Angel Wings, Broken Rainbows

Chapters

An Angel's Tears
Agony
Betwixt: Assignment
Drawn
Realization
Light Shines, Dark Falls
Choices
Rough Shuffle
Progression
Apocalypse
Betwixt: Reunion
Acceptance
Occurance
Resolve
Betwixt: Confrontation
Trials
World End
Broken Rainbows (Sad Ending)
Betwixt: Finale
Rainbow Breaks
Betwixt: Information
Betwixt: Revelation
Angel Wings (Happy Ending)

An Angel's Tears

"Now now Angel Bunny. You have to eat. I don't want to have to make you," Fluttershy said to the ill-tempered rabbit as he pushed aside the lettuce and carrot double ice cream sundae. It had been a while since she had learned to control The Stare, but she still hated using it on Angel. He deserved it most of the time, but all she had to do was threaten and he would usually comply. "That's a good boy Angel."

Fluttershy continued her morning routine, feeding all her animals, cleaning up her house, and taking a quick shower to make herself ready for the day ahead. After all, she did have another date with Rainbow Dash. With that thought, Fluttershy's mind went back the talk she had with Rainbow last night. She meant everything she said. She wished more than anything that Rainbow would forget about her and find somepony who deserved her. It's not like she didn't think about it sometimes, how it would be to be with Rainbow Dash. She imagined it would be just wonderful, but she just didn't feel that way about her. She sometimes even thought that maybe there was something wrong with her that she didn't want to be with Rainbow Dash. She thought back to the day long ago when Rainbow first told her how she felt.
___________________________

It was a week after the big race that earned Rainbow her cutie mark and knocked Fluttershy off the cloud which ultimately got her her cutie mark as well, thanks to the Sonic Rainboom.

"Oh Rainbow, you are absolutely amazing. I can't thank you enough for standing up for me. I wish I wasn't so weak, but if I was stronger I wouldn't need you as much. You are the best friend somepony like me could hope for."

"Fluttershy, I don't stand up for you because you're weak. I do it because you don't know how strong you are yet. The truth is, its me who needs you. I front all this awesomeness, but really I'm the weak one. You are the reason I can make it through these hard times. You are kind, gentle, beautiful, you never hesitate to put others before yourself. You are everything good about the world 'Shy."

"Rainbow-"

"Wait, just let me get this out. I want every day of my life to have you in it. I.....I love you Fluttershy."

Fluttershy was stunned. This was something she never expected. Rainbow Dash, the coolest, most awesome pegasus in all of Equestria, in love with somepony as pathetic as her.

"Fluttershy? Don't leave me hangin' here."

"I just....I don't know what to say."

Rainbow Dash tried to hide the concern on her face but it was still very apparent. "Well, lets start with the basics. How do you feel about me? C'mon 'Shy. I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time. Just level with me."

"Of course I love you Rainbow. You are the best friend I've ever had, but.....just a friend. I'm so sorry. I just don't think of you that way. I wish I did but.....I....." she'd been fighting the tears that whole time and they finally won over. She gave up and let them fall freely, her sobs growing ever louder. Suddenly, a pair of strong forelegs wrap around her and a protective voice tinged with sadness came with them.

"You are a strange pony Fluttershy. I was rejected, and you're the one who's crying."

"I'm sorry......I....." her voice cracked through the sobs.

"I know you are Fluttershy. I'm the one who's sorry for putting you in this position. I'm glad you are my best friend. Never stop being you Fluttershy."
__________________________

"What is wrong with me?" Fluttershy said to herself, familiar tears creeping up on her. She quickly shook them off. "I'm not gonna make Rainbow sad anymore." She turned toward the door, ready to head to the regular practice ground-

-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-

The violent pounding nearly gave the timid pegasus a coronary. She opened the door to an out-of-breath Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie, oh goodness, what's wrong?" Fluttershy noticed the wetness under Pinkie's eyes.

Is she crying?

"Fluttershy -huff-huff- you have to get to the hospital! It's Rainbow Dash! She was.....attacked last night!"

The yellow pegasus stared at the cerulean eyes before her as new tears appeared on the pink pony's face, unable to process what she just heard.

"Fluttershy! Go now!"

Pinkie Pie's scream snapped Fluttershy out of her daze and she launched forward, her wings taking her faster than she'd ever gone before. She coaxed even more speed from her wings, pushing well beyond her limits. Any faster and she may have even done her own Rainboom.

Rainbow Dash, I'm coming.
____________________________

The hospital doors burst open and Fluttershy had lost all control of her voice.

"RAINBOW DASH!" The entire lobby jumped in unison. Fluttershy had not screamed that loud since the night of the Gala.

"Whoa whoa, calm down Fluttershy!" Nurse Redheart put her hooves up to try and stop the rampaging pegasus, "I'll take you to her, but first you have to calm down."

Fluttershy slowly regained her composure and met eyes with the nurse pony holding her back.

"I'm sorry. Is she okay? Pinkie Pie said she was attacked."

"She has a concussion. Somepony knocked her out and took her somewhere and....."

"And what? What happened to her?"

"I'm going to be brutally honest here. She.....she was sexually assaulted."

"No....." Fluttershy felt new streams of tears fall down her face. She made absolutely no effort to stop them.

"She needed quite a few stitches to close the wounds. The police were notified, but this type of brutality is unprecedented in Ponyville. Its more common in the seedier parts of bigger cities like Fillydelphia or Baltimare, but not Ponyville. Celestia is going to send the head of her royal security force to oversee the investigation."

"Can I see her?" Fluttershy said, her heart giving her a moment's reprieve from the sobs.

"Yes, but she's still unconscious. We expect her to make a full recovery physically, but we don't know the extent of the mental damage. She will need you now more than ever. She's only had one conscious moment since she got here, and she used it to ask for you."
________________________________

They walked down the silent hallway, the only sound being Fluttershy's heart pounding in her ears. The door creaked open and she nearly collapsed right then and there.

.....Beep.....Beep.....Beep.....

The machine kept its monotonous tones a the wires ran over into cerulean fur. Tufts of prismatic hair poked out from under thick bandages. Fluttershy had seen her sleeping before, and apart from the machines and the bandages, she didn't look much different now. This thought horrified her beyond reason.

The canary colored mare approached the side of the bed. She took a blue hoof in hers and fell to her knees.

"I'm so sorry Dashie." As she said that, the cyan hoof began to stir.

"You know 'Shy, I wish you'd call me Dashie more often." A weak voice came into Fluttershy's ears, and even amidst the tragic circumstances, she had never been happier.

Agony

"Where am I? The last thing I remember.....Fluttershy was watching me practice. She looked so beautiful in the evening light. Oh but then.....oh no, I made her cry again. Next time I see her I'm gonna make it up to her somehow. A face like hers should never have to feel tears. It's strange, I can kind of hear her crying right now."

"I dropped her off at home, then I was walking and.....nope, everything's blank."

"Rainbow."

"Fluttershy? Is that you? Where are you?"

The world around her began to change. Lush greenery sprouted everywhere and a gentle breeze passed through her mane and tail. A great warmth came down from above, illuminating the beautiful meadow the now surrounded her.

"Rainbow."

She turned and saw her standing there. Her flawless carnation colored mane and tail swayed in the breeze, brushing across her golden coat. It seemed to glow all around, framing her face and those gentle, aquamarine eyes. Rainbow Dash felt herself falling in love all over again.

"Are you okay Rainbow Dash? You're staring at me."

"Oh, am I? I'm sorry. It's just.....you are really beautiful 'Shy."

A blush now graced her golden cheeks, "You know Rainbow? I don't say it enough, but I think you are beautiful too. I always have."

"Fluttershy, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why don't you love me? I'd be a good marefriend. I am the Element of Loyalty after all. I love you so much Fluttershy. I try to move on, but my heart hurts every day. Just tell me, please."

"Oh Rainbow," Fluttershy said, moving closer to the cerulean pegasus fighting her own tears, "I do love you."

Rainbow's eyes widened at those last words and suddenly she felt her love's lips press against her own. They were so warm and soft. She felt all the pain and loneliness she'd felt over the years evaporate into nothingness. All that time waiting for something perfect and now she was here and she was more than worth it. The kiss finally broke and Rainbow wrapped her forelegs around the warm and glowing pegasus before her, and she felt another pair wrap around her. She allowed herself to be held, gently nuzzling the other mare's neck.

"I hope this moment never ends."

Suddenly the warm embrace was broken and those beautiful turquoise eyes met hers again. Something was wrong, it was as if the whole world started shimmering all at once.

"I'm so sorry Dashie."
______________________________

"I'm so sorry Dashie."

Rainbow Dash's eyes fluttered open and slowly drifted about, taking in all her surroundings. It was obviously a hospital room. Obviously, she was the one who was hurt, but why couldn't she remember what happened?

A dream. Of course.

The words she'd just heard, combined with the pressure on her hoof brought her into the now. It was the voice she heard every night in her dreams, and the touch that she wanted every minute of every day.

"You know 'Shy, I wish you'd call me Dashie more often."

The canary yellow mare met eyes with Rainbow, and while she'd been sobbing for quite some time, it transformed into uncontrollable weeping.

"Hey hey, I'm the one in the hospital bed. Shouldn't I be the one crying?"

"I heard you were hurt and I didn't know what to do. I've never been so scared in my life. Without you.....I......I don't know I'd......" she collapsed.

"Oh Fluttershy, why do I keep making you cry?" she thought.

"Come on 'Shy. I'm okay n-aaahh," as she moved to embrace the crying pegasus beside her a sharp and immense pain shot throughout her body. What the hay was that?

"Dashie! What's wrong?"

"I don't know. When I moved it just really hurt. What happened to....." Everything came flooding back in an instant. The darkness, the complete and total helplessness, and the pain. It was like it was happening all over again. The searing fire spreading through her core. The machine at her side quickened it's pace and her breathing became fast and shallow. Everything was turning black.

"No, Dashie! Dashie what's wrong?! Nurse Redheart, Doctor, anypony help her!"

"Fluttershy, help me....." the blackness came back and took her again.
_______________________________

Nurse Redheart came into the hallway and placed a comforting hoof on the weeping mare back, causing her to jump.

"What happened?! Is she okay?! We were just talking and she-"

"Calm down Fluttershy. She's okay. It was just a panic attack. I'm guessing the trauma gave her temporary amnesia, and when her memory came back, it was too much for her."

"Is there anything I can do for her? Whatever it takes."

"Honestly, the best thing you can do is be here for her. She's going to be here for at least couple of weeks until the stitches are ready to be taken out. We will evaluate her mental state and go from there, but you have to be strong for her."

"But.....I'm not.....-"

"Fluttershy! There you are!" She turned to see Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. They were all out of breath as they had sprinted all the way here.

"Where is Rainbow Dash?! Is this her room?!" Twilight readied her magic on the doorknob but was interrupted by Nurse Redheart.

"Wait! I'm sorry girls, but Miss Dash has just had an episode."

"An episode? What does that mean is she okay?!"

"Oh no no girls, she's okay. It's just imperative that she get her rest right now."

-BeepBeepBeep-

The nurse's pager went off obnoxiously in the otherwise quiet hallway.

"I'm sorry but I have another patient. Miss Fluttershy knows the situation and can fill you all in. If any of you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask me." With that, the nurse pony departed, leaving the great uneasiness among the five ponies.

"Fluttershy, can ya tell us what happened to'er?"

"She's.....she was.....-" Fluttershy started but was unable to form any complete sentences, when she felt a purple hoof on her back.

"It's okay Fluttershy. When the police informed Celestia, she sent me a message."
________________________________

Minutes had seemed as hours as Twilight talked. She gave up fighting back her tears long ago, but did not break once in recounting the situation.

-SNAP-

The others ponies turned as Applejack's hoof exited the waiting room wall. "When ah get mah hooves on the monster who did this, I'll send him straight ta Tartarus."

"Applejack, I know you're angry, but now isn't the time for that. The only thing we should worry about right now is Rainbow Dash."

"Rarity is right," Twilight said, "my brother is going to find whoever did this. We just have to be here for Rainbow."

Pinkie Pie had been silent this whole time, a new record for the pink pony. She'd reverted to to her Pinkamena state, mane and tail gone straight and flat and in place of her near-perpetual smile, an expression of pain.

Nurse Redheart appeared once more, "Girls, she's awake again."

As all the ponies began to walk, Twilight spoke up, "Wait, I know you all want to see her, but we don't want to overwhelm her. Fluttershy, since you are the one she asked for, you should go. The rest of us will wait until she's had a little more time to recover."

The other ponies looked devastated, but they all nodded in understanding.

"Okay. I'll tell her you're all here and we're all with her."
________________________________

Fluttershy opened the door and saw her there. Her rose eyes had glazed over a bit and she sat there in an apparent haze.

"Dashie?" Fluttershy said, almost in a whisper, "The girls are all here too. They thought it was best that only one of us visit, so I-"

" 'Shy.....I really don't want to talk to anypony right now."

"Oh. I understand Dashie." Fluttershy turned to leave when that broken voice came through once more.

" 'Shy, will you hold me?"

Fluttershy said nothing as she sat on the side of the bed and wrapped her forelegs around her best friend. The broken pony buried her muzzle in the warm golden coat of the pony she loved and let all her pain, all her anger, every tear she had left fall from her beautiful rose eyes.

