The Broken Element of Loyalty

Chapters

A New Beginning
The Impossible Task
The Element of Loyalty
The Reappearance of Mare Do Well
Wing Power
Training
The Storm of Horror
Choices
Pack Your Bags
Epilogue

A New Beginning

Author's Note

This story starts at the end of Mare Do Well. Hope you enjoy!

A New Beginning

"Pinkie Pie," Rainbow Dash said. She looked around and saw another 4 Mare Do Wells heading towards her. They pulled off their costumes. She stared at the sight in front of her. It was Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity. Were her friends the mastermind of this plot to make her look like a fool?

Twilight finally said, "Rainbow. Look, I know that you're upset, but you were bragging a lot and you could've stopped. We had to do something."

Applejack nodded, "She's right, sugar cube. Ah completely agree with her. Ah think that this situation has finally made you a better pony."

Fluttershy hid behind her pink hair, "Y-Yes."

Rarity said, "Don't you love this fabulous costumes? This will do wonders for marketing. I might even open another boutique in a few months."

Pinkie Pie squealed, "This plan was terrific! Look at Dashie's face! Just look! Look how surprised she is! We need to do this every year for a surprise party! Eeeeeeee!"

Twilight sighed, "The main point is that we hope you learned your lesson. Have you?"

Rainbow finally got over her shock, "My lesson?! My lesson?! Well, you know that you could've just talked to me about this first."

Twilight thought for a moment before saying, "Yes but we all know that you wouldn't listen so I just decided to come up with this plan. I thought that I would teach you a friendship lesson to give back to Princess Celestia. I didn't send her a letter yet, although I think that this is a great lesson. Spike?"

A dragon walked to her, "I'm ready." He took out a quill and some paper before turning to her.

Twilight turned to Rainbow, "You can tell him what to write. After all, you were the one who had the valuable experience."

Rainbow snapped, "Fine! Dear Princess Celestia, if there's one thing I learned today, it's to never trust your friends. From your irritated subject, Rainbow Dash." Spike, per Twilight's instruction, wrote it and sent it away with some green smoke. Twilight looked at Rainbow, horrified. The Pegasus smirked before flying off into the sky.

She passes by a few places before going to her house. First, Rainbow had passed through the Wonderbolt's place, where she had a glimpse of them training. In unison, they glared at her until she passed by. She sighed as other ponies spat at her or glared at her until she couldn't see them anymore. Rainbow knew that they didn't want her. Fine! She didn't need them either. Rainbow went to her house before packing everything. The weather ponies already took her job away so it wasn't like she could stay in Ponyville. This house was to be abandoned. Rainbow packed a few essentials before flying away, scouting for places.

She spotted another town 40 miles away which was about a 3 hour flight. Rainbow landed and went through an open house which was in the clouds. This was another city in the clouds. She walked to a yellow pony.

Rainbow asked, "Hi. I'm Rainbow. Do you know any pony who I can buy a house or rent an apartment from?"

The pony replied, "Welcome to Unnamed. I am the leader of this town, or am thought as one. Call me Shiny. All the ponies call me that. Ponies can come and go from this place. I'll show you an empty house. It'll be 50 bits but once you pay, that's it. You won't need to pay rent. Follow me." Shiny walked with Rainbow for a few blocks before stopping in front of a house. It wasn't in poor condition and it was an average size. She gave Shiny the 50 bits before excusing herself to unpack.

Princess Celestia knew that something was wrong as soon as she woke up. It was a gut feeling. She hurried to the window before scanning outside. Every pony seemed alright but it could still be a changeling. Princess Celestia gulped before excusing herself from her schedule planner who was trying to ask her to choose between a school contest and a plant contest that afternoon. She asked the planner to cancel both after she left. Princess Celestia flew to where the elements were kept and stuck her horn into the hole. The 6 lights glowed yellow before the door opened.

The box was still there at least. She levitated the box with her horn and quickly undid the enchantments used to block any pony who tried to open the box. Princess Celestia opened it and saw the six elements. All of them were still there. She knew that she was being paranoid. Princess Celestia closed the box and began to lock it when a letter slapped her on the forehead.

She muttered, "Ouch. I should really teach Spike a lesson on sending the letters in front of the receiver instead of on them." She sighed before she undid the sealed and opened the letter. The princess' eyes scanned the page before gulping. So this was the terrible feeling. She had to take a trip to Ponyville now. Just as she was going to call for her planner, a red light exploded, just like a Sonic Rainboom. According to this letter though, the princess knew that there was no chance of Rainbow making a Sonic Rainboom for the second time. Princess Celestia quickly turned around and sent a letter to Twilight, telling her to gather her friends and get to Canterlot as soon as possible.

The princess opened the door quickly, knowing that if this was a dark creature, then they would need it for certain. Unfortunately, she didn't know what could've caused it. When she opened the box, she sighed when they were intact but when she counted, there was only 5 elements, instead of 6. The element of loyalty was missing and there was dust on where it stood last. Somepony knocked on the door and she told them to allow the others to come in. The other 5 came in and bowed in respect.

The Impossible Task

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The Element of Loyalty

Rainbow Dash knew that she ate too many muffins. Sugar Belle's muffins were too good to resist. Many ponies around her seem to be thinking the same. Being the typical Rainbow, she barely listened to the long speech about the previous pony's speech about moving away. She decided to listen to Starlight's though... Or part of it.

Starlight stepped onto the podium, "Thank you for your speech. First, I would like to thank all of you for coming here. This means a lot to our town. Our founders created this sanctuary for us in hopes that we would learn from our mistakes and have a place to call home. Despite their wishes, we let our talents get in front of us. Our talents decided what we are. Cooks, athletes, etc. We need a sense of equality to balance everything out. I am currently creating a spell that could contain a cutie mark to make us equally talented." Then Rainbow Dash zoned out. After twenty minutes, Starlight bowed and the speech was finally over.

The celebration lasted for the entire night. The previous leader left and Starlight took her place. She gave the cheesiest smile Rainbow had ever seen. Rainbow shuddered when it was flashed by her, although she told herself to remain calm and stay cool. Perhaps Starlight was just nervous about this day. She knew that she would be, although she would never admit it to any pony. Rainbow made an excuse to hit the hay early and did the best to not throw up all the muffins she ate.

The next day, somepony knocked on the door, "Rainbow?"

