Angel Wings, Broken Rainbows

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.
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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.
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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.