Betwixt: Assignment

The train was uncomfortably empty as Ponyville drew ever nearer. During the debriefing, Celestia made it clear what was to happen here. This monster was to be found and tried. Celestia did have a theory on who the culprit was however, and if it was the same stallion, a different sort of punishment was warranted.
He'd done this sort of job for Celestia before. The terrorist in Cloudsdale, the crimelord in Manehatten, the serial killer in Hoofington, and now, the rapist in Ponyville. What could he say though? He was good at it. The facade he put on for the public was taxing and his secret duties sometimes took him far away from Canterlot and his family. It was a tough price to pay; he missed them, especially his little sister.
Since her return, it had been Luna directing his activities. She had more of an iron hoof than her sister, which was understandable. Though they ruled in harmony, each did have their particular way. Celestia preferred the light and dealing with public concerns on a personal level. Luna was the opposite. She handled the military and, though no one on the outside knew this, his little organization.

It's unlikely he'd be able to make it this far this soon. And even so, why Ponyville? It'd much easier to avoid detection in a more populated area. That's how he'd avoided capture all these years. His last reported strike was halfway across Equestria, in Constanticlopple. Not likely.....but possible.

He was roused from his by the train's horn as it pulled into the station.

Back again.

He'd been to Ponyville only twice before and never on a social visit. He was sent undercover as 'Plan B' during the resurgence of both Night Mare Moon and Discord, but luckily, his particular skills were not needed.
Ponyville was quiet. Not surprising, the entire town had been warned to remain in their homes unless absolutely necessary. But given, the tactics of this particular assailant, even that was nowhere near safe. Ponyville's police force was small, but hopefully hourly patrols and door-to-door searches would at least fluster his target.

Unease leads to mistakes, mistakes lead to capture. Capture or.....well, I'll worry about that when I get there.
____________________________

The doors to the hospital opened and a depressing atmosphere engulfed him. Nurse ponies here and there, wheelchair bound patients being shuffled about, and four familiar ponies sitting close and quietly comforting each other in the wake of the tragedy at hand. At the center of the group, a lavender unicorn with a pink striped, dark blue mane and tail was doing her best to hold the group together. She looked ready to collapse herself, but she hid it well. She was always good at that.

"Hey Twilie. It's good to see you again."

Drawn

Fluttershy did not know how much time had passed since she entered Rainbow's hospital room, and honestly she didn't care. Rainbow said she didn't want to talk and Fluttershy was content just holding her close. She kept having thoughts that if she let go, her best friend would simply crumble away. She tightened her embrace and ran her hoof through the multicolored mane, the mare in her forelegs began to tremble less and less.

" 'Shy?" Her voice was unexpected. She'd stopped crying a while before, but Fluttershy had not expected the tender, quiet moment to end so soon. She wasn't disappointed though, because Rainbow Dash was the only thing that mattered right then, and if she wanted to talk then Fluttershy would do her best.

"Yes Dashie?"

"You know, you're really warm."

"Oh.....I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. I was kind of cold anyway."

"I could get you some more blankets."

"No. I know I'm a selfish pony and I'm not gonna change that now. I want you to stay here with me."

"I will stay as long as you need me Dashie."

"You're like the sun 'Shy. Without you, everything would be so dark. I wouldn't grow or change. I love you so much.....and I always will."

Fluttershy's heart was pounding, the heat filling her face was enough to alarm Rainbow. For the first time since she entered the room, the prismatic pegasus lifted her head off Fluttershy's chest and met her gaze. Fluttershy looked into those beautiful, roslyn eyes and thought, "She's worried about me? All that's happened to her and she can still worry about somepony else. You really are amazing Dashie. I don't deserve any of it."

Just then Rainbow Dash reached her mouth up and gently pressed her lips to the yellow mare's forehead. "Her lips.....they're so soft.....what is she doing?.....I don't know, but.....she doesn't have to stop."

Fluttershy felt Rainbow's lips leave her skin and she felt herself lean forward, as if to prolong the contact, before she caught herself. "What am I doing?"

"I think you have a bit of a fever 'Shy. Maybe you should see the doctor as well."

"Oh no, I'm fine. It's just.....it makes me really happy how much you care about me. But still, the only thing that matters right now is you, Dashie."

"That's not entirely true 'Shy. You matter the most to me."

She reached a cerulean hoof up and caressed the yellow mare's cheek, who in turn, brought her own hoof up and held the hoof that felt so warm against her face. Their eyes met again, aquamarine and rose, lightning arcing between them creating an immense magical force drawing them ever closer together.

"Oh Dashie," Fluttershy's thoughts wandered again, "I think.....I think I-"

-Knock-Knock-Knock-
_______________________________

The sound was enough to startle Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy all but flew across the room.

"What is she so scared about? We were just talking....."

"Miss Fluttershy?" Nurse Redheart slowly opened the door. She talked quietly, thinking Rainbow was asleep, "I'm sorry but I have to examine Miss Dash's wounds and change her dressings."

"I'm awake Nurse Redheart. You don't have to whisper."

"Oh good. I apologize, but the magic that's healing you is still experimental so its very important that it be monitored closely, " she turned to face Fluttershy, who's face was darker than the red cross on the nurse's flank, "it should only take a few minutes Miss Fluttershy. Oh, and the investigator from the capital has arrived. He's talking with your friends in the waiting room now."

"Oh, okay. I'll go talk to him."

Rainbow Dash's heart sank as she saw the mare she loved turn to leave. Her breathing got heavier and her pulse quickened. It wasn't as severe as before, but she didn't want to worry Fluttershy. She would hold it together.

" 'Shy?" the cyan mare said, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

"Yes?"

"Please hurry back. And tell the others I'd like to see them too."

"I will," her face got red again as the door closed.

The feeling of loneliness came back full force. The tremors in her body were almost enough to rattle the walls and her vision was becoming blurry. Suddenly, she felt a hoof being placed on her shoulder. She looked up and met eyes with the nurse, her eyes communicating a deep understanding. Her body slowly began to relax under Nurse Redheart's empathetic presence.

"No wonder her special talent is nursing," Rainbow Dash thought as the nurse pony removed the bandages around her head to examine the throbbing wound on the back of her head.

"It looks good. It was blunt so the cut is not very deep. Regardless, the swelling has gone down quite a bit."

Rainbow felt little relief at the news, not remembering that part of it at all. But everything else.....that she remembered very well. She fought back the tears as the nurse redressed her head and moved around to the foot of the bed. She reached on either side and pulled out two metal leg rests.

"If you could just rest your hooves in these, I'll try to get the examination done as quickly as possible."

Rainbow Dash didn't want to be looked at. The tremors came back as she imagined the nurse, or anypony.....or Fluttershy seeing the damage that had been done. She didn't even want too see it. The pain was enough for her to know that nothing would ever be the same again.

"Please Miss Dash. I know it's hard, but we are trying to fix you. It will only take a minute. I promise."

The cyan mare swallowed hard and gave a slight nod to the reassuring nurse pony. She moved her legs one at a time into the rests, wincing at the pain the movement caused. She felt blanket move from over her and she had to fight against the urge to scream.

Realization

Fluttershy's heart weighed a thousand pounds as progressed down the silent hallway, her thoughts seeking to tear her head apart.

"What did I almost do? She's hurt and traumatized and in love with me. All I do is make her worry about me and I keep leading her on.....Am I leading her on? I know I love her, she is my best friend after all. But I was about to kiss her. I've never kissed anypony and honestly I've never really wanted to, so why now? And why Rainbow Dash? Is it because she's been hurt so badly? That would make me a horrible pony.....I AM a horrible pony. It would be so amazing to be with somepony as beautiful and loyal as Rainbow Dash. Am I really so horrible that I realize this only after she has been so completely broken? She needs somepony better than me, but I'm what she wants. I just don't know what to do.....but I do know I want to be here for her now.....and always."

"Fluttershy?!" Twilight's voice roused Fluttershy from the bombardment of her thoughts, "How is she doing?"

"Oh, um, she's better than I expected, but she's still in a lot of pain. Nurse Redheart is giving her a check-up right now, but when she's done Rainbow said that she wanted to see everypony."

"Oh good. We've been going crazy this whole time."

"Twilie, it's late. I'll- Oh hey Fluttershy. Its good to see you again."

"Oh, hello Shining Armor. They told me you were coming but I guess it didn't really register. How is Princess Cadence doing?"

"You can just call me Armor. Cadence isn't doing too well. My duties keep me away from her for long periods, and with our own little foal on the way, its getting harder and harder for her to be by herself."

"Oh, congratulations, but I'm also sorry to hear about your troubles."

"No need to apologize Fluttershy. Celestia promised me a position as a noble after this assignment. It will be a much less demanding job, leaving me more time for my family. Besides, there are several other eager stallions who dream of being captain of royal security. It would be selfish on many different levels if I held onto the job any longer."

"That's good to hear. Are you.....gonna talk to Rainbow Dash?"

"Not yet. I was just telling Twilie that I was going ahead to the library. It was a long train ride and I want to give her some time with you guys before I get the story from her."

"Thank you so much for coming to help."

"I'll do everything I can for her, as well as any of you."

"Attention everypony!" Nurse Redheart had reappeared, "Miss Dash wants to see all of you. I can give you a few minutes, but then I'm going to have to ask that you guys call it a night. Its well beyond visiting hours as it is. I'm sorry everypony."

"Its okay Nurse Redheart. We completely understand," Twilight said, already being passed by four other concerned ponies practically galloping down the hall. "I'll see you when I get home BBBFF."

"Okay Twilie. Now go and see your friend."

Fluttershy lingered a bit. She wanted to talk to Shining Armor alone.

"Armor?"

"What is it Fluttershy?"

"I.....I want you to find the monster that did this to her. I want you to find him. I want him in pain. As much pain as he caused her, then more."

Shining Armor's eyes widened at her words. Fluttershy could not even imagine what her face looked like, but she did not care. She wanted her vengeance.

"I will Fluttershy. I promise you all."

"Thank you." Fluttershy started to head back to where she was needed, but not before casting a quick glance back at the guardian unicorn who was then talking to Nurse Redheart. She turned back and quickened her pace down the hall, back to where Rainbow Dash was waiting.
____________________________

Rainbow Dash sat in her bed and gazed through the window, Luna's beautiful moon already illuminating the world below. Though the tremors had greatly subsided, they were far from gone. Tears continued to fall down her cyan cheeks as the pain flared with every movement.

Her mind flashed back to that terrible place. Those iron hooves being layed upon her. How her legs and wings were useless no matter how hard she struggled, how she couldn't even scream. And the pain. She couldn't even see. The pony behind her could have been anyone. A monster, a demon, .....a ghost. Suddenly, her eyes were uncovered and a brilliant light filled her mind. The warmth embraced her and all the pain, all the fear and darkness, everything was washed away. "Fluttershy."

"Rainbow Dash?"

"Hey Twilight. Its okay, you can come in."

Four ponies shuffled awkwardly into the room and surrounded the bed.

"How are ya feelin' sugarcube?" Applejack was the first to speak. Leave it to her not to tip-hoof around the situation.

"I'm okay.....it hurts but the nurse says I'm healing really well."

"That is excellent news Rainbow darling." Rarity chimed in.

"Shining Armor is going to take care of this Rainbow. You just concentrate on getting better."

"I heard. Where is he?"

"Oh, he was a bit tired from the train ride. He said he would be back some other time."

Rainbow's thoughts shot forward to the meeting, "He's going to need to know everything."

The group of ponies quickened as the heart rate monitor picked up a little speed.

"Don't worry guys. I'm gonna be okay." the cyan mare said as renewed streams appeared on her face.

"Rainbow Dash?"

The entire group turned to the pink pony who hadn't spoken a word since the nurse gave the terrible news.

"Pinkie Pie. You look like a deflated balloon."

"I'm so.....so sorry. But this isn't a time for games, and cakes, and happy. I don't know-"

"Now that's not the Pinkie Pie I know. I'm alive. That's definitely something to be happy about. And I am fully expecting a Get-Well party as soon as I get out of here. And we all know there's only one pony who can make it happen."

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened. Her mane and poofed back up, and she gave the biggest smile in the world, even amidst the torrent of tears pouring from her baby blues.

"You got it Rainbow. I'll make it the best party I've ever thrown." The pink earth pony threw her forelegs around Rainbow Dash in a vice-like embrace. Soon she felt legs off three other ponies join in. They were all crying, but Dash still felt the warmth of her best friends as they did their best to be strong for her.

"Rarity, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie. Thank you guys so much. Wait.....something's missing.....where's Fluttershy?"

Nurse Redheart appeared in the doorway, "I'm terribly sorry Miss Dash, everypony, but I'm afraid it is time for you girls to go home and get some rest yourselves."

Rainbow Dash gave her goodbyes as best she could. Her friends were distraught and she was the one trying to keep them together. She knew they meant to help her, but still.....

Twilight was the last to leave, turning to say, "We'll be back tomorrow. Try to get some rest okay."

Rainbow Dash was left alone with her thoughts, a dangerous place for her to be. She tried to stem them, but still she collapsed into sobs. Pure and unrestrained agony took her voice and the tears were enough to fill all the oceans of Equestria. The darkness creeped in once more.
_______________________

Fluttershy stood by the door to Rainbow's room, having emerged from the place she was hiding. She couldn't leave her like this. She listened silently to the cries of pain coming from the room behind her. She fought back her own tears as she placed her hoof on the doorknob. She entered the room, a new resolve steeled in her heart.

She had finally made her decision.

Light Shines, Dark Falls

Fluttershy was quiet as Rainbow Dash did not notice her entrance. The cerulean pegasus before her was gazing out the window. Princess Luna had outdone herself on the beautiful moon that night. Fluttershy then experienced something that she never thought she would. Rainbow Dash began to sing.