Rainbow grumbled, "5 more minutes."

"It's important!"

She finally got up from the uncomfortable earth pony bed and opened the door, "What is it Starlight?"

The unicorn replied, "It's time for a town meeting."

Rainbow yawned, "I'll be right there." She washed and walked to where the other ponies were gathered.

Starlight cleared her throat, "Hello everypony. I have great news today. I have found a staff that takes away a pony's cutie mark and makes us all equal! No longer shall you be judged about who you or, but by the spirit of this town." Rainbow continued to listen to Starlight talk about how evil cutie marks were and eventually won just about every pony's favor over. Rainbow was not convinced. Everyone would be bad at everything if their cutie marks were gone. Starlight had also mentioned that whoever didn't believe in her philosophy had to leave since the town was just beginning to become what it would be in the future. Dash didn't want to give up her cutie mark, so she turned and left the village, not noticing the town ponies staring at her.

Twilight's eyes widened, "So Equestria wouldn't be defended. This is really bad."

Princess Celestial said, "As my student, I prefer for you to use bigger words than 'bad'. Next time, use devastating or something similar."

Applejack chuckled, "So that's where Twiligh' gets it from."

The princess raised a hoof, "I am giving all of you an assignment to find Rainbow Dash and to try to convince her to become the bearer of the 6th element once more."

Twilight nodded, "I won't fail you Princess." She dipped her head and the others did after Twilight did it. They raced out the door, with the princess nervously looking out the window. When one was undone, the rest would unravel sooner or later.

Twilight and her friends went to Twilight's treehouse. They caught their breath before all of them looked at Twilight for instructions.

She sighed, "The princess is counting on us to find Rainbow. I have a map of Equestria and I know most of it. Fluttershy, you knew her the longest. Where do you think she would b?

Fluttershy stammered, "R-Rainbow and I th-thought that we would stay together forever so w-we never talked about it. She could've went to the G-Griffin's place though."

Twilight's eyes lit up, "Griffins?! That's a good possibility, not to mention the time I could write about a report on it. Let's leave now." She levitated books, snacks, extra books, quills, paper, extra books, extra paper, extra books, extra paper, extra quills, drinks, and a sleeping bag for each of them.

Fluttershy murmured, "But what about Angel and all the other animals in my cottage?" As usual, no pony heard her and they went to Twilight's balloon. Although they were a little overpacked, they managed to get the balloon to take off.

Pinkie Pie squealed, "Wanna play a game? I know! How about 10000 questions? You think of something and I'll guess it. Is it pink? Is it purple? Is it me? Is it Twilight? Rainbow? Is it blue? Is it a cupcake fountain with little sprinkles on top sprinkling around it? Is it Gummy? Is it white? Is it-"

Applejack sighed, "We're not playing that Pinkie!"

Pinkie continued, "-A book that's about magical unicorns? How about alicorns?"

3 hours later...

"Is it fire? Is it water? Is it a bobble head lollipop that tastes like chocolate? Is it a duck? Is it Fluttershy? Is it me? Is it the sky? Is it the ground? Can it fly? I used up all my questions. What was it?"

Twilight thought quickly, "It was a... a..."

Rarity smiled, "A spa!"

As she saw the stares, she asked, "What? I noticed that your getting a little out of hoof. Perhaps a spa could clam you down and help you relax."

Pinkie Pie thought for a minute, "I am pretty sure that I asked that on question 435."

"Did not."

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

Twilight sighed, "Rarity, you do know that it's impossible to win an argument with Pinkie right?"

Rarity sighed, "You're right Twilight. I suppose that it's impossible. Still, a spa could do wonders on you. We should take Rainbow on a spa trip to show our apology?

Applejack snorted, "Yeah. As if she likes those treatments. I would say that letting us boast about her would be what she wants."

Twilight sighed, "I think she already learned that boasting is why we did this in the first place. It would be too weird to boast."

Fluttershy murmured, "Girls?"

Rarity said, "None sense. Spas are the best thing that Equestria invented. I don't think I could live without them."

Fluttershy tried again, "Girls?"

Applejack said, "Well, sometimes ya have to. Remember when Discord made ya think that the rock was a diamond? Ah didn't see ya run to the nearest spa."

Rarity clenched her teeth, "I told you to never speak of it again."

Fluttershy murmured, "We're here."

Applejack said, "I never did promise."

Fluttershy muttered, "Girls? I think that we should tie the rope onto the ground so the balloon doesn't fly off."

Pinkie laughed, "True! Rare, would an element of honesty ever lie?"

Twilight exclaimed, "We're here! Tie the rope onto the ground so this balloon is secured to the ground."

Fluttershy sighed, "That's what I've been trying to tell you."

The Reappearance of Mare Do Well

"What's up Gilda?" Rainbow Dash said when she landed in the boundaries of Griffinstone.

Gilda looked at her, "What do you mean, 'What's up?'? I thought we weren't friends anymore. You're friends is the weird pink pony, the pony who can't fly, the pony who has the worst mane in the world, the duck pony, and the one who does the most magic."

Rainbow Dash chuckled, "Yeah. They weren't. But they weren't willing to accept that I'm 20% cooler than them so they drove me off. I'm sorry for pranking you. It was not cool of me to do that."

Gilda rolled her eyes, "Is this just to gain my trust or what? I don't have a place for you to stay so just get out of here." Rainbow sighed before nodding and she lifted off.

Gilda said, "Dash, if you want to hang out sometime, just let me know. I'm just not willing to let me fully trust you yet."

Rainbow nodded, "Sure Gilda. Oh, and never forget that I'm still 20% cooler than you!" Gilda chuckled as she watched her friend flying off into the sky.

"Where's Rainbow?" Twilight Sparkle pondered, "She should be here."

Pinkie Pie squealed, "That's because she's right there!" She pointed to a Pegasus.

She said, "Rainbow Dash! It's me! Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash glanced down, her eyes immediately locating her previous friends. She stopped but didn't fly to the ground.

Fluttershy whispered, "Please come down Rainbow... I mean... If you're free."

Twilight called out, "I'm sorry Rainbow! Can we please just talk or something?" Rainbow took a deep breath before slowly flying down.

She said, "I'm only here to talk, okay? No forcing me back into your group, and you can't tell me to do anything. Got it?"

Twilight sighed, 'This is better than nothing.'

