The End of the Rainbow

by JTH

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Princess Luna, Drama, Rainbow Dash, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia
Length: 76774

When an elemental phenomenon returns after many millennia, it's discovered that only one pony can rid of it and save the land. But doing so may come at a terrible price...

When an elemental phenomenon with mysterious abilities returns after many millennia, it threatens Equestria with its presence. But it's soon discovered that only one pony can rid the land of this terror.

The feat will prove much easier said than done, as The Mane Six and company may realize defeating this enemy may come at a terrible price.

(Timeline of this story: Set during mid Season 6)

Published 2021-06-18 21:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-06-18 00:32:35 UTC

Chapter 2

While the weather in Ponyville continued to be a beautiful, cloudless day, the Mane Six decided to take advantage of such to spend the day together. Saving Equestria so often usually meant that peaceful, uneventful gatherings would come more few and far between, but it would also mean they would mean more when their get togethers happened.

And by Celestia, nothing was going to put a damper on today's fun. But nothing could be done without having a hardy meal first, so the girls chose to go to the newest breakfast stable in town, "The Poniful Pancake". Serving up pancakes, haycakes, flapjacks, and many other treats that could almost give Sugarcube Corner a trot for their bit. These gatherings also allowed all of them to realize just how far all of them were coming not just as friends, but in their everyday lives. Twilight was further endeavoring her royal role as "The Princess of Friendship". She also had the pleasure of tutoring a new pupil of friendship in one Starlight Glimmer. Rainbow Dash had fulfilled her dream becoming the newest addition to The Wonderbolts, Rarity had recently opened her beautiful "Rarity For U" boutique to her ever expanding business, among all the efforts from the others.

As the group seated, they were about as excited as they were hungry to check out to see if the rave reviews of the new breakfast stable were worth it. Twilight's royal title would give them all perks of being served and quickness along with quality food was something that came with it. Twilight certainly didn't care about that, but certainly a few others in the group loved the perks. After ordering their respective meals and brief conversations, the main wait stallion emerged with the girls' requested meals.

"Here ya go, three orders of five pancakes." Was announced, giving the trio of meals to Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. "Two orders of six pancakes." The next duel of plates went to Twilight and Pinkie...who was practically slobbering at the tongue at the dish before her. The stallion turned around to the final order. "And one order of "The Holy Equestria That's A lot of Pancakes" Pancake Meal." Which was then followed by three waitress ponies bringing a dozen pancakes a piece to set next to the rainbow haired mare.

"Awesome!" Came the excited cheer from it's chosen pony, who began tying a napkin around her neck with her hooves. Needless to say, the massive meal was quickly followed by some bug eyed looks from the accompanying table. At least Rarity could respect wearing the napkin though: "If you're gonna eat like a pig, show some manners at least." was a rule to live by. Some though lived by it looser than other ponies. As the staff proceeded to allow the party of six to enjoy their meals, only one at first was doing so. Dash would take three flat cakes at a time to indulge upon, quickly doing away with them, not even aware that her friends were just mesmerized at what they were witnessing. "Um Twilight...can you pass the syrup?" She muffled with a mouth still half stuffed.

"Of...course." Came the slow unsure response from her friend. "Regular, Blueberry, or Strawberry?" Following up floating them with her levitation magic, giving a forced sarcastic grin.

"Sure!" Came the answer from Rainbow Dash who proceeded to take all three and in a flash poured a dab of each on one separate cake a piece, and then chowed down on those just as quick.

"Oh wow." Fluttershy replied to feat of eating of her friend.

"Umm, I think "barf" is a more accurate word darling." Rarity spoke up, levitating a napkin to her mouth to wipe down any sticky syrup left over. "Dashie dear, you're not really going to eat all those are you?"

"Of course I am, I didn't order them just to stare at them." The mare answered with a chuckle, all while stacking another cake onto another. When she finished talking, down went the helping.

"Holy Hootin' Nanny Rainbow. You're eatin' like a mare possessed." Applejack said smacking her hoof on Rainbow's back, making the recipient start coughing to catch her breath. "You sure you ain't been put under some spell?"

Rainbow Dash laughed at the question though, it was clear the others didn't understand.

"No no, since I joined The Wonderbolts, this is become a regular breakfast for me."

"You...can not be serious?" Rarity gasped at the response, holding a hoof to her mouth on the verge of throwing up.

"No really." Dash said, ready to explain. "If you saw the intense practice and training we do at Wonderbolts sessions, you'd understand. Practice is super tough, super long, and super draining. Like you wouldn't last an hour with that meek amount of food." Her statement made the company look down at their portions in somewhat amazement. Amazement on the fact that they knew Rainbow meant it. "Then if I have to be on Weatherpony duty, there's the potential to do extensive cloud travel on top of it all. So bottom line, doing all that requires energy...tons of it. So..." Dash's speech was concluded with another hoof full of pancakes in mouth, not caring in the slightest what the perception may be.

"Well, I could eat that many too." Pinkie Pie rebutted. "...but I don't anypony to think I'm weird."

"More syrup?" Came the waitress with an additional pitcher of maple syrup in it, filled to the brim.

"Sure!" Pinkie cheered, who then just ate the syrup on the spot. Glass pitcher and all, ...so Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie, with the mare employee backing away in a bit of fear. "Mmm, not the worst I've had." Pinkie finished licking her lips, as if to imply syrup with shards of glass one upped pervious food experiences. The look garnered a couple of rolling eyes and sighs as well.

"Forgive me Rainbow Dash, but eating like that just doesn't appear normal." Rarity pointed out, having finished her meal, and was waiting for her friends to conclude theirs. Pinkie though put a hoof to the glamour pony to ask her a question. "What are talking about Rarity? I eat that much chocolate and cake all the time, what makes that normal?"

