Replicaby CountDerpyChaptersDear Fluttershy,Love, Rainbow DashReunion: The Walk of the Dead (Part 1 of 6)Reunion: Voices of the Distant Star (Part 2 of 6)Reunion: Parting and Familiar Feelings (Part 3 of 6)Dear Fluttershy,Dear Fluttershy, The war is over! I'll be coming home before the weeks end. I hope you are doing fine and are staying happy. I know it's been a while since my last letter and I'm not one for sappy stuff, but i really do love you. I heard our little filly is learning to fly and when you see her, tell her I'm so proud of her. It's been 30 years since i left Ponyville, can you believe it's been that long. Things must have really changed since then and with the war at it's peek over the last 6 years I haven't heard much of anything from anyone, especially you. I hope that everyone is doing well and is safe. Oh, i do have one favor for you. Derpy died the last year, shot down by the guns the Gryphons they changed into had. I heard she was buried in Ponyville next to her daughter. If you would, i would like you to hang her dog tag on her tombstone. I found them among the rubble the other day and they need to be put in their rightful place. Tell everyone I love them and say a prayer for Derpy and her family. I love you. See you soon! Yours truly, Rainbow Dash. I sat my pen down wiping the tears from my eyes. Tears falling both from sadness and joy. 30 years ago today, the changelings attack Canterlot and killed Princess Luna. Celestia retreated to the Everfree Forest and her army began to form. Ponies from all across Equestria took up arms against Chrysalis and her troops. 30 years of non-stop travel and fighting has taken it's toll. Not just on Equestria, but on every pony involved. Goddamn. I can't believe it's over I sat up and opened the panel on the bottom of my hoof, slipping a small vial of red liquid into it. I know your wondering what happened to me, and only a few other's know. About 20 years ago, i was stuck near Fort Everfree when it was bombed. I lost three of my hooves, my wings, right eye and half my brain was damaged in the blast. I don't know how long I spent crawling from the base to the nearest checkpoint, nor did i know how I survived so much damage. The last thing I remember was passing out at the Princess's feet, then waking up in the hospital months later. I learned that they tried an experimental procedure on me, replacing the body parts I lost with mechanical ones. My wings, hooves, eye, brain and heart are all machines. I still have all my memories and personality, but it's still not the same. I've been so ashamed I haven't even told my dear sweet Fluttershy. Heh, look at me being all lovey dovey. That's what war does to you i guess. "Colonel. It's time to pack up." My second lieutenant stood outside my tent, his voice as solid and strange as any other war stallions was. "Thank you Lieutenant." I said with a smile. "I heard your heading through Ponyville on your way home tonight." I closed the letter with the dog tags inside."Can you deliver this letter for me." "Of course." He looked at me with a smile that made me laugh every time I saw it."I can't believe it's been so long since we left." "Yeah, you got a family?" "Yep, two fillies and a colt on the way." "Mazel Tov." I said pouring a couple of shot glasses of the hardest liquor i could find passing him one. He raised it up. " A toast, to life. We're just lucky to be living it." We clashed glasses. "For Equestria!" He screamed as he tossed it back, not even giving it time to burn his throat. "For Equestria." I said with a smug smile throwing the shot glass and swigging from the bottle. "Woo, this is the shit." I claimed knocking half the bottle back in less than a minute. Outside the sound of buses starting up made him turn and stare. "I guess that's my ride." He laughed giving me a hug and one last salute. "I'll see you around, Colonel." "See you around, Lieutenant. Dismissed." I gave him a salute back as he walked out the tents door, my letter in one hoof, his suitcase in the other. Heh that rat bastard, always goofing around. I polished off the bottle and collapsed onto my cot, one of the many fun things about war. I pulled my wallet from under my pillow and stared at a picture of me and Derpy from a week before she died, and one of my Fluttershy and our filly. I wonder what Fluttershy named her. Knowing her it could be anything I burst out laughing settling back down under the covers watching the flame of the lamp dying down. I guess i'll know when i get home. I lifted the cover of the lamp and blew the flames out. Love, Rainbow DashFluttershy paced around her door waiting for Sweetie Belle to drop of the kids. Oh I hope she didn't cause to much trouble for Sweetie Belle, with Rarity being sick and all She looked at a picture of her purple maned unicorn friend. Rarity was once so lively and strong, but now she was bed ridden and weak from her brain tumor. It was so horrible what was happening, especially with Sweetie Belle having to juggle taking care of her sister and running the boutique. She jumped a bit when the doorbell rang. Oh that must be them. She raced to open the door and was surprised to see an army stallion standing at her door. " Are you Fluttershy?" He asked, his voice kind and harmless while being powerful and deep. "Y-yes, how may I... umm...help you? He handed out a small envelope with her name on it. "My Colonel sends her regards." He gave a small salute before walking back into town. She opened the envelope and two dog tags fell out. The name on them sent a small saddened chill through her body. Derpy Hooves..... She pulled out the letter within and sat for almost an hour reading and re-reading the letter. I can't believe it, after so long she's finally coming home! I have to get the word out. She raced off towards Ponyville Library, almost breaking down the door to get in. "Twilight!" The yellow pegasus knocked frantically against the old wooden door. The door opened up and a purple unicorn steeped out side. "Good morning, Fluttershy. What's going on?" Twilight asked her obviously anxious friend. "Rainbow Dash is going to be coming home this week!" "Oh my god, really!?" "Yes really! See for yourself." She thrust the letter into her friends hooves and watched her face light up with glee. "Wow this is great Fluttershy! Oh wait until Rarity and Pinkie Pie hear about it." Twilight made a point of not bringing up Applejack, who died trying to protect Princess Luna 30 years ago. Maybe this is the thing that could lighten up Rarity's day. "Yeah lets go grab Pinkie and head over to Rarity and Sweetie Belle's place." "Ok." They trotted over to Sugarcube Corner and caught Pinkie chasing her twins around outside. Pinkie adopted them when she found out that she wouldn't survive having a baby of her own. Also her husband left her a few years back, leaving her to raise the kids by herself. "Pinkie Pie!" Twilight called out to her friend. The pink pony looked up, her mane all matted and eyes baggy from the lack of sleep "Oh hey Twilight...Fluttershy....what's up?" "Come with us to Rarity's place, we have some big news for you guys." "Ok." She looked at her twins. "You two go play, but don't get into any trouble you hear me." "Yes mommy!" Both screamed out as they bolted off into town. "Hehe, they certainly have your energy Pinkie." All three laughed as they walked towards Carousel Boutique, reminiscing on old times and remembering friends that have moved on from this town or passed on in the war. They all had lost things to the war that none of them could ever get back.Twilight lost Spike and her parents during the attack on Canterlot, along with Applejack, Big Macintosh and Princess Luna. Pinkie lost the Cakes during a bombing on Ponyville. Fluttershy lost Rainbow Dash, but was lucky to be getting her back. Rarity on the other hand was another story. She didn't lose anyone close to her besides the ones lost in the Canterlot Attack, but began losing her battle with a brain tumor that developed a few years ago. The best doctors in Equestria even said she was going to be lucky if she made it through the rest of this year. No matter what no one brought up the ever increasing chance of Rarity passing away, even though it was always on everyone's mind when they were near her. Sweetie Belle had it almost as bad as Rarity. She was in a coma for a few years after she collapsed at a concert from an aneurysm. She retired from her career early because she wanted to take care of Rarity and help her run the shop. Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy shuffled into the parlor and headed upstairs. The shop was closed for the day and Sweetie Belle was out babysitting for some of the towns folk. They walked up and stood in front of Rarity's bedroom door. No one has seen her in almost 6 months, her having been traveling across Equestria to many hospitals and most wanted her to remain their in hospice, but she decided that if she was going to die it was going to be at her home in Ponyville surrounded by her friends. Twilight knocked on the door gently, just in case she was sleeping within. "C-come in..." Rarity weakly said, her voice so soft and faint it was like trying to listen to a butterfly sing a song in an opera. "Hey Rarity, how ya feeling?" Pinkie said as they walked into the room and to her bedside. Rarity looked like a ghost of her former self. Her mane had long since fallen out from the chemotherapy and her coat which once was whiter than winter snow was now dirty and matted. "Pinkie? Twilight!? Fluttershy? How nice of you to come by and visit." She smiled as she pressed the button on the side of her bed lifting her into a seated position. The eerie drone of her heart monitor beeped away in the background."What brings you by on this lovely day." Everyone loved how she was able to keep her elegance no matter how sick she was. Fluttershy handed Rarity the letter and looked between her and Pinkie."Rainbow Dash is coming home!" Pinkie gasped as her energy seemed to come rushing back to her. "No way, she's finally coming home! Woohoo! It's been so long and we have so much to catch up on! Oh my gosh, I need to go get a party ready!" And with those words, she was gone. Once she got partying on the brain, there was no stopping her. "Wow, it has been way to long." Rarity sighed as she looked out the window. "How is she going to take the changes that the last 30 years have brought to this little town." She began to carefully step down from her bed and into her wheelchair. "Be careful Rarity." Twilight said as she helped her friend into her chair and pushed her to the window." And i don't know how she is going to take it. For some it's easier than others. But one thing is for sure, Rainbow is going to be just as happy as we are when she steps off that bus." Reunion: The Walk of the Dead (Part 1 of 6)"You ready, Rainbow Dash?".................BANG.THUD. "No!!!" I bolted awake in my cot, sweat dripping down my face. "God dammit, not that dream again." I sighed as I got up and stretched my wings, snapping any loose connections and bolts into place before setting out on my normal morning routine. Or at least, what had been my normal routine for the last 30 years -Uniform....check -Ranks......check -Dog tags.....check And finally the icing on the cake. I procured the small silver box from my bag, removing one of the red vials from within, being careful not to knock any of Fluttershy's letters out of it. Oh, I don't think i explained what these red vial are for, so listen closely. My mechanical parts aren't light and aren't really efficient when it comes to speed and overall aerial effectiveness. My normal pegasus magic isn't enough to support the weight and to compensate for what they reduce in speed, so the princess made me these vials to help run things smoother. Think of it as an extra boost of pegasus magic. I slid the vial into the slot on my hoof and felt the familiar pain as the magic in the vial flowed into me. "God this is going to be a long day." I looked over and noticed something I must have previously overlooked, for sitting on the small rolling case i called a wardrobe laid a small piece of paper. "Huh, when the hell did that get there." I trotted over to the case and looked at the paper....... Colonel, Your departure date was pushed up to today, your bus leaves at 1100 hours sharp.No need to thank me for it, just think of it as your gift. See you whenever the shows start back up! Happy Birthday, 1st Lt. Spitfire "Hehe, Spitfire you glorious bitch." I laughed just before realization hit me.... it was already 10:45. "Fuck, nice timing to Spits." I hurriedly threw my things together before rushing out from my now vacant tent. The bus was already being loaded with some other soldiers and others were loading the cargo. I dropped my stuff with the loading crew just as someone smashed into me headlong. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry Colonel." A young, blue and grey unicorn stood in front of me in the most tensed up salute i have ever seen. The look on his face was as stern as the toughest of Generals and yet as soft as the newest of recruits. I laughed and stood, brushing the dirt off my black and silver uniform. "At ease man." I think he was more surprised to hear me laugh then yell at him. "It's all good, I used to do the same to my 1st Lt. just to piss her off." "It worked ever time, but I always got her back in the end." Spitfire practically sang the words before doing a back flip off of one of the machine guns and landing between it and me. "Oh yeah you did, remember when you loaded my gun with bubble soap." "Hehe yeah, that was classic. I also remember how pissed you got." She pointed her hoof at the scar above her right eye. "It still hurts you know." "Come on, Spits, that was nearly 8 years ago. And in my defense you did cause the gun to blow up in my face." "Yeah, i guess i did." I smiled, for the first time in ages it felt like. I walked over to her and gave her a big hug. "Imma miss you Spits. You know when the Wonderbolts' shows start up again." "In about a month, if I'm correct. I also," She grinned, "believe that our first show is going to be at Ponyville, and also there are some lifetime tickets for a friend and some of her friends." "Awesome!" The bus honked. 11 o'clock already. "Well, I guess I'll see you around. Drop by and see me and Flutters when you get the chance ok, the kids been looking forward to meeting her Auntie Spitfire." That was another thing about war, simple things such as learning your child's name were tough. Many letters sent, many received, many lost. "Hehe, you know I'll stop by, now get out of here." I nodded and bolted to the bus, getting just inside the doors before it started to roll away. We traveled for 6 hours from Los Pegasus to Stalliongrad and finally towards Ponyville. It looked like I was the only one getting of at Ponyville so that would be good, no major welcome back party, unless Pinkie had one stored away. "Hey, driver." The driver looked back at me then back to the road. "Yes Col. Dash?" "Can you drop me at the Ponyville Cemetery, I have some business to take care of there before I even show my face in town." "I can." "Thank you." I spent the rest of the trip contemplating how ever pony would react to me being back home. I worried about how Fluttershy had been over the last 30 years. Thanks to Twilight's magic (and permission from Celestia) was able to take my DNA and artificially inseminate her, but that was an image i really didn't want to see, even though I know Twilight was very professional about it. At least she had our filly to keep her company over the last 4 years. Overall, the thing I worried about most was how Ponyville had changed since I last saw it. I remember that Scootaloo was made the weather manager 10 years ago, but other than that I have no idea what has happened to the town. "Here we are, Ponyville Cemetery." The bus stopped in front of the iron gates of the cemetery, the light pitter-patter of rain falling on the windshield. "Thank You." I walked to the front and handed him a small bag of 50 bits. "Your welcome Colonel." I gathered my things from the cargo area and watched the bus roll away before turning to the cemetery and walking in. The many gravestones saddened me, all the dead laying in their eternal slumber beneath the ground. There weren't this many dead before the war, I didn't think it would affect Ponyville this badly I walked further along the path until i reached a small group of headstones at the top of the hill. The lettering on the backs read "Apple". It didn't take a genius to guess that I really couldn't hold back my tears as i knelled down in front of Applejack and Big Mac's graves. "Hey, Applejack. Big Mac. I thought i should let you guys know that I'm back in town. The last 30 years have been hard, but it's been even harder without you guys here." I kissed the headstone and traced the Equestrian Cross on it with my hoof. "Réquiem ætérnam dona eis Dómine; et lux perpétua lúceat eis. Requiéscant in pace. Amen." I walked over and did the same with the Cake's, Spike's and Luna's tomb. I eventually reached Derpy and Dinky's mausoleum. They had almost gotten one as big as Luna did, but that was because I requested it for them. The