wonderbolts were strangers for the most part.

She turned to Soarin. "Okay, this was a really bad idea."

"What?" Soarin asked.

"This! This whole thing! This was a horrible idea! I'm not cut out for this..."

"Sure you are RD. You're a great flyer. Just go out there and...I don't know, fly."

"That's not helpful!" Rainbow Dash snapped.

Soarin sighed. "Okay look. I was nervous my first time too. Once you get out there, it'll get a lot easier. Trust me."

Rainbow looked at him and took another deep breath. She didn't believe a word he said. But she nodded.

"Alrighty. Let's do this."

There was a shot. The Wonderbolts flew out on to the field. Their signature flight music blasted through the speakers of the coliseum, causing the entire complex to vibrate.

Rainbow Dash sighed. She was the rookie. She had to be introduced separately. The spotlight would be on her. Rainbow had dreamed of this moment for years. But now, she was just about ready to tear off this suit, and fly back to Ponyville as fast as her wings could take her.

The others took their warm ups. Rainbow Dash tried shutting off her brain. It repeatedly went through all the ways she could screw up her routine.

"Nope. Nope. Shut up. I don't want to listen to you!" Rainbow told herself. One of the janitors gave her a strange look.

Suddenly the music changed. Thunderstruck blared through the building. Rainbow's flight music.

She heard cheering. The pony with the loudspeaker spoke now.

"And now welcoming the newest member of the Wonderbolts! The One! The Only! RAINBOW DASH!"

The spotlight shone brightly on Rainbow. She blinked at first. Fireworks shot off around her.

She looked at the crowd cheering maniacally. In this moment she forced down any fear or hesitation. She slid her goggles over her eyes and gave the crowd a confident smirk.

She began striking epic poses. Flexing her arms. Flexing her wings.

"Get flying Rainbow!" Spitfire shouted.

Rainbow reared back and lunged into the arena.

Step one: Flyby. Plus interaction.

She glided around the stadium, taking care to wave to the fans as she did. Cameras flashed all over. She was red cheeked underneath her suit.

Step two: Pump up the crowd

She activated the tiny microphone in her mask.

"How's everypony doing tonight?" She asked, her voice filling the stadium sound system.

The response was an incomprehensible cheer.

"You ready for a truly epic performance?" Rainbow asked, louder this time.

Another loud cheer. Now a chant started.

"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow was flattered. Thank Celestia for the suit, she thought. Nopony could see her turning red again.
She put her hoof to her ear.

"What?"

"RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH!"

"I can't hear you!" Rainbow replied, milking it for all it was worth.

"RAINBOW DASH!! RAINBOW DASH!! RAINBOW DASH!!"

Step 3: Obviously. Sonic Rainboom.

"Alright fillies and gentlecolts! I suggest you cover your ears for this part!" Rainbow shouted.

She turned off the microphone. Didn't want to blow out the speaker system.

Her music came back on. She looked up into the perfect night sky. The moon was the only illumination now. She saluted the moon, then began flying upward, towards it.

The audience watched in wonder, trying to keep an eye on the blue and yellow suited blur. She was just a dot now.

Rainbow looked down at the stadium. All those fans calling out her name. She was finally living the dream. She angled her head down and blasted towards the stadium center.

The ponies cheered as she came back into view. Rainbow smirked at the sonic bubble. She giggled as it became a cone. Then, with a great roar, a sonic rainboom exploded from her body.

The crowd was stunned into silence as the rainbow waves thundered over their heads. Rainbow Dash became a rainbow streak, blasting through the bottom of the stadium.

Princess Celestia herself still found it amazing, watching this fantastic display from high up in the arena seats.

Rainbow streaked around the outside of the arena before putting up her wings as airbrakes to gracefully slow herself.

She joined Spitfire and the others on the Wonderbolts private cloud.

"Nice job Dash. I think you may have impressed royalty."

Rainbow looked up at Celestia's cloud, then high hoofed the members of the group. "You know it!"

She looked down at the flight suit. "I'm impressed. Didn't tear off. Guess this is solid stuff."

"Designed that one specifically for you Dashie." Spitfire replied. "Nearly destroyed the wind tunnel testing it."

Dash laughed. "Of course. So what are we waiting for?"

Spitfire gestured towards the stadium center. "Thunderlane. He's still warming up."

Rainbow nodded. Thunderlane was indeed out stretching his wings, getting ready for the show. The crowd continued chanting her name. Fantastic.

"Hold up." Soarin said, interrupting Dash's blissful self celebration. "How can that be Thunderlane?"

Spitfire frowned. "Um...elaborate?"

"Thunderlane called in sick this morning."

Spitfire shrugged. "Well I guess he got over it."

Soarin looked at her and slowly shook his head. "He called it in just before we came out here."

Spitfire took off her mask. "Then who is that?"

Thunderlane floated up to where Princess Celestia was sitting. She arched an eyebrow, unsure of the Wonderbolt's intentions.

He pulled off his mask, revealing his brown coat and silver mane.

"That IS Thunderlane!" Spitfire confirmed.

Rainbow Dash pulled her mask off and squinted. Her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened. There was something painfully familiar about the appearance of that Pegasus.

"That's not Thunderlane."

Thunderlane's eyes suddenly turned blue. His coat seemed to disappear, replaced with a scaly black. A dagger like horn protruded from the creature's head. Her feathery wings dissolved away, replaced by clear, fly wings.

A changeling.

Before Dash could think, she was airborne.

"Goodbye good princess." The changeling hissed. It raised some kind of weapon. It began to glow green.

They royal guards raised their weapons. Too late.

"Princess! Get down!" Rainbow shouted. She crashed into the changeling, sending an errant shot off into the darkness.

They crashed down on the royal cloud. The changeling tried to get up. Rainbow bucked with her back legs, knocking it down again.

The royal guards came over, seizing the creature. It hissed and sputtered at them.

Princess Celestia rose. "What is your business here Changeling?"

The changeling laughed. "You cannot even imagine princess. Our leader is coming. Our queen...she brings an army. Equestria will burn to the ground. And WE will rise from the ashes." The creature began laughing hysterically.

"Take him away." Celestia ordered sternly. Rainbow Dash got up to her hooves.

"Are you alright Princess?"

"I am fine Rainbow Dash. Thank you." Celestia said, brushing herself off. "It was a brilliant performance by the way, Rainbow Dash. It's good to see you in a Wonderbolt uniform at last."

Rainbow blushed. "Thank you princess."

The crowd had gone dead silent. Princess Celestia turned to address them.

"Citizens of Equestria. This performance has been canceled."

There was a moan from the ponies in attendance. Celestia paused understandingly. These ponies had every right to be frustrated. Watching the Wonderbolt's was a once a year opportunity for most ponies.

Celestia cleared her throat and continued. "A threat has been made against this nation. A hostile army could very well be heading for our borders. I urge you all to go home and secure yourselves. Stock up on various necessities." She paused, swallowing hard, about to make a declaration that no leader ever wanted to make.

"My little ponies. We must prepare for the possibility of war."

The Elements of Harmony

Chapter 3: The Elements of Harmony

The mane six met in Twilights tree house.

"What was that about?" Rarity asked.

"Somepony tried to assassinate the Princess." Rainbow replied. "Didn't you see? One of the Wonderbolts was a changeling."

The others gasped. "Changelings?" Twilight asked. "And they nearly killed Princess Celestia? This is just...this is so wrong. Did she mean what she said? Is there going to be a war?"

Applejack shrugged. "Well remember good ol Chrysalis. We kinda humiliated her at the wedding. She's probably not very happy about that."

There was a knock at the door. Fluttershy trotted over.

"Um...password?"

"It's Thunderspark." A voice replied.

"Uh, I'm sorry, I can't let you in..."

"Seriously? What's going on?"

Fluttershy swallowed. "Well you could be a changeling."

"Alright. I got an impatient kid out here. Could you let us in please?"

"Oh..." Fluttershy looked to the others for guidance. Twilight rolled her eyes, slightly frustrated with her shy friend, before gesturing to the door.

"Okay..." Fluttershy hesitantly pulled the door open. Thunderspark and Scootaloo floated in.

"What's going on?" Scootaloo asked. "What was the Princess talking about?"

"Changelings are coming." Twilight replied. "But why now? After all this time?"

"It's been almost six years." Applejack said. "Six years since the wedding. This is weird."

Thunderspark looked across at them. "Celestia's freaked. She's put a curfew in place across Equestria. Does Chrysalis have a grudge against any of you?"

"She has a grudge against me." Rainbow said. The others looked at her.

"Why?" Rarity asked.

"Because...Because...I don't know. Everypony has a grudge against me."

"Rainbow, she probably doesn't even remember you. I'm the one who foiled her plan." Twilight said. "She's here for me."

Rainbow scowled, unhappy with the idea of a villain not remembering her.

The others were silent. Scootaloo looked unconcerned. "So can we win?"

The others turned to her. "What?" Twilight asked.

"Can we beat them? You know...pony vs. changeling. That sounds like a fair fight."

There was another silence. Rainbow broke it. "Sure. We're ponies. We're not chickens. We can take on a couple changelings, can't we?"

Applejack shrugged. "Sure. It'll be like bucking apples. Spiky, cheese legged, shapeshifting apples."

The others spoke words of agreement. Twilight sighed.

"Such a long time. Such a long time...not having to be afraid. Living in harmony. Enjoying our friendship. And now this..."

"It was gonna happen eventually." Thunderspark said. "Even Equestria can only maintain peace for so long. With so many hostile nations bordering us..."

There was a loud thump on the roof. Fluttershy squealed and ducked down.

"Twilight Sparkle? Are you there?"

Twilight recognized her mentor's voice. "Yes Princess!"

Princess Celestia strode into the house. "Oh good. You're all here. There is much to discuss."

The eight ponies in the room bowed before their leader.

"Princess! Are you okay?" Twilight asked. "Did that changeling hurt you?"

"No my student. I am fine. But my kingdom is in great danger. You six must come with me."

The six began packing their things.

Scootaloo opened her mouth to protest. "Well...what...what about me?"

Rainbow Dash slapped her on the back. "Official Equestria saving business squirt. Sorry. Gotta jet."

Scootaloo groaned. Her ears flattened. Rainbow sighed.

She was still just a child. And she was very sensitive. She often had trouble feeling unwanted.

"Hey. Come on, don't make that face." Rainbow said, tousling her mane. "You'll get a shot one day. I promise. Alright?"

Scootaloo slowly nodded. Rainbow gave the troubled youngster a hug. "Get some sleep okay?"

The six were quickly transported to Canterlot by train. Rainbow Dash looked up at the sky. It was well past midnight. She saw nothing but stars. And that beautiful moon. She remembered the last time she'd stopped to look at the stars. Years ago. In her fillyhood.

And she thought now of Scootaloo. The truth was, they had grown somewhat distant over the past few years. It had not been Scootaloo's fault at all. She still adored her hero.

But Rainbow had been so busy, training, getting in shape for the Wonderbolts, they just couldn't seem to find time anymore.

And Scootaloo was hurting. Anypony could see that. She was 13 now. She was done with filly school. She was in flight school. Cloudsdale Flight School.

And her flank was blank. Still. Apple Bloom had gotten her cutie mark. Sweetie Belle had gotten her cutie mark. And while they were all still friends, Scootaloo had a fire inside of her now.

She needed to become something. Something unique. But no cutie mark had appeared for her.

"Dash?"

Rainbow snapped around. "What?"

"I was asking if you wanted anything. You gave quite a performance. You must be starving." Twilight said.

Rainbow shook her head. "Nah."

"You looked tired Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said softly. "You should get some sleep."

Rainbow shook her head again. "Nah, I'm not tired." The others all looked at her. A look of concern and borderline horror covered their faces. She frowned. "What? I'm not."

"RD, you're always tired." Applejack said. "You sleep eighteen hours a day. How are you still up?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Not tired."

Celestia entered the train cabin. The others bowed before her.

"As you were." She sat next to Rainbow Dash.

"I must thank you for saving me today Rainbow Dash. Sincerely. Especially after what...the mistakes I made five years ago..."

"Princess, with all due respect, you're holding onto that guilt, not me." Rainbow said. "I forgave you a long time ago. And I swore my loyalty. We're cool princess."

Celestia nodded. "Okay. We're 'cool.'" She paused. "Are you certain? If you ever need help, I owe you greatly..."

"Princess. Just stop. It's okay." Rainbow said. "Really. It's ancient history."

Celestia opened her mouth to say more, then nodded and awkwardly backed off.

Canterlot appeared on the horizon. A beautiful city. It had risen from the ashes of five years ago. Even at night, it was lit up like a christmas tree.

Discord had ravaged it beyond recognition. His beast had destroyed entire blocks, including the royal palace itself. But it had all been rebuilt. And it was as stunning as ever.

Celestia led the ponies deep into the heart of the new royal palace. It was larger, more streamlined than the old one. Truly fit for a princess. Two in fact.

"Where's Princess Luna?" Twilight asked.

"She's around. Sticking to the shadows, knowing her."

Twilight took a deep breath. She had an important question to ask.

"Princess? Did we do anything to...I don't know...provoke all this?"

Celestia shook her head. "We do not know. The Changeling race is one of great...hostility. A warrior race. Anything could have set them off."

At these words, Twilight and Applejack exchanged concerned glances. The failed wedding invasion likely had not sat well with the changeling queen.

"Don't worry my little ponies. We have a contingency."

She led them to a large vault. Various colored crystals adorned it.

Celestia inserted her horn into the lock. The door slid open.

There they were. Hanging on the walls. The elements of harmony.

The six rushed in and grabbed their respective elements. They had been lucky. Celestia had allowed them to keep their elements with them during the time the palace was destroyed. Now this greater, stronger palace was their home.

"Wield these with care my little ponies." Celestia said.

Twilight looked up at her troubled master. "Do you know how much time we have?"

Celestia sadly shook her head. "No. I have tried using my magic to locate them. But Chrysalis is countering it somehow. They are invisible to me. And to my sister."

Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin, trying to think of a solution. "Where's that changeling?"

The interrogation room was fairly large. Like everything else in the palace. A large chamber. Thick, enchanted glass covered the exterior. So outsiders could look in at the prisoner without being seen.

The changeling sat behind a large wooden table, looking quite smug. Chains and torture devices lined the walls of the chamber. They were mostly for show. Mostly.

The six assembled behind the glass.

"Oh look at him. He knows everything doesn't he?" Applejack said. "Don't you got some kinda spell for something like this Twilight?"

Twilight's eyes widened. "Of course! A truth serum! I'm certain I could conjure one up!"

"Changelings are immune to truth serums." Celestia said flatly, crushing the young unicorn's enthusiasm. "Trust me. We've tried." She sighed. "We've sent in our best interrogators. This creature is a safe. With an impenetrable combination."

Rarity shrugged. "Why don't you do it?"

Celestia frowned. "Do what?"

"The interrogation." Rarity continued. "I'm sure you're much more intimidating than any old pony. You are a goddess after all."

Twilight shook her head. "Don't do that Princess. What if he's armed?"

Celestia got up and headed for the door. "He's not."

"How could you know? He's alone in there!" Twilight insisted.

Celestia smirked. "No. He's not."

The changeling looked up as Celestia strode in.

"Good evening."

The changeling smirked. "There's nothing good about it. For you anyway. Your race faces extinction. How will you spend your final hours Princess? Before my brothers come to slaughter you, and drag your body through the streets?"

From behind the glass, Twilight shuddered.

Celestia seemed unfazed. "Would you like anything to eat? Drink? We have the best apple cider here at the palace. Fresh from Sweet Apple Acres."

Applejack pumped her hoof in the air in pride.

The changeling sat up in the chair. "Actually, I would. I've always wanted to try cider."

"Bring the changeling some cider." Celestia called. A minute later, a servant briskly strode in, placed the cider on the table, smiled, then exited.

The changeling took a drink. He swished it around in his mouth for a moment, then spit it out at the Princess. She blinked her eyes, then looked down at the cider covering her coat.

"How can you drink that? It's so sweet." The changeling hissed.

"Easy AJ." Rainbow warned, putting her hoof down on Applejack's tail for a change. She was fuming herself over the lack of respect shown by the changeling.

"Anything else we can get to make your stay here more comfortable?" Celestia asked, feeling the cider start to stick to her coat.

The changeling thought a moment, then shook his head. "This place is perfect as is."

"Very well. Let's get down to business. Where is your army?"

The changeling chuckled. "Oh Celestia. I was hoping you'd be a bit less direct. Try some misdirection, some ploy to make me spill my guts. Alas, I will tell you nothing."

Celestia sighed. "I assure you changeling, I'm the pony you want to...'spill your guts'...to. You don't want me to summon my sister."

"Heh. Your sister? Well...birds of a feather. I suppose she's some sort of pink whimsical airhead like yourself."

Rainbow Dash had to stop herself from punching the glass.

Celestia allowed herself a moment of laughter. "Oh, if you wish to believe that." She sighed. "Your armies location?"

Twilight arched an eyebrow. The Princess didn't even seem to be trying. She looked almost lethargic, staring aimlessly in the changeling's general direction.

"I respectfully refuse." The changeling replied.

"This really isn't going anywhere is it?" Celestia asked.

The changeling shook his head and mouthed the word "No."

Celestia shrugged. "Very well. I guess I'll take my leave. Leave you in much more...capable hooves."

The changeling snorted. "Are there any hooves more capable than your own, my princess?"

Celestia pushed open the door. "In matters like these, a few names come to mind. Luna?"

She continued, closing the door behind her. From out of the shadows of the dark room, a great, navy blue coated alicorn appeared. Her blue, starry mane danced in the obstructed light of the chamber.

The changeling took another sip of his apple cider. "Theatrical."

"Our name is Princess Luna. We will be your interrogator this evening."

The changeling smiled. "We? Oh boy, another freak."

Luna slapped the mug of apple cider to the floor. The changeling jumped, but quickly regained his composure.

"I was drinking that."

Luna turned away from him for a moment. "Are you aware of the phrase, 'don't kill the messenger'?"

She stretched out her front legs. "We respectfully disagree." She turned and grabbed the table, then with great strength, hurled it across the room, sending it splintering against the wall.

The changeling appeared frightened.

Luna hissed. "Now WHERE ARE YOUR SOLDIERS?"

The changeling backed off. Luna kicked the chair out from underneath him. He fell to the ground.

"I'm not telling you anything." He said halfheartedly.

"Oh?" The Princess extended her wings and unleashed a demon from her body. A shade of that demon that had corrupted her all those thousands of years ago. That pure, untamed rage. Adding the royal canterlot voice to all that made her quite intimidating.
"WE WILL ASK ONE MORE TIME! WHERE ARE YOUR SOLDIERS?"

The changeling refused to answer. Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves. That daring smirk appeared on her face. "I got an idea. Enough good cop bad cop."

She slammed the door open and zoomed into the room.

"Geeze, cut it out Nightmare!" She shouted.

Luna released the changeling and turned to her. "What did you call me?"

"I called you Nightmare, you sick freak." Rainbow said, winking. "You sound like you'll turn any second. I'm taking over this interrogation before you go all psycho."

Luna grimaced at the nerve of the pegasus. She was enraged. A vein popped in her head.

"You little welp. Thou shalt be banished to thy moon for this!"

"Thou shalt be banished to thy moon for this." Rainbow mimicked snottily. "Do you ever listen to yourself. NOPONY TALKS LIKE THAT ANYMORE!"

Luna stared at the changeling. "We are in the middle of an interrogation. And you are trying to pick a fight? Because we promise, we could annihilate you rather easily."

Rainbow responded with a shove. "Come on Nightmare Moon. Take me."

The changeling was looking from one to the other, his fear level starting to rise. The ferocity at which they argued had him suddenly fearing for his life.

"You dare challenge me, you pathetic underachiever?" Luna snapped. She had dropped the royal 'we' in her anger.

"Undera...what? Don't call me things I don't know the meaning of!" Rainbow shouted, playing dumb.

"It means you're a...a bum." Luna said coldly. "A useless bum."

Rainbow Dash jabbed her hoof in Luna's chest. "You take that back. Or it's gonna get REAL ugly in here."

That, along with her earlier shove, seemed to infuriate Luna even more.

"Alright you talentless rainbow colored fool, let's have it out!" Luna shoved Rainbow back. Luna's strength nearly knocked Rainbow over. She had to use all her muscle to stay on four hooves. She was ready to retaliate.

She threw a punch this time. It was turning into an all out brawl.

Luna had the upper hoof, of course. Avoiding her blows, she pinned Rainbow to the ground in one swift motion. "It's straight to the moon with you!"

"Oh yeah, I'M going to the moon, right. Not the psycho who wants to bring about eternal night." Rainbow snarled.

"I will not be insulted in such a way by a mere peasant!" Luna shouted.

"Who you callin peasant..."

The changeling managed a nervous laugh. The two suddenly froze. They slowly turned to look at him, almost perfectly synchronized.

"What?" Luna demanded.

"You got something to say?" Rainbow added.

Suddenly the changeling realized he was trapped. He had just witnessed a ruse. An act. A double team. The alicorn and the pegasus got up off the floor.

Luna grabbed him and pinned him up against the wall. Rainbow Dash hovered up to him.

"Where's your army?" Rainbow Dash demanded. "Hurry up, I'm just a teensy bit pissed right now." Her face was a model of intimidation.

"I will not tell you." The changeling snarled.

"Alright. New question. Which of us would you rather be left alone in a room with? Me or Nightmare over here?" There was a mad glint in Rainbow's eyes, adding to the terrifying look of the pegasus.

Luna growled. Her eyes began to glow again. That demonic rage began bubbling to the surface again.

The changeling was shaking from fear. "Um...uh..."

"Wrong answer!" Luna shouted. Her horn began to glow with a terrible power. She pointed it at the changeling's head.

"OKAY! THEY'RE IN THE EVERFREE FOREST! LAST I HEARD THEY WERE IN FORMATION OUTSIDE OF BALTIMARE!"

Luna's horn stopped glowing. She gently put down the changeling. She turned and stormed out of the room. Rainbow stomped off after her.

As soon as the door was closed, they began giggling.

"That was quite exhilarating Rainbow Dash." Luna said happily. "I've never really felt so...so..."

"Awesome?" Rainbow finished, grinning.

"Yes. Awesome."

Rainbow frowned. "Talentless Rainbow colored fool? That hurt a bit Princess."

"Ah yes. But your accusation that I was Nightmare Moon was of course, just horseplay."

They glared at each other for a moment. The six, plus Celestia stared, wondering if a real fight was about to break out.

Rainbow reached out and poked Luna on the noggin playfully. Luna giggled. Crisis averted.

"Great job Princess!" Twilight said. "Now we can stop the invasion can't we um...other princess?"

Celestia nodded. "I certainly hope so. We must pray the information is up to date. Return to your homes my little ponies. But stay vigilant. The changelings may still reach your town before the appropriate measures can be taken."

She turned to her sister. "I thought we were doing good cop, bad cop?"

Luna shrugged. "Rainbow Dash suggested bad cop, worse cop as a preferable alternative."

Celestia looked back at the terrified changeling. She patted her sister on the back, still chuckling.

"Nice work you two."

The train ride back was uneventful. Rainbow Dash sat around, fidgeting with her powerful necklace. The others had finally fallen asleep.

But she could not. For the first time in her life, the pegasus could NOT sleep.

And the cause was unknown to her. Perhaps it was the fear of an oncoming invasion. No. Not fear.

Excitement. A chance to kick flank. Rainbow was in the best shape of her life. Training with the Wonderbolts had made that possible. She was in her prime.

But even this did not fully ring true. Now she knew. It was uncertainty.

The future could hold many things. Nopony could know. And this would keep Rainbow Dash awake.

But for the moment, she took solace in the image of her friends sleeping. They had been so supportive of her since the Discord incident. They deserved rest. Perhaps she did not.

She also thought of Luna. She had developed a special relationship with Luna of late. The alicorn had taken the emotionally erratic Rainbow Dash under her wing, in similar fashion to what Celestia had done with Twilight Sparkle.

Rainbow Dash remembered the old days. All those years ago. The day they were first united with the elements.

They used it to 'free' Luna from Nightmare Moon. But freeing her did not bring her solace. If anything, it simply forced her to be exposed to the hatred and fear common ponies had for her. She was healed. Rainbow Dash was certain of it.

But even today, years later, Equestria as a whole had trouble accepting that. And she could see it eating at Luna. Luna was like Scootaloo in that regard. All she wanted was to be loved.

"Great." Rainbow said aloud. "More things to keep me awake."

By the time she got home, it was four in the morning. Only a few hours before Princess Celestia raised the sun. Rainbow Dash sheepishly approached her Cloud home.

It had been a long day. Followed by a long night. And sleep was now necessary.

She opened the door, yawning. She floated down the hallway. As she did, her ears perked up.

A sound. Weak. Distant. Snoring?

She put her ear up to her bedroom door. Nothing. She looked instead at the guest room door.

Scootaloo's room.

She slowly opened the door. There she was, resting comfortably on her old bed.

Rainbow Dash felt a warm feeling in her heart. It had been so long. Their last sleepover had been over a year ago. But with the curfew in place, Scootaloo had to get indoors. And she had chosen this home, above any other, to stay in.

Rainbow slowly trotted up to her and rubbed her mane. "Love you squirt. Don't ever forget that."

Scootaloo remained asleep. Rainbow Dash sighed. "Time to try and catch some z's."

She stumbled off towards her room.

Queen Chrysalis drew herself up to full height. She was perched on a hill overlooking the quiet town of Ponyville.

"So peaceful. So much love to consume, and so little time. Contact the river brigade."

"Already done my queen." The soldier said.

"Well done Shadow. You have once again proven your loyalty. In one hour, we will destroy this town. And I will take my revenge on that purple unicorn that disgraced me so."

"As you wish, my queen." Shadow replied.

Changelings

Chapter 4: Changelings

Rainbow lay in her bed. Her eyes wide open. Sleep was impossible. Even in her fatigued state, Rainbow Dash could not force herself to go to sleep. The morning sun was hidden now, behind rain clouds.

She groaned. She was still part time weather manager for Ponyville. Which meant she had to clear the rain and the clouds from the sky on the weekends. It was Saturday.

Celestia would be disappointed with her work being covered up. Rainbow had to go and clear up the skies.

But she couldn't. She forced her eyes shut. Sleep. Sleep was necessary.

There was a door slamming next to her. Her ears went back. She grimaced in frustration.

Sleep was impossible.

Scootaloo pushed open the door to Rainbow's room and looked in. Rainbow cracked an eyelid, watching her, ignoring her for the sake of attempted sleep.

Scootaloo dove down and began crawling across the floor. She was a ninja sometimes. If Rainbow Dash hadn't been watching the whole time, she might have actually had a chance.

"Banzai!" She shouted, jumping up in the air. Rainbow rolled off the bed. Scootaloo came crashing down on what would have been her chest. Instead she looked around, confused.

Rainbow grabbed her from behind and dragged her to the floor. They wrestled their for a moment, before getting to their hooves.

"Gosh Scoots, what is it with you? You are such an infant!"

"Am not!" Scootaloo insisted. "I just figured it was time for you to wake up."

Rainbow rubbed her sleep deprived eyes. "Yeah. Wake up. Hey. Hold on a second. Who said you could crash here tonight?"

Scootaloo paused. She hadn't considered that it might have been wrong staying at Rainbow's without asking.

"Well...nopony did." She looked at Rainbow Dash and bit her hoof. "Sorry..."

Rainbow Dash smirked. "What are you apologizing for? You can crash here anytime you want!" She patted Scootaloo's mane roughly. "Just don't go waking big sis, okay?"

"No promises." Scootaloo said, grinning. Rainbow sighed. Scootaloo did love disobeying her hero. For laughs.

"Come here squirt." She commanded. Scootaloo sat up on the bed next to her. Rainbow pulled her in close.

"What in Equestria am I gonna do with you?"

Scootaloo shrugged. "Get me a job with the Wonderbolts."

Rainbow chuckled. "Nu uh kid. You're gonna have to earn that one the same way I did."

Scootaloo arched an eyebrow. "By sleeping eighteen hours a day?"

Suddenly , an alarm cut through the peaceful silence of morning. A loud alarm. Coming from outside.

Rainbow clapped her hooves over her ears and rolled off the bed.

"Wha...?" She looked out to see ponies scrambling through the streets of Ponyville.

"Changelings." She muttered. She picked up the element of loyalty and placed it around her neck.

"What's going on?" Scootaloo asked, an ounce of panic in her voice.

"Changelings. They're here." Rainbow replied. "Ponyville. Not Baltimare. That changeling lied to us."

Scootaloo smirked. "Alright. I'm ready. Let's kick some flank..."

"You're staying here." Rainbow interrupted. "Can't risk you getting in a fight."

Scootaloo's mouth gaped, amazed at this injustice. "What? Rainbow, are you serious? I'm not a filly anymore! I can fight!"

Rainbow shook her head. "I'm not risking you."

"But Rainbow Dash..."

"No buts. You're right. You're not a filly anymore. But you're still my kid sister. What kind of sister would I be if I let you go? What if you get hurt?"

Scootaloo was speechless.

Rainbow stumbled towards her bedroom door.

"Rainbow? How long has it been since you slept?"

Rainbow's ears perked up. Such a grown up question from a 13 year old mare.

"Uh...a couple...hours."

"Uh huh. Because you look like you're about to pass out. I'm going with you."

Rainbow whipped around. "No! You're not squirt!"

"Rainbow, you're not thinking straight! You look really tired. You need somepony watching your back."

Rainbow shook her head. "You'll just slow me down." She realized almost immediately she had misspoke.

Scootaloo looked mad. Rainbow grimaced. "I didn't mean it like that. I mean...I have enough energy to watch my own back. I don't have enough to watch yours too."

Scootaloo looked dejected. "Rainbow, please. You need somepony watching your back. You're not invincible."

She took a deep breath. Scootaloo had a point. "Alright. You can come. But you stick to me okay? If I do something, you follow, understood?"

Scootaloo nodded.

"You promise?"

"I promise, Rainbow Dash."

The ponies met up at Sugar Cube Corner.

"The invasion has already started. Everypony got their elements?" Twilight asked, placing the element of magic on her head.

Thunderspark touched down. "Celestia ordered me to provide backup. She's on her way. So is Princess Luna. They'll be about thirty minutes."

Rainbow Dash yawned. Applejack arched an eyebrow. "Somepony looks a bit tired."

Rainbow shook her head. "No I'm fine."

"Maybe you oughta sit this one out?" Applejack asked.

"Are you kidding? Who will provide air support if I'm not up there?"

Thunderspark raised his hoof. Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Alright. I wasn't specific enough. Who here with over fifty wingpower will provide air support?" She was very proud of this fact.

Thunderspark shrugged. "She's got a point."

"Of course I do." Rainbow Dash said smirking. "Any more questions?"

"Rainbow, for your own good, go home." Applejack said.

"What? And hide under my bed, praying the changelings don't find me? No thanks AJ."

The changeling known as Shadow scouted out the outer landscape of the town. A frontal attack would come. Just as soon as Shadow cleared it.

He looked around at the town. So quaint. So peaceful. It brought a bit of sadness to his heart, thinking of what this town would look like tomorrow.

They would feast on the love and happiness that filled this town. Then Cloudsdale. Then Fillydelphia. Then Canterlot. Equestria would fall.

But it all started with him. The fate of his people lay in his black, scaly hooves.

There was a whistling sound behind him. He turned. Nothing. He frowned.

"Freaky town."

Another whistling sound. The tree next to him exploded. He put up his hooves to shield the incoming debris. The tree tilted to the side, and fell. The Changeling let out a cry as he tried to get out of the way. Too late.

It came down on his neck. He buckled under it's weight. His throat. It was being crushed.

He desperately forced air through his lungs, finding it very difficult to breathe.

Fooled. Somehow. He was as good as dead now. The queen did not have any qualms about leaving soldiers behind. And if he couldn't signal, this invasion would never happen.

And even now, he could feel his breathing becoming more and more shallow.

He made peace with the gods above as he awaited his slow, painful death.

Suddenly there was another whistling. A flash. Then a rainbow colored pegasus landed in front of him. A smaller, orange pegasus landed at her side.

"Is it...dead?" Scootaloo asked, concerned.

"Not yet." Rainbow replied. She leaned down and looked into the Changeling's eyes.

"Can you talk?"

The changeling could, but it would not.

"You're in a bit of a rough spot here buddy." Rainbow Dash said. "It would be a lot easier if you talked."

"Leave pony scum. I am now ready to die." Shadow hissed.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. "That's a lie. Nopony gets 'ready' to die. It just happens. You don't want to die. You know it."

The changeling hissed. "Go away pony. I am not worth your time. Allow me to die alone."

Rainbow shuddered. "Now I know nopony, not even a changeling, wants to die alone. You're just grumpy cause I dropped a tree on you."

"I'm done speaking. Goodbye ponies." Shadow said.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Alright. Do you want me to save you or not?"

The changeling spoke no further words. Rainbow could see that this might not be entirely his choice. His larynx was being crushed.

"Alright, Scoots help me lift this tree." Rainbow commanded. They lifted up the branches. Rainbow felt her energy being sapped from her rapidly as she lifted the tree over her head and threw it away.

The changeling got to his hooves. He took some deep breaths. He felt his throat for damage. Then he looked up at Rainbow Dash.

"Thank..."

Before he could finish, there was an explosion. Fire shot up into the sky, causing smoke to block out any remnants of the sun. The changelings had grown tired of waiting for a signal.

Rainbow turned around. The changeling had fled. The other six galloped up to her.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing. Just some unappreciated help." Rainbow said grimly.

"Well forget about that. We gotta move." Thunderspark warned. "We still got twenty minutes before the princesses arrive. The changelings look to be approaching on the side closest to Sweet Apple Acres."

Rarity frowned. "Why would they do that? Couldn't they simply bypass that and take the main street right in?"

"They must be expecting a fight." Thunderspark reasoned. "Well, let's give em one!"

They charged in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight looked over at Applejack.

"Are you okay AJ?"

Applejack looked at her and said nothing. Her eyes answered the question. She was worried. Very worried.

Granny Smith. Big Macintosh. Apple Bloom. They all still lived on Sweet Apple Acres.

"We need to cross the river." Twilight said. "So uh...everypony grab yourself a pegasus."

The pegasi looked around, startled as the other ponies jumped on their back.

They lifted off and slowly crossed over the river. Rainbow was carrying Applejack. More energy expended.

She touched down on the other side. The others touched down around her.