"I never said that was normal either darling..." Quickly came a response from Rarity.

"What!? NOOOO!!!" The shocked horror from Pinkie filled the room with laughter and glee. It was no wonder they were all such good of friends, even despite all their differences in personality they all care deeply for each other, as well as every pony in Ponyville. And they felt that nothing could ever change that.

After an enjoyable meal together, the group of mares took their leave getting their share. Some more full than others.

"I have to say, that surely was a scrumptious pancake meal. Easily a three horseshoe rating." Rarity admitted, receiving an agreement of nods.

"Only thing that would have made it better would have been an apple fritter, with apple cider, and a side of apple cobbler." Applejack concurred, which was quickly followed up by the party pony popping up out of nowhere.

"AND CAKE!!! GOTTA HAVE CAKE!!!" She screamed, squishing AJ's cheeks together in the process. Both giggling afterward.

"Oh, I don't think I could even think about food now." The Princess decreed followed by a yawn. "I'm stuffed, plus I have to prepare for a meeting with the Princesses."

"And what matters do you think they wish to discuss darling?" Came a question from Rarity. "I'm not really sure, they didn't get into any specifics. It's quite unusual for them." Was the answer, and quite an interesting one at that.

The Royal Princesses were always very open and upfront with Twilight Sparkle on matters. It was rare they skimped on important details that would make the Princess of Friendship go into one of her infamously known worry spells. But while Twilight often thought the worst of the matters, her friends were regularly there to assure her that all was fine.

"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about Twilight." Fluttershy spoke out in her usual peaceful tone.

"I'm sure too Fluttershy, it's just no planning or preparation isn't really my thing. It drives me crazy when they just wing and hoof it." Twilight replied with a chuckle, but the comment made Rainbow Dash scoff; proceeding to swirl over top the group acrobatically.

"Oh please Twilight, wing and hoofing it is the most awesome way to do things. Like, why do you think I do it all the time?" She commented with a grin, getting a stern look from all present pony company.

"Because you lack planning skills?" Said Twilight Sparkle.

"Because there's no work involved." Rarity next to speak.

"Because you're lazy?" Finally AJ commented with a monotone voice and raised eyebrow.

"Sorry, the answer was...because I'm awesome." The rainbow mare chuckled response came hovering over the group. Which was then followed by a dramatic scream from Ponyville's Party Pony.

"Drat, that was going to be my twenty-second guess..." Pinkie's over-the-top remark made the group laugh out loud. But Rainbow Dash wasn't going to let the moment go, she still wanted to get the final word on her feats of awesome.

"I've started to get even faster busting clouds. I'm so awesome in fact, I bet now I could do it in five seconds flat!"

The statement was quickly followed by Applejack's signature chuckle that came with a light nose snort. AJ and Dash always picked on one another about what the other could do. All in good fun of course, but usually the other would need to prove to the other of the insanely ridiculous feats one claimed.

"Oh come on Dash, I know you're fast, but that's just plum pickin' crazy." Came the expected response from the apple mare. The two knew each other long enough to know that when a statement like that was given, it was more or less a challenge. It had gone on for so long in fact that even the other mares had picked up on this, so when a said "challenge" was made, the other ponies would await what would transpire. Unfortunately, this was a type of challenge that couldn't just be done.

"Well, I would prove it to you if there were any clouds, but we've called for clear skies for the rest of the week." Dash's answer made the group look up to the horizon above, but Dash continued while they observed. "Why, you might not even recognize what a cloud is by the time you see one again."

But Pinkie was quick to interject. "Oh course we could silly. There's one right there."

Upon the statement, the five other mares looked behind them to see that what was once a perfectly clear blue sky, suddenly half the horizon had turned a darkish red by a heavy band of cloud cover. What was also odd was the coverage in the sky looked to be one single cloud; it also flowed through the sky strangely fast, almost accumulating to the eye, growing larger as it flowed.

"Great heavens! Where in Equestria did that cloud come from? It wasn't there just a second ago." Rarity cried out in a troubling voice. The question seemed to be aimed more at the rainbow mare before them who was a usual weather pony. So if anypony among them knew the answer, she would. But she seemed more confused rather than more sure to the surprise of the others.

"And Cloudsdale's clear on the other side of the land. How did it get there?" Rainbow wondered aloud. Which brought concern to the others. If Rainbow Dash couldn't figure out the unusual weather, then who would?

Out of the corner of the ponies' eyes on the ground, a multitude of pegasus ponies began flying towards the giant cloud in the sky. The weather called for clear skies so it was customary that any cloud that got loose needed to be removed, and this was no exception. The sheer size of this cloud also made it more necessary for more pegesi to work together to remove it. Before long, about twenty to thirty pegasus ponies were on hoof, some giving slight orders and directions to where to lead the cloud away, but the cloud began to swirl violently in almost a fit of rage.

Suddenly, without warning, a huge lightning strike came down in the middle of the fleet of pegasi. Careening them into scattering directions. Pegasi not as affected by the direct bolt flew to help and assist those in trouble. The sight put more worry into the ponies on the ground.

"Gracious! It's like that cloud has a mind of it's own." Fluttershy trembled in intimidation, hoping that nothing else bad would happen. But Rainbow Dash brushed off her worry.

"Oh please Fluttershy, what do you expect it to do? Start talking?"

Dash's comment was meant to be a joke...but still a serious statement. But something followed that was not expected...

"AH HA HA HA HA HA!!!"

