The Hero's Children

Chapters

Prologue
Lightning Dash
Luna
Twisted Rainbow
Luna
Lightning Dash
Twisted Rainbow
Author's note
Twisted Rainbow

Prologue

Prologue

Five Years Earlier

Princess Celestia stood in the city’s main square, sporting a black eye. The ponies that were milling about saw their Princess and slowly gathered around her. Princess Luna appeared next to her sister, tears streaming down her face. This surprised everypony. Luna had always come off as the more stoic of the two princesses. What could make Luna cry that only had Celestia looking sad? When most of Canterlot was gathered around the two Princesses, Celestia spoke to the crowd at large.

“Attention everypony, I have some good news. The battle against the Changelings and Zebras, The Great Pandemonium as it will be written in the history books, is over. We are victorious.” The crowd erupts with cheers. “But,” Celestia’s voice cuts though the noise like a knife. “Like in all war, ponies were killed. Five in particular. My own faithful student, Twilight Sparkle was slain, as was the owner of Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie.” At these two names, wails of despair go up from the crowd. “Three of the deaths, however, have driven my sister near mad with grief. Her three Moon Guards are no more. Gambit, Shining Silver, and Thunder Twist are lost to us.” Celestia herself has started crying at this point. “Gambit fought bravely but was overwhelmed by the number of enemies. Thunder Twist and Shining Silver both made it to Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings. From witnesses, I have it that the battle was intense. Shining Silver was struck down by a beam from the Queen’s horn. It took her in the stomach. Upon seeing this, Thunder Twist’s grief was so immense that he created a ring of fire, incinerating every Changeling and Zebra on the spot. Thunder Twist then grabbed his dying wife and flew back here as fast as he could, but he was too late. Shining Silver died as he was almost here. Upon hearing that my sister and I could not save her, he took her back to their home where he succumbed to his grief and took off his breathing mask. Princess Luna found them there not an hour ago. I wish to decree this day be known from now on as Saints’ Day. For that is what these five ponies were to everypony in Equestria, saints. I wish there was something more I could do. I am very sorry, everypony.” She flies away to the castle, her sister right behind.

Rarity had been listening with joy until the Princess mentioned the deaths of her friends Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle. After that, grief showed on her every feature. Still nothing could compare to hearing about the deaths of her daughter and son-in-law. It was akin to a physical blow. The two foals next to her could not understand what was happening. They didn’t to right now. She would raise them. When the time was right, she would tell them about their parents. Now, however, she had to inform Fancy Pants of their daughter’s passing.

Fancy Pants’ line of work involved travelling, so the two of them set up a spell that could send letters back and forth. Somewhat like what Spike could do between Twilight and Princess Celestia.

Rarity stopped and shook her head. Even the thought of her friend made her want to cry. She arrived at her house, let the two foals in, and went over to her desk to grab parchment, ink and a quill. She found them and set to work.

Dear Fancy Pants,

I am so very sorry to have to inform you that our daughter was killed in the battle against the Changelings and Zebras. Her husband, Thunder Twist is also dead. They won the battle for Equestria, so we should be proud of them, but I want my daughter back. I’ll never see her again. Please, come home. You are needed here for now.

With love, your wife,

Rarity

She folded up the piece of paper and sent it to Fancy Pants via their spell. She went to the living room, where the foals were busy playing. She lay down on the couch and finally let the tears pour out. She was crying for twenty minutes before her horn activates, signaling the arrival of her husband’s letter.

Dear beloved wife,

I am heading back to Canterlot immediately. I will be there tomorrow. I love and miss you.

Yours forever,

Fancy Pants

Fancy Pants arrived the next day. He went up to his wife and gave her a huge hug as they cried over their lost daughter.

The funeral for all five was held in the Canterlot Garden the next day. Celestia spoke on behalf of Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle.

