Pegasi First 3: Twilights Kingdomby jhukgbrChaptersPrologueRainbow ThunderOld Enemies, Older FriendsComing HomeThe EndPrologueAuthor's Note I want to start this story by apologising. I know that seems a strange way to start a story, but trust me I'm apologising because I had no intention to write this story at the end of Pegasi First 2, as I saw the events of that story as an appropriate ending, however, I couldn't bring myself to end it! Pegasi First was one of my first stories, call me a sentimental fool but I can't stand to see it ending, hence this story! As always, Thank you so much for reading. Prologue Dash felt a swish of wind, before falling hard to the ground. She gasped desperately for air, winded from her fall and a sharp pain shooting up her spine and through her wing, landing hard on her right wing and back. The cyan mare hadn't even the time to open her eyes before she was roughly yanked and dragged through the dirt by what she could only guess was the end of her noose, digging into her neck and starving her of oxygen. Gasps and screams erupted from the crowds, mares, stallions and foals alike, the sounds of wings overhead and hooves coming into contact with the ground. Dash eventually opened her eyes, blinded by the sun as she blinked, looking away. Rainbow was lying on her back, before the stairs up to Canterlot castle, the gallows behind her. Her vision finally focused, a blue earth pony standing above her, grinning and wielding a sword. Dash could only gasp and cower as the sword fell. Much to Dash's surprise, the chain between her hoofcuffs shattered, the stallion wasting no time in pulling her wing restraints off, pulling her to her hooves "Snap out of it!" He slapped her hard "Get up those steps, and quickly!" For the first time in years Dash was stunned, strolling aimlessly up the stairs. Her ears were ringing, her eyes blurry - she couldn't believe she was alive, let alone what was going on around her. A squad of Equestrian guards began to approach her, swords raised, only to be taken out swiftly by Pegasi appearing from the skies. She managed to get to the top of the steps, tripping up and groaning - she really wasn't feeling too good at all. Chaos ensued around her, walking into the castle, the large lobby of the castle truly was a sight to behold. Dash chuckled softly, despite her messed up head "I do hope this isn't all for me..." Spitfire grinned, removing her helmet "You've looked better" "They didn't have much make up... In my cell..." She stumbled to the side, blinking heavily Spitfire nodded to two guards, who stood either side of Dash, holding her up and removing the noose from around her neck "You can't pass out just yet, you'll want to see this..." Spitfire muttered, handing her helmet to another guard and walking with intent towards the great hall, easily disposing of two Equestrian guards on her way. Dash tried to keep up, only doing so due to the help of her two guards, she didn't recognise the pair however. The great hall wasn't a long walk, the small group there within a matter of moments, only held up by the occasional Equestrian, all of whom were swiftly dealt with by Spitfire at the head of the pack. The yellow mare pressed her ear to the large door, waited a second, then knocked three times before pushing the door slowly open "I hope we're not disturbing you..." The Equestrian Prime Minister froze, shuddering and retreating backwards, frantically gesturing to his guards "Spitfire! What are you doing here? Don't do anything you're going to regret..." Spitfire only smiled, stepping in and hilting her sword "I don't think you understand how much you've fucked up, do you?" She glanced at the four guards around the Prime Minister, raising an eyebrow "You should have negotiated..." "How can you defend her... And throw away everything you've worked for for one mare?! A mare who mates your guts" "Because she's done the same for me" Spitfire chuckled, a grin growing on her face "You four have the chance to leave us, with your lives" She looked between the four guards. The four looked between each other, not taking long for them to decide to make a quick dash to the door and away. "See? Thats the difference between us. Where your guards run off, Dash and her two guards, against all odds, fought for their honour... Equestrian cowards" "P-please... I don't want to die! I'll do anything!" "Kneel..." She glared The stallion whimpered and sobbed, slowly falling to his knees, shaking his head and begging for his life. "Dash. Step forwards." Spitfire commanded. The rainbow maned mare complied, glancing at Spitfire as she stepped alongside her. "Here. Do what you must" She held out her sword, the blade unlike any other Dash had seen before. Even in her current state she could appreciate the workmanship of the the sword. The blade was curved four times, in a kind of double 'S' shape, the tip contorted into a spiral, the metal golden much like the mares coat. Dash looked between the two leaders. She had the power to take either life - or both if she was quick enough. Despite this, she bowed her head to Spitfire and swiftly brought the sword down on the back of the stallions neck, the blade cutting through his flesh, bone and muscle like a hot knife through butter, decapitating the sobbing stallion. She wiped the blood on his coat, spinning the blade and holing the hilt out to Spitfire "Thank you" Spitfire took her sword and smiled "As of today-" Before she could finish her sentence, a bright flash of purple magic erupted from the castle, taking a hold of all of the Pegasi and pushing them away from the city, forming a shield over the capital. Spitfire and Dash, along with their guards were thrown up into the sky, both gritting their teeth and glaring down at the burning city. "That's Twilight's magic. There's no way we're getting in anytime soon, unless you want to end up like the Changelings" Dash grumbled. Spitfire didn't try to hide her rage, harshly bringing her fore hooves together in frustration "Hmm. We got what we came for. I hope you're not too ill, you're going to be rather busy in the coming days" Rainbow ThunderSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Old Enemies, Older FriendsDash knew today was going to be extremely hard for her. It was just a day before she predicted she'd be fit enough to get Spitfires approval to fight, but she had more pressing problems. The mare sat at her desk in silence, working through a pile of paperwork - with her two guards as always. The silence was broken however, as Spitfire herself busted through the door, obviously in a temper. "You have a plan? I don't remember hearing about plans in our last meeting, Rainbow Dash" She hissed. Dash sighed and placed her quill down, casting a glare at Blazing before looking to her Commander "That is my job, is it not, to come up with plans?" "It is - but then these plans must be relayed back to myself! I do hope you don't have another agenda" Dash gestured to a chair "Please. I'm sure you'll calm down after you've heard the plan that will surely lead to Canterlot falling" She poured herself and Spitfire a drink as she sat opposite her "And all I require is a small group of Pegasi" Spitfire raised an eyebrow, obviously enthralled by Dash's proposal "...Continue" Dash leaned back in her chair "All you need to do is assemble the rest of the army and as soon as that shield falls, Canterlot is yours for the taking. The Equestrians are weak, have no allies. Their army is underfed and poorly trained - I assure you they'll capitulate within an hour. The you'll get the sole glory of marching into Canterlot and taking it for yourself" "Hmm..." Spitfire had sufficiently calmed down, taking a sip of water "As mouthwatering as it sounds, Rainbow Dash, you haven't told me how to deal with Princess Twilight's shield" "Oh, that's my problem. Don't worry a second about it, I know exactly what to do..." "I fear you underestimate our enemies, Dash. Twilight has assumed control of Equestria as the sole leader and the ponies have rallied behind her, they've got a bigger standing army than they did the last time Canterlot was attacked by the griffons, she's no pushover" Dash chuckled "Trust me, I've know her for years. I know just how to make her crumble. Anyway, we both saw how she was when I was High Commander of Equestria, conflict scares her. She was shuddering under the throne like a filly half the time, the other half I had to keep her safe" "Hm. Perhaps you should have taken the chance to kill her instead of being sentimental" Dash's eyes thinned. She respected Spitfire after she'd saved her, and they'd been great friends a long time ago, but the two mares personalities clashed more and more often recently. Dash had never truly gotten over her betrayal, even after being saved. "You couldn't understand, you've never had anyone that close. She was the only one that cared about me and bothered to try to look after me" "You've been known to falter when you get the chance to kill her, Dash. Along with your other... friends... I just hope you're reliable enough" "Just be ready to move in on Canterlot" Dash hissed. Spitfire nodded and smiled "Anyway. I hope to see you tonight for the officers