day Derpy died, Dinky fell ill with the consumption that was going around town, she died a little over 6 hours latter. The iron gate that blocked the entrance had been unlocked, so i stepped inside. The back wall held there tombstones. I walked up to Derpy's and was saddened but relieved to see the dog tag hanging from the corner of the stone etching. "How are you Derpy?" I looked over at the above ground coffin, the flag of the Celestial / Lunar United Republic laying across the top of it. "I've missed you. I'm sorry that you had to die, I wished I would have taken the bullet for you. You didn't have to go to war but i made you." Tears began streaming down my face and falling in time with the rain outside. "At least....at least you have Dinky to keep you company in the afterlife. I'm so sorry Derpy." I sat for what seemed like an hour crying over her tomb. Throughout the war, only her, Spitfire, and Daz were my friends. Daz was found to be a traitor and executed by the military and Spitfire was gone most of the time, so Derpy kept me company. I stood up wiping the tears off my cheeks and traced the cross on both her's and Dinky's coffins before muttering an old Latin prayer that the preacher said at my parents funeral. "Dómine Iesu Christe, Rex glóriæ, líbera ánimas ómnium fidélium defunctórum de pœnis inférni et de profúndo lacu; líbera eas de ore leónis, ne absórbeat eas tártarus, ne cadant in obscúrum; sed signifier sanctus Míchaël repræséntet eas in lucem sanctam, quam olim Abrahæ promisísti et sémini eius. " "O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit; deliver them out of the lion’s mouth, lest hell should swallow them up, lest they fall into the outer darkness; but let Thy standard-bearer, Saint Michael, bring them back into Thy holy light, which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed." I turned around and saw Twilight standing outside the mausoleum under her umbrella. Her own tears fell, but I could tell they were more from happiness than pain or sadness. I nodded before walking over to her and hugging her tight. "It's good to see you, Twi." "It's good to see you to, Rainbow Dash. I had a feeling I would find you up here, once i saw the bus leaving town from this place, I knew it had to be you." She smiled a little bit returning my hug. "Everyone's waiting to see you. You going to come down to Sugar Cube Corner?" "Actually, I think I have some business at home to take care of." "I understand. Fluttershy will be happy to see you again, and i know Storm Dancer will be wanting to meet her mother." "Storm Dancer, so that's her name." "Yep." "I love it." "Fluttershy knew you would. Now you might want to get on home, Stormy will be getting home from school soon and you might want to be there waiting for them." "Hehe your right. I'll see you around Twilight. I'll come by later and then we ca-" I fell over with a heavy metallic thunk against the ground. Dammit, I used up way to much energy "Uhh... Rainbow Dash. What is up with your wing!?" She was staring at me with a curiously horrified look. I looked at it and the color drained from my face.... The flesh-like covering had ripped revealing the metal feathers beneath it. I stared back up at Twilight. "I can explain." Reunion: Voices of the Distant Star (Part 2 of 6)So I told her everything. What happened at Fort Everfree, the bomb, and what they placed into me. She, for the most part sat back and listened, no expression crossing her face. Well maybe one.... Fear "So, that's what happened. Now everyday I have to give myself a vial of this artificial magic just to be able to walk around or fly." I looked at her, a few tears streaming down. That was one good thing about these parts of me, they were water resistant so I can swim, bathe...even cry with no ill effects on them. Her constant blank expression faded into a small smile as she wiped a tear from my cheek. "Well, I'm just glad your ok Rainbow Dash. The last thing any of us want or that Fluttershy needs is another tomb on this hill." "Yeah... Hell, Twi, I don't even know how I am going to break it to her or anyone else. I don't even want to think about how she will react to me being...god what's the word I'm looking for...." "A cyborg?" "Yeah that." "Rainbow, we both know Fluttershy. She may be a little afraid of it at first, but she loves you and since your the same pegasus she fell in love with, she will accept it." "You really think so, Twilight?" "I know so. Come on, I'll walk you over to her cottage ok." "Thanks. So how have you been holding up Twi? I mean with everything that has happened during and before the war." "I'm still not completely over what we saw that night." "I don't think anyone will be able to forget something like that." How could we...it was the whole reason all this shit had happened to Equestria. Canterlot Royal Ballroom Nightmare Night 1st Annual Nightmare Night Gala 30 Years Ago "Yo Dash!" Spitfire called out from across the room, wearing a very creepy Slender Mane costume. It would be borderline scary if her flaming hair wasn't showing through her mask. "Yo Spits. Who you supposed to be, bank robber?" "Haha, very funny. And what, pray tell, are you supposed to be." I stood there in my handmade (by Rarity of course) Tim Colton's The End of Light Lilith costume. I thought it looked pretty bad ass. My hair had temporarily been dyed a silver and cyan dual tone, my coat dyed a light grey. The costume was amazing, in my personal opinion. A blood red dress, black and ruby tiara with a 'heart' impaled on the top. Even my contacts were completely blood red, but I could see as clear as day. "Duh, Lilith!" "Oh yeah! Well it looks good on you, except your cutie mark kind of sticks out like a sore thumb." "Hehe, I know." Spitfire laughed before running off with the other Wonderbolts to get ready to preform, which was going to be interesting especially because I have been watching Soarin' pound down almost 2 kegs of Sweet Apple Acres Hard Cider. "R-rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy whispered from behind me. She was wearing a zombie bride dress and covered in a fine white powder. It was creepy....and very attractive at the same time. "D-do we really have to...umm...be out...t-tonight." She whimpered as she hid behind my flank. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. It will be fun, trust me." I smiled before turning around and planting a soft kiss on her lips. She kissed back and sighed a little bit. I loved the ways she does that. "O-ok... if you.. um.. say so." She gave a small smile and nuzzled up against me. I didn't care if any of the 'Manehattan Elite' stared. We had been married for a year and a half now so frankly, who the hell cared anymore what me and her did. Hell one time we even....actually that's a story for another time. "Hehe, come on. The others are waiting for us outside." I grabbed her hoof tight and practically dragged her outside to the edge of the labyrinth. I pushed our way through the crowd of about a hundred ponies all hanging around Vinyl and Octavia's little rock opera set up. I have been listening to The Vinyl Scratch for a while now, so from what they had been saying this was going to be an awesome show. "There you two are! Finally!" Pinkie Pie shouted from the stage dressed in her bloodstained rainbow dress. I still have no idea what she was thinking wearing that....nor what the fuck she was supposed to be. I never questioned it though, if you question Pinkie Pie and her ways you end up loosing your mind or pining away searching for the answer. "Hehe sorry, Pinkie." I called out to her "The others are waiting over at the table!" "M'kay!" I dragged Fluttershy along, she had frozen stiff a while ago from the large crowd and the loud music. Twilight, Applejack, Big Macintosh, Spike, Rarity and Derpy were sitting at the table right in front of the labyrinths entrance. Twilight was once again wearing her Star Swirl the Bearded costume, Applejack and Big Mac going as a scarecrow and a crow (poor Big Mac), Spike dressed as a large ruby, Rarity in her Angelia costume (the polar opposite of mine), and Derpy.....wearing muffin bags. "Now the party don't start til I walk in!" I sang as we walked up to the table and planted my flank right in between Rarity and Big Mac. "Don't y'all let Pinkie hear you now. She'll be all over you like stink on a skunk, eh Mac?" Applejack said pounding down three glasses of hard cider. "Eeyup." "Hehe, I know. I have my right to have a little fun now and again don't I?" "Of course you do, Rainbow." Twilight cooed "You also have the right of getting to see Pinkie's back room again." She shot me an evil