An evil laughter came from above. But not just from anywhere above, but from where this red dark cloud hovered from. The laughter was so loud it caused a rumble and shake to the surface below, almost as if Ponyville was having an earthquake.

"No! Just to start laughing...VERY EVIL!" Pinkie spoke up answering Rainbow as the laughter grew louder and louder.

The once peaceful day with a cloudless sky changed in an instant. The cloudlike entity was dark and red and continued to enlarge and cover the blue horizon until all was a swirling dark sight. The cloud figure above appeared to lower itself further down to the land. The wind blew violently, and the weather turned unpredictable even for any Pegasi to controll.

"What is going on!?!" Princess Twilight called out, hoping that any answer would come, but suddenly a familiar voice was heard behind the Mane Six.

"Twilight! Thank goodness we found you!"

The Royal Princesses of Canterlot flew from a far at a speedy pace to meet the heroes of Ponyville. Whatever this thing was, the princesses certainly knew about it and wasted no time to arrive.

"Princess Celestia, Luna? What is this thing?" Twilight yelled out with the wind blowing so hard it became hard to speak even to the pony next to them. A voice was then heard, not from the royals present though, rather from the colossal figure that hovered above.

"I can be the answer of that little ponies!"

The gathered ponies slowly looked up to the sky. It was clear that this was no ordinary cloud, but was in fact an actual being of life. The girls saw a mouth beginning to form at it's base and then without warning, the cloud figure opened it's eyes. But...how could a cloud have eyes?

It clearly did though, glowing bright blue to go along with it's dark reddish color, continuing to laugh maniacally.

"Sister...is that who I fear it is?" Celestia loudly asked her younger sister. The Mane Six were confused, what was Celestia talking about?

"Who? Want do you mean "who"?" Twilight logically assumed. "It's a cloud!"

But everytime it seemed something was questioned about the dark figure's existence over Equestria, the rumbling and laughter from only grew.

"Allow me to introduce myself my pathetic pony!" It spoke again, now with more venom and seething in tone. "I am the Elemental Entity of Enternal Darkness, destined and created to destroy this land called Equestria...but you may simply know me as...RAINDOOM!"

Chapter 4

Meanwhile back at Ponyville Hospital, the group had gathered in a room where their friend was set to be brought in. It was what only could be described as a state of franticness when Fluttershy and Applejack brought Rainbow Dash in for care for the doctors and nurses. Dash had sometimes gained a reputation for hamming up silly injuries, but with one glance, doctors could tell that there was nothing silly about her present state. Once she was in their care, she was quickly taken away without another word spoken. The others were informed where the patient would be kept once the evaluation was completed.

It also wasn't every day that the Ponyville Hospital would be gathered with three of Equestria's princesses, so the working mares and stallions knew to treat this patient with the utmost care. All gathered in the room and waited for Dash to arrive. After what seemed like forever, the door to the room finally opened, perking the interest of all present. Nurses began moving in a rolling bed where the patient lay, as the ponies in the room made space to allow the nurses to do their jobs with haste.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting for so long." Came the soothing voice of Nurse Redheart. "It seemed your friend had fallen into a state of shock, but we believe she's going to be alright now, she's resting comfortably..."

The nurses had Rainbow Dash wrapped up tightly in a warm blanket, mainly to keep her dry. Once it was realized that the water from the cloud phenomenon was the causing some form of abnormal effect. Dash was wrapped up like she was a newborn filly, and was magically floated to her bed to rest further. Even though she was now resting, Rainbow Dash still looked far from okay. Upon unveiling the blanket off her mane, her physical and visual appearance was still alarming to the eye. Very noticeable particular to the eyes mainly of her friends present.

"Is it just me, or does her color seem...faded." Rarity brought up, hoping that the dark room was just tricking her eyes. But it wasn't...Twilight hoped that herself was as wrong as her friend. To her eyes, after the amount of time since the disturbance Rainbow's color had slightly restored although she had no clue how. But even with that it was clearly off. Rainbow Dash was known for her vibrant beaming color; her rainbow mane, her beautiful cyan coat, so much so it was believed she could be seen from miles away when glistening through a clear sky. Now though it all looked like a dreary overcast on a Hearth's Warming Eve.

"Oh, I was hoping it was just me...but she does look a bit umm...dim." Fluttershy concurred with a tremble in her voice. In the heat of the moment, Applejack and Fluttershy were too busy getting Dash to aid that the lack of color had gone unrealized.

"Now hold your horses everypony." AJ interrupted the pity party, one party that Pinkie would never throw of course. It was the Apple nature to be up front and speak their thoughts, so Applejack brought up the sixty-four thousand bit question. "Can someone explain to me how Dash was the only pony in Ponyville affected by that there evil raincloud? And how it did THIS!?" Pointing to the results that bestowed her friend, in a hospital bed, looking like a black and white picture still yet to wake up.

"I don't know Applejack," Twilight responded. "...but by the looks it wasn't just in Ponyville. No other pony in all Equestria has shown any signs of ill effect. To any and everypony else, it was just rain."

"Horribly dampening rain, more like it. Positively dreadful!" Rarity made clear, wringing out the water from her mane onto the floor that was used. One thing that had still had mentioned since the disturbance was the form of cryptic message given by the elemental foe they faced.

"Princess Celestia..." Twilight spoke softly to her majesty along side, so not to wake the sleeping slumber. She looked down to her pupil to acknowledge her. "That thing...said "The Pony of The Elements". But aren't all six of us represented by The Elements of Harmony? What did it mean?"

This was now news to all ponies, for some had not heard such words spoken. Though there was no certainty, the Princess of the Day did have a theory. "It is possible that Raindoom may not be referring to "The Elements of Harmony", but rather "The Elements of Weather and Nature."

