Ponies dream of other worlds

by 7-4

Rating: everyone
Tags: Alternate Universe
Length: 3227

Rainbow dash finds herself in a world where Rainbow dash is not the bearer of the element of loyalty

Title inspired by a game you probably have never heard of.
Dash finds herself being held in the air by Discord, 2 figures stand in front of him him, and she can't help but get deja vu.
Comments are always appreciated.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2011-11-29 03:08:14 UTC

The story of Failure Dash

Discord loomed over her.

"You are a Failure here my little Dashie." He chuckled. " You pushed yourself too hard and caught cold." He grinned down at her. "You tried to fly and  permanently mangled your leg." There was a flash in front of her and she realized that it was some kinda slide show. On this slide there was a picture of herself, her leg clearly bent at the wrong angle and bone breaking out of the skin. Discord seemed to find it funny. "You couldn't take the pressure here. You didn't do the original Rainboom. That was that despicable gryphon, Gilda. You became a loser. The students all called you Failure Dash."

Click went the slide change.

"Eventually you had enough. Some ponies started to taunt Fluttershy again, you broke their wings and let them almost plummet to their deaths. They kicked you out for that."

Click went The slide. This time it showed her being beaten up by two huge stallions. "The ponies called their big brother's down on you. They beat you so hard that you almost died. The doctors barely restarted your heart. The doctors doubted that you would ever fly again. You loved flying though My little blue friend. You managed to reteach yourself how to fly after 3 months in bed rest. Gilda and Fluttershy eventually moved to PonyVille where they had the greatest adventure ever. You can probably guess what happened."

Click.

It showed her being kicked out of one of Pinkie Pie's parties. "Eventually, you decided to find Gilda and Flutttershy so you could be with friends. You didn't take Pinkie Pie so well. You ended up making a complete fool of yourself, and tried to leave the town. Gilda and Fluttershy managed to convince you to stay in Ponyville."

Click.

It was herself again, this time being struck by lightning. "When Trixie struck you with lightning after she insulted Fluttershy, You had a heart attack. You lost functioning, while everybody laughed at Failure Dash. It wasn't until permanent damage had been done that they realized that you weren't getting up. Now even I can't find that funny." He paused for a second. "Oh wait, Yeah I can! ha ha aha."

Click.

She was in a hospital. "The doctors gave you 6 months to live. and told you that you would never be able to fly again. You Failed at dying my Rainbow. And you know what else? Not once did any living thing but Gilda visit you."

Click.

"You found my statue, and broke it." He laughed as if this horrible story was funny. "You wanted me to help you, and I did. I took you from your world, and placed you in this one. Aren't you glad? You, the element of Loyalty have been placed in a position where there is nopony who would be loyal to you!"

Click.

It was a picture of herself. "I read ahead in my script you see. I know I will be stopped, but I know that you won't!" He then pointed at the element on her wing. It flew up into the air then landed onto her chest. It melted away, leaving only the faintest impression.

Click.

It was a diagram of a heart. "I've been told I'm heartless, so I gave you a better one. Be loyal!" Discord stopped the projector and brought her back to reality. The Bearer of the elements were all gone. She was alone on a lonely field, and she was probably alone all together. She didn't feel like flying after watching Failure Dash's memories.

The Day after Tomorrow

It was a glorious morning in Ponyville. It was a golden happy day.  One could say that it was the best morning that Ponyville had ever experienced, and that many a random pony came up with the idea of writing thank you letters to Princess Celestia to congratulate her on her amazing creation. There was only one Pony in all of Ponyville who could not stand this beautiful perfect morning. In fact this pony was not thinking about what a glorious or beautiful or how absolutely, perfect it was, She was instead cursing hospital designers.