Out here in the quiet of the night,
beneath the stars,
and moon.
We both know we've got something on our minds.
We won't admit,
but its true.
You look at me,
I look away.
I wanna tell you what I'm feelin',
but I don't know how to start.
I wanna tell you but now I'm afraid,
that you might break my heart.
How can anything so easy ever
be so hard to do?
I wanna tell you how I'm feelin',
and to say that, "I love you."
I practice all the things that I could say.
Line by line,
every word.
I tell myself, "Today could be the day,"
but every time,
I lose my nerve.
I look at you,
you look away.
I wanna tell you what I'm feelin',
but I don't know how to start.
I wanna tell you but now I'm afraid,
that you might break my heart.
How can anything so easy ever
be so hard to do?
I wanna tell you how I'm feelin',
and to say that, "I love you."
Why?
Why do you turn away?
It must be you're afraid like me.
I try,
but I can't pretend that I,
don't feel for you,
the way I do.
Can't you see?
I wanna tell you what I'm feelin',
but I don't know how to start.
I wanna tell you but now I'm afraid,
that you might break my heart.
How can anything so easy ever
be so hard to do?
I wanna tell you how I'm feelin',
and to say that,
"I love you."

The golden pegasus had never been so moved in her life. She'd heard Rainbow sing before, like at the Gala and when they were trying to find her a pet, but this was different. Rainbow Dash's entire heart was in her voice.

"Even after all that's happened to her, she's still hopeful. She's still the Rainbow Dash I've always known. She's still the incredible pegasus who can shatter sunlight. She's still the pony I love."

"Oh Dashie."

Rainbow quickly wiped her eyes with a hoof and made an attempt to smile.

"Oh hey 'Shy. What's u-"

Before Fluttershy even knew what she was doing, she rushed forward and threw her forelegs around the broken pony.

"That was so beautiful Dashie. I've been so terribly selfish."

"Come on Fluttershy. You are the least selfish pony I know. You're so kind and giving."

"No, I am selfish. All these years I've denied how I felt. Deep down I think I've known since the very second I met you. I never want to be away from you again. You said I'm kind and giving. Well, my heart belongs to you now. I'm just sorry that something so terrible had to happen for me to realize it. I love you Dashie."

Fluttershy felt the pony in her legs begin to tremble. She felt her mane soak through with tears. She immediately pulled back and looked into those shimmering roslyn eyes.

"Dashie, are you okay?"

Rainbow Dash then pulled her back into that warm embrace. She tightened her grip and nuzzled the golden mare's neck.

"I have never been happier 'Shy. Now don't you ever let go of me again.

"Never," as she ran a hoof through that glorious, prismatic mane.

"Her pieces are all right here," Fluttershy thought, "I'm going to put them back together."

"Hey 'Shy?" Rainbow Dash raised her head and let rose meet aquamarine.

"Yes Dash-"

Flutteshy was interrupted by the sudden feeling of lips against hers. The shock soon faded into a flowing electical surge. Fluttershy felt the heat from the pony she loved pass into her and she returned it as best she could. All the tension from the earlier moments and all th e pain from recent events seemed to melt away in that one beautiful kiss. Rainbow was the first to break the contact and Fluttershy felt herself push forward, desperatly trying to prolong the union. Their eyes met again.

"Wow," Fluttershy's voice sounded odd in her ears, "that was.....unexpected."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash said, blushing through her cyan fur, "speed is kinda my thing. Plus I've been wanting to do that for years."

"I love you Dashie."

"I love you too 'Shy. So very, very much."

Fluttershy adjusted herself so that her new marefriend could snuggle as close as possible without aggravating her wounds. She had to have been exhausted from the day's events, evidenced by the fact that she was soundly dozing against Fluttershy's chest in a matter of moments. Fluttershy felt her own eyes grow heavy and the last thing she saw was the faintest smile on her marefriend's sleeping face, and she knew that this feeling.....this warmth was all she ever wanted.
____________________________

Rainbow Dash awoke to a rather violent sunbeam hitting her face. She looked around her, both surprised and relieved at her lack of dreams. She felt the gentle breathing of the sleeping mare beneath her and was almost overwhelmed at the pure happiness she felt. She could handle the pain. She could handle the shame and fear. What she could not handle was a life without loving Fluttershy. This was absolute.

A sudden stirring startled her when she felt a hoof lift her head slowly up. She felt the golden mare's lips press against hers, not with the earnest Rainbow herself had the night before, but a gentle, chaste kiss.

Fluttershy broke away and the love and concern seemed to flow from those wondrous aquamarine eyes as she said, "Good morning, my beautiful Dashie. How are you feeling?"

"I feel amazing. Of course that's how a pony is supposed to feel when her dreams come true."

An adorable blush filled the golden mare's face and she said, "That's wonderful.....but I meant your pain."

"I know you did.....It still hurts, but not as much as it did before. That's some magic they go-"

-Knock-knock-knock-

Nurse Redheart entered the room. She had a distressed look on her face. Rainbow saw that her new marefriend noticed this and a similar look appeared on her face.

"Miss Fluttershy.....may I see you outside for a moment?"

"What's wrong?" Rainbow said.

"Please Miss Dash, it will only take a moment. Miss Fluttershy?"

Rainbow Dash's heart quickened as she saw her love get up and walk toward the door.

"Come back soon 'Shy."

"Pinkie Promise," she said as the door closed.

"What's going on?"
_________________________________

"No....."

"I'm sorry. We tested her after her surgery but it must have been false. We've tested her three times since, and there's no mistake. I'm so sorry," the nurse said, tears leaking through despite her best efforts to fight them.

"No....." was all she could manage.

"No! Rainbow can't be pregnant!" she was screaming in her head as her entire universe collapsed.

Choices

Fluttershy had been crying into the nurse pony's coat for quite some time before it donned on her that Rainbow Dash was still waiting for her. She reluctantly raised her head and met eyes with Nurse Redheart once more.

"Is there anything you can do? I mean if Rainbow consents, can you.....get rid of it?"

"We can. But.....there is a problem. Because of the trauma, we can't perform a normal abortion. We would have to do it surgically."

"Oh no.....why did this have to happen?"

"I'm sorry, but there's more. The surgery would likely.....leave her completely sterile."

Fluttershy collapsed into the nurse's coat again. It surprised her that she had any tears left at all.

"Let me tell her," Fluttershy said, unable to even lift her head from the small amount of comfort Nurse Redheart was able to provide.

"Are you sure Miss Fluttershy? This is horrible news to give, but to have to see it on the face of somepony you love.....I can't even imagine."

"You know huh.....I was wondering why you let me say."

"I knew it the second you got here. She's not going to be able to make it through this without you. I don't think you will either without her. Are you sure you want to tell her?"

"I am."
______________________________

Rainbow's gaze lingered on the closed door for a while before she shifted it back out the window. It truly was a beautiful day. She felt unusually content. It was indeed very strange. She had heard before, on the news and stuff, about other mares who had been raped. They lost all hope in ever being happy again. Most drank themselves into oblivion, or became drugged-out prostitutes, or just flat out killed themselves. But then there were some who had good lives and loved ones who helped them cope and move on.

"Could that be what's happening to me? It can't be normal to be this normal after.....I mean it hurts and I've never been more scared in my life, but I think I'll be okay. As long as I love Fluttershy, I won't ever give up. I waited so long. I knew deep down that she loved me, but I was losing hope. And then this.....it made her realize. It may be crazy to think this, but in a way I'm glad this happened to me. It gave me my Fluttershy. Being a Wonderbolt? Being the best flier in all of Equestria? Sure I wanted those things, but I think it was to distract me from Fluttershy. From the constant thoughts of her and the constant pain of not having her.....I have her now. No matter how or why, it happened. And I am never gonna let her go."

The door slowly opened, rousing the cerulean pegasus from the utter complication of her thoughts.

"Fluttershy! I missed you so much. I know you were only gone for a little while but-"

"Please be quiet Dashie. I have to tell you something. You.....you're....." tears streamed down the mare's golden cheeks.

Rainbow wanted nothing more than to leap from her bed and wrap her love in a tight embrace, stitches or not. But she struggled to remain still.

"Talk to me Fluttershy. What's wrong? I want to help you."

"You're pregnant Dashie," Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane as she spoke, "I'm so sorry. The nurse just told me."

Rainbow Dash was stunned. She knew this was possible and was prepared for the news if it came up, but Fluttershy was destroyed. She promised herself she would never make Fluttershy cry again. It would be okay. The doctors would take care of it, then she would heal, and then her life with the mare she loved could-

"She said that.....because you got hurt so badly, they can't give you an abortion. They have to do surgery to get it out but.....you would never be able to have any foals again."

The dam Rainbow Dash had built around her denial suddenly gave way. The tremors grew so violent, the entire room threatened collapse. She tried to scream, but her voice was just gone. She felt a warm pair of legs enfold her and she pressed her muzzle into the flowing pink mane, wishing it would just swallow her up in the warmth and light for the rest of her life. Every moment brought a new pain, a new way to ruin the happiness that already seemed well beyond her reached. The only thing she could do is cry into the mane of the only pony in the world she could stand to have touch her right now.
_______________________________________

Luna's moon stood far on the horizon. The crying and trembling had stopped hours ago and now the two lovers just layed there in each others hooves. It was finally Rainbow Dash who spoke once more.

"Hey 'Shy? Do you want to have foals?"

"I haven't really thought about it much, but maybe some day. I love taking care of my animals and I enjoy babysitting Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. I do long to be a mother."

"I think you would a perfect mother. You are so kind and caring. Me? I don't know.....I hang with Scootaloo a lot, and I like being around younger ponies, but as a mom....."

"Oh no Dashie. You would be great. You are-"

"But you know that if you and I are together, we can't ever have any babies."

".....I thought about that, and I don't care. I'd have you and that's all I'd need."

"Fluttershy, look at me."

The golden mare looked up and her aquamarine eyes met Rainbow Dash's tear-filled roslyn eyes.

"This is our only chance. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to have every experience I can with you. I want to live with you, I want to marry you, I want to make love with you, and I want to have babies with you. This baby will be ours. Yours and mine and nopony else's. If you are willing to raise it with me.....I want to have the baby."

"Dashie.....you don't have to do that for me. I don't want you to have to go through any more pain. I will stay with you forever no matter what. You don't have to do this. Having the foal of a stallion who hurt you so-"

"You listen to me. This baby is mine and yours. The pain doesn't matter. The stallion doesn't matter. You matter. I love you 'Shy and I want this. I know its weird, but I do. Will you do it with me? Will you have a family with me? Please 'Shy....." the cyan mare looked down as new streams of tears fell onto the white hospital blanket. She felt a pair of hooves raise her face back up and their eyes connected once more.

"Of course, my beautiful Dashie. Of course I will."

They both moved forward and got lost in a kiss. There was no heat this time. It was love, pure and true and unending.

Rough Shuffle

Fluttershy pushed the wheelchair along, her beautiful cyan partner safely cradled within. It had certainly been a trying week. Tears, pain, medication, cuddling (lots and lots of cuddling) and finally it was time for Rainbow to be released. The doctors were astounded at how quickly she recovered. Some of them thought Rainbow's natural athletic ability had modified her immune system and allowed her body to repair itself more easily. Regardless, I think that experimental magic will get a lot more use now.

"Come on 'Shy, just let me fly outta here."

"You still have to take it easy Dashie. Plus its hospital policy that you have to leave in a wheelchair."

"Ugggggh....."

"Dashie is so cute when she's frustrated. Hehe." Fluttershy thought as she stopped by the pharmacy window to pick up Rainbow's pre-natal medication. The doctors seemed concerned that she wanted to keep the baby. They suspected lingering emotional damage or post-trauma psychosis coloring the decision. To be honest, Fluttershy was worried herself, but she knew what Rainbow wanted and she would stick by her no matter what. It also helped that Nurse Redheart was there. It was really a mystery why she was still just a nurse. She was just a skilled and knowledgeable as any doctor in Equestria, probably more so. Oh well. They would have plenty of time to learn more about her for the next eleven months as they had personally asked her to handle Rainbow's pre-natal care.

"Move it 'Shy. We have to get to Sugarcube Corner."

The others had visited most every day. It was nice to see that everypony was in good spirits, but it was Pinkie who seemed to be taking it the hardest. Her mane and tail had regained a bit of its bounce with each visit and yesterday she was her "normal" Pinkie Pie self. She said she would have a surprise for us today. Like anypony didn't know what surprise that was.
One thing did weigh heavily on Fluttershy's mind. Shining Armor had visited a couple of times, but he never asked about the attack. She had brought it up to him in private, but he had simply told her he was close and not to worry about it right now. That she should only focus on Rainbow Dash.

"Okay okay. I'm going. We have quite a day ahead of us. Do you think everypony will understand?"

"I'm sure they will. They are our best friends. Even if anypony disapproves, they'll come around eventually. Either way, our decision is our decision."

"Yeah," Fluttershy said as she smiled warmly down at her love. She leaned her head down and landed a quick peck on the cyan cheek, suddenly she felt a hoof on her face and before he knew what was happening, a soft pair of lips pressed against her own. It flooded her body with an immeasurable warmth and when it finally broke and she looked into those beautiful roslyn eyes.

"Yeah," Rainbow said as Fluttershy held back tears of happiness.

They continued on to Sugarcube Corner.
___________________________________

Fluttershy watched as Rainbow Dash pushed open the doors of the bakery and stepped into the darkened room.