grin. "Don't even remind me." Just remembering what went on in there still haunted me, even though it happened 4 years ago. The static from the large amps on the stage got louder as the music started to kick into full swing. "Yo! What up every pony! Your here jammin' with K-COLT at the first annual Nightmare Night Gala! This is your 'often imitated but never duplicated' hostess, DJ-P0n3 and it's time for.... "THE VINYL SCRATCH!" the crowd yelled, even the ponies listening from the balconies of the ballroom. "That's right! With me this evening, I have my always lively ,no matter how much she hates it, and very beautiful assistant Octavia!" The crowd cheered as Octavia walked on stage. "Hello, every pony." She said in her half-hearted I-really-don't-want-to-fucking-be-here tone. "Whoa Octy, calm down!" The crowd burst out laughing at her sarcasm as Octavia silently sighed, taking her place next to the wild and crazy unicorn. "Also with me this Nightmare Night, we have the most amazing party pony in all of Equestria. Put your hooves together for Pinkie Pie, a.k.a. THe ParTeH QuEEn!" The crowd roared in another big burst of cheers and laughter as Pinkie shot herself out of her Party Cannon (TM) over the crowd, hitting the trampoline she had set up on one of the castle walls, and landed a perfectly upside down hanging from her Portable Disco Ball (patent pending). "Now see, Octy. Why can't you be more like that? Heck, it took me almost a year to talk you into getting that electric...uhh....whatever you play again." "It's an electric cello! Why can you never get that through your skull. Or is it thoughs thick glasses of yours?" "HEY! Don't dis the glasses. Now without any further interuptions.....LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!" No sooner had Vinyl laid her hoof on the power button of her set up did the power shut off throughout the castle and screams came from the ballroom as flashes of green light shot out of the windows and through the walls. Everyone watching the scene from the garden knew what this meant. The green lights, the overall cold and heartless felling as if everything good in their lives had been drained from them and the sound of a easily recognized laugh arising from the ballroom. The changelings had ambushed Canterlot........ Reunion: Parting and Familiar Feelings (Part 3 of 6)"You ok, Twilight?" I asked taking hold of her hoof. Tears streamed down the lavender unicorns face as she pulled the purple scale from her saddle bag. "Yeah, I-I'll be fine." She polished the scale and placed it in my hands."Here, I want you to have this." "No, Twilight I can't accept this." "No, I want you to have it. It...it just brings back to many sad memories. Take it, please." She looked up at me, a small smile crossing her lips. "Ok." I gave her a hug and stepped back and slid the scale on my chain to where it hung between my dog tags. We walked for a while and talked. We talked about the things I've missed and what went on amongst those who were sent to the front lines. This is just the toll takes on the world. All we end up with is broken hearts, homes and minds. The walk over to Fluttershy's house seemed a lot longer than normal, or it just seemed that way from excitement. My mind was a buzz of activity. Even the feeling of just getting to see my dear sweet Fluttershy again was driving me mad. Damnit there I go getting all sappy again. We eventually reached the cottage which had changed drastically since I left. The building was in harsh disrepair, ever inch of the wood covered with black soot or beginning to rot away. There was a huge whole in the side of it, from where (as Twilight told me) a changeling crashed down into the house. It was dead, thank Faust, but it still gave Fluttershy quite the scare. We stopped outside the door to the cottage, my mind was frozen in anticipation and fear. "Hey Twilight...thanks for taking such good care of them while I was gone." She smiled. "No problem Dashie, it's what friends do. Now I better head on back, Pinkie is throwing a welcome home party...even if you are the only one coming back home." Twilight ran off before I could ask why. I didn't know I was the only one coming home to Ponyville. There must have been a mistake and the other buses just haven't run yet. I turned my attention back to the brown 2-part door. Well...here goes nothing... I thought as i knocked my hoof against the door. I waited for a few moments before the door creaked open and I saw her. She almost hadn't changed a bit since I last saw her. Her eyes were the same blue color they had always been, her coat was just a slight bit paler, and her mane and tail grew like wildfire, both now dragging several inches onto the ground. She didn't even look at me at first, her head facing down towards the ground. "H-hello...can I help you?" I reached into my bags and grabbed the letter she sent to me years ago. "I believe some beautiful mare sent me this." I slid the letter down in front of her eyes. She looked over the name and quickly looked up. "R-rainbow....is it really you!?" "The one and only!" She pushed open the door as hard as she could, quickly passing through the opening and latched onto me. Her tears feel in torrents as i caressed her cheek. "You really are home." "Of course I am, Shy! I never would have sent that letter if I didn't know for sure that I would be coming back." I nuzzled her then pulled her head away from my body. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to do this." I pulled her closer to me and gave her the longest kiss we have ever had. Everything right then told me that everything was going to be alright from now on. Everything from the gentle touch of her hooves on my back to the soft warm feeling of her lips. It was perfect. She pulled away after several minutes and smiled more than I bet she had in several years. "Rainbow...would you like to see our daughter?" I could feel me mouth curving up into the biggest smile it ever had. "Of course I want to see her!" Shy giggled. "Come on in...and welcome home." She turned around walked in to the living room and I followed close behind her. The house looked a lot different on the inside. The wall were brightly painted and everything was clean. Birdhouses and cages filled with small creatures lined the walls and ceilings. Even her bunny Angel, who was not looking very well in his old age, was curled up in a small bed at the end of the couch. The back wall had an area that was covered in crayon drawings and watercolor paintings I assumed to be done by our child. There were many pictures, all ranging from well drawn rabbits and turtles to one that looked like me. It brought a tear of joy to my eyes. "Rainbow, are you ready to see her?" I sat down on the couch and leaned back. " Ready as I will ever be." "Ok" Shy started down the stairs, taking each step very slowly. I could hear a tiny voice with her, and it kind of sounded like me when I was a filly. "Mommy, what is the surprise?" The voice said. "You'll find out in a second Stormy." They finally reached the end of the stairway and I saw her. She was pretty short for a filly her age, her wings dwarfing her body easily. Her mane was electric blue with several areas of slate grey mixed into it, her coat was just as cyan as mine. Her eyes are what struck me the most however. They were dark grey instead of white, and her irises were the same electric blue color as her mane. The only thing I saw that was off about her was a small stick that was tapped to her front left hoof. Fluttershy looked at me and smiled. "Rainbow Dash, this is our daughter Storm Dancer. Stormy...this is your other mommy." Stormy walked closer to Rainbow, tapping her stick along the ground as she walked. It didn't take me long to realize what was up with her. She navigated the room easily and made her way over to me as quick as she could. Her wings began to flap as she floated up into my hooves and looked straight into my eyes. She took her front right hoof and gently pressed it to my face, moving it along every inch of it from muzzle to eye. She ran her hoof through my mane just a tiny bit and smiled. "Rainbow.....just like mommy described." She giggled and wrapped her hooves around me the best she could. "Mommy!" I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. I pulled her close and held her gently, my tears falling in torrents down onto her and the couch. She was perfect and I was happy. I nuzzled her softly and ran my hoof through her mane. "Yes Stormy, I am your new mommy." I said happily. Fluttershy came over and sat beside me, laying her head gently on my shoulders. I could tell how happy she was just from the touch of her skin against mine, and I had to return the feeling. It was nice being back.