"Alright let's move..." Rainbow trailed off. Fluttershy remained on the other side. She was frozen in place.

"Let me handle this." Rainbow said. Twilight turned to leave.

"What's going on over there Fluttershy?" Rainbow shouted over the wide river.

"I-I saw something in the water." Fluttershy said shakily.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "C'mon Fluttershy suck it up! We don't have time for this!"

Fluttershy shook her head. "You don't need me. I'll just slow you down."

"Yes we do!" Rainbow shouted angrily. "We need you and your element! Without kindness, the changelings will win!"

Fluttershy shook her head. "But there are changelings in there." She pointed towards the river.

Rainbow could not believe it. The cowardice of her friend was borderline insane. She facehoofed. "Fluttershy, I promise you, there are no changelings in the water."

Fluttershy was still shaking. "I don't know..."

Rainbow stomped her hoof on the ground in frustration. "Look, Fluttershy! Enough! This is war! We don't have time for these foal fears!"

Fluttershy grimaced. She hated being yelled at. "Okay." It was barely a whisper.

She stretched her wings and began flying over the waters. She was moving at a snails pace, nervously looking down.

"C'mon Fluttershy!" Rainbow shouted angrily. "You're slowing us down."

She regretted these harsh words almost immediately. A moment later, a black hoof reached up from the water and grabbed Fluttershy's long tail.

Fluttershy screamed. More hoofs now. They grabbed onto her wings and legs.

Then they pulled her under.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash felt a wave of panic rush through her. Changelings. In the water. She had been right.

She swiftly dove in after her. Scootaloo, not wanting to disobey her standing orders , followed suit.

Applejack squinted, looking at the water, trying to catch a view of the creatures underneath it.

"Twi? Hold my hat." She handed it off, removed her element, then dove in after them.

Rainbow Dash looked around. Visibility was horrible. The water was cloudy. Not to mention freezing. But she could see the outline of her friend, sinking into the depths. She dove down towards her. The pressure increased on her ear. She came to a delayed realization.

She hated water. Pretty much everything about it. In rain clouds it was fine. But to be inside a body of water was something completely different.

And she was nowhere near as good underwater as she was in the air. Her wings flapped uselessly, giving her only minor propulsion.

She reached out a hoof. Fluttershy looked terrified. The changelings were pulling her deeper and deeper. Rainbow grabbed onto her hoof tightly.

She refused to let go. The changelings surrounded her now.

She hadn't thought this out well. She hadn't even taken a full breath. Her lungs were already straining for air.

Then there was an orange flash. Scootaloo. She punched and kicked ferociously at the changelings. Applejack appeared as well. A strong swimmer. She began bucking away at the changeling horde. Rainbow Dash pulled hard, tearing Fluttershy from the grasp of the demonic creatures.

She lifted Fluttershy to the surface. Scootaloo and Applejack were right behind her.

They breached the river surface. They flopped down on the shore, panting heavily.

"Rainbow Dash? T-Thank you..." Fluttershy panted.

Rainbow Dash trotted up to her. Fluttershy's eyes widened. Was Rainbow mad at her? Was she going to be punished in some way for making them lose so much time?

Rainbow spread her forehooves and gave the panting pegasus a tight hug. "I'm sorry Fluttershy. I should've listened to you. I was...being a real jerk just now."

Fluttershy waved her hoof. "It's okay. You're just tired is all."

Rainbow shook her head. "Not tired. Not one bit." An obvious lie.

Scootaloo groaned, coughing up water. "Could we not do that again?"

Rainbow sighed. "Kids. No stamina at all."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Rainbow! Where's your element?"

Rainbow Dash felt her neck and gasped. The element of loyalty. It was gone.

She looked down at the water. Her heart sank.

"BUCK!" She shouted. "Alright. No reason to panic everypony. I got this."

Before anypony could say a word, she had jumped right back into the river.

Of course, it only took about ten seconds for her to realize the gravity of her mistake.

The changelings were everywhere. They were not happy with being beaten the first time. This time, they were determined to keep anypony from getting out of the water alive.

They grinned fiendishly as they saw her.

She raised her hooves, and began hammering away at them. She knocked a couple out and charged downward, deeper into the water.

The element. It had to be down here somewhere. But all she could see was darkness. She could also feel the pressure on her lungs building. No point thinking about the return trip. Not yet. Not until the element was back in her possession. She continued steadily letting oxygen out of her nose.

There. A red flash. A faint red flash. She head butted a pesky changeling, then continued sinking.

She realized with a slight shock that she had reached the river bottom. She grabbed onto the element and looked up.

The surface was so far away. Well out of her range. Her lungs cried out for air. The panic began to take over.

Her heart felt like it was going to burst through her chest. Any attempts to contain her fear were futile now. She let out a cry. Bubbles floated up from around her mouth. Precious oxygen.

If the changelings couldn't kill her, she'd simply drown. And that was starting to look like what would happen.

No way for a pegasus to die.

She felt herself grown faint. An illogical thought entered her head. Why not just get it over with? She hadn't the energy to swim to the surface. Much less fight off all the changelings blocking her path. She opened her mouth and let the water flood into her lungs.

She felt a forehoove reach around her waist. She was lifted upwards.

Thunderspark crashed to the surface, Rainbow Dash firmly in his grip.

He took a deep breath, then shoved down on Rainbow's stomach. A geyser of water shot up out of her mouth.

She coughed and opened her eyes. She was tightly grasping the element.

"Thanks sparky." She said, hoof bumping the black pegasus.

"What is wrong with you RD? That was one of the stupidest things I've ever seen you do!" Thunderspark shouted. "I could've gone in there and gotten it! You're messed up enough as it is!"

"Alright. That's enough." Twilight said. She recognized the look of Dash's face. A similar one Applejack had had during Applebuck season. That look of pure exhaustion. "You're going home. You don't have any energy left dashie. You can't."

Rainbow shook her off. "No. I'm fine. Just...give me a second here."

Twilight lifted her to her hooves. "Rainbow. You've done well today. Really well. Go home. We can handle this. Give the element to Thunder."

Rainbow shook her head. "No. This is my fight as much as yours. I have to help you win it."

"Rainbow, you'll just slow us down..."

Rainbow stomped her hoof. Just the idea of HER slowing down the others was enough to make her throw a fit. But she knew not to get to angry at the understandably stressed unicorn.

"I can do this Twilight. Trust me."

Before anypony could protest, she was off and flying over Ponyville.

The remaining seven wandered the streets of their home. It was quiet. Not even birds chirping. Not even the light crinkling of leaves falling to the ground.

"It's happening now." Twilight said.

Suddenly all hell broke loose.

Changelings roared as they flew in, bombarding the town. They began changing shape, confusing the ponies.

They did not advance on the ground. They came from the sky. The ponies had not expected this.

"GET DOWN!" Applejack shouted. The changelings zipped over their heads. They were speedy little things. They could outrun most pegasi.

"I thought you said they were heading for Sweet Apple Acres!" Rarity shouted.

"I guess there not as good at tactics as I thought." Thunderspark replied. "They're just attacking head on. Gutsy."

Scootaloo searched the skies desperately for Rainbow Dash. The cyan blue pegasus had been absorbed in the crowded sky above the town.

Queen Chrysalis watched proudly from atop a cloud as her army charged the town. She cared not for devouring their love. Not today. Today was about revenge.

Twilight Sparkle. She had foiled her plans. She had ruined her 'wedding.' And now she would pay.

Scootaloo continued desperately searching for Rainbow Dash. She finally spotted her. Then her mouth gaped.

There were five of her. They were on a downward flight path, right towards the clueless teenager.

"Oh Celestia. Wha...?"

The other six were crouched down behind barrels and debris. Fluttershy noticed the youngling standing there, her hoof pointed at the oncoming Dash's.

"Scootaloo! Come here!"

But Scootaloo did not hear her. She was fixated on the multiple rainbow colored pegasi.

Rainbow Dash looked at the four around her, doing her best to blend in with the changelings. They seemed perfectly synchronized. Each one had their own slight unique quirks. Rainbow Dash was relieved. She didn't have to be perfect.

They were on an attack pattern. That much was sure. She looked down to see what it was they were attacking.

And there she was. Scootaloo. Staring at the approaching shape-shifters.

"What are you doing squirt?" Rainbow muttered. The four changelings around her turned. They growled, recognizing the genuine pegasus. Rainbow managed an innocent smile.

Then she punched the wings out from over the nearest changeling. It yelped, then headed for the ground. Rainbow quickly jumped onto the back of the other, and hurled it at the third, sending them both plummeting to the earth.

The final copy was a fighter. It grabbed a hold of her and began biting and kicking furiously. They tumbled together in the air. Rainbow Dash tried to block every vicious blow the creature threw at her. She looked down. Their altitude was falling.

She head butted the changeling. Then she grabbed it's wings and flipped it over. A cushion. The changeling looked down moments before hitting the ground.

She felt a bone break in it as it made contact. She shuddered.

The pegasus took a deep breath as she got off. The changeling groaned in pain. She patted it on the head. "Tough break champ."

Her friends were already assembled in front of Carousel Boutique. Rainbow Dash galloped up to them. "How much time?"

"They'll be here in less than ten minutes." Thunderspark said. "Hang tight until then."

Rainbow shook her head. "We'll be overrun in less than ten minutes. The queen is up on that cloud. I'm taking her down."

"No Dash. We have to wait for reinforcements." Thunderspark said, bucking away an approaching changeling.

"I can beat that cheese legged loser." Rainbow said defiantly.

Twilight grabbed a hold of her wing. "Dash, she could break you. She's an alicorn. She's much stronger, much nimbler, and probably has slept a lot more than you. Stay here."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Look, somepony needs to buy the princesses some more time. And I'm the best fighter here. Be back soon."

"Rainbow no!" Applejack shouted. She dove to get a grip on Rainbow's tail. She came up just short. Rainbow had already taken flight. She zoomed up towards the queen's cloud.

Applejack slammed her hooves on the grass in frustration. She looked up at the cloud "Oh RD, you darn foal!"

Rainbow Dash skidded to a stop on the surface of the cloud. She found herself face to face with the changeling commander.

Chrysalis stifled a laugh. "Wow. Theatrical."

The Proud Fall

Chapter 5: The Proud Fall

"So are we gonna do this the hard way, or are you just gonna fly back home?" Rainbow asked.

Chrysalis frowned. "Do I know you?"

Rainbow's ears went back. "Yeah! The wedding? The royal wedding? I was the rainbow one."

The giant changeling shook her head. "Nope. Don't remember you."

Rainbow shrugged. "Your memory must not be too good."

"My memory is limitless my pegasus friend. You must just not be very memorable."

Rainbow let out a low growl. "Oh you'll remember me cheese legs. I'm a force of nature."

"Very well mortal. Fight me. But do so at your own risk."

Rainbow Dash felt a wave of fatigue rush over her. The flight up to the cloud had drained even more from her. She couldn't help herself. She slumped over.

She realized what a bad impression she was making. Here she was, trying to be her usual intimidating self, and she couldn't even catch her breath.

"Um...are you okay?" Chrysalis asked, stifling a laugh.

Rainbow laughed like the fool she was. "I just...I need a second."

"My fight is not with you foolish peasant. My fight is with Twilight Sparkle. She will die at my hoof. Your blood need not be spilled."

Rainbow looked up at her, the motive for the attack becoming clear.

Twilight. She had foiled the plan in Canterlot. Of course, she wanted retribution. The invasion was just a front.

"Twilight's a friend. In order to get to her, you're gonna have to get through me." Rainbow snarled, forcing energy she didn't have into her aching muscles.

The changeling queen smiled. "Oh. Are you the only one?"

"I'm the best in Equestria. Nopony else needed. Get ready to feel the pain." Rainbow lunged at the queen.

The changeling known as Shadow continued darting through the streets. He could not recognize his changeling brethren. All were disguised as ponies now.

He could not shake the image of the pegasus from his mind.

She had been beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen. A shame she was the enemy. She had to die for his nation's dreams to live. The queen demanded it.

She demanded the deaths of all these innocent, but it was not his job to judge. His job was to follow orders.

Thunderspark and the other six were barricaded in Carousel Boutique. He smirked. The Changelings were a much smaller force than he envisioned. The ponies were winning the battle on the ground. The changelings had even started to retreat. As for the queen, he could not tell. They were pinned in the fashion headquarters.

"Thunderspark! Is there any way out?" Twilight asked.

Thunderspark looked out the window. The changelings had surrounded the building.

"Nope. There's a build up of changelings around the boutique. They won't last much longer. Hopefully." He looked up at the sky. "And the elements are less than useless at this point. I hope Rainbow Dash doesn't need any help."

Cloud. It was soft and fluffy. A perfect texture for a bed, or recliner. Extremely comfortable.

But as for the taste? Not so good. Like lint with a bitter aftertaste.

Rainbow Dash was tasting cloud. She lifted up her head. Another hole-filled leg stomped down on her.

She grunted. "I'm a...force of nature."

The queen was amused. She sat back and watched the pegasus get up.

"You're not a force of nature. You're a slow, stupid, uncoordinated little foal!"

Rainbow got up on her hooves. "I'll make you eat those words." She charged. Her hooves flailed at the queen. Chrysalis was right.

She was slow. She was uncoordinated. She was tired.

She didn't have the energy for this. This was like her last fight all over again.

Her last real fight had also been against a changeling. This changeling had used intimate knowledge of her inner mind to beat her. She'd actually killed her, though a mystical force had somehow brought her back.

This fight was worse. Rainbow couldn't land a hoof. Chrysalis was too quick. Rainbow was too sluggish.

She swung at the queen. She was starting to see in double vision.

Chrysalis sidestepped, then slammed her head into the cloud again. She kicked her in the stomach, nearly causing the pegasus to upchuck her dinner from the night before.

Rainbow sat on the cloud, trying to get her head on straight. She felt something dripping from her mouth. She touched it with her hoof. Blood. This had been a bad idea. But Rainbow Dash was never one to run away.

So she got up and began throwing punches. Chrysalis swung around and kicked her in the side of the head.

Her world was a swirl of colors now. The queen seemed to be repeatedly swimming across her field of vision. She took a few, pointless swipes. Then she fell down again.

"I lied before. When I said I hadn't heard of you. Everypony in Equestria and beyond has heard of the great Rainbow Dash. And this? This is what all the fuss was about? Talk about a letdown."

As she tried to get up, Chrysalis stomped down on her wing. She heard a crunch. She yelled as loud as she could, the pain shooting through her body.

"You...come here you b-"

She swung her hooves again. The queen was already several moves ahead. She kicked her in the nose. Blood poured from her muzzle.

"Is this all? Do you have anything else to show me?" She asked, tauntingly.

Rainbow Dash wiped the blood from her face. "I...am not losing...Not now, not ever."

She got up and charged. Her head hit Chrysalis in the midsection. She was knocked backwards. But this was not a strategic move. It was a move of desperation.

Chrysalis smacked her hoof down on the head of the pegasus.

Rainbow's world seemed to slow down. She was dizzy. She could feel herself collapsing. Everything became dark.

Chrysalis smiled. "Pathetic. Just pathetic."

She grabbed the barely conscious pegasi's tail. She dragged her to the edge of the cloud. Then she lifted her up in her hooves.

Thunderspark bucked, sending the last changeling flying. He grinned in satisfaction. The ground attack had failed. And Ponyville had suffered little damage.

There came a laughter from above. He froze in place.

It was a horrible, twisted laughter.

"No. C'mon Celestia, get here!" Thunderspark murmured.

Scootaloo galloped up to him. "What happened?"

Thunderspark raised a shaking hoof to the sky.

Chrysalis came into view now. She hoisted the bleeding, limp Rainbow Dash over her head.

"Is this the best you have Equestria? Is this the famous Rainbow Dash?" She paused to laugh. "What can be said of a nation that rely's on the protection of such a weak creature?"

The others looked in shock. Rainbow Dash was perfectly still. A few spasms, but no consciousness.

Twilight spoke up, a tear streaking down her muzzle. "CHRYSALIS!" She shouted at the top of her lungs.

Chrysalis looked down, trying to make out the ponies beneath her.

"CHRYSALIS! LET HER GO! YOU'RE HERE FOR ME!"

Chrysalis's eyes widened with recognition. She grinned a devious grin. "Ah Twilight Sparkle! Long time no see! Very well! I shall let her go!"

Without hesitation she reared back and hurled Rainbow Dash towards the ground.

The pegasus came to consciousness in the air. She could see only the sky passing her by. She let out a slight moan as she felt the wind tearing at her blood soaked coat.

All that pride. All that confidence. All that skill. Useless. Absolutely useless. Fate waited beneath her, ready to claim her soul and take it to the afterlife. She wondered whether her parents would be waiting for her.

Then it came. She hit the hard ground. Her whole body jolted. She felt a horrible crunch in her back. Then she felt nothing. A horrible numbness. Her eyelids flickered, then closed.

"You're next Twilight Sparkle!" Chrysalis shouted. She extended her fly-like wings.

There was a flash. Then a loud flapping. Royalty had arrived.

The two princesses came tearing towards the cloud.

"You'll leave now Chrysalis." Celestia growled.

Chrysalis scowled. Her horn fired a green blast at the Princess. She countered with a blue one. They exchanged fire.

Luna charged. She brought up her hoof and landed it squarely on Chrysalis's jaw. The queen was driven back. The sisters continued firing their horns.

Chrysalis continued backtracking. This had not been part of the plan. She anticipated Celestia being dead. To deal with both princesses was not going to work. A retreat was in order.

"This isn't over yet Equestrians! I will return to claim what is mine!" She shouted.

The changeling knew he was alone now. Shadow. A loyal soldier. That is what Chrysalis had called her. Yet, as he watched her fly away, he knew he had been abandoned. He stomped his hoof on the ground in frustration.

He was still young. And while he had seen many battles, this one had him scared. He was stranded, deep in enemy territory. These ponies would surely kill him, he thought. He would be the lone scapegoat for this attack.

So escape was a necessity.

He ducked around buildings. He had to admit, this town had it's frills. It was a nice little place to live. Very quiet. Very subtle and rustic. But every adorable building was a shelter of hostiles now. He had to be on his toes.

A sound ahead. A slight groaning. He froze. Ponies. He imagined the horrible death they had planned for him, as payback for his invasion.

He looked down on the ground. Blood. Pony blood. Flowing on the grass. He frowned.

Had there been casualties? The fight had seemed pretty one sided in the ponies favor. And ponies rarely killed others in battle, so he had been told. It was when you surrendered that they killed you. From the mouth of the Queen herself.

But as he rounded the corner, he shuddered.

The rainbow pegasus. She lay on the ground, perfectly still.

Blood was seeping from various wounds on her body.

He considered leaving. Getting closer to examine the pegasus would increase his chances of being captured.

But this pony had saved his life. She had spared him a slow, painful death from suffocation.

And now here she lay. Dead. It seemed unfair, even to the warrior changeling.

He gently reached down and felt the ponies chest. He gasped.

Her heart was still beating. Barely. Somehow, this pony had survived. He felt her chest again. It was steadily, slowly rising and falling. She was still breathing.

He listened to her breathing. It was a wheeze. She probably had a collapsed lung.

He backed off and marveled at the tenacity of the pegasus. How in Equestria could she possibly still be hanging on?

He paused a moment, then felt the pegasi's unkempt mane. His species had done this. They must have. He had seen many fallen ponies in battle, but this was different. Such a beautiful creature. Brutalized, beaten near death. Many believed that changelings were monsters, incapable of feeling guilt. Shadow, however, had become wrought with guilt.

He could see an exit. A small alleyway between Sugar Cube Corner and another building. It led right up to the bridge out of town, and on into the Everfree Forest.

A part of him wanted to go. But he looked down at the pegasus. He couldn't leave. He had to stay, and make sure she didn't fade away.

There was a slight hacking sound. She could not open her eyes. But she made motions as though conscious. Barely.

"Do not worry. Help is coming." The changeling said. He eyed some pegasi approaching from the distance.

Whatever amount of consciousness she had, left as they arrived.

"Hey! Back off!"

The changeling obliged. Thunderspark tackled him to the ground.

"Don't move you freak!" He snarled. He turned around. "SHE'S OVER HERE!"

Princess Celestia strode in, followed by the mane six. They all gasped.

"She...she killed her. That evil horrible..." Twilight trailed off. She collapsed next to the body of her friend.

Fluttershy knelt down. "Not again. Please. Not again."

Applejack threw her hat away. "You...you stupid...arrogant...foal!"

Celestia slowly approached the still form of her greatest flyer. She ever so gently lifted the cyan pegasus.

A princess was not supposed to show emotion in front of subjects. But now, she was finding it difficult. A tear ran down her royal muzzle.

She could feel the pegasi's body. She was broken. That was the only word for it. Broken.

Luna watched from a distance. She slowly trotted forward. Rainbow Dash. They had been together, laughing, and putting on a show in the interrogation chamber only hours earlier.

To see her now, still as a corpse, shocked the dark princess. She gently rubbed the immobile pegasi's mane. Sorrow rapidly built up in her chest. She grasped her crown and hurled it to the ground.

The others all turned, surprised at the ferocity of the act. Luna let out an agonized roar, tears streaming down her face. She knew that a princess was not supposed to show emotion. But she could care less at a time like this.

Celestia, who would normally discipline her younger sister for treating her crown in such a way, walked over and lay her wing on the shoulder of the blue alicorn.

"Calm yourself Luna." She said gently. "Put your crown back on. We can't fall apart. Not even now."

Luna shook her head. "No. This is my fault. If I hadn't had so taken so long getting out of bed this morning...we could've arrived so much quicker. And she'd be okay..." She trailed off, her sobs overcoming her.

Celestia held her sister close. In many ways, her sister was not but a child. She needed support now, more than ever.

"She lives." A rough voice muttered.

They all turned. The changeling.

"Who is this changeling dog?" A royal guard demanded.

"She's still alive. I checked her breathing. She has a pulse. If you can get her to a hospital, she may live." The changeling explained.

Celestia gestured to the guards. They dragged the changeling away. He did not resist.

"Get her to a hospital. Now."

The medical technicians brought out a stretcher, and gently lay the pegasi's broken body upon it. As they were strapping her down, her eyes opened.

She began coughing uncontrollably. The six rushed to her side. She was coughing up blood. They shuddered at the sight.

"Oh Rainbow..." Scootaloo said grimacing.

Luna rushed to her side and wiped the blood away from her muzzle. "Rainbow Dash? Hang on kiddo, we're gonna take care of you, okay?"

Rainbow Dash muttered something.

"No. Don't try to talk." Fluttershy said as gently as she could without crying. "Just calm down. It'll all be okay."

Rainbow Dash looked up at her friends who stood around the stretcher. And somehow, as if to calm every one of them down, she managed her trademark smirk.

Moments later she slipped back out of consciousness.

The doctors wheeled the gurney through Ponyville general hospital's crowded corridors.

Many had been injured in the changeling attack. But this was the most severe. And the best doctor in the hospital was quickly at her side.

They placed an oxygen mask over her muzzle, desperate to pump air through her damaged lungs. Now was the most important time. The time when it would become clear whether the pegasus lived or died.

The mane six paced around nervously outside the room while the doctors worked. They were finally allowed in.

The doctor looked up grimly.

"Friends or family?" He asked.

"Family." Twilight replied. "Will she live?"

The doctor took a deep breath. "We had to induce a coma. She just kept wavering in and out of consciousness.Her left lung is collapsed. Her ribcage is shattered. And most importantly her spine, it's..." He paused, clearly looking for a gentle way to put it.

"It's what?" Pinkie Pie asked loudly.

"Well...it's...damaged."

"What do you mean damaged?" Applejack demanded.

"Well...it's broken. She's paralyzed."

The five were rendered speechless. "Well...how could you know that?" Rarity asked. "She's in a coma. She couldn't tell you whether she's paralyzed or not. I mean, if she was awake, she could probably just fly on out of here, right? Wake her up!"

She knew her words made no sense. But it didn't matter. Words had to make this injury go away. Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"Well actually, we can demonstrate." The doctor said a little too proudly.

He pulled out a pin. He poked Rainbow's hoof repeatedly. No reaction.

Fluttershy was tearing up. "Stop it! You're hurting her!"

"No." The doctor said sadly. "I'm not. She feels nothing. Her body is no longer connected with her brain." He sighed. "Her body is a prison."

"Well...can't you fix it?" Twilight asked desperately.

The doctor shook his head. "No. We don't have the medicine. Not for this. In cases of spinal injury, it is likely...the victim..." He took another long pause as he looked at their horrified faces."...Will never fly, or walk for that matter, ever again."

Fallen Heroes

Chapter 6: Fallen Heroes

Applejack cautiously led Scootaloo into the hospital room.

"Now be brave sugar cube. She looks a bit...off."

Scootaloo gasped. There lay her hero. Motionless on the hospital bed. A ventilator over her muzzle, feeding her much needed oxygen. Her eyes were closed.

"D-Dash?" She stammered. "Are you okay? Are you still in there?"

Of course there was no answer. Rainbow was deep in the coma now. Scootaloo felt the sudden seriousness of everything crushing her. She needed to alleviate the pressure.

"Well...she always loved sleeping. She sure can catch up on her beauty sleep now, huh AJ?" She turned, giggling at her tasteless joke. Applejack gave her a concerned look.

Her giggling turned into sobbing. She put her head in her hooves.

"She told me to stay close. She told me not to leave her AJ." Scootaloo stamped her hoof into the floor. "It's my fault..."

"It's not your fault Scoots. It was hers. She chose to fly up there. She chose to take on the queen." She hugged Scootaloo tightly. "Oh please. Forgive her for her mistake. Bring her back to us." She said to nopony in particular.

Thunderspark came into the room next. He breathed heavily. Applejack tried to manage a smile as they passed, but it fell flat.

The last few years being friends with Dash had been pleasant. Of course, he knew it hadn't always been that way.

But watching her lying still here, he was reminded of his colt days. When they attended flight camp together.

He had bullied her so badly. For fun. Just to enjoy her angry, thickheaded reaction. And then when she got her cutie mark, she became so confident in herself. And Sparky just HAD to cut her down to size.

He sighed. "I don't deserve to be your friend RD. I was...so horrible to you. And I know I already apologized. But...that was years ago. You deserve another one."

He leaned down and stroked her mane. "I'm sorry Dashie."

Scootaloo had to excuse herself from the room, the tears taking her out of her comfort zone.

Thunderspark looked down at Rainbow's normally very expressive face. He sighed.

"Dash...I don't like admitting something like this. I've always...wanted to be the go-to pegasus during times like this." He tousled Rainbow's mane. "But I can see now, this is your department."

He looked into the expressionless face of the pegasus. "Dash, if you're in there, we need you. More than we ever thought we would. You and your element...no screw the element. We don't need the element of loyalty. We just need YOU Dash."

There was only a slight twitch in response.

"People always say you...you're so self obsessed. That you're a narcissist. Heck, I've accused you of that a couple times. But you come through when we need you, that's for sure. You're probably the most reliable pony in Ponyville."

He thought a moment, then laughed. "Don't go telling AJ I said that." He looked out in the hallway at Applejack comforting Scootaloo.

Suddenly Rainbow's eyes snapped open. Her pupils dilated madly. She looked up at him with those giant pinks. She could barely speak.

"S-Sparky? W-why...why can't...I move? Why...can't I move sparky?"

Her eyes filled with tears. Applejack and Scootaloo rushed into the room. Scootaloo jumped up next to the bed.

"Rainbow Dash! Stay with me! Please!"

"S..qir..." She muttered as her eyes closed again. Doctors monitoring her life signs came rushing into the room. They quickly attached a breathing tube.

"Alright. Breathe RD, breathe." Applejack commanded.

Her heart rate stabilized. The others looked at each other shocked.

"What did she say?" Applejack asked.

Thunderspark thought it over for a moment. "I think she said...squirt."

Scootaloo smiled cheerfully. "She's still in there."

Thunderspark patted her on the back. "Of course she is kiddo."

Thunderspark went to go find some food in the rather small Ponyville Hospital. Scootaloo tagged along.

"So what do you think?" Scootaloo asked.

Thunderspark frowned. "About what?"

Scootaloo's eyes were pleading. "Is she gonna be okay?"

Thunderspark sighed. "I don't know."

"Well...I mean, c'mon. You've known her forever. Can't you make some kind of...guess?"

Thunderspark looked down at her, breathing heavily. He was feeling angry. "You want me to guess? What, should I flip a coin? Heads she walks again, tails she's a vegetable forever?"

Scootaloo's ears flattened. "I'm just wondering...will she ever fly again?"

"Do I look like a doctor?!" Thunderspark shouted. "I DON'T KNOW!"

"I'm not asking if you know, I'm just asking you to guess!" Scootaloo shouted back.

Thunderspark breathed a panicked breath. "Okay look. I know what you're doing. You want me to give you good news. So you can feel better. To say this is just some other normal injury. It's not. She's never been hurt this bad before! Yeah, she's broken her wing a couple times, but this is different! So stop asking stupid questions that only a four year old would ask!"

Scootaloo sniffled. She paused for a moment, absorbing the gravity of his words. "I know. I know she's never been hurt this bad before."

Thunderspark eased up. "Hey, come on now. I didn't mean to..."

The young pegasus collapsed. Thunderspark reached down to grab her before she hit the floor.

She was sobbing now. She put her head into Thunderspark's shoulder and let the tears flow.

"I want her to come back, so much Sparky." Scootaloo stammered.

Thunderspark nodded. "I know sweetheart. We all want her back. We all gotta be strong now."

Scootaloo looked into his eyes. "Is there any way she could come back? Just...humor me, please."

Thunderspark sighed. "The Rainbow Dash I grew up with, would not let something like this beat her."

Scootaloo nodded. This would have to do. "Thanks sparky."

Thunderspark patted the pegasus on the head. "No problem kiddo. I can wait for food. Let's go check on her."

As they came back in, little had changed. Rainbow lay still, her body rising and falling on the whims of her breathing machine.

Thunderspark had to look away. It was simply too much for him. To see such a great figure, such a hero, bedridden, paralyzed. It was just too much.

He stormed out of the room. He had never been one to handle sorrow. He tended to ignore it. So now, sorrow turned to anger. Anger turned to rage.

Twilight ran up along side him. "What's the hurry Sparky?"

Thunderspark turned to her, the rage flowing from his eyes in the form of tears.

"I'm going to make things right." He snarled. He extended his dagger like wings.

Twilight grabbed onto them. "Hold on! Where are you going?"

"Revenge Twi. Chrysalis went too far. We can't let this pass."

He turned to take off. Twilight grabbed his other wing. "Hold on! Are you serious? That's insane! She'll kill you!"

"Maybe. But she can't be allowed to get away with this." Thunderspark insisted.

"I know how you feel. Okay? Just stay for a second." She released Thunderspark's wings. He folded them back in.

"I know. You're angry. You want to hurt them for what they did. But revenge won't make her walk again. Or fly again. We just have to..."

"Have to what? Just take it? I'm not doing that Twilight. I'm gonna stand up and show her that not all of Equestria is under her hoof. Friendship can only solve so much."

He extended his wings again.

"Thunderspark."

His ears went back. "Yes?"

"If Rainbow Dash couldn't beat her, what makes you think you can?"

Thunderspark turned his head. He opened his mouth to respond. But he could think of nothing to say. He cleared his throat, then took off for the Everfree Forest.

Fluttershy came to visit the hospital later that night. She brought food. Scootaloo was sleeping on the floor next to the bed. She had refused to leave her hero's side.

"Scootaloo, come on, wake up."

Scootaloo's eyes fluttered open. She looked up. Fluttershy had a bag of fruit.

"I thought you might be hungry." Fluttershy explained.

Scootaloo nodded, digging in to long awaited food. She was starving.

Over twenty hours sitting here. Without food. Watching over her big sister.

"Thanks Fluttershy." She turned to Rainbow Dash. "So are you a doctor?"

Fluttershy frowned. "Well...not really. I mean...I'm sort of a doctor for animals. Why?"

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow's steadily breathing form. "What do YOU think her chances are?"

Fluttershy sighed. "She's always been a fighter. Unlike me. So I mean...she could pull through."

Her words were not very encouraging. Scootaloo looked at her sadly.

"I mean...she WILL pull through. Promise." Fluttershy said, managing a smile.

Scootaloo smiled, then yawned. Less than a minute later she was asleep again.

Fluttershy reached deep into her saddlebag. There was one more thing she knew to bring.

"It'll be right here when you get back."

She gently lay the element of loyalty on Rainbow's bedside table. She turned to leave, but paused.

She trotted next to her unconscious friend. Her mind drifted back to that day, almost twenty years ago.

At flight camp.

"Do you remember, Rainbow Dash? All those years ago? Those bullies...they were just so mean. And so persistent. And I couldn't do anything about them. I just couldn't. I felt so helpless. I've never really told anypony but..." She took a deep breath. The pressure of talking to a comatose pegasus was getting to her.

"I did think about ending it all a couple times. Just...jump off a cloud and...fold up my wings and just let gravity take me. I only thought about it a couple times. I wanted to leave. Just fly, far far away, so I'd never have to deal with those mean bullies again. I was so lonely" Her voice cracked a little. "But then you showed up. And you showed me I didn't have to stand alone." She managed a teary smile.

"And you never had to. You could've just kept right on flying. Just minding your own business. But you...you stopped to help me. And you talked down those bullies...and you made me smile again. And you told me it was okay to be afraid. And you told me, if I ever needed help I could come to you. I'll never forget that."

She leaned over and kissed Rainbow on the forehead. "And I'll be right here when you wake up, okay?"

Luna grimaced as sparks flew from her horn. She was exhausted from a day full of work. And now, at midnight, she had finally arrived back at the palace to raise the moon.

She knew the next day would be littered with complaints from astronomers and the nocturnals, about the lateness of the moon's rise.

But she cared not. She turned and stormed off towards her room. The sounds of mighty hooves hitting stone echoed behind her. Celestia.

"Luna? Where are you going?" Celestia asked.

"To bed. Where else would I be going sister?"

"Hold on a moment. We need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about." Luna snapped. She felt a hoof clamp down on her flowing tail. She turned.

"Really?" Such a childish move from the great ruler of Equestria.

Celestia nodded. "Luna, you've been crying."

Luna felt her face. There were tears running down her muzzle. She levitated a handkerchief with her horn and wiped them away.

"No I haven't."

Celestia rolled her eyes. "I understand you're upset. But this is not how to go about..."

"What do you mean? I'm not allowed to shed a royal tear?"