drink?" "That's not really my thing" She sighed "But I suppose" "Very well" Spitfire chuckled "Oh, before you go" Dash stood, grinning and nodding to Blazing "Of all of the Pegasi army I get her, little niece Blazing? I know you like to keep tabs on me, but my own guard as a spy?" Spitfire chuckled and shook her head "She wanted to join the army to learn how to fight, so I put her with our second best fighter" Spitfire grinned "Plus, knowing what you're up to is always interesting" Blazing stepped forwards, standing next to the two legendary Pegasi "Ma'am... May I?" They both nodded "I'm not spying on you. I take my job really seriously and you're the best Dash" She chuckled, blushing a little "The captain and I discussed my enrolment and she thought it best I stay away from conflict... At least at first" She looked between them "And when I heard you were coming to Cloudsdale we both decided you'd be the best pony to follow and protect. I mean, it's not like you need guards, you're good enough on your own, so the intention was that I'd be rather safe whilst learning" Dash listened carefully and smiled "Blazing, with your talent, plus your family links, you'll be replacing me in no time. Just if I think Spitfire needs to hear something, I'll tell her myself" A grin spread across her face "Your lucky Aunty Spitty is you leader, in my time I'd have taken a snitches wings" She banged her hoof on the side of her helmet. Dash, Iron and Blazing all stared down at a large box Dash had laid onto her bed. The three pairs of eyes glistened at the package, one Dash had been waiting for to be fully prepared for what was to come. There were many options available to her, but she had her personal favourites, they'd stuck with her through the last war, and she wasn't going into this one without them. "A-are those the original ones?!" Blazing drooled, looking down at the contents of the box. Dash grinned and nodded slowly, lifting one of the items from the box. She was convinced she'd lost them all those years ago when Spitfire had confronted her, presuming they'd be discarded or destroyed, but much to her surprise Spitfire had kept them in a glass case in her office. "They've had a little work done... But these are the same ones..." The pegasus ran the blade of one of her hoof knives against her lips, her tongue pressed against the cold metal. She could faintly taste her past victims on the metal. "Can I... touch it?" Iron bit her lip, reaching her hoof out to tenderly caress the blade, taking as much care as a mother would with her new foal. Dash chuckled and gave one to each of her guards "Don't get too carried away... I'm going to need those soon and I promise I'll kill you if you lose or damage them... They've kept me alive for way too long" As her guards were creaming themselves over her weapons, Dash reached down to the knee Spitfire had crossbowed and wrapped a bionic support strap around it, giving it support and aiding its strength and ability. "I'll be right back" She muttered, taking a small wooden box from under her bed and walking to Spitfires office, not bothering to knock. "Rainbow Dash" Spitfire lowered her quill and looked up "I hope you got the package..." "Indeed, thank you" She grinned "Although I didn't want your office to lack too much Rainbow Dash memorabilia" She smiled "Oh?" Spitfire chuckled "Here. I think you'll enjoy this one" She placed the box on Spitfires desk and blushed slightly. Spitfire raised an eyebrow and lifted the lid, chuckling to herself at the contents "I looked for this, thank you, I do really appreciate it" "I guessed you'd like it as it was the one time you almost beat me. It's the closest you're ever going to get" She chuckled. Spitfire lifted the bent crossbow bolt from the box, examining it "I'm sure every time I look at it it will bring a smile to my face, the one time I almost defeated the mighty Rainbow Dash" She winked, but her face slowly returned back to seriousness "Whilst you're here, please take a seat." Dash sensed the seriousness on her face and sat "Yes?" "How are you feeling? Honestly?" "Better than ever. I've been working out everyday, eating well, even my knee is getting much better" "Good... Very good" She nodded "Because I'm going to let you fight if you so wish" Dash sat up more and smiled wide. She didn't need Spitfires permission to do what she wanted, but for her plans to work she needed her support "Great! Thank you!" "I'm glad you're feeling better. The attack on Canterlot will take place in three days. I'm trusting you with this, Dash. You're plan had better be what you think it is, this fight will either win us the war or have detrimental setbacks on our efforts" "I fully understand, ma'am. I can assure you, this plan cannot fail, but I need some of the best fighters in our army in my group, away from Canterlot, for it to work" She frowned "Very well... But where do you plan on going if not Canterlot?" "Ponyville" Author's Note Thanks for reading! Coming HomeToday was Dash's big day. Everything was in place for her plan to commence, the mare taking one final quick visit to the other commanders to finalise their plans. She wasn't nervous, but she knew her neck was on the line here - if it went as she intended she'd be even more of a hero - but if it failed? Hundreds of Pegasi would die and Dash would be the sole responsibility. She was the last into the small meeting room, the small collection of high ranking Pegasi all looking at her. "In an hour, you all will be leaving for Canterlot" She said, placing her helmet on the table "Whilst I head to Ponyville. If you see Princess Twilight Sparkle, do not attack her at all, leave her be, understand?" "Isn't that against the point...? As soon as she's gone, it'll be easy" Dash glared at the voice "Because thats the plan, and you'll do well to follow it! Once Twilight has left Canterlot, you can move in and do whatever the hell you want" Spitfire chuckled "Well, not whatever you want. The usual, take control and kill the uprisers" "I'll see you all on the other side. Obviously Spitfire is in control of the Canterlot side, I'm controlling the Ponyville aspect. Get out and sort your soldiers. NOW!" She yelled, followed by the frantic scrambling of the Pegasi leaving the room. Spitfire chuckled and stood "Good luck today, Rainbow Dash. Your... decision... Is honourable and will be remembered by the Pegasi for generations" "Decision? Twilight and the elements are nothing. Not anymore. And I'm supposed to be one of them right? How can they use their powers?" She held out her hoof "See you for a drink after?" Dash chuckled and tapped it "Make that two" She watched as Spitfire left, leaving her alone in the room. An early morning mist lay across Ponyville, Rainbow Dash landing and stopping at the border of the town for a moment, followed by just 10 other Peagsi, including Blazing and Iron. All eleven were armoured from muzzle to hoof in their black and red armour, all except Dash. She had decided to go helmet less for a reason, and her armour was more lightweight and had extra accessories, all part of her plan. "Now listen to me." Dash turned and looked each and everyone of the Pegasi in the eye before speaking "Pair up. Bring the Elements of Harmony to the centre of the town UNHARMED" She glared "I dont care if they give you trouble, just do as I say" She growled "Blazing, Iron, with me" She trotted into the town as the others went their separate ways. Ponyville was quiet, but well guarded. The town must have had at least 50 guards, a lot for the small and reasonably useless town strategically. The majority of the population had left, meaning there wasn't much to defend anymore. Dash felt a twinge of sorrow shoot down her spine, the town she'd loved, lived in and represented had yet again fallen into ruin. She hated Ponyville now. It only brought back bad memories for her and had been the catalyst to her rapid downwards spiral and decent into madness, the spiral that had caused her to lose all of her friends. "Are you ready for that battle experience the two of you crave so much?" She grinned, nodding to the barracks "They wont know what hit them - in and out before they know whats going on" "Theres like, 50 of em..." Iron frowned, looking through the window of the town hall, converted to host the defence force. "Kill 15 then. Blazing gets 15, and I get 20. Doesn't sound too bad now, huh?" "Sounds like fun" Blazing chuckled and nudged Dash "Just don't take any of mine" "Can't make any promises" Dash chuckled, flicking her hooves to reveal her blades and flying towards the hall, entering through a roof window and silently landing in the centre of the hall. Most of the guards were asleep, barring those on watch. Dash was swift and efficient, silently finishing the few that were awake as her two guards joined her. "Keep it simple..." She whispered "Go bed to bed, cut their throats. Don't be stupid" She glared between them. The two nodded, taken aback by Dash's brutal tone, the mare already three beds in before they turned to set off their own Equestrians. Everything was going smoothly, Dash thought, grinning to herself as she killed the final sleeping guard. She walked through the hall grinning and