"Whoever designed this hospital should be drug out onto a cliff and pushed off!" Rainbow Dash had been confined to bed rest for three days because they could not be certain whether or not Discord's claws were venomous, as they had a distinct lack of sane doctors in the hospital. For the last two days, Rainbow Dash had been woken up by the sun blasting her in the face. And in the last two days, Rainbow Dash had had no visitors. It brought home just how alone she was now. If she had been bed-bound for even one day back in her old world, she would've had at least 15 visitors, and a party.

The last day passed just the same as the first two, slowly and agonizingly. There was nothing to do. Same boring Hospital room as before. Same White ceiling tiles, same 'soothing' green walls, same year old magizines. Morning to nightfall, there was nothing. An hour before visiting hours closed, she got one visitor. It was Gilda.

"Dash! I came as soon as I heard! What's wrong!" Gilda shouted. Apparently Gilda was afraid that she was dying, just like she was supposed to be.

"Yeah, it's a miracle. I'm not going to die in a few months. Woo." Rainbow Dash didn't really feel like being her normal exuberant self.

"WHAT!!! That's great! But... why do you seem so down? We took out Discord! Speaking of which why were you with Discord anyway?" Gilda seemed excited.

"I've been in here for three days Gilda." Gilda seemed to almost deflate at that. "Listen, can you do me a favor?"

"What Dash?"

"I need a job. Can I join the weather team?" Dash paused before sounding a little embarrassed. "Could you tell me where I live? I've forgotten." Dash groaned under her breath.

"Are you sure you're up to it? Being a part of the weather team is a big responsibility." She paused for a moment, then said. "You forgot again? You need to get your head checked. Or find a way to Keep your clouds from drifting off. It's on Twilight's house again. She can help you up there if you need it. You don't need it? Ok, if you say so. I'm off to go practice for the wonderbolts. I mean they got to let someone other than a pegasi in some time right?" She walked out while Rainbow Dash tried to process the information.

Gilda was so much different from what she remembered. Instead of the cruel insensitive jerk that had been to Pinkie Pie's party, she was nicer and more talkative. She realized what she had become like. Gilda had taken her place, her friends, and even her dream. Rainbow Dash had a lot of ground to make up for if she wanted to be called Equestria's best flier again.

A lot of work indeed.

Training Daze

The next few days passed by in a flash. Gilda had gotten her up early on the second day and had told her that she was in the Weather team.

"Hey Dash, get up!" Gilda beat on the one solid part of Dash's house, the door. Dash woke up in an unfamiliar setting. Instead of her wonderbolts poster [Autographed by Spitfire] hanging on the wall in front of her, there was a picture of herself that seemed to say that she could do it. Dash hopped out of bed and marveled at how different everything was. She had no fountains on her cloud, there were several empty book shelves laying about, and her Kitchen was actually on the second floor instead of the first.

Gilda was at the door and she looked impatient. She was shocked at how alert and awake Dash was. "Usually, it takes alot more to wake you Dash, are you excited about this?" Dash was never excited about anything. Especially if it required effort. Dash was lazy.

"Yeah of course I'm excited! Let's get to training!" What? Why is Gilda giving her that look?

"Let's start?" Gilda said confusedly. She wants to train?

"Ok now you are going to be learning from Equestria's greatest flier. You ready?"

"To take your title, sure!"

"I'm pretty sure you aren't ready for that yet. Are you still on your meds?"

"Meds?"

"Your antidepressants? I'll take that as a no."

"Right then, everything is in order. Make it Bright!"

"Relax, I'll have this done in 10 seconds flat." Dash saluted her and flew off. She noted that Gilda's friends were watching her. She waved a hoof at them, and blasted off.

She cleared the sky in ten seconds flat. Gilda had this weird look on her face. Dash couldn't help but laugh at the look on their faces.

"Heh heh." She looked away for a second then burst out laughing. "You should see the look on your guys faces!"

"That's kinda mean of you Dash." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash reacted.  "Naw, mean is getting electrocuted AND HAVING NOPONY HELP YOU!"

The last part came out as a scream. Where did that come from? She hovered there as Fluttershy started crying. Why did she yell like that?`

"That really wasn't nice you big meanie!" Pinkie Pie stood up for to her.