"Luna just hear me out." Celestia said gently. "We are immortals. Both of us. We may very well live forever. And you will watch many, many ponies die. I already have."

Luna arched an eyebrow. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying...just...be careful forming emotional bonds. I know you and Rainbow Dash were very close. I'm just saying...it would be best to keep your distance."

Luna managed a dry chuckle. "With all due respect sister, that's a load of manure."

Celestia frowned. "Elaborate."

"You've always been a bit of a hypocrite Tia. I have only one question to ask you. If that was Twilight Sparkle, broken, and lying on her deathbed, would we be having this conversation?"

Celestia opened her mouth to answer. But all that came out was nonsensical stammering.

Luna smirked. "Wow. My big sister. At a loss for words. Now you understand. I can't keep my distance. She's been nothing less than a little sister to me these past few years. Please...please understand that." Tears came back to her eyes.

Celestia took a deep breath, then nodded. She reached out and gave her little sister a hug. "I understand Luna. I apologize for my...ignorance. We'll do everything in our power to fix her."

Thunderspark zoomed over the treetops, scanning the ground for the Changeling encampment.

They wouldn't have just left. Chrysalis had not gotten her revenge. She wouldn't just pick up and leave. She'd fall back into the forest and reorganize.

Thunderspark was driven, not by rational thought, but by pure, untamed anger.

"C'mon cheese legs. Where are you hiding?"

There was smoke in the air. A fire. Changelings. Their natural environment was very hot. Dry, boiling climate. Equestria was frigid by comparison. They would need a fire to stay comfortable.

Thunderspark zipped down towards the smoke, his eyes riveted in determination upon it.

There they were. Gathered around it, chanting something. Thunderspark shuddered.

These things were insane. Chanting into a fire. He could see the queen now. She was considerably larger than any of her soldiers. She stood close to the fire, fully absorbing it's warmth.

Subtlety was not the objective here. The objective was to send a message. Thunderspark put down his head and crashed into the changelings, creating a domino effect. They were sent crashing to the ground.

Thunderspark jabbed her hoof in the direction of the queen. "You. We have something to settle."

Chrysalis pointed to herself. "Me? Why, what would you want with me?"

The changelings cackled at the queens attempt at innocence.

"You hurt a friend of mine. I'm here to take you down." Thunderspark growled.

Chrysalis got to her hooves. "Are you prepared to die pegasus?"

"Not planning on it." Thunderspark replied.

Chrysalis smirked. "You are arrogant. Like the rainbow one. Such a crippling weakness."

"Her name was...is Rainbow Dash." Thunderspark snarled. "And you're not too humble yourself."

Chrysalis batted her eyes seductively. "Do you wish to kill me pegasus?"

Thunderspark's eyebrows lowered, the rage out in the open now.

"Very much."

Chrysalis chuckled. "Very well. Let's make it quick."

Thunderspark charged. Chrysalis prepared to counter. But sparky was rested. He was quick. He landed a punch on her jaw.

She was knocked back. He punched her again. Now she was serious. She roared in anger and punched him in the face, sending him flying.

He skidded to a stop, inches from the fire. He shuddered. Not a good death.

Chrysalis charged this time. Thunderspark was rammed towards the ground. He could feel his ribs crack. He got up swinging again. This time he landed a hit, a hard punch to the stomach. He followed it with a buck to the ribs.

Chrysalis was knocked back. She was angry. And he had hit her hard.

Thunderspark started towards her. He was prepared for the killing blow.

Suddenly, the changelings charged. They jumped on top of him, their punches and kicks raining down on him. He grimaced as he felt each jarring blow.

It was torture. He tried to stay standing in the cloud of pain. Every kick broke a bone. Every punch formed a bruise. He became grateful when his body numbed itself.

He felt his back legs break. That was all he could take. He collapsed to the ground.

Only now did the changelings stop. They pinned him to the ground.

Chrysalis strode happily over to him. "Is this how you pictured your revenge?"

Thunderspark could barely speak now. Blood streamed from his wounds, and down his muzzle.

"Y-You can't win Chrysalis." He muttered.

"I already have." She hissed. "Your pathetic nation is right where I want it. And my revenge on Twilight is almost complete."

Thunderspark laughed.

"You find something amusing pony?" The great changeling asked.

Thunderspark looked up at her. "I'm imagining your expression...when...you lose."

"I will not lose."

"The elements of harmony will unite again. Not even my death will change that."

Chrysalis frowned. "If I recall correctly, I killed the element of loyalty today. It seems your pathetic elements will be unable to stop me."

The pegasus looked up at her and smirked. "She's not dead yet. She'll be back. The power of friendship will prevail."

"What a lovely sentiment." Chrysalis said, smiling. "Now, I have one final proposition for you. Join me. Be my spy. I can fix you. Return to Equestria and use your ideal place at Celestia's right hoof to tell me vital information. You will be much rewarded once I take power. Or you may die a rather unpleasant death."

Thunderspark responded by closing his eyes.

"I ask that my soul be consigned to Celestia, and that she may transport me safely to the next world, I wish peace upon my friends and family..."

"As you wish." Chrysalis sneered. She angled her jagged horn, then drove it into the pegasi's chest.

Thunderspark's whole body jolted. His eyes widened as he desperately tried to breathe. Blood was flooding his lungs. He watched his life flash before his eyes, his days as a colt, his adventures of five years ago, fighting Discord. Then he stopped twitching and lay still.

Chrysalis removed the horn from his chest, then took a cloth and wiped away the blood.

"We must send them a message. Cut off his tail. Send it to Celestia. Dispose of the rest."

She watched them drag his body away.

"This revenge is a dirty business. Alright everyone, back to work on the weapon."

Changeling Blood

Chapter 7: Changeling Blood

"You must be Rainbow Dash." Twilight said, addressing the scruffy looking, rainbow maned pegasus.

"The one and only." Rainbow declared proudly. "Why? You heard of me?"

"I heard you were supposed to be keeping the skies clear." Twilight snapped. It had been a long day. But this was not the fault of the pegasus. She eased up a bit and smiled. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the princess sent me to check on the weather."

Rainbow flew back up to her private cloud and began to lounge. "Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing."

"Practicing for what?" Twilight asked, arching an eyebrow.

"The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow declared proudly, pointing at a poster on a wall. "They're gonna perform at the celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show em my stuff!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "The Wonderbolts?"

"Yep!"

"The most talented flight team in all of Equestria?"

"That's them." Rainbow confirmed, closing her eyes to enjoy her little moment of relaxation. As if she hadn't been doing it all morning.

"Please. They'd never accept a pegasus who can't keep the sky clear for one measly day!"

Rainbow Dash got up. Twilight had ticked a nerve.

"Hey. I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat." She declared.

"Prove it." Twilight challenged confidently.

Rainbow Dash gave her a look of frustrated determination. Then she blasted off.

She was a blur. Twilight could see clouds being kicked out of the way, the sun's rays intensifying on the Earth. She felt gusts of wind as Rainbow tore past her repeatedly.

"Loop the loop around and wham!" She smacked the last cloud apart. "What'd I say? Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging."

Twilight looked at her in awe. She could not manage words.

This pony may have been a bit thick-skulled. But she was something special.

Twilight slowly opened her eyes. Another dream. She looked around. She was still in the hospital room. She was accompanied only by the steady beep of Rainbow's life support unit, and the soft breathing of Scootaloo, who was sound asleep.

Good girl, Twilight thought. Taking after her surrogate sister. Sleep had always been her favorite activity. Fluttershy was also asleep on the other side of the room.

She thought of her dream. Most dreams tended to fade away as you woke up. But this one stuck. She could remember that youthful optimism. That undying self confidence.

And she knew that THAT was what had gotten her here. In a bed, with tubes pumping necessary fluids into her body, a machine forcing oxygen into her damaged lungs.

And she was still young. Only 27. Far too young to be crippled.

"Oh Dash. You...you really were something special." She said, tears filling her eyes. "And...if you do decide to go...everypony in Equestria will be at your funeral." She sniffled. "And Princess Celestia, and Luna, they'll definitely be there. And Titan, and Sparky, and everypony else will be there too. To honor you. And you'll go someplace nice. You'll get to see your mom and dad again. And...and we'll never, ever forget you."

She reached out and poked the pony's hoof. There was no reaction. Her ears went back.

Her words were agonizing to say. But they had to be empty. Rainbow Dash could not die. It was not possible. That somepony so alive could just die. And she wished now, with all her heart that Rainbow would jump up off this bed, her wings flapping, her eyes filled with that determined fire.

But she lay still. These optimistic thoughts could change nothing. Magic could change nothing. Rainbow was a soul trapped in a ruined body.

The next day, talk had spread of removing Rainbow from life support. The six were, of course, staunchly opposed.

"You can't just let her die!" Applejack shouted. "At least, not without her say so!"

"Well how do you propose we GET her say so? She's a vegetable!" The doctor argued.

"SHE IS NOT A VEGETABLE!" Fluttershy shouted. She clapped her hoof over her mouth. "Sorry. Was that too loud?"

"We must have a say in this!" Rarity said, stomping her hoof. "We're practically family!"

"Yeah, well 'practically' doesn't cut it. I'm sorry. But she's suffering. It will be better if she dies quietly, and peacefully." He looked at all of them. "Preferably surrounded by her friends."

The others looked at each other sorrowfully. The doctor was right. What was the point of Rainbow Dash's continued existence if she just lay there, slowly rotting away?

A door slammed behind them. Two royal guards entered. They brought with them a captive.

The changeling. Shadow. He was shackled, and they roughly dragged him forward. Celestia and Luna landed behind them. The doctors and nurses bowed.

"Return to your work dear life savers." Celestia said, offering them a weak smile.

The guards threw the scruffy looking changeling forward. His chains banged against the tile floor of the room.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked.

"This creature has begged us to let him see your friend. He claims he can help her."

The six looked down at him.

"But...he's a changeling." Scootaloo pointed out, dumbfounded.

The changeling hissed and clanked his chains. "I...have come to repay a debt." He snarled.

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean? What debt?"

He lifted his chained hooves and pointed them at the crippled pegasus.

"That one. The rainbow colored one. I can save her."

"Why do you want to?" Rarity demanded. "What do you care?"

The changeling sighed. "She...she saved me. A tree landed on me during the invasion. It was crushing my throat. She lifted it off of me. She spared me my miserable existence. And for this I guess I'm...kind of grateful."

The five turned to Scootaloo. She sighed then nodded. "He's telling the truth. I was there when she saved him."

"So...what can you do then?" Applejack asked.

The changeling took a deep breath. "We Changelings are fragile creatures. Our bones...they are weak. They break easily. It is why we travel in such large numbers. With the exception of our queen of course..."

"What does this have to do with RD?" Applejack demanded.

"Be patient orange one. We are fragile. However nature has paid us due compensation. Our immune system is built differently from yours. A toxin, which flows in our blood, accelerates the healing process. Bones that take weeks or months, or even years for ponies, can be healed in a matter of days for a changeling."

Twilight frowned. "Not quite sure what you're getting at." She had an idea.

Shadow cleared his throat. "Look. In my blood, flows an advanced healing agent. Your pegasus...her spine is broken. She cannot move. My blood contains a toxin which could very well repair her bones. All of them in fact. Not just the spine."

The six looked at each other, speechless. "Are you saying you would donate your blood? To save...a pony?" Twilight asked incredulously.

The changeling nodded. "A debt must be repaid. Take as much of my blood as is necessary. If it fails, then feel free to kill me by any method your imagination can come up with."

Fluttershy was the first to react. A single tear rolled down her cheek. The changeling put on his best poker face. He knew not to show genuine emotion in front of the enemy.

"Thank you." Scootaloo said softly.

The changeling shook his head. "Don't thank me. I am still your enemy."

"Hold on. We can't allow this." The doctor protested. "It's very unsafe. We have no idea what changeling blood could do to her."

Luna stepped forward. "Doctor, she's on her deathbed. It seems any option is better than this one."

The doctor opened his mouth to protest, then shrugged. "I suppose if we figured out a way to separate the toxin from the blood, we could inject it into her. But this is a spinal injury. It's a long shot."

Princess Celestia turned to her student. "Twilight Sparkle, please, go to your library. Look for anything related to the healing effects of changeling blood. Make haste."

While Twilight was gone, Luna remained with the changeling.

"Why do you really want to give her your blood?"

"I told you. She saved my life. I wish to give her back hers."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me if I'm not ready to trust you."

Shadow nodded. "It's only natural not to trust ones enemies."

Luna fidgeted with her hoof nervously. "So, do you think this will work?"

Shadow looked up and frowned. "You wish to hear my opinion?"

"Yes."

"I was broken. My legs. My back. I was immobile. I recovered in a matter of days. With a pony's metabolism, it might work even faster."

Luna's eyes widened. "How do you know of a pony's metabolism?"

"Well...we have had prisoners. They were somewhat...dissected."

Luna lifted the changeling up off the ground and held him there. "Dissected? You dissected my subjects?"

"No. Not I myself. But I have read the findings of the doctors that do. And I am somewhat aware of a pony's physiology. The nerve endings of the spine could reconnect within a matter of minutes. A full physical recovery would take weeks. Full...mental recovery could take months. Or years."

"Mental recovery?"

Shadow looked down at the irritated princess, only somewhat frightened. "Spinal damage has lasting effects. She may still be unable to walk for months. It all depends on her mental state."

Twilight charged back into the hospital, levitating a book with her horn. Luna roughly dropped the changeling to the floor.

"It could work!" Twilight shouted.

Celestia took a look at the book. "How do you know?"

Twilight paused to take a breath. "Because, it doesn't say it won't."

Celestia frowned. "It doesn't say...it won't work?"

"Exactly."

Luna strode over to her. "But just to be clear, it doesn't say it WILL work?"

Twilight sighed. "No. But look. It doesn't say anywhere that this won't work. And the only other choice we all have is disconnecting her from life support. I say we give it a try."

"You will be commended for your bravery changeling." Celestia declared. A couple days had passed while the technicalities of everything had worked out.

"If I survive you mean." The changeling grumbled. "And please keep your sister as far away from me as possible during this procedure, if you could?"

Celestia nodded. She turned and trotted over to Rainbow's bed. She whispered something to Luna. Luna rolled her eyes and glared at the changeling. Then she trotted to the farthest end of the room.

"Is it ready?"

"Yes." The doctor said. He pulled out a syringe.

The mane five, plus Scootaloo had all crowded into the room. Soarin and Spitfire were there as well. They had each come individually at different times, but today they arrived as a unit. This day was of grave importance.

He jabbed the syringe into the changelings arm. Shadow punched the wall next to him, blocking out the pain. The doctor extracted the blood and placed it into a large synthesizer.

The changeling frowned. "What? Is that it?"

"Yes." The princess said gently. "Thank you once again."

Soarin paced nervously as the synthesizer separated the rebuilding toxin from the blood.

The doctor took a new syringe and filled it with the toxin. It was a dark green liquid. The ponies in the room shuddered. That was to be injected into their friend. The thought was borderline horrifying.

"This would hurt normally." The doctor said. The nurses lifted Rainbow from her bed. The doctor slid the needle into the back of her neck, sliding it into the spine, and pushed the plunger.

Her body jolted as soon as the needle was out. Everypony in the room, including the changeling, jumped.

Now there was dead silence. Nopony wanted to break it. They all stared at the still breathing body of Rainbow Dash. They watched as her cyan blue chest rose and fell. She was still alive. That was the good news.

The doctor turned to the changeling. "How long does it take for the preliminary effects to show?"

The changeling shook his head. "Not long. Wait a moment longer now."

Rainbow lay still. Shadow watched her intently.

"C'mon. Move. Do something." He said. "You are strong, rainbow warrior. You cannot be felled by such a simple injury."

"Simple injury?!" Rarity shouted. The others shushed her.

The silence was deafening now. Rainbow remained still. The changeling continued to watch intently.

He suddenly began making wild gestures.

"What?" The doctor asked.

"That. There." He pointed to the pin on her bedside table. The doctor picked it up.

"Test her." The changeling commanded.

The doctor sighed, then jabbed the pony's hoof with the pin.

There was no response. The hearts of everypony in the room fell.

The doctor poked her again. Still no response. Her hooves remained still.

He sighed, then put down the pin. "I'm so sorry everypony."

Luna let out a breath. She was determined not to cry in front of her subjects again. So she turned and looked away.

Shadow continued staring intently at her body. He noticed something. A twitch.

He nearly broke his forehoove pointing at the pin. "Again! Do it again!"

The doctor hesitantly picked up the pin. He looked at the others. They nodded desperately.

"Very well." He jabbed her again. This time, there was undeniable movement.

The changeling grinned. "Again."

The doctor jabbed her again. Her forehoove twitched.

"One more time." Twilight said breathlessly.

He poked her with the pin again. Her arm violently flung out, knocking the pin out of the doctors hoof.

Everypony collectively stared at the pin on the floor. Then one by one, they looked back at Rainbow Dash's shaking hoof.

The changeling smirked. "The rainbow warrior will walk again."

The doctor made them leave so he could take an x-ray. He was baffled by the results.

"Remarkable. I've never seen any bone rebuild itself this quickly, much less something as integral as a spine."

The six breathed a collective sigh of relief. Luna looked like she was ready to collapse.

Applejack took off her hat. "I gotta hand it to you um...what's your name?"

"Shadow." The changeling replied.

"Right. Shadow. Thanks. Really. You...made a whole town very happy."

"Yeah. Sorry if I...rustled you up earlier." Luna offered, not sounding apologetic at all.

Applejack looked around. "Hey hold on a sec. Where's Sparky gotten off to?"

A Rude Awakening

Chapter 8: A Rude Awakening

Princess Celestia awoke to the sound of panic. Scrambling outside. Panicked shouts.

She got up to inspect the situation. Her royal guards waited outside. They were arguing over a package.

"Give it to her!"

"I can't! What if it's dangerous? This thing could blow up in her face!"

She cleared her throat. The guards jumped.

"Princess Celestia! Oh good morning. Evening. Midnight. Whatever. Anyway we have this package for you..." He prepared to hand it to her. The other guard slapped it out of his hoof.

"Excuse me? Did you not hear me? There could be untold evils in that box."

"Give it to me." The princess commanded. She reached out her hoof.

The pessimistic guard hesitated, then picked up the box and handed it to the princess.

It was wrapped in gift paper. Like a present. She leaned forward and examined it closely. She gently tapped it. Then she tore the paper off with her teeth, and set the box down. She hesitantly opened it.

A flash of silver. Celestia backed away, clapping her hoof over her mouth, disgusted at what she had seen. The guards looked at her in alarm and rushed to her side.

"Are you alright milady?"

Celestia nodded, tears filling her eyes. "I must take a note down. Send it to Ponyville. The elements must be made aware."

Twilight Sparkle slept in her comfy bed, on the top floor of her Tree home.

After the good news surrounding Rainbow Dash, she had finally warranted herself a good nights sleep. Spike slept in his small bed next to hers.

He had been told to stay home and watch over everything while the others had gone to see Rainbow Dash.

Twilight knew this drove the young dragon crazy. He wanted to be there for Rainbow as much as anypony. But somepony needed to hold down the fort.

And he was still very young and immature. Even younger than Scootaloo. She didn't want to traumatize him with the appearance of the fallen sky titan.

There was a green flame. Spike burst awake. Twilight woke up with him.

"What happened?"

He fired a scroll out of his mouth. Twilight blinked her sleep deprived eyes.

"What would the princess want at this hour?" She asked.

"Could be anything." Spike shrugged, handing her the letter.

She read it and gasped. The letter slipped from her grasp. Spike looked up at her, concerned.

"Twilight? What's wrong?"

Twilight got up and ran downstairs. Spike started after her but stopped. The young dragon heard a door slam. The bathroom door.

He sighed. "What is with all this drama?" He turned and looked at the letter. He gingerly picked it up to see what the fuss had been about.

Only three words.

"Thunderspark has fallen."

He took a deep breath. Thunderspark. The heroic, arrogant, hardheaded pegasus who had served Celestia for almost a decade. Gone. Dead.

Spike sat down on his tiny bed, and absorbed the impact these three words would inevitably have on the town.

His death made this war personal. He hopped off the bed to check on Twilight.

He went downstairs slowly, carrying the letter with him. He came up to the bathroom door. As he put his ear up against it, he could hear sobbing.

The news had spread throughout the town by next morning. The ponies gathered in Sugarcube Corner.

"This has become a bit...touchy now." Twilight declared. She knew her words were a massive understatement. Things had been 'touchy' for a while. The attitudes of the citizens of Ponyville were close to explosive at this point.

Rainbow Dash had been a local hero. Her paralysis had shocked the citizens of the village. A celebration was to be held on the day Rainbow Dash walked out of the hospital.

But Thunderspark had also been a local hero. And his death on the eve of Rainbow's recovery had been just another hard blow to the fun loving, kind-hearted citizens of the town. Twilight looked upon the faces of her beloved fellow villagers. Each face had the same panicked, fearful expression.

"What was he thinking anyway?" Applejack demanded. "Did he actually think he could beat her?"

Twilight shook her head, still in shock from the news. "I don't think he cared AJ. He was out for revenge or death. And he sure as Celestia wasn't gonna get revenge."

Rarity sighed. "Chrysalis is trying to get to us. Don't you see? She's trying to make this personal. We can't let her do that. She'll have the upper hoof."

Applejack sighed. Scootaloo was laying on the floor. She wasn't asleep. Not this time. She was staring off into space, her eyes blank.

"Scootaloo? You okay sugar cube?"

Scootaloo didn't answer. A death in the family was not uncommon to the young pegasus. Both her parents had died of a viral plague when she was a baby. But she had barely known them, and it had not been as real of an experience.

This was real. Thunderspark. She remembered all those nights when Rainbow Dash had gone out to train with the Wonderbolts. When Scootaloo was a filly. And she'd always gotten Thunderspark to be the sitter.

They had bonded during this time. Thunderspark always gave her tips on how to improve her flying. They'd become close friends. And Thunderspark had always had her back. She remembered the countless times she had been bullied by Diamond Tiara.

She remembered Thunderspark's comically failed attempts to negotiate with the snooty filly. Eventually, of course, Rainbow Dash had to swoop in and threaten public humiliation to the spoiled brat before she finally left Scootaloo alone.

In many ways, Thunderspark had been a big brother, just as much as Rainbow Dash had been a big sister.

So she was silent now. Silently absorbing the impact of the loss of a family member.

That combined with the crippling of another. It was more than a 13 year old should have ever been expected to bear.

Applejack caressed her mane gently. She looked up at her.

"Why did this all happen? What did we do to deserve this?"

Applejack shook her head. "Sometimes deserving's got nothing to do with it. Evil doesn't care about...reasons. They care only about what they can gain."

There was a whistling in the distance. Applejack looked up. Derpy Hooves. The messenger.

"Rainbow Dash is waking up!" She shouted.

Applejack watched Scootaloo's face glow with happiness again. She smiled.

"C'mon sugar cube. Let's check on your sis."

It was a hot summer day. But the dressing room was nice and chilly. The air conditioning system was blasting in the corner of the room, making a heavy whirring noise.

Rainbow Dash loved the sound. The sound of an engine working. Nice and loud. Silence only worked during nap time.

She de-clumped her feathers, making sure that nothing could go wrong on a day like today.

She could hear the stomping of hooves above her. Cloudlife Stadium was packed today. The Wonderbolts' performances were the highlight of the season. Even Hoofball rarely came close in terms of attendance figures.

"Livin the dream." She muttered.

"You ready squirt?" A voice called out.

Dash turned around. "Born ready daddy."

There stood Lightning Dash, her blue coat and green mane shimmering under the dressing room light. He was slipping his flight suit over his head.

He let out a sigh. "You sure? You look a bit shaky."

Rainbow Dash waved her hoof. She unpacked her flight suit. "I've been waiting for this day my whole life. Why wouldn't I be ready?"

Lightning noted the sweat pouring from the pegasi's forehead. "Dash, don't be afraid. First rule of being a Wonderbolt, don't get stressed, it's about having fun."

Rainbow took a deep breath. "Yeah. But the crowd has to have fun too. What if I screw up a routine?"

Lighting lay his forehoof along Rainbow's back. "Squirt, don't be intimidated..."

"How can I not be? You're the best Wonderbolt of all time! The second I get out there, everypony'll be comparing me to you! It's not fair!"

Lightning gave her daughter a strong hug. "Baby, that's only natural." He leaned in and whispered into her ear. "All you gotta do is outperform me."

Rainbow snorted. Great advice.

"No, seriously." Lighting continued. "I'm not what I was ten years ago Dashie. Heck, I'll probably break my hip doing the filly flash. You...you got your whole career ahead of you now. And it starts today. You're gonna do great."

Rainbow sighed. Then she returned her father's embrace. "Thanks daddy."

Lighting kissed her daughter on the forehead. "Now one thing that will not make a good showing, is if we all head out there, and you're still in here trying to squeeze into your flight suit. Let's get ready to rock and roll."

Rainbow smirked confidently, and slid the flight suit over her head. She pulled on the mask, and applied the goggles.

"I can't believe you're finally wearing that thing." Lightning said proudly. They bumped hooves. "Gonna be great flying with you baby. Come on."

Rainbow took a deep breath and excitedly trotted out after her father.

They met at the tunnel. On Lighting's side was Spitfire. On Rainbow's side was Soarin. They all prepared for the fireworks display that would signal there entrance.

And there it was. A pyromaniacs paradise. Explosives shooting up into the air. Magnificent displays of patterned explosions spitting and hissing and popping in the afternoon sun. They formed the shape of a massive lightning bolt.

The 'bolts blasted of into the coliseum. They began taking their practice laps, making sure they could get every bit of wingpower they had into their performance.

Lighting Dash received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd. He was everypony's favorite. And he'd earned it. He was the king of the skies. And he was still very good at his job, even at an advanced age.

Rainbow Dash was received well too. She was the rookie. Everypony loved the rookies.

Lightning turned on his mask mic. "Everypony having a good time?"

A loud cheer resonated through the complex.

"Everypony. I'd like to introduce the newest member of these fine Wonderbolts. My daughter, Rainbow Dash."

The ponies cheered and stomped their hooves in excitement. Rainbow Dash blushed at the sudden attention.

"Now my daughter is going to perform a sonic rainboom. Isn't that right baby?" These words brought a gasp of surprise from the ponies in attendance. A sonic rainboom was a thing of myths and legends, often spoken of in stories told to fillies and colts at bedtime.

The crowd sat back in wonderment, unsure of what to expect, but ready to be wowed.

Rainbow Dash's mouth gaped. "Really? I can do it?"

Lightning covered up the mic. "Go for it squirt."

Rainbow took a deep breath. "I won't let you down daddy."

She began flying upward. She had to gain plenty of altitude to have enough room for a rainboom.

Her dad was but a speck now. A proud speck. They made eye contact as Rainbow reached the top of her altitude.

He pumped his hoof in the air.

Rainbow smiled. She jabbed her hoof in his direction. "For you daddy."

She extended her wings fully and blasted down towards the arena.

This was a feeling she could never replace. That feeling of airborne freedom. That feeling of the wind tearing at her body, telling her to slow down, telling her not the push the laws of physics. And the thrill of ignoring it.

She continued onwards, the sonic bubble beginning to form around her body.

She let out a whoop of joy as it became a cone. Everything was coming together. This would be an epic rainboom.

Then it all went wrong.

Her left wing seized up. Then her right. She tried to signal but her forehooves felt stiff.

She was in freefall. She did the only thing she could. Scream.

"DADDY!"

Her father's head snapped up. "Dashie. No. Hold on baby!"

He flew off after her. The crowd gasped in shock as Rainbow Dash fell past the stadium, and continued plummeting towards the earth.

"DADDY!" Rainbow cried out. She felt like a stone, falling. She could not move a thing. She wanted to flail her legs in terror, but they refused to comply.

Her father was hot on her tail now. He had a look of determination on his face.

"Dad." Rainbow said almost in a whisper. "I'm...I'm scared."

Her father didn't respond. He continued closing in.

Dash did her best to reach out her hoof. Her father did the same.

Suddenly he began losing momentum. He was using his wings as an airbrake.

Rainbow began panicking. "Dad? What's going on? What are you doing?"

Lightning shook his head. A tear rolled down his cheek. "Sorry Dashie. But you're no use to anypony anymore."

Rainbow Dash gasped. "What?"

Her father peeled off and started heading back to the stadium.

"No! Daddy! Help me!" Rainbow shouted. She turned to look down.

The ground was a matter of feet beneath her. She screamed as she hit it.

"Her heart rate is skyrocketing! She's gonna go into cardiac arrest if we don't slow it down!"

Rainbow's eyes snapped open. There was a bright light on her. Some strange machine was making frequent beeping sounds. A heart monitor.

Everypony in the room gasped. Rainbow looked around at them, panicked.

She looked down. Tubes and wires were poking into her skin. She screamed.

"Get this stuff offa me!" She shouted. She began tearing out IV after IV.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy shouted. "Calm down! It's us!"

Scootaloo jumped on the bed. "Rainbow Dash? What's wrong?"

Rainbow Dash looked into her eyes with fear. Then she jumped off the bed, landing awkwardly.

"Get outta my way!"

She stumbled out the door of the room. Her legs weren't working properly. She could barely stand up. Every bone felt brittle, and out of place.

She staggered through the halls of the hospital as fast as she could, drawing worried glances from doctors and nurses.

"Excuse me ma'am? Are you lost?"

"Leave me alone!" Rainbow shouted. She broke into an awkward run now.

A window. An escape.

If she couldn't walk right, there was always one thing she could count on. Her wings.

They flitted out. She charged, smashing through the window. She felt the shards of glass cut into her coat, a small spatter of blood appearing on the window.

As she prepared to take off, something changed.

Her wings flapped awkwardly. At different paces. There was no synchronization.

She received no lift. She crashed a full story, to the grass below. She looked around.

It was storming now. A thunderstorm. The grass was muddy and wet. She extended her wings again and tried to take off. She stayed airborne for a moment, her wings flapping almost comically out of sync. She hit the grass hard again.

"No." She looked back at her wings. They pathetically flopped. "No!" She roared, louder this time. It wasn't working.

She charged and took off again. All that instinct. All those simple principles of flying. Useless. She could not keep herself in the air.

She crashed to the ground again. Tears were in her eyes now.

"No...Please Celestia. Let me fly...please...daddy...Wonderbolts..."

She refused to accept what was happening. Every ounce of skill she had ever built up. All that wingpower. Wasted.

She flitted out her wings one last time. She let out an agonized roar and desperately heaved herself into the air.

Her wings kept her in the air for a matter of seconds. Then, with a cry, she succumbed to gravity, and collapsed back to the earth.

Everything she had worked for. Trained for. Gone. Every flying motion felt foreign to her now.

She let out a great wail of frustration, pounding her hooves into the mud.

This sent a shockwave of pain through her bones. She cried out at this great injustice. Tears streamed down her muzzle, mixing with the rain.

"I'm no use to anypony anymore." She moaned. She sobbed loudly into the ground.

"Rainbow Dash!" A voice called out.

"Go away!" She shouted. "Leave me alone!"

She began wheezing. Her lungs. They suddenly felt raspy. She began coughing.

Spasms of pain began shooting up her spine. The pain was intense. Soon it was spreading throughout her body. Every bone felt broken. Every muscle felt torn. She buried her head into the muddy ground, trying to nullify the pain.

She could feel somepony lift her up. She saw two yellow forehooves wrap around her waist. Fluttershy.

"Let go of me Fluttershy." She wheezed. "No use...no use to anypony. So...worthless. No use...worthless."

"What's she saying?" Applejack asked.

The doctor led them inside. "I don't know. She's going into shock. Get her on the bed."

The friends watched in sorrow and fear as Rainbow screamed and swung angry hooves at the doctors. They strapped her down and placed the oxygen mask back over her head.

"Does anypony know what she was saying?" Applejack asked again. Everypony looked to Fluttershy.

"She said something about...being worthless."

They all turned to watch the pegasus as she slowly stopped flailing. She lay back, defeated, on her bed.

She began to cry softly.

A Successor

Chapter 9: A Successor

Rainbow lay in her bed, motionless. She could feel every bone slowly rebuilding. It was a strange feeling. And a painful one.

But her mind was focused on other things. Her memories from that cloudy day were finally returning. Her headaches had put a damper on trying to remember anything. But as they subsided, her memories had fallen back into place like puzzle pieces.

Her fight with Chrysalis. Her beat down at the hooves of Chrysalis. She had lost. No. She hadn't simply lost.

She had been destroyed. Physically. Emotionally. Her hooves still shook as she thought of it. Those great hooves beating down on her, breaking bones with every hit. Even the pain now didn't begin to match that.

She let out a slight whimper. She continued whimpering. She suddenly wished her friends were here.

Her doctor had insisted they not see her during this period of recovery. Recovery. That's the word they used. As if this was something that could be fixed. Her mind was already thinking of the best case scenario. And it ended with her needing a walker to get around. Forget about flying.

She thought about talking to Granny Smith. Asking her for tips on how to find the most awesome walker available. The idea made her laugh. It was the first laugh in a long time for her. And it was short lived.

She felt a panic rise in her chest. This was unnatural. She had been fearless once. But that time had passed. She was like a terrified filly again. Her wings were her life. Thinking broader, her mobility was her life. Without it, she was nothing.

She let out another whimper. She was afraid. Not of death. Of living without her special skills. Her talents. She put her head in her hooves and wept.

"Oh could you please keep it down!" A voice shouted, ripping down the dividing curtain in the wing.

Rainbow looked up and yelled.

"CHANGELING!"

"Oh yes. We all know I'm a bloody changeling." He said irritably. "Now could you please keep it down?"

Rainbow Dash tried catching her breath. A nurse trotted by. Rainbow reached out towards her.

"Why...why is there a changeling next to me?"

"Oh him? He got some minor infection from donating his blood. To you."

Rainbow Dash's mouth gaped. "W-bta-wha?"

The changeling rolled his eyes.

"I HAVE CHANGELING IN ME?"

Scootaloo paced nervously outside of the hospital. "When are they gonna let us in?"

"I don't know Scoots. Rainbow Dash hasn't fully recovered yet. It could be weeks. You should go home." Twilight reasoned.

"Are you going home?" Scootaloo demanded.

"Well...no but..."

"Then why the buck should I?" Scootaloo snapped.

Applejack slapped her on the back of the head. "Language young lady! Twilight's right. You should go home. You're wound up tight enough to snap."