The ponies contemplated the theory. It did seem strange, but then again, everything that had transpired over the day would be labeled as such...as everything else that seemed to threaten Equestria.

"But even if so, where did this evil cloud come from?" Fluttershy questioned. The existence of Raindoom was a complete question mark to all pony kind. It's history was never studied at The School of Magic, events of Raindoom in Cloudsdale were never spoken of, and no Earth Ponies appeared to have been around any longer that still knew.

But there was pony that did knew of Raindoom...two in fact. And both were in the room they all were gathered in. Princess Twilight turned to her fellow royalty. She recalled Celestia telling Luna during the conflict if the presence before them was who she thought it was. Meaning the Princesses had indeed encountered this being at least once before. Celestia sighed, Luna lowered her head. The Princesses knew that the information would be needed in order to find a way to resolve the dilemma at hand.

"I'm afraid Luna and myself may be able to explain...in fact, we may actually be somewhat responsible for why this has now happened." Celestia gave warning to all company. For now after several millennia, it was time to tell lore of Equestria that few knew, and those who did dare not tell.

Luna and Celestia allowed the ponies to gather around, and thus they began to discuss the origins this terror they now knew as Raindoom.

***

Celestia began to describe the ways of Equestria from many moons past. Most ponies often wished to learn about the ancient history of pony lore, but not often did you get the lecture from a ruler of Equestria herself. She spent time explaining all the lands; Ponyville, Canterlot, and then Cloudsdale. Cloudsdale as the mares learned had changed the most over the years. Most for the better, but some things weren't always well.

"Long ago, before weather ponies as you know controlled the elements of the land, there were three different groups of pegasi who controlled the elements of nature...those who controlled the heat of the sun, those who controlled the fall of the rain, and another group of ponies. Ponies who used the sun and rain together to create beautiful phenomenons...the Rainbow Pegasi." The image of speedy rainbowed stallions and mares zipping through the sky brought a glow and joy to all to listened. Their streaks of color turned the sky into more colors than a pony could count. "When the sun and rain ponies were united in harmony, the strength and speed of the rainbow ponies grew. At their peak, many believed the power of a Rainbow Pegasus was virtually limitless."

Luna then took over the story...

"The Rainbow Pegasi were one of the rarest breeds of pony in all Equestria. It was always believed that whenever a Rainbow Pegasus filly was born, they were sure to be very special." The visual picture that the Princesses gave was a true sight to behold, the ponies present could almost visualize the elegance of the rainbows that flowed in the wind of the flying pegasi. Though with the light of the story, the dark was soon to follow. "But for many years after the events of "The Great Terror", Celestia and myself had feared they had all gone extinct."

The tale was quite intriguing to ponies. Learning of lore they had only dreamed of, understanding the ways of how Equestria became what it was. All had learned of the bond and unity of all the different groups of ponies; the unicorns, earth ponies, and pegasi which led to the culmination of Hearth's Warming Eve. But to learn of a time when even individual groups had yet to fully unify was a mystery to most. Unlike Earth ponies and Unicorns though, Pegasi lived in the sky. Integrating with them in Cloudsdale would prove difficult, let alone learn about their history. It made learning this information valuable to the mares, but suddenly Applejack realized the connection between the present and past.

"Whoa whoa whoa...are you sayin' that Dash could be connected to a legendary group of weather ponies?" AJ asked, looking over to the bedside where her sleeping friend lay. Princess Celestia answered the question.

"Your friend's incredible strength and unfathomable speed had always intrigued me, but after so long, the thought had never occurred to me of her potential rainbow heritage. Now though, after what has transpired today...I am now worried a great deal."

"But, what happened to all those Pegasi? What was "The Great Terror?" Fluttershy questioned, nearly shaking in worry, afraid of what question may lead to.

The question made the two Princesses lower their heads, regretting the next part of the tale that would need to be told.

"I fear that is where Raindoom comes in..." Luna took the response. Beginning to relive and remember the events that would lead to.

***

The sun beamed down a dark glowing red, as it had for many days prior. Thirty straight days prior in fact. Glaring intense heat day in and out, not a drop of rain in sight. Not even a cloud in the sky to give the illusion of any hope for weather to cool the ponies below. Even worse for a day before an invention of sunglasses or sunscreen, ponies young and old had to endure the rays the sun cast down on them. There was little that could be done, it was simply what was forecasted to be from the weather ponies above; all a mare or stallion below could do was awake the next day and hope for a cloud in the sky.

Most ponies were accepted of this reign of weather, but in the private of a group of select weather ponies in Cloudsdale, they began to take matters into their own hooves, and started to concoct a plot to end this great drought throughout Equestria...

Over the continuing days of heat and sun, these rouge rain ponies took it upon themselves to gather information, learning the ways of magic spells, and combining spells to create something more powerful. It all was going to plan...but it still wasn't enough. They needed something more powerful, even stronger magic. But to use magic spells that powerful was forbidden in land of Equestria. So to complete their ploy, they had to gain access to the libraries of Canterlot to acquire the spells and magic necessary to made such a plan possible.

After several days, and rigorous research. This group of rain pegasus had gathered everything they needed. Continued sun and heat would be a thing of past. At sundown, they would put their plot in motion. Never again would the sun reign over the rain.

And at nightfall, they began create something. Using a stray cloud they gathered, they used the power of the ancient forbidden Equestrian magic they had amassed. The spell quickly made the cloud grow in size, in shape...the magic was so strong in fact, in turned into something far more than any of it's creators could have ever imagined. This cloud had transformed into an actual magical weather entity...

And thus...Raindoom was born.