The unicorn finally said, "Deal. First off, we are all sorry. I'm really really really sorry for getting you angry."

Fluttershy whispered, "I was only trying to help you to be nicer to everypony."

Pinkie's mane became a little flatter, "I'm sorry for making you all frowny and sad. I didn't mean to do that."

Rarity sighed, "If it helps, I'll burn all the costumes in front of everypony in Ponyville."

Applejack rolled her eyes, "You were becoming a braggart." Leave the truth to the Element of Loyalty.

Fluttershy sighed, "Don't be mad at us please."

Rainbow took a deep breath, "First off, I can't deny that I feel angry at all of you. I thought that friends should be supportive. Also, what's with all of you talking about Mare Do Well, as if you weren't her? I'm not even going to pretend that I had no idea that everything bad that could happen happened to me as soon as Mare Do Well appeared. I suppose you don't know anything about that. Right Twilight?"

Twilight sighed, "I'm really sorry about what I did. Just please give our friendship another chance, would you?"

Pinkie looked at Rainbow, "We will do anything!"

Rainbow said, "I will give Ponyville one last chance. If something happens, I'm out. Got it?" The others nodded.

Twilight said, "I almost forgot. The princess is waiting for us. Let's go."

Pinkie's mane became curly again, "And I will throw you the best party ever! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" When she said cupcake, a cupcake had appeared.

Rainbow Dash stared, "You're so random, Pinkie."

Twilight walked into the door, "We got Rainbow Dash, Princess."

Princess Celestia turned and sighed, "Thank you Twilight. I knew that you would succeed."

Rainbow narrowed her eyes, "Wait... You all fetched me just because of a mission for the princess?"

Rarity said, "Darling, that's not the only reason. Right after you left, we were going to go after you, but the Princess summoned us here before we could."

Princess Celestia frowned, "Unfortunately, it seems like we are already to late."

Twilight asked, "What do you mean, Princess?"

The princess replied, "The elements of harmony were the only thing that helps alliances, detroying or banishing enemeies. Without them united, even for a few hours, could be devastating. Now that one is destroyed, not that I'm blaming you Rainbow Dash, old threats could come back."

Fluttershy whispered, "Did something awfully scary come back? I mean, please continue to tell us... If that wouldn't be too much of a bother."

Celestia sighed, "You're no bother Fluttershy. As I was saying before, something has happened. I'm afraid that the griffins are turning their back on us, and Discord's statue is starting to sustain a few cracks."

Pinkie Pie squealed, "Chocolate milk!" Everyone ignored her random comment.

The princess continued, "The griffins can't be affected with magic and their hides are very strong. I will alert my guards to get ready for war, since the tension is already happening. I want you girls to alert as many ponies as you could to start training."

Twilight nodded, "We won't fail you Princess."

"I hope not, my faithful student." The mane 6 turned and rode the train, silently, back to Ponyville.

Derpy shouted, "The girls are coming back! Rainbow is on it."

Carrot Tops sneered, "What is the failure going to do here?"

Mr. Cake sighed, "I hope the Pegasus isn't going to destroy our village."

Mrs. Cake went and patted his back, "I'm sure Mare Do Well will make a reappearance if that happens."

Carrot Tops rolled her eyes, "You mean when that happens." The alarm went off and Mr. Cake took the cake out of the oven. Carrot handed over 10 bits before taking the cake and leaving.

There were many ponies waiting at the train station, most of them excited for the arrival of 5 of them and hoping that the last would disappear. The CMC were waiting at the front. Once the doors opened, the mane 6 walked out. Most of the ponies in the audience had glared at Rainbow Dash before pounding Twilight with different questions. Rainbow was rather uncomfortable, and had a sudden deja vu about what would happen if they were unmasked.

Twilight held up a hoof, "Citizens of Ponyville. I have a few pieces of information. First off, we will welcome Rainbow Dash back to Ponyville."

The mayor rushed forwards, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the weather team is unable to stop a large storm heading this way! Normally, I would ask Rainbow to do it but seeing as she's not here..." The mayor stopped, seeing the Pegasus.

She stopped, "Sorry. Rainbow, go and help the weather team."

Rainbow shook her mane, "No."

"You're the captain though."

"I believe that you were the one who got me kicked out of the weather them. After all, the mayor always has a lot of power. Your influence is probably why I'm out."

Twilight thought, 'Actually, that's not the reason. I think it was the spell. The spell probably influenced the mayor to make that decision, but I'm not going to be the one to release that information.'

The mayor sighed, "Fine, I admit I did it but please, stop the storm for the good of Ponyville."

Rainbow said, "Why should I? I'm staying in Cloudsdale for the time being. Ponyville is no longer in my top priority list. Besides, I've got nothing to live for. Rarity has her dresses, Twilight has her magic, Fluttershy has her animals, Applejack runs her farm, and Pinkie has the feeling to make every pony happy. What do I have? I used to have the obligation to help Ponyville, and a hope to join the Wonderbolts. Now it seems like my dreams are crushed and I'm not even in charge of the weather. Therefore, I will not help clear the storm." Lightning struck a tree that was collapsing on a crowd. Twilight, being used to wearing her costume in a few seconds, hurried off and used magic to change her costume. She rushed forwards and stopped the tree.

Diamond Tiara smiled, "It's Mare Do Well! She's going to help us clear the storm and get everypony safe!"

The crowd cheered, "Mare Do Well! Mare Do Well! Mare Do Well!" Rainbow was just staring at the costumed pony that she knew was Twilight in disguise.

Twilight thought, 'Oh my Celestia. Rainbow looks so... unreadable. It's not like her. Twilight, get back to the task in hand. Think, think, think! I can't clear up the storm with my magic since I've never used cloud clearing magic. Wait, but I've helped Winter Wrap up in Canterlot. Maybe it's the same spell to clear up the storms.' She focused her magic on the clouds and managed to get a few clouds away.

The purple unicorn thought, 'This storm is really powerful but I think that if I hold the spell long enough, I'll be able to clear the clouds.' She continued on focusing the magic in her horn and the clouds cleared. Then, she teleported away, made the costume disappear, and teleported into the large crowd.