Dear Fluttershy,Dear Fluttershy, The war is over! I'll be coming home before the weeks end. I hope you are doing fine and are staying happy. I know it's been a while since my last letter and I'm not one for sappy stuff, but i really do love you. I heard our little filly is learning to fly and when you see her, tell her I'm so proud of her. It's been 30 years since i left Ponyville, can you believe it's been that long. Things must have really changed since then and with the war at it's peek over the last 6 years I haven't heard much of anything from anyone, especially you. I hope that everyone is doing well and is safe. Oh, i do have one favor for you. Derpy died the last year, shot down by the guns the Gryphons they changed into had. I heard she was buried in Ponyville next to her daughter. If you would, i would like you to hang her dog tag on her tombstone. I found them among the rubble the other day and they need to be put in their rightful place. Tell everyone I love them and say a prayer for Derpy and her family. I love you. See you soon! Yours truly, Rainbow Dash. I sat my pen down wiping the tears from my eyes. Tears falling both from sadness and joy. 30 years ago today, the changelings attack Canterlot and killed Princess Luna. Celestia retreated to the Everfree Forest and her army began to form. Ponies from all across Equestria took up arms against Chrysalis and her troops. 30 years of non-stop travel and fighting has taken it's toll. Not just on Equestria, but on every pony involved. Goddamn. I can't believe it's over I sat up and opened the panel on the bottom of my hoof, slipping a small vial of red liquid into it. I know your wondering what happened to me, and only a few other's know. About 20 years ago, i was stuck near Fort Everfree when it was bombed. I lost three of my hooves, my wings, right eye and half my brain was damaged in the blast. I don't know how long I spent crawling from the base to the nearest checkpoint, nor did i know how I survived so much damage. The last thing I remember was passing out at the Princess's feet, then waking up in the hospital months later. I learned that they tried an experimental procedure on me, replacing the body parts I lost with mechanical ones. My wings, hooves, eye, brain and heart are all machines. I still have all my memories and personality, but it's still not the same. I've been so ashamed I haven't even told my dear sweet Fluttershy. Heh, look at me being all lovey dovey. That's what war does to you i guess. "Colonel. It's time to pack up." My second lieutenant stood outside my tent, his voice as solid and strange as any other war stallions was. "Thank you Lieutenant." I said with a smile. "I heard your heading through Ponyville on your way home tonight." I closed the letter with the dog tags inside."Can you deliver this letter for me." "Of course." He looked at me with a smile that made me laugh every time I saw it."I can't believe it's been so long since we left." "Yeah, you got a family?" "Yep, two fillies and a colt on the way." "Mazel Tov." I said pouring a couple of shot glasses of the hardest liquor i could find passing him one. He raised it up. " A toast, to life. We're just lucky to be living it." We clashed glasses. "For Equestria!" He screamed as he tossed it back, not even giving it time to burn his throat. "For Equestria." I said with a smug smile throwing the shot glass and swigging from the bottle. "Woo, this is the shit." I claimed knocking half the bottle back in less than a minute. Outside the sound of buses starting up made him turn and stare. "I guess that's my ride." He laughed giving me a hug and one last salute. "I'll see you around, Colonel." "See you around, Lieutenant. Dismissed." I gave him a salute back as he walked out the tents door, my letter in one hoof, his suitcase in the other. Heh that rat bastard, always goofing around. I polished off the bottle and collapsed onto my cot, one of the many fun things about war. I pulled my wallet from under my pillow and stared at a picture of me and Derpy from a week before she died, and one of my Fluttershy and our filly. I wonder what Fluttershy named her. Knowing her it could be anything I burst out laughing settling back down under the covers watching the flame of the lamp dying down. I guess i'll know when i get home. I lifted the cover of the lamp and blew the flames out.
Love, Rainbow DashFluttershy paced around her door waiting for Sweetie Belle to drop of the kids. Oh I hope she didn't cause to much trouble for Sweetie Belle, with Rarity being sick and all She looked at a picture of her purple maned unicorn friend. Rarity was once so lively and strong, but now she was bed ridden and weak from her brain tumor. It was so horrible what was happening, especially with Sweetie Belle having to juggle taking care of her sister and running the boutique. She jumped a bit when the doorbell rang. Oh that must be them. She raced to open the door and was surprised to see an army stallion standing at her door. " Are you Fluttershy?" He asked, his voice kind and harmless while being powerful and deep. "Y-yes, how may I... umm...help you? He handed out a small envelope with her name on it. "My Colonel sends her regards." He gave a small salute before walking back into town. She opened the envelope and two dog tags fell out. The name on them sent a small saddened chill through her body. Derpy Hooves..... She pulled out the letter within and sat for almost an hour reading and re-reading the letter. I can't believe it, after so long she's finally coming home! I have to get the word out. She raced off towards Ponyville Library, almost breaking down the door to get in. "Twilight!" The yellow pegasus knocked frantically against the old wooden door. The door opened up and a purple unicorn steeped out side. "Good morning, Fluttershy. What's going on?" Twilight asked her obviously anxious friend. "Rainbow Dash is going to be coming home this week!" "Oh my god, really!?" "Yes really! See for yourself." She thrust the letter into her friends hooves and watched her face light up with glee. "Wow this is great Fluttershy! Oh wait until Rarity and Pinkie Pie hear about it." Twilight made a point of not bringing up Applejack, who died trying to protect Princess Luna 30 years ago. Maybe this is the thing that could lighten up Rarity's day. "Yeah lets go grab Pinkie and head over to Rarity and Sweetie Belle's place." "Ok." They trotted over to Sugarcube Corner and caught Pinkie chasing her twins around outside. Pinkie adopted them when she found out that she wouldn't survive having a baby of her own. Also her husband left her a few years back, leaving her to raise the kids by herself. "Pinkie Pie!" Twilight called out to her friend. The pink pony looked up, her mane all matted and eyes baggy from the lack of sleep "Oh hey Twilight...Fluttershy....what's up?" "Come with us to Rarity's place, we have some big news for you guys." "Ok." She looked at her twins. "You two go play, but don't get into any trouble you hear me." "Yes mommy!" Both screamed out as they bolted off into town. "Hehe, they certainly have your energy Pinkie." All three laughed as they walked towards Carousel Boutique, reminiscing on old times and remembering friends that have moved on from this town or passed on in the war. They all had lost things to the war that none of them could ever get back.Twilight lost Spike and her parents during the attack on Canterlot, along with Applejack, Big Macintosh and Princess Luna. Pinkie lost the Cakes during a bombing on Ponyville. Fluttershy lost Rainbow Dash, but was lucky to be getting her back. Rarity on the other hand was another story. She didn't lose anyone close to her besides the ones lost in the Canterlot Attack, but began losing her battle with a brain tumor that developed a few years ago. The best doctors in Equestria even said she was going to be lucky if she made it through the rest of this year. No matter what no one brought up the ever increasing chance of Rarity passing away, even though it was always on everyone's mind when they were near her. Sweetie Belle had it almost as bad as Rarity. She was in a coma for a few years after she collapsed at a concert from an aneurysm. She retired from her career early because she wanted to take care of Rarity and help her run the shop. Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy shuffled into the parlor and headed upstairs. The shop was closed for the day and Sweetie Belle was out babysitting for some of the towns folk. They walked up and stood in front of Rarity's bedroom door. No one has seen her in almost 6 months, her having been traveling across Equestria to many hospitals and most wanted her to remain their in hospice, but she decided that if she was going to die it was going to be at her home in Ponyville surrounded by her friends. Twilight knocked on the door gently, just in case she was sleeping within. "C-come in..." Rarity weakly said, her voice so soft and faint it was like trying to listen to a butterfly sing a song in an opera. "Hey Rarity, how ya feeling?" Pinkie said as they walked into the room and to her bedside. Rarity looked like a ghost of her former self. Her mane had long since fallen out from the chemotherapy and her coat which once was whiter than winter snow was now dirty and matted. "Pinkie? Twilight!? Fluttershy? How nice of you to come by and visit." She smiled as she pressed the button on the side of her bed lifting her into a seated position. The eerie drone of her heart monitor beeped away in the background."What brings you by on this lovely day." Everyone loved how she was able to keep her elegance no matter how sick she was. Fluttershy handed Rarity the letter and looked between her and Pinkie."Rainbow Dash is coming home!" Pinkie gasped as her energy seemed to come rushing back to her. "No way, she's finally coming home! Woohoo! It's been so long and we have so much to catch up on! Oh my gosh, I need to go get a party ready!" And with those words, she was gone. Once she got partying on the brain, there was no stopping her. "Wow, it has been way to long." Rarity sighed as she looked out the window. "How is she going to take the changes that the last 30 years have brought to this little town." She began to carefully step down from her bed and into her wheelchair. "Be careful Rarity." Twilight said as she helped her friend into her chair and pushed her to the window." And i don't know how she is going to take it. For some it's easier than others. But one thing is for sure, Rainbow is going to be just as happy as we are when she steps off that bus."
Reunion: The Walk of the Dead (Part 1 of 6)"You ready, Rainbow Dash?".................BANG.THUD. "No!!!" I bolted awake in my cot, sweat dripping down my face. "God dammit, not that dream again." I sighed as I got up and stretched my wings, snapping any loose connections and bolts into place before setting out on my normal morning routine. Or at least, what had been my normal routine for the last 30 years -Uniform....check -Ranks......check -Dog tags.....check And finally the icing on the cake. I procured the small silver box from my bag, removing one of the red vials from within, being careful not to knock any of Fluttershy's letters out of it. Oh, I don't think i explained what these red vial are for, so listen closely. My mechanical parts aren't light and aren't really efficient when it comes to speed and overall aerial effectiveness. My normal pegasus magic isn't enough to support the weight and to compensate for what they reduce in speed, so the princess made me these vials to help run things smoother. Think of it as an extra boost of pegasus magic. I slid the vial into the slot on my hoof and felt the familiar pain as the magic in the vial flowed into me. "God this is going to be a long day." I looked over and noticed something I must have previously overlooked, for sitting on the small rolling case i called a wardrobe laid a small piece of paper. "Huh, when the hell did that get there." I trotted over to the case and looked at the paper....... Colonel, Your departure date was pushed up to today, your bus leaves at 1100 hours sharp.No need to thank me for it, just think of it as your gift. See you whenever the shows start back up! Happy Birthday, 1st Lt. Spitfire "Hehe, Spitfire you glorious bitch." I laughed just before realization hit me.... it was already 10:45. "Fuck, nice timing to Spits." I hurriedly threw my things together before rushing out from my now vacant tent. The bus was already being loaded with some other soldiers and others were loading the cargo. I dropped my stuff with the loading crew just as someone smashed into me headlong. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry Colonel." A young, blue and grey unicorn stood in front of me in the most tensed up salute i have ever seen. The look on his face was as stern as the toughest of Generals and yet as soft as the newest of recruits. I laughed and stood, brushing the dirt off my black and silver uniform. "At ease man." I think he was more surprised to hear me laugh then yell at him. "It's all good, I used to do the same to my 1st Lt. just to piss her off." "It worked ever time, but I always got her back in the end." Spitfire practically sang the words before doing a back flip off of one of the machine guns and landing between it and me. "Oh yeah you did, remember when you loaded my gun with bubble soap." "Hehe yeah, that was classic. I also remember how pissed you got." She pointed her hoof at the scar above her right eye. "It still hurts you know." "Come on, Spits, that was nearly 8 years ago. And in my defense you did cause the gun to blow up in my face." "Yeah, i guess i did." I smiled, for the first time in ages it felt like. I walked over to her and gave her a big hug. "Imma miss you Spits. You know when the Wonderbolts' shows start up again." "In about a month, if I'm correct. I also," She grinned, "believe that our first show is going to be at Ponyville, and also there are some lifetime tickets for a friend and some of her friends." "Awesome!" The bus honked. 11 o'clock already. "Well, I guess I'll see you around. Drop by and see me and Flutters when you get the chance ok, the kids been looking forward to meeting her Auntie Spitfire." That was another thing about war, simple things such as learning your child's name were tough. Many letters sent, many received, many lost. "Hehe, you know I'll stop by, now get out of here." I nodded and bolted to the bus, getting just inside the doors before it started to roll away. We traveled for 6 hours from Los Pegasus to Stalliongrad and finally towards Ponyville. It looked like I was the only one getting of at Ponyville so that would be good, no major welcome back party, unless Pinkie had one stored away. "Hey, driver." The driver looked back at me then back to the road. "Yes Col. Dash?" "Can you drop me at the Ponyville Cemetery, I have some business to take care of there before I even show my face in town." "I can." "Thank you." I spent the rest of the trip contemplating how ever pony would react to me being back home. I worried about how Fluttershy had been over the last 30 years. Thanks to Twilight's magic (and permission from Celestia) was able to take my DNA and artificially inseminate her, but that was an image i really didn't want to see, even though I know Twilight was very professional about it. At least she had our filly to keep her company over the last 4 years. Overall, the thing I worried about most was how Ponyville had changed since I last saw it. I remember that Scootaloo was made the weather manager 10 years ago, but other than that I have no idea what has happened to the town. "Here we are, Ponyville Cemetery." The bus stopped in front of the iron gates of the cemetery, the light pitter-patter of rain falling on the windshield. "Thank You." I walked to the front and handed him a small bag of 50 bits. "Your welcome Colonel." I gathered my things from the cargo area and watched the bus roll away before turning to the cemetery and walking in. The many gravestones saddened me, all the dead laying in their eternal slumber beneath the ground. There weren't this many dead before the war, I didn't think it would affect Ponyville this badly I walked further along the path until i reached a small group of headstones at the top of the hill. The lettering on the backs read "Apple". It didn't take a genius to guess that I really couldn't hold back my tears as i knelled down in front of Applejack and Big Mac's graves. "Hey, Applejack. Big Mac. I thought i should let you guys know that I'm back in town. The last 30 years have been hard, but it's been even harder without you guys here." I kissed the headstone and traced the Equestrian Cross on it with my hoof. "Réquiem ætérnam dona eis Dómine; et lux perpétua lúceat eis. Requiéscant in pace. Amen." I walked over and did the same with the Cake's, Spike's and Luna's tomb. I eventually reached Derpy and Dinky's mausoleum. They had almost gotten one as big as Luna did, but that was because I requested it for them. The day Derpy died, Dinky fell ill with the consumption that was going around town, she died a little