“Pinkie Pie was one of the most fun ponies you could have ever met. She was always making ponies smile, no matter where she went.” She paused to wipe a tear from her eye. “Pinkie Pie, you will always hold a special place in our hearts.” She turned the paper over, shook her head and threw it away. “Twilight Sparkle. What can I say about that pony to do her justice? Twilight was the most talented Unicorn in Equestria. She was the best student anypony could ask for. But, more importantly, she was a wonderful friend. She was a born leader, but she didn’t lord over other ponies. She always made sure she fit in with everypony. She loved everypony. For all those traits, I loved her. She will be sorely missed.” Princess Celestia broke down and cried then, and nopony thought less of her for it. She walked off the podium to make room for her sister.

“Everypony,” Princess Luna began, “I am here to tell you about the three most important ponies in my life. Gambit, Shining Silver, and Thunder Twist. Gambit first. He was the unsung hero of my guard. Gambit lived every day like it was his last. He always laughed. I guess you could say he was another version of Pinkie Pie. He was a great friend. I miss him so much. Shining Silver was the glue that kept my guard together. She was the voice of reason that kept her husband and captain in check. She was a great mother, and I wish she was still here with us. Thunder Twist. Oh, what a stallion. He overcame much difficulty early in his life. When he came back to Canterlot five years ago, he was scared of everypony, and rightfully so. He hadn’t spoken to anypony other than his grandmother in seven years. He was the one who saved me from Discord. He was the hero in The Great Pandemonium. However, he told me the happiest day of his life was the day he married Shining Silver. He was a loving husband and father. He will be missed by all the ponies who knew him.” Princess Luna started crying then. “That is why I am commissioning a statue of him and Shining Silver to be built in the main square of the city. So that everypony may remember the love of two amazing ponies.”

Lightning Dash

The cyan colt flies away from the ceremony with tears in his eyes. He had to get out of there. He could not deal with this right now.

The last few days, Lightning Dash had been an emotional wreck, what with learning who his real parents were and then expected to continue life as usual. He had kept to the skies as much as possible, not wanting anypony to see his misery, but, when forced into social occasions, he put on a proverbial mask to hide his pain.

He is lying on a cloud when something cast a shadow across his body. He looks up to see a Gryphon hovering just above him.

“Are you Lightning Dash?” the stranger asks.

“I am. Who are you?”

“My name is Swift Beak. I am an emissary from the Gryphon Kingdom. Our king, Talonwing, has asked me to bring a Pegasus to him. He wishes to learn more about ponies. I thought that none would be better than the grandson of the legendary Rainbow Dash. I have already spoken to both of your Princesses, and they have kindly agreed.”

“Uh, OK,” Lightning Dash looks skeptical. “Let me just go tell my sister.”

“NO,” Swift beak laughs. “I mean, we don’t have time. We are supposed to arrive at the castle before nightfall. We need to leave now.”

“OK,” he looks down at Canterlot, then back up to Swift Beak. “Lead the way.”

The pair flies west for about seven hours before the Gryphon city of High Heart appears. They land in front of the castle, and the doors open to admit them.

Sitting on the two thrones on the dais are the king, Talonwing and his queen. Swift Beak and Lightning Dash walk up to the pair, stopping right before the first step leading up to the thrones.

“Sire,” Swift Beak says, “I have brought you the pony you wished for.”

“Ah, yes,” the king replies in a deep voice, smooth like warm honey over bread. “Lightning Dash.”

Lightning Dash bows low. “Your Majesty.”

“Rise, young Pegasus. I am King Talonwing, and this is my lovely queen, Gilda.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Lightning Dash.” Gilda speaks with an arrogant tone to her voice, a tone used to getting what it wants.

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace.”

“You look a lot like your grandmother, except for the mane of course.”

“I never knew her Your Grace.”

“Please, call me Gilda.” She pauses before she continues. “I knew her… once. She betrayed my friendship for that of her new friends. But, still, I always held a soft spot in my heart for that cyan filly. I was sorry to hear of her passing.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, er, Gilda. But, may I ask, why am I here?”