The creation was given a simple objective. To rain over the land, and never cease. The sun pegasus would never be able to do what they had done again.

The creation of this monster severed the bond of not only the sun and rain pegasi, but within the ranks of the rain pegasi themselves. Some would never have ever to build and create such a monstrosity. The weather pegasi all combined try to reason with the rouges to rethink their ways, but the turncoats refused. So when they did, it was up to the remaining pegasi to stop the cloud above them created to flood the land, as the sun had flood heat onto the land for many days before. But what the pegasi did not expect was this entity above them had magical properties they never could have imagined. This is where Celestia began to explain to the ponies back in present time of what the creature was capable of.

"Using the forbidden ancient spells cast upon it, this storm gained the unenabled ability to absorb all the essence from any pony of either sun or rain elemental traits. Growing in power the more it absorbed from the weather pegasi who attempted to intervene."

***

Back in the hospital, Princess Twilight wrapped her brain around the realization of what transpired in the past, to what had occurred earlier in the day. Essence stealing magic, from rain and sun elemental pegasi.

"Rain and sun element traits...like...rainbows?" Twilight said aloud, looking over to the bed. It made sense, rainbows...a combination of what occurred with a combining of rain and sun. But would also be affected by the essence stealing from an elemental power. Twilight was convinced now, there was definitely a connection of what happened to Rainbow Dash today, and what happened to the pegasi all those moons ago. "Princess Celestia...Is Rainbow Dash...The Pony of the Elements Raindoom referred to?"

"It is very possible that may be the case." This response sparked a bit of "oohs" and "ahhs" from the Mane Six. It certainly made the situation or more bleak, yet not as much at the same time. The ponies all knew what Rainbow Dash was capable of, but Princess Luna was fair to point out that the rainbow mare wasn't the only one that was capable of feats unknown to them.

"But even if she were, there is certainly no way the young one is strong enough to stop Raindoom all by herself sister. All those Rainbow Ponies tried to stop him so long ago, and there were hundreds of them back then. Now there is only but one, and he is even stronger than before." After a delay, Celestia did recall a possible solution, and why there may be hope to the matter at hoof.

"That may true sister...but there was always believed to be one flaw that became of the spell that was used to create Raindoom." The ponies gathered in. "It was believed that the only way to eliminate elemental weather magic was the same power used against it." The statement was befuddling to say the least. Nopony was really sure what the princess was getting at. She continued though to further her clarification. "In theory, a powerful elemental phenomenon that could be penetrated through it's "heart" would bring Raindoom to an end. And a certain pony in this room has done it once before, an old mare's tale if you will."

The crowd around gasped, even The Princess of the Night realized the importance of this.

"...You mean!?" Princess Twilight put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"A Sonic Rainboom!" Celestia announced. "But long ago, the Sonic Rainboom had never been done. Most believed it was not a real thing. Plus the fractured bond of the rain and sun pegasi weakened the Rainbow Pegasi's power, meaning all who attempted the feat were never able to succeed before their essence was taken away from the storm. Raindoom appeared unstoppable..."

"But...he was stopped. How did you defeat him when no pony could?" Applejack asked to the royals. A sigh came from both Princesses.

"We didn't..."

***

In the battle long ago, the Rainbow Pegasi that remained began to draw the remaining of their power and directed it towards Princess Luna and Celestia. It was a last ditch effort to rid the land of the storm that was created to sabotage the land.

"In a last gasp to assure Equestria's safety, the remaining Rainbow Ponies sacrificed their power to Luna and myself. We garnered all of our magic as well as theirs to blast him as far away from Equestria as we could." Celestia told them, Luna followed. "So much magic in fact, in took us several days before we recovered."

The Princesses had saved the land of Equestria of Raindoom, sending him into the outskirts of space. Soon after, the pegasi responsible for the notorious acts were brought to justice and punished for their actions. It was just a painful reminder of what could happen when Equestria was not filled with harmony. Only now, the fracture of harmony came at a severe cost. The Rainbow Pegasi were feared no more, and the unity between the rain and sun pegasus strained.

By order of the Princesses, the reign of weather pegasi controlling the elements was suspended; they themselves would control the elements of nature until the time was deemed right.

And for moons there after, to honor the remembrance that all pegasi should work together, the code allowed any and all Pegasus that wished to be Weather Ponies the ability to join, to remind them that all pegasi must work together to be strong.

***

Though the tale did bring closure to how the unity of pegasi and Cloudsdale came to be, it no longer served the importance of the present.

"But it seems that over time, Raindoom only absorbed the magic that we used against him as well, just as he did to all the ponies before. It seems he is now immune to our Alicorn Magic, and I fear after blasting him away yourself Twilight, he will soon be immune all the same to your magic as well."

Celestia's words made Twilight look up to her horn in somberness, she didn't understand why Celestia was so conscious about using her magic against Raindoom, but now she did.

"Boy, this Raindoom seems like a real fly in your pudding." Pinkie Pie declared with disgust, and giving a "blah" at the thought of the visual she gave herself.

"Now that Raindoom has returned," Luna started. "...and now appears stronger than ever. I fear there is little we can do to stop him."

The grim reality of the matter across the faces of the two Princesses made the mane group know the seriousness of the power this entity had.

"Raindoom can create Eternal Rainfall, flooding Equestria and destroying our world!" The harsh, stern words from Princess Luna befall them. The visualization of endless rain showed the danger at hand. The flooding of town, city, and all other lands. Without a way to rid Raindoom with any form of magic, what could possibly rid the land of him now?

"But whatever can we do about this?" Rarity asked, speaking what was on everypony's mind. Celestia responded...