Wing Power

Rainbow Dash didn't say a word. The crowd shuffled uneasily, all whispering about how they didn't need Rainbow anymore for the weather and storms. The Pegasus flew into the sky without a word. She had enough of Mare Do Well, or Twilight in other words. Still, she could give the other ponies a chance. Rainbow did promise them. First though, she was going to need to fly off some of her anger. Rainbow flew between clouds and did a few barrel spins. Not wanting to spend too much time on flying, for once in her life, she landed on the doorstep of Fluttershy's cottage. She gulped when she raised a hoof to knock on her door.

She knocked, "Fluttershy? Are you in there?"

The door creaked open, "Rainbow! What are you doing here?"

Rainbow looked at the unicorn, "I was looking for Fluttershy. Twilight, where is she?"

A voice whispered, "I'm right here Rainbow. You can come in, if you have time." Rainbow opened the door and saw that all of her 'friends' were in there.

Applejack asked, "Care for some cider?" Rainbow, always eager for cider, took a mug and drank it quickly. Applejack refilled it as she sat down on Fluttershy's couch.

Pinkie Pie said, "We were just planning your super duper party! I can't wait to see you when you see all the delicious pies I'm going to bake just for you. I know how much you love pies!" Rainbow nearly gagged when she heard that but decided to keep a straight face.

Twilight nodded, "We all have presents for you." The 5 ponies eagerly pushed their presents forwards and waited for Rainbow to open them.

Pinkie said, "Pick me! Pick me!" Not wanting to anger the pink pony, Rainbow Dash opened the present only to see... A book. It seemed more like what Twilight would pick.

Twilight smiled, "I hope you like it. The girls and I went through a book store and randomly chose books without looking through them. Maybe you'll learn something new inside of it. Let me open the other presents for you." She pointed her horn at the presents and they all magically opened to reveal books.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Only eggheads read books."

Twilight sighed, "I hope you'll change your mind when you read the books. I mean, books are really enjoyable and you should give it a shot." Not wanting to argue any longer, Rainbow put the books in her bag. She sighed once more.

Rarity asked, "What's wrong?"

Rainbow finally admitted, "I don't have a place to stay. Somepony took my house away. It makes doesn't make sense since I paid rent."

Fluttershy whispered, "You can stay at my place if you want." Spending a day with Angel sounded awful.

Rarity said, "Or mine if you wish, darling." Being measured and trying on dresses were going to be a nightmare.

Twilight nodded, "I won't mind." What were they going to do? Read books?

Applejack sighed, "Ah would offer but Apple Bloom and Big Mac ain't like ya so sorry Rainbow."

Pinkie Pie squealed, "You can stay at my place and decorate cupcakes, and dance and do lots of things!" That was going to be worse than a nightmare. Rainbow was going to have a decision to make. A bunny, makeover, books, or Pinkie Pie randomness.

Rainbow said, "I think I'll stay with Fluttershy."

Fluttershy nodded, "Of course."

Twilight sighed, "Okay. You can get settled in while I will make it."

Rainbow asked, "Make what?"

"Nothing special. Just relax and enjoy the books." Twilight teleported away, which she was getting better at.

Rainbow looked at the others, "So..." The 3 made excuses to get home, leaving Fluttershy and Rainbow alone in her cottage.

Fluttershy said, "You can take the bed if you wish. I can take the couch."

Rainbow shook her mane, "No way. I'm staying at your house so I'm the one sleeping on the couch."

Fluttershy nodded, hiding behind a few strands of her mane, "Whatever you think is best."

"I'm just going to grab a blanket. Let's go around Ponyville after that. I'm going to see what I missed around here."

"B-But. Maybe that's not the best idea."

"Why not?"

"I-I. I. Never mind. You can do anything you want." Rainbow gave her a strange look before taking a blanket or two and putting it on the couch. She went outside with Fluttershy trailing behind her. She stopped in her tracks suddenly.

The mayor spoke into the microphone, "And the Mare Do Well saves us once more. She has agreed to participate in today's festivities in honor of saving Ponyville."

The crowd cheered, "Mare Do Well! Mare Do Well!"

Scootaloo shouted, "You're my hero Mare Do Well!" The curtains opened and out came a float with one of her supposed friends waving to everypony. Rainbow could barely contain her anger before deciding to bail out on the event. She flew to Fluttershy's house. In order to keep her mind off of things, she popped open a book that was no doubt going to be boring. When she read, she was surprised about how much she liked the book.

Wing Power

Just like unicorns with their horns, Pegasi could do magic. Unicorns usually can't do a lot of magic in weather, which is what Pegasi are specialized in. Once a Pegasus is a professional in controlling weather, an unicorn can't dispel a storm with his or her horn. Not many know the art of weather controlling and it's true that it's barely researched. Only a few Pegasi are known to do it and ponies need to be really talented.

Rainbow continued reading until she finished the book. She couldn't wait to try it out soon. She flew out the window and began flapping her wings in rhythm. Just like the book had stated, she pictured a cloud in her mind. Rainbow finally opened her eyes after some time to see a small wisp of a cloud in front of her. It wasn't a bad first try but it could certainly do something. She only needed more time and some training. Yes, this will surprise the mayor and definitely knock Mare Do a Well out after some magic can't stop a huge storm. Rainbow couldn't wait to begin.

Training

Author's Note

Okay, I'm going to slow it down a little bit more now. (Hopefully)

Training

It had been three weeks now. Three weeks since Celestia's announcement. Three weeks since her friends decided to continue Mare Do Well. The weather patrol had stopped completely, since every pony wanted to see Mare Do Well dispel the thunderstorms. There hadn't been any rain for some time and Applejack had begged her to send some rain to water her thirsty trees. After some prompting, Rainbow had dragged herself out to drag clouds across the sky. She had bounced on them, since Applejack was watching. She didn't talk about the books or her practicing of powers, so her friends naturally assumed that she hadn't read them. Rainbow had read the one about wing power and the rest of the books were about other random things.

Rainbow had been busy. She had flown all over the place. Antique stores, quiet book shops, unknown libraries, just to buy books about what little was known about wing power. She was running out of places to even hide the books from Fluttershy and her friends. Of course, Fluttershy was way to shy to read them without her permission and Fluttershy wasn't exactly a snoop. Fluttershy's other friends were and they would 'borrow' books, read them, and then pretend to not know it's existence. Rainbow wondered if Twilight had even read the book she brought, since Twilight literally read every single book twenty times.