"SURPRISE!"

The room brightened to reveal a room full of ponies, each brandishing a wonderful smile.

"Hey Dashie! Were you surprised? I know I said I had a surprise, but I'm sure you never expected it would be a surprise party! I mean, I wanted it to be a surprise to celebrate you getting all better AND you and Fluttershy being together," as she spoke, tears were slowly filling her eyes, but she never once broke her smile.

Rainbow Dash threw her legs around the pink pony, pulling her into a tight hug.

"Thank you so much Pinkie. I love it."

Fluttershy wiped at her own eyes, lest the tears begin to fall freely. She looked around the room, surveying the amount of effort Pinkie Pie had put into this party. All of their friends were there. Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Spike. Even the princesses were there. Celestia and Luna smiled warmly at the displayed of pure friendship taking place, and seated next to them holding the same smile were Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. The latter was gently stroking the noticeable bulge in her tummy.

"Attention everypony! Fluttershy and I have an announcement to make!"

Fluttershy's eyes shot to her lover.

"I don't have to tell you guys what happened and I know some of you are going to disagree with this but.....I'm going to have a baby.

A wave of shock and horror spread through the crowd.
______________________________

Rainbow Dash looked on as she gave her friends time to absorb the news. Each of her friends was reacting in a different way. Applejack's face was contorted in anger, Rainbow Dash didn't believe it was at her but she couldn't be sure. Pinkie Pie's sadness reappeared for a split second and then she was able to recover her smile. Rarity just stared with a hoof over her mouth, eyes dampening. Spike clutched ever tighter around Twilight's neck. Twilight looked ahead sadly then shifted her gaze to the princesses. They, along with Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, had small, understanding smiles.

"Of course they already know." Rainbow thought as she felt Fluttershy's wing enfold her and draw her close. The initial shock was gone from her beautiful marefriend's face. She gave a simple nod and nuzzled her neck gently, motioning for her to go on.

"I know you guys are probably wondering how I could possibly decide this. I'm in love with Fluttershy and she's in love with me. We want to be together for the rest of our lives. This baby," she looked down and gently rubbed her tummy, "is mine and Fluttershy's and nopony else's. We're gonna raise it and love it with all our hearts."

Slowly but surely everypony's face softened. She knew understanding would not come easily, but she could see it in her friend's faces, and in Fluttershy's wondrous turquoise eyes that it would eventually come.
__________________________________

Fluttershy didn't leave her partner's side for even a second. The others warmed to the idea, but still seemed hesitant to talk about it. Oddly it was Rainbow Dash who kept bringing it up and reassuring friend after friend, not the slightest ounce of weakness in her resolve.

"Dashie.....I know speed is your thing, but did you have to break the news so abruptly?"

"Ah'm happy fer ya and all, but the docs said it was dangerous ta have an abortion, but did they say how dangerous it's gonna be ta deliver?"

"I've only been pregnant for a week. It's waaaayyy to early to worry about that."

"If ya say so Dash."

"Now now Applejack, I'm sure Rainbow dear knows what she's doing. Besides, she has Fluttershy to look after her."

"You got that right," Rainbow Dash snuck a quick kiss on her lover's cheek, causing a crimson glow on the timid pegasus' face, " 'Shy is gonna take of me. You guys don't have to worry."

"That's like asking water not to be wet you silly filly."

Fluttershy took a small moment to steal away from her lover. As much as it pained her to do so, she made her way over to the princesses and Shining Armor.

"I'm so happy for you two," Cadence said, one hoof still on her belly.

"Um, thank you. I'm happy for you as well. Do you know if it is a filly or a colt?

"He's a colt. An alicorn like me and my aunts," she shot a glance over to her sister-in-law still talking away with Rainbow Dash and the others, "we were thinking of naming him Dusk Shine."

"Oh, I think that would be absolutely perfect."

"Yes dear Fluttershy, We have also told her this many a time. We believe Twilight Sparkle would be honored as she is the inspiration for the name," Luna's voice boomed overhead.

"I think so too."

"Oh Princess Celestia! Would you mind, um, if we spoke in private?"

"Not at all my little pony."

They silently made their way into the kitchen, still a disaster area from all the party prep.

"Princess.....do you know who did this?"

"I do."

"Who?"

"That is not something you need to know right now."

"What the hay do you mean I don't need to know?! Somepony raped the mare I love and you didn't raise a hoof to stop it!"

Sorrow appeared on the snow-white alicorn's face, but she managed to banish it away and regained her regal composure.

".....I'm sorry Princess. I know it wasn't your fault."

"You don't need to apologize Fluttershy. I understand completely. Words cannot express how sorry I am for what happened to Rainbow Dash and it is my fault that I didn't prevent it. It's my job to protect all of you and....."

Fluttershy could've sworn tears appeared in her ruler's for a split second.

"What I can tell you it this: This stallion will be caught and punished. You can be absolutely sure of that. Right now you need only be there for Rainbow Dash. She is strong, but something like this leaves many scars, most of which can't be seen on the surface."

The golden mare conceded.

"The princess is right. I mean, wrong for not telling me anything, but Dashie is what matters right now. Dashie and.....our baby."
________________________________

The couple rushed a few farewells as Rainbow Dash was still not a hundred percent and the evening was wearing her down.

They made their way back to Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy needed only glance at her animal friends to signal bedtime. Luckily, Angel Bunny was already fast asleep propped up on Tank's slumbering shell. They eye'd Fluttershy's luxuriously fluffy bed and collapsed into its throes. The lovers merely stared into each others eyes for what seemed an eternity, and what could've lasted for an eternity longer. Suddenly Rainbow Dash rolled over facing away from her partner, but backed up, snuggling into golden warmth. For the first time, Fluttershy was the protector. She wrapped her forelegs around the cyan pony's waist and gently nuzzled her neck, patiently waiting for sleep to take her marefriend so she fall into her own beautiful dreams colored by a wonderful rainbow.

Progression

Rainbow's eyes opened slowly as she gained her bearings. She looked around the room, taking in every aspect. Quaint furnishings, huge comfortable bed, Angel Bunny snoring softly next to Tank's sleeping shell, and of course the gentle pressure around her middle. She felt the rising and falling of her lover's chest and the warmth of breath against her cyan neck. She didn't want to disturb her partner's rest, but she would've given anything at that moment to see that beautiful golden face draped in her carnation colored mane amidst her wonderful dreams.

"Can't resist."

Rainbow Dash wriggled her way out of Fluttershy's grip, trying her best to ninja herself from the bed without waking the sleeping pegasus.

"Wow.....how can anything be this beautiful."

*gurgle*

"Uh-oh."

Rainbow dashed to the bathroom in a cerulean blur as the previous day's meal began its return trip.
______________________________

Fluttershy awoke to the sounds of sickness. She raced to the bathroom to see her lover crouched over the toilet.

"Oh goodness, Dashie are you okay?"

"Yeah yeah 'Shy. It's just morning sickness."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Yeah, go out for a bit. The kitchen's a bit understocked."

"I can't leave you like this...."

"There's nothing you can do for morning sickness. And I'd rather not make you watch me puke. Go get something awesome for dinner tonight."

"No Dashie, I ca-"

" 'Shy, please go."

".....Okay Dashie. I'll be back soon."

Fluttershy slung on her saddlebags and reluctantly left her beloved behind.

"Please don't push me away Dashie."
__________________________________

Fluttershy walked slowly along the path to town, left alone with her thoughts. Something she hadn't experienced much in the two months since.....it happened.

"Dashie has had morning sickness before, but she always lets me comfort her through it. Today she seemed more angry. That can't be true. Still.....what aren't you telling me?"

"Fluttershy!"

Thing golden pegasus let out a small "EEP" as she turned to see the pink party pony joyfully bouncing toward her. It seemed that she'd made it all the way to Sugarcube Corner without realizing.

"Where's Dashie? You guys have been everywhere together the past couple months."

"Oh, well, she's feeling a little sick today. So I came to do some shopping. I didn't want to but she insisted....."

"Oh.....is she okay?" a deep sadness filled Pinkie Pie's face. It was the same sadness that appeared each time Rainbow's circumstances came up.

"Its just morning sickness. Our baby isn't being very kind to Dashie. " Another flash of sadness. Could it be.....

"Well.....you should get her cupcakes! Even when I'm sick, cupcakes always make me feel-"

"Pinkie, are you okay?"

".....Of course I am. I'm just worried about Dashie. She's my.....I mean all of our best friend. I just want her to be okay."

"You love her, don't you Pinkie Pie?"

Shock and fear joined the sadness in the pink pony's baby blues. And soon enough tears began to fall. Fluttershy reached out and wrapped her forehooves around her friend and gently stroked her mane.

"I'm sorry Fluttershy. I love her. I have ever since I first met her. I could see how she felt about you. I just want her to be happy."

"That's what I want too Pinkie. But I want you to be happy too. And so does she."

"I am happy. That's one of the curses of being me. When your special talent is making everypony happy, you can't afford to frown." Pinkie wiped at her eyes with a hoof, her pure and wondrous smile shining through once more, "Come on, let's go find Dashie something that will make her feel a million times better."

"Thank you Pinkie."
______________________________

"Ahhhh....."

Rainbow Dash clutched her stomach as another flare of pain radiated throughout her body.

Apocalypse

Fluttershy waited in the hallway resisting every urge to burst through the door and be with her beloved. She looked over at Pinkie Pie, her mane and tail straightened once more, as the previous night replayed itself over and over again in her mind.

Fluttershy laughed once more at the pink pony's antics as they reached the door of her cottage. Her spirits had certainly lightened after her talk with Pinkie Pie and the dozen cupcakes were certain to make Rainbow Dash feel so much better.

"If there was something really wrong, Dashie would tell me. Right Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing and her icy blue eyes burned into Fluttershy's aquamarines, "Of course she would Fluttershy. She loves you so much. She would never lie to you."

Fluttershy looked back into Pinkie Pie's eyes, fighting the tears stinging her own, "You're right Pinkie. Thank you for everything."

"You knew already. Now lets get in there. These cupcakes won't eat themselves."

"Yeah."

Before Fluttershy could say otherwise Pinkie burst through the door yelling Dashie's name. It sounded like she had reached the bedroom when everything grew silent.

"Pinkie?" she rounded the corner where she saw her friend frozen in place, "Pinkie, what's the matter?"

The pink pony did not move in the slightest. Fluttershy followed her gaze over to a cerulean blur lying on the floor. Suddenly everything clicked into place.

"Dashie!"

"Miss Fluttershy, Miss Pie?"

"Nurse Redheart! Whats wrong with her? There was so much blood. Is she gonna lose the baby?!"

"Whoa whoa, calm down Fluttershy. First off, she and the baby are going to be okay. Although she did lose a lot of blood."

"What happened to her?"

".....I'm sorry. There are certain protocols I have to obey or I could lose my job. What I can tell you is that she suffered some mild internal damage. But its stopped bleeding and she will be okay."

"Why can't you tell me? What caused the bleeding?"

".....It was caused by magic."

"What? Who would do that?"

"I don't know Fluttershy. But I can't tell you any more. Not until the princess gets here."

"Why.....would the princess be coming? Does she know something about this?"

"I am so sorry Fluttershy. I can't say. You can go be with Rainbow Dash until the princess gets here."

"Nurse Redheart.....I trust you. As long as Dashie is okay, that's all that matters. Thank you."
_____________________________________

-Beep-Beep-Beep-

The steady pulse of the machine was enough to rouse the cyan pegasus from her sedation. Her eyes wandered the room until she found what she was looking for, two beautiful turquoise eyes shrouded in tears.

" 'Shy, what happened?" she said, her voice a little raspy.

"I met up with Pinkie Pie when I went out shopping. When we got home we found you unconscious on the floor.....there was so much blood Dashie....."

"Hey hey, I'm okay now-"

"But why didn't you tell me you were in pain?! I wanted to stay with you! You could've bled out before I got home! I can't lose you Dashie! Please....."

" 'Shy.....I'm sorry. I've been getting stomach pains for a few weeks. I didn't want to worry you and most of the time they weren't anything special. But today they got really bad. When I was puking this morning.....there was blood. I didn't want you to worry if it was nothing so I was gonna get in touch with Twilight and have her take me to the hospital, but then I couldn't move and.....I'm so sorry 'Shy."

"Don't you dare apologize to me.....I'm the one who didn't help you. Everything that has happened to you. I could have stopped it."

"No you couldn't have. Bad things just happen sometimes."

"Both of you just stop it." Pinkie Pie's voice surprised the lovers as they turned to their pink friend. "You guys love each other, and you're both alright. Be happy for that. And not that but I love- I mean everypony else loves you too. You guys will never be alone. No matter what pains or hardships happen, we will be with you."

"That was very well said Pinkie Pie. We would happen to agree."

The three young mares looked toward the door to see the dark purple alicorn slowly walking into the room.

"Oh, Princess Luna. I thought Princess Celestia was going to come."

"Our sister wanted to, but something urgent came up and she could not make the time. She trusted me to tell you what she needed to tell you."

The three ponies stood in silence, eyes glued to the princess of the night.