patted Iron's head "Good. It's almost too easy, right? Time to meet my friends, I think" Dash chuckled and waved Blazing over "Come on. The town is almost ours" "'Bout time" She grinned, the trio opening the doors to the town hall to a pleasant sight. The four elements of harmony stood below the steps in the centre of the town, Pegasi standing either side. Dash slowly descended the steps, staring intently at each of the four, taking in every feature. Something was off however, the mare quickly flying over to Fluttershy and lifting her chin, her other hoof gently touching her bloodied nose "What happened to you?" She sniffled, but turned her face away. "The dumb bitch was wearing armour under her bed" The stallion standing next to her scoffed "I told her to come and she wouldn't stop crying, she listened to me after I busted her nose" He smirked. Dash turned to look at him, deadly calm and took her hooves away from Shy. "Would you say she is a threat? Is she unharmed?" "W-well no..." "Come with me" She gestured for him to follow her, walking infront of Applejack. "Do you see her?" "Yes...?" "Would you say she's more of a threat than the mare you were asked to bring to me?" "Well... I guess?" "So, you're telling me you disobeyed a direct order from your commander for no reason at all? Youve even admitted that Applejack is more of a threat, yet they managed to get her here unharmed" "Yes ma'am..." He whimpered, his tough bravado fading. Pegasi and Equestrians alike weren't terrified of Dash for no reason "L-look I'm sorry, I-I didn't realise, the... I..." "You are a disgrace. Not only did you disobey a direct order, you turn into a bumbling disgrace instead of standing proud. Kneel" "Rainbow Dash... Please..." He muttered, stepping backwards, infront of the small group Dash flicked her wrist, revealing her bloody blades and glaring at him. He growled and pulled his sword from its sheath, glaring right back. Dash chuckled and looked at the group, all of whom were watching intently and chuckling "Seriously? Very well. I need a warm up for what is to come" "And what is to come?" He yelled "We both know you'll never kill the elements, you never could" He hissed. Dash looked at the four mares standing in the cold, before turning back to the stallion "There are no elements of harmony anymore, not that you would know! Once Twilight is dead and gone I can finally take my rightful place again as ruler of Equestria!" She grinned The stallion chuckled "Aren't you forgetting someone? Spitfire may have different ideas" "Spitfire doesn't need Equestria. She has the sky" She yelled, thrusting forwards with her blades, taking the stallion by surprise. He had just enough time to throw himself to the side, landing on his back hard. Dash was quick, showing her experience, on him in an instant and driving her knife into his hoof, the stallion crying out and dropping his sword. She grinned down into his face, running her knife up his leg, still buried deep into his flesh, ignoring his screams "I have soooo missed this...." She muttered, before driving her second dagger into his eye and out the other side. The elements gasped, all but AJ turning away from the sight as Dash stood, wiping some blood from her face "Anyone else got any problems? Thought not" she muttered. Blazing spoke up "Uh... About Spitfire?" Dash rolled her eyes and turned to face her "Listen, Blazing. It's fine. Spitfire and I understand each other, and I'm sure we can agree on something" "Calm down Blazing, Dash isn't a traitor. Far from it, she know what would happen" Iron nudged Dash and chuckled "What's the plan boss?" "You" She pointed to a guard "Send word to Canterlot that the Elements of Harmony are in danger" Dash chucked and followed the group inside. Hours passed as Dash patiently waited, every so often gazing over at her four friends, who had huddled together, before gritting her teeth and walking over, placing a couple of bottles of water next to them, as well as a couple of blankets "Here. Keep warm..." She muttered. The small contingent of Pegasi watched as she did so, a few murmurs going around. "W-what are you doing Dashie..." Shy asked quietly, wrapping a blanket around herself "Are you... going to hurt us?" She was sitting tightly into Applejack, who had a hoof around her shoulder in a protective hug. Dash shook her head "No, I'm not. I'm just doing what has to be done" AJ scoffed "Taking an innocent village? Theres nothing here for you to take, Dash" "I'm not here to take the town. Far from it, I'm afraid. Ponyville is nothing anymore. Look at it. Why the fuck would I want this?" "Then you're here for us?" "Wrong again" She gestured to a guard "Find me a drink... A proper one" She sighed, turning back to the four "You see, Twilight has... how do I put this..." She leaned back "Twilight... Needs to..." Iron brought Dash a decanter of whiskey and a few glasses, rolling her eyes "Twilight is too powerful for us to be bothered to deal with and needs to be removed from the picture" She huffed "And I'm not your fucking waiter" "Exactly" Dash nodded "well put" Before Iron could walk away however, Dash yanked her closer "Isn't that why you're here? To serve me?" The four gasped, Applejack standing and tackling Dash to the ground, connecting a hoof with the end of her muzzle before she was dragged off "Fight me Dash, mare on mare. I'll kill you before you can think about touching Twilight" Dash sighed and sat up, picking up the decanter and taking a large gulp "Ouch..." She looked across at Aj, who was being held down by three Pegasi, struggling to keep the thrashing mare down "Oh Applejack. I would love to oblige, but I have bigger fish to catch" She stepped closer and looked down at Applejack, no longer thrashing "Let her up, be careful, please. She's dangerous" Dash poured a drink into a glass and held it out "When you last saw me I believe I promised you a drink" Aj stood and looked at the glass "I never wanted it. You should've hung like the criminal you are" She spat at Dash. She smiled, wiping the spit away and chuckling "AJ, I really don't want to have to kill you. But I will if I need to" "Rainbow Dash!" Rarity yelled "Think about what you're doing! She is your friend!" "Go away" Dash hissed to the guards "All of you" She sounded harsh, the guards swiftly leaving the five to it. "You all left me to die, only Applejack visited me and that was to rub it in" "What could we have done, Rainbow?" Rarity stood "Break you out?" "This has gone too far already" AJ grumbled "Twilight tried to give you a second chance, we all did, but all you did was betray us all!" "I am a pegasus, second in command at that! I can't just abandon the thing I worked so hard to build" She grumbled "Twilight will come and only one of us will survive. Either I win and Canterlot falls, or Twilight wins and the Pegasi crumble... That's the stakes" It was Fluttershy's turn to try and convince her friend "Y-you were there at the fall of Cloudsdale, right?" She whimpered, slowly walking closer "This is our Cloudsdale... What you felt... We're feeling... Please Dashie" She was right next to Dash now. "Don't Fluttershy" She gulped "Go home, please, stay safe" "Not without you..." "You don't understand! None of you do! If I stay here I'll be hung again, and if I betray the Pegasi there won't be anywhere for me to go where I'm not hated" Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak but Dash silenced her "The four of you stay here and stay silent. I'm busy" She growled. Blazing appeared out of the sky, panting hard as she crash landed infront of Dash "Ma'am s-she's here... The others... Couldn't stop her..." Dash took a deep breath and helped Blazing to her hooves "Get out of here. Get word to Spitfire" She muttered, before grinning and pulling her into a tight embrace "See you soon" She muttered. Blazing hugged back and took a long look into her eyes "Let me help you..." "This isn't your fight. Take Iron and go" "I-Irons dead... She's too strong for you, Dash, please" Dash gulped and shook her head, chuckling "I told Aunty Spitty I'd look after you, remember?" She blinked long and hard to stifle tears "Now show me that flank one more time as you fly away" She grinned. Blazing chucked and nodded, saluting "Ma'am" Before flying quickly away. Dash took a deep breath, stepping into the middle of the square, glancing back at the Elements momentarily, a shudder going down her spine, looking across the other end of the square and gulping "Hello Twilight" Author's Note Thank you for reading! The EndRainbow Dash stared across the town centre in silence as the first raindrops began to fall, grey clouds forming overhead and unleashing their load down onto the empty town below. Her breaths were long and slow, neither her or Twilight ready to make the first move. Finally, Twilight spoke "I never wanted to do this, Rainbow" She admitted "But somehow knew it would end like this..." Dash nodded slowly, a weak smile breaking across her face. She'd always been a confident and cocky mare, but she wasn't feeling herself right now. "And this is where it ends" Dash agreed, her mane becoming drenched as the ground under hoof began to turn to a wet mud. "This is where it began, and