over 6 hours latter. The iron gate that blocked the entrance had been unlocked, so i stepped inside. The back wall held there tombstones. I walked up to Derpy's and was saddened but relieved to see the dog tag hanging from the corner of the stone etching. "How are you Derpy?" I looked over at the above ground coffin, the flag of the Celestial / Lunar United Republic laying across the top of it. "I've missed you. I'm sorry that you had to die, I wished I would have taken the bullet for you. You didn't have to go to war but i made you." Tears began streaming down my face and falling in time with the rain outside. "At least....at least you have Dinky to keep you company in the afterlife. I'm so sorry Derpy." I sat for what seemed like an hour crying over her tomb. Throughout the war, only her, Spitfire, and Daz were my friends. Daz was found to be a traitor and executed by the military and Spitfire was gone most of the time, so Derpy kept me company. I stood up wiping the tears off my cheeks and traced the cross on both her's and Dinky's coffins before muttering an old Latin prayer that the preacher said at my parents funeral. "Dómine Iesu Christe, Rex glóriæ, líbera ánimas ómnium fidélium defunctórum de pœnis inférni et de profúndo lacu; líbera eas de ore leónis, ne absórbeat eas tártarus, ne cadant in obscúrum; sed signifier sanctus Míchaël repræséntet eas in lucem sanctam, quam olim Abrahæ promisísti et sémini eius. " "O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit; deliver them out of the lion’s mouth, lest hell should swallow them up, lest they fall into the outer darkness; but let Thy standard-bearer, Saint Michael, bring them back into Thy holy light, which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed." I turned around and saw Twilight standing outside the mausoleum under her umbrella. Her own tears fell, but I could tell they were more from happiness than pain or sadness. I nodded before walking over to her and hugging her tight. "It's good to see you, Twi." "It's good to see you to, Rainbow Dash. I had a feeling I would find you up here, once i saw the bus leaving town from this place, I knew it had to be you." She smiled a little bit returning my hug. "Everyone's waiting to see you. You going to come down to Sugar Cube Corner?" "Actually, I think I have some business at home to take care of." "I understand. Fluttershy will be happy to see you again, and i know Storm Dancer will be wanting to meet her mother." "Storm Dancer, so that's her name." "Yep." "I love it." "Fluttershy knew you would. Now you might want to get on home, Stormy will be getting home from school soon and you might want to be there waiting for them." "Hehe your right. I'll see you around Twilight. I'll come by later and then we ca-" I fell over with a heavy metallic thunk against the ground. Dammit, I used up way to much energy "Uhh... Rainbow Dash. What is up with your wing!?" She was staring at me with a curiously horrified look. I looked at it and the color drained from my face.... The flesh-like covering had ripped revealing the metal feathers beneath it. I stared back up at Twilight. "I can explain."
Reunion: Voices of the Distant Star (Part 2 of 6)So I told her everything. What happened at Fort Everfree, the bomb, and what they placed into me. She, for the most part sat back and listened, no expression crossing her face. Well maybe one.... Fear "So, that's what happened. Now everyday I have to give myself a vial of this artificial magic just to be able to walk around or fly." I looked at her, a few tears streaming down. That was one good thing about these parts of me, they were water resistant so I can swim, bathe...even cry with no ill effects on them. Her constant blank expression faded into a small smile as she wiped a tear from my cheek. "Well, I'm just glad your ok Rainbow Dash. The last thing any of us want or that Fluttershy needs is another tomb on this hill." "Yeah... Hell, Twi, I don't even know how I am going to break it to her or anyone else. I don't even want to think about how she will react to me being...god what's the word I'm looking for...." "A cyborg?" "Yeah that." "Rainbow, we both know Fluttershy. She may be a little afraid of it at first, but she loves you and since your the same pegasus she fell in love with, she will accept it." "You really think so, Twilight?" "I know so. Come on, I'll walk you over to her cottage ok." "Thanks. So how have you been holding up Twi? I mean with everything that has happened during and before the war." "I'm still not completely over what we saw that night." "I don't think anyone will be able to forget something like that." How could we...it was the whole reason all this shit had happened to Equestria. Canterlot Royal Ballroom Nightmare Night 1st Annual Nightmare Night Gala 30 Years Ago "Yo Dash!" Spitfire called out from across the room, wearing a very creepy Slender Mane costume. It would be borderline scary if her flaming hair wasn't showing through her mask. "Yo Spits. Who you supposed to be, bank robber?" "Haha, very funny. And what, pray tell, are you supposed to be." I stood there in my handmade (by Rarity of course) Tim Colton's The End of Light Lilith costume. I thought it looked pretty bad ass. My hair had temporarily been dyed a silver and cyan dual tone, my coat dyed a light grey. The costume was amazing, in my personal opinion. A blood red dress, black and ruby tiara with a 'heart' impaled on the top. Even my contacts were completely blood red, but I could see as clear as day. "Duh, Lilith!" "Oh yeah! Well it looks good on you, except your cutie mark kind of sticks out like a sore thumb." "Hehe, I know." Spitfire laughed before running off with the other Wonderbolts to get ready to preform, which was going to be interesting especially because I have been watching Soarin' pound down almost 2 kegs of Sweet Apple Acres Hard Cider. "R-rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy whispered from behind me. She was wearing a zombie bride dress and covered in a fine white powder. It was creepy....and very attractive at the same time. "D-do we really have to...umm...be out...t-tonight." She whimpered as she hid behind my flank. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. It will be fun, trust me." I smiled before turning around and planting a soft kiss on her lips. She kissed back and sighed a little bit. I loved the ways she does that. "O-ok... if you.. um.. say so." She gave a small smile and nuzzled up against me. I didn't care if any of the 'Manehattan Elite' stared. We had been married for a year and a half now so frankly, who the hell cared anymore what me and her did. Hell one time we even....actually that's a story for another time. "Hehe, come on. The others are waiting for us outside." I grabbed her hoof tight and practically dragged her outside to the edge of the labyrinth. I pushed our way through the crowd of about a hundred ponies all hanging around Vinyl and Octavia's little rock opera set up. I have been listening to The Vinyl Scratch for a while now, so from what they had been saying this was going to be an awesome show. "There you two are! Finally!" Pinkie Pie shouted from the stage dressed in her bloodstained rainbow dress. I still have no idea what she was thinking wearing that....nor what the fuck she was supposed to be. I never questioned it though, if you question Pinkie Pie and her ways you end up loosing your mind or pining away searching for the answer. "Hehe sorry, Pinkie." I called out to her "The others are waiting over at the table!" "M'kay!" I dragged Fluttershy along, she had frozen stiff a while ago from the large crowd and the loud music. Twilight, Applejack, Big Macintosh, Spike, Rarity and Derpy were sitting at the table right in front of the labyrinths entrance. Twilight was once again wearing her Star Swirl the Bearded costume, Applejack and Big Mac going as a scarecrow and a crow (poor Big Mac), Spike dressed as a large ruby, Rarity in her Angelia costume (the polar opposite of mine), and Derpy.....wearing muffin bags. "Now the party don't start til I walk in!" I sang as we walked up to the table and planted my flank right in between Rarity and Big Mac. "Don't y'all let Pinkie hear you now. She'll be all over you like stink on a skunk, eh Mac?" Applejack said pounding down three glasses of hard cider. "Eeyup." "Hehe, I know. I have my right to have a little fun now and again don't I?" "Of course you do, Rainbow." Twilight cooed "You also have the right of getting to see Pinkie's back room again." She shot me an evil grin. "Don't even remind me." Just remembering what went on in there still haunted me, even