Talonwing speaks up. “You are here to be my ward. I have been in discussions with you princess, Celestia, and we have both agreed that it is best for there to be a pony who is well versed in both Gryphon and pony culture. You will be treated as one of my own for the next ten years as we teach you in our history and mannerisms and train you in the arts of combat and flying.”

Lightning Dash bows again. “I am honored, Your Majesty.”

“I am glad you approve.” He gives Lightning Dash a warm smile. “Swift Beak will show you to your chambers where a meal will be brought up to you shortly. You may leave us.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Lightning follows Swift Beak out of the throne room.

After the two are gone, Gilda looks over to her husband. “Do you really this will work, love?”

“I do, Gilda. That pony is the key to our survival.”

“But won’t Celestia send out a search party for him? Won’t we be discovered?

“No, my sweet. She might send out a search party, but there is nothing that can tie his disappearance to us. In ten years time, young Lightning Dash will have utter loyalty for us, and, with his help, we will topple the rule of ponies in Equestria.

Luna

Luna paces back and forth in her chambers, face contorted with worry. A week had passed since Lightning Dash’s disappearance, and there was no trace of him. She had seen him fly off during the ceremony, and, according to many, nopony had seen him after that.

“Why must I fail at everything,” she asked herself, eyes brimming with tears. “I promised to myself and to his shade that I would look over his children. I felt that that was the one gift I could give him, and now I’ve failed at that.” She broke into full on sobs. “Just like I failed to get my subjects to love me, Twilight had to help me. Just like I couldn’t escape Discord, Thunder Twist and his friends had to help me. Damn me, why can’t I ever look after myself or those I care about.”

She is interrupted by a knock on her door. “Sister,” her sister’s sweet voice calls through the door, “it’s me. May I come in?”

Luna dries off her tears, “You may enter, Celestia.”

“Oh, so formal,” I white alicorn says as she opens the door. Upon seeing her sisters face she rushes over and gives her a hug. “Oh, sweet sister, I am so sorry. I know how hard this must be on you. I’m always here for you little sister.”

Luna leans on her sister’s shoulder and lets all her tears pour forth. “Why couldn’t I protect him, sister? Am I not one of the rulers of Equestria, one of the most powerful ponies in the history of our nation, second to only you and Thunder.”

“Sister,” Celestia says soothingly, patting her sister on the pack, “not even I can watch over all the ponies of Equestria at once. I’m sure he will turn up.”

A knock comes at the door, “Princess Luna, we have found Lightning Dash or, rather, what’s left of him.”

The two sisters look at each other in complete shock. Luna opens the door and practically yells at the guard, “Take me to him, now.”

The two Princesses follow the Pegasus guard to the edge of the Everfree Forest, where a huge red stain is spread over the grass. In the middle of the stain lies a dead cyan Pegasus with a blue mane. He has been disemboweled as if eaten on, and his eyes have been plucked as if by birds.

Luna looks down at the body with numb eyes. She spent the whole flight over steeling herself against what might be waiting for her. Still, she wasn’t prepared to see one of her best friend’s children eaten up like a piece of raw meat.

She looks over to the guard who led her here. “How long ago did you find him?” her voice sounds oddly calm to her own ears, especially since every essence of her being want to scream out in anguish.

“Right before I came and got you, Princess.”

“Do you have an idea of how long he’s been dead?”

“By my guess, I’d have to say five days.”

“So, assumingly he flew here to get away for a bit, found a Manticore, and they produced what we see here, except for the eyes, probably the work of crows.”

“Yes, my Princess.”

“I’ll take it from here, sir.”

“As you wish, Princess.” He flies off, back toward Canterlot.

The Princess of the Night looks down upon her broken subject. She looks up to her sister, “Leave me please, sister. I wish to be alone.”

Celestia, who had been quite up to this point, nods. “I’ll be in my chambers if you have need of me, little sister.” She, too, flies back to Canterlot.

Luna again looks at the decimated body of Lightning Dash. “I’m sorry, Thunder Twist. I have failed you as I have in so many other endeavors. Can you ever forgive me?”