where it will end" The day reminded her too much of the day Ponyville had last fallen, resulting in her capture and subsequent torture at the claws of the Griffons. She hadn't been the same since that day all those years ago. "Are the others dead?" Dash shouted to Twilight, the wind and distance meaning simple spoken words would be lost to the elements. Twilight nodded "I tried to give them a chance Dash, they wouldn't back off" She shouted back "And I'm going to offer you the same as I offered them... Throw down your weapons and surrender... This doesn't have to get messy" "You know I can't do that Twilight. We both know how this must end" Her words were heavy, almost regretful at the decisions she had to make, ultimately sealing the fate of one of the mares. "Very well" Twilight sighed, her horn lighting up, sending a bolt of energy Dash's way. Dash had anticipated it well, however, throwing herself to one side, avoiding the attempted strike before slowly walking forwards, closer to Twilight. Speed and flight were her advantages, but she didn't want to reveal her full capacity just yet. Blast after blast were sent Dash's way, the pegasus dodging them with ease until she was three quarters of the way across the square, ten metres from Twilight now, gritting her teeth. Twilight was a powerful unicorn, even without her wings she still possessed alicorn magic. Dash knew that as soon as she went on the offensive, Twilight would stop holding back and unleash her full potential, something even Dash was skeptical about beating. "Why did you come so alone? We both know your army has an abundance of volunteers! How can you expect to take this town with ten guards?" Dash ignored the question, even now she was trying her best to keep her plan close to her chest. Thunder cracked overhead as Dash finally opened her wings, preparing to take flight at any moment as she crept forwards, blades still hidden. Twilight stared intently, on the back hoof now as Dash prepared to fly. She knew at any second the mare could be on her, Twilight would barely have time to think if Dash got flight. She was quick however, seeing a twitch in Dash's wing and swiftly covering herself with a bubble shield spell, the pegasus hitting it and being thrown backwards back across the town centre, hitting the town hall hard. Dash groaned, blinking hard as she slumped to the floor, sheepishly returning to her hooves. She noticed a large purple bolt flying at her just in time to raise her leg above her face, yelping and bracing the hit. She expected to be blasted to oblivion, but slowly looked down at her armour, grinning as the purple hue of the spell trickled down the metal "It.. worked...?" Twilight was flabbergasted. Dash should be a shadow on the wall right now, but somehow she was still sat there, the same look of disbelief on her face as the caster of the spell "What? How?!" Dash chuckled and grinned, getting to her hooves "You underestimate my brainpower Twilight" She began walking back towards Twilight "Many a night I've spent trying to perfect my armour, and I think I've done it... You see, mine is a little different to that of a guard, even Spitfires..." She flicked her wrists, smirking as she picked up pace towards Twilight, taking flight, her speed always increasing, turning into a cyan and rainbow blur as she hurtled towards Twilight. The unicorns eyes widened, dropping to the ground as quickly as possible, crying out as Dash's blade clipped her ear, rolling onto her back and firing a bolt in Rainbow's general direction, the pegasus easily turning midair to wage another attack on the ruler. Twilight knew Rainbow wouldn't miss for a second time, squeezing her eyes shut and desperately shooting a last minute bolt at Dash, hitting her square in the face and sending her off course, landing hard and rolling through the thick mud before grinding to a halt in a pile in the dirt. The only thing Dash could feel was a splitting pain in her right wing, the pain worse than anything she'd ever felt before. She knew her life depended on getting up this instant, but she just... couldn't. Her wing was an absolute mangled mess, twisting in all directions but the right one. As she lay in the dirt, she could feel a presence above her, the cyan mare making a desperate swipe before feeling her hoof suspended in the air, the knifes forced away from their owner. Twilight took a deep breath, levitating Dash by her mane out of the dirt to face her, a dead expression on her face "What was the plan Dash? Kill me and then what?" Dash could barely breathe, her wing bringing tears to her eyes as she dangled weakly from Twi's magic. After a minute she managed to pull herself together enough to speak. "Equestrian scum..." She spat weakly, thrashing about with what little energy she had. Twilight gritted her teeth. It pained her to do so, but she wanted to truly know what Dash had intended. Her magic took a hold of Dash's unharmed wing, slowly bending it "I don't want to do this, Dash. You may still get to survive this..." Dash gritted her teeth "Lean in closer and I'll whisper it to you" Twilight cocked an eyebrow, slowly leaning in. She should have known better, Dash swiftly bringing her hoof into connection with Twi's cheekbone, the bone in her jaw taking the full force of Dash's punch and clouding Twi's mind long enough for Dash to break free from her magic and make a desperate lunge for her dagger, lifting the sharp blade and pouncing at Twilight with what little energy she had left. Twilight cried out, squeezing her eyes shut, her horn instinctively lighting up and her hooves going to her face to protect her. Panic filled her mind as she felt warm blood on her fur, her hooves going down to feel for the wound, desperately trying all she could to keep herself alive... Except she couldn't find the source of the blood. Opening her eyes, she saw Dash laying over her legs, shivering and holding her chest, sobbing weakly. It took a moment for Twilight to register just what had happened, her gaze not leaving the mud covered cyan mare. Twilight slowly lifted Dash into her arms, looking down at her, the knife wedged to the hilt between her ribs. "Y-y...you... Win" She spluttered, smiling weakly, as best she could through the immense pain she was feeling, every blink longer than the last. "Rainbow..." She muttered, filled with genuine sadness as her eyes began to cloud from tears. Dash coughed and spluttered, coughing up blood as her hooves still held tightly to her chest "I'm... S-sorry..." She whispered, letting out a hard cry as another wave of pain was sent through her body. "Y...you need to g-get to... Canterlot..." Dash may have been a psychopathic, evil, murderous pony, but she was still Twilight's friend deep down, and she was dying in her hooves. She wouldn't leave the mare for the world. "Not so... um... unkillable... huh?" She chuckled softly, gritting her teeth yet again. "I guess not" Twilight smiled weakly, stroking her mane "Say hi to Celestia and Shining for me, huh?" She joked through tears. "Im... so sorry..." Dash coughed again, this time the blood coating her lower muzzle, her eyes closed. "I'm sorry..." Twilight bit her lip, her horn lighting up and placing it against Rainbow Dash's temple, the light slowly fading from Twilight's horn as she did so. Despite all she had done, Twilight still felt as if she hadn't done enough for her friend. Thoughts raced through her mind of what she should of, could of, done for Dash whilst she was still alive. The cyan pegasus took her last breath, her hooves falling to her sides as she did so. The legend was dead. Rainbow Dash the Unkillable had been killed, and the consequences would ripple through Equestria and Cloudsdale more than any war could. "She... She knew she was never going to win..." Twilight muttered, the other elements coming to console their friend, all of the feeling the grief at the loss of their friend, no matter what she'd done to them they still clutched to the memory of the Rainbow Dash that had saved Equestria with them so many times. "Her plan was to come here and say her final goodbyes" Twilight cried. 20 Years Later Lightning Dash tapped her lucky helmet and grinned. Her hard work and training had paid off. The statue of her hero, Rainbow Dash still stood proudly in the courtyard infront of the Cloudsdale parliament building, the mare standing alongside Spitfire - the statue erected to commemorate her service as leader of the Pegasi for so long. Lightning marched proudly away from the statue and grinned once again, placing the helmet onto her head. Sure, the armour had changed over the years, but she'd instead on maintaining the helmet she'd received in the streets as just a filly. The golden streak on the helmet matched the golden streak on her armour, which she wore with passion and pride. She stopped at a pair of big, intricate doors and nodded to the two guards, who saluted in return and nodded to the mare. "May I present Lightning Dash! The new leader of the Free Pegasi Race!" Lightning grinned and took a deep breath "I'll finish what you started, Rainbow Dash" She muttered, stepping out onto the balcony and basking in the applause and crowd. Author's Note Thank you for reading! This is the last chapter ever! I hope you enjoyed it And don't forget, Pegasi First!