though it happened 4 years ago. The static from the large amps on the stage got louder as the music started to kick into full swing. "Yo! What up every pony! Your here jammin' with K-COLT at the first annual Nightmare Night Gala! This is your 'often imitated but never duplicated' hostess, DJ-P0n3 and it's time for.... "THE VINYL SCRATCH!" the crowd yelled, even the ponies listening from the balconies of the ballroom. "That's right! With me this evening, I have my always lively ,no matter how much she hates it, and very beautiful assistant Octavia!" The crowd cheered as Octavia walked on stage. "Hello, every pony." She said in her half-hearted I-really-don't-want-to-fucking-be-here tone. "Whoa Octy, calm down!" The crowd burst out laughing at her sarcasm as Octavia silently sighed, taking her place next to the wild and crazy unicorn. "Also with me this Nightmare Night, we have the most amazing party pony in all of Equestria. Put your hooves together for Pinkie Pie, a.k.a. THe ParTeH QuEEn!" The crowd roared in another big burst of cheers and laughter as Pinkie shot herself out of her Party Cannon (TM) over the crowd, hitting the trampoline she had set up on one of the castle walls, and landed a perfectly upside down hanging from her Portable Disco Ball (patent pending). "Now see, Octy. Why can't you be more like that? Heck, it took me almost a year to talk you into getting that electric...uhh....whatever you play again." "It's an electric cello! Why can you never get that through your skull. Or is it thoughs thick glasses of yours?" "HEY! Don't dis the glasses. Now without any further interuptions.....LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!" No sooner had Vinyl laid her hoof on the power button of her set up did the power shut off throughout the castle and screams came from the ballroom as flashes of green light shot out of the windows and through the walls. Everyone watching the scene from the garden knew what this meant. The green lights, the overall cold and heartless felling as if everything good in their lives had been drained from them and the sound of a easily recognized laugh arising from the ballroom. The changelings had ambushed Canterlot........
Reunion: Parting and Familiar Feelings (Part 3 of 6)"You ok, Twilight?" I asked taking hold of her hoof. Tears streamed down the lavender unicorns face as she pulled the purple scale from her saddle bag. "Yeah, I-I'll be fine." She polished the scale and placed it in my hands."Here, I want you to have this." "No, Twilight I can't accept this." "No, I want you to have it. It...it just brings back to many sad memories. Take it, please." She looked up at me, a small smile crossing her lips. "Ok." I gave her a hug and stepped back and slid the scale on my chain to where it hung between my dog tags. We walked for a while and talked. We talked about the things I've missed and what went on amongst those who were sent to the front lines. This is just the toll takes on the world. All we end up with is broken hearts, homes and minds. The walk over to Fluttershy's house seemed a lot longer than normal, or it just seemed that way from excitement. My mind was a buzz of activity. Even the feeling of just getting to see my dear sweet Fluttershy again was driving me mad. Damnit there I go getting all sappy again. We eventually reached the cottage which had changed drastically since I left. The building was in harsh disrepair, ever inch of the wood covered with black soot or beginning to rot away. There was a huge whole in the side of it, from where (as Twilight told me) a changeling crashed down into the house. It was dead, thank Faust, but it still gave Fluttershy quite the scare. We stopped outside the door to the cottage, my mind was frozen in anticipation and fear. "Hey Twilight...thanks for taking such good care of them while I was gone." She smiled. "No problem Dashie, it's what friends do. Now I better head on back, Pinkie is throwing a welcome home party...even if you are the only one coming back home." Twilight ran off before I could ask why. I didn't know I was the only one coming home to Ponyville. There must have been a mistake and the other buses just haven't run yet. I turned my attention back to the brown 2-part door. Well...here goes nothing... I thought as i knocked my hoof against the door. I waited for a few moments before the door creaked open and I saw her. She almost hadn't changed a bit since I last saw her. Her eyes were the same blue color they had always been, her coat was just a slight bit paler, and her mane and tail grew like wildfire, both now dragging several inches onto the ground. She didn't even look at me at first, her head facing down towards the ground. "H-hello...can I help you?" I reached into my bags and grabbed the letter she sent to me years ago. "I believe some beautiful mare sent me this." I slid the letter down in front of her eyes. She looked over the name and quickly looked up. "R-rainbow....is it really you!?" "The one and only!" She pushed open the door as hard as she could, quickly passing through the opening and latched onto me. Her tears feel in torrents as i caressed her cheek. "You really are home." "Of course I am, Shy! I never would have sent that letter if I didn't know for sure that I would be coming back." I nuzzled her then pulled her head away from my body. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to do this." I pulled her closer to me and gave her the longest kiss we have ever had. Everything right then told me that everything was going to be alright from now on. Everything from the gentle touch of her hooves on my back to the soft warm feeling of her lips. It was perfect. She pulled away after several minutes and smiled more than I bet she had in several years. "Rainbow...would you like to see our daughter?" I could feel me mouth curving up into the biggest smile it ever had. "Of course I want to see her!" Shy giggled. "Come on in...and welcome home." She turned around walked in to the living room and I followed close behind her. The house looked a lot different on the inside. The wall were brightly painted and everything was clean. Birdhouses and cages filled with small creatures lined the walls and ceilings. Even her bunny Angel, who was not looking very well in his old age, was curled up in a small bed at the end of the couch. The back wall had an area that was covered in crayon drawings and watercolor paintings I assumed to be done by our child. There were many pictures, all ranging from well drawn rabbits and turtles to one that looked like me. It brought a tear of joy to my eyes. "Rainbow, are you ready to see her?" I sat down on the couch and leaned back. " Ready as I will ever be." "Ok" Shy started down the stairs, taking each step very slowly. I could hear a tiny voice with her, and it kind of sounded like me when I was a filly. "Mommy, what is the surprise?" The voice said. "You'll find out in a second Stormy." They finally reached the end of the stairway and I saw her. She was pretty short for a filly her age, her wings dwarfing her body easily. Her mane was electric blue with several areas of slate grey mixed into it, her coat was just as cyan as mine. Her eyes are what struck me the most however. They were dark grey instead of white, and her irises were the same electric blue color as her mane. The only thing I saw that was off about her was a small stick that was tapped to her front left hoof. Fluttershy looked at me and smiled. "Rainbow Dash, this is our daughter Storm Dancer. Stormy...this is your other mommy." Stormy walked closer to Rainbow, tapping her stick along the ground as she walked. It didn't take me long to realize what was up with her. She navigated the room easily and made her way over to me as quick as she could. Her wings began to flap as she floated up into my hooves and looked straight into my eyes. She took her front right hoof and gently pressed it to my face, moving it along every inch of it from muzzle to eye. She ran her hoof through my mane just a tiny bit and smiled. "Rainbow.....just like mommy described." She giggled and wrapped her hooves around me the best she could. "Mommy!" I couldn't hold the tears back any longer. I pulled her close and held her gently, my tears falling in torrents down onto her and the couch. She was perfect and I was happy. I nuzzled her softly and ran my hoof through her mane. "Yes Stormy, I am your new mommy." I said happily. Fluttershy came over and sat beside me, laying her head gently on my shoulders. I could tell how happy she was just from the touch of her skin against mine, and I had to return the feeling. It was nice being back.