"Being impervious to our magic makes ridding Raindoom again seemingly impossible. We now fear there may be only one pony who can vanquish him now."

The direction of where she was speaking made the statement crystal. The one the princess referred to was quite clear.

Princess Twilight answered. "Rainbow Dash?" Receiving a hollowed nod from the other members of royalty.

"Celestia and myself had believed the Ancient Elemental Ponies were all no more. But this would surely explain all your friend's incredible feats over the years." Luna gave with great pride to their friend. "If she could manage to do a Sonic Rainboom when needed, it could finally rid the land of this weathery fiend."

"Great, now who gets to be the lucky pony to break that news?" Applejack pointed out to the crowd, little did they know an answer would come where they didn't expect...

"You don't have to..."

The group turned to see the reply came from the one they were worried about. Rainbow Dash had awoken, trying to adjust the heavy blanket off the top of her to allow herself some mobility. The others quickly rushed over to check and observe Rainbow's well being.

"Uhmmm...how much of that conversation did you catch?" Applejack asked.

"Pretty much everything..." Rainbow replied. Dash almost wished that she didn't hear it however, knowing the danger of this being was bad enough. Now knowing the fact that magic from the Royal Princesses will do no good to help was quite the realization. But how could she do it on her own? This wasn't a problem that the power of friendship alone would fix; it would take courage and strength as well, far more than she had ever displayed. Rainbow had all of those traits too, but would they be enough was the question?

Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door to the room the group resided in, and a sweet middle-aged nurse pony emerged inside. Much to her shock that this patient would be seen eight different ponies; three of which being the most powerful Princesses in Equestria. Making her statement a bit awkward.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt. I was going to say that visiting hours were ending, but I didn't realize we would have so much royalty here. I'll let you have your time if you choose..." The nurse said attempting to make a hasteful exit. But the main princess gave a slight nod.

"It's quite alright, we shall honor the rules of the complex. We have our own personal matters we must discuss. I think it's important that our young mare gets some much needed rest." Celestia announced, and with that the others agreed and began to make their exit giving their love and friendship to Rainbow Dash, who was forced to have stay the night. Pinkie Pie though quickly dashed back in the room to give another quick grasp to her friend.

"Now don't you worry Rainbow Dash, I'll be sure to have a special party when you're out of here. Hmm, just have to decide what to call it; so many options." And with that, soon the group was making their exits.

"Bye everypony..." Rainbow called out to them, which made The Princess of Friendship hold her ground, she looked to see if the others had left. When she realized they had, Twilight quietly walked back in Dash's room and closed the door behind her with her magic. Rainbow could tell something was on Twilight's mind, so she waited for her to get composed.

"Rainbow?" She began placing a hoof on the side of the bed, as Rainbow turned her head to her. "Never got to find out how you were feeling?"

"Like I did a Sonic Rainboom straight into the ground..." Dash began trying to sit up in her bed with limited success. "It felt like I was being ripped apart from the inside out...but, nothing's wrong with me." Both looking at each her wings, both clearly in tact, though a much paler shade of blue as they once were. Rainbow looked over to her friend, hoping that she may have some explanation.

"I can't say I'd seen anything like it." Twilight admitted. "Are you going to be alright?"

Rainbow Dash had hoped that Twilight could a bit more to explain about the events that unfolded. Seemed typical that the one time Rainbow needed to get a long "Twilight Sparkle Lecture", was the one of many moons that had her searching for answers rather than explaining them. Dash sighed aloud realizing that nothing would come of it.

"Yeah, I think so. Maybe some rest would help." Dash responded in a dejected tone, thinking that maybe Twilight would think less of her for admitting that she felt down. But in fact, The princess was the exact opposite. Knowing Rainbow Dash's stubbornness, it was good to see logic being used and understanding that rest was the wise thing to get. She gently smiled as she flew over to a bench next to the bed.

"Well, I'll stay if you need anything." Getting a double take from Dash.

"But I thought visiting hours were over remember?" She answered back to Twilight in confusion.

"Don't forget, I'm royalty too. I was given royal authority to stay if I chose to. Well, I choose to." She smiled, Rainbow returned such gesture as Twilight headed over to the window in the room. "I'll open the windows to get you some fresh air."

Rainbow appreciated the deed, giving a yawn in the process.

"Thanks Twilight. That means a...a lot...I" Rainbow spoke, until she stopped. It perked an ear of the Princess who wasn't looking, using her magic to open to the window.

"What did you say Rainbow? It sounded like..." Twilight stopped once she turned around to she turned around to see the reason. Rainbow had fallen asleep for the events and aftermath made her exhausted. Giving a soft moan on exhales, Twilight slowly came over and floated Rainbow's blanket over her to keep her warm. The feel of the blanket over top Rainbow made her gently snuggle into it, making her friend smile gleeful. "Sleep well Rainbow. Pleasant dreams."

With that, Twilight laid on the bench next to Rainbow Dash and made herself comfortable to for the night. If anything was to make Dash awaken, she would stay there to be sure all was well. Though for the moment all did seem so, the next morning they hoped answers would be found and a plan could be made. Eventually the spell Luna and Celestia created would dissipate, and Equestria needed to be protected. Hopefully to Twilight, she believed a good night's sleep would do that. Unfortunately for her friend, the events of what transpired was only the first step of things to come.

Chapter 5

Rainbow Dash flew through the sky of Ponyville after finishing yet another day of cloud busting. It was one of her favorite things to do, after napping maybe. It was just another way to show off her amazing skill to both her friends and other ponies passing by.