She gets no reply other than the wind through the trees of the Everfree. She sighs deeply, picks up the body with her magic, and flies back to Canterlot, tears streaming down her face.

Twisted Rainbow

Twisted Rainbow looks at the corpse with dead eyes. At first, she was shocked when Princess Luna told her that her brother was found dead. Then, she cried on Luna’s shoulder. Lastly, after another look at the dead Pegasus, she noticed something.

“That isn’t my brother,” the pink Pegasus says emotionlessly.

Luna looks at her, startled. “What do you mean, young one?”

“He doesn’t have the scar.”

“What scar?”

“When we were younger, Dashie and I were playing around in the living room, and he bumped into the coffee table. It left a gash on his right foreleg. There has been a scar there ever since. The scar isn’t there. This isn’t my brother.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, my Princess, I am.”

Princess Luna smiles at the child. “Well, if you say so. We will continue the search. I do feel bad about this colt’s parents. I guess I should find out where he’s from. Until next time, little one.” Luna gives Rainbow a hug and flies off.

Rainbow turns around to see Granny Rarity standing there, watching her. Rarity walk over and wraps her foreleg around Rainbow’s shoulders. “How are you holding up, dearie?”

Rainbow buries her face into Rarity’s neck, crying. “I miss him Granny. He was the one I always went to when sad. He kissed my booboos to make them feel better. I want him back. I want him back now.”

“I know, darling. I want him back, too.” Rarity pauses, thinking of what to say next. “You know, your father left you something before he died. He told me it right before the battle. Would you like to hear it?” Twisted Rainbow nods.

Rarity activates her magic. Out of her horn comes an image of a crimson Pegasus with and orange mane. His face is covered with a mask and tinted goggles. He speaks with a deep, slightly raspy voice.

“To my children,” the voice of Thunder Twist fills the room. “If you are hearing this, I am dead. I know that Rarity will take great care of you as she did me. I am truly sorry that I do not get to see the two of you grow up. Please, forgive me for leaving you, but I am the captain of Princess Luna’s guard, and I must fulfill my duties. I love both of you to death, and it will be you I think of as I fight. Y’all are my strength. I am sorry that it wasn’t enough. I love you both so much, and I want you to see my face.” Thunder Twist slowly removes his mask and goggles to reveal a very handsome face. The thing that stands out the most, however, are the eyes, they are yellow. He puts the mask back on first, then the goggles. He resumes speaking. “I love you two. May peace forever be with you. Your loving daddy, Thunder Twist.”

The image disappears, and the room suddenly seems dark. Rainbow’s eyes are brimming with tears as she looks upon the spot where her father was standing just moments before. She looks to Rarity. “I think I’m going to bed.” She heads up to her bedroom and lies down on the bed, crying herself to sleep.

She dreams she is flying next to a crimson stallion, her father. He doesn’t have his mask or goggles on. After all, who needs to breathe in the afterlife? He turns to her and speaks. “My dear Rainbow, I am so sorry. I wish I could be with you physically, but I can only communicate with you through your mind. I have something very important to tell you.”

“What is it, Daddy?”

“Lightning Dash did not run away. He was kidnapped by the Gryphons. They plan to corrupt him and turn him against Equestria. Only you can stop him when that happens. I hope he is not too far gone. The Gryphons will deny any such action, and any investigation could lead to war. It’s going to come anyway, but war now would be catastrophic for both sides. Still, take this information to Luna. I love you my daughter. I will keep in touch.” He leans over and gives his daughter a kiss on the forehead.

Twisted Rainbow wakes up, still feeling the warmth of the kiss on her forehead, and knowing that the dream was more than just a dream.

Luna

The Princess of the night is sitting on her bed, reading a book when a tap came at her balcony window. She walks over, and her jaw drops at the unexpected visitor.

“Twisted Rainbow,” she says as she opens the window. “You do realize that that it is three in the morning right?”