"Whatever was that for?" Rarity admonished her. "I assure you, while her comment was thoughtless, your reply was no less so."

"How did you get so fast anyway?" Gilda narrowed her eyes at her. "You used to barely be able to kick a cloud apart, and now you can do it that fast?"

It was all falling apart so fast around her. Dash just wanted to show off a little, but now it looked like her friends were going to turn on her. Why were they being so insensitive?

It hurt her like a sack of bricks.

"I forgot that you guys weren't my friends." And with that Dash flew off.

A Letter from a Dead Pony

My Dear Twilight,

It is hard to express in vocal equestrian just what my feelings are. I'll just have to settle for the written. You already know I'm dying, there is nothing you can do to help me. I wish to do something completely desperate so that I will not have to give you this letter.

You are the Spark in my life, Twilight. And my life has been a hard one. I do not wish to go into details, but I knew that lightning bolt was going to kill me. I used to love Gilda, for she was unfathomably strong and unstoppable. She never really understood me though. I am glad she tried to at least.

I went to psychologists for many years, Twilight. They told me that I would have troubles in any relationship's I tried. They were right. Did you know I dated Fluttershy for awhile? Yes it was sweet, but she was so demanding. She wanted to change me, change me until I would be unrecognizable. It was a stupid decision, and I regret ever having a relationship with her.

I guess I should be more open to you, Twilight. I have two weeks, at most, to live. If my attempt does not work, I will die before I gather enough courage to tell you this myself.

I love you Twilight. And it is a heartfelt love, not the hormonal love I am sure you are so used to. I feel a connection with you, do you feel it too? I hope you do, for if you do not and this letter is in vain, I do not know what I will do.

When we talk I feel like everything I have done and experienced is worth it. I feel like it's ok that I can't fly, or that I can't run. As long as I'm with you, I can do anything.

Sincerly, Dash.

Twilight catches on

"Dash did you and Fluttershy ever...  Date?" Twilight was being very nosy today.

"No Twilight we never dated. I like people who have a backbone, and Fluttershy is not one of those people... What even brought this on anyway? I haven't dated or had any interest in dating anyone for years. And even if I did I wouldn't discuss it with some pony that I hardly know like you!" Woah, where had that come from. Aw I think I actually hurt her feelings...  Twiight ran off crying, while Rainbow Dash just hovered there. It was a beautiful day just like every other day in this horrible alternate world. If Dash were honest with herself she would suspect that Celestia was in on it, so it would at least make sense why all of her bad days, which seemed to be all of them, were on bright beautiful days.

Of course, her day only got worse after that. She had to go to Rarity's shop to get one of her scarves patched up because Gummi gummed a hole in one of them. Rarity spent the entire visit glowering at her like some kinda worthless piece of trash.

"What is wrong with you Rarity? I know you don't like me but..." Rarity looked even madder at her after that. Rarity opened her mouth to speak.

"I can't tolerate people who lie and cheat and mess with other ponies feelings. Especially those of my friends! Take your scarf and your business elsewhere!" Dash found herself being lifted by magic and forcefully thrown through the door. It shattered as she flew it, sending wood splinters into her skin. It took her literally almost an hour to pull them all free. Now her fur was all bloody. She wanted an apple or something to make her feel better so she went to apple acres.

Splat!

Where she was promptly sniped out of the sky by 3 apples. Cue Applejack ranting.

"I'm the element of honesty and I thought you were better than this! I can usually judge any pony better than this! I feel so horrible! Get off my Orchard or else." Ok, so now she was covered in blood and apple juice. Maybe Pinkie won't be psycho?

A letter drifted by from derpy, who glared at her before flying away. It was a letter addressed from Pinkie! She opened it up.

Dear ex-friend Rainbow Dash,

My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, you hurt my friend, prepare to Pie!

What do you mean Pie?