Though down at the surface below she could hear the ponies below speaking of trouble. Among them were the Crusaders; Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and her best friend Scootaloo, who she took under her wings some time ago. The talking grew louder amongst the grounded ponies, which perked Dash's interest. She stopped to hear of the issue at hoof.

"Rainbow Dash, Thank goodness you're here!" Scootaloo called out. "There's a super mean-o cloud causing trouble. We really need you to bust it for us!" The sentence was followed by an almost euphoric calling from the other ponies. "Yes Rainbow Dash...Help us!"

"Don't worry citizens of Ponyville. That cloud is as good as gone! Back in a jiff!" And with back, Dash flew up higher into the sky to observe the surroundings for any stray cloud that needed taken care of.

What was becoming odd upon observation that any cloud the townsponies spoke of was completely unnoticed to Rainbow Dash, who rubbed her chin in confusion. "Huh...if I were a stray cloud, where would I be so that Rainbow Dash wouldn't bust me?"

So she decided to turn about and search, but insanity behind her all along was the culprit cloud.

But the cloud wasn't near what Dash was led to believe. The cloud in fact was only about half the size of herself. "You gotta be kidding me...that's it?" She said aloud. This had to be a joke right? The puffy little cloud just nestled next to Rainbow Dash, showing no signs of being a problem. But Dash said she would take care of it. So with a little boop of a hindquarter, the cloud scattered and vanished. "Phew...what a workout." Dash said sarcastically to herself and began to trail back home.

But instantly, turning around, the same small tiny cloud just was there in plain sight again in front of her. "Seriously!?" She yelled before giving a groan that could have been heard from below. Dash proceeded to flap her wings harder to blow the cloud away into oblivion. "There! Time for a nap!"

She then turned around, to her shock again, there the same little cumulus hovered again in her way. Now visibly frustrated, her face turned red. She grabbed the cloud and then threw it as hard as she could. "STUPID CLOUD!!!" But with the force of the throw, the cloud slammed into her back again, still intact. She couldn't take it anymore and started to yell aloud. "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST GO AWAY WHEN I BUST YOU!?!"

Suddenly, the tiny cloud began to shake slightly...and then gave a shallow squeaking sound as two streams of water came out from each side. Like it...was crying.

Dash suddenly felt bad for saying the mean things she said. "Uh...sorry little cloud, but you are supposed to disappear when I bust you. It's kinda my thing..."

But the cloud didn't seem to like the answer, and began to cry louder. The streams of water then struck Rainbow Dash in the left hoof. The rain though wasn't like normal rain, it felt boiling hot like lava. Dash screamed out in pain when the rain struck her, she began blowing on her hoof to try and make the pain recede.

Something began happening though. Something wrong in fact, for when Dash blew on her hoof, it began to blow away in the breeze. She cried in panic, trying to grab her hoof remnants and put them back. She managed to do so, very poorly mind you. While doing so however, something began to hover above Rainbow Dash up high in the sky. And when she looked up, she gazed upon an enormous dark cloud, the size of it could have rivaled the size of Cloudsdale itself. The little cloud stopped "crying" as the ponies on the surface began to run away in a scurry.

"Rainbow Dash!" The CMCs yelled. "It's the Super Mean-O Cloud!!!"

Dash looked up at the sheer size of the dark, puffy cumulus cloud before. "That's one big mean, daddy cloud!"

A laughter was heard as the cloud began to pour profusely onto Rainbow Dash. But this laughter sounded familiar, it was definitely an eerie laugh that she recognized from prior. But before she could gather herself, she was struck by a sharp lightning bolt, and then poured on by more rain, then lightning struck again.

The process continued over and over as she crashed into the ground below, as all ponies ran for cover from the intense storm at hand. And the pain of the rain felt similar to the tiny cloud before. But...not just from that cloud before, that pain. She felt it the way from...

Unbeknownst to herself, Rainbow was so caught up in the moment, she didn't realize that more and more of her body was drifting away into the sky. "Huh!? What's happening!?!" She called out leading to the same laugh in the sky. It was no use, Rainbow Dash couldn't stop what was happening; both in the sky and to herself. She cried out, calling for help for anyone who could hear. "Help! Princesses! Twilight! ANYPONY! HELLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!!"

Rainbow Dash yelled and yelled, hoping that doing so could somehow stop or reverse what was happening to her. But it was no use, the effects of the continuing rainfall caused her body to continue to disintegrate and blow away into the wind...

***

"AHHHHH!!!"

Rainbow Dash jolted out of her hospital bed in a deep sweat, looking around franticly. She looked to her left where Twilight was resting peacefully next to the bed and surprisingly was not awoken by Rainbow's panic. She looked at her hooves to see there were still very much still there, which she followed with a sigh of relief. Dash realized the matter at hoof, which only made her slightly at ease.

"It was just a dream...I hope..." She said to herself softly to not wake Twilight. Though she came to obvious conclusion that she was only dreaming, she was curious as to why it felt so real? Also, Rainbow realized that Princess Luna was nowhere to be found in her dream. It was accustomed that "The Princess of the Night" would always help guide a pony's way when suffering from a dark, traumatic nightmare. However, Luna never appeared at any point. Rainbow wondered and also worried why that was, but ultimately she tried to forget about what transpired. It was becoming too much to deal with; all Rainbow could do was lay back in bed with her eyes open, wrapping herself up tightly in the blanket on her hospital bed. She had to just wait for morning to arise for falling asleep would only result in the same nightmare as before, or perhaps an even worse one. But whether nightmare or vision of the future, this was not something that would go away. She then remember the laugh, that vile, evilness she heard. It was the same from the entity they crossed paths with earlier in the day. The same which put Rainbow Dash in the location she lay in currently. Dash was perhaps destined to face the power of Raindoom again; she only hoped that her courage and strength would be enough when the time came.