"Have you never wondered what became of mine and Celestia's mother? The truth is.....we are in fact half-sisters," seldom did the sadness become so very apparent in the princess' eyes, "our father was the very first alicorn. Some even say he was the very first pony. He never told us about his past. Celestia was born first, and then to a different mare, I was born. The reason our mothers died.....an alicorn's power is too much for the mother to handle. Her body is destroyed from the inside. Our father's name was Omega Solaris. I was lucky. As Celestia was the first born, she had opportunity to meet my mother and tell me of her. But my sister.....she never knew her mother. Father raised us for most of our lives. We were always traveling, and he bedded every mare he could.....some by force. We didn't know why he did these things, but he was our father and we loved him. Then one day, one of his many mares was ready to give birth.....but it wasn't an alicorn. It wasn't even a pony. It was then that our father abandoned us and our newborn brother. We had nothing and we were but fillies ourselves. But still we cared for our brother who took to calling himself Discord years down the road. But you know that part of the story.....So far as we know, it was a thousand years before another alicorn was born. We don't really know why we are immortal. We think that because we were his first, Celestia, Discord, and myself have his full undiluted magic and blood. But twenty-eight years ago Mi Amore Cadenza, our "niece" was born. Her mother of course died, but the stallion who loved her mother, the pony who should have been her father, cared for her as his own. That is how we knew he was active again and since there have been similar attacks all across Equestria."

"I don't understand," Rainbow Dash said, sitting forward in her bed, "why are you telling us this."

"Because it was our father who raped you. And you are pregnant with his alicorn baby."

Betwixt: Reunion

(A/N: The main story and these side stories telling of Shining Armor's investigation do not occur at the same points in time. Treat them as separate but interconnected storylines. Just to clarify.)

Shining Armor slowly approached the hut deep within the Everfree.

"Wow.....I wonder if she chose this place or if the princess stuck her here on purpose. I know I'd be mad."

He pushed open the makeshift door and looked around, taking in the vials of different chemicals and the ornate tribal artifacts.

"At my door I wonder who, comes to see me out of the blue!"

Shining Armor could not help but chuckle.

"Hehe, Zecora, I'm alone. You can drop the act."

"Oh thank Celestia! You have no idea how hard it is rhyming every bucking sentence!"

"I've adopted my fair share of alternate personas before. How's this one treating you?"

"I think of it as an extended vacation."

"Certainly looks like a vacation. Nice place. If you want.....I could talk to the princess about a better location."

"You have the wrong idea Armor. I asked for this.....I retired five years ago. After that spell I took when we infiltrated Al Coltone's headquarters, I left."

"You know.....I always meant to thank you. If you hadn't protected me then, I wouldn't have gotten a shot at the big guy. I just didn't know where you were. Every time I asked the princess, all she told me is that you were safe. I believed her but....." Shining Armor lowered his head, hoping to quell the tears that threatened to fall at this bittersweet reunion.

"Its okay Armor. I was done, but I knew you weren't yet. Princess Luna visits often, now that she's back. Its been fun getting to know the true founder of the organization. She's told me many things, even about her 'niece', the sister whose real relation has to be hidden. Mi Amore Cadenza."

"My wife, yes. We are expecting a little foal soon. A colt."

"I heard. You two are happy?"

"Very happy. This is actually my last mission. I have to protect my family. This job is too risky for a father."

"I am happy for you."

"Zecora..... I want you to know that you are my first love. There is nothing that will ever change that, but as much as it pains to say, especially after all this time, you aren't my true love."

".....I know. I think I always did." Zecora walked over and placed a small, chaste kiss on her former lover's lips. A simple farewell to bitter feelings. She raised a hoof and wiped at her slightly moistened eyes, "so why now did the princess choose to tell you where I am? It couldn't be simply out of nostalgia for days long past."

"Unfortunately no. I have to find a certain stallion, but even my strongest tracking spells are useless on him."

"Does that mean.....is he back?"

"He is. He's tried it again. And this time, we think he succeeded."

"I understand. You need me to craft you a stronger spell."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to drag you back into this world, but you are the best."

"If it means finally stopping this monster, I will gladly lend my hoof. I'll need something of his essence."

Shining Armor magically produced a small vial from his saddlebag.

Acceptance

Fluttershy just stood there, dumbfounded by what the princess of the night was telling them. It had to be Pinkie Pie to break the silence.

"Luna.....Rainbow Dash is going to die?"

"I'm sorry my little ponies, I don't know that. Celestia and I have had the best medical minds from all of Equestria examining Cadence and the progress of her baby. Being an alicorn gives her a far greater chance of withstanding her baby's magic. But.....Rainbow Dash, you have no such magic. You are one of the most athletic ponies in the world and an Element of Harmony as well. But even that may not be enough. There is a strong chance that you will not survive."

"Then get it out of her! If that thing is gonna kill her, take it out-"

"Fluttershy, stop."

"No! I won't. Dashie, its not our baby! That monster forced it on you! I won't let it kill-"

"FLUTTERSHY! SHUT UP!"

Fluttershy had never seen such anger on the cerulean mare's face. She backed up and felt her backside against the cold plaster wall. The piercing roslyn eyes that burned into her were the only things that kept her from collapsing into ash and dust.

"I know what happened to me and yet you all talk like you know better. None of you do. This is my baby. The only one I will ever have. No matter who did this to me, no matter why, this kid is mine. I won't let anypony hurt it. Fluttershy, I will not leave you. I am not gonna die. Not while I have the pony of my dreams beside me and.....our baby to look after. That's the way it is. Period."

The golden pegasus looked at her lover with tears in her eyes, seeing the anger had not subsided but the rainbow maned pony shed tears of her own. Fluttershy rushed forward and threw her forelegs around the pony she loved and squeezed her as though letting go would cause the world to crumble away.

"I can't lose you Dashie. I will not let you die."

"I won't Fluttershy. I promise, we are gonna raise this kid together."

"It is good that you have chosen this path yourself Rainbow Dash because destiny had already chosen for you," Luna said, "We did not tell you these things to prevent any unfortunate happenstance. An alicorn's instinct for self preservation runs deep. Your baby will not allow itself to be killed."

"Is there anything that you CAN do Princess?" Pinkie Pie, who had been crying to herself silently this whole time, asked.

"Yes, We have a magical suppression spell We can cast. It won't do much, but it will help with the baby's more violent magic bursts. It should last until you go into labor. After that, We are afraid it is in destiny's hooves."

The purple alicorn walked over to the bed and lowered her horn to Rainbow Dash's belly. A darkened light began to flare up and slowly enveloped the cyan pegasus' body. The light receded and the symbol of a brilliant crescent moon form on Dash's tummy before disappearing altogether.

"There now. Thy pain should be more manageable now."

"Thank you so much Princess."

"Think nothing of it dear Fluttershy. We shall be going now. Should any concern arise, do not hesitate to send for Us."

With that and a simple nod, the ruler of the night left.

"I should go too. You too have a lot to talk about," Pinkie Pie said as she wrapped Fluttershy in a hug and then made her way over to Rainbow Dash. "You promised Flutters that you won't die, but I want you to promise me too."

"Of course I promise Pinkie."

"I love you Dashie."

"I know you do Pinkie. And I thank you for everything.....and I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry about. You are happy with Fluttershy, and that is all I want."

Fluttershy watched as the pink mare pressed her lips gently to her lover's in a simple, yet loving kiss. She felt no jealousy or fear. It had to happen for both of them. The kiss broke and Pinkie Pie looked up to Fluttershy.

"I will be close if you need me."

"I know. Thank you Pinkie."

The pink pony exited leaving the two lovers alone.
____________________________________________

Rainbow Dash gazed at the beautiful golden mare before her, all pain and worry evaporating as if it were never there.

" 'Shy.....I'm sorry I yelled at you. Things got a little heated, but I want you to know that I meant every word I said."

"I did too. I won't leave you alone. And I won't let you die."

"I know you won't. No matter what happened in the past, you and I have a future. And our baby will be a part of it."

"I love you Dashie."

"I love you-"

Rainbow Dash was cut off by a pair of lips suddenly on hers. She felt the warm forelegs wrap around her and she did the same with her own, running her hooves through that flowing pink mane. She parted her lips allowing her tongue to find her love's and join it in a frantic dance. Her wings slowly extended as the warmth spread throughout her body. As she rubbed Fluttershy's back, she noticed her wings were standing full at attention too. She ran her hooves down the length of them bringing forth a beautiful moan from the golden mare. Rainbow then felt her own wings being stroked and the pleasure radiated throughout her body, centering on one specific location.

" 'Shy?"

"Yes Dashie?" Fluttershy said, her heavy breathing exciting the cyan mare even more.

"Hang a 'Do Not Disturb' on the doorknob, would ya?"

"I had already planned on it Dashie."

Occurance

Rainbow Dash looked up at the sun and closed her eyes. She let the warmth of Celestia's magic wash over her face. She drank in the sounds of her friends having fun with their pets on one of their many pet play dates.

Suddenly something wet and sticky woke Rainbow from her apparent bliss.

"Ew! Winona! Go lick Angel Bunny or something," the rainbow maned watched as the dog ran off toward an unsuspecting rabbit.

She looked down and saw her wonderful pet tortoise lounging at her side. "You don't have to chill with me Tank. You can go play with the others."

A smile slowly overtook Tank's face as he just as slowly nuzzled Rainbow's belly.

"Okay okay. You can keep us company," she said as she patted his shell and moved her hoof to her own tummy. She gazed out at the cavalcade of ponies and pets running and playing as if the entire world were content. Her eyes stopped on a carnation colored mane leading to golden fur. Fluttershy was trying to console a saliva covered bunny, the concern in her eyes beautifully interwoven with silent laughter at his predicament. Her heart quickened as she looked the mare she loved, the mare she had forever linked with. An overwhelming happiness filled her body and her baby kicked reflexively, as if to say it felt the same joy.

"Twilight!" a purple blur whooshed through the crowd of ponies, stopping in front of a particular lavender unicorn.

"What is it Spike? Is everything okay?"

"You.....I.....urgent message.....Celestia.....*BELCH*," green fire burst forth from the dragon's mouth as scroll formed in front of Twilight. As she read it, the look on her face became grave.

"What's it say Twi'? Everythin' okay?"

"Cadence.....Cadence has gone into labor. I have to go to Canterlot.

The words filled Rainbow Dash with a deep seated fear. She looked to Fluttershy and saw those aquamarine eyes looking right back into her own. She saw the same fear.
________________________________________

They all followed Twilight back to her house. Luckily they ran into the Cutie Mark Crusaders on the way.

"Applebloom, would you guys mind takin' all the critters home for us?"

"Why Sis? Did somethin' happen?"

"Please girls. We do not have time to argue. Sweetie, please do as we ask."

"But wha-"

"Its okay Squirt," Rainbow Dash spoke up, cutting off the orange filly, "there's nothing you guys need to worry about right now."

Scootaloo nodded, and looked to her friends who seemed resigned to the request. They turned to walk away, all the animals in tow. Scootaloo turned back and met eyes with her idol. Rainbow scrambled to hide the fear on her face, but judging from her expression she saw at least a glimmer.
________________________________________

Fluttershy stood by as Twilight and Spike packed the bare essentials into her saddlebags.

"I'm sorry you guys."

"It's okay Twilight. This is your family. We will be here for you and Cadence if you need us." Pinkie replied.

"No no, that's not it. You girls are just as much my family as Shining Armor and Cadence. I want you with me more than anything but....." she looked at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy with tears in her eyes, "if something happens-"

It was Fluttershy who spoke, "Don't you say anything like that Twilight. Nothing is going to happen. Cadence is going to give birth to a beautiful new baby and she and your brother are going to live happily ever after."

".....You're right Fluttershy. I'm sorry I even said that. I have to go now. I promise I'll be back soon and I'll tell you just how cute the baby is."

"We'll be waiting," Rainbow said as a blinding flash of light engulfed the purple unicorn and her baby dragon companion.

"It's gonna be okay Dashie."

"I know it will." the cerulean pegasus said, one hoof on her belly.
_______________________________________________

"Come on girls. Twilight will be back any minute. We are almost ready."

Left and right, ponies scrambled trying to prepare everything to Pinkie Pie's insane specs. Fluttershy, being the only flyer considering Rainbow Dash's current status, was flitting back and forth hanging streamers from the ceiling.

"Aaaaaaaannnnnd done! Thank you everypony! Twilight's gonna love it. Hey, what do you guys think the baby looks like?"

"Well, Cadence is just darling and Shining Armor is quite the handsome stallion. I bet the baby got the best of both of them."

"Ah say that is a fine idea. Ah say he's gonna have a coat the color of Armor's mane and a mane the color of Cadence's coat."

"You guys are waaaayyyyy off. His mane, tail, and coat are the same color as Twilight's, only a shade darker."

"And how exactly do ya know that Pinkie Pie?"

"That's a good question. I just do."

"And that's that," Rarity said with a light chuckle.

"What do you think your baby will look like Dashie?"

"I don't know Pinks. I think she will have all my awesomeness but she will be just as kind as Fluttershy. I wanna be just as surprised as everypony else by how she looks."

"Oh, but Dashie, how do you know it will be a filly?"

"Dunno 'Shy," the cyan mare said as she planted a quick kiss on her lover's nose, "Just do."

The spell that Rarity cast indicated that someone was approaching the front door.

"Places!"

Everypony hid as the door slowly began to creak open.

"SURPRISE!!!" a collective yell roared out from behind couches and chairs and they looked expecting to see the surprised yet happy faces of a certain unicorn and baby dragon.

"Twilight? Spike? What's wrong?"

Twilight looked up at her friends and then to the baby dragon sleeping restlessly on her back.

"The baby is a healthy colt. He.....he looks like me. I'm an aunt now."

Rainbow Dash spoke up, "Is Cadence okay?"