Pinkie Pie gave her pies every single day and Rainbow donated pies to random ponies every day. One example would be the lemon custard pie. She had kicked it to the garbage patrol pony who had looked around and gulped it in one big bite. Applejack never really called her unless she needed some rainwater. Twilight didn't do anything but give her space. Rarity was trying to create outfits for her that she wasn't going to wear. But Fluttershy... Fluttershy gave her food, water, and ensured that she was comfortable. Rainbow finally understood why she was the bearer of Kindness. It wasn't because of her shyness or the love of animals, but how well she could forgive and take care of other ponies. It was a true talent.

Rainbow blinked, the past three weeks had zipped by. Her practice of creating rain clouds and making them disappear was finished but storm clouds and lightning clouds still needed some work. Sure, she could create rain clouds in private but storm clouds would be hard to mask. Especially since Twilight and the others were extremely careful in handling the weather and making sure all was well. Twilight's weather magic had definitely improved a lot. Rainbow knew that she had to also practice her flying as well as her magic but it was getting hard to do both at the same time. Although she had to focus on her wing magic when she was trying to form clouds, it still took energy off her wings. It seemed like it was training her wings as well as her magic.

Applejack interrupted her thoughts, "Uh, Rainbow? My farm needs some rain today afternoon but my family and I need to travel someplace else to sell a few apple pies. Do you mind if ya helped a little bit?"

Rainbow sighed, "Why not?" It would make an excellent opportunity to practice her magic over an extended area too. She hid her glee as she watched the Apple family disappear from her view. When no pony was watching, she concentrated on her wings as well as rain clouds. Rainbow was still in the sky, pretending to move the clouds, although she was actually creating them. She commanded the clouds to rain and it rained all right. A little bit too much. Rainbow concentrated again and focused on her wings to make the clouds disappear. Fortunately it worked, or she would've had to answer a lot of questions from Applejack. She knew that Fluttershy was taking care of birds someplace else so she wouldn't have to answer about why she disappeared from Ponyville and traveled back. Rainbow began to fly towards Ghastly Gorge, a place where she used to practice flying. It was far enough from Ponyville, but not so far that she would have to spend too long to get back.

The Pegasus knew that creating a storm cloud would require a large amount of concentration and energy. She decided to start with making a storm cloud while being on the ground so she wouldn't be afraid of getting eaten. Rainbow closed her eyes and pictured a very powerful storm cloud. She felt the moisture in the air and gathered them together. She made it much more compact than a rain cloud and did her best to think of yellow bolts flashing down from the cloud occasionally. Rainbow opened her eyes to see... A slightly more powerful rain cloud that she had conjured up at the farm. Rainbow sighed and tried again. This time, she pictured a black cloud with a lot of rain. She gathered the moisture again and heard a large boom. Rainbow opened her magenta eyes and saw a storm cloud that was rather powerful. Yes, this would do nicely. Judging by the looks and power of this cloud, it was a really powerful cloud that only Pegasi with wing power could stop.

Rainbow continued practicing throughout the rest of the day, until sunset. She made the clouds disappear before returning to Fluttershy's cottage. Rainbow knew that the storm could be played out by the next morning, but every pony was going to see her if she did it. Unless she could create clouds with some distance. Still, Twilight, who was very observant, would notice her staring at the sky or not concentrating on what she was saying. Ugh! Why was life so complicated. Rainbow opened the last book from the shop and smirked. Of course, a strong Pegasus could just about teleport by flying really quickly until you couldn't see them at all. Traveling by light speed. Rainbow knew that she was the fastest Pegasus around, she did the Rainboom for Celestia's sake! Apparently, this was going to be difficult to learn, but she'll be able to. Besides, since when did Rainbow Dash ever give up?

The next morning was a naturally rainy day. Rainbow woke up at dawn to the shouts of the ponies calling for Mare Do Well. Rainbow didn't even spot any Pegasi attempting to clear out the storm clouds at all. She saw a pony with a costume, no doubt Twilight, and stopped the storm before teleporting away. Rainbow rolled her eyes. She excused herself from the house before flying back to Ghastly Gorge. Rainbow did a few wing ups, which were surprisingly very easy, and flew around stray clouds.

Rainbow remembered that the book said something about flapping her wings once and disappearing. Eventually, the book said, she wouldn't need to move and she could disappear. The book also said that she could become air while she did it, to remain unseen by others. Rainbow summoned her wing power and flapped once. She fell on the stone. She bit her lip before doing the same thing for an hour.

Rainbow thought, 'Maybe I'm thinking about it the wrong way. The book did mention something about each Pegasus capable with wing power needing to find their own paths. Of course, there were only two Pegasi in history that were able to use wing power so it could be inaccurate. What should I think then? Well, when I created the storm clouds, I had to picture it, maybe if I picture myself zooming in the air quickly?' She concentrated on the image before feeling lighter than air. Rainbow glanced at herself and didn't see anything. She must had become air. Rainbow began to zoom around before landing on the ground and returning to her normal self. Yep, this was easy, although her wings were really tired.

She flapped her wings a few times, barely being able to hover. Rainbow landed on the ground before deciding to start to walk towards Fluttershy's cottage. She made it... at midnight. Fluttershy was waiting for Rainbow on a chair and jumped when a Rainbow went through the door, panting.

Fluttershy exclaimed, "Rainbow! You're safe."

Rainbow nodded, "Of course I am. I'm sorry for making you worried and all that."

Fluttershy took a deep breath, "But I know that you're find now and that's all that matters. How was training?"

Rainbow sighed, "It was great although I'm really tired. Do you mind if I catch a quick snooze?"

"Not at all. I'm sorry for disturbing you." Rainbow walked over to the couch and immediately fell asleep.

She woke up at dawn and yawned. It was time to set her plan in action. She didn't care if she couldn't fly later on since everyone would be in a panic and she would be the last thing that ponies would ask about to help. Rainbow became air once more and appeared on a stray cloud in less than one second. She began making really powerful storm clouds that would activate as soon as she tells them to. Rainbow light traveled back onto the couch in a few seconds and activated the clouds. She fell into a deep sleep once more, with a smirk on her face. The storm had just begun and this was her warm up act. Revenge was as sweet as she could've ever had imagined.