"I don't have a home!" Scootaloo shouted. "It's been two years since I've had a home! And it was right there!" She pointed up at Rainbow's cloud home, hovering in the distance.

"And then they made me leave. They said I couldn't stay there anymore. Why Applejack? WHY?"

Applejack sighed. "Sweetie, they was just looking out for your best interests..."

"My best interests? My best interests are to see my big sister! The only pony who ever gave me a real home!"

Applejack looked at her, slightly hurt by her words. Scootaloo sighed.

"I didn't mean all that AJ. You...you gave me a place to stay..." She looked at the four other ponies, her ears back. "All of you guys gave me a home at one time or another. But...I don't know. It was a dream come true. Getting to live with my hero. Getting to call her sister. And...I miss her so much."

Applejack spread her forehooves. "Come here...squirt."

Scootaloo sniffled, then accepted the hug. She sobbed into her chest.

"We all miss her sugar cube. But we're gonna see her soon enough."

Rainbow Dash lay on her side, trying to ignore the changeling sleeping on the bed next to her.

The changeling looked at her curiously. "You don't appear to like me very much."

Rainbow Dash ignored him.

"It's too bad. I don't much mind you. Other than all that whining."

Rainbow Dash bit her lower lip. She would not answer him.

"I mean seriously. You are probably the loudest paraplegic I've ever been across from..."

Rainbow Dash grimaced as she shifted position to fire back.

"Okay you know what? You can't judge me! You don't know me! I'm a pony. I belong here. Unlike you."

Shadow shook his head. "I disagree. I don't think anyone..." He paused as Rainbow shot him a glare. "Forgive me. I don't think anyPONY belongs here."

"Why are you here then?" Dash asked. "Why did you give me your blood?"

Shadow shrugged. "They were planning on taking you off of life support. I figured you deserved a say in it."

Rainbow pouted. "If I'd had had a say in it, they'd have buried me already."

The changeling frowned. "Now that's just not true. You're not ready."

Rainbow glared. "Who are you to tell me if I'm ready to die or not?"

"Nopony gets 'ready' to die. It just happens. Everypony generally wants to live."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "What kind of moron sold you that one?"

Shadow chuckled heartily. Rainbow's glare returned.

"What?" She snapped.

"It was you. You're the moron who sold it to me. When you lifted a tree off my throat." He rolled over laughing.

Rainbow frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Shadow stopped laughing. "You don't remember? You saved me. I was scouting ahead for the queen. You dropped a tree on me. And then, despite my best efforts, you saved my life."

Rainbow Dash's mouth gaped. "I...I remember some of that. That was you?"

The changeling nodded. "Yes. It was. And since I never really said it...thank you."

Rainbow nodded, mouth still agape. "No problem."

"Anyway, a good changeling repays his debts. You saved me, so I saved you."

Rainbow Dash stammered a bit, her ears going back. She had initially thought this changeling had been forced to give up his blood. To hear he had done so willingly shocked her. And now she remembered that stubborn changeling that wished to die beneath a tree. But she had saved him. And he had returned the favor. Unusual behavior for a changeling.

"T-Thank you." She turned and rolled over on her side.

"Though I see now...my debt is not yet repaid."

Rainbow's ears perked up again. "What do you mean?"

"When I first met you...you had a fire in your eyes." The changeling explained. "I see now that fire is gone. You have been truly broken."

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes. She was hurt by the truth in his words. Everything in her life had changed. All that agility. That finesse. It had died when Chrysalis pitched her off that cloud.

Seeing her so saddened, the changeling felt uneasy. He had not meant to hurt the pegasus further. He sought to rectify his statement.

"However...I know that the broken can heal."

Rainbow looked up at him. She felt suddenly very young and inexperienced. "You...you think so?"

"I've lived it. It will take time. And patience. But you can be what you once were."

Rainbow nodded through newly forming tears.

The changeling smiled. "You know, I keep hearing stories from the others of how tough you are. But from where I'm sitting, you're a bit of a softie."

Rainbow's initial response was anger. But she could see that he was kidding. She chuckled. "I guess so. I'm sorry...I don't know your name."

"My name is Shadow. You can call me...well...Shadow." He finished awkwardly. "And...honestly...I still don't know your name."

"Rainbow Dash." She said proudly. "The one and only."

They finally began letting the other ponies visit after about a week.

Shadow had been returned to his cell in Cloudsdale Penitentiary. He went quietly, still rather wary of how long it would be before his execution at the hooves of his pony captors.

Rainbow sighed. The changeling seemed pleasant. But changelings, by nature, were deceptive creatures. She could not trust him. Even if she wanted to.

And the fact that the two species were at war didn't help things either.

There was a knock at the door. Rainbow looked up.

Scootaloo pushed the door open and trotted in. She looked nervous. She was unsure what reaction she would get from the bedridden Dash.

"Hey squirt." Rainbow said, yawning. They stared at each other awkwardly for a moment. Then Scootaloo leaned down and gingerly gave her idol a hug, making sure not to touch anywhere near her spine.

"I missed you Rainbow." Scootaloo said, holding in the tears. Rainbow hated seeing her cry.

"I missed you too Scoots. It feels like it's been...years."

Scootaloo nodded. She sat down next to the bed. "You're not mad at me are you?"

Rainbow frowned. "About what?"

"I left your side. If I'd been there..."

"Oh yeah. What happened Scoots? You doze off or something? Leave me to face Chrysalis on my own?"

Scootaloo's defenses faltered. Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm so sorry Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow jabbed her in the ribs. "Hey. I'm kidding, lighten up. Look squirt, if you'd gone with me, you'd have been killed. And I'd have never been able to forgive myself."

Scootaloo looked down at the floor. "But you wouldn't have gotten hurt..."

"Scoots shut up. The truth is..." She was prepared to admit a painful fact. "I didn't really think before going up there. And I was too tired NOT to get my flank kicked in that fight." She scowled. "Just didn't know it would end up this bad."

Scootaloo leaned down to her. "Is...is it going to heal? Are you gonna be okay?"

"Scoots I don't know." Rainbow snapped. "How am I supposed to know? All I know is that I can't get out of this bed! And I'm pumped full of changeling blood and painkillers! And I'm BORED!"

Her voice made everypony in the hall outside turn and stare. She smiled, turning slightly red, and waved at them. Scootaloo arched an eyebrow.

"You really do need to get out of here. You're freaking me out a bit."

Rainbow Dash sat back in bed. "Squirt, there's something I need to talk to you about. Sit."

Scootaloo sat down. "What's up Dash?"

Rainbow looked up at her, a look of thinly veiled conflict on her face.

"I have this here. Don't know who left it." She picked up the element of loyalty. "This isn't mine anymore."

"What? Of course it is. You're the most loyal pony I know..."

Rainbow shook her head. "That doesn't matter. I can't defend Equestria. The changelings are coming. And a cripple can't be responsible for the element of loyalty. Equestria needs a new hero."

Scootaloo shook her head. "No it doesn't. You can come back. You have to come back."

"I'm not coming back squirt. It's just...too much work to do all over again. It's your turn now."

Scootaloo looked at her, stunned. She couldn't believe it. Rainbow Dash. The element of loyalty.

And Scootaloo, that insignificant loser, had been called upon to take up her mantle.

"I can't accept that Rainbow."

"You can. You gotta. Like I said. Equestria needs a new hero. And it's you squirt. It was always gonna be you."

Scootaloo reached out a shaking hoof and gently grabbed the element of loyalty. It felt warm to the touch. She sat down again, unable to steady herself.

"I...I'm not ready."

"You are. You're a great flyer squirt. And you represent friendship better than I ever did."

Scootaloo stammered a bit. "N-N-No..."

"You've always wanted to be me squirt. Here's your chance. My wings are officially hung up."

Scootaloo continued staring into the red lightning bolt. Her heart felt like it was going to explode. She looked into Rainbow's cheerful eyes. All that training. All those flying lessons. All those filly flops. It all led up to this moment. When she became a member of the elements of harmony.

"I don't know what to say..."

"Don't say anything. Just make me proud kid."

Scootaloo placed the element around her neck. It began to glow. Rainbow smiled, though pain streaked across her face. The pain of knowing her time was over. Time to hand it off to the future.

"Just make me proud."

Frustration

Chapter 10: Frustration

After about a month, Rainbow Dash was finally cleared to leave the hospital. Her spine had rebuilt itself, along with basic bone structures.

However, as the doctors had originally anticipated, not everything had healed. Her front left leg was in horrible pain constantly. She had to hobble through the halls of the hospital.

That wasn't the worst part though. In that regard, Rainbow was actually better off. She had originally anticipated needing a walker. Instead she merely had to wrestle with an indefinite limp.

The worst part was that the doctors could find nothing medically wrong with her wings. They were apparently, perfectly healthy. She tried explaining, rather angrily to them, that they did not work, and something had to be wrong with them.

Initially they had done psychological testing of her, then Twilight began searching through her books for possible curses that had been placed on the rainbow pegasus.

Still, Rainbow's wings flew horribly out of sync. One of the doctors suggested that it was indeed Rainbow's mental state that was causing her wings to fail. This idea seemed to bring out the worst out of the pegasus. Even in her weakened state, she nearly succeeded in hurling her bedside table at the doctor.

And so, after a tumultuous stay, and with far more questions that answers remaining, Rainbow Dash was released from the hospital. She limped out the front door, having denied needing a wheelchair.

And she exited, the sun blinded her. She put her hoof up over it. She could see a proud looking pegasus standing before her as she received her first dose of natural light in months.

It was Scootaloo. The element was still around her neck. That was okay.

Rainbow Dash remembered how excited she was the first time she put it on. But today Scootaloo had a job to. She had to carry Rainbow Dash up to her cloud home. Fluttershy, her only other pegasus friend, had been forced out of town due to business with Princess Celestia.

And so, this was a difficult feat. Scootaloo had developed into a strong flier, and had grown considerably, but she was still smaller than Rainbow Dash.

"So how you been doing squirt?" Rainbow asked. Scootaloo grinned the widest of grins and gave the pegasus a hug.

"Just fine. Been doing just fine." Rainbow patted her on the back with her good hoof, forcing her to put weight on her bad one. She grimaced and nearly collapsed to the ground. Scootaloo was quick to hold her up.

"Oh c'mon squirt. You're making me feel like a senior citizen." Rainbow said playfully, as the younger pegasus helped her reclaim her balance.

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow in her position, and winced. She had never seen the world beating pegasus look so defeated. So weak. So helpless.

"Oh c'mon. Don't give me that look. Just give me a lift okay?"

Scootaloo nodded. "You got it Rainbow Dash."

The trip up was not comfortable.

Scootaloo came to a stop at the front door. She pushed it open and set Rainbow down.

"Sorry if it was a little bumpy. It's the first time I've been a shuttle service."

Rainbow shrugged. "It's alright. Nothing a little more training won't solve."

Scootaloo's face flashed with anger. Rainbow backed off a little. It was a strange looking anger. One she had not seen from the young pegasus before.

"Scoots? You alright?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "Yeah fine. Training. I should do that. Sorry. This whole thing...it's got me a bit wired, ya know.."

They stared at each other awkwardly.

"Well uh...have a good night I guess." Scootaloo said. She turned to leave.

"Well hey, you can stay for a bit." Rainbow said.

"Well...the others down there probably need me. Discuss the whole element thing, ya know? I really should go. They'll be back from their meeting with the Princess soon." She was scared. Scared of seeing Rainbow Dash in such a way. And she needed to get out. She needed to clear her head.

She turned and stretched her wings. With an effortless lunge she took off.

Rainbow's ears went back. "Oh...well...okay then." She turned and limped deeper into her cloud home.

It was late in the evening. The sun was going down in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash sat in her bathroom, staring at the mirror.

The changeling was right. Her fire was gone. Extinguished by stupidity and arrogance.

The pony looking back at her had a crooked mane, rings around her eyes, and an upside down smile. A body that was skinny and out of shape, due to months of inactivity. And that stupid, crippling, pointless limp.

She suddenly felt a wave of rage course through her. She punched the mirror, sending fragments flying through the air. She continued punching, letting out a roar of frustration. It wasn't fair. To have it all fall apart now. When she was still young. Still nearing her prime.

She continued punching the mirror until she could no longer see herself. Her hoof throbbed. Blood began pouring out. She grasped it and whimpered in pain. She looked down at the wound. Gashes from the fragments.

It wouldn't stop. The blood just kept on coming. And she thought now, why stop it?

"Why couldn't they just let me die?" She asked herself. "Twilight being goody goody four shoes, keeping me alive."

She thought of the changeling's words. The words that had come from Rainbow's own mouth. Nopony gets ready to die. Was that true? Was this a circumstance where dying was acceptable? And if so, was she ready? Was it really worth living a life where she had to ring a bell to get somepony to shuttle her to and from her own home?

She hated having to live like this. But then again, this was no way to die. And she damn sure wasn't ready.

Celestia's horn hummed as it's magic lowered the sun yet again. Luna stood next to her, waiting for the cue. Upon the sun's final ray, her horn powered up. The moon rose into the sky, bathing the landscape in it's ghostly glow.

"Sister. There is something I must ask of you." Luna said.

"What?"

Luna sat down upon the balcony. "Do you recall that mountain?"

"I recall many mountains. Our kingdom is full of mountains." Celestia replied snidely.

Luna frowned. "You know full well which mountain I speak of."

Celestia sighed. "Yes Luna. To the west. Near the coast. Yes. I remember it quite well. You and I nearly died atop that mountain."

Luna shrugged. "Well...I did. The waters healed me. Brought me back from within an inch of death." Her gaze hardened. "If it could bring me, an alicorn, back from death, what could it do for Rainbow Dash?"

Celestia looked upon her sternly. "It could kill her."

Luna returned her sister's gaze. "It could also restore her to what she once was. If this becomes a war, we will need her."

Celestia took a deep breath. "What of the child? Scootaloo?"

"She is as you say. A child. We can't allow a child to become a soldier in a war."

Celestia sniffled. "Is this what they have become Luna? Soldiers fighting a war. My innocent subjects...forced to become soldiers."

"I wish we could avoid this sister." Luna said softly. "But she must regain her physical form."

Celestia sighed. "There have been few things I have always been able to count on in this life, Luna. But I have always counted on Rainbow Dash. She has always been Equestria's guardian of the sky. And you are absolutely right. She must return."

Two changelings landed in the small clearing. The everfree forest had ended up providing the perfect hideout for Chrysalis and her schemes.

These were two very important changelings. Due to the item that they brought with them.

They laid it down on the ground. It was a green orb. A dreadfully powerful object.

To drop it would be a world scale catastrophe. This orb carried enough killing power to level a small country. And that was exactly what Chrysalis had in mind for it.

And the weapon that would carry this orb was nearing the end of construction.

"My queen. I wish to ask you a question." One of the changelings asked.

"Speak then." Chrysalis replied.

"Does this not seem like overkill? Is it really worth killing millions to punish a single soul? She won't even live long enough to feel the full effect of your vengeance my queen..."

Chrysalis laughed. "You think I wish to kill Twilight Sparkle?" She continued laughing. "Not at all! I'm going to make her watch. That will be her punishment."

Weeks had passed now. Ponies came to visit as often as they could. Mostly her fellow pegasi however. The earth ponies and unicorns only visited when they were able, due to their lack of wings. Rainbow was not the most generous host anymore however. She would usually be quite rude with her friends, and as much as it broke their hearts to do so, they visited less and less.

But Rainbow Dash had finally begun adjusting to immobile living.

See, Rainbow Dash had discovered the one great advantage of losing her edge.

She could sleep all day. Nopony had any reason to bother her. She couldn't help them anyway. And this had somewhat improved her almost constantly rotten mood.

It was now 12:00. Rainbow remained in bed, snoring softly.

There was a knock at her door.

"WHAT?" She snapped, the morning frustration already heavy.

"It's Princess Celestia." A calm voice replied.

Rainbow speed-limped through the cloud house. She hastily opened the door. She bowed awkwardly, the feeling in her bones still a bit numbed.

"Good morning Rainbow Dash. We have much to discuss."

Rainbow Dash was hesitantly led into her living room.

"Am I in trouble princess?"

"You've done nothing wrong Rainbow Dash. But there is...an opportunity that must be spoken of."

Rainbow hastily limped to her bathroom and showered. Ten minutes later, she was out. She returned to find her living room crowded with ponies.

The mane five. Scootaloo. Luna. They were all there.

"What's going on?"

Luna cleared her throat. "In the period following my...rehabilitation from being Nightmare Moon, I was unable to perform my duties as Princess. I couldn't be sure of myself anymore. I was unsure of who I was, and whether or not I had truly become good again." She sighed. "I needed a path. And I found one. A mountain. Far from Ponyville. Far from the Canterlot. Far from the Everfree Forest. A place of solitude. A place of beauty. I used it to become one with myself spiritually. To reaffirm faith in myself."

She paused. "I believe you need to go to this place Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo is a fine substitute."

Rainbow looked to Scootaloo. She seemed to cringe a little at being called a substitute. Her self esteem issues were big enough already.

"But Equestria needs you. Again. And we need you the way you were. A hero."

Rainbow Dash sat down on her cloud recliner. "Really? You guys think I was a hero?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. Rainbow Dash's ego was one that needed to be nourished often.

"Yes Rainbow. You were a superhero."

Rainbow turned red. "Oh stop."

"This mountain will test you Rainbow Dash. It will test your physical state. It will test your willpower. But if you ever wish to be what you once were, you must make the climb."

Rainbow Dash sank back into the recliner. Her thoughts were serious now.

Celestia came forth now. "You have been inactive for a long time. I can see it. Your body is no longer in it's physical prime. You are underweight. And whether you know it or not, you're slowly dying. Every moment you spend lazing about in this home, you are killing yourself Rainbow Dash. And I hate to sound cold but...you're no use to your nation dead. We need...we need Rainbow Dash back. That confident, brash, heroic soul. She must return." Her eyes were pleading.

Rainbow Dash let out a deep breath. Her face was contorted in pain from being confronted with all this at last.

"What...What if that Rainbow Dash can't come back? What if she doesn't exist anymore?" Her voice cracked.

Luna looked into her eyes. "She does. I can see her now. Trying to break out of this hollow shell. You must do this Rainbow Dash. For Equestria. For yourself."

"We all know you can do it Rainbow." Fluttershy offered softly. Rainbow threw her a comforting smile.

"Thanks Shy. But...I'm gonna have to say no."

Everypony in the room gasped.

"I'm sorry Princesses. I just don't think I have it in me. I'm retired now."

Applejack stood up. "Are you serious right now?"

Rainbow looked up at her, a tear in her eye. "W-What?"

"You say you're retired. From what? From friendship? Cause lately, that's what it's felt like!" She trotted towards the reclining pegasus. "You have a chance to get everything back. Everything you had. And you say no! Because it involves getting off your flank, getting up, and trying!"

Rainbow Dash got up from her recliner. "You're not the one who got tossed off a cloud!"

"Who's fault was that anyway RD? We all told you to wait up! But you couldn't listen! You're skull's too darn thick!"

"You wanna have it out right here AJ?" Rainbow Dash demanded, putting up her hooves. The truth in her friend's words was pinching a nerve in the pegasus.

"That's always been you're problem." Applejack snarled, getting right up in her face. "Sometimes it seems like all you do is sleep and pick fights you can't win."

Rainbow Dash reached out and punched Applejack in the muzzle. She was sent reeling back, her hat falling to the floor.

"Alright! That's enough!" Princess Celestia shouted. Her horn emitted a force field between the two ponies.

"I have the right to stay right here!" Rainbow shouted. "I gave my service to Equestria and I suffered for it!"

"You served yourself!" Applejack shouted. "Look Rainbow. I love you. You're one of my best friends. But sometimes, you're just so full of it."

"Shut up AJ! If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't even have to put up with this right now!"

The room became silent. Twilight Sparkle gasped. "What are you saying Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash panted heavily, sweat forming. "I never had a say in you keeping me on life support."

The ponies in the room silently absorbed the gravity of her words.

Applejack stared into her eyes. She breathed heavily. Her anger turned to sadness.

"I'm sorry Rainbow. I'm sorry we fought so hard to keep you on it." Applejack said. "If that's how you feel. But I have to ask you something."

"What?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"How are we supposed to believe in you, if you don't believe in yourself?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes watered. She looked around at the saddened ponies. "I never asked any of you to believe in me."

Scootaloo stood up now. "I believe in you Rainbow. Please...try to make the climb. Please."

Rainbow shook her head. "I'm sorry squirt. I just...don't have it in me."

Princess Celestia lowered the force field. Then she looked down sadly at Rainbow Dash.

"You're right. You don't have to do anything. You can stay here and...enjoy your retirement. You can continue this life of isolation. But before you do, I need to tell you something. Thunderspark..."

"Yeah. Where is that mutt?" Rainbow asked jokingly. Thunderspark had never come to visit her.

"He's dead Rainbow Dash." Celestia said gravely. Rainbow was rendered speechless. "He was killed by Queen Chrysalis. He died trying to avenge you."

Rainbow returned to her recliner and sat back, staring off into the distance. "Nopony wanted to tell me?"

The others looked down at the floor, guilty. Celestia stayed firm. "I ordered them not to. I figured the last thing you needed in your fragile emotional state, was news of that nature."

"Now the truth is I don't care if you want to go through with this or not Rainbow. But don't you ever...EVER talk about ending your life again. Because I refuse to accept that Thunderspark died in vain."

Rainbow Dash nodded, her muzzle dripping with tears.

There was a silence. Rainbow Dash remained in deep thought.

"I'm sorry I hit you Applejack." She said, finally breaking the silence. "I've just been so...you know. Please understand?" Her words were desperate.

Applejack sighed, then leaned down and gave her old friend a hug.

"I understand RD. Forgive and forget."

She got up. Rainbow Dash continued looking off into the distance, at nothing in particular. She was weighing her options.

"Am I going alone?" She asked.

"No. You can have a guide. Anypony you want." Luna explained.

She sighed. She groaned as she forced her back muscles into activity to get up on her hooves. "Okay. I'm in."

The six surrounded her and almost suffocated her in a group hug. Rainbow felt the supportive pats and mane tousling from her friends. She smiled.

"I can do this."

"Of course you can Rainbow Dash." Luna said. "You must."

"So who am I going with?" She looked around. "Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy hopped up excitedly. "Of course I will..."

"No." Celestia interrupted. "I'm sorry. You six are being moved to Canterlot effective immediately. The elements must remain secure and on guard. The changelings WILL return. Soon."

Rainbow Dash threw her hooves in the air. "So what? Am I supposed to go alone?"

"There must be somepony who could take you up there." Twilight said. "Somepony with experience in things like these."

The six turned to leave. Fluttershy stayed behind.

"I really wanted to go with you Rainbow..."

Rainbow managed a smile and patted her on the back. "I know Fluttershy. I understand. Go. Equestria needs you."

She turned and left with the others. Rainbow Dash watched them go. They had more important places to be. Equestria needed all of them.

"Hey squirt!" Rainbow Dash called.

"Yeah?" Scootaloo asked.

"If you have to face Chrysalis...don't. Don't face her." She smirked confidently. A glimmer of the old Rainbow Dash appeared. "As soon as I'm back on my hooves, she's all mine."

"Okay Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo said, smiling.

"Promise?" Rainbow asked.

Scootaloo nodded. "I promise Rainbow. She's all yours." She turned and flew off.

Celestia left as well. Only Luna remained with her.

"You are about to endure a very long, rough road. Your body will threaten to quit on you. You must push it. You need to get fit again. To heal your body and your mind. I'd go with you myself, but I have to stay and guard Equestria with the others."

Rainbow nodded. "Don't worry about me Princess. I know somepony."

Luna looked down at the pegasus. She could see now just how lonely she truly was. She was alone up here in this house. Until today, she had made it a hobby of driving her friends away. The pegasus hated the idea of them pitying her. But in doing so, she had become isolated.

Luna sat down next to the pained pegasus. She gently tousled her mane. Rainbow looked up at the blue alicorn.

"Do you want me to stay awhile? You look like you need somepony to talk to."

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, then nodded, leaning against the mighty princess. "Sure. Make yourself at home."

Scootaloo placed the glowing element around her neck. She giggled excitedly.

"You think I'll make her proud AJ?" She asked.

Applejack sighed. "Well she's always been a hard one to please. But I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"You think I'll be just as good?" Scootaloo asked.

Applejack chuckled. "Nopony'll ever be as good as Rainbow."

Scootaloo smirked. "You're right. I'll be better."

The Mountain

Chapter 11: The Mountain

In the past five years, Cloudsdale had installed sections of the city that were composed of steel, not cloud. This allowed for other ponies, other than pegasi, to visit the great metropolis.

Shuttles went to and from the city every day. Today one headed for Cloudsdale's South Side.

Rainbow Dash stared out the window of the shuttle. She tried her best to ignore the awkward glances she got from the other riders. She was the only pegasus on the shuttle, for obvious reasons.

She instead looked at the shimmering sky. The clouds. The sun was high in the sky today, and it shimmered off the beautiful white wisps. She remembered the time when she WAS the sky. She was a rainbow streak that exploded across this sky in a wave of color.

This was her playground. Her kingdom to rule. And it had been taken from her.

It was time to get it back. But she needed help.

Cloudsdale Penitentiary. A wart on the surface of this great city. A horridly ugly building containing the lowest life forms in Equestria. Rainbow smirked as she thought of this. This had been HER home for months. She knew it all too well.

She had a few minutes before the shuttle touched down. She thought of the topic that had lost her hours of sleep the night before.

Thunderspark. Her fillyhood enemy. Her adult friend. Gone. Murdered by a foul creature. Because of her. She knew now the full cost of her recklessness the day she engaged the changeling queen in combat.

She remembered their younger years. At flight camp. He had been the first to start calling her Rainbow Crash. Oh how she hated that. But she had never completely hated him. He had a certain fiery charisma to him. And do die alone, surrounded by the enemy. It was unfair.

The shuttle touched down. Rainbow stepped out onto the sunny metal. The sun glared down at her with a hot intensity. She smiled.

"I missed you sun." She murmured. But the sun was short lived. She trotted through the entrance of Cloudsdale Penitentiary, and back into the darkness.

She shuddered. That cold, impersonal air. She remembered it all too well. This place was hell. And nopony in their right mind ever willingly returned to hell.

But she had to.

She limped through the cell block. She received chants from the prison population. She waved sarcastically at them, making them even angrier.

"Come back to stay Rainbow Crash?" A prisoner called out

"Yeah. Hi. Sorry. Didn't bring a pen. No autographs today." Rainbow said nonchalantly.

She trotted up the a cell at the end of the block. It was isolated from the other cell block. For prisoners of war.

Luna and Celestia stood before one of the cells. They watched Rainbow hobble up.

"Are you sure about this?" Celestia asked her.

Rainbow sighed. "I've had nuttier ideas than this."

She trotted up to the cell. "Hey? Anypony awake in there?"

A black figure stretched, then rose from the bed. It's fly wings beating made a little flitter that filled the darkness surrounding it.

"Yo. Shadow." Rainbow called. "It's Rainbow Dash."

The changeling turned around. His eyes widened when he saw her.

"You? What are you doing here?"

Rainbow sighed. "You said that the broken can heal. Did you mean it?"

Shadow frowned. "Well...yes. Yes I did."

Rainbow looked down at the floor. "I need to ask you a favor."

"Ponies don't usually ask favors of changelings." Shadow replied dryly.

"Yes. I know. That's why this is so wacky. But anyway...do you know about a mountain? Out west? Near the coast?"

The changeling nodded. "Yes. I have climbed it many a time."

"I want to climb it." Rainbow Dash said.

"I wouldn't recommend it." The changeling said. "In your present state, you are too weak to handle it."

He turned and slowly trotted back to his bed.

"Wait. I...I need to climb it. In order to regain my strength."

Shadow slowly turned and sighed. "Your fire."

"Yes. The only way they see me getting my 'fire' back is by climbing this mountain."

"And you need...what? Someone to carry you up the mountainside?"

Rainbow shook her head. "No. I need a guide. Somepony who knows the mountain. Somepony to push me when I stop moving. Somepony to train me. And I figured...you might want out of this place."

Shadow looked around and chuckled. "Really? How'd you know?"

She listened to the jeers of the inmates in the distance. "Call it a gut feeling. Are you in?"

Shadow shrugged. "I guess. First a question. Do you trust me?"

Rainbow looked at him carefully. "Um...I guess?"

"You see, you've made your first mistake. I will guide you pony. But only because I have yet to repay my debt. Don't think for a second that I am worth trusting. You are a pony. I am a changeling. And were I not indebted to you, I'd have already killed you."

Rainbow looked at him, confused. "But you'll help right?"

Shadow rolled his eyes. "Yes. I will assist you."

Celestia gestured to the guard. He unlatched the cell door. The changeling cautiously exited. He sized Rainbow Dash up.

Rainbow Dash was slightly larger than the skinny changeling both in height and bulk. Rainbow Dash had the advantage. Even in her thinner, weakened state. Which was fine. More peace of mind for the pegasus.

The two trotted back towards the shuttle. What a sight they would be.

Celestia pulled Luna close and whispered into her ear.

"I don't like this one bit. I can handle the business in Canterlot on my own. You keep your eye on them."

Luna nodded. "I shall sister."

The balloon touched down in the forest. Rainbow Dash and Shadow were deposited. The great mountain stood before them. It blocked the sun from view with it's grand, rocky physique.

"Beautiful." Shadow muttered. "Are you ready?"

Rainbow looked at him, then up at it. She nodded.

"How hard can it be?"

Shadow chuckled. "You have no idea."

They began the climb. It was a fairly flat trip up the mountainside.

Rainbow Dash had thought about the changeling's words. Had he been warning her about himself? Was he planning something? Perhaps repaying a debt was a ruse for something more sinister.

Shadow looked around the mountainside. "I must warn you. Changelings patrol this area fairly often. If we come across any, stay behind me."

Rainbow nodded. Did he mean that? He couldn't. If they happened across some changelings, he would surely hand her over to them, and escape to his homeland. She was regretting her decision already. But she figured it was far too late. And she still had somewhat of a physical advantage over the changeling.

He was making a steady pace up the mountain. Rainbow on the other hand, was straggling along. She did not have the muscle mass to keep up.

A month in the hospital. It had sapped her of her strength. She had lost almost fifty pounds during that time. It was time to get it back.

"You know, for the fastest in Equestria, you're pretty slow." The changeling quipped.

Rainbow glared at him. "Why'd you come on this trip?"

"I told you. To repay a debt."

Rainbow eyed him suspiciously. "You told me not to trust you. Why?"

"Because I think you'll live a longer, happier life if you don't get used to trusting changelings."

Rainbow stomped up to him up on her three good legs. "So what does that say about you?"

Shadow smirked. "Now there's some of that fire back."

"Shut up about fire. I need to know if I can trust you."

The changeling continued smirking. "You're afraid. You fear me. Honestly, I'm flattered. But this is unnecessary. I will not betray you."

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Well then I guess we should keep moving. After you." She was still very suspicious. And she would certainly not let this changeling out of her sight.

Shadow turned and continued up the mountain side. Rainbow noticed something else suspicious. He was carrying a saddlebag. This was probably the first time she'd ever seen a changeling carrying a saddlebag. It's contents were a mystery.

But now the climb had to take precedence. Rainbow continued onward. As they continued to climb, the ground became somewhat steeper. She thought of Applejack. That pony would've been at the top already. She was in her physical prime.
Rainbow Dash was making pegasi look bad with her slowness.

Another thing changed with the altitude. The air. As she got higher, the air got thinner. Harder to breathe in. Her newly rebuilt lungs were getting their first real workout.

By the time night fell, Rainbow's body was reminding her of it's trauma.

Her joints felt like they were tearing apart. Her body screamed at her, begging for rest. She winced, but paid it no mind. Pain was something she had grown quite accustomed to over the months.

But of course, pain still hurt. And she couldn't help but wince every time her left hoof hit rock.

The changeling showed no sign of slowing. Stamina was a specialty for changelings.

Rainbow was falling behind quickly. Even as the ground leveled off slightly, she could find no solace from the pain, nor gain any ground.

The air was moist here, even if it was horribly thin. It felt almost like a sea breeze hitting the mountain. Rainbow loved that. That moist air. It reminded her of being inside a cloud. A feeling she sorely missed.

And so she rumbled on. Her body threatening to betray her with every step. She wished she had enough energy left to care.

Her lungs were the first thing to go. She suddenly felt a pop in her chest. She began wheezing. Her breathing became tight. Panic set in.

She couldn't breathe. She tried calling out for help. She managed a whimper. The changeling was so far away. She whimpered again, louder this time.

Shadow's ears perked up. He turned. He quickly dashed down towards her.

"Stop. Stop moving. Lie down." He commanded. He put his hoof on Rainbow's chest.

Rainbow Dash slumped over. "I...can't breathe...help...please..."

Shadow dropped the saddlebag on the ground. He opened it and began digging through it rapidly.

"Hold on. Just keep breathing as softly as you can."

Rainbow tried to do as told, but her panic was becoming too much. Her breathing became heavy again, her lungs wheezing from the damage of overuse.

"Here." Shadow pulled out an oxygen mask. It was connected to a small tank.

He placed it over her muzzle. "Breathe. Breathe."

Rainbow Dash felt the oxygen flooding through the mask. She felt her lungs refilling with air. She breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed to the ground.

"Yeah. Perhaps we should just turn in for the night." The changeling said.

Rainbow Dash managed a nod, still desperately taking in air.

Shadow looked down at her. "You trust me yet?"

Rainbow smirked. "Getting there. Getting there..." She trailed off.

"You need sleep." Shadow said. He reached deeper into the saddlebag and produced a blanket. He paused, then awkwardly lay it over Rainbow Dash's collapsed body.

"It gets cold on these mountains." He said. He sat down in the grass.

Rainbow Dash looked up at him. "Thanks. What about you?"

Shadow shook his head. "The last thing I need is sleep. Go on. Get comfortable."

Rainbow shifted position. As she did so, her left foreleg flopped uselessly at her side. The changeling took notice.

"What is wrong with that?" He asked.

"What? Oh. It never really healed. It's just...permanent I guess. Something to remember Chrysalis by." She chuckled weakly.

"Let me see." She looked at Rainbow's foreleg. It was indeed, quite out of place. "I see what happened. This repaired itself wrong. It happens occasionally. It can be fixed."

"It can?" Rainbow asked, slightly fearful.

Shadow nodded. She grasped it firmly, then popped it out. Rainbow let out a cry of agony. He fumbled around with it, before popping it into it's proper socket.