Dash suddenly realized that she was in the shadow of something large. She tried to get out of the way but couldn't in time.

Ker-Splat!

"Mmmmmm Blue berries! I love Blueberries." Dash was now covered in bloody patches, apple juice and blueberries.

There was a note on the outside of the pie.

It's blueberry pie, before you decide to eat any. We know you are allergic.

Since when was she allergic to blueberries? She hated parallel dimensions.

Arrival

Rainbow Dash moaned in pain. Something was dangling her by her right wing and what ever it was had long, sharp talons. She was bleeding. She could feel the warmth of it dripping down her leg. She could taste the acrid coppery blood in her mouth. There was something sharp against her left wing, and she was pretty sure she hadn't placed it there. She opened her eyes and saw the one thing that could've made her day worse. She was in the stupid hedge maze again, and...

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to wake up?" Discord. It figured. his weird mish-mash of bodies was even more headache inducing then normal.

"Dash?" Said one of the few other voices she hadn't been expecting. Gilda.

"Is that you?" And that was Fluttershy. Very loud for Fluttershy, but Fluttershy nevertheless.

"Who else would it be?" She spat out blood with those words.

"Well look what I found just 'lying around." Discord put special emphasis on the word lying'. Both creatures on the ground flinched. Discord dropped her down in front of the two. She finally pried lose whatever was digging into her wing.

"Dash! You found it?!" False-Gilda said. Yeah she did find it, but why did she care?

"Um what are you talking about?" Once again, more blood. They were both looking at her funny.

"Are you feeling ok Dash?" Dash was getting more confused by the second.

"He took the elements of harmony and hid them from us. Super lame don't ya think?" Gilda voice, regaining what little bluster she could gather, tried to explain.

"Well this little bolt is mine." Dash tried to explain to Gilda.

"No it's not! It's mine!" What the hay are they trying to say here? In a remarkable display of good judgement, Dash stopped arguing with Gilda.

Dash itched her left wing. It was still so itchy...

"We thought you were dead..." Why in all of equestria would they have thought that?

"Why?"

"Well you have that condition, and you didn't show up for awhile..." Condition? What could they mean...

Fluttershy opened her mouth to hopefully explain everything, but all she ever got out was

"Yeah you--- EEEEEPPP!" A giant demonic arm covered in many horrific boils snatched Fluttershy through the maze

"FLUTTERSHY!"Gilda charged ahead leaving Dash behind.

"What just happened? Since when did Gilda care about what happened to my friends? What happened to all of my friends?"

"Where is everypony?"

Suspicions

Whatever that thing that had yelled at her yesterday was, it wasn't Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash was actually a bit of a book worm, and never was late on her library books. Ever. Sure she wasn't the greatest conversationalist, but she was reliable. Rainbow Dash was 3 days late on her books. It was so unlike Rainbow Dash to not Return her books, or even to just come see her, everyday.

When Rainbow Dash had been grounded, she asked for several books. She said that if she didn't come back, to go right over to her house and get them. One other thing worried her.

"Twilight, can you promise me something?" Rainbow Dash whispered.

"Yes?"

"If... If I don't come back from this... .... There is an envelope in my house... I want you to go up there and find it." Dash was crying. "The books will be on my couch like last time."

The sheer desperation in Dash's eyes had made her instantly want to go up into that house and read that letter, but she resisted.

Then there was that vision that Discord had shown her.

Rainbow Dash lay in front of the statue of Discord, her fur slick with sweat, her eyes full of tears.

"Please help me... Please..." She was begging Discord.

The statue cracked open, and Rainbow Dash Died.

"I'll help you... To Cause Chaos!" And Discord Laughed.

Twilight was inside of Rainbow Dash's house before she knew it. It was peaceful in here, everything was a level shade of grey. Here  and there were empty bookshelves and indeed there was a letter on the table. It seemed wrong in here, like something horrible had happened here. She carried the envelope down into her library and began reading it. By the end she was crying.

And she knew what she had to do.