The tears broke through the weary unicorn's eyes, "Cadence.....she.....she....." They saw Spike stir and tighten his grip around Twilight's neck. She raised a hoof to caress that comforting claw. "She's gone."

Resolve

The royal cemetery was decorated in brilliantly contrasting light and dark colors and flowers of all shapes and sizes. A long red carpet wove its way through the center, surrounded on all sides by black-dressed ponies leading up to a large portrait of Cadence and the beautiful black coffin inlaid with her cutie mark.

Even the skies of Canterlot shed tears as Rainbow Dash stood alongside her friends as Princess Celestia stood up. On one side of her was Princess Luna and on the other were Twilight and Shining Armor, the latter of whom was bandaged and looked to be in physical pain as well as emotional.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to mourn and celebrate Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. We all knew of Cadence' kindness. Whether it be her goodwill missions to the poorer villages, her renown beauty, or her foalsitting in her younger days, we all loved her. And that was her special talent. She spread love wherever she went. However, this talent came at a price. She once came to me with tears in her eyes. She said she loved helping other ponies love each other and she would keep helping them for as long as she could, but she was often left all alone. Luna was still away, so I was her only family. I invited her to stay at the palace for as long as she needed. It just so happened that was the day a promising young colt ascended to the rank of lieutenant of the royal guard. She was truly happy. None of you can ever doubt that. Tragedies happen, but real love lasts forever.....Cadence pro.....Cadence proved that....."

Everypony watched as Celestia, perhaps the most powerful being in the world, was cradled in her sister's forelegs, openly weeping. She deserved to as much as everypony else did. Rainbow watched as Shining Armor and Twilight walked over to the beautiful portrait of Cadence and stood still. Then, as if on cue, crying erupted from Shining Armor's saddle carriage. The tiny alicorn's screams cemented the somber atmosphere and everypony dissolved into tears.
______________________________________________

When the torrent of tears subsided, it was Princess Luna who spoke up.

"Attention everypony: Shining Armor has opted to take his son home for the evening. We will remain for a while yet to take any questions or condolences anypony may wish to offer. We thank you all for coming. We did not have as much time to get to know Our niece as Our sister, but We loved her nonetheless.....We will miss her dearly....."

Fluttershy looked all around her. She saw tears in everypony's eyes except one. The one that mattered more to her than anything else in the world. Those beautiful rose colored eyes were not stained by a single tear. She saw that Rainbow felt the same concern. She reached a hoof up to her cheek.

"I'm not crying either?.....Why?"

"Thank you all for being here with me," Twilight said as she walked up to group, Spike at her side.

"Twi- there's nothing Ah could to make this any easier on you and yours, but just know that the Apple family is here for you. And all of us too. You're never alone." Applejack said, speaking on behalf of the group.

Fluttershy joined the others in a loving embrace. It was a warm feeling among icy horror that had befallen them as of late. Fluttershy suddenly realized something. Something was missing.

"Where's Rainbow Dash?!"
_______________________________________

Rainbow Dash always had trouble navigating the expansive halls of the royal palace. But today there was a sound guiding her through. The baby's wails led to an ornately decorated room, but somehow it seemed dank and dreary and forgotten.

"Rainbow Dash? What are you doing?" Shining Armor appeared, a now-quiet foal in his foreleg.

"I-I wanted....."

"Please.....I don't want to see anypony right now. And my son is finally asleep."

"But I need to know.....what happened to Cadence?!"

"What does it matter? She's dead. My son will have to grow up without his mother.....she's gone.....I couldn't do anything to help her. All the magic, all the medicine, her own power.....none of it did any good. She just.....she....." He broke. The tears began freefalling in an unstoppable stream as Rainbow shot forward as quickly as she could to take the unicorn knight in her legs. Her tears still would not come but his grew all the more violent.

"My son.....he has so much power inside him. Cadence.....her body just couldn't take it. Even an alicorn can't handle an alicorn's awesome power."

"I'm sorry.....nopony deserves this.....but its not your baby's fault."

"I know that. I wanted to blame him, blame somepony.....but I'm his daddy. I'm all he has."

Rainbow tightened her grip and she felt the unicorn's tears subside.

"Rainbow.....I hope you're prepared for what's coming."

"I do too."

"For her sake."
_________________________________________

Fluttershy sat motionless on the extravagant bed in the hotel room Celestia offered her. Her mind was overtaken by a single thought.

"Dashie....."

The door opened and Fluttershy looked over, knowing full well who it was.

" Hey 'Shy."

"You went to see him didn't you?"

"Cadence' body was destroyed by her baby's power."

"I figured."

"I want you to be ready.....for when I-"

A pair of golden forelegs shot forth and wrapped around Rainbow Dash.

"No Dashie, you promised me you weren't going to die. I'm holding you to that. I know you. You would never in a million years make me do this by myself. I need you with me. You are everything I could ever want from my life. I'm so in love with you Rainbow Dash and I could not make it without."

The tears finally came for both of them. They fell freely and without end.

" 'Shy, I promised you.....and I'll keep it. We'll always be together."

"One way or another."

Betwixt: Confrontation

Shining Armor stood on the edge of a great clearing, only miles away from dragon country. The spell Zecora crafted led this far and the immense magical aura was directly ahead. As Shining Armor cautiously moved forward, his target came into view.

"You must be Omega Solaris. My name is Shining Armor: Top operative of the Shadow Blade Organization. By order of the royal princesses, Celestia and Luna, I am here to take your life."

The stallion before him had the same endlessly flowing mane of the princesses only it was the most dazzling color of silver. It completely offset the pure golden tone of his coat as well as the crimson that decorated his hooves and the tips of his wings. He didn't even respond to Shining Armor's threat. It appeared that he was talking to himself and slowly pacing back and forth.

"What is happening?," Shining Armor thought, "I expected some ruthless, sex hungry tyrant."

Shining Armor knew something was wrong, but the mission was the highest priority. He decided he would end this quickly. His horn began to glow as he readied his most powerful attack spell. The aura shot forth toward and the alicorn.

"Nothing happened.....My spell hit him.....I know it did."

Shining Armor froze as white rimmed eyes met his own. He felt such power surge from those eyes, but even more so, he saw something he could not place. Then he spoke.

"I try and try but the days just keep getting shorter. Or longer. They stay the same and there is so much to do. I do. And ponies like you get in the way. We deal with this in the same manner."

"Umm.....What?" Just then Shining was enveloped in a blinding flash of magic and flung into a nearby tree, a sickening crack ringing throughout the forest.

*Cough* Blood poured out of the broken stallion's mouth, as he looked up to see that the alicorn had returned to his pacing and muttering, moving steadily away.

"Never thought I'd have to use the failsafe teleportation spell, but I certainly am not going to die here."

Shining Armor vanished in an instant and reappeared in the Shadow Blade headquarters. Everything else came in a blur. Doctors, machines, and pain.

".....Cadence....."

Trials

The weeks went by in a haze. Fluttershy watched as her beloved's condition grew ever more distressing. Her body became weaker and weaker as the due date drew ever closer.

"Dashie! You can barely walk! There will be no arguments about it. We have to go to the hospital."

" 'Shy, the baby's not ready yet. I don't know how, but I can tell."

"That doesn't matter. The strain on your body is too much. You need an IV of fluids and vitamins and you need oxygen."

"Come on. You're making me sound like an invalid or something."

"This isn't funny Dashie....."

"I know 'Shy," Rainbow Dash walked slowly over and wrapped the concerned pegasus in a weak, yet loving hug, "Pinkie Pie's monthiversary party for Dusk Shine is tomorrow. I promise I will go to the hospital after. Just let me have one more day with our friends. One more day not hooked to machines."

".....I don't like it when you talk like that Dashie.....but okay. After the party."

"I'm sorry for what I'm doing to you Fluttershy. It seems kind of selfish of me to keep you here and put you through this-"

Fluttershy gently placed a hoof over the cerulean mare's mouth. She felt a slight trembling, though she wasn't sure whether it was because of her weakness or something else. She moved her hoof but it was quickly replaced by her lips as she pressed them to her cyan lovers'. She could feel the passion mounting as Rainbow Dash's tongue slipped through and began a frantic dance with her own. She could feel her love's pulse quicken and she pulled away against her increasing desires.

"That's just mean," Rainbow said, clearly disappointed at the sudden cold shoulder.

"I'm sorry.....but you know you can't get too.....um, excited in your condition."

"Pony feathers!"

Fluttershy walked Rainbow Dash over to their bed and laid her down gently. She eased her way into the bed and wrapped her legs around the warmth of her beautiful marefriend.

"I love you Dashie."

"I love you too 'Shy."
_________________________________________
The sun was barely up in the sky and there was already a knocking on the door.

Fluttershy felt her love stirring next to her.

"Morning Dashie."

"Four bits says its Pinkie Pie."

"That's a losing wager," Fluttershy said with a small kiss on Rainbow's muzzle as she got out of bed and headed toward the front door.

"Hey Fluttershy! Are you and Rainbow.....ready to Dash!" Pinkie Pie could not control the flood of giggles that burst forth, startling Fluttershy a bit.

"Oh....yes, Pinkie? Dashie has been feeling a little under-the-weather, but we'll be out in bit."

"Okey dokey lokey! She'll be okay Fluttershy. She always comes through."

"Yeah.....I just wish I was stronger.....for her."

"You are a lot more much waaayy stronger than you think."

"Oh Pinkie....."

"I'm serious Fluttershy. Don't sell yourself short."

"Darn right!" Rainbow Dash said, coming slowly but surehoofedly into the room, "Now lets get this party started!"
_________________________________________

The rest of the day was absolutely splendid. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were frolicking around, playing with Pinkie and the cake twins. Twilight and Rarity talked with Shining Armor, who was actually smiling quite a bit. However, Rainbow Dash had trouble lifting her gaze from the golden mare with the carnation mane to whom she had pledged her life. She was at the center of the action with Dusk Shine. Playing and tickling immediately turned to hugging and snuggling, and then back again.

"She's gonna be a wonderful mother. I just wish I-"

"Dashie! Wake up you silly filly! Its time for little Dusk to blow ou.....I mean we're gonna ligh.....umm, its cake time!"

"Alright Pinkie, I'm coming," Rainbow Dash said struggling to get up. In an instant, Fluttershy was by her side again, helping her.

"I love you Fluttershy."

___________________________________________________

"What's going on today?" Fluttershy thought to herself, looking up at the near blinding sun.

"Fluttershy what are you waiting for! The party's already started!"

She looked out and saw all of her friends dancing around in the beautiful sunlight. Everypony was there. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Spike, Rarity, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, they were all there. Even the princesses were there. And Shining Armor with cute little Dusk Shine standing at his heels and Cadence at his side.

".....Cadence? How are you.....?" she pressed a hoof to her forehead when a sharp pain surged through her head, as if some memory was trying to force itself into her head.

"You okay 'Shy?"

Fluttershy looked up to see the source of the voice and saw something more beautiful than anything she ever could have imagined. There was her Dashie, healthy and shimmering, holding an alicorn baby in her hoof. She was absolutely beautiful, with a mane and tail of all the cool colors of the rainbow and a coat of the most dazzling silver. But what made gave Fluttershy the most joy was when she saw the little filly's eyes. They were the color of the most beautiful, blooming roses.

"Oh Dashie....." Fluttershy could not hold herself back any longer. She threw her legs around Rainbow Dash and cried harder than she ever had before, ".....I knew.....I knew in my heart you would make it. You are the strongest pony I have ever known, I love you so much."

"Of course I'm fine 'Shy. What a weird thing to say. You gonna say hi to our daughter?"

"I-uh.....," Fluttershy stammered, unable to form the words.

Suddenly the sky turned black and lightning flashed across the clouds followed by a thunderous boom. Rain began to fall as everypony around her started to disappear. The landscape around them turned red and Fluttershy realized what was falling from the sky.

"Blood.....!"

"Aaaaaaahhhhhhh!"
_______________________________________

Rainbow Dash's bloodcurdling scream woke Fluttershy.

" 'Shy.....ahhh! 'Shy it hurts so much."

World End

"She's stable, but she is still in tremendous pain."

"Thank you Nurse Redheart. Can I.....can I go see her?"

"Not yet. The medication is still working. Fluttershy.....she is in labor. I don't know when, but she is going to have this baby."

"But she can't! She said she wasn't ready! Dashie would never lie to me.....she wouldn't."

"I'm sorry Fluttershy. She must have known."

The nurse walked away, her head hung low showing just how much she felt for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

"Where is Dashie?!" Pinkie Pie was the first to arrive, tears streaming down her face and her hair had lost most of its bounce.

"We can't see her yet Pinkie Pie. She's in too much pain and the medicine hasn't had a chance to work yet."

"Oh Fluttershy....."

"She's gonna be okay. Rainbow Dash is the greatest pony in all of Equestria."

"Pinkie.....Pinkie this is too big. Cadance couldn't pull through and she was an alicorn. Rainbow can't-"

*SMACK*

Fluttershy felt the sudden impact and the stinging warmth began to fill her face. A single stream of blood trickled down from her lip.

"She chose you Fluttershy. You are what she is in there fighting for. Yours is the heart I could never give her. She will make it through this. And you two will have a long and beautiful life together. Your baby, and all of our friends, and me.....we'll always be here."

Rarity, Twilight, Applejack, and Spike arrived soon after. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy said nothing of the conversation they had beforehand. There was no talking then. Only tears and consolation.
_____________________________________________

"The pain has gone down enough. You can all go see her now, but I must ask that not all of you stay for very long."