Rainbow pounded the rock and roared at the unnatural pain coming from the left side of her body. The changeling grimaced.

"Oh don't worry. It was just in the wrong socket."

Rainbow looked up at him angrily. "Have you ever heard of a heads up?!"

Shadow shrugged. "Heads up."

"Ugh!" Rainbow growled angrily. She got up. The pain was beginning to subside.

"Try walking on it." Shadow said smugly.

Rainbow threw him another glare, then gingerly put her weight on the forehoove. She winced. Then she paused. There was no reason to wince.

There was no pain.

"What did you...?"

"I told you. It was repaired wrong. Your bones were grinding together every time you used it. Now it's in it's proper socket. You should be feeling considerably less pain."

Rainbow nodded. "I...I am."

Shadow smirked. "Very well. Have a good night eh?" He turned and sat down on the stone ground.

Rainbow sighed. "Hey, look...thanks. Really. This'll really help with the climbing."

Shadow nodded. He smirked again. "After this trip, it will be you who owes me many debts."

Rainbow Dash thought deeply. "Well...there isn't much I could really do..."

"Please Rainbow Dash. That was my misguided attempt at humor. Do not trouble yourself with it. Good night."

Rainbow Dash laid back down. The blanket felt good, sealing in the warmth in the cold, misty air. She closed her eyes. She opened them one last time. Something she saw had interested her.

The changeling shivered. It looked almost like a seizure. She looked closer at him.

Scars. They lined his back. Deep, hideously patterned scars. She shuddered.

The changeling's ears went back. He turned and glared at Dash.

Rainbow looked away. "Sorry." She stammered weakly. She closed her eyes and returned to her dreams.

Arrogance

Chapter 12: Arrogance

The new palace in Canterlot was quite modern. It involved the highest technological advancements, unknown to the rest of Equestria. Even computer systems existed within the great structure.

Celestia led the six ponies into the deepest section of the palace substructure. After identifying herself to a monitor, a great metal door began to slide open.

The six ponies hesitated, wondering what sort of mysterious danger might lay beyond the great door.

"Do not be frightened my little ponies. It is safe to enter."

The six trudged forward. The room they entered was very dark. The rest of the substructure wasn't exactly bright and cheerful either, but this was a new level of darkness.

Celestia's horn powered up. A few sparks shot out. Then a single, powerful light came to life in the room's center.

And it revealed something that made the six gasp in wonder.

Before them stood the mannequin of a pegasus pony. On it, was a mighty looking blue armor.

On the head of the pegasus, a blue helmet, complete with what appeared to be a horn. A hoof guard on all four hooves, and a powerful looking chest piece.

"What is that?" Twilight Sparkle asked curiously.

Celestia trotted in front of the armor. She seemed to be admiring it. But her expression gave way to grave seriousness.

"This was once the armor of Nightmare Moon. Luna created it after losing her mind over a thousand years ago. With it's power, she very nearly defeated me."

Scootaloo trotted right up to it. Something about the armor seemed to be alive. She pulled back, frightened by it.

"Nightmare Moon? Are you sure it was safe to hold on to?" Applejack asked.

"Certainly not worth holding on to as a fashion statement." Rarity pointed out, wrinkling her nose at the thing.

"We do not wish to use it to make a fashion statement, Miss Rarity. We have converted it into a weapon."

At hearing the word weapon, Fluttershy backed away from it as well. "I-Is it safe?"

"For now. This is the only existing suit so far. We had hoped never to use it, but, with war on the horizon, we fear we may soon have to mass produce this armor."

Twilight felt the horn. "Is this real?"

"Oh yes. It is an artificial horn. I've injected small doses of my own magic into it. We wish to use it against the changeling encroachers. This prototype is designed only for pegasi. However, we have plans to build earth pony and unicorn variations."

Twilight examined it closely. "This is too much power for one pony."

"I'm designing six of them." Celestia replied.

Applejack's eyes widened. "For us?"

Celestia nodded. "The elements of harmony must be fully protected should we face any invasion in the very near future."

Scootaloo hopped up to Celestia. "Does that mean I get one?" She asked a little too enthusiastically.

Celestia sighed. "I was hoping that Rainbow Dash would return from her rehab before then. I'm sorry, but like Twilight said, this is a LOT of power. It...would be difficult for you to control."

Scootaloo's ears went back. "What? Are you serious? I got this element because Rainbow Dash said I was ready!"

"I know...Rainbow Dash did not exactly consult with me on that decision." The princess said as gently as possible. She lay a hoof on the young pegasi's shoulder. "You are thirteen. You are still so young. Our nation cannot rely on somepony as young as you. I promise, once you're older, there will be a place waiting for you, but not yet."

Scootaloo pouted. She looked to the others for support. But they all looked dead serious.

"She's right sugarcube. You just ain't ready for that kind of power yet." Applejack said, smiling painfully.

Scootaloo sighed. She trotted off, completely dejected. The five each felt the cold sensation of guilt in their hearts. Celestia watched her go and turned to Twilight.

"I apologize. I did not mean to hurt her."

Twilight shook her head. "Don't worry Princess. She just needs some time to clear her head."

The mane six were escorted to their rooms. The new royal palace was truly fantastic. A perfect housing place for the six heroes.

Well five anyway.

Scootaloo went into her room and slumped down on the bed. She was still unproven. The others still seemed to talk down to her. And this made her angry.

The only reason she hadn't proven herself was because she had been held back every step of the way. Everypony calling her a kid. Even Celestia had called her out on it. And the others had just watched. They had not tried protecting their 'friend' from the cruel but true words of Celestia.

She needed a chance to prove herself.

Meanwhile, in the next room over, Twilight Sparkle was sleeping peacefully. Rainbow Dash was finally getting rehabilitated. The changelings were at bay for now. No reason to lose sleep.

There was a knock at the door. Twilight yawned and stretched.

"Who is it?"

"It's Applejack." The voice replied.

Twilight got up out of bed and opened the door.

"C'mon Twilight. The princess needs us."

"For what?" Twilight asked.

"Pardon?"

"For what? Why does she need us?"

"Um...well...she didn't tell me." Applejack said.

Twilight noticed a certain unusual twitch in Applejack's green eyes.

"You're lying."

Applejack arched an eyebrow. "What now?"

"You're lying." Twilight repeated.

Applejack frowned. "I ain't lyin."
Twilight frowned back. "You feeling okay Applejack?"

Applejack smiled uncomfortably. Then her eyes became blue. The orange of her coat melted away. Underneath were black scales.

"You're coming with me purple one." The changeling hissed. She grabbed Twilight Sparkle and flexed his wings, then blasted down the hallway.

"Get off me!" Twilight shouted. The creature reared back his hoof and plunked her on the head. She slumped over in his arms.

He shattered the window and flew off into the night.

"Well come on then. Eat your breakfast."

Rainbow Dash blinked her eyes. She stretched in the morning sun. "What's going on?"

"Breakfast. Berries. Not much else here. Dig in." He turned away to eat his own small share.

Rainbow Dash saw the scars on his back. They seemed to be etched in some kind of cruel pattern.

"Shadow?"

Shadow turned. "What?"

"What happened to your back?"

Shadow sighed. "It's not important."

"Sure it is. It must be." Rainbow said. "What happened?"

Shadow looked back at her. His eyes held a strange, unnerving anger. He suddenly seemed quite threatening. Rainbow backed off. She smiled awkwardly back at him.

"Okay. Maybe we should just get moving."

She wolfed down the berries and continued the climb up the mountainside.

They continued on in silence. Rainbow Dash still ached from the night before. But her front leg felt good as new.

"So what is so special about this mountain anyway?" She asked.

The changeling did not look at her. "It is said that on the top of the mountain, there is a fountain. It is said that bathing in it return's ones essence. We must find that fountain."

"Wait. Hold on. It is said? I thought you'd been up here!"

The changeling sighed. "I have. But I have never reached the top."

Rainbow Dash couldn't believe this. Here she was expecting that she was following an experienced climber who knew this mountain like the back of his hoof. But her guide apparently had only slightly more experience than she herself did.

"Why did you come? I mean other than the whole debt thing? Why should I have brought you?"

The changeling turned to her angrily. "Because I have been broken before."

Rainbow was silenced by this sudden angry outburst. She shook a little.

"What? You got some fancy tattoo?" She said, gesturing to the etchings on his back. She scoffed. "That's not being broken. That's just a poor place to slice yourself up. I'm the one who can't fly over here..."

The changeling reached forward and grabbed her by the scruff of the neck. "Don't you dare compare something as trivial as not being able to fly, with this!" He shouted, frightening the pegasus. "You are a selfish, impulsive fool! You couldn't even imagine what these marks cost me!"

He looked ready to strangle her, his eyes burning with unbridled fury. Rainbow Dash desperately tried to breath, as his grip tightened. "I'm sorry..."

Shadow's eyes suddenly softened. He looked down at her, then at his hooves. He let her down and immediately reached for the oxygen tank.

"I am so sorry. I did not wish to lose my temper. I am so very sorry..." He trailed off, fixing the mask to Rainbow's face. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear.

Shadow slumped down, looking defeated, against the grass. "Please. Do not look at me like that. I know I nearly did a monstrous thing just now but..."

Rainbow pulled the oxygen mask off and shook her head. "No, it's alright. I have a tendency to say stupid things sometimes."

Now THAT was an understatement. But she knew she had ticked a nerve. And she was certain to steer clear of it now. However, she did not.

"Tell me what happened."

"No. I am sorry. This is your journey. I cannot make it about me." He turned and continued trekking forth.

Rainbow closed her eyes. "Wait."

The changeling stopped and turned around.

"Please. I need to know. How were you broken?"

The changeling paused, collecting his thoughts. "Mentally. Spiritually. Physically."

Rainbow Dash shuddered through the pain and ran up to the changeling.

"What happened to you Shadow?"

Shadow looked at her, then looked up at the rising sun.

"I haven't always been a soldier for the changeling guard. Once I was a champion flyer. Like you."

Rainbow gasped, looking at his damaged fly wings. "Really?"

"Yes. And I had a wife. A beautiful wife. And two beautiful little fillies." He took a deep breath. "Queen Chrysalis came to watch a performance of mine. I was so excited. So young and naive. I thought I could show off in front of the queen. Add some points to my ego." He paused and grimaced, recollecting a particularly painful memory.

"But...I failed. I lost control during a stunt. Crashed into the queen's viewing barge. Chrysalis was nearly killed."

He stopped, his eyes starting to water. "Her bodyguards construed it as an assassination attempt. They threw me into a dark hole. And then...after a few days...they threw my family in with me."

Rainbow sat down, listening intently.

"They...they broke my legs. My wings. Both during the course of my interrogation. I suppose you ponies would call it torture. After I did not admit to plotting an assassination, her captain of the guard had my spine broken. So I could not move. So I had to watch..."

"Watch what?" Rainbow asked.

He let out a sniffle. A full tear rolled down his muzzle.

"Watch them murder my family. My beautiful wife...and my beautiful children...they died because of my arrogance. My recklessness."

Rainbow's ears went back.

"But of course, eventually they decided it was all an accident. And since they had broken my wings during the torture, I could no longer fly with the same...charisma. My legs and spine healed quickly. Changeling blood. And so I was pressed into army service. I have been a soldier ever since."

Rainbow dash sat back. "I...I'm so sorry. I didn't know..."

"It's okay. I've said too much." The changeling said, standing. "We must continue onwards."

"What about those?" She asked, gesturing to the scars.

He looked at them, then back at her. "They imprinted those upon me as I watched. So that even if they allowed me to live, I would never forget."

Rainbow Dash realized now how ticked that nerve had been. To say that her loss meant anything up against that which the changeling lost, was absolutely ludicrous.

Shadow turned, then continued up the mountainside.

Twilight awakened. She was surrounded by changelings.

"What? What's going on?"

"Greetings Twilight Sparkle." Chrysalis hissed. "You remember me don't you? Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?"

Twilight growled. "You. Oh just you wait...Celestia and Luna will come for me soon..."

Chrysalis picked Twilight up and threw her. She bumped her head on a wooden object.

"Hold on to false hope if it makes you feel better. But tell me. Can you see what that is?" Chrysalis asked.

Twilight turned. "What...what is it?"

It was a large wooden log. It looked sick and twisted. It glowed green.

"That is the weapon of your undoing. This weapon will level Equestria. Not even your beloved alicorns will survive."

Twilight shook her head. "No. That's not possible. Nothing is that powerful..."

"Oh yes. The core of it was mined out of the flame mountains in the badlands. Capable of incinerating miles and miles of earth. This device shall level Equestria. And you shall watch."

Twilight's breathing became heavy. "Queen, please, if you must, punish me. Kill me, torture me, I don't care. But spare Equestria. Please."

Chrysalis smiled. "Now wouldn't that just be peachy? No. Do not worry. I will not kill you Twilight Sparkle. I will let you live with the image of everypony you know dying at my hoof."

"I'm gonna go get her!" Scootaloo shouted.

"Scootaloo, calm down." Fluttershy reasoned. "Let's just all take a moment to calm down."

Applejack nodded. "She's right. We gotta think strategically here. Where would she have been taken?"

"The everfree forest!" Scootaloo snapped. "Where do you think they're all hiding?"

"Scootaloo we have to stay composed. We're a group. We'll just wait for the go ahead from Princess Celestia..."

"Go ahead? Go ahead? Why don't we just go?" Scootaloo demanded.

Applejack shook her head. "You have to think Scootaloo. This is exactly what Chrysalis expects us to do."

Scootaloo turned and headed towards her balcony.

"Where do you think you're going young lady?" Applejack demanded.

Scootaloo turned. "What Rainbow Dash would do."

She spread her wings and blasted off.

Chrysalis Crack Down

Chapter 13: Chrysalis Crack Down

Rainbow Dash felt the night air nipping at her coat. It was chilly. Her bones ached. Her muscles ached. Her wings were numbed, and flopped uselessly at her sides.

Shadow showed no signs of tiring. Rainbow began to wonder if he was some kind of robot. How could somepony get this far without sleeping?

Shadow turned. "We have arrived."

Rainbow Dash looked up. It was almost midnight. They had finally arrived at the mountaintop.

It was beautiful. Great rock columns. A giant waterfall. A long patch of grass that extended beyond the edge of the mountain, like a runway. A view of the great seas beyond the Equestrian mountainside.

"This is...beautiful." Rainbow said.

"I know." Shadow mumbled back. "Stunning."

Shadow brought out Rainbow's blanket. "It's very cold tonight. You could get sick."

Rainbow nodded, accepting the blanket. "So why don't you ever sleep?"

Shadow looked at her. His blood shot eyes seemed to stare deep into her soul.

"Sometimes it isn't up to me. Sometimes I simply doze off. And when I do...there they are. Always. My wife and family."

Rainbow cocked her head. "Well doesn't that make you happy?"

Shadow sighed. "Yes. Very happy. But then...I always do wake up. And I am reminded of what I had. What I traded away for some...stupid stunt."

Rainbow gently touched his spikey head. It was the first time she'd laid a hoof on the scaly creature.

"It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known..."

"Your words are empty pony. You've never known pain like I have."

Rainbow Dash was taken aback by these words.

"You know, believe it or not, I don't have a family either."

Shadow arched an eyebrow. "You had a husband? Children?"

Rainbow shook her head. "A mother. And a father."

Shadow nodded. "What happened?"

"My mother died during childbirth. It's been a lingering question as to whether...my birth actually did it."

Shadow sighed. "I'm sorry. And your father?"

Rainbow nodded. "He was a champion flier. One of the founding members of the wonderbolts. Basically a bunch of stunt flyer's like you. One day I went to his performance. I needed to prove that I could perform a sonic rainboom. He didn't believe I could." She paused and looked away.

"So of course I had to do it right there. At his performance. Right where he couldn't ignore me. I got lined up for the boom. And...he came up to get me. To try and talk me out of it. I ignored him. He kept pressing. A lightning storm hit. He got struck down by a bolt. He fell." Rainbow sniffled. "I tried to save him. I tried to catch him but I couldn't. My stupid, tiny, worthless little filly body couldn't catch up to him."

She trailed off, the tears overcoming her. Shadow sighed then rubbed her back gently.

"It's okay. Take it easy. What in the hell are we doing to ourselves?"

Rainbow shook her head. "I don't know. This is stupid..."

"I think we've opened up enough old wounds for one day. Time to get some sleep." Shadow declared. "For you anyway."

Rainbow Dash wrapped herself up in the blanket. She looked over.

The changeling shook again. It freaked Rainbow out a little. Seeing this strange seizure like behavior from the changeling. This time Rainbow decided to speak up.

"Hey. Are you alright?"

Shadow turned around. "We changelings live in a swelteringly hot environment. This cold is...extreme."

Rainbow slowly trotted over to him. She didn't know quite how to do this.

But she threw half the blanket over him. He gave her a look like she'd gone insane.

"What are you doing?"

"You're cold. The blanket is warm."

Shadow shook his head. "No. Enduring the cold is necessary. It builds up mental toughness."

"Pffft." Rainbow Dash laughed. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Come on."

Shadow hesitantly edged closer to her. His mind raced. Was this some kind of trap? She did have the size advantage. But she was also in no physical condition to fight. So he bit the bullet, and tucked in next to her.

She placed the blanket over him. He felt some of the cold dissipate, countered by the heat. Then he felt something else. Her warm coat. Up against his side. He looked. Rainbow already had closed her eyes. He could feel her heart beat. He felt her body rise and fall with every breath.

He felt strangely comfortable next to the pegasus.

"Tomorrow we will train. You must prepare yourself. You are nothing right now. Nothing but a worthless cripple. I will transform you into the rainbow warrior you once were. From tomorrow on, there is no turning back."

Rainbow Dash gave him a weird look. "Have I ever told you you take yourself way too seriously?"

Shadow looked into her eyes. A little bit of that fire seemed to flicker back. He smirked.

Then he lay his head down next to hers and dozed off.

He spent the evening with his family once again.

Scootaloo flew low over the trees. It was getting to be dawn now. The sun was peeking up over the horizon. It was time to avenge.

Chrysalis sat among her troops, contemplating what to do with Twilight Sparkle after she destroyed Equestria.

There was a whistling from behind her. Then a clopping sound. She turned. An angry looking orange pegasus stood before her.

"Chrysalis. Get ready to feel pain."

There was a silence. Then the changeling ranks broke into laughter.

"How old are you child? Twelve? Thirteen?"

Scootaloo snarled. "I'm old enough to break you, cheese legs."

Chrysalis laughed. She noticed the element of loyalty around the pegasi's neck. "Is this what Equestria entrust's it's fate with? You ponies are more desperate than I imagined. Very well. If you wish to die for your nation, I shall oblige you."

She lowered her horn to destroy the pesky child.

There was a green blast. Scootaloo dodged. She felt that necklace get even heavier. It's powers began surging through her. She could feel it. She buried any sense of fear she had underneath the surging rage.

She jumped up, grabbing the changeling's horn. Then she slammed her head into the dirt.

Chrysalis backed away, spitting out dirt. Her eyes were wide. She had been mistaken. This pegasus was not like the others. There was a fire in her. A burning, raging fire. And underestimating her had been unwise. The momentum had swung in her favor.

She swung her hoof at the head of the pegasus. She ducked and jammed her hoof into the changeling's ribcage. She winced as she felt one shatter.

Scootaloo shoved her back to the ground. Chrysalis took a moment to get up.

"You...you are a fledgling fighter. Even less skilled than the others..."

Scootaloo spun and kicked the changeling in the head. Her head snapped back. Her eyes spun around.

It was a concussion force hit. She got shakily to her hooves. She stretched her wings, ready to fly at the pegasus. She charged at her. The pegasus ducked, sending Chrysalis head first into a tree. She felt her front leg break.

She dully flailed a hoof in Scootaloo's direction. Scootaloo ducked, then cut her legs out from under her with a swift chop. Chrysalis fell to the ground.

Her legs cried out in agony. They were broken, all of them. Chrysalis looked down at them in shock.

Scootaloo slowly trotted over to her. The queen looked up at her with terror in her eyes.

Scootaloo's eyes had turned a demonic red. The queen shook as she stared up into them.

"Please young pony...there is no need to murder me...I will be a good changeling from now on...please...spare me..."

Scootaloo felt no mercy in her heart. She wanted nothing more right now than to end this creature's miserable existence.

She felt darkness and rage take over. She reared back and punched. Hoof met skull. Again. Then again. Then again. Chrysalis was begging now.

"Please! Spare me! Please young warrior!"

Scootaloo stopped. She looked at her hooves. They were covered with dark changeling blood. She looked down at the battered changeling queen.

"Remember my name."

The changeling stopped whimpering. "W-What?"

Scootaloo took a deep breath. "I'm Scootaloo. Remember that name. Remember the pony that brought you to your knees."

The young pegasus felt all the rage and hatred fall away. She couldn't kill this creature even if she tried.

"Two more names I want you to remember. Rainbow Dash. The sister you crippled. And Thunderspark. The friend you murdered. Now run. Run back home changeling."

Chrysalis looked around, terrified. "Soldiers! Fall back! Fall back to the badlands! Do it now! Abandon posts!"

The changelings looked at each other in confusion, then began falling back, heading off deeper into the forest.

They came over and lifted up their immobile leader. They carried her off into the forest.

Scootaloo chuckled. "Who's a kid now?"

She heard a whimpering in the woods. She ran over to it.

"Twilight!" She shouted. Twilight Sparkle lay in the grass, a large gash on her head.

"S-Scootaloo?" Twilight stammered, barely conscious.

"Come on Twilight. Come with me. I'll...I'll help you."

She picked Twilight up and spread her wings. Then she zoomed off towards Canterlot.

Scootaloo touched down on her balcony. The four were waiting for her when she returned.

"What happened? Are you all right?"

Scootaloo released Twilight from her grip. Princess Celestia joined them.

"Oh my faithful student. What happened to you?"

A doctor came in and began putting bandages on her head.

They turned to Scootaloo. "What about Chrysalis?"

Scootaloo smirked. "Gone. Back home. She didn't even lay a hoof on me."

She wiped off some of the changeling blood. They looked at in in quiet shock.

Applejack gave Scootaloo a hug. "Good job Scoots." She patted her on the back. Her expression turned to one of concern."But next time, if you go on ahead without the rest of us, I'll slap you upside the head. Is that understood?"

Fluttershy seemed a bit shocked by the violent words. "Well maybe just a soft...poke."

Scootaloo shoved Applejack back. She felt that rage coming back.

"I can't believe this. I saved Equestria. I got rid of the changelings. And I'm still getting ripped for it. You ponies are unbelievable."

She turned to leave. Applejack grabbed onto her tail. "Look. I ain't ripping you. You did good Scootaloo. But this can't happen again. I can't have my little pony flyin off into trouble like that!"

Scootaloo slapped her hoof away. "I can take care of myself! Did you not notice? I just beat CHRYSALIS! ME! SCOOTALOO!"

Rarity cleared her throat. "Scootaloo. There are six elements of harmony, of which you only represent one. So stop talking like you're the only pony in the universe please."

Scootaloo looked at their faces. They all looked strict. Unhappy. She felt herself become warm. Her ears went back.

Applejack opened her mouth. "Scoots..."

She put up a hoof. "No. I don't wanna hear it. This is ridiculous."

Applejack sighed. "We're grateful Scoots. We're grateful. You ended the changeling threat. But your attitude lately has been a problem. And as much as I love you, you're becoming a head case. You need a breather. And you need to give me that element right now."

Scootaloo looked down at it. It seemed to glow brighter. To beckon. She looked back up at Applejack.

"How can I trust you with this? You're not the element of loyalty."

Applejack's expression hardened. "Neither are you. I'll just hold it for Rainbow Dash. Alright? I ain't gonna put it on or nothing."

Scootaloo looked at them all. Their looks of concern. Their looks of kindness. Of caring. None of it was real. They cared not. They just wanted to separate her from it. They could not be trusted.

Applejack offered a hoof. Scootaloo stared at it, then back at her, her eyes betraying no emotion other than anger.

She turned, spread her wings and lifted off into the skies.

At least there was one pony that loved her no matter what.

Rainbow Dash yawned as the morning sun hit her. She looked around. The mountaintop was even more beautiful in the day. The waterfall shimmered.

She noticed the changeling slumped up against her. Her first reaction was repulsion. A changeling. Touching her coat. But then her mind settled.

This changeling was different. He wasn't a murderous freak like the others. He looked almost peaceful now. A slight grin on his face as he slept.

Rainbow leaned in and nuzzled him gently.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?" The changeling asked.

Rainbow jumped a foot in the air. "Um, nothing. You uh...had something on your face."

The changeling got to his hooves and arched an eyebrow. "Really? Did you get it?"

Rainbow nodded, smirking. "Yeah, I got it."

Shadow chuckled. "Alright. Then it's time to work."

"One hundred fourteen. One hundred fifteen. Come on, is this all you got?"

Rainbow Dash continued churning out push up after push up. Her body screamed for her to stop. She ignored it.

Her body didn't deserve a rest yet. It had done absolutely nothing for the past month. It was time to show it some tough love.

Rainbow let out a growl as she reached 130. She slowed down and slumped to the side.

"Oy. I haven't told you to stop. Keep pumping."

Rainbow let out a moan, then continued the push ups.

"One hundred forty. One hundred forty one..."

Rainbow let out a roar of anger. She reached 145.

"Come on, five more RD, come on."

She shook as she lifted herself up for the one hundred and forty sixth time. Then her flow of energy seemed to cut off.

"I can't. I can't do it." She declared, collapsing to the grass panting.

Shadow shook his head, a look of disgust in her eyes. "Are you an athlete?!" He shouted.

Rainbow nodded, still straining for air. "Yes."

Shadow spat. "Such a waste of an ego. You are not athlete. At my hooves, lays a coward. A weak coward."

Rainbow Dash looked up at him. "What?"

"I ask one hundred and fifty push ups from you. A year ago, could you do this?"

Rainbow frowned. "Of course..."

"Then why can't you do it now? What has changed?"

Rainbow's mouth gaped. "Are you serious? MY BACK WAS BROKEN!"

"And is it broken now?!" Shadow demanded.

Rainbow paused, still breathing hard. "Well...no..."

"Then what is your problem? Four more push ups!"

Rainbow Dash shook her head, feeling the morning mist dampen her mane and coat. "I can't...I just can't...please...I can't..."

Shadow sighed. "Your fire is now put out. You are just a weak shell. You reek of the same weakness that cost you your spine in the first place. The weakness that cost your father his life."

Rainbow froze, her eyes widening, shocked at the changeling's words. "No..."

"You have dishonored him. And you have wasted my time." Shadow turned, giving her one final, disappointed glance. Then he began slowly trotting away.

Rainbow sat there, the emotions flowing to the surface. She let out a moan of sadness at the unfairness of it all.

She shook her head. "No. I am no coward. You come back here!" She charged at the changeling.

The changeling turned, and grabbed her by her mane, then slammed her into the ground.

"You have anger! You have energy! Yet you waste it on me! This is why you fail! Use your anger! Use your sadness, use every emotion that you've bottled up all these years! Use it to rebuild yourself, not to destroy me."

Rainbow paused. "You...no..."

The changeling looked down at her. "You have wasted time. No you start over. One hundred and fifty push ups."

Rainbow Dash wanted to punch Shadow so hard, right in the jaw. She wanted him to pay for what he had said. But she realized now, just how powerful this anger was, as it roared to life inside her.

She threw herself to the misty ground and began the process again.

"One hundred fifty. Good job Rainbow Dash. Perhaps I was mistaken." He patted her on the back. She groaned in response.

"Alright Dash. Take a break. Want some water?" Shadow asked.

Dash nodded. Shadow leaned down and gave her his canteen. "Drink."

Rainbow gulped down the water quickly. She emptied it.

Shadow tossed the canteen aside. "Now tell me. How do your arms feel?"

Rainbow looked up at him. A part of her still wanted to punch him hard for her earlier words. "Pain."

Shadow chuckled. "Yep. That means it's working. You're healing Rainbow Dash. Whether you believe it or not, you are healing."

Rainbow Dash nodded, wiping the sweat off her brow. "Thanks Shadow. I think."

Shadow looked over at the equestrian sea. "Well get ready. You're doing that again."

Rainbow gave him a shocked look. He smirked. "Don't worry. You're not using your arms this time. You're using your wings to lift you."

Rainbow cocked her head. "What?"

"Your doing push ups. Only you'll do it with your wings."

"But I can't fly." Rainbow protested.

"You won't be using your wings to fly. You'll be using them to support your weight. Must I explain further?" Shadow asked irritably.

Rainbow sighed. "Oh Celestia help me." She laid herself down on the ground again. She extended her feathery wings. They had definitely lost some muscle from all this inactivity.

She put the ends of her wings on the ground. Then she grimaced as she activated every wing muscle she had. Her wings began pumping. They flexed and lifted her up in the air.

"One. Two. Three. Four..."

Rainbow lay on her back. She'd gone 115 from her wings. They were on fire now too.

Next was back stretches. Shadow wanted to see just how much flexibility that new spine had in it.

By day's end, Rainbow Dash was in agony. She could feel all those muscles in her body rebuilding.

"You are like your muscles Rainbow Dash. They are destroyed when you overuse them, but they grow back stronger than ever."

Rainbow blushed. "Oh stop."

Shadow sat down in the grass. His scars seemed to glimmer in the sunlight. It brought a shudder from the pegasus.

"What are you gonna do after this Shadow?" Rainbow asked curiously.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean...after you repay the debt." Rainbow asked.

Shadow looked off into the sinking sun. "I will return to my home. And take the place I served before. A loyal soldier."

Rainbow stood up painfully. "What? Are you serious?"

Shadow looked up at her. "You have a problem with this?"

"The changelings killed your family. And now you have a chance to leave her army. And you're just gonna go back?"

Shadow sighed. "It's more complicated than that Rainbow Dash. You should understand. You once bore the element of loyalty. I must stay loyal to my people."

Rainbow opened her mouth to protest. But no words came. He was right.

"It does not matter who our leaders are Rainbow Dash. We cannot let villainous leaders make us abandon our own race. Then evil wins."

"Evil? You're the guys who 'eat' love." Rainbow said.

Shadow chuckled. "We do. But it is one of many food sources for us. It just happens to be the sweetest. I personally dislike it greatly."

Rainbow Dash sighed. She was very curious. "Do you know who was responsible?"

Shadow slowly nodded. "Yes. He serves in the same army as I. But we are rarely allowed to stay together. They fear for his life."

Rainbow looked at him sadly. "Would you kill him if you could?"

"I don't know. I will figure all that out after I leave you." Shadow replied. Rainbow seemed saddened by these words.

"You're going to miss me aren't you." Shadow smirked. It wasn't a question.

Rainbow shook her head but her words said different. "Yeah."

Shadow frowned. He looked at her closely. "Even after all I've put you through? I am surprised."

Rainbow sighed. She joined Shadow in staring out across the great seas. It was a truly invigorating sight.

The waves crashing against the beautiful green landscape. The beaches and rocks beneath them. And she thought over how she could still stand here next to the enemy who had just used her own father against her. And she knew exactly why he had. Because he knew it would work.

"Nopony's pushed me like that in a very long time." Rainbow replied. "Not since my father. And sometimes...I guess all you need to achieve great things is a little push."

Shadow turned, satisfied with the response. Rainbow watched him go.

"Shadow?"

"Yes?"

"After this is all done, will you remember me?"

Shadow smiled. "Of course. You're the first pony whose life I've ever spared."

The days continued much the same. Every day, Rainbow pushed her body to the limit. Like Shadow said, she had to destroy herself in order to come back stronger.

Each day, her muscles grew. Each day she got closer and closer to her form.

But today Shadow decided to try something new.

"Alright. Fly."

Rainbow Dash frowned. "What?"

"I want you to spread your wings, flap em, and fly."

A look of uncertainty crossed Rainbow's face. "O-Okay."

"See, what is that?" Shadow asked.

"What?"

"Fear. You're afraid. Of flying. Why is that?"

Rainbow paused. "I don't know, I..."

"I do. You're afraid that you won't be able to. You're afraid of failure."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Wow. Never heard that one before."

"Go on." Shadow insisted. "Give it a try."

Rainbow flitted out her wings. She gave them a flap or two, getting the cobwebs out of her feathers.

"Anytime you're ready." Shadow said patiently.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Then she began slowly flapping her wings. They flew together now, in synchronization. But still, they could not lift her. She flapped harder

She put her hooves over her eyes. This reminded her of her fillyhood. She had been so afraid of heights. The fear was not of heights now. It was of knowing that she couldn't achieve flight again.

She opened her eyes. She was hovering. She let out a slight yelp.

She was doing it. Flight. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Suddenly it all went to hell. Her wings sputtered out. She screamed. Then she collapsed back to the ground.

She began pounding her fists on the grass. "Buck it!"

"That was good Rainbow Dash. It was progress." Shadow offered.

"I don't want progress Shadow." Rainbow Dash snapped. "I want my wings back."

There was a flapping in the distance. Rainbow looked. An orange pegasus touched down.

"Squirt!" She shouted. She ran up to Scootaloo. She embraced the young pegasus tightly. It had been a couple weeks since their last meeting.

Scootaloo smirked. "Hey Rainbow Dash. Guess what?"

"What?"

"Changelings aren't gonna be a problem for us anymore."

Rainbow frowned. "Why? What happened?"

Scootaloo grinned a wide grin. She put on a heroic pose. "I defeated Chrysalis."

She expected a grin. A pat on the back. Some form of congratulations. Instead she got a stern glare.

"What did I tell you squirt?"

Scootaloo frowned. "What?"

"You were supposed to leave Chrysalis alone. That's what I told you. Do you ever listen to me squirt?"

Scootaloo looked at her, mouth agape. "You too Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow arched an eyebrow, her expression remaining one of anger. "Me too what? You promised me you wouldn't go after her. You broke that promise Scoots!"

Scootaloo felt a wave of sadness rush through her. Everypony was against her now. Even the one who had given her her one true home.

"I-I'm sorry Rainbow Dash." She murmured.

Rainbow groaned in exasperation. "I was so ready to take her on again..."

"I'm sorry I beat her and you didn't." Scootaloo finished. Rainbow's mouth gaped.

"What did you say?"

"It must just eat at you, knowing that a kid beat Chrysalis. And you didn't stand a chance against her."

Rainbow Dash felt a wave of rage. "You're treading on thin ice squirt. I think you oughta apologize for that."