PrologueAuthor's Note I want to start this story by apologising. I know that seems a strange way to start a story, but trust me I'm apologising because I had no intention to write this story at the end of Pegasi First 2, as I saw the events of that story as an appropriate ending, however, I couldn't bring myself to end it! Pegasi First was one of my first stories, call me a sentimental fool but I can't stand to see it ending, hence this story! As always, Thank you so much for reading. Prologue Dash felt a swish of wind, before falling hard to the ground. She gasped desperately for air, winded from her fall and a sharp pain shooting up her spine and through her wing, landing hard on her right wing and back. The cyan mare hadn't even the time to open her eyes before she was roughly yanked and dragged through the dirt by what she could only guess was the end of her noose, digging into her neck and starving her of oxygen. Gasps and screams erupted from the crowds, mares, stallions and foals alike, the sounds of wings overhead and hooves coming into contact with the ground. Dash eventually opened her eyes, blinded by the sun as she blinked, looking away. Rainbow was lying on her back, before the stairs up to Canterlot castle, the gallows behind her. Her vision finally focused, a blue earth pony standing above her, grinning and wielding a sword. Dash could only gasp and cower as the sword fell. Much to Dash's surprise, the chain between her hoofcuffs shattered, the stallion wasting no time in pulling her wing restraints off, pulling her to her hooves "Snap out of it!" He slapped her hard "Get up those steps, and quickly!" For the first time in years Dash was stunned, strolling aimlessly up the stairs. Her ears were ringing, her eyes blurry - she couldn't believe she was alive, let alone what was going on around her. A squad of Equestrian guards began to approach her, swords raised, only to be taken out swiftly by Pegasi appearing from the skies. She managed to get to the top of the steps, tripping up and groaning - she really wasn't feeling too good at all. Chaos ensued around her, walking into the castle, the large lobby of the castle truly was a sight to behold. Dash chuckled softly, despite her messed up head "I do hope this isn't all for me..." Spitfire grinned, removing her helmet "You've looked better" "They didn't have much make up... In my cell..." She stumbled to the side, blinking heavily Spitfire nodded to two guards, who stood either side of Dash, holding her up and removing the noose from around her neck "You can't pass out just yet, you'll want to see this..." Spitfire muttered, handing her helmet to another guard and walking with intent towards the great hall, easily disposing of two Equestrian guards on her way. Dash tried to keep up, only doing so due to the help of her two guards, she didn't recognise the pair however. The great hall wasn't a long walk, the small group there within a matter of moments, only held up by the occasional Equestrian, all of whom were swiftly dealt with by Spitfire at the head of the pack. The yellow mare pressed her ear to the large door, waited a second, then knocked three times before pushing the door slowly open "I hope we're not disturbing you..." The Equestrian Prime Minister froze, shuddering and retreating backwards, frantically gesturing to his guards "Spitfire! What are you doing here? Don't do anything you're going to regret..." Spitfire only smiled, stepping in and hilting her sword "I don't think you understand how much you've fucked up, do you?" She glanced at the four guards around the Prime Minister, raising an eyebrow "You should have negotiated..." "How can you defend her... And throw away everything you've worked for for one mare?! A mare who mates your guts" "Because she's done the same for me" Spitfire chuckled, a grin growing on her face "You four have the chance to leave us, with your lives" She looked between the four guards. The four looked between each other, not taking long for them to decide to make a quick dash to the door and away. "See? Thats the difference between us. Where your guards run off, Dash and her two guards, against all odds, fought for their honour... Equestrian cowards" "P-please... I don't want to die! I'll do anything!" "Kneel..." She glared The stallion whimpered and sobbed, slowly falling to his knees, shaking his head and begging for his life. "Dash. Step forwards." Spitfire commanded. The rainbow maned mare complied, glancing at Spitfire as she stepped alongside her. "Here. Do what you must" She held out her sword, the blade unlike any other Dash had seen before. Even in her current state she could appreciate the workmanship of the the sword. The blade was curved four times, in a kind of double 'S' shape, the tip contorted into a spiral, the metal golden much like the mares coat. Dash looked between the two leaders. She had the power to take either life - or both if she was quick enough. Despite this, she bowed her head to Spitfire and swiftly brought the sword down on the back of the stallions neck, the blade cutting through his flesh, bone and muscle like a hot knife through butter, decapitating the sobbing stallion. She wiped the blood on his coat, spinning the blade and holing the hilt out to Spitfire "Thank you" Spitfire took her sword and smiled "As of today-" Before she could finish her sentence, a bright flash of purple magic erupted from the castle, taking a hold of all of the Pegasi and pushing them away from the city, forming a shield over the capital. Spitfire and Dash, along with their guards were thrown up into the sky, both gritting their teeth and glaring down at the burning city. "That's Twilight's magic. There's no way we're getting in anytime soon, unless you want to end up like the Changelings" Dash grumbled. Spitfire didn't try to hide her rage, harshly bringing her fore hooves together in frustration "Hmm. We got what we came for. I hope you're not too ill, you're going to be rather busy in the coming days"
Old Enemies, Older FriendsDash knew today was going to be extremely hard for her. It was just a day before she predicted she'd be fit enough to get Spitfires approval to fight, but she had more pressing problems. The mare sat at her desk in silence, working through a pile of paperwork - with her two guards as always. The silence was broken however, as Spitfire herself busted through the door, obviously in a temper. "You have a plan? I don't remember hearing about plans in our last meeting, Rainbow Dash" She hissed. Dash sighed and placed her quill down, casting a glare at Blazing before looking to her Commander "That is my job, is it not, to come up with plans?" "It is - but then these plans must be relayed back to myself! I do hope you don't have another agenda" Dash gestured to a chair "Please. I'm sure you'll calm down after you've heard the plan that will surely lead to Canterlot falling" She poured herself and Spitfire a drink as she sat opposite her "And all I require is a small group of Pegasi" Spitfire raised an eyebrow, obviously enthralled by Dash's proposal "...Continue" Dash leaned back in her chair "All you need to do is assemble the rest of the army and as soon as that shield falls, Canterlot is yours for the taking. The Equestrians are weak, have no allies. Their army is underfed and poorly trained - I assure you they'll capitulate within an hour. The you'll get the sole glory of marching into Canterlot and taking it for yourself" "Hmm..." Spitfire had sufficiently calmed down, taking a sip of water "As mouthwatering as it sounds, Rainbow Dash, you haven't told me how to deal with Princess Twilight's shield" "Oh, that's my problem. Don't worry a second about it, I know exactly what to do..." "I fear you underestimate our enemies, Dash. Twilight has assumed control of Equestria as the sole leader and the ponies have rallied behind her, they've got a bigger standing army than they did the last time Canterlot was attacked by the griffons, she's no pushover" Dash chuckled "Trust me, I've know her for years. I know just how to make her crumble. Anyway, we both saw how she was when I was High Commander of Equestria, conflict scares her. She was shuddering under the throne like a filly half the time, the other half I had to keep her safe" "Hm. Perhaps you should have taken the chance to kill her instead of being sentimental" Dash's eyes thinned. She respected Spitfire after she'd saved her, and they'd been great friends a long time ago, but the two mares personalities clashed more and more often recently. Dash had never truly gotten over her betrayal, even after being saved. "You couldn't understand, you've never had anyone that close. She was the only one that cared about me and bothered to try to look after me" "You've been known to falter when you get the chance to kill her, Dash. Along with your other... friends... I just hope you're reliable enough" "Just be ready to move in on Canterlot" Dash hissed. Spitfire nodded and smiled "Anyway. I hope to see you tonight for the officers drink?" "That's not really my thing" She sighed "But I suppose" "Very well" Spitfire chuckled "Oh, before you go" Dash stood, grinning and nodding to Blazing "Of all of the Pegasi army I get her, little niece Blazing? I know you like to keep tabs on me, but my own guard as a spy?" Spitfire chuckled and shook her head "She wanted to join the army to learn how to fight, so I put her with our second best fighter" Spitfire grinned "Plus, knowing what you're up to is always interesting" Blazing stepped forwards, standing next to the two legendary Pegasi "Ma'am... May I?" They both nodded "I'm not spying on you. I take my job really seriously and you're the best Dash" She chuckled, blushing a little "The captain and I discussed my enrolment and she thought it best I stay away from conflict... At least at first" She looked between them "And when I heard you were coming to Cloudsdale we both decided you'd be the best pony to follow and protect. I mean, it's not like you need guards, you're good enough on your own, so the intention was that I'd be rather safe whilst learning" Dash listened carefully and smiled "Blazing, with your talent, plus your family links, you'll be replacing me in no time. Just if I think Spitfire needs to hear something, I'll tell her myself" A grin spread across her face "Your lucky Aunty Spitty is you leader, in my time I'd have taken a snitches wings" She banged her hoof on the side of her helmet. Dash, Iron and Blazing all stared down at a large box Dash had laid onto her bed. The three pairs of eyes glistened at the package, one Dash had been waiting for to be fully prepared for what was to come. There were many options available to her, but she had her personal favourites, they'd stuck with her through the last war, and she wasn't going into this one without them. "A-are those the original ones?!" Blazing drooled, looking down at the contents of the box. Dash grinned and nodded slowly, lifting one of the items from the box. She was convinced she'd lost them all those years ago when Spitfire had confronted her, presuming they'd be discarded or destroyed, but much to her surprise Spitfire had kept them in a glass case in her office. "They've had a little work done... But these are the same ones..." The pegasus ran the blade of one of her hoof knives against her lips, her tongue pressed against the cold metal. She could faintly taste her past victims on the metal. "Can I... touch it?" Iron bit her lip, reaching her hoof out to tenderly caress the blade, taking as much care as a mother would with her new foal. Dash chuckled and gave one to each of her guards "Don't get too carried away... I'm going to need those soon and I promise I'll kill you if you lose or damage them... They've kept me alive for way too long" As her guards were creaming themselves over her weapons, Dash reached down to the knee Spitfire had crossbowed and wrapped a bionic support strap around it, giving it support and aiding its strength and ability. "I'll be right back" She muttered, taking a small wooden box from under her bed and walking to Spitfires office, not bothering to knock. "Rainbow Dash" Spitfire lowered her quill and looked up "I hope you got the package..." "Indeed, thank you" She grinned "Although I didn't want your office to lack too much Rainbow Dash memorabilia" She smiled "Oh?" Spitfire chuckled "Here. I think you'll enjoy this one" She placed the box on Spitfires desk and blushed slightly. Spitfire raised an eyebrow and lifted the lid, chuckling to herself at the contents "I looked for this, thank you, I do really appreciate it" "I guessed you'd like it as it was the one time you almost beat me. It's the closest you're ever going to get" She chuckled. Spitfire lifted the bent crossbow bolt from the box, examining it "I'm sure every time I look at it it will bring a smile to my face, the one time I almost defeated the mighty Rainbow Dash" She winked, but her face slowly returned back to seriousness "Whilst you're here, please take a seat." Dash sensed the seriousness on her face and sat "Yes?" "How are you feeling? Honestly?" "Better than ever. I've been working out everyday, eating well, even my knee is getting much better" "Good... Very good" She nodded "Because I'm going to let you fight if you so wish" Dash sat up more and smiled wide. She didn't need Spitfires permission to do what she wanted, but for her plans to work she needed her support "Great! Thank you!" "I'm glad you're feeling better. The attack on Canterlot will take place in three days. I'm trusting you with this, Dash. You're plan had better be what you think it is, this fight will either win us the war or have detrimental setbacks on our efforts" "I fully understand, ma'am. I can assure you, this plan cannot fail, but I need some of the best fighters in our army in my group, away from Canterlot, for it to work" She frowned "Very well... But where do you plan on going if not Canterlot?" "Ponyville" Author's Note Thanks for reading!
Coming HomeToday was Dash's big day. Everything was in place for her plan to commence, the mare taking one final quick visit to the other commanders to finalise their plans. She wasn't nervous, but she knew her neck was on the line here - if it went as she intended she'd be even more of a hero - but if it failed? Hundreds of Pegasi would die and Dash would be the sole responsibility. She was the last into the small meeting room, the small collection of high ranking Pegasi all looking at her. "In an hour, you all will be leaving for Canterlot" She said, placing her helmet on the table "Whilst I head to Ponyville. If you see Princess Twilight Sparkle, do not attack her at all, leave her be, understand?" "Isn't that against the point...? As soon as she's gone, it'll be easy" Dash glared at the voice "Because thats the plan, and you'll do well to follow it! Once Twilight has left Canterlot, you can move in and do whatever the hell you want" Spitfire chuckled "Well, not whatever you want. The usual, take control and kill the uprisers" "I'll see you all on the other side. Obviously Spitfire is in control of the Canterlot side, I'm controlling the Ponyville aspect. Get out and sort your soldiers. NOW!" She yelled, followed by the frantic scrambling of the Pegasi leaving the room. Spitfire chuckled and stood "Good luck today, Rainbow Dash. Your... decision... Is honourable and will be remembered by the Pegasi for generations" "Decision? Twilight and the elements are nothing. Not anymore. And I'm supposed to be one of them right? How can they use their powers?" She held out her hoof "See you for a drink after?" Dash chuckled and tapped it "Make that two" She watched as Spitfire left, leaving her alone in the room. An early morning mist lay across Ponyville, Rainbow Dash landing and stopping at the border of the town for a moment, followed by just 10 other Peagsi, including Blazing and Iron. All eleven were armoured from muzzle to hoof in their black and red armour, all except Dash. She had decided to go helmet less for a reason, and her armour was more lightweight and had extra accessories, all part of her plan. "Now listen to me." Dash turned and looked each and everyone of the Pegasi in the eye before speaking "Pair up. Bring the Elements of Harmony to the centre of the town UNHARMED" She glared "I dont care if they give you trouble, just do as I say" She growled "Blazing, Iron, with me" She trotted into the town as the others went their separate ways. Ponyville was quiet, but well guarded. The town must have had at least 50 guards, a lot for the small and reasonably useless town strategically. The majority of the population had left, meaning there wasn't much to defend anymore. Dash felt a twinge of sorrow shoot down her spine, the town she'd loved, lived in and represented had yet again fallen into ruin. She hated Ponyville now. It only brought back bad memories for her and had been the catalyst to her rapid downwards spiral and decent into madness, the spiral that had caused her to lose all of her friends. "Are you ready for that battle experience the two of you crave so much?" She grinned, nodding to the barracks "They wont know what hit them - in and out before they know whats going on" "Theres like, 50 of em..." Iron frowned, looking through the window of the town hall, converted to host the defence force. "Kill 15 then. Blazing gets 15, and I get 20. Doesn't sound too bad now, huh?" "Sounds like fun" Blazing chuckled and nudged Dash "Just don't take any of mine" "Can't make any promises" Dash chuckled, flicking her hooves to reveal her blades and flying towards the hall, entering through a roof window and silently landing in the centre of the hall. Most of the guards were asleep, barring those on watch. Dash was swift and efficient, silently finishing the few that were awake as her two guards joined her. "Keep it simple..." She whispered "Go bed to bed, cut their throats. Don't be stupid" She glared between them. The two nodded, taken aback by Dash's brutal tone, the mare already three beds in before they turned to set off their own Equestrians. Everything was going smoothly, Dash thought, grinning to herself as she killed the final sleeping guard. She walked through the hall grinning and patted Iron's head "Good. It's almost too easy, right? Time to meet my friends, I think" Dash