The trek down the dank hallway felt even more forboding than when Rainbow Dash first got hurt. They entered the room and there she was. Her cyan wings were splayed beneath and there was an IV in both of her forelegs. The steady pulse of the heart moniter progressed in tandem with Rainbow's breathing.

"Hey guys," she said weakly, "how are you doing?"

"Well considerin' ar best friend is in intensive care and makin' jokes about it, doin' great."

"Yes Rainbow dear. We are all worried sick." Rarity chimed in, trying to hide the tears clearly present in her eyes.

"I know I know. I'm sorry guys, but can I be alone with Fluttershy?"

"Of course you can. We will be right here if you need us. Let's go girls, Spike." Twilight said, motioning toward the door.
Three ponies and a baby dragon reluctantly exited the room. Pinkie Pie was the only one who lingered. She walked slowly over to the cyan pegasus lying on the bed.

"Pinkie Pie.....thank you."

"I love you Dashie."

"I know you do. I love you too Pinkie Pie. Keep everypony happy. No matter what."

"I will. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie Pie said, leaving the two lovers alone together.

"Dashie-"

" 'Shy.....just lay with me for a little while."

"Ok."
______________________________________________

"Ahh!"

"Nurse! She needs help!"

Doctors and nurse ponies flooded the room. Fluttershy watched in horror as Rainbow's screams grew louder echoing throughout the hospital.

"You might want to wait outside Fluttershy."

"If you think I am going anywhere, you are sorely mistaken."

Fluttershy's Stare was readied if they tried to make her leave, but Nurse Redheart was far too understanding for that. She fought through the crowd and made to a cerulean hoof and squeezed as hard as she could. Rainbow tightened her grip with every scream.

"We need a magic scanner!"

Got it. These readings are off the chart."

The sounds were all blending together. Something about internal bleeding, her body exhausting itself, she was fully dilated, but the only thing she was focused on was Rainbow's screaming. She was close enough to whisper in her ear.

"I'm right here Dashie. You're doing great. Just keep going and our beautiful baby will be born and you'll get to see hold her with me. You just have to get through this part."

The next few minutes were the hardest Fluttershy had ever been through. She watched as her love cried out in pain one moment and fell unconscious the next. She did not think it was possible for a pony to feel such pain, and still be around to feel it all over again.

"Oh Dashie."

A gentle crying suddenly pierced the rustling silence in the room. Fluttershy looked through the mass of white coats and saw something more beautiful than she could imagine. She saw a coat most dazzling silver. The matted mane was a wonderful mixture of blues and purples. And those eyes. Those beautiful roslyn eyes. Nurse Redheart held the baby up for Fluttershy.

"Oh Dashie. Look at her. She's so beautiful. She has your eyes, Dashie."

Rainbow's eyes fluttered open and the warmest smile spread across her face.

"I can see her 'Shy. Our little Morning Sky."

"You did it Dashie. I knew you could. Now we can spend our lives together. We can give this little filly all the love in the world and watch her grow strong and happy."

"Yeah.....I love you 'Shy. If you don't mind.....I'm really tired."

"Oh no.....You need to stay awake. You haven't even held our daughter yet. You can hear her cry right? It's because she wants you. Don't close your eyes."

The steady beep from the machine became constant and Fluttershy's world crashed down around her.

Broken Rainbows (Sad Ending)

Rain suddenly began pouring down in an unyielding torrent. The sky blackened and the wind was as a screaming banshee, echoing through Fluttershy's shattered heart. She gazed upon Rainbow's beautiful face, tousled hair draped gently over her eyes.

"Why do you look so peaceful Dashie? You left me.....you broke your promise. You were supposed to be the Element of Loyalty. You just abandon the ones who need you most. How could you?"
___________________________________________________

*Knock Knock Knock*

"Fluttershy! It's Twilight! It's been a month and you haven't come out of your house! You're lucky Pinkie and the Cakes offered to look after Morning Sky and Applejack has been coming by and feeding the animals!" Twilight doubted today would make any difference, but she felt it best to lower her voice anyway, "look, I know you miss her. Trust me when I say we all do. You aren't alone in this. You have friends and a beautiful little filly to help you get through this.....but Rainbow Dash is gone."

"Don't even say her name to me!" Twilight heard from the other side of the door, it was almost a snarl.

"Fine. She'd be ashamed of you Fluttershy." Twilight turned to walk away, tears streaming down her face, filled with her own shame at what she just said.
___________________________________________________

"I know she would. I know Twilight....."
____________________________________________________

"Pinkie, I tried talking to her but it didn't do any good. She has no idea how hard you're working and I don't think she even cares."

"Don't say that Twilight," Pinkie Pie said as she looked down at the sleeping alicorn baby. "Dashie made me promise to keep everypony happy.....its been kind of a rough start but I'm keeping this baby happy and that's enough for right now." Twilight saw the pink pony's eyes grow heavy and tears began streaming down her face.

"Pinkie.....everypony has been so concerned with the baby and with Fluttershy.....but you loved her too. Are you okay? Well, certainly not okay. Nopony is, but are you going to be?"

Pinkie raised a hoof and wiped away the straggling tears, "Yeah, I just miss her. I know we all do, but Fluttershy and I are the only ones who felt that way about her. As hard as it is for me, its got to be ten times harder for Fluttershy. I'm going to do everything I can for this little filly, but I hope her rightful mother comes to her senses soon."
___________________________________________________

"Why do I even wake up. Every day is the same thing. I just sit here, staring at nothing. I look at the side she slept on. It looks so empty. I remember when it used to be so warm.....never again. What's the point of even staying in this world if she's not here anymore?"

"Fluttershy? Wake up my little pony."

Her eyes slowly fluttered as she searched for the source of the voice. It was dark in her room even though the day outside was probably bright and full of joy for every other pony.

"Fluttershy, what has become of you?"

"Princess Luna? Why are you in my house?"

"I'm merely looking upon a shell of what once was. I wonder, would she have given up?"

"Shut-up!?" Fluttershy yelled at the princess of the night for the first time.

"It hurts to hear her spoken of, I know, but answer the question."

".....no. She would keep going no matter what."

"Then why do you dishoner her this way?"

"You have no idea what I'm going through! The reason for my life is gone!"

"You presume too much. Do not forget that I have been alive for longer than you can imagine. All those I cared for, everypony I ever loved, is long dead. I suppose I'm fortunate in that I did not have to watch them die, but if you were to talk with my sister, you would be ashamed of yourself. She watched them all grow old. She watched them all die. And I was gone, so she went through all of it by herself. You have other ponies who care for you and would gladly help you through this, some of whom are already doing so. And you have a daughter."

"You're right Luna.....I know you are, but it just hurts so much. I don't want to be lectured."

"I do not come to lecture. I come to show you the final thoughts of Rainbow Dash."

Fluttershy's eyes grew wide at this statement. "Wha.....what did you say?"

"She went peacefully Fluttershy. Almost like falling asleep. I saw into those final dreams. Just like I did with Princess Cadence. I showed her last dreams to Shining Armor, and now I want to show Rainbow Dash's to you."

Princess Luna walked over and closed her eyes as a glow began to form around her horn. She bent down and touched its tip to Fluttershy's forehead.
_____________________________________________________

"Morning Sky, wake up sleepy head."

"Hi Mommy," the beautiful alicorn filly said, rubbing the sleepys from her eyes.

"You better get ready or you're going to miss your playdate with Dusk."

"Oh no! Then I'll have to be the evil queen again. I want to be the good guy this time."

Morning Sky flipped out of bed and scrambled to get her things together and packed into her saddlebags. Fluttershy just smiled as the gazed at the little one's antics.

"Mommy? Will we have time to see Mom today?"

Fluttershy stopped as her eyes began stinging with tears as they often did with mention of Rainbow.

"Of course we will. There is always time for that."

"Can we stop by Carrot Top's first? I'd like to get her flowers?"

"Well hurry up silly filly. She's waiting for us."

The two were then seen walking down the road, the sun shone brighter than it ever had before while a beautiful rainbow colored the sky.
_____________________________________________________

Fluttershy opened her tear filled eyes to see the princess of the night smiling warmly down on her.

"Princess.....I have somewhere I need to go."

"I know my little pony."

"Would you like to join me?"

"Nothing would make me happier."
__________________________________________________________

Sugarcube Corner looked as it always had, colorful and full of joy. Fluttershy pushed open the front doors and was not surprised to see all of her loved ones gathered. Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Spike, and even the Cutie Mark Crusaders all stood with tear-filled eyes. No words were said, though many needed to be. Words of apology, words of encouragement, words of love, but something more important was needed right then. Fluttershy approached Pinkie Pie who gently kissed her on the cheek and then motioned her toward the den. Fluttershy looked back to her friends, and then to the princess, before walking into the den. There she was greeted by something more beautiful than she could ever have imagined.

"Mommy!"

Fluttershy wrapped the little ball of silver and blue in a heart healing embrace and looked down into those shimmering roslyn eyes.

"That's right Morning Sky.....I'm your mommy."

Author's Note

This is one of two endings I made for this story. This one is sad if you hadn't noticed yet. There is also a happy ending if you are curious and after that I will wrap up the Shining Armor/investigation arc. And that shall be the end-end of this story. Thank you all for sticking with it.

Betwixt: Finale

"Why have you woken me now? I just wanted to have a little fun and you sent you little pony rangers after me. Suffice it to say, there were quite a lot of bitter feelings."

"Listen to me baby brother. I did not wake you. One of the Elements is dead. That is what woke you."

".....I see. Despite our disputes, I did quite like that group.....wait, it wasn't-"

"No. Not her. It was Rainbow Dash."

"That is quite unfortunate. She had quite a bright future ahead of her."

"She still does. She passed in foalbirth but the baby is fine."

"Every cloud has a silver lining it would seem."

"Discord.....it was our Father."

Discord felt the rage and pain well up inside of him, stronger even than the day centuries ago when he was abandoned.

"Where is he.....where is that bastard?!"

"Luna watches over him.....his mind is gone brother. The only thing he exists for now is to save his children. You remember how he does that.....that is why Rainbow Dash is dead. He gave us a new baby sister."

"Why haven't you killed him yet Celestia?!"

"I'm not strong enough. I need your help."
______________________________________________________

"Bring me your mother Luna!" the bound alicorn screamed with all his might. The chains that held him, made from brimstone from the depths of Tartarus, groaned against his strength, "I want to see her right now!"

"Father.....it's as I have told you time and time again. She is dead."

"Why do you lie to me Luna!?"

"I do not lie Father. My mother, Celestia's mother, Discord's mother.....even Rainbow Dash.....all dead. Was it worth it Father? Were all the lives you took and the countless others you ruined really worth this outcome?"

The sliding bolt of the cell door was magically displaced and a group of ponies entered the cell.

"What has he said to you Luna?"

"Nothing coherent sister. Ramblings about days long past. It seems he is trapped there. Stuck in a place where time does not exist, yet every day that passes is an eternity unto itself."

"You've seen this before dearest Luna?" Discord asked, doing his best to restrain his seething anger.

"Yes," she shot a weary glance to her elder sister, "when I was in the moon."

"Enough," Celestia said, fighting back her own emotions. "Discord, end this. Let us all move on."
__________________________________________

"Hello Father. It's been a hot millenium since we last parted ways."

The two bloodshot eyes drifted a bit before focusing on what was in front of him.

"Abomination. Filth. You are a mistake."

"Mistake? No. More like victim. Just another of your victims. Not like the multitude of mares you've brutalized over the years. Not even like my sisters. I'm my own kind of abomination. One you created, but couldn't even stand the sight of. You abandoned them the day you abandoned me."

"Come at me! Seek your vengeance!"

"No.....this isn't vengeance," Discord said, a single tear falling, "this is mercy."

Discord's magic ignited flowing forth and enveloping the bound stallion.

Luna turned her head away and was about to shut her eyes when she heard a familiar voice at her side.

"No little sister. You must watch it. He deserves at least that much."

"Yes Celestia."
_______________________________________________

Shining Armor stood watching his little colt running and playing with all the others. He kept his smile most of the time for his son's sake, but in quiet moments he always thought of her.

"I hope I don't bother your son, and mistakenly rob him of his fun."

He looked up to see a beautiful black and white mare in front of him.

"You know you don't have to rhyme for me."

"Oh come now. I was just having a spot of fun."

"How have you been Zecora?"

"Well. But to be honest, I've been worried since your visit.....and of course I heard what happened. I can't tell you how so-"

"Please don't say it. It's done. I have my son to think about now."

"You're right. And the other thing?"

"The princesses should be dealing with it as we speak."

"So that's the magic I've been feeling in the air. You decided not to be there?"

"Its not my place. Besides, I had better things to do," he said shooting a glance at his son.

"Yes I can see that.....listen. I know I'm not her, but I am here for you."

"I know that Zecora.....thank you."

They both sat there, listening to the joy-filled voices of the children.

Author's Note

I have finally gotten around to concluding this side of the story. There will be a prequel at some point detailing how Shining Armor and Zecora met if you guys are interested. Thanks for waiting.

Rainbow Breaks

Her heartbeat was all she could hear as the cone formed around. She reached top speed as the visible light spectrum shattered, a brilliant explosion of all colors spread across the land below. She surpassed her limits as the rainbow trail followed closely behind her. The Sonic Rainboom. A creation of her very own, something nopony else was ever able to do, and likely never will. This would always be hers, even if.....

"Rainbow! That was amazing!" an innocent and undeniably cute voice brought Rainbow Dash away from her thoughts and back to the reality at hand.