The Storm of Horror

Twilight woke up at the first sound of thunder. 'Wasn't there just a storm yesterday?' She thought. It didn't matter. She was used to clearing away storms and became a professional at it. She slipped on her costume before teleporting to the middle of Ponyville. The ponies were staring at her, waiting for her to do her magic. Twilight concentrated on clearing away the clouds, which had always worked. Besides, there was another spell for plan B. Another spell for plan C. That should be enough plans and besides, Spike was going through a few books to see if there were any other spells. There weren't that many spells known to clear weather through unicorns.

The town ponies stared eagerly before whispering to one another in confusion when nothing was happening. Twilight knew that there wasn't any chance of her horn not working so it meant that the spell couldn't repel the storm. At least she still had two plans, she reminded herself as she felt a panic attack rising in her chest. Twilight tried the second spell as she blasted her magical aura towards the sky, trying to drive the clouds to another location. It didn't succeed and the clouds continued to flash lightning down at the town ponies.

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes, "Is someone being an imposter to Mare Do Well? I recall Mare Do Well being able to do anything and clear away the weather. Apple Bloom? Scootaloo? What do you think?" The other two fillies nodded and muttered an agreement. Panicking, Twilight concentrated on the third spell to drive the storm away. This spell would take up about all her magical energy and keep her from doing magic for some time. On top of that, she never did this particular spell and didn't have much experience on it. She wasn't even sure if the spell was genuine since she had bought the book instead of relying on Princess Celestia. Twilight gulped, deciding that it was worth a try.

Meanwhile, a light blue colored Pegasus was enjoying the show from Fluttershy's window. The other Pegasus was pacing around, hoping that Twilight would be alright. Rainbow felt a tang of pain from causing one of her oldest friends to panic this much.

Fluttershy continued pacing, "I'm really worried about Twilight and the storm. If the others want me to be Mare Do Well and clear up the clouds, I'm not sure if I could do it. Rainbow, would you be willing to do it while wearing the costume?"

Shocked, Rainbow shook her head, "No way. Mare Do Well is what drove me out of town. It hurts enough seeing her but it'll be too painful wearing the costume and doing heroics with it."

Fluttershy sighed, "I'm sorry for asking." They both looked outside the window to see Twilight floating up into the air while using magic. There was a large blast of her magical aura and the sparkles eventually faded. The storm was still there and Twilight seemed to be out of energy. The costumed Mare Do Well teleported to the cottage and collasped on the floor immediately. Her costume was burning and her hair was black. Rainbow stifled a chuckle, Rarity was going to freak out when she arrived.

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow, "I'll stay here with Twilight. You should go outside and make sure that the town doesn't stampede... I mean, if you're free."

The other conscious pony sighed, "I think that showing up would cause a stampede. I'll watch from this window." She looked outside to see the town ponies scrambling around like it was acid rain, which it wasn't.

Rarity sniffed, "Of all the worst thing. This is. The. Worst. Thing. And I actually mean it this time." Rarity was under an umbrella with Applejack. Pinkie Pie's mane was spinning around, driving up the rain to a nearby drain. Number one rule around Pinkie, never question her.

Applejack looked at Rarity, "Ah don't suppose you see Rainbow?" Rarity shook her head, jumping a little when a few raindrops few onto her back.

The mayor walked to where Mare Do Well stood before, "Citizens of Ponyville. I'm sure that the weather patrol team would be able to clear the weather. After all, this is just a storm and they are trained enough to drive it away." The other Pegasi on the weather team gulped. They flapped their wings and went to the clouds. Crack! A flash of light struck down one of them and the others stared in shock. This lightning was rather powerful. Crack! A tree began burning and the Pegasi began to fly away instead of clearing the storm, clearly too afraid to be struck with lightning. The closer the storm, the more damage they could get. The unicorns began blasting off random magic that didn't work before putting a shield around them, allowing raindrops to get onto them but the lightning wouldn't be able to harm them as much. Crack! A burned unicorn fell onto the ground. Clearly, the shields didn't work. The mayor looked truly afraid and gave orders for everypony to run and to not be hit while she was going to send a letter to the Wonderbolts.

Rainbow chuckled at the scene. 'Revenge,' she thought, 'was truly a gift. I never thought that I could stir up so much chaos,'

The other ponies from the mane 6 ran into the cottage before slamming the door shut. They were soaking wet, even Rarity who had dropped the umbrella to get to the cottage as quickly as possible.

Applejack turned to Rainbow, "Ya have to do somethin'."

She chuckled, "I don't have to do anything. What do I owe you?"

Rarity brushed her mane, "Well, nothing I suppose but you're our friend. You support Ponyville and Ponyville needs you. Are you telling me that you aren't going to support Ponyville?"

Rainbow rolled her magenta eyes, "I already said that I'm not going to support anything and that I'm not in your group. I no longer hold a responsibility to Ponyville and it's weather." Bang! Bang! Crash! The door was knocked down.

A griffin said, "Dash. I need to talk to you."

Choices

Gilda sighed, "Alone."

Rainbow asked, "Why?"

"Because you're my friend and friends forgive one another. Anyways, I need to talk to you privately."

Rarity stepped forwards, "Absolutely not. You are going to kill Rainbow for pranking you."

Rainbow ignored the pony, "Fine. Let's go to-" Gilda lifted Rainbow up and flew to another place. It had buildings and carriages. There were shops of about everything that any pony could think of and it was unique in its own way.

Gilda set Rainbow down gently before standing across from her, "I need you to make a choice."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, "What choice?"

She spread her wings, "I want you to join the griffin's side for the upcoming war."

"War? Joining you?"

"Yes for both questions."

Rainbow shook her head, "I'm sorry Gilda but I'm staying neutral."

Gilda put a claw under Rainbow's neck, drawing out some blood, "You don't have that choice. I want you to choose now."

"If you're here to pretend to be friends just so I would join you for war, you are wrong. I don't appreciate those types of fake friends. We'll meet in the battlefield. I could promise that." Rainbow squirmed out of Gilda's tight grip before flying off as quickly as she could. She began to make a Sonic Rainboom. Seeing what was going to happening, she continued to fly in a straight line. Unfortunately, she was flung back by the sound barrier, straight to Ponyville. Right before she hit Fluttershy's cottage, she slowed down and did the usual Dash entrance. Breaking down the door.