“I’m sorry, Princess,” the young Pegasus filly is out of breath, “but this important. I have news about Lightning Dash.”

Luna perks up at this news. “Come inside, child. Tell me about it. From whence did you receive this information?”

Rainbow bows her head, realizing, now, how silly it would sound. “A dream,” she says to the floor.

Luna sits back on her bed. “I see. And what happened in this… er… dream?”

Rainbow relates the entire dream to the princess. After the telling, Luna sits on her bed, staring into nothingness. “I see,” the Luna says thoughtfully. “Thank you, Twisted Rainbow. I will tell my sister about your concerns. You may go back to bed.”

Luna watches Rainbow take off through the open window then heads to the door of her room. She walks down the hall to Celestia’s chambers and knocks on the door.

“Who is it?” she hears her sister call through the door.

“Sister, it is I. I have some very disturbing news.”

Celestia opens the door, mane still perfect, even though it is obvious she just woke up. “What is it, sister?”

“May I come in? it is of a somewhat delicate matter that I don’t want reaching the wrong ears.”

“Of course.” Celestia opens the door wider, allowing her younger sister to enter. After both Alicorns are in the room, she closes the door. “Now, what is it you wished to speak of?”

“Lightning Dash. He has been taken by the Gryphons. They plan on using him against Equestria in ten years.”

“I see,” Celestia looks thoughtful. “And we can’t attack or even accuse them of taking him because both could be considered acts of war. Well, it definitely would be if we attacked. However, I fear that in ten years, Lightning Dash may be just as powerful as his father was. We really only have one choice in this.”

“What is it, dear sister? Luna looks at her expectantly, already knowing the answer.

“You will train Twisted Rainbow, Luna. You will teach her the art of arial combat. You will also teach her to obtain speeds that rival that of Thunder Twist. You have ten years to do so. I expect you to start tomorrow.”

“Of course, Celestia.”

Luna walks out of her sister’s chambers, feeling heavy at heart. Her sister had never been the same since Twilight Sparkle had passed. She rarely smiled nowadays. It was tragic really. Then, to have this thrown at Equestria five years later. It was getting rough. In all their reign as rulers of Equestria, they had never had to face enemies of this caliber back to back like this. Luna hoped that the Thunder Twist in Rainbow’s dream was right in stating that Lightning Dash could be stopped by his sister. If not, then Equestria was in danger of falling to the Gryphons, a feat that had not been attepted in the last two thousand years. But why now? Did the Gryphons believe that Equestria was weak after the battle with the Changeling and Zebras? No, that couldn’t be it. If that were true, why wait ten years? They must have been looking for the element that could tip the battle in their favor. In fact, they may have found that element in Lightning Dash. Only time would tell.

These thoughts plague Luna’s mind as she gets back in bed. When the time comes for her sister to take over for the day, she cannot sleep. She will call on Twisted Rainbow that evening. It will take some time for Rainbow to get used to her new sleeping schedule. They have ten years.

I just hope that it's enough

Lightning Dash

He is woken by a knock at his door. Lightning Dash gets up and stretches as he makes his way to the door. He opens it to see Swift Beak standing there.

“Good morning, Lightning Dash. It’s time for you to finally start combat training.”

“Really? That’s awesome. Do I at least have time to get cleaned up?”

“Of course. I’ll be waiting in the entrance hall.”

“K, see ya in a bit.”

Lightning Dash has been living with the Gryphons for a year now, learning their history and their culture. He has also learned some facts that the Equestria history books conveniently left out. Like, the Gryphon uprising two thousand years ago that ended with a crushing defeat at the hands of the ponies. This by itself was OK, seeing as the Gryphons started the war, but what happened afterwards was unforgivable. When the ponies won, they forced the Gryphons into a desolate land on the edge of the map with barely enough resources to survive. The Gryphons had since been able to adapt and had a thriving society, but the pony race has been treating the Gryphons as an inferior race ever since. Lightning Dash was starting to hate Equestria.