"Aww, thanks Fluttershy." In the wake of the Rainboom, Rainbow Dash almost forgot that she'd invited Fluttershy to watch her practice today.

"Oh, no, you don't have to thank me Rainbow. It's the truth. You are awesome."

Rainbow Dash turned her head away hoping Fluttershy didn't notice the red slowly coloring her face. She tried but she couldn't help turning back to the beautiful canary colored mare standing before her. She was so gentle, not just to her animal charges, but to everypony and everything. It was no wonder her Element is kindness. She is the opposite of me. I'm crass and showy, she's demure and innocent. Why do I have to love her so much? Rainbow thought to her herself as she noticed a pair of turquoise eyes full of concern in front of her.

"Rainbow Dash, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked, "You just looked really sad for a moment there."

"Nah, I'm fine 'Shy. It's just....the Sonic Rainboom takes a lot out of me. Yeah that's it."

"Oh my. Maybe you should head back home and get some rest. I can help you practice again tomorrow."

"Sounds great."
_________________________

They had been walking for quite a while. Fluttershy had insisted they walk because Rainbow had been acting strangely after the Rainboom. It was Rainbow Dash who finally broke the silence.

"Hey 'Shy?"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever have second thoughts.....about us? I know it's pretty pathetic to still think about it after all these years, but I told you how I felt back in flight school, and we talked, and it hasn't come up since. We've only become closer since then, so I was just curious."

"Oh Rainbow.....I love you. I always will. You are my best friend in the world, but I just don't think of you that way. I'd like to, I mean, anypony would be lucky if you loved them. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't hate myself a little for it, but we're friends Rainbow. Best friends, but just friends." The words left Fluttershy's lips as concurrent tears began sliding down her cheeks.

Rainbow heard these words once before, back in flight school when she first confessed to Fluttershy. They hurt then, and hurt even more now, but she had honestly not expected any different.

"Don't cry Fluttershy. I'm sorry I brought it up again. I love being around you and I never want to lose you. You are my best friend too, and even though I want you to be more than that, I don't blame you. Just forget I said anything. I hate all this sappy stuff."

A weak smile formed on Fluttershy's face, doing well to mask the concern and pain she felt. Everything she said was sincere, but she couldn't help how she felt, and it killed her inside. But still Rainbow's smile lifted her spirit back to where it belonged.

"Let's get home. You're going to need to rest if you want to outshine yourself tomorrow."

"It's gonna be hard to reach an even greater level of awesomeness, but I'll make it happen!"
_____________________________

"Promise me you'll take it easy going home."

"Okay I promise."

"Pinkie Promise."

"Yeah yeah. Heart, fly, cupcake. All that." Rainbow waving her hoof in a semi-circle in front of her.

"I guess that's good enough," Fluttershy said as she took her friend in a comforting embrace.

" 'Shy, I'm fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay Rainbow. Be careful." With that, the yellow pegasus closed the door of her little cottage, leaving Rainbow Dash alone with her thoughts.

She began the long walk back to her house in the sky. She could have easily made it back much sooner if she'd taken flight, but she did just make a Pinkie Promise and honestly, she wanted this time to think.

Fluttershy doesn't love me the way I love her. I know I'll never be good enough for her, I know she's straight, I know she'll always be my best friend. What I don't know is why this has to hurt so much. Maybe its just not meant to be. Maybe all this waitng I've been doing has caused nothing but pain, to me and to Fluttershy. Maybe I should move on. Try to find another stallion or mare that can make me happy. I'll never stop loving Fluttershy, but maybe I can love somepony else too.
Rainbow Dash's inner conversation concluded as she rounded a corner and looked up to see her cloud home above her. She spread her wings for the first time since the Sonic Rainboom and prepared to take to the air-

-CRACK!-

The most sickening noise rang out all around her. Some sort of strong pressure on the back of her head persisted, and slowly, her world turned black.
____________________________

Rainbow awoke to a terrible throbbing and a sharp pain in the back of her head. She looked everywhere around her, trying to figure out where she was. It was no use, everything was black. She tried to call out but all that she heard was a muffled moan. She'd been knocked out, gagged, blindfolded, and -she struggled- her wings and forhooves had been tied behind her back. She was lying on her stomach on some smooth surface but she realized her rear hooves were touching the ground. She struggled again but found that her legs had been tied to something. She had been bent over and bound to a table. The panic began to set in as she started thrashing any way she could, the ropes cutting into her wrists and ankles more and more.

She suddenly felt something strong push on back, flattening her against the table. Another hoof began digging into her flank. Then she felt something rigid poke against her marehood, and the full gravity of what was going to happen hit her.
And then there was nothing but pain. Each motion sent razorblades through her body as something warm began running down her legs. Rainbow Dash had never screamed harder in her life. There was no sound, not even the muffled gags, but still she continued that inaudible scream. There was a sudden jolt and then searing heat spread throughout her. She did not think that this pain could get any worse but when that heat reached her ruined purity, everything went white.

The last thing she felt before the black came back engulfed her was a new warmth running down her legs.

Betwixt: Information

Shining Armor watched as Fluttershy took off down the hall. "The will in her eyes was resolute. If faced with this monster, i don't think she'd hesitate....."

"Oh Mr. Armor, you said you wanted to speak with me?" Nurse Redheart said, regaining his attention.

"Just Armor please ma'am. Can you tell me of Rainbow Dash's condition upon her arrival, every detail please."

"She'd been found just under her cloud home. Luckily, I'd run out to Sugarcube corner to pick up for myself and a couple of the nurses. They paged me and I informed Pinkie Pie. I rushed back here as quickly as I could.....She'd been raped. The brutality far exceeds the worst instances that occur in the bigger cities. The level of bruising and tearing indicate that there was absolutely no lubrication upon penetration and that the stallion in question quite endowed. The magic is doing its best to repair the damage, but its likely that any intercourse she may choose to engage in in the future will be excruciatingly painful," Nurse Redheart's empathy was apparent on her face. The reality of her patient's condition obviously weighed heavily on her.

"And her head wound?"

"It was clearly a hoof. Quite a bit of force was put behind it and Miss Dash lost consciousness immediately. One thing struck me as odd though. The cut on her head was definitely the indention of a hoof but at the apex there was a cresent shape in the pattern of the cut. Like a chunk was missing from the hoof."

"Thank you for the help. I'll be heading out now." Shining Armor shook the nurse pony's hoof and made his way for the exit. Outside, he reached into his saddlebag and withdrew a piece of parchment.

It's him. I've confirmed it.

A simple message, but it was all he needed to say. A puff of purple magic sent the letter up into the aether. It would reach its destination in a matter of moments.

Betwixt: Revelation

Shining Armor had followed the faintest trace of magical residue to a clearing outside Ponyville. It was quite well hidden on the edge of the Everfree. It was no wonder nopony'd found it. The area was almost never traveled and his training allowed him to sense even the smallest amount of magic. It had surprised him that he had not sensed any on Rainbow Dash, but the stallion was smart. The only reason he'd used magic at all this time is because of the size of Ponyville. In all the big cities there was no shortage of empty buildings he could use, but here he had to improvise.

"Right here," he thought as he happened upon the crux of the magical remnants.

His horn emitted a brilliant blue light as he harnessed the leftover magic to recreate the exact spell his quarry had used. Suddenly walls began to arise from the earth around him, enclosing him in a simple room with a single table. A crimson pool glinted from beneath the table. The illusion faded in mere moments.

"No mistake. I can find this bastard. I just need one more thing."
_____________________________

The Ponyville Hospital was eerily vancant as per usual as the guardian unicorn entered. He didn't bother the nurse pony operating the front desk as she seemed far too busy with her morning nap. He slipped noiselessly by and continued down the hall toward Rainbow Dash's room.

"No!"

Shining Armor stopped as he heard what was unmistakeably Fluttershy's voice.

"Looks like they're just now finding out. I have the worst timing....."

He heard a door close and hoofsteps begin coming his way. He stepped out and was met with the tear-filled eyes of Nurse Redheart. He could see the toll this case was taking on her. Ponyville's distinct lack of major illness or accident was obviously not working in her favor, being unprepared for something of this magnitude.

"Oh.....Mr. Armor?! You startled me. I'm sorry but Miss Dash has just received some heavy news. I'm afraid I can't let you-"

"That's quite alright Nurse Redheart. I don't need to see her now. She's pregnant, isn't she?" he asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

The nurse pony's eyes widened at the question. "But.....how did you know that?"

"The less you know Nurse Redheart.....I don't think I have to tell you that both princesses Luna and Celestia have given me absolute authority in regards to this investigation."

"Of course not. I know you will find the monster who did this."

"I will.....but there is one thing I need from you. I need his DNA."

Angel Wings (Happy Ending)

Fluttershy looked down on her love's lifeless body.The baby in her hoofs grew ever more restless. But no matter how hard Morning Sky cried, her mother was gone.

"How could you do this to me? All those promises.....all that love. And you just gave up? You? Rainbow Dash, best flier in all of Equestria? The Element of Loyalty? The reason for my existence.....Oh Dashie....."

The door burst open revealing four other ponies, all with horror stricken faces.

"Fluttershy.....is she....."

"Pinkie....."

Fluttershy couldn't fight it anymore. She collapsed into the pink pony's hoofs and allowed her cries to join little Morning Sky's. She felt six other legs wrap around her, but the new warmth did nothing to stave off the ice that now slowly filled her body.

-------/\/-------

".....Was that.....?"

Everypony's eyes turned to the monitor.

"Come on....."

Silence. More silence. Fluttershy's heart shattered again as she gazed upon her beloved Rainbow Dash. That beautifully messy mane laying gently over her eyes. Those unconquerable roslyn eyes that would never open again. Fluttershy leaned in and pressed her lips to Rainbow's. Tears fell from the golden mare's eyes and ran down the cyan cheek below her. Then.....something appeared.

"It looks like.....is that her Element?"

Her Element appeared just as suddenly.

"What's happening?" She heard Twilight Sparkle say, her big crown thingy now adorning her head.

Fluttershy shut her eyes as a blinding light filled the room. A powerful magic came through her, far greater than the power she felt against both Nightmare Moon and Discord. She did not know what was happening or why. The light faded into a gentle glow and Fluttershy looked down at her beautuful Morning Sky and noticed the same glow from the baby alicorn's horn. Her cries had stopped and now she only looked at Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy looked back at her friends, Elements aglow, and then back to her true love.

"I love you Dashie."

-----/\/-----/\/-----/\/-----

She saw them again. Breathtaking rose colored eyes fluttered open.

"Dashie.....?"

"Hey 'Shy. I love you too."

Fluttershy shot forward, careful of the baby in her hoof, collapsed into her beloved's chest, tears flowing more freely than ever before. Her embrace was quickly followed by four other ponies, all in a torrent of tears and absolute joy.
_______________________________________

Everypony had calmed down and decided it would be best to leave the new family alone for a while. The baby was sleeping contently in Rainbow Dash's forelegs.

" 'Shy, she really is amazing. I can't believe I made something so beautiful."

"Dashie.....I thought you were gone....."

"I promised you, didn't I? Besides, I was gone there for a second.....but I came back for you.....and for her."

"How did you know?"

"You wouldn't believe it if I told you.....Morning Sky told me. She told me it would be okay. I never doubted it for a second."

"It was a miracle Dashie."

"Tonight has been full of miracles. Your love. And this little miracle sleeping on me right now."

"Dashie? Can I ask if you saw anything?"

"I did. I saw your face. I saw that beautiful face you made when you first saw Morning Sky. That absolutely blinding light coming off you. That's what I saw."

"That was from the Elements."

"You're wrong 'Shy. That light wasn't from something anypony can see. It can only be felt. It was your heart. The Elements, Celestia's sun, nothing shines more brightly."

"You're only one-third right Dashie. You and Sky are glowing too."
______________________________

"Morning Sky! You're going to be late for school!" Morning Sky heard Fluttershy yell throughout the cottage.

"Wow, 'Shy. I still can't believe how loud you can get when Sky's being a lazy pony," Rainbow Dash added teasingly.

"We don't need your two bits Mom!" Morning Sky yelled back as she grumpily rolled out of bed and rushed herself to get ready. It was quite a walk after all, and if she wanted to meet up with Dusk Shine in time.

As she descended the stairs, she looked into the kitchen just in time to see a pair of cerulean lips collide with two goldenrod ones.

"Ew! Mom! Mommy! That's gross!"

"Its not gross at all Sky. Some day you're going to be kissing somepony of your own," Fluttershy, A.K.A. Mommy, rescinded.

"And I bet you're gonna be just as good at it as your Mom. Right 'Shy?" Rainbow Dash said with a wink.

"Alright alright. I better get going. Dusk is probably waiting for me.....I love you two."

"We love you too Sky. You be sure and have a good day at school. Tell Dusk that he and Armor need to come by sometime."

"Will do Mommy. See ya!"
____________________________________

Rainbow Dash watched as her daughter faded into the distance. She was now just a tiny silver sparkle on the horizon. She glanced over at the beautiful mare next to her, wiping a few straggling tears away as she watched their little girl.

"Oh 'Shy.....do you have to do this every morning?" she thought with a smile as looked back toward their daughter. "Thank you Morning Sky. Not just for giving me the greatest daughter ever, but you also gave me my Fluttershy. Thank you.....my little miracle."

Author's Note

This is one of two endings I made for this story. This one is happy if you hadn't noticed yet. There is also a sad ending if you are curious and after that I will wrap up the Shining Armor/investigation arc. And that shall be the end-end of this story. Thank you all for sticking with it.