Fluttershy smiled, "Twilight's awake. I'll take care of the door." Rainbow stepped in and looked at Twilight. She gasped slightly. Twilight's black hair was the least frightening out of everything. She had burns and cuts on her lavender skin. Her head was bruised and her horn was a little dull in it's color. The fact that Twilight woke up was a miracle. If she woke up without brain damage would've been more than a miracle.

She approached the bed, "Twilight? Are you okay?"

Twilight shouted, "No! I was trying to stop a storm that you didn't try so I'm magically burned out! The chemicals in my horn is currently in limbo and I can't retrieve them for some time!"

Rainbow thought, 'No brain damage I guess.'

The lavender unicorn continued to say, "I'm lucky that I didn't lose any brain cells, but I'll be even luckier if I get to trot again."

The Pegasus ignored her, thinking, 'Her recovery rate is a little too quick. No pony could wake up from this in less than an hour or two. Also, if she's truly hurt, then why is she shouting instead of resting? She should know better than that.' She eyed the unicorn up and down, seeing the wounds and the blood.

Twilight shouted, "And it's all because of the fact that you refuse to help! You could've cleared the clouds away with your wings but your pride and ego gets in the way! Now, clear the clouds now!" Okay, so the injuries definitely affected her, Rainbow guessed.

Rainbow shook her head, "If your magic can't stop the storm, why do you think that I could? I mean, it's not like a Pegasus has magic." Twilight paused and thought for some time before Spike rushed in.

He shouted, "Twilight?! Are you okay?" Then, he burped out a scroll.

Seeing as Twilight couldn't opent the letter, Rarity did. She said, "Dear Twilight, I heard of the massive storm heading your way. It's rather hard to miss. I also heard that Mare Do Well made a reappearance. Please explain that situation to me. Anyways, I am arriving at Ponyville at about ten minutes, depending how fast the carriage horses could fly. Please meet me in Twilight's home. ~Princess Celestia."

Twilight moaned, "Why now? Spike, take a letter. Dear Princess Celestia, I can't make it to the tree unfortunately. I will explain everything once you come to Ponyville. I am currently in Fluttershy's cottage which is near the Everfree forest. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." Spike wrote the letter and sent it in a burst of green flames. Suddenly, a blue alicorn appeared on the carpet. She looked around the room to see most of the ponies bowing.

Twilight asked, "Princess Luna? What are you doing here?"

The alicorn said, "My sister forgot that she could take a shortcut and teleport here. I wanted to talk to you first. Now can you tell me WHAT IN THE NAME OF EQUESTRIA IS GOING ON HERE?"

Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before replying, "Weeeellll... Twilight kind of did the Mare Do Well thing again with the back cloak and began to do the weather duty and everypony began to depend on her for it and there was a storm today and Twilight couldn't stop it and got hurt and now there's a storm that's going to destroy Ponyville!" Rainbow wondered how Pinkie said that in one breath but decided to not question it. Luna just blinked before looking at Twilight.

She raised an eyebrow, "Would you care to explain why there are fake wounds on you and why your muzzle is dripping red paint? I believe that the weather turner 'cecadtro felia compro' wouldn't have done that. It would only make you unable to use magic for a few days. It won't make you even bleed or feel physically exhausted."

Twilight looked down, "I-well... I thought that if Rainbow saw that I was hurt from clearing the weather, she might do it and become her old self again."

Luna shook her mane, "Twilight Sparkle, you should know better than that! When you defeated Discord, you said that you learned to fight for your friendships, not pretend to be hurt."

Twilight stood up as she stretching her legs, "I'm sorry Princess, I was only trying to help her get past one small mistake. I didn't mean to-"

"Did you ask her to clear the weather?"

Fluttershy whispered, "I beg your pardon b-but I did. Sorry for speaking without your permission Princess."

"Fluttershy, it's alight. But Twilight, you need a lesson or two in friendship. I guess I finally understand why my sister put th-I mean you to learn. Very well, I will pardon you this time. Rainbow Dash, if you will follow me?" Rainbow nodded as she followed the princess to another room. She wondered how she was going to be in trouble this time around.

As Luna closed the door, she said, "You are incredibly selfish, Ms. Dash."

Rainbow asked, "I'm selfish?"

"Yes, you are selfish for not disbanding this storm. You are very selfish for leaving and it doesn't even make sense."

"But-"

"No Rainbow Dash, let me finish speaking. You left Ponyville behind, knowing that they wouldn't be able to defend themselves from the weather. What did they ever do to you? Sure, they praised another hero who saved the town, but they did that to you too. Does that fault them in any way? Yes, they did laugh of you but you laugh at them for pranks that they don't want. That'll be another lecture you'll receive someday, but that's not the main point right now. Back to the topic, you got everypony worried about you. Yes, some of them are worried for your element and it's defenses but you are so much more than an element. You must look beyond that. Therefore, you have a choice. Will you stay in Ponyville and try to forgive everypony or will you try to start a new, fake life somewhere else?"

Pack Your Bags

Author's Note

This will be the last chapter (maybe I’ll put up a sequel if I feel like it). You’ll either like this chapter a lot or not like it at all. Warning: Rainbow is a little bit OOC in here now.

This chapter isn’t that long either but I just think that this would be the perfect place to stop.

Pack Your Bags

Rainbow shuffled around uneasily, wondering what she should do. She never thought this much in her life, never mind in the moment. She stood there for a moment before looking at the princess. Princess Luna stood there, as stoic as ever.

Rainbow finally said, "I think that I will move out and have a new name, a new face."

Princess Luna nodded, "As I said, it's your choice. Unfortunately, since I am the princess, I order you to stay in Ponyville."

"... That doesn't sound like I have a choice."

"You don't," Luna admitted, "I was going to chose for you no matter what."

Luna spreaded out her wings, as if she was going to fly, “Listen Rainbow, I want you to have a bright future and I see the future with the other 5. I know that you probably hate my right now, but it’s for your own good. I must go now, but I will communicate with you again.” Her horn lit up and she’s teleported away. The door opened again and Rainbow turned around quickly, expecting Princess Luna again but instead, she saw the face of the elder sister.

Rainbow bowed, “Princess Celestia.” She looked behind the princess and saw the other five standing behind the princess, looking at any place besides where she was.

Princess Celestia looked at Rainbow, “There is no need to bow for now, Rainbow Dash. I came here to talk about what my sister ordered.”

“You heard her?”

“You could say that. Either way, I had a small talk with your other friends.”