Scootaloo smirked. "It's funny. You and you're friends are all into representing friendship. But I've got nothing but grief since I put this thing on." She gestured to the element.

"Look, you're supposed to follow orders..."

"Orders? I thought we were friends Rainbow Dash. All the sudden we're soldiers? Is that how friendship works? Following orders?"

Rainbow sighed. "Scootaloo, you're still young. You're only thirteen..."

"And I outperformed you. And you're jealous. Admit it." She snarled.

Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof. "I'm not jealous. I'm frustrated. You don't listen to me at all. I'm your big sister..."

"No you're not!" Scootaloo shouted. "You pretend to be. But you never cared about me. You just loved it how I idolized you. How I bought all your posters. How I wore your bucking mane hat."

Rainbow shook her head. "Scoots, that's not true..."

"Well you know what Rainbow Dash? I've outgrown you. You're just a has been now. I'm the future."

Rainbow shook her head slowly. "I should've known giving you that element was a mistake."

"Well then come get it Rainbow Crash." Scootaloo taunted. "Come take it from me. Oh wait. You can't."

Rainbow reached out to grab the element. Scootaloo raised her hoof and punched Rainbow in the face.

She reeled back, shocked at the gesture. For a moment the world was fuzzy. Then came the pain. She felt her face. It was bleeding. She looked at Scootaloo, barely containing her anger.

Scootaloo's eyes had turned red again. She looked almost demonic.

"The element of loyalty should belong to somepony capable of holding it." Scootaloo hissed. She turned, stretched her wings, and took off, deeper into the forest.

Losing Hope

Chapter 14: Losing Hope

Scootaloo sat on a cliffside, weeping.

In less than a week, she had burned every bridge she had. Applejack. Twilight Sparkle. Rarity. Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy.

And then, as if to cap it all off, she had burned her last bridge. Rainbow Dash.

The pony that had given her a home. A role model. A shoulder to cry on occasionally.

And now, there was nopony left. She dug her head into the ground and began tearing out bits of her mane.

"I'll...I'll impress them all. They'll see...They'll see that I'm better than this. I'm somepony. I'M SOMEPONY!"

"But you aren't. You're nopony." A voice sneered.

Scootaloo looked around. "What? Who's there?"

She saw a drop fall into a puddle. She hesitantly trotted over to it. She gasped at what she saw.

Herself. Her eyes red and bloodshot. Her body covered in hideous tattoos. Her mane horribly mangled.

"They think you are weak. They think you are a pushover. That you can be shut out, ignored. They do not love you. They never did. Not even Sweetie Belle. Not even Apple Bloom. They were all just playing the game."

Scootaloo shook her head. "No. I just...I let them down. It's my fault..."

"You didn't let anypony down. You have been trotted over for the last time. Now, it is time to take control."

Scootaloo shook her head. "But...what if I hurt them?"

"You owe them pain. Thirteen years worth of pain, for that is how many years they have ignored you. You will dethrone Celestia. And as the slayer of Chrysalis, you will take your rightful place atop Equestria!"

Scootaloo felt an overwhelming urge to rip the element from her neck. To clear herself of all these terrible thoughts it was causing. But she couldn't. It was a part of her now.

And at the same time, she knew she had to resist. She shook her head. "No...I won't."

"You will."

"I-I can't."

"You must."

Scootaloo looked away from the puddle. She stared at the element of loyalty, hanging there, encouraging her.

"I must."

"What was that about?" Shadow asked.

"Nothing." Rainbow said dryly. "We're starting with push ups right?"

The image of Chrysalis flashed in her head. Vengeance she would be unable to have.

"Hold on." Shadow said, stepping in her path. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Rainbow lied. "I need to keep working."

"Aren't you upset at all? You're sister just said all those thing..."

"She's not my sister." Rainbow snapped. "She's just some pony."

"Now I know that's not true." Shadow said. "She must mean a lot to you."

"What makes you think that?" Rainbow demanded.

"You didn't hit her back." Shadow replied calmly.

Rainbow stopped to catch her breath and think of something to fire back. But she had nothing.

"You really love her don't you?"

Rainbow sighed. A tear came to her eye. "We went on a trip together. Opened up about each other's pasts. And they were the same. We were both orphans. So, I took her in. As my little sister. And I taught her as much as I could." She sniffled.

"I gave her that element."

Scootaloo felt the heat rise as she left Equestrian airspace. She was in the Badlands now. Home of the Changelings.

A battalion of soldiers stood at the gates. Scootaloo swallowed, then landed amongst them.

"A pony! Kill it!" One of the changelings shouted.

The changeling charged. Scootaloo roundhouse kicked him, sending him crashing to the ground.

"I am the one who crippled your leader." Scootaloo said bravely.

They knew. Most of these soldiers had been witnesses to it.

An old, battle scarred changeling stepped forth. "We will avenge our leader. Prepare to die pony."

Scootaloo looked at him, and the huddled band of changelings around him.

"Are you soldiers willing to be led by a broken creature? Or are you willing to be led by me?"

The scarred changeling's eyes narrowed. "You cannot lead us. You are a pony."

Scootaloo stepped towards the changeling. Her red eyes frightened him.

"I am. I am also a fierce warrior. A warrior willing to feed to you the love you so desire. I will lead this army."

A soldier stood up. "Where would you be leading us?"

Scootaloo turned to him and smirked. "Cloudsdale."

Rainbow Dash sat down next to the waterfall. She looked down at her own reflection. She wondered if this 'fire' that Shadow spoke of so often could be seen with the naked eye.

"Same old brilliant mane." She whispered. "Same old sleek body. No. I guess it's just me that's the problem."

She sat down again. The legend said that to bathe in the waterfall brought back what one once had. But only after that person had earned it back.

"I haven't earned anything." Rainbow said to herself.

Shadow stood up against the side tree, watching her grovel with curiousity. His stomach growled. They were out of food. He knew he needed to go forage for some.

"Are you alright here?" He asked.

"What?"

"We need food. Unless you wish to hobble down the mountain, I have to go get some."

Rainbow Dash watched him go. "Hold up! What are you just leaving me here?"

Shadow turned. "I will return. Probably." He continued on down the mountainside. Rainbow watched him, eyes still wide from his sudden departure.

She looked around. This mountaintop suddenly felt unnerving. All these trees, even the beautiful waterfall looked suspect. Was this real? Or was this a changeling trap? She could be sure of nothing.

As night came, she had not left her sitting position. This fear was so unlike her. Her eyes darted to everything that moved, everything that seemed suspect. She was petrified. Her legs, so well built again, so muscular, shook as those of a filly would.

The moon began to rise in the distance. Rainbow watched it rise. And she thought she heard something sparking. She looked around, immediately in a defensive position. These changelings were in for a fight.

There was a mighty flapping. Then a creature landed on the moon bathed ground. Her eyes seemed to glow in the darkness. Her mane cascaded at her side.

Rainbow Dash charged at her. The creature grabbed her mid leap and pinned her to the ground.

"Nice to see you too Rainbow Dash." Princess Luna said sarcastically, releasing the pegasus from her grip.

Rainbow rubbed her throat where the princess had gripped her. "Luna? What are you doing here?"

Luna smirked. "I'm your new foalsitter."

There was an awkward silence. The two stared at each other, Rainbow still somewhat in shock at seeing a familiar face for the first time in a long time. Luna was feeling a little weirded out by Rainbow's mood.

Rainbow turned. "I haven't needed a foalsitter in a long time."

"Celestia's orders, not mine. You think I wish to be out here? I have a tub of ice cream with my name on it waiting for me at home. Trust me kiddo, I'd rather be chugging that thing down right now."

Rainbow chuckled. "You better save some for me."

Luna arched an eyebrow. "You seal yourself in your home, hide from the world, never inviting I, your PFF, over, and you want me to save you some of thy royal ice cream?"

Rainbow Dash's ears went back. "I didn't mean to abandon you. Or anypony else. I just...I just gave up on myself, you know? I thought you guys could take care of everything without me."

Luna looked off onto the horizon. "Scootaloo may have gone rogue. A scout spotted her heading for changeling airspace hours ago. She's up to something. You may need to work faster."

Rainbow Dash stayed near the fountain as rain began to pour down on the hilltop. Her mind could not piece together the idea of Scootaloo turning on Equestria. Sure, she was lonely, and she felt unappreciated...

And that's when it hit Rainbow Dash. She looked over at Luna. Only six years earlier, she had been known as Nightmare Moon.

Loneliness. Feeling unappreciated. It had driven her to great, and terrible things. Scootaloo was trotting down the same road.

She looked back at the fountain. It beckoned to her. This fountain would supposedly restore her essence. There was no more time for rebuilding.

"Tell me what you are thinking." Luna's voice called out gently.

Rainbow sighed. "Why can't I just...dive in?"

Luna trotted up next to her. "Lay your hoof upon it. If you wish to."

Rainbow Dash looked up at her. She nodded. Then Rainbow gently extended her hoof. It broke the surface of the fountain.

Her vision became flooded. It flashed from image to image, each more horrible than the last. There was her mother, in the delivery room, dying from an unknown illness. There was Lightning, her father, just out of her reach as he fell to his death. Another flash. She was watching as Chrysalis impaled Thunderspark with her horn. Then Scootaloo, as a filly, cold and alone in the forest, turning to her idol for warmth as the winter took over.

And then finally. Chrysalis. Her black hooves raining down upon her, every hit breaking bone, every kick bringing waves of agony to the proud pegasus. And then the falling. The impact upon the ground. And all feeling leaving her body.

Rainbow Dash recoiled from the fountain. She was panting heavily. She collapsed to the grass shaking.

A grand mistake. She was most certainly not ready for the fountain.

"Are you alright?" Luna asked nervously. Rainbow nodded.

"Yeah. I'm...fine." She tried to get to her hooves. She stumbled. Luna grabbed her midsection before she could tumble.

"Tis a lie. You are a wreck." Luna declared.

Rainbow chuckled weakly. "Yeah. I guess I am."

Luna gently patted Rainbow's back. "What did you see?"

Rainbow shook her head. "Nothing worth talking about."

Luna pulled Rainbow close. Rainbow looked up at the alicorn that had become so much the big sister she needed. But not the one she had ever really needed. Until now.

"Talk to me." Luna prodded.

Rainbow sighed. She really didn't want to go digging up her parents again. But another death had been eating at her in the past month.

"Luna? Did I kill Thunderspark?"

Luna frowned. "Of course not. By all accounts, it seems he killed himself."

Rainbow closed her eyes, letting the rain run down her face. It suddenly stopped. She looked up. A dark blue wing had extended over her, protecting her from the rain. It lay on her back, warming her.

Luna sighed. "Do you know how many ponies I killed Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow's ears perked up. "What?"

"During Nightmare Moon's rise. Do you know how many ponies I killed?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head. In all honesty, she did not want to know.

"Eighteen. Eighteen guards. Some of them were my own. They attempted to stop me." She looked down and closed her eyes. "Do you think I am better now?"

Rainbow looked up into her deep blue eyes. She managed a smile. "Of course you are Princess."

Luna returned the smile, though it seemed empty. "I feel I am. And yet...I still think of those eighteen souls every day. The cost of my jealousy. My hatred. The cost of a weak soul." She gently nuzzled Rainbow Dash, warming the crippled pegasus. "You have a strong soul Rainbow Dash. You always have. Much stronger than I."

Rainbow Dash sniffled. "Thank you Princess."

Luna looked away. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have allowed you to touch the water. It is too powerful. And you are clearly not ready. I'm..."

"Stop apologizing." Dash cut in. "Seriously, it's okay. Sometimes you need to see your limitations to push past them."

The darkness consumed the mountaintop.

"So how does the changeling treat you?"

Rainbow shrugged. "He was pretty bad at first but...he's a sensitive dude."

"Sensitive?" Luna asked in disbelief. "A changeling?"

Rainbow Dash felt the day's exhaustion take over. She yawned. "You think the Wonderbolts will let me back in Luna?"

Luna smirked. "You? I'm amazed they let you in in the first place." She said, rubbing Rainbow's mane playfully. "You should see the papers back in Canterlot. Nopony knows where you are. They say the most ridiculous things."

"Like what?" Rainbow asks.

Luna chuckled. "Oh...the obvious. You're dead. Others say you're on you're deathbed in some hospital in Stalliongrad. Still others say you exiled yourself into seclusion."

"Well that one is true." Rainbow said. "I have exiled myself."

"The Wonderbolts are having a funeral ceremony for you tomorrow. I suggest whatever happens, you try to get airborne by then."

Rainbow Dash leaned against the alicorn's side. "Will you still be here tomorrow?"

"Of course." Luna said, smiling at the pegasus. "Sleep well."

She looked down on the pegasus that had already proven so many wrong. They had said she'd never walk. She did. They said she'd never lose her limp. She had. They said she'd never return to her physical prime again.

She had.

And still there was so much left for her to prove. The fact that she wasn't dead, for starters.

Celestia had told her not to hold strong emotional connections with mortal ponies. But this pony had been among the first to accept her. To support her. To call her friend.

And so she pulled the pegasus closer, shielding her from the rain.

"Soon my friend. Soon you will rise."

"He will be returning soon." Luna said. "I can sense him."

Rainbow Dash was still barely awake beneath her wing. "Wha?"

She got up and stretched in the morning sunlight, her cascading mane shimmering under the sun's rays.

"Are you going to be alright on your own?" Luna asked.

"Yup." Rainbow replied.

"You're sure? I could stay..."

"You've done enough for me." Rainbow replied, hoof bumping the alicorn. "More than I deserve. I can handle Shadow."

"We're counting on you Rainbow Dash." Luna said. She stretched her wings and took off.

Shadow arrived moments later. His eyes were bloodshot and tired looking. He carried a basket of berries with him.

"Shadow!" Rainbow cried, running up to him.

"Yes?"

"You alright Shadow?" Rainbow asked, her eyebrow furrowing.

Shadow shook himself. "Yes. Fine. Are we ready to work?"

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, sure." She began flexing her wings. "Today's the day Shadow. I'm gonna fly."

Shadow chuckled. "I like the attitude. Go."

Rainbow flexed her wings. Shadow had noted the return of that stupid grin she always seemed to wear. That confidence. It was back.

"You ready?"

"Born ready." Rainbow snarled. She spread her wings and kicked off the ground. She glided at first. Then she began flapping. She flew for a whole three seconds. The wind in her face. In her mane. It was a blast of nostalgia for the pegasus.

Then she took account of how high up she was. Her wings sputtered out. She flailed wildly, then came crashing down.

There was a moment of silence. Then a heart crushing moan rose from her lungs. She began pounding her hooves on the ground. She began tearing at the grass, pulling up roots. She began biting at the dirt. Shadow rushed in to calm her down.

All she could see now was the spectacle at the Wonderbolt's performance later today. A ceremony of Rainbow's life. And death. And then a spiritual burial. And Equestria would accept it's champion flyer as another lost soul in the battle against the changelings. It was too much to bear.

"Alright! Take it easy. You did well..."

"No I didn't! It's not getting any better! Can you just admit it? I'll never fly again!"

"I'm not going to admit it because it's not true." Shadow replied. He wondered what had happened while he was gone to destroy Rainbow's spirit.

"Look at me. Look at me. Is that 'fire' in my eyes yet? How long is this going to bucking take?"

She broke a branch in half and threw it aside. "It's all gone. All of it. Everything I was...gone. I'm nothing now. Nothing..."

"You're not nothing. You just have a serious effort problem." The changeling offered.

Rainbow slumped down on the ground. "Go home. You've repaid your debt. Leave me up here. I'll take care of myself."

Shadow sat down next to her. "What are you going to do?"

Rainbow sighed. "Nothing to do. Stay on this mountain. Rot away. Or maybe I'll just jump. End it quickly. Equestria will think I'm dead soon enough anyway."

Shadow looked at her with sadness. "Is this truly what you wish to do?"

"Yes." Rainbow replied.

Shadow frowned. Disappointment flashed across his face. "Had I known, you wished simply to end your life...I would not have wasted my time climbing this mountain with you."

Rainbow Dash pouted. She looked away.

"I don't need any more guilt trips. You're free now. Go home."

Shadow shook his head. "I can't. My debt is not repaid."

"Look, you did your best. Go home. Have a nice life."

Shadow sighed, then got to his hooves.

"If a good changeling fails to repay his debt, his life ends."

Rainbow looked up at him. "What?"

He trotted over to the edge of the mountain.

"Thank you Rainbow Dash. You made these last months of my life quite pleasant. I wish you peace and harmony. Goodbye."

Rainbow Dash got up. Shadow leaned back and plummeted off of the mountaintop.

Rainbow ran towards the edge. She looked down. Shadow was falling fast.

She didn't hesitate this time. She jumped over the edge.

Now they were both in freefall. She was immediately regretting her decision.

The changeling didn't make a sound. She thought of how a changeling could contain his fear in a time like this. Staring death in the face.

But now she blocked all thought from her mind. All she saw was the changeling. And she was determined to catch him.

She angled herself, making her body as long and bullet-like as possible.

The rocks were approaching quickly. Rainbow couldn't afford to air brake her wings. She had to speed up.

She reached out a hoof, desperate to catch the changeling before her rapidly shrinking window closed.

She could feel his soft, scaly skin. She reached down with the other hoof and pulled him into her grasp.

Then she gritted her teeth, and flapped as hard as she could, ready for her rocky demise.

It never came.

Shadow was the first to open his eyes. "Rainbow. Look behind you."

Rainbow turned around. Her wings. They were flapping. She looked down. She was hovering. Above the ground. Shakily. But hovering was hovering.

Rainbow looked at the changeling. "Did you...plan all this?"

"Of course." The changeling smirked.

Rainbow looked back at them again, her eyes widening. "I'm doing it. How am I doing it?"

"Sometimes all you need is a little life or death situation." The changeling replied. "Well come on then. Back to the mountaintop." He commanded with a pointed hoof.

Rainbow pumped her wings and they floated back up the mountain, yelling with joy the whole way.

Rise

Chapter 15: Rise

An ancient underground tunnel system ran under the streets of Canterlot. They led straight to the water hub, which was beneath the royal palace.

From there, access to the palace underground was painfully easy.

Scootaloo kicked open the hatch and crept into the twisting hallways of the palace substructure. She tried to piece together her memory of the last excursion here. The armory.

She followed conveniently placed arrows on the floor, and arrived at a sign with a designation on it.

Just what she was looking for.

There was a locked door in her way. It had a small identification pad next to it.

"Entry blocked." A computer spoke. "Please place ID in front of screen."

Scootaloo put the element of loyalty up against the screen.

The doors slid open. "Welcome Rainbow Dash." The voice spoke.

Scootaloo snarled, then lashed out, breaking the machine with her hooves.

She would not be associated with Rainbow Dash. She was her own pony now. A pony ready to fire back at society.

She continued down a deep dark tunnel. At the end was a single light. Scootaloo trotted towards it. Her fear was overpowered by her anger. There was no hesitation as she approached the great power.

And there it was. The prototype armor. Next to it were two more armored suits. They had been rapidly produced to combat the changeling threat.

It lay there. Under glass. She reared back her hoof and smashed open the glass.

"Come to me." She hissed. She began placing the armor on herself. First on her hooves. Then she put the chestpiece in place. Finally, the helmet. With a great horn sticking out of the top. She felt the horn. A head impulse was all it took to fire.

She turned to the other two armored suits. "Oh if only I could take you with me. Alas..."

She powered up the artificial horn, and annihilated the two suits of armor. Alarms began sounding.

She flexed her wings, and zoomed back out the door.

The five were ready to go home. The changeling war was over. Their need to stay in the capitol city of Canterlot had passed. Ponyville was waiting for them.

"Oh I can't wait to see Angel again!" Fluttershy said enthusiastically. "This city is a bit too...upscale for me."

"Maybe if everypony around here were focused more on friendship and less on shiny things, it'd be a nicer place to stay." Applejack grumbled.

Rarity was entranced by a diamond in a shop window. She snapped out of it. "Did you say something Applejack?" The orange pony rolled her eyes.

"Alright, everypony. I guess this is it." Twilight said. The five got back on the train.

They continued small talk with each other, but they were all worried. Scootaloo was missing. No word on Rainbow Dash. And the changeling defeat had been less than obvious.

They entered the train station. The uncertainty had dampened the excitement about going back home.

"Hey, you seen this?" Applejack asked, holding up the day's paper.

Twilight read the headline.

"DECEASED WONDERBOLT TO BE HONORED"

Rarity frowned. There was a picture of Rainbow Dash to go with the article.

"Is this true?" Fluttershy asked.

"Don't be silly. Rainbow Dash isn't dead!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Is she Twi?"

Twilight read through the article quickly. "From champion flier to reclusive cripple, Rainbow Dash's final months were an agonizing struggle." She continued reading silently. "After three months of being unable to fly, or walk properly, Rainbow Dash passed away in her sleep Tuesday morning."

The five friends huddled around the newspaper as the train lurched into motion.

"The Wonderbolts will be paying tribute to their fallen member at today's halftime show, at Cloudlife Stadium."

She looked up at the other four. "We better high tail it to Cloudsdale. Fast."

Shadow had a stopwatch in his saddlebag. He watched it click away the seconds. A great gust of wind. A cyan blue pony blasted right over his head. She came around and touched down before him, posing proudly.

"How'd I do?"

Shadow smirked. "Ten seconds."

Rainbow pumped her fist in the air. "YES! I'M BACK BABY!"

Shadow gestured to the waterfall. It's waters were legendary. This was the final step in the rebuilding process.

"Are you sure I'm ready?" Rainbow asked, half seriously.

"I think you know the answer to that Rainbow Dash." Shadow replied. "Go."

Rainbow slowly trotted up to it. She hesitantly dabbed her hoof in the water.

Nothing happened. Nothing horrible at least. Not this time. She shrugged. Then she jumped in.

The waters ran over her mane, soaking her coat. She wondered what the big deal was.

"Is this it?" She asked. Shadow shrugged.

"Just give it another minute, I guess."

Suddenly it all came flashing before her eyes. Her first sonic rainboom, as a filly. Her second sonic rainboom, at the young fliers competition.

Every great feat she had achieved with her wings flashed before her eyes. She saw the time she used a sonic rainboom to destroy the great beast Discord created, five years ago. And then she saw Scootaloo. Filly Scootaloo. She saw the first time they had ever flown together. Their first sisterhooves social.

Then it flashed to an event from long before. Rainbow looked around. She was in a dark room. A medical cross adorned one wall. It was a hospital ward. Ponies were coughing and moaning in beds all around her.

She heard something coming from one of the hallways. A foal's cry.

She didn't know quite why, but she began moving in it's direction. The foal's cry became louder as Rainbow moved closer. It led her to a small side ward. She could see a curtain ahead of her.

She tore it aside. She gasped in shock.

A mare. She was covered in boils, and her coat was falling off. Her mane had already come out.

And lying next to her, a small orange pink foal.

It looked up at Rainbow Dash and, as if comforted immensely by her presence, stopped crying.

"Hello there young mare." The sick mare croaked.

"Uh...hi. I'm sorry, this must be the wrong wing..."

"No. This is the right one. You're here for the foal."

Rainbow frowned, thoroughly confused with what was going on around her.

"Her...her father already passed on. I'm just...hanging on long enough...to find somepony to give her to..." She trailed off, obviously weakened.

"I...what?"

"Take her." The dying mare asked. "Please?"

Rainbow looked down at the foal.

"Little Scoots. She deserves a good home." The mare said. Rainbow gingerly lifted up the baby. It squealed with laughter upon seeing Rainbow. She smiled back at it.

The dying mare pushed herself upright in the bed. She grasped Rainbow's hoof.

"Promise me...Promise me you'll protect her. Promise...you'll give her a good home."

Rainbow looked at the mare, then back at the foal.

"I promise."

The hoof began to shake. The mare jolted in her bed, spasming violently. The foal began to cry again.

Rainbow instinctively pulled the foal closer. "Shhh. It's okay." She said, gently rubbing it's back.

The mare stopped convulsing and lay still, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Rainbow looked down at the little pegasus foal.

"Scootaloo."

Rainbow's eyes snapped open. She could feel the cool water coming over her. She realized she was breathing heavily.

"I have to protect her." Rainbow mumbled.

"What?" Shadow asked.

"She's my sister." Rainbow said softly. "I have to stop her from ruining her life."

Cloudlife Stadium was one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed in Equestrian history. Second only to the royal palace.

It was the home to the two EHL teams that played in Cloudsdale. The Giants and the Jets.

Today was opening day for the EHL. And the Giants and Jets were facing off. A classic rivalry.

Obviously, a large amount of the pony population had showed up for this. The stadium was packed.

The five ponies climbed the bleachers up to their seats.

"Well that only cost a small fortune." Rarity commented dryly. "And the only one of us who enjoys this sort of thing isn't here. Brilliant."

"Relax Rarity. We're not here for the game. We're here for the halftime show." Twilight assured. "I need to see if what those papers are saying are true."

"We all do." Fluttershy corrected.

The big blue Giants fluttered out onto the field. There was no field of course. This was hoofball. There was a giant hole overlooking the grassy earth below. Part of the thrill. Meatheads loved staring death in the face as they played a stallionly game.

As they played through the two quarters, the five tried to stay occupied. Finally the first half whistle sounded.

There was a moment of silence, then a blast of heavy metal music. Twilight smirked. "Oh how Rainbow Dash would love this."

The Wonderbolts blasted onto the field and immediately began wowing the crowd.

Chrysalis sat upon her bed. She was almost immobile. She called her assistant in to see her.

"What is it your highness?" He asked.

"Bring me...my weapon." The changeling queen commanded weakly.

About five minutes later, the changelings returned, carrying with them the large green hollowed out tree.

Chrysalis leaned over it. "I will watch from my bed as Equestria burns."

She touched her horn to it. It began to glow brighter. It began hovering, then blasted off towards Equestrian airspace.

Chrysalis smiled. "Nothing can save Equestria now."

Rainbow Dash was stretching. First her front legs. Then her back legs. Then her neck. Then her wings.

It was time to take to the skies for good. "Are you sure you don't want a lift?" She asked.

Shadow shook his head. "I'll fly down when I'm ready." He walked up to her slowly.

"I...I want you to know...I really did enjoy this time. I don't think I've been this happy since, well...y'know."

Dash gave the changeling a hug. "We'll see each other again won't we?"

The changeling sighed. "Maybe. Maybe..." He trailed off. His eyes had become fixed on something else.

"What is it?"

He raised a shaking hoof. "The devastator."

She followed his hoof. He was pointing at a green flash in the distance. It was tearing through the sky. It came from the Badlands. Changelings.

"What is it?" She asked again.

"A weapon we developed as a final strike. It's a fire bomb. Capable of incinerating entire nations."

Rainbow nodded. "And...it's kinda headed towards Equestria isn't it?"

Shadow gulped. "Uh...yeah."

Rainbow Dash stretched her wings and shrugged. "Sometimes, you gotta run before you can walk."

Shadow frowned. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to stop it." Rainbow replied.

Shadow sighed. "You understand it is a missile right? Throwing a pony at a missile isn't really the ideal course of action..."

"Do you have a better idea?" Rainbow snapped, her eyes still locked on it as it came closer and closer to Equestrian airspace.

Shadow closed his eyes. "If you stay here, you can survive the blast..."

"Yeah, that's not happening." Rainbow replied. She turned and gave the changeling a hug. "It's been fun Shadow."

"Good luck Rainbow warrior." He said. "It's been a pleasure."

Rainbow looked at the runway like patch running off the side of the mountain. She looked up at the green glow in the distance. She lined up in front of the runway. She took a deep breath.

A running start. Probably the only chance she had of catching that thing.

She flexed her wings. She looked at the beautiful sun in the sky. The sky she would soon rejoin. She started off, galloping hard.

She had to build up plenty of momentum. Her wings began flapping. As she reached the midpoint of the runway, she let out a growl, as flickers of pain shot through her body. She was done with pain.

She would not fail this time.

She began flapping with power now. Her growl grew in volume. Her wings flapped even harder. She could feel her body losing contact with the ground.

All she needed was a good kick. She planted her back right leg, compressing her body like a spring. Then she bucked.

She was shot forward with blinding speed.

It took a moment for her to realize how far she had traveled with one kick. She looked back. The mountain was tiny now. Shadow was a black dot upon it's zenith.

A tear came to the changeling's eye as he saw her take flight once again.

"A good changeling always repays his debts." He whispered to himself.

There was a thump behind him. He turned around.

Princess Luna.

"What do YOU want?" He asked.

"I wish to ask for your help."

"My help? Have I not assisted you ponies enough?"

"The changelings are planning an attack. I am asking...that you assist us."

Shadow frowned. "You are asking me to betray my own race.?"

"Not exactly." Luna replied.

Rainbow continued upwards, feeling the wind in her face, the adrenaline pumping. Had she even considered giving up on all this?

She looked up at the green projectile. She was closing now. She lowered her head and slammed into it.

Which was a mistake. Now she had a headache. And the missile hadn't changed course.

"Thank Celestia for my thick skull." She thought.

This was not a good idea. As Shadow had said in his usual dry manner, throwing a pony at a missile never really worked. Rainbow considered that for a moment. Then she continued.

She got underneath the missile. She could see that it was just a hollowed out tree with some green stuff in it. The green stuff was steaming. Explosives. Still, not the heaviest stuff on Earth.

She got underneath it and lifted. She let out a moan as she strained the muscles in her arms and wings to lift the missile.

It was starting to angle upward. But not at a quick enough pace.

She needed to put her back into it. Her newly rebuilt back.

She sighed. It had to be done. For Equestria.

She lifted with her back, sending a shooting pain up her spine. She ignored it.

The missile was starting to change course again. She gritted her teeth.

The missile was starting to vibrate now. That was not a good sign.

Rainbow thought once again about how catastrophically stupid of an idea this was.

But of course, she had been making stupid decisions for her entire life. They always worked on account of her awesomeness.

She grimaced, then put her full force into the weapon. It angled up, and began flying higher into the sky. Rainbow Dash felt another spasm in her back.

Horrible pain. She ignored it. Back pain was for the elderly.

She was above the clouds now. The missile was pointed up to the heavens.

"Come on..." She groaned. "A little bit more you big bucking jerk..."

The atmosphere became thinner and thinner. At this altitude, she still wasn't going to let this missile go. Not where it could ignite the ozone layer.

She could feel her body screaming at her. Scolding her for trying such a stupid stunt.

But this was going to be the difference between life and death for everypony in Equestria.

She looked up. All the sudden the sky was gone. Just black. Peppered with stars.

She tried to take a breathe. She didn't have one. She took a second to notice just how cold it had become. Freezing.

She was beyond the stratosphere. She was in space.

The missile still felt heavy. She knew that if she floated back down, it would float with her. So she rotated herself.

Then, with all the energy she had, she bucked the missile's tail.

The missile was sent sailing off into space. The green began flashing. Rainbow turned and began floating back towards the atmosphere.

Her lungs were desperate for air now. They demanded it. And she couldn't give it to them. Not yet.

She could feel heat rising around her. The atmosphere trying to reject her. To push her back into space. That wasn't gonna happen.

Besides, after the cold of space, the atmosphere was nice and toasty. But it wasn't letting her in.

She had fought too hard to die now. She looked back.

The missile. It was ready to blow. Rainbow hatched a plan.

The missile continued flashing. Rainbow braced herself, folding in her wings and covering her head.

It detonated. Green flame shout out in all directions. A shockwave followed it.

The shockwave rattled Rainbow's bones. The propulsion from it sent her hurtling back to Earth.

She marveled at the view. She could see all of Equestria from up here. All of the Badlands as well. All of the neighboring continent, OOO. She took a deep breath. Oxygen was a nice thing.

She straightened up her body. Her wings remained folded. She had to make herself a missile.

She could feel the wind tearing at her coat, as if begging her to slow down.

She laughed. She laughed in the face the wind. She was queen of the sky once again.

A sonic bubble began to form. It was time to send Equestria a message.

Celestia sat back in her box, watching the Wonderbolts awe the crowd. Even at over a thousand years old, she herself still found these shows amazing.

"Madame, word from your sister." A guard whispered in her ear.

"What?" She asked.

"Apparently a new wave of changeling soldiers is headed for Cloudsdale. They wish to assassinate you my princess."

Celestia looked at the guard, then at the other guards around her.

"Clear the box. Now."

"What about you?"

Celestia looked back at the field. "I will wait for them to play their hoof."

The guard nodded. He gestured to the others, all of whom exited through the side door.

Celestia took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's see what they wish to throw at me THIS time."

Down on the field, the Wonderbolts had taken a pause in their routine. A large cloud platform with a podium was floated out to the center of the stadium. The crowd went silent.

Spitfire hovered over to the podium. "I know you folks came here today for the entertainment, but I just wanted to talk to you all about a...a friend." She paused, feeling the emotions coming. The other Bolts assembled behind her.

The crowd began chattering in curiosity at this.

"I still remember the first day I met Rainbow Dash." Spitfire said. At these words, the crowd went silent.

19 years earlier

Rainbow Dash sat in her uncomfortable metal seat. She looked outside the window of the small waiting room. Reporters had crowded around outside, all trying to get a glimpse of the fallen titan.

The filly shied away from them. Which was unnecessary. Few of them even knew who this little rainbow colored filly was.

They only knew of her father, the great Wonderbolt who had been claimed by a lightning storm earlier that day, and fallen to his death. It had yet to reach the media, the news that his daughter had tried, and failed, to catch him before he hit the ground.

The door opened. Two pegasi hovered in, pulling a stretcher with them. Rainbow hopped off the chair and floated over.

The body on the stretcher was covered completely. The two pegasi looked focused, but a glance from the nurse in the waiting room turned their attention to the filly.

"That's the daughter." She said gently.

The two pegasi looked at her, their expressions softening with understanding. "I'm sorry young mare. There was nothing we could do."

At one end of the cover, a blood soaked blue hoof stuck out. Rainbow locked her eyes on it, her mouth unable to manage a sentence. The one pegasus looked to the other, and they quickly pushed the stretcher down the hall, out of sight of the filly.

She felt her wings giving out. She plopped down on the cloud floor. Now even her legs began to wobble. She stumbled back into her uncomfortable seat. The reporters were focused on her now. They prepared to snap photos through the window.

There was a snap. The blinds fell down on the window, blocking the reporters view.

Rainbow looked up to see a very young Wonderbolt standing before her. Spitfire.

She was still in her flight suit, minus the mask and goggles. She had a yellow coat, and a fiery looking mane.