Lightning Dash finishes taking his shower, then heads down to meet Swift Beak.

“So,” he says as he trots over to his best friend, “who’s gonna be training me?”

“I am.” He laughs at Lightning Dash’s expression. “C’mon, Dash, you didn’t actually think I was just an emissary, did you? Nope, I am the number one soldier in the entire Gryphon Kingdom. You should be honored to be trained by me.”

“I am,” Dash sputters out. “I’m just surprised, is all.”

“Don’t worry, our friendship won’t make me go easy on you. I am to train you to be better than me, and how can I do that if I go easy on you.”

“Fair enough. Let’s get started.”

The two walk out to the training yard where other Gryphons are busy whacking dummies or each other.

“First things first, we need to find you a suitable weapon.”

“No need for that, Swift Beak. I already have one.” He holds out his hoof.

Swift Beak laughs. “Sorry, Dash, but a hoof won’t be that effective against somebody with a blade.”

“Hold on, I found out about this a month ago and I want to try it out.” His face contorts with concentration as lighting starts coming out of his hoof. After a minute he has it to the length of a normal sword. He hovers two feet off the ground so he doesn’t have to stand on three hooves. He looks to Swift Beak. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“Awesome. You know, your father could do something like that, only with fire.”

At the mention of his father, Dash’s eyes went hard. “Don’t ever talk to me about that pony. He abandoned my sister and me, and he doesn’t even deserve to be called my father.”

Swift Beak is taken aback by this sudden outburst. “Uh, very well. Icks-kne on the ather-fe. Well, let’s see how sharp that lightning is.” He points over to a dummy shaped like a pony. “Go over to that dummy, and see what damage you can do.”

“K.” Dash flies over to the dummy, looks at it, pictures Thunder Twist, and swings the lightning down onto its neck, severing it completely.

Swift Beak claps his claws together. “Oh, the King is going to love this.”

Lightning Dash looks to his flank just as a sword surrounded by angry blue lightning appears there.

I've been sitting on this idea for a while, but i finally had it somewhat fleshed out enough to write so here it is. i apologize for short chapters guys, it just that im writing for multiple pov's and shit gets whack

Twisted Rainbow

Hey yall this chapter has a character from the story The Assassin's Love by Sean1471. he is a human. sorry if this disappoints some of you but he was begging me and since Thunder Twist is in his story i thought i'd add Kane in. also its convenient for me. Alert: some spoilers for that story. hope yall enjoy
Twisted Rainbow

She had been hard at it for five hours now. Her wings were aching, and her eyes were dry. Princess Luna flew up, effortlessly, beside her, eyes glowing in the moon light.

“Rainbow?” the Princess of the Night queries worriedly.

“Mmm,” her mouth is too dry to speak.

“There is someone I need you to meet. He has worked closely with me in the past, and he was friends with your father. I do warn you, however, he is the only of his species in Equestria, so please do not be alarmed by his appearance. Please, follow me.” She takes off. Rainbow follows.

It has been a year since Dashie was taken by the Gryphons. Rainbow has been training with Luna ever since the Princess had come to call on her that night after the dream. It had mainly been flying training, but there had been some studies of Equestrian history interspersed in there.

The two fly down to the edge of the Everfree Forrest. Luna stops.

“Kane, are you there?”

“Of course, Princess,” comes a deep voice from the shadows. “As I always am.” A tall figure walks out of the trees. It stands on two legs, its right foreleg dangling at its side, its left resting on a sheathed sword. At the end of each foreleg were five appendages that the creature was able to use to grip the sword. What is most ominous about the creature, however, is the pair of black, demonic-looking wings furled against his back. He gets on one knee. “What is it you need, Princess? Sapphire, here, is ready to leap into my hand at your service.”

“That will not be necessary, Kane. Not at this moment, anyway.” Luna gestures toward Twisted Rainbow. “This is Twisted Rainbow. She is the daughter of Thunder Twist. She is here to be taught armed combat. Seeing as you were almost on par with Thunder Twist in this respect, I felt it best that you teach her.”