“Their not my-“

“I know that you are upset about needing to live around here. To compensate for this, I could order the Wonderbolts to watch you and see if you could join them. Most likely, it’ll be a yes since I asked them. Also, I could send bits so you don’t need to get a job. I’ll provide anything and everything for you.”

Rainbow Dash sighed, “When I was a little filly, I always wanted to join the Wonderbolts. It was any pony’s dream, if they were a Pegasus. Many of the Pegasi still dream about joining and doing tricks with them. Flying with them would be awesome, but do you know what would be better?”

“What?”

“Going in fair and square. I don’t want to get in and get the special attention just because a Princess ordered to. I am just another pony who just happens to bare the element of loyalty. Loyalty is not the same as generously, kindness, magic, etc. though. Loyalty has to run both ways and needing to bribe somepony to be loyal isn’t how it works.”

“I’m the Princess though.”

“But Princess Luna was the one who bore my Element,” Rainbow countered, in her rare egghead mode, “You never actually experienced it. Only when she was jealous and felt like you weren’t loyal to her, did she turn into Nightmare Moon. Imprisoning me in this town wouldn’t help matters, just like banishing Luna to the moon for 1000 years didn’t automatically solve the problem. It took the real elements to do it.”

Princess Celestia raised a hoof, “Rainbow, all I’m asking is for you to give them another chance.”

“It wasn’t Princess Luna’s idea to make me stay, was it? She still has a large part of loyalty within her, and she’s the one who understands me the most.”

“Your friends understand you.”

“I know they do, in some small form. Tell me, even though Twilight has the Element of Magic, do I understand magic just because my friend is an unicorn?”

“Her Element is special.”

“Why?”

“That’s because... Well, her element is a crown and is in the middle!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes, “That’s because her element wasn’t destroyed by the stomping in the first place. Also, in order for the broken elements to form, the ponies would need to be pure in the elements to just activate it. Twilight just happened to be an unicorn and could use the crown. Also, don’t the other elements connect to her element? You would need all the elements in order to power up friendship.”

Princess Celestia blinked, “You’re the element of loyalty though! You would never act like this.”

Rainbow retorted, “I’m also a pony, just like the townsfolk outside. If you can’t see me apart from being an element, then maybe you are the one that needs to fix your own problem.”

Rainbow hovered in the air, “The element of loyalty doesn’t like to be contained, like me. It needs to flow in ponies, some that are stronger than others. Unlike generosity, which is something like a free gift, loyalty needs a clear path to travel through. Would you be honest to an enemy who’s trying to tell your plans? Would you be generous to the enemy? If loyalty truly is just something that doesn’t need to be earned, then maybe I’ll fight for the griffins.”

She opened the window and turned around, “Princess Celestia, you need to learn the meaning of true loyalty. Maybe somepony else will help you with that. If you used the elements just to maintain alliances and to stop some threats, then maybe you would need to step up and talk about it.”

Rainbow flew out of the cottage and said her two words for them, “I’m out.” She began flying, as free as she wanted. Rainbow created a sound barrier by her wind speeds and broke it, creating the most marvelous view and clearing the clouds away. The last thing that was seen by Ponyville was a trail of rainbow.

The End

Epilogue

Author's Note

Since you asked for answers, this is an epilogue to hopefully clear everything up. This was not meant to be a happy ending. I might make an alternative ending if enough people convince me to, but that’s not the meaning of the story so... I’m rather conflicted about it.

Epilogue

It’s been a month since Applejack was captured by the griffins. No pony had seen Rainbow Dash, who seemed to be hiding somewhere. The Mane 4, as they were called now, were in Twilight’s tree for everything. Sleeping, eating, studying, spending free time, etc. The Apple family moved to another place to be with their whole family, which was rather large. Family was the most important thing it seemed. All of the princesses were in a mass panic, trying to make strategies to finish this war. Princess Cadence was not experienced in war while Luna had to catch up on the new technology. Meanwhile, Celestia was too dependent on the Elements so she’s thought that nothing could go wrong.

Rarity looked at Twilight with dim eyes, “Twilight, darling, we have to do something.”

Twilight sighed, “I already told you girls. Princess Celestia says that she doesn’t want to lose another element.”

Fluttershy whispered, “This war is so frightening. I can’t believe that magic doesn’t work on them.”

Pinkie squealed, “So doesn’t that mean that we can’t use the magic of friendship on them?”

Twilight gave Pinkie a glare, “We can’t even attempt to use them without Applejack or Rainbow...” Twilight’s voice gave out in the end as the others looked at the ground in shame. None of them were happy about Rainbow’s decision and not even Pinkie Pie could find out where she was. And that’s talking to a pony who could break the fourth wall without trying to.

Twilight sighed, “The problem is that we have at least three spies in the army or those who are close to the princesses. The princesses have even shut me out. I guess that’s what happens with a lack of loyalty.” They stared at one another in silence.

Rarity looked around before standing up, “Rainbow is our last hope in this war. We must find her.” Deciding to hope, the mane 4 walked out of the tree for the first time since a month. They were shocked by what they saw once they stepped out. No pony was there. It seemed like it was a ghost town.

Twilight gulped, “I really hope we find Rainbow now.” They walked to the edges of Equestria, battling storms and griffins. Rarity was gone the first week and Fluttershy was gone the second. Twilight and Pinkie Pie were lost in their own little world where there were nothing but hardships. They eventually fell to the mercy of natural disasters and died.

Meanwhile...
Starlight looked at Rainbow, “I’m really happy that you’re here now. It’s great hanging out with great friends.” Rainbow had agreed to take her cutie mark out, but her wings repeled the staff so she still had hers. Starlight had shown her cutie mark that was painted and Rainbow painted it too. They hung around each other and became best friends within a week. They never lied to one another, they gave appropriate gifts to celebrate each Sunday and practiced their powers.

The unicorn asked, “How did you come here twice? Most ponies don’t find it on their first or their second.”

Rainbow’s face darkened, “Let’s just say that they don’t view me as a real pony there. I rather be around a friend that I could trust to never leave me in the dirt.” Starlight and Rainbow were on a little hill. The griffins never saw them and never fought. This was a sanctuary for the villagers. Rainbow wrapped a wing around Starlight who helped her fit into the village again and helped her become her old self once more, just with different friends. Now, this my little ponies, was what true friendship was all about.