She looked to be a teenager. Rainbow Dash looked up at her, then back down at the floor.

"Hey." The pegasus said gently. "I'm friend of your dad's."

She awkwardly sat down next to the silent filly. She rubbed her back gently. "I mean...I WAS a friend of your dad's."

Rainbow closed her eyes. She could still see her father's still form falling. She could see her little outstretched hoof, ready to catch him, then the feeling of gravity shooting her back from where she came. She let out a tiny whimper.

"It's okay sweetie. He didn't...he didn't suffer..." She trailed off. What words was she supposed to use to make this filly feel even the slightest bit better? She had just indirectly caused the death of her own father. There were no words to alleviate the pain this filly must be feeling.

She pulled off her flight suit and lay it over the pegasi's back to keep her warm.

"Hey...look...don't blame yourself..."

"Why not?" Rainbow snapped. "I let him fall..."

"You didn't. I watched you kiddo. You gave it your all out there. He would've been proud."

The heartbroken filly looked down at the floor again. "I can't remember the last time he was proud of me."

"Are you kidding? You were all he talked about kid. He was always telling us about you, about how you're flying was coming along, about how you were gonna be the next great Bolt. It really was pretty much all he talked about."

Rainbow looked into the older pegasi's eyes. "Really?"

Spitfire cracked a smile. "Of course. You were his world." She realized she was taking this in the wrong direction. She eased up. "We're all gonna miss him kid. But he wouldn't want you blaming yourself."

Rainbow hopped onto Spitfire's lap and buried her little head in her chest.

"I miss him so much." She cried.

Spitfire looked down at the weeping child. She gently patted her on the back. "We all do kiddo. We all do."

The doctor entered. "Right this way Rainbow Dash."

The pegasus filly hesitantly separated from the Wonderbolt. She trotted over to where the doctor stood.

"We just need to fill out some paperwork, okay sweetheart?"

Rainbow nodded. She looked back at her friend and managed a smile. She didn't even know her name. But she knew they'd run into each other again someday.

Twilight and the other four watched wordlessly as Spitfire concluded her story.

"Well...sorry if I've bored you all but...I just had to get that off my chest. And on behalf of the entire Wonderbolts organization, I'd like to extend condolences to all of Rainbow Dash's friends and relatives in attendance today."

Twilight looked over at Fluttershy. "I guess she's gone." Tears filled her eyes.

She turned to the other Wonderbolts. "And now, before we get back to your game, a moment of silence for our faithful departed."

The silence lasted a whole second. Then an ear ripping explosion tore through the soundless air.

One by one, ponies looked up to see what had caused it. It looked so distant. A giant green explosion coming from the heavens. They could barely make it out through the cloud cover.

Twilight looked through her binoculars and made out a tiny object freefalling from the sky.

Suddenly the entire western sky became a giant rainbow colored explosion. The sound this one made was nearly twice as loud as the bomb.

There was a collective gasp from the crowd. The Wonderbolts were speechless as well.

"A sonic rainboom! But that means..."

What appeared to be a small brightly colored missile pulled away from the explosion, and steered in their direction.

It took a fly over of the stadium, before skidding to a stop on the platform.

Rainbow Dash breathed heavy from her first flight in months. She looked around cheerfully at the shocked attendees, and then at her shocked teammates.

"Uh...hey guys." She said awkwardly. "What's going on?"

Spitfire and Soarin both stood there, mouths agape.

"You...aren't dead." Spitfire said, quickly ripping a rainbow colored patch off of her flightsuit.

Rainbow hoof bumped her team captain. "Of course not. Can't a pegasus get a couple months off without somepony declaring her dead?"

"You were crippled." Soarin said, a smile coming to his face. "How did..." He trailed off, his eyes turning to the remainder of the rainboom that still floated in the sky. "How did you..."

"Being crippled was WAY too boring for me." Rainbow declared. "May I?" She asked, gesturing to the microphone.

Spitfire grinned and handed it to her. "Knock em dead kid."

Rainbow looked around at the still shocked faces of the crowd. She tapped the microphone.

"So uh...hey everypony um...not dead. Just wanna throw that out there. Not crippled either. I'll throw that out there too."

Applejack let out a hearty laugh as that classic smirk returned to Rainbow's face.

"And uh...I'll be back in a flight suit as soon as possible. And um...back to hoofball right?" She asked, turning to Spitfire. Her captain nodded in response.

"Alright! Enjoy the game! Go Giants!" She turned off the mic and received congratulations from the other Wonderbolts.

Then something humbling happened. The entire crowd rose up and gave their ressurected star a standing ovation. Rainbow turned a shade of red. It had been a long time since something as simple as a hoofball game had led to this level of applause. All the monitors in the stadium were focused on her. She threw the crowd another million dollar smile.

The Cloudsdale Jets rumbled out of the tunnel. On the other end however, the Giants did not.

Celestia, who was still applauding the return of her best flier, paused, noticing the home team's absence.

Rainbow felt the congratulatory pats on the back and realized just how good it felt to be back. The applause was still going on around her.

She softly punched Soarin on the shoulder. She noticed the patch on his suit. The same one all of the Wonderbolts were wearing.

It was her cutie mark. Around it were words. "20% cooler among angels."

Rainbow looked back up at her flying partner, throwing him a wry grin. He grimaced. "I know. It's cheesy. But we wanted to do something for you."

Rainbow looked down at it again. "This is so sweet. Corny as heck, but sweet."

Even in his flight suit, Rainbow could see Soarin turn red.

She realized that the applause was still going on. She spotted her five best friends and waved to them.

Fluttershy came soaring down towards the podium and practically tackled the pegasus with her hug.

Nopony really seemed to notice as the Giants fluttered back onto the field. They also seemed not to notice the cloaked figure that led them out.

A ray of sunlight hit the mystery pony, revealing an orange hoof.

"ENOUGH!" She shouted, silencing the crowd. Her voice boomed through the stadium speakers.

The crowd turned to stare at this mystery figure.

"You do not even know the pony whom you worship!" The cloaked figure shouted. "You do not know her as I do!"

She removed the cloak. The sun shone brightly off her armor. Rainbow Dash gasped.

"Scoots."

"She is a selfish, arrogant, cruel mare!" Scootaloo continued, hovering towards the podium slowly. "She cares only for herself! Not her friends! Not her...family!"

Rainbow's ears flattened as the crowds attention darted from her to Scootaloo.

"Look at you pathetic citizens!" Scootaloo shouted at the crowd. "Worshiping this false idol! And she isn't the only one!"

She locked her eyes on Princess Celestia's private box. "Our grand ruler, Princess Celestia! A coward, who would rather have us, the elements of harmony, do all the dirty work for her!"

Celestia looked down at the angry pegasus with concern.

"I ended the changeling war! Single hoofed! And here I am! Cast aside! NO LONGER! CELESTIA, YOU COME DOWN HERE YOU COWARD! TAKE ME ON!"

Rainbow Dash hurtled out and grabbed Scootaloo by the artificial horn.

"Alright kiddo, that's enough..."

"No!" Scootaloo shouted, shoving Rainbow back. "You will die for your betrayal, you evil wretch!"

Rainbow frowned. These were words Scootaloo probably wouldn't even know. Something was really going on with her. That combined with her red eyes had Rainbow ready for battle.

"Soon, you will bow before your true ruler!" Scootaloo shouted to the crowd. Rainbow grabbed the mic from inside her helmet, and crushed it between her hooves.

"That's enough squirt."

Scootaloo let out a roar and swung an angry hoof at her best friend. Rainbow ducked the first, but the second hoof got her in the stomach, knocking her back.

Scootaloo turned and pointed her horn at the box. "Say goodbye to your precious ruler!"

She powered it up, then fired. Celestia ducked in desperation.

She fired shot after shot at the box, every hit causing a small explosion.

Twilight Sparkle watched in horror as the box was annihilated. She cupped a hoof over her mouth in shock. There was a large explosion as the royal box was consumed by blue flame. There was no sign of life within.

Scootaloo continued firing, determined to make sure.

The real Cloudsdale Giants were all bound and gagged in the locker room. The ones that had fluttered onto the field began transforming. The crowd watched in further horror as a changeling army appeared before their eyes.

Scootaloo continued firing at the burning royal box. Rainbow punched her under her helmet breaking the cycle.

She grabbed the young pegasus by her chest piece.

"Alright Scoots! You want a fight, you got one!"

To The Moon

Chapter 17: To The Moon

Rainbow opened her eyes. Before her stood the great expanse.

Grey, cratered rock surface, stretching off as far as she could see.

It had a strange, lonely beauty to it. Above her was a marvel as well.

Space. Endless. Boundless. Her mouth gaped at the sight of it all.

"Beautiful." She muttered. "I really don't see what Nightmare Moon was complaining about. I'd spend a thousand years here, no problem."

This was, of course, a lie. She could see exactly why Nightmare Moon hated it so. Isolation. Nopony anywhere. Just emptiness, stretching off into space.

Rainbow would hate it here. She craved attention. Now that she thought of it, Scootaloo craved attention too.

But this creature was not Scootaloo. Rainbow could not link the two together. Her ambitious, competitive, innocent little sister. And this greedy, violent rage monster. They couldn't be the same pony.

Rainbow spotted a small orange dot on the horizon. She slowly began hovering over to it. She flew over a gaping crevasse in the moon's surface.

Scootaloo lay in the moon dust. She was rubbing the element, laughing like a child. She seemed unable to take her eyes off the red lightning bolt in the center.

"Squirt!" Rainbow shouted.

Scootaloo looked up and glared, her bloodshot eyes actually causing Rainbow Dash to take a step back.

"Squirt. I'm here to take you home..."

"This is my home." Scootaloo said.

Rainbow arched an eyebrow. "Wow. You really are completely freakytown aren't you?"

Scootaloo drew herself up to full height. Which was unimpressive considering she was shorter than Rainbow Dash.

"I am the queen of the moon. I am the next Nightmare Moon..."

"No you're not. You're a kid out way past her bedtime, gone crazy eating too much candy. Take off the armor."

Scootaloo slowly trotted towards her mentor. "And make myself vulnerable? Ha. Try again."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Scootaloo, this is getting old. Now come on home. I want my sister back."

"You don't have a sister." Scootaloo hissed. "You don't have anypony. You're an orphan."

"So are you. We've been through this Scoots. We were sisters. Don't you remember?"

Scootaloo glared at her. "All I remember was living in a shadow. A big, rainbow colored shadow. And then you were broken. And I had a chance to move out of that shadow, and see the sunlight."

Rainbow shook her head. "This isn't you. I want to talk to Scootaloo."

"You are talking to Scootaloo!" The enraged mare shouted. "Don't try pretending you were my sister Rainbow Dash. You never loved me! I was your mascot. Your cheerleader. That was the only relationship we ever had. And that time has passed."

Rainbow Dash sighed. "You're wrong squirt. I did love you. That's why I took you in. That's why I was so glad you went around cheering for me. I wanted to give you somepony to look up to. I wanted to show you some direction."

Scootaloo was silenced by these words. The demon in her head was shouting for her to ignore the pegasi's words. But she was thinking about them.

"I still do love you squirt." Rainbow continued. "I don't care what you did. Or what you planned on doing, I'll always love you. Now give me back my element."

Scootaloo began breathing heavily, her teeth gritting. "You're a LIAR!"

She charged at Rainbow. Rainbow put her head down and head butted the orange mare.

"Nopony ever cared who I was till I put this thing around my neck." Scootaloo ranted. "Without it, I am nothing. I WILL NOT BE NOTHING!!"

Rainbow was still trying to clear her vision. This was another mistake. She had forgotten about Scootaloo's helmet. Her vision became spotty. Everything became dark. She clutched her head in her hooves as agony reverberated through it.

"Nopony ever cared who I was till I put this thing around my neck." Scootaloo ranted. "Without it, I am nothing. I WILL NOT BE NOTHING AGAIN!!"

The painkillers were working their magic though. The pain wore off fast.

Her vision came back in time to see a hoof coming at her face.

She ducked, then punched underneath the helmet, hitting Scootaloo in the jaw.

"Don't make me hurt you kiddo." Rainbow warned.

"Oh please." Scootaloo scoffed. "I'm gonna enjoy killing you."

Rainbow noted the blue armored helmet around her skull, and the horn protruding from it.

"Scootaloo, if you're gonna fight me, fight me fair."

Scootaloo glared at Rainbow, unsure of whether to buy into what she was saying.

Rainbow arched an eyebrow. "Chicken."

Scootaloo snarled, grabbing the helmet and the artificial horn and hurling it aside.

Rainbow smirked. "Alright. Now let's have it out."

Scootaloo charged again. This time Rainbow tried to sidestep. But Scootaloo was fast.

Rainbow managed to jab her in the stomach hard with the right hoof.

Scootaloo grabbed Rainbow by her mane. She lifted the pegasus up, feeding on strength from the armor and the element, then slammed her into the moon rock.

As Rainbow tried getting up, Scootaloo brought her hoof down on her newly rebuilt spine.

Rainbow's back lit up in agony. She let out a roar as every nerve cried out at the unfairness of the move.

She collapsed to the ground. Scootaloo smirked.

"You're so fragile RD. It's kinda pathetic."

Rainbow Dash looked up. Blind rage was taking over. Her screaming nerves demanded justice for the spine hit.

She charged forward and began an assault. She hit the kid hard in the chest, then a hoof under the chin, knocking the younger pegasus back.

Scootaloo seemed to show fear now. She put up her hooves to defend herself. But there was no defense.

Rainbow led with the left hoof, then the right, letting the anger consume her. Every hit brought about a spatter of blood from the young pegasi's muzzle.

Rainbow spun, then kicked. Scootaloo fell back to the ground, coughing up blood.

"If I were you, I'd stay down." Rainbow said, running her hoof along her spine, assessing the damage.

Nothing seemed broken. She breathed a sigh of relief. Scootaloo got to her hooves.

"For that, I will break you again." Scootaloo snarled. She punched with her right hoof. The metal armor on her hoof made contact with Rainbow's cheekbone. There was a crack. More pain.

"C'mon Rainbow Dash. Accept it. You're a has been. You're the past. I'm the future of Equestria. I will unite them under my flag. We'll rule the world with an iron hoof..."

Rainbow cut Scootaloo's legs out from under her with a swipe. Scootaloo was knocked over. She got up quickly.

"You'll pay for that too."

She kicked Rainbow in the chest, knocking the wind out of her lungs. Rainbow was knocked back a few feet.

She looked behind her. Scootaloo was devious. She was leading her closer to the crevasse.

Scootaloo smirked. "A fitting end to a pony the world will quickly forget."

Rainbow tried to fight back, but Scootaloo had the momentum now. Rainbow's only advantage was in size and speed. And neither were of any help now.

Scootaloo punched her in the stomach. Blood dripped from Rainbow's mouth. She was inches from the crevasse now. Scootaloo shoved her.

Rainbow got up on her hind legs, desperate to balance herself. Her eyes pleaded with Scootaloo.

Scootaloo smirked. "Goodbye sis. You will not be missed."

She jumped up and kicked with both hooves. Rainbow was hit square in the chest. She cried out as she was knocked into the crevasse.

Scootaloo's expression softened as the screams faded. She turned away, looking almost remorseful.

The screaming abruptly stopped. Scootaloo edged over to the crevasse to see if she could catch a glimpse of the body.

Nothing. Just darkness. She shrugged, and turned to trot away.

A blue hoof suddenly reached out and grabbed her back leg. She turned and cried out.

Dash pulled, and they both went tumbling into the crevasse.

They rolled down the side, punching and swiping at each other as they did so.

Then, with a crash, they reached the bottom.

Rainbow Dash slowly got to her hooves. How many bones had she broken today? No point in counting now. She looked around, her eyes getting adjusted to the darkness.

Scootaloo's hoof came out of nowhere, striking Rainbow near the temple.

She slammed back into the rock. The whole crevasse began shaking. Rainbow looked up as pieces of rock began raining down on them. She put up her hooves to shield herself.

"Look at you." Scootaloo hissed. "You sell yourself as Rainbow Danger Dash. But you're just another coward like the rest of them. So interested in self preservation."

Rainbow looked into Scootaloo's eyes. A rock came falling down from the surface. Rainbow looked up at it.

"Scootaloo! Look out!"

The rock came down on the orange pegasi's wing. She let out a roar of pain, then began flailing wildly at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow took a couple mad swipes before backing off. Scootaloo was enraged now. The innocence was long gone from her eyes.

"Scootaloo! I want my element back!" Rainbow said.

"You gave it to me!" Scootaloo shouted.

"I let you borrow it until I could come back..."

"You said you weren't coming back!" Scootaloo shouted back. She bucked, hitting Rainbow hard in the shin.

Rainbow had had enough of this. She struck Scootaloo across the face and slammed her head against the rock.

Scootaloo let out a grunt. Her eyes derped.

Rainbow Dash backed away and came to a sad realization. Scootaloo was gone.

"Scootaloo, if you're in there, this crevasse is collapsing. I can save you. But you have to cooperate."

Scootaloo growled in response. Rainbow sighed. Then she spread her wings and began ascending out of the crevasse.

She took one final glance down at Scootaloo. She was staring obsessively at the element. Rainbow shuddered. Tears came to her eyes.

She landed next to the collapsing crevasse.

"Oh Celestia. Oh Celestia, forgive me."

She closed her eyes and buried her head in her hooves. She thought back to the vision she had had in the fountain. The dying mare. Scootaloo's mother. That encounter had never even occurred, yet still Rainbow knew she had failed her.

And it occurred to her. Without the element, she was dead too. They were both doomed to die on the surface of the great space rock.

She looked down into the crevasse again. And she remembered a wise changeling's words.

"Nopony wants to die alone."

She flew back into the crevasse.

Scootaloo was glaring at her as she touched down again.

"The poseur returns. So, are you ready to die?"

Rainbow shook her head. "We're both dead squirt. But I figured you could use some company."

The demon in Scootaloo seemed to calm down for a moment. Her hateful energy seemed to be dissipating.

"I hate you so much. You ruined me." Scootaloo snarled. "You made me your puppet. You were using me..."

"Believe what you want kiddo. I loved ya like a sister." Rainbow said calmly.

Scootaloo stared into Rainbow Dash. "Why won't you just give up already? I don't want to be your sister..."

"I don't care. This is me trying to prove how much I love you."

Scootaloo's eyes remained red. Yet, a tear seemed to trail down her face.

Rainbow sat back in the crevasse and thought of something to say.

"Hey. Remember Baltimare Chainsaw Massacre?"

Scootaloo frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm sorry I made you go watch that kiddo. It really was a...stupid decision."

Scootaloo's frown remained. "Are you...but...that was four years ago..."

"I know. It feels like yesterday. You grew up so fast."

Scootaloo looked away. The crevasse began to shake as more bits of moon rock fell from the surface.

"Do you remember squirt? You didn't want to sleep by yourself. You were too scared."

"You lie..." Scootaloo began.

"I don't. You were terrified. But ya know what? It's okay."

Scootaloo's nodded weakly. "W-We all get scared sometimes."

The words were nearly growled, but it brought a wave of happiness to the rainbow pegasus.

More tears from the red eyed pegasus. Rainbow could see her cold exterior melting away. She nodded.

"Right! See? You remember!"

Scootaloo looked up at her. She still possessed that demonic quality. But something had changed. She looked...broken.

"If I am to die, may I be granted a final wish?" She asked.

Rainbow nodded hesitantly.

She gestured to the element around her neck. "Could you take this thing off of me?"

Rainbow frowned. "Can't you?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "I do not have the strength. I don't think I ever have."

Rainbow reached out and gently pulled the element off of the orange pegasus.

There was a blinding flash. Rainbow looked away.

When she opened her eyes again, two big pink eyes stared back at her.

The armor clanged as it fell off her body.

"R-Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked softly.

Rainbow looked at her, and more tears came. "Squirt?"

"Rainbow Dash! I..." She looked at the blood dripping from Rainbow's nose. She pointed a shaking hoof at her. "I did that to you." She began sobbing. "I'm so sorry..."

Rainbow could see now. This creature before her was no demon. No evil corrupted figure. What she saw before her was a child. A scared, horrified child.

"I...I did so many horrible things Rainbow Dash. Did...did I hurt your back?"

Rainbow smirked. "Nah. Just my pride." Of course, her back was in horrible pain, but that was a discussion for a better time.

Scootaloo looked around at the crevasse as it continued to fall down around her.

"I...I did an evil thing..."

Rainbow held up the element of loyalty. "It wasn't you. It was this. I forced it on you. And you weren't ready. This was all my fault."

Scootaloo looked at her pinned wing. "Rainbow? Are we gonna die?"

Rainbow sighed. "I don't know squirt."

Scootaloo slumped down. "Are you mad at me?"

Rainbow Dash managed a smile. The truth was, she was still a bit mad. The hit to her spine was still hurting quite a lot. But that had not been done by Scootaloo.

"Of course I'm not squirt." Rainbow said. She hugged the panicking youngster. "I'm just happy you're not all screwy anymore."

Scootaloo laughed. "You and me both."

Rainbow Dash rubbed Scootaloo's mane. "It's gonna be okay." She said, looking up as the crevasse continued to collapse. "Whatever happens, we're together."

She looked down and noticed the element of loyalty lying on the ground.

How could this thing have caused so much trouble? Such a cornerstone of the elements of harmony. How could it have caused such disharmony?

"I chose a child to be the element of loyalty." Rainbow said aloud.

Scootaloo's ears fell back. "It's okay. I should have been able to handle it..."

"No. It was too heavy a responsibility. You're time will come Scoots. But not yet. I rushed you."

The element of loyalty began glowing. Brighter than ever. Rainbow's ears perked up. She remembered what Princess Celestia had said.

The element was the way home.

She picked it up, and with a slight hesitation, placed it around her neck.

It's glow was almost blinding now. Rainbow felt it's warmth sweeping through her. The pain began fading. She smirked.

"Ready to go home?" She asked the shaking pegasus.

Scootaloo looked at the element and smiled. "Okay Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow's eyes began to glow. She felt the power surrounding her. The rock floor beneath them began collapsing. She grabbed a firm hold of Scootaloo to ensure that they would both transport.

Then, with a flash, they were gone. As if on cue, the crevasse collapsed.

A New Leader

Chapter 18: A New Leader

Rainbow and Scootaloo opened their eyes and looked around.

They had been brought into a war zone. Cloudlife Stadium appeared to have become a battleground once again.

The changelings had returned. Brutal hoof to hoof fighting continued between the changelings and the royal guards.

Celestia was firing shots from her horn, picking off the approaching changeling soldiers.

"Stay behind me." Rainbow commanded. The previously demonic Scootaloo soundlessly submitted to the demand.

Princess Celestia seemed to be a one pony machine. She was dispatching changelings at a blinding rate.

"Rainbow Dash! Welcome return!" She said, grabbing a changeling and slamming it down on a pair of bleacher seats.

"What's going on?" Rainbow asked.

Celestia looked around at the changeling horde. "They returned to finish the job. And..." She trailed off upon seeing the dirtied, bloodied, unkempt pegasus at Rainbow's side.

"Ah Scootaloo. If we survive this, there is much to discuss." Her expression was quite stern.

Scootaloo swallowed nervously. Rainbow patted her on the back. "It's alright kid. That's only if we survive."

The changelings were fighting without a leader. Which meant they were quite disorganized. But they had numbers on their side. The nine ponies, plus the remaining royal guards were no match for the hundreds of approaching changelings.

Rainbow Dash let out a battle cry and jumped into the fray, her element providing her with a regained sense of strength. The pain was fading even faster now. Even with multiple broken bones, she felt the adrenaline pumping.

She punched and kicked and head butted at the changeling soldiers.

"Take this! And that! And that..." She roared as she dispatched changeling after changeling.

She quickly realized the error of her ways. Diving right in was a flawed approach. Now she was surrounded, as well as grossly outnumbered.

They tackled her to the ground. She punched and kicked at them to no avail.

There was a low growl. An orange flash, as Scootaloo hastily dispatched a changeling, then engaged the others.

Rainbow smirked. Her kid sister. What a fighter.

But even she was quickly overwhelmed. Without the element or the armor, Scootaloo was a much weaker pony.

One of the changelings landed on Scootaloo's broken right wing, causing the youngster to cry out in pain.

Rainbow Dash looked desperately for an exit strategy. Someway to save her friends and herself. But it would not present itself.

Suddenly, a loud flapping noise. There was a blast. The changeling on top of Rainbow Dash was annihilated. Another couple of blasts. Scootaloo was freed as well, as her attackers were blasted away.

Princess Luna touched down before them. She extended a hoof for Rainbow.

"You know, you really do have the worst timing in history." Rainbow noted. "Seriously, where are you when all this stuff goes down? Brushing your mane?"

Luna frowned. "You're welcome." She turned and offered Scootaloo a hoof. The young pegasus looked up at her fearfully. Luna smiled warmly.

"Trust me child. I've done worse." She lifted her to her hooves. Rainbow got up and stretched. The fighting seemed like it would last well into the night.

"So uh...what do we do now?" Rainbow asked.

"We wait." Luna said.

"For what?"

"CHANGELINGS!" A voice boomed. The contents of the stadium suddenly went still. The changelings looked for the source of the voice.

Queen Chrysalis fluttered out onto the field and hovered before them.

"Look at yourselves." The queen said. "This is a pointless war. You have no leader. No organization. No exit strategy. Return to the Badlands. Immediately."

"But my queen..." A soldier protested.

"NOW!" Chrysalis shouted.

The soldiers all looked around awkwardly. The ponies looked almost as bewildered as them.

They turned and hovered out of the battered stadium, single file. The Queen glared at them.

"Next time, seek my approval before starting a war!" She growled.

As the last changeling left, Rainbow Dash got up and laughed.

The queen glared at her. "What?"

"Oh. Just love your Chrysalis impression. It's pretty good."

The queen smirked. Suddenly she began to shrink. Her eyes became blue.

She became a he. Shadow.

"How'd you know?"

"I said you were good. Not great." Rainbow replied dryly.

"Seize her." A guard commanded.

Before anypony could protest, the royal guards had grabbed Scootaloo and pinned her down.

"Another one for Cloudsdale Penitentiary." The guard hissed.

Scootaloo's big eyes watered as she looked around the bleachers for help.

"R-Rainbow Dash?" She asked desperately.

Rainbow Dash charged forward, shoving the guards aside. She picked Scootaloo up and pulled her into a protective embrace.

"Back off my sister." She snarled.

"She tried to take the throne." The guard insisted. He turned to Celestia. "She's a menace Princess. You saw it yourself, she tried to kill you."

Rainbow Dash looked up at the Princess. "Please. Let her go. I promise she'll be good from now on, okay?" Celestia looked unconvinced. Rainbow still would not loosen her grip on the child, for fear the guards would try and take her again.

"Please. She's only thirteen. She wouldn't last a day in Cloudsdale Pen."

Scootaloo was shaking now. She had heard stories about Cloudsdale Pen. Rainbow Dash now regretted sharing those stories with her.

Celestia sighed. "There must be some punishment..."

"Great! Send me to jail!" Rainbow said. "I gave her the element! I made the mistake! Lock me up! I can handle it! I'll take her place!"

Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"She will be taken into custody..."

"NO!" Rainbow shouted, hugging the panicking pegasus tighter.

"Alright. Come here you..." The guard began.

"Allow me to finish." Celestia said. "She will be taken into the custody of Rainbow Dash, and will stay in her custody for the next six months."

Rainbow looked up. "What?"

"She's your responsibility now." Celestia said smiling.

Scootaloo managed a smile. It disappeared as she turned to the princess.

"Princess Celestia, I'm so sorry." She said pleadingly.

Celestia nodded. "I know. It was not your fault little one."

Rainbow grimaced. This would be around the time Scootaloo got angry at somepony calling her 'little one'. But she seemed to pained, and saddened to do so.

"Rainbow Dash...I got so angry...I just couldn't stop...I just wanted to hurt...everypony who ever loved me..."

Rainbow Dash gently rubbed her back. "Shhh. It's okay. It's over now."

"I even wanted to hurt you!" Scootaloo said. "Please..."

She looked around at the other five. "Please...forgive me. Please."

Rainbow Dash smiled. "It's all right. We all get carried away. Not like...psychotically evil carried away like you, but ya know what I mean."

"Yeah." Twilight agreed, shooting Rainbow a look for her insensitive comment. "You're forgiven."

Rainbow Dash released Scootaloo from her grip and patted her mane. "Besides. Now we can hang out more. Isn't that what you wanted?"

Scootaloo shrugged. "Well...yeah. You've been so busy lately. It's gonna be nice chilling at casa de Rainbow for a while."

Rainbow turned to the changeling. Shadow.

"Thank you so much. For everything."

Shadow shook his head. "I really didn't do much..."

"You fixed me." Rainbow said. "You didn't have to. You could've left me for dead on that mountain."

Shadow shrugged. "A good changeling always repays his debts."

Rainbow smiled. "You are a good changeling."

She leaned in and gave the changeling a kiss. The changeling went along with it this time. They grinned stupidly. "Wow. The boys always talked about how pegasi were good kissers."

Rainbow shoved him playfully. "Stop."

Shadow looked at the sinking sun on the horizon.

"Things are going to change. They must. Peace is necessary for the survival of both of our races."

Rainbow nodded. "Obviously."

"Chrysalis is crippled. She will take time to recover. In the meantime...I'm a commander. I can become the changeling leader."

Rainbow seemed a bit saddened by these words. "So you're not...staying?"

Shadow sighed. "My people need a leader. A good one. Someone who will steer them away from war, not into it."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "I understand. You can't betray your people." She paused. "Will I see you again?"

Shadow smiled. "Maybe." He turned to leave.

"Probably never see you again. You can never trust a changeling." Rainbow muttered.

Shadow turned and trotted up to her. He nuzzled her one final time.

"I've never had a reason to enter Equestria before. I have one now. I'll see you again. I promise."

He stretched his battered wings and flew off. Rainbow sighed.

Luna poked her in the ribs. "You would seem to have found yourself a special some...changeling."

Rainbow playfully poked her back. "Shut up."

Epilogue

Chapter 19: Epilogue

It was a dark, rainy day as the seven ponies, along with most of the royal guard, gathered to do what should have been done a month earlier.

They attended the funeral of Thunderspark. Celestia had held the ceremony back, until she had been sure everypony could attend.

"He was a good pony. He was a great flier. He was a great soldier." Celestia said. Her face was like a mask, trying to hide any real emotion from her subjects. But a few tears sneaked by here and there. Twilight hadn't seen her master this sad in a long time.

"He will be remembered for what he was. A headstrong, but brave and faithful pegasus."

Tears streamed down Rainbow's muzzle. The coffin was placed into the ground. This had been a part of the pegasi's will. He wished to be buried, not in his birthplace of Cloudsdale, but in Ponyville.

And the coffin was empty. That was the worst part. They had no body to bury. They had only received his tail.

Rainbow Dash did not deliver a eulogy. She was a pony of few words when it came to matters like this.

Scootaloo was sobbing. She had been close with Thunderspark. He had been like an older brother to the young pegasus. And Rainbow could see that little Scootaloo was hurting. She put a hoof on her shoulder.

"It's alright. He's in a better place."

Scootaloo looked up at her. "How can we know? How will we ever know?"

Rainbow sniffled. "I promise. He's in a better place."

She couldn't know of course. But anything had to be said to end this young pegasi's suffering.

Scootaloo hung her head. Rainbow's word would have to do.

Celestia continued her eulogy. "Thunderspark was a casualty of war. War. In Equestria. Just saying it sends shivers up my spine." She paused, her tears overcoming her again. "Equestria must grow stronger now. It must recover. And everypony here must learn to forgive. And remember, we have allies even in the darkest corners of the Earth. Love and tolerate." She sniffled.

"That is all." She left the podium. The grim looking ponies began covering the coffin with soil.

The ponies began filing out. Scootaloo spread her wings and flew away. Rainbow watched her go, concerned.

"I'm so sorry Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said, giving her friend a hug. She looked and saw Scootaloo flying away. "Is she okay?"

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure she's fine."

Fluttershy looked into her eyes. "Are YOU okay?"

Rainbow sniffled, then nodded again. "Yeah. I'm fine Shy. Thanks."

That night, Scootaloo came home late. The next morning she was gone. Rainbow checked her room. She checked Sugar Cube Corner. She checked Twilight's tree house. She searched the Everfree forest. She wasn't in any of the usual places.

She was already breaking the terms of her probation. Rainbow knew this would be bad, should law enforcement find out.

She knew of only one more place.

She took the quick flight up to Cloudsdale.

On the very edge of Cloudsdale were the burial grounds.

Rainbow entered. It was a rainy day. Strange, a city made of clouds being rained on.

Rainbow quickened her trot to a gallop as she finally spotted her orange friend.

Scootaloo was hunched down in front of two gravestones.

She noticed as Rainbow Dash came up behind her.

"Hey RD." She said softly.

"Hey kiddo. You can't just run off on me like that. You're in my custody. You could get in serious trouble."

Scootaloo looked up at her, her eyes glistening from tears.

"I'm sorry."

Rainbow sat down next to her. "It's okay squirt. So what are you doing hanging out here?"

Scootaloo gestured to the gravestones. "My mom and dad."

Rainbow sighed. "I'm sorry."

There was a silence. Scootaloo sniffled.

"Rainbow? Do you think they watch us from up there? The dead?"

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah. Well...I know my dad does."

Scootaloo didn't seem happy with this news. "Do you think they saw me...the way I was?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Maybe."

Scootaloo hung her head in shame. "They're probably so disappointed."

Rainbow sighed. "Maybe. But I'm sure they still love you."

Scootaloo looked at her with a slightly angry expression. "How can you possibly know that?"

Rainbow patted her mane. "Because I still love ya, squirt."

Scootaloo leaned her head on Rainbow Dash's shoulder and cried.

They stayed at the grave stones for about an hour, just talking things through.

They talked about their parents. About their anger problems. About their shared dreams.

They finally went silent, staring at the grave stones, enjoying each others company.

Finally Scootaloo spoke. "Before all this, I was so sure of myself. But now...I don't know who I am anymore. I mean...I was actually glad, after all this, to look at my flank and NOT see a cutie mark." She chuckled.

Rainbow chuckled with her. "Hey. Chin up. I got a surprise for you."

Rainbow entered her dressing room. Spitfire and Soarin were pulling on their flight suits.

"Hey Spits. Soars. We feeling ready today?"

"Always." They said simultaneously.