At the sound of Thunder Twist’s name, Kane’s eyes become glassed over with a mixture of anger and sadness, as if remembering a time long past that could never happen again. He quickly regained his composure, however, and latched on to the last part of Princess Luna’s monologue. “Ah, come on, Princess. I was just as good as he was,” he whined.

“Of course you were, Kane,” the Princess says in an uncharacteristically playful tone.” That is why, out of the ten times that you two sparred, you bested him only three times. Admit it, he was too fast for you. You would have never beaten him if I hadn’t given you those wings.” Her tone becomes serious once more. “Now, will you agree to train Twisted Rainbow, here?”

Rainbow, who has been watching the two talk about things that happened before she was born, jumps at her name. She looks up to this strange being who is supposed to train her. He looks down at her.

“Of course,” he says with a slight smile. “How could I refuse the daughter of one of my best friends?”

“Splendid. The sun will rise in three hours. I will be back for her then. She will train with you every night until she is a master.”

“Very well, Luna.” Kane bows low as Princess Luna departs for Canterlot Castle.

Rainbow looks up at her new mentor. “Uh, I don’t mean to sound rude, but what exactly are you?”

Kane smiles down at her. “I, dear Twisted Rainbow, am of a species called humans. I am also your new trainer. So, let’s get started.”

Author's note

Hey guys, Distorted here. this story is officially going on hiatus mainly because i know where to take it but i dont know how to take it there. i am, however, still working on my little yugi. love yall

Twisted Rainbow

Twisted Rainbow
Present Day

An eight year old Pegasus filly flies over the city of Canterlot. Her name is Twisted Rainbow. She has a pink coat with a royal blue mane that blows in the wind. Her eyes search the skies for her brother, but she can’t find him. He had been acting strange ever since Granny Rarity had told them about their parents. When they had gone to see the statue, his eyes had seemed distant and angry.

“Hey, Rainbow!” a voice calls out from behind her, breaking her out of her reverie.

Her brother, Lightning Dash, is flying up behind her. He has a way of only being seen when he wants to be. He looks almost regal with his cyan coat and navy mane flowing behind him.

“Hey, Dashie,” Rainbow says happily. “What have you been doing?”

The smile drops from his face, “I’ve just been thinking about Mom and Dad. I mean, I understand our mother’s death, but our father’s was unnecessary. He made it back to Canterlot alive. He could have lived with us, but instead he chose death.”

“I’m sure it was hard for him, Dashie. I’m sad, too. I wish we had had a mother and father, but Granny Rarity and Grampa Fancy Pants have done a good job raising us, haven’t they?”

“They have, but I wonder what it would have been like to have a father and a mother. But, anyway, “he smiles at her, “the ceremony is about to start. We’d better get down to the square.”

The pair speeds down to Statue Square, as it has come to be called. In the middle stands the statue of Thunder Twist and Shining Silver. Though the face is not visible, the sculptor was able to portray anguish in the lines of Thunder Twist’s body as he held the dead and broken Shining Silver. The statue’s name was “Anguish Amidst Victory.”

Twisted Rainbow and Lightning Dash land at the edge of the crowd gathered around the statue just in time as Princess Celestia begins to speak, Luna at her side.

“My little ponies,” the Princess of the Sun begins, “today, as for the past five years, is a day of bittersweet memories. Five years ago today, we were victorious in the Great Pandemonium. However, that victory came at a steep cost. Five great ponies were lost that day. Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Gambit, Shining Silver, and Thunder Twist. The statue behind me depicts Shining Silver and Thunder Twist after the battle. Their love was like no other I’ve ever seen. Please, everypony remember these ponies as heroes, as saints even, for they saved Equestria from complete destruction.”

Everypony stomps her hooves. Rainbow looks over to her brother to see that he is missing.

sorry this is a short chapter. i believe it left a good cliff hanger and will create a nice path into the next chapter