chuckled and waved Blazing over "Come on. The town is almost ours" "'Bout time" She grinned, the trio opening the doors to the town hall to a pleasant sight. The four elements of harmony stood below the steps in the centre of the town, Pegasi standing either side. Dash slowly descended the steps, staring intently at each of the four, taking in every feature. Something was off however, the mare quickly flying over to Fluttershy and lifting her chin, her other hoof gently touching her bloodied nose "What happened to you?" She sniffled, but turned her face away. "The dumb bitch was wearing armour under her bed" The stallion standing next to her scoffed "I told her to come and she wouldn't stop crying, she listened to me after I busted her nose" He smirked. Dash turned to look at him, deadly calm and took her hooves away from Shy. "Would you say she is a threat? Is she unharmed?" "W-well no..." "Come with me" She gestured for him to follow her, walking infront of Applejack. "Do you see her?" "Yes...?" "Would you say she's more of a threat than the mare you were asked to bring to me?" "Well... I guess?" "So, you're telling me you disobeyed a direct order from your commander for no reason at all? Youve even admitted that Applejack is more of a threat, yet they managed to get her here unharmed" "Yes ma'am..." He whimpered, his tough bravado fading. Pegasi and Equestrians alike weren't terrified of Dash for no reason "L-look I'm sorry, I-I didn't realise, the... I..." "You are a disgrace. Not only did you disobey a direct order, you turn into a bumbling disgrace instead of standing proud. Kneel" "Rainbow Dash... Please..." He muttered, stepping backwards, infront of the small group Dash flicked her wrist, revealing her bloody blades and glaring at him. He growled and pulled his sword from its sheath, glaring right back. Dash chuckled and looked at the group, all of whom were watching intently and chuckling "Seriously? Very well. I need a warm up for what is to come" "And what is to come?" He yelled "We both know you'll never kill the elements, you never could" He hissed. Dash looked at the four mares standing in the cold, before turning back to the stallion "There are no elements of harmony anymore, not that you would know! Once Twilight is dead and gone I can finally take my rightful place again as ruler of Equestria!" She grinned The stallion chuckled "Aren't you forgetting someone? Spitfire may have different ideas" "Spitfire doesn't need Equestria. She has the sky" She yelled, thrusting forwards with her blades, taking the stallion by surprise. He had just enough time to throw himself to the side, landing on his back hard. Dash was quick, showing her experience, on him in an instant and driving her knife into his hoof, the stallion crying out and dropping his sword. She grinned down into his face, running her knife up his leg, still buried deep into his flesh, ignoring his screams "I have soooo missed this...." She muttered, before driving her second dagger into his eye and out the other side. The elements gasped, all but AJ turning away from the sight as Dash stood, wiping some blood from her face "Anyone else got any problems? Thought not" she muttered. Blazing spoke up "Uh... About Spitfire?" Dash rolled her eyes and turned to face her "Listen, Blazing. It's fine. Spitfire and I understand each other, and I'm sure we can agree on something" "Calm down Blazing, Dash isn't a traitor. Far from it, she know what would happen" Iron nudged Dash and chuckled "What's the plan boss?" "You" She pointed to a guard "Send word to Canterlot that the Elements of Harmony are in danger" Dash chucked and followed the group inside. Hours passed as Dash patiently waited, every so often gazing over at her four friends, who had huddled together, before gritting her teeth and walking over, placing a couple of bottles of water next to them, as well as a couple of blankets "Here. Keep warm..." She muttered. The small contingent of Pegasi watched as she did so, a few murmurs going around. "W-what are you doing Dashie..." Shy asked quietly, wrapping a blanket around herself "Are you... going to hurt us?" She was sitting tightly into Applejack, who had a hoof around her shoulder in a protective hug. Dash shook her head "No, I'm not. I'm just doing what has to be done" AJ scoffed "Taking an innocent village? Theres nothing here for you to take, Dash" "I'm not here to take the town. Far from it, I'm afraid. Ponyville is nothing anymore. Look at it. Why the fuck would I want this?" "Then you're here for us?" "Wrong again" She gestured to a guard "Find me a drink... A proper one" She sighed, turning back to the four "You see, Twilight has... how do I put this..." She leaned back "Twilight... Needs to..." Iron brought Dash a decanter of whiskey and a few glasses, rolling her eyes "Twilight is too powerful for us to be bothered to deal with and needs to be removed from the picture" She huffed "And I'm not your fucking waiter" "Exactly" Dash nodded "well put" Before Iron could walk away however, Dash yanked her closer "Isn't that why you're here? To serve me?" The four gasped, Applejack standing and tackling Dash to the ground, connecting a hoof with the end of her muzzle before she was dragged off "Fight me Dash, mare on mare. I'll kill you before you can think about touching Twilight" Dash sighed and sat up, picking up the decanter and taking a large gulp "Ouch..." She looked across at Aj, who was being held down by three Pegasi, struggling to keep the thrashing mare down "Oh Applejack. I would love to oblige, but I have bigger fish to catch" She stepped closer and looked down at Applejack, no longer thrashing "Let her up, be careful, please. She's dangerous" Dash poured a drink into a glass and held it out "When you last saw me I believe I promised you a drink" Aj stood and looked at the glass "I never wanted it. You should've hung like the criminal you are" She spat at Dash. She smiled, wiping the spit away and chuckling "AJ, I really don't want to have to kill you. But I will if I need to" "Rainbow Dash!" Rarity yelled "Think about what you're doing! She is your friend!" "Go away" Dash hissed to the guards "All of you" She sounded harsh, the guards swiftly leaving the five to it. "You all left me to die, only Applejack visited me and that was to rub it in" "What could we have done, Rainbow?" Rarity stood "Break you out?" "This has gone too far already" AJ grumbled "Twilight tried to give you a second chance, we all did, but all you did was betray us all!" "I am a pegasus, second in command at that! I can't just abandon the thing I worked so hard to build" She grumbled "Twilight will come and only one of us will survive. Either I win and Canterlot falls, or Twilight wins and the Pegasi crumble... That's the stakes" It was Fluttershy's turn to try and convince her friend "Y-you were there at the fall of Cloudsdale, right?" She whimpered, slowly walking closer "This is our Cloudsdale... What you felt... We're feeling... Please Dashie" She was right next to Dash now. "Don't Fluttershy" She gulped "Go home, please, stay safe" "Not without you..." "You don't understand! None of you do! If I stay here I'll be hung again, and if I betray the Pegasi there won't be anywhere for me to go where I'm not hated" Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak but Dash silenced her "The four of you stay here and stay silent. I'm busy" She growled. Blazing appeared out of the sky, panting hard as she crash landed infront of Dash "Ma'am s-she's here... The others... Couldn't stop her..." Dash took a deep breath and helped Blazing to her hooves "Get out of here. Get word to Spitfire" She muttered, before grinning and pulling her into a tight embrace "See you soon" She muttered. Blazing hugged back and took a long look into her eyes "Let me help you..." "This isn't your fight. Take Iron and go" "I-Irons dead... She's too strong for you, Dash, please" Dash gulped and shook her head, chuckling "I told Aunty Spitty I'd look after you, remember?" She blinked long and hard to stifle tears "Now show me that flank one more time as you fly away" She grinned. Blazing chucked and nodded, saluting "Ma'am" Before flying quickly away. Dash took a deep breath, stepping into the middle of the square, glancing back at the Elements momentarily, a shudder going down her spine, looking across the other end of the square and gulping "Hello Twilight" Author's Note Thank you for reading!