"It's gonna be good getting out there again." Rainbow said. He turned to Scootaloo. Scootaloo was ecstatic. She loved the Wonderbolts almost as much as Rainbow had before joining them.

"Oh Celestia. Can I get an autograph Rainbow Dash? Please?!"

Spitfire smirked. "Sure kid. Soarin'll give you one too. Right Soars?"

Soarin smiled. "Of course junior."

They both signed a picture for Scootaloo. Her eyes brightened up immediately.

Rainbow allowed herself a grin as she pulled the mask over her looked like a filly again. That child-like glint in her eye. That innocence. It had returned. She was so far from that demon creature of a week ago, that Rainbow Dash allowed herself some pride.

And there was more pride to come.

"Rainbow Dash? You ready? You're not gonna fly apart out there are you?" Scootaloo asked, chuckling.

Rainbow shook her head. "Nah. I'm gonna amaze em. Just like I always do. You can only make one comeback."

Scootaloo smirked. "Give it a couple years RD. I'm gonna be up there with you."

Rainbow subjected the orange pegasus to a noogie. "I know you will be squirt. You should probably find your seats."

Scootaloo excitedly skipped off to her special box seats. She would be joining the other five, plus Spike.

Rainbow sighed. "You can only make one comeback." She repeated.

She joined the other Wonderbolts at the tunnel.

"Alright everypony. This crowd sounds pretty pumped up already." Spitfire said confidently.

All of the Bolts knew why. They could hear the chants.

"RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH!"

They looked at her proudly. She turned a little red. Thank Celestia for that mask.

There was a shot. Fireworks erupted around the tunnel. The Wonderbolts exited.

Rainbow Dash remained. Her second special introduction in her second performance. Another reason for some loose pride.

"And now, fresh from a brilliant recovery! She's fast! She's bold! She's a force of nature! RAINBOW DASH!"

Rainbow Dash pumped her hoof and flew out into the stadium.

The cheering was deafening. She looked up at the box and saw all her friends on their hooves. She let the wave of happiness wash over her. She did some aerial twists. Some weaving. Some flyby's. A filly flash or two. Childs play.

Then, she prepared for the mother of all moves. She began flying up towards the moon again.

She thought of the last time she'd been here, her first performance, a couple months ago. How much had changed in Equestria. Still, things like flying held that thrill. That feeling that with every foot you climb, you are laughing in the face of death. And she wondered, since her injury, had she changed? Had having to hobble around her cloud home for months changed her outlook on flying?

Perhaps a little more hesitant to pull off the super dangerous stunts? Perhaps an enhanced sense of self preservation?

Nope.

She reached the zenith of her stunt. She looked down at the stadium, all those thousands of feet beneath her.

The wind blowing around her. The cold night air biting at her through her suit. How had she survived living without this?

She blasted down towards the stadium. She felt the wind pushing at her, telling her to slow down. She loved ignoring the wind.

She was going at ridiculous speeds now. A sonic bubble began to form. She put her legs out in front of her and made herself as long and aerodynamic as possible.

The sonic bubble became a cone.

The wind became even angrier now, begging her to slow down, ripping and tearing at her flight suit. She let out a soft cackle.

Then, with a grand colorful explosion, she punched a hole in the sky.

It was good to be back.

The End

Voice Cast:

Rainbow Dash: Ashleigh Ball

Scootaloo: Madeleine Peters

Shadow: Idris Elba

Chrysalis: Kathleen Barr

Applejack: Ashleigh Ball

Twilight Sparkle: Tara Strong

Fluttershy: Andrea Libman

Celestia: Nicole Oliver

Luna: Tabitha St. Germain

Pinkie Pie: Andrea Libman

Rarity: Tabitha St. Germain

Thunderspark: Chris Pine

Spitfire: Maryke Hendrikse

Soarin: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Lightning Dash: Denzel Washington

Morning Pursuit

Broken Rainbows

Chapter 1: Morning Pursuit

Her eyes snapped open. The five ponies surrounded her, looking confused.

"Is she dead?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Rainbow Dash blinked. Her friends seemed to take no notice.

"Yep." Applejack said dismissively. "She's dead. We probably oughta...I don't know...bury her or something."

The others shrugged. "I guess." Rarity yawned.

Rainbow Dash tried to move, to alert her friends that she was very much alive. She tried to speak.

Her voice strained. She could not make a sound.

Her arms couldn't move either. She tried kicking. Nothing happened.

"I'll get the shovel." Twilight said. She used her magic to levitate a shovel over to them.

Fluttershy sighed. "Well, she always was a bit of a jerk."

The others nodded in agreement.

Rainbow Dash's heart rate was jacked. She turned to her wings now. Her mighty wings.

But the flexing of her wing muscles gathered no response.

The others began digging up dirt. They shoveled it onto Rainbow's body.

She tried to cry out. To scream. But no sound left her throat.

Applejack removed her hat as they finished burying her.

"You're no good to anypony now RD."

Rainbow Dash woke up screaming. She looked around her dark bedroom.

She was in her cloud home, hovering above Ponyville.

She cupped a hoof over her mouth to stop screaming. Mustn't wake the filly.

She rolled out of bed and stumbled to the bathroom. Her hooves slipped around on the soft floor.

As she turned on the lights, she frowned, trying to think of a reason why she had stopped herself from screaming.

Five years had passed since the Discord incident. Scootaloo had moved out almost three years ago. The foster home had been rebuilt, and the laws of Equestria had forced Rainbow Dash to give up custody of her.

She lived alone again. In a way, it was a relief. Sharing a home with a filly was stressful in any scenario. With Scootaloo, stress was a constant. She had always been so boisterous. Always so confident. Always pestering Rainbow Dash on flying tips, and how to perfect her technique.

Not that Rainbow Dash had a problem with this, mind you. To be asked tips on how to perfect flying techniques affirmed her lovably uncontrolled ego. But they had grown apart over the years.

She turned on the sink and splashed water onto her face and onto her mane.

She took a moment to look at herself in the mirror.

She was a wreck. She was shaking. That dream had gotten to her. That feeling. Being unable to move. Feeling helpless. Something Rainbow Dash was extremely unaccustomed to.

Useless. That's what Applejack called her. Of course, that wasn't true. Was it? Twilight had always said dreams had special meanings. What meaning did this have? Was she really no use to anypony?

She smirked at her reflection.

"Nah. Everypony needs some of this!" She flexed her wings.

The dream had worn a nerve. But that nerve was being slowly replenished.

And another thought brought a smile to her face. Tomorrow was her birthday. She would turn 27. A party thrown by Pinkie Pie was a guarantee.

But beyond that, tomorrow was her grand debut. No reason to stress over dreams with such a grand day coming.

She slowly trotted back to her room, determined to get more sleep. She peeked in the closet.

She saw the tattered Wonderbolts flight suit of her father. But next to it was a new one.

A shiny one. One with her cutie mark embroidered on the side.

She yawned, then curled up in bed and returned to the dream world.

Rainbow slept late into the next morning. As per custom. She hadn't woken up early in years. It was better that way.

And most ponies knew better than to disturb her during sleep.

But this morning, there was a knock at the door. Rainbow opened an eye, then waved her hoof in dismissal. Sleep was the preferred course of action.

The door opened. Rainbow had already nodded off.

Small hooves soundlessly glided over clouds. Only the slight flitter of wings interrupted the soundless air.

Rainbow Dash curled back up into her blankets. The sun was already high in the sky. But this was irrelevant. More sleep was always needed.

Suddenly, the blankets were ripped away. She felt herself being dragged off the bed.

She let out a startled yelp and looked around. Somepony had latched onto her tail.

The familiar orange pegasus drew a frustrated grin from Rainbow Dash.

"Couldn't you just knock squirt?"

Scootaloo smirked, releasing her tail. "Tried that. You never answer RD."

Rainbow looked up at the filly. Filly was the wrong word. Mare.

She was big now. Close to fully grown. And she was a heck of a competitor. She was one of the most feared athletes at Cloudsdale Flight School.

And this made Rainbow proud. Though she was not one to admit such a thing easily.

"So what is it then?" Rainbow asked.

Scootaloo shrugged. "Nothing. Just felt like stopping by."

Rainbow glared at her. She had interrupted her sleep. To "stop by."

"Kid, you have ten seconds to get out of my house." She got up out of bed. "And then I'm gonna chase you."

Scootaloo sat at the foot of the bed. Her face said it all. That daring smile.

That competitive smile.

"10. 9. 8..."

Scootaloo wouldn't budge. Rainbow arched an eyebrow.

"You're playing with fire kid. You're gonna get burned."

Scootaloo shrugged. "5. 4. 3..."

The orange pegasus casually stretched her wings.

"2. 1..."

Scootaloo was off in a flash. Rainbow was right behind her.

They blasted through the front door and tore downwards towards Ponyville.

Rainbow tucked in her wings, letting the momentum take her. She didn't need her wings to catch this kid.

Suddenly she lifted upwards, towards Cloudsdale. The move caught Rainbow off guard. She quickly flitted out her wings and got back on her tail.

They began to climb. Cloudsdale was a good thousand feet above them. Rainbow was closing on Scootaloo. She looked back and smirked.

Then, swift as a fighter jet, she rolled off her flight path. A move meant to confuse. A move intended for misdirection.

But Rainbow was no scrub. She played the move perfectly, and continued closing on her younger friend.

"Give up Scoots. You won't be able to get away."

"Watch me!" Scootaloo shouted back. They had reached Cloudsdale. The bustling cloud based metropolis. Both were quite familiar with the city.

This would be an admirable chase, Rainbow thought. They tore towards the large buildings at the center of the city. They weaved in between other ponies slowly commuting to work.

Rainbow Dash could feel the g forces tearing at her coat and she maneuvered tight turns around ponies and buildings. Scootaloo was not the fastest. But by Celestia, was she agile.

"Sorry!" Scootaloo shouted as she shoved a commuting pegasus out of her way. She ducked down a side alley .

Rainbow was already waiting at the other end. Scootaloo let out a shocked gasp, and used her wings as an airbrake to halt her momentum. Then she shifted direction and flew out into the daylight. Rainbow followed.

Scootaloo's agility once again came into play. Rainbow was still very agile. But size always came into factor when agility was required. And the smaller, nimbler Scootaloo could turn on a dime.

But she could never really shake her rainbow colored competitor. She flew in between a pair of columns. Rainbow had to go around.

This gave the orange pegasus some breathing room. But not for long.

Rainbow had the downward momentum again. She blasted towards the ground, rapidly closing in.

Scootaloo looked back. For the first time in the chase, she looked truly afraid. She had tried everything. And she still couldn't shake Rainbow.

Rainbow smiled at her. At first it was reassuring. Then that predatorial glint in her eye gave her away. Scootaloo was going to pay for waking her up early.

The young pegasi's wings seemed to give out all of the sudden. She was panicking.

Rainbow saw this. She sped up, forcing as much energy as she could into her wings.

Scootaloo barely had time to cry out. Rainbow Dash swooped in and grabbed her, inches from the ground. She touched down gently, and let go of the teenage pegasus.

Then came the punishment. The noogie. Rainbow pulled Scootaloo into her grasp and rubbed her mane as hard as could be done without hurting her.

"You never wake a sleeping pegasus!" Rainbow shouted. Scootaloo giggled as she released her.

"Sorry RD. But you really needed to wake up. Got you something." She reached into her saddlebag and brought out a carefully wrapped package.

She tossed it to Rainbow. "Happy birthday."

Rainbow Dash caught the present in her teeth and looked at the grinning Scootaloo.

"You are a little rascal aren't you?" Rainbow said, tearing open the package.

She was slightly stunned by what she found inside. Her goggles. The ones she had given Scootaloo as a gift all those years ago. The Wonderbolt goggles passed down from Lightning Dash, her father.

"Squirt. These were for you..."

"Rainbow, they don't fit me anymore." Scootaloo said. "And I figured, you know...with your performance tonight, you might need a good luck charm."

Rainbow shook her head and hugged the youngster. She could almost feel the pegasi's face glow. She still loved getting hugs from her hero.

"I've never needed good luck squirt."

Scootaloo seemed to scoff at this. Rainbow paid it no mind.

"So what was the point of flying away Scoots? You know I'll always catch you."

Scootaloo shrugged. "Oh me? I was just the bait."

Rainbow arched an eyebrow. "The bait?"

Scootaloo nodded. "Everypony?"

It was an ambush. Pegasi, Earth ponies, and Unicorns popped up from all around. Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, adn Pinkie Pie were, of course, among them.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAINBOW DASH!"

Sister Against Sister

Chapter 16: Sister Against Sister

The two sisters stared into each others eyes, neither willing to betray any emotion.

"You can fly again sis. You should've taken the opportunity to fly far, far away."

"You need a timeout kiddo." Rainbow snarled. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" She pointed to the burning royal box.

"I just liberated Equestria from Celestia's tyranny." Scootaloo replied coldly.

Rainbow Dash shook her head in disbelief. "Wow. You've lost it. I don't know how this'll go down with the judge, but if you come quietly now, they'll probably get you a nice padded cell. Now it's time to take that armor off."

"I'd rather not." Scootaloo said, her red, bloodshot eyes focused solely on Rainbow Dash. "I feel nice and cozy in here."

"Scootaloo I don't want to fight you..."

"Too late. You had your chance. You chose to use me as a doormat. Now it's time to pay."

She charged at Rainbow. Rainbow grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and slammed her armored head onto the podium, destroying it. Scootaloo on the other hoof, was unharmed beneath the helmet.

She let out a growl and charged at Rainbow. Rainbow closed her eyes and absorbed her tackle. The two ponies were sent plummeting to the earth below.

Scootaloo opened up her wings and began flying back towards the city. She turned and fired a blast at the rainbow pegasus. Rainbow dodged, and began to give chase.

The others watched in awe. The stadium began emptying, as terrified ponies scrambled for the exits. Changelings swarmed into the crowd, their bodies shifting to disguise themselves as ponies.

Scootaloo weaved around the downtown buildings. She tore downwards in the direction of the south side tunnel.

Rainbow smirked. Rookie mistake. The south side tunnel was always backed up with traffic.

Scootaloo screamed down the tunnel and immediately saw the jam. She looked around, desperate for an escape. It was not the royal guards she feared. The changelings would keep them busy.

It was Rainbow Dash.

She looked back at the angry pegasus that was charging towards her. Then she grinned a sinister grin. She spread her wings and charged into oncoming traffic.

Rainbow's eyes widened. Charging into oncoming traffic was an idiotic idea. And yet, it was faster than a traffic jam.

Rainbow swallowed hard, then charged into the tunnel after Scootaloo.

From there onward, it was terrifying. Scootaloo was hauling flank down the tunnel. The pegasi heading the opposite way weren't exactly at Fluttershy speeds either.

Rainbow knew she had to go fast just to have a chance of keeping up. The tunnel became a blur as Rainbow maneuvered her way around the oncoming pegasi, all of whom screamed or swore at her as she passed.

The speed was ridiculous. Every time Rainbow saw an oncoming pegasus, her heart dropped. She knew at her current speed, a head on collision could very well break every bone in her body, not to mention the body of whoever she was unfortunate enough to crash into.

Scootaloo paid this little mind. She simply charged forth, forcing the oncoming ponies to scramble out of her way, and get into Rainbow's.

"EVERYPONY LOOK OUT!" Rainbow shouted as she narrowly missed a distracted mare.

Scootaloo turned and began firing madly. Rainbow dodged and let out a gasp of disbelief. They were traveling at breakneck speeds down a tunnel full of innocent pegasi, and Scootaloo was firing volleys of killing energy at her?

The cyan pegasus breathed a sigh of relief as she caught sight of daylight. She blasted out of the tunnel, then looked around for her target.

She could feel aching pains in her wings. Perhaps Rainbow Dash was pushing them too hard.

She didn't care. They had had almost two months of rest. They needed to be pushed. Beyond the limit.

She spotted that little orange speck in the distance.

"Don't make me hurt you squirt!" Rainbow shouted. But Scootaloo kept right on flying. They were headed on a downward shot towards the Everfree Forest. This was a challenge for Rainbow Dash.

She had been in the air less than an hour since the trauma. The forest was filled with obstacles. Even more than the tunnel. She hesitated slightly, adding onto Scootaloo's distance. She groaned, then dove in after her.

The little orange, armored speck began darting around trees. Rainbow tried to think back. That fearlessness. That instinct. Where was it?

Her whole thinking had been thrown out of whack. This forest wasn't an obstacle course. It was a playground.

HER playground.

She accelerated. Her wings flapped with even more intensity. She swiftly ducked under branches, rose over treetops, and maneuvered around tree trunks, the smirk spreading across her face, the predatory glint in her eye.

That little orange speck was getting bigger.

Scootaloo turned. She could see Rainbow gaining. She had to make a change quickly. She angled up, and soared out of the forest. Rainbow followed.

This was a mistake. In a straight line, Rainbow Dash had the advantage. She forced her wing muscles into overtime and continued closing the gap.

Scootaloo turned and fired another shot with her horn. Dash spun out of the way.

"Watch it kid, you'll hurt somepony!" Rainbow shouted.

Scootaloo growled at her former mentor. Then she turned and accelerated.

They were approaching Ponyville. Rainbow could see her cloud home in the distance.

"Come on Scoots, let's go home. Talk it out..." Rainbow managed breathlessly.

"I don't have a home!" Scootaloo shouted. She turned and fired another blast at the pesky rainbow pegasus.

Rainbow decided to throw a little finesse in now. She barrel rolled out of the way, just to epic things up.

She was so close now. She reached out and grabbed a hold of Scootaloo's tail.

"Let go!" Scootaloo shouted.

Rainbow bit into her tail, latching on firmly with her jaw. She realized momentarily that she had made yet another mistake.

Scootaloo had all the advantages now.

She swung her tail and bucked aimlessly. Rainbow Dash dodged and desperately held on.

She bucked again. This time Rainbow was unable to avoid her kick. It impacted her skull. She felt winded, but remained attached.

They flew low now. Everypony in town looked up curiously as they darted just over the streets.

"GET OFF!" Scootaloo shouted. She snapped her hips, and smashed Rainbow through the front door of Sugar Cube Corner, head first.

Rainbow felt the door explode as she hit it. Splinters of wood flew through the air. She slammed down on the tile floor.

She had lost her grip. Scootaloo landed in front of her. Rainbow was barely conscious now. Her head felt worse than the door.

"Squirt...please..."

Scootaloo's horn began to glow. She aimed it at her mentor's head. Her expression did not change. But then...a twinge. Her expression softened. Her eyes seemed to lose just a small shade of their redness.

"I...I've hurt you enough. Stay out of my way Dash."

She turned and took off, heading back in the direction of Cloudsdale.

The changelings had begun battling the royal guard in the bleachers. The five ponies got up from their seats, enthusiastic to join the fight.

"Stop my little ponies." A calm voice called out.

Twilight's ears perked up. The voice was familiar.

"Princess Celestia! You're alive!"

Princess Celestia touched down in front of them. "I had anticipated an attack. There was a trap door in the royal box."

Twilight embraced her mentor. It lasted only a moment.

"How can we assist you princess?" Rarity asked.

"Get out of here. Now. The soldiers and I will hold them off."

"Yeah, that's not happening. This is our fight too. Right everypony?"

Applejack stomped her hooves on the ground. "Buck yeah!"

"Um...well...no?" Fluttershy managed.

Soarin touched down. "Princess Celestia, Soarin at your service. I was wondering if you needed air support?"

Celestia looked at the assembled Wonderbolts who bowed even in the midst of all the chaos.

"Of course."

Spitfire gestured to the Bolts to get into formation. They charged into the horde of changeling invaders.

Scootaloo came soaring in.

She landed before Celestia. Her eyes showed the slightest amount of surprise at seeing her.

"Hello there Princess. You're supposed to be dead."

Celestia sighed. "Scootaloo, stop this right now. It's getting out of control."

"I am in complete control." Scootaloo retorted.

"Oh for Celestia's sake, look at yourself Scootaloo!" Applejack shouted, frightened by her demonic appearance.

"I have." Scootaloo growled. "I see a god."

"Just stop this Scootaloo. I don't want to hurt you."

"You're going to have to." Scootaloo shot back. She charged the princess and tackled her to the ground.

Celestia looked at the ravenous creature that still held the element of loyalty around her neck.

"As you wish." Celestia replied calmly. Her horn powered up, sending Scootaloo sprawling back.

The orange pegasus would not be beaten so easily. She fired her horn at the Princess. She deflected it with her hoof.

"I couldn't believe it till I saw it. That you had betrayed the very group of ponies that took you in. That nurtured you..."

"Nurtured me? NURTURED ME?!! What, by speaking to me? By allowing me in on their little 'friendship gathering?" She scoffed. "They never thought much of me. They never saw my potential."

"Scootaloo, you are not thinking clearly..." Celestia calmly stated.

Scootaloo shook her head. "I'm thinking clearer than I ever have before. I am the hero that slayed Chrysalis. I will take my rightful place as the leader of Equestria."

Celestia looked at the scene around her. The modern sports complex in shambles, as changelings continued firing blasts at the walls.. Her soldiers vainly trying to fight them off. Any unlucky civilians still in the building cowering beneath their seats.

And the mad pony that had brought it on them all.

"Alright...Scootaloo. I know I should take into account that you were once one of my most loyal subjects. But right now, I have to forget that. Because I must defend my nation. And if that means destroying you, so be it."

Scootaloo licked her lips. "Finally. A real fight."

The two forces charged.

Four years earlier

Rainbow Dash threw her saddlebag down on the couch after a long day.

Early morning was weather patrol. With storm clouds rolling in, that had been difficult enough. Half the patrol group had called in sick, giving Rainbow Dash even more work. And that was only until noon.

At noon, she went to a workshop with the Wonderbolts. They had asked to see her best stuff. And she had brought it. The filly flash. The super speed strut. The buccaneer blaze. Everything she had. Laid out for them.

They hadn't said no. But they hadn't said yes either. And that was the worst thing. They had seemed extremely neutral in judging her.

So then, after spending the evening at a big dinner with her friends, she came back home. It was midnight.

The cloud home was a mess. Scootaloo had left all her toys out. Again. Damn filly. She'd yell at her in the morning. For now, she needed sleep.

She crawled into her bed and tucked in for the night. She usually made a habit of going over relevant happenings from the day, as she lay there in bed, but even that was too exhausting for her.

She let her eyes close. Suddenly there was an ear shattering scream from the next room.

Rainbow's eyes snapped open. She got up. "What the buck?"

There was silence now. Then she heard her door creak open.

She saw a familiar tiny outline.

"Scoots..."

"Rainbow? I had another nightmare." She said, fear in her voice.

"What was it? It wasn't that movie again was it?"

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah kinda..."

Rainbow sighed in exasperation. Work had kept her occupied for the past few months, and the two hadn't been spending enough time together. Scootaloo had proposed that they go to the theater to see a movie together. Rainbow of course, decided a scary movie was best. A mistake when dealing with a 9 year old filly.

They had watched Baltimare Chainsaw Massacre. The midnight showing.

She had had to carry the shaking filly all the way back to the house, only an hour into the three hour film.

"I'm sorry Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo began. "I didn't mean to wake you..."

Rainbow hopped down from her bed. "It's alright. Are you gonna be okay?"

Scootaloo looked back at the door to her room. "Um..."

Suddenly there was a crack outside. Scootaloo jumped a good two feet in the air. Rainbow Dash groaned.

Thunderstorm. Just what a panicked filly needed.

Normally, Scootaloo was quite a brave little filly. Braver than most adults. But this movie had temporarily shaken that out of her.

"Rainbow, I...I'll try." She nervously headed back to her room.

Rainbow dug some compassion out of her tired heart. "Hey c'mon squirt. You can crash with me tonight."

She climbed up onto her bed.

Scootaloo's big eyes twinkled. "Really?"

"Sure. Hop on up." Rainbow pounded her hoof on the spot next to her.

Scootaloo trotted over and hovered up. She lay down on the big soft bed.

Rainbow looked down at the filly. She was so little. She began wondering why she thought letting this kid watch an R-rated gore fest was a good idea. I mean, it builds character sure, but it was bloody enough that it made even Rainbow Dash a bit nauseas. Not that she would ever admit it.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked.

"What's up squirt?"

"Did...did you ever get scared?" She asked.

Rainbow gently stroked the filly's mane. "What do you mean?"

"I mean like...when you were my age? Did you ever get scared?"

Rainbow Dash smiled. All her pride told her to answer no. Hell no. To explain all the ways in which she was a fearless superpony, and always had been.

But she wouldn't lie to her little sister.

"Yeah Scoots. I got scared all the time when I was little. Can you believe I used to be afraid of heights?"

The filly's eyes widened. "No."

"Yeah. When I was around your age, I was so afraid of heights. Whenever I got up in the air I had to close my eyes. I didn't learn how to fly for awhile. But when I did...I was awesome at it."

Scootaloo smirked. "Do you get scared now?"

Rainbow Dash thought it over. Again, the instinct persisted to answer no. To preserve her pride. But she ignored it.

"Sometimes squirt." She answered. "Sometimes, like when I perform a really dangerous stunt, I get a little scared."

Scootaloo arched an eyebrow. "I don't believe that either."

"Oh you don't believe that? Little miss I can handle a rated R movie?" Rainbow teased.

She spread her arms for a hug. The filly accepted. Rainbow hugged her tightly.

"We all get scared sometimes squirt." She said gently. "Even me. Don't let it bother you."

Thunder boomed outside. But Scootaloo was in the arms of her hero. She wasn't afraid.

"I love you Rainbow Dash. You're the best big sister ever." She said quietly.

"I love you too kiddo." Rainbow replied.

Rainbow stumbled to her hooves. She felt woozy. She was almost certain she had a concussion.

"Excuse me dearie, are you okay?"

Rainbow looked up to see Mrs. Cake standing there. Her eyes widened as she recognized the pegasus.

"Oh Rainbow Dash! You're back!"

Rainbow managed a smile, which turned into a grimace.

"Oh, well this calls for a cake!" Mrs. Cake shouted. "I am envisioning it now! Cloud blue icing! Rainbow highlights! Oh it'll be grand..."

"I'm sure it will Mrs. Cake." Rainbow said as politely as possible, still clutching her throbbing skull. "But I need to go...I think my head's about to fall off..."

Mrs. Cake watched with concern as Rainbow stumbled out the door and collapsed in the street. She began crawling on the ground, her head a swirl of sharp, piercing pain.

She had headbutted a missile. She had been kicked in the head by her surrogate sister. And she had been thrown head first through a door. If she didn't have at least a concussion, her skull was steel.

She forced herself to get up and continued staggering along the streets of Ponyville.

"You look like you could use a hoof." A familiar derp eyed purple pegasus pointed out. She grabbed Rainbow around the waist and lifted her into the air. "Where to?"

"Home." Rainbow breathed. "Quick."

Derpy dropped Rainbow off at her front door. "Do you want any help?"

Rainbow shook her head. "No. Thanks Derpy. Go home." Rainbow stumbled into her living room.

She took a moment to absorb the fact that she was back in her home for the first time in months. Just a moment.

Then she stumbled towards the bathroom. She opened the medicine cabinet, nearly ripping the door off in the process. She found some painkillers and jammed them down her throat. She quickly turned on the sink and swallowed some water.

She breathed a deep sigh, then stumbled out again. She sat down on her old recliner and waited for the effects to set in. She rubbed her throbbing temples gently. The splitting head pain began to die down.

She began to register what had happened while she had been unconscious in Sugar Cube Corner.

Her dream had been of Scootaloo. Back when she was a filly.

She felt the throbbing subside. She trotted to the end of her hallway. There it was. The guest bed room that had been Scootaloo's for almost five years. She slowly opened it and looked around.

Her covers matched her coat. Rainbow had had them custom made. Orange and pink.

The walls were adorned with Wonderbolt posters. And, in a humbling manner, many Rainbow Dash posters.

There was a picture of Rainbow Dash in the corner. From long before Rainbow Dash had accepted the little filly as a sister. It bore her autograph.

She remembered the day, shortly after the best young flyer's competition. She had been on weather duty. And this little nervous looking orange filly that she'd seen around town came up to her and stammered a request for an autograph. It had been a pretty big ego boost at the time.

And the eyes on that filly. So filled with excitement at the idea of meeting her hero.

Rainbow noted the rusting scooter in the corner of the room. A relic from a time long since past. From the time of the CMC.

And then she picked up something else. The goggles. The Wonderbolt goggles her father had given her as a filly.

She still remembered the day she gave them to Scootaloo. The expression of sheer gratitude on her face.

So young. So innocent. What had changed?

Rainbow sighed. "I changed. I'm so sorry squirt..." She closed her eyes.

This had to be made right.

Scootaloo's horn was locked in with Celestia's. They stared at each other in grim determination. Explosions and battle thundered on around them.

"Give up Scootaloo. You can't defeat me."

Scootaloo shoved the princess back. She charged up her horn again, firing a shot that glanced off the Princess's necklace. Celestia swung around and struck Scootaloo just under her helmet. She felt bone as she hit.

Scootaloo was knocked down. Celestia pointed her horn at Scootaloo's chest.

Scootaloo looked up at the princess with those hate filled red eyes.

"Well go on. Finish me Princess. I'm not going to the dungeons. So finish me."

Celestia's horn began to power up. "I'm doing this for your own good Scootaloo."

"Enough talk. DO IT!" Scootaloo shouted.

Celestia's horn fired out a green flame. It enveloped the young pegasus. She looked at the flame and realized the Princess's deception. This was not to kill. It was to trap.

"You liar..." Scootaloo began. The flame consumed her and shot up into the sky.

Celestia's eyes followed it as it ran it's course straight up to the sky. End destination being the moon.

"I will not make you a martyr. Banishment is your punishment Scootaloo. I'm so sorry."

The royal guards were losing the fight. The changeling army had them overrun.

"Everypony fall back!" Celestia commanded. "Into the stadium substructure! NOW!"

Twilight rushed to her. "What's happening?"

"We can't win this." Celestia said. "There are too many of them. And we can't tell them apart from ponies.."

Twilight looked out in horror. The changelings were out there, advancing up the bleachers, licking their chops, ready for a taste of pony meat.

"We're all gonna die aren't we?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy whimpered in fear. Applejack went over to comfort her.

Celestia sighed. "The royal guard has been decimated. We have no choice. We must surrender."

"To who? Their leader is on the moon!"

Scootaloo blinked as she adjusted to her new surroundings. She was surrounded by nothingness. Just a long grey canyon. There was no sky. Only space above her.

Isolation. So this is what Princess Celestia had done to her sister.

Banished to the moon. Scootaloo looked around, trying to keep down her fear.

There was nothing anywhere. No friends. No enemies. All of the traitorous ponies were back on Earth.

"So you think this will stop me Celestia?" She hissed. "YOU CAN'T STOP ME BY SHUTTING ME AWAY!"

She lay down on the moon's rocky surface and waited. She looked into her element. She smiled and began rubbing it, laughing to herself as she did so.

"YOU THINK THIS MOON CAN CONTAIN ME CELESTIA?! I WILL RETURN! AND I WILL TAKE WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY MINE!"

The ponies watched sadly as the changelings began breaking through the entry gate.

"This is it everypony. Let's try and take out as many as we can." Applejack said.

There was a rainbow colored flash in the distance. A loud whirring sound, similar to that of a vacuum cleaner. All of the sudden, a small tornado had formed on the field.

Changelings cried out as they were swept up in the tornado. Their formation was suddenly scrambling in panic. They had the battle won. Now they fled like cowards.

Those caught in the tornado were rather unceremoniously flung around the stadium, slamming into all manner of hard, non cloud objects, such as scoreboards, and ad signs.

Rainbow Dash stopped spinning and came to a surprisingly graceful halt in front of the gate.

"Anypony gonna let me in?" She asked casually.

The gate opened. Her friends ran up to her. Then, of course, came the usual group hug.

"Rainbow! You can fly!" Twilight said excitedly.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" Fluttershy babbled excitedly, nearly injuring her old friend with the force of her yet another monstrous hug.

"Missed you too Fluttershy. Geeze." Rainbow grimaced. "What? Is everypony surprised to see me flying?"

These moments were ones that she missed. These moments used to happen all the time, before all this death and talk of war. Before the changelings came.

"Princess Celestia! You're alive!" She exclaimed.

"Yes I am. And we are all still living now, thanks to you."

Rainbow waved her hoof casually. "Oh stop. It was nothin."

She looked around for the cause of all of this aggression. She asked the obvious question.

"Where's Scootaloo?"

Celestia sighed. "She's gone Rainbow Dash. She has been sentenced to an indefinite period of exile on the surface of the moon."

Rainbow sat down on her haunches and allowed this to sink in. Her little sister. Corrupted. Banished to the moon.

She shook her head. "I have to get her back."

Princess Celestia looked up at the sky. It was getting darker. She would have to lower the sun and raise the moon soon.

"She's a danger to herself, and to you. I can't allow you to go up there."

"Princess, please! I have to go up there. She's my sister..."

"I know. And she was a great loss. I cannot lose both of you in one day."

Rainbow stomped her hoof on the ground in frustration. "Princess. Remember way back when you had me locked up in Cloudsdale Pen?"

Celestia grimaced. "Yeah. Again our sincerest apologies."

"And remember how you kinda sentenced me to spend the rest of my life in that place? Even though I was innocent?"

Celestia frowned. "Yes. But like I said..."

"So...don't you kinda owe me one?"

Celestia sighed. "Rainbow..."

"Please. Just give me a chance. I can talk her down, I promise."

Celestia closed her eyes and furrowed her brow. "Alright. I'll send you up."

Rainbow clapped her hooves.

"Just a second. Before you go, I must warn you. Once you're up there, I can't bring you back. Only the element can."

Rainbow frowned. "Doesn't Scootaloo have the element?"

Celestia nodded. "She is not aware that she can use it to return."

Rainbow Dash got into position. Her friends looked at her worryingly.

"Rainbow, are you sure you're gonna be okay?" Fluttershy asked softly.

"I know I'm gonna be okay Shy." She flexed her muscles. She knew there was a fight waiting for her on that rock.

"Be careful RD. I hear moonrock is a might treacherous." Applejack warned.

Rainbow nodded. "Thanks everypony. If I don't come back...well...it's been swell."

"We can go with you!" Rarity offered.

"No. I have to do this alone. For squirt." Rainbow insisted.

Princess Celestia's horn began to glow. Rainbow closed her eyes as the green flames shot up around her.

She was shot up into the sky. The five watched as Rainbow Dash was propelled to the moon.