The EndRainbow Dash stared across the town centre in silence as the first raindrops began to fall, grey clouds forming overhead and unleashing their load down onto the empty town below. Her breaths were long and slow, neither her or Twilight ready to make the first move. Finally, Twilight spoke "I never wanted to do this, Rainbow" She admitted "But somehow knew it would end like this..." Dash nodded slowly, a weak smile breaking across her face. She'd always been a confident and cocky mare, but she wasn't feeling herself right now. "And this is where it ends" Dash agreed, her mane becoming drenched as the ground under hoof began to turn to a wet mud. "This is where it began, and where it will end" The day reminded her too much of the day Ponyville had last fallen, resulting in her capture and subsequent torture at the claws of the Griffons. She hadn't been the same since that day all those years ago. "Are the others dead?" Dash shouted to Twilight, the wind and distance meaning simple spoken words would be lost to the elements. Twilight nodded "I tried to give them a chance Dash, they wouldn't back off" She shouted back "And I'm going to offer you the same as I offered them... Throw down your weapons and surrender... This doesn't have to get messy" "You know I can't do that Twilight. We both know how this must end" Her words were heavy, almost regretful at the decisions she had to make, ultimately sealing the fate of one of the mares. "Very well" Twilight sighed, her horn lighting up, sending a bolt of energy Dash's way. Dash had anticipated it well, however, throwing herself to one side, avoiding the attempted strike before slowly walking forwards, closer to Twilight. Speed and flight were her advantages, but she didn't want to reveal her full capacity just yet. Blast after blast were sent Dash's way, the pegasus dodging them with ease until she was three quarters of the way across the square, ten metres from Twilight now, gritting her teeth. Twilight was a powerful unicorn, even without her wings she still possessed alicorn magic. Dash knew that as soon as she went on the offensive, Twilight would stop holding back and unleash her full potential, something even Dash was skeptical about beating. "Why did you come so alone? We both know your army has an abundance of volunteers! How can you expect to take this town with ten guards?" Dash ignored the question, even now she was trying her best to keep her plan close to her chest. Thunder cracked overhead as Dash finally opened her wings, preparing to take flight at any moment as she crept forwards, blades still hidden. Twilight stared intently, on the back hoof now as Dash prepared to fly. She knew at any second the mare could be on her, Twilight would barely have time to think if Dash got flight. She was quick however, seeing a twitch in Dash's wing and swiftly covering herself with a bubble shield spell, the pegasus hitting it and being thrown backwards back across the town centre, hitting the town hall hard. Dash groaned, blinking hard as she slumped to the floor, sheepishly returning to her hooves. She noticed a large purple bolt flying at her just in time to raise her leg above her face, yelping and bracing the hit. She expected to be blasted to oblivion, but slowly looked down at her armour, grinning as the purple hue of the spell trickled down the metal "It.. worked...?" Twilight was flabbergasted. Dash should be a shadow on the wall right now, but somehow she was still sat there, the same look of disbelief on her face as the caster of the spell "What? How?!" Dash chuckled and grinned, getting to her hooves "You underestimate my brainpower Twilight" She began walking back towards Twilight "Many a night I've spent trying to perfect my armour, and I think I've done it... You see, mine is a little different to that of a guard, even Spitfires..." She flicked her wrists, smirking as she picked up pace towards Twilight, taking flight, her speed always increasing, turning into a cyan and rainbow blur as she hurtled towards Twilight. The unicorns eyes widened, dropping to the ground as quickly as possible, crying out as Dash's blade clipped her ear, rolling onto her back and firing a bolt in Rainbow's general direction, the pegasus easily turning midair to wage another attack on the ruler. Twilight knew Rainbow wouldn't miss for a second time, squeezing her eyes shut and desperately shooting a last minute bolt at Dash, hitting her square in the face and sending her off course, landing hard and rolling through the thick mud before grinding to a halt in a pile in the dirt. The only thing Dash could feel was a splitting pain in her right wing, the pain worse than anything she'd ever felt before. She knew her life depended on getting up this instant, but she just... couldn't. Her wing was an absolute mangled mess, twisting in all directions but the right one. As she lay in the dirt, she could feel a presence above her, the cyan mare making a desperate swipe before feeling her hoof suspended in the air, the knifes forced away from their owner. Twilight took a deep breath, levitating Dash by her mane out of the dirt to face her, a dead expression on her face "What was the plan Dash? Kill me and then what?" Dash could barely breathe, her wing bringing tears to her eyes as she dangled weakly from Twi's magic. After a minute she managed to pull herself together enough to speak. "Equestrian scum..." She spat weakly, thrashing about with what little energy she had. Twilight gritted her teeth. It pained her to do so, but she wanted to truly know what Dash had intended. Her magic took a hold of Dash's unharmed wing, slowly bending it "I don't want to do this, Dash. You may still get to survive this..." Dash gritted her teeth "Lean in closer and I'll whisper it to you" Twilight cocked an eyebrow, slowly leaning in. She should have known better, Dash swiftly bringing her hoof into connection with Twi's cheekbone, the bone in her jaw taking the full force of Dash's punch and clouding Twi's mind long enough for Dash to break free from her magic and make a desperate lunge for her dagger, lifting the sharp blade and pouncing at Twilight with what little energy she had left. Twilight cried out, squeezing her eyes shut, her horn instinctively lighting up and her hooves going to her face to protect her. Panic filled her mind as she felt warm blood on her fur, her hooves going down to feel for the wound, desperately trying all she could to keep herself alive... Except she couldn't find the source of the blood. Opening her eyes, she saw Dash laying over her legs, shivering and holding her chest, sobbing weakly. It took a moment for Twilight to register just what had happened, her gaze not leaving the mud covered cyan mare. Twilight slowly lifted Dash into her arms, looking down at her, the knife wedged to the hilt between her ribs. "Y-y...you... Win" She spluttered, smiling weakly, as best she could through the immense pain she was feeling, every blink longer than the last. "Rainbow..." She muttered, filled with genuine sadness as her eyes began to cloud from tears. Dash coughed and spluttered, coughing up blood as her hooves still held tightly to her chest "I'm... S-sorry..." She whispered, letting out a hard cry as another wave of pain was sent through her body. "Y...you need to g-get to... Canterlot..." Dash may have been a psychopathic, evil, murderous pony, but she was still Twilight's friend deep down, and she was dying in her hooves. She wouldn't leave the mare for the world. "Not so... um... unkillable... huh?" She chuckled softly, gritting her teeth yet again. "I guess not" Twilight smiled weakly, stroking her mane "Say hi to Celestia and Shining for me, huh?" She joked through tears. "Im... so sorry..." Dash coughed again, this time the blood coating her lower muzzle, her eyes closed. "I'm sorry..." Twilight bit her lip, her horn lighting up and placing it against Rainbow Dash's temple, the light slowly fading from Twilight's horn as she did so. Despite all she had done, Twilight still felt as if she hadn't done enough for her friend. Thoughts raced through her mind of what she should of, could of, done for Dash whilst she was still alive. The cyan pegasus took her last breath, her hooves falling to her sides as she did so. The legend was dead. Rainbow Dash the Unkillable had been killed, and the consequences would ripple through Equestria and Cloudsdale more than any war could. "She... She knew she was never going to win..." Twilight muttered, the other elements coming to console their friend, all of the feeling the grief at the loss of their friend, no matter what she'd done to them they still clutched to the memory of the Rainbow Dash that had saved Equestria with them so many times. "Her plan was to come here and say her final goodbyes" Twilight cried. 20 Years Later Lightning Dash tapped her lucky helmet and grinned. Her hard work and training had paid off. The statue of her hero, Rainbow Dash still stood proudly in the courtyard infront of the Cloudsdale parliament building, the mare standing alongside Spitfire - the statue erected to commemorate her service as leader of the Pegasi for so long. Lightning marched proudly away from the statue and grinned once again, placing the helmet onto her head. Sure, the armour had changed over the years, but she'd instead on maintaining the helmet she'd received in the streets as just a filly. The golden streak on the helmet matched the golden streak on her armour, which she wore with passion and pride. She stopped at a pair of big, intricate doors and nodded to the two guards, who saluted in return and nodded to the mare. "May I present Lightning Dash! The new leader of the Free Pegasi Race!" Lightning grinned and took a deep breath "I'll finish what you started, Rainbow Dash" She muttered, stepping out onto the balcony and basking in the applause and crowd. Author's Note Thank you for reading! This is the last chapter ever! I hope you enjoyed it And don't forget, Pegasi First!