***

Night became day again in Equestria. The Mane Six had agreed once Rainbow Dash was given a good bill of health to have another gathering at their new favorite pancake location, mainly to see how their friend was coping. Princess Twilight accompanied Rainbow through the halls of the Ponyville Hospital; the nurses instructed Dash to walk around for a test to see how she handled the recuperation. And so far, all signs appeared well.

"It's good to see you're feeling better Rainbow Dash." Twilight Sparkle chimed in on the much more positive look of her friend. It seemed though the effects from Raindoom's storm were indeed devastating, they were capable to being healed from over time. Rainbow's mane color looked almost fully restored and the pigment of her coat were basically back to normal. The only thing that still remained were the internal effects. Visually, Dash looked fine, but she mentioned before their walk that the aches and cramps from not moving for so long were bugging along, that and her energy wasn't back to her soaring high levels. She also chose to keep her traumatic nightmare to herself, she didn't see any reason to bring it up for the time being for Twilight was known to freak out about things they didn't understand, so Dash deemed it best to not add another stressful event. One thing they would both agree though that maybe a walk around to stretch out the muscles and not staying bed-ridden would help.

"I'll feel even better once I'm out of here." Dash followed, unfolding her wings to work out the twinges and sores she felt.

"Oh don't worry about that." Twilight commented quickly. "The doctors said that you'll probably be free to go by the end of the day. If only I knew what actually happened..." "

Rainbow Dash just smiled and placed a hoof over side of The Princess. "Well, I'm sure you'll figure out of something. Bet it'll all come together over a tasty breakfast."

Twilight was relieved that it seemed Rainbow Dash was in good spirits, and that she also had the confidence that Twilight would find a solution. The problem was Twilight being fairly sure what the solution already was, and she was looking at her. And Twilight without fear of being wrong, that same pony already knew as well.

***

The Mane Six met once again at The Poniful Pancake, only this time it wasn't the same endless excitement that their previous trips had been. For the others, it was the first time seeing Rainbow again since the night before, and visually they were happy to see her color was nearly back to normal. One thing they all could notice though was Dash's...pace per say. When a pony is as lightning fast as Rainbow Dash, it was easily noticeable when she looked a touch slower. The girls all took their places at the table, sitting in the same spots they did previous. The same waiter pony they greeted them the day prior, joined to say hello once more to take their requested meals.

"Hello all, and welcome back Princess." She announced, using his magic to hover out a pad and pen to take the girl's upcoming orders. "I hope you are all hungry. All ready to order?"

"Well, I guess it'll be the usuals." Princess Twilight said, getting a seal of approval from the other mares at the table. The waiter pony nodded in delight.

"Alright; so three orders of five, two orders of six, and the "Holy Equestria..." But he was then interrupted, the rainbow mare next to him wanted to make a correction to the assumed order.

"Actually, I'll just take three please." Dash told him, getting a sharp gasp of shock from the other mares...except for Pinkie Pie who was in the middle drinking her beverage given to her earlier, but once she finished it, she gave a gasp as well...much later than everypony else.

"Oh, of course. I'll have them all out in a jiffy." The waiter responded, with a speck of disappointment. But returned to the kitchen to begin the preparation. There was a look of concern on the other Mane Five as Dash had somewhat of a glum look, slouched down in here chair just twiddling her fork back and forth, and not making any eye contact with the others.

"Not much of an appetite Dash?" Applejack asked her.

"Not really..." Dash looked over. "I just feel...weak." Upon saying that, Rainbow dropped her chin down on the table causing the others to look towards one another to think of something to say.

"You do still look a little pale in the face. Literally mind you..." Rarity voiced her concern, putting a hoof over Rainbow's forehead to check if she had a fever or any other kind of illness like a mother for her foal would do. Though there wasn't anything amiss, she seemed fine in haymins terms. Twilight had even had conversations with the nurses and other doctors in the hospital while Rainbow was still resting before they left. None of them could find anything wrong physically...but they weren't blind, they could visually see the problems that were, it was simply nothing that could be explained by simple medicine. Fortunately, Rainbow seemed to fine visually to the naked eye, though it was clear she had not recovered fully. Even once their meals had arrived, the group couldn't help but wince slightly as Dash struggled to get down the much less amount of food she had be accustomed to eating. It was to the point where it looked the rainbow mare was forcing herself to get food down, even if she couldn't bare to eat another bite. She needed the energy though, it was the only way to get her strength back.

After a while they had all finished their meals. All the girls the pancakes they had ordered, even Rainbow did although the faces she made looked like she was chewing concrete or mud. Not much was said during breakfast, much different than usual get togethers. It was like no one knew what to bring up that wouldn't go eventually to what was on all their minds...What would they do once this spell The Princesses cast faded? Once Raindoom returned, they needed to be ready...but could any of them do anything? After what seemed a moon and a half of silence, Rainbow finally said something...

"Twilight, about what the princesses said..." Twilight came over to her friend as she continued. "About me being the only one who can do anything to save Equestria. We've never done anything without each other? What do I do?"

Twilight gathered her thoughts as the others looked on. "I'm not sure Rainbow. All I do know is that the Princesses' magic had no effect on that thing. And if what they said is true, by the time he returns, there may be little I can do with my magic either. Without our magic, I'm not sure what we can do to help."

A quiet sigh came before Dash, it was a brutally honest answer. It made Dash wonder if Applejack just telekinetically gave the magic of her element to make Twilight tell the truth so bluntly. In a way though, Rainbow was happy to hear that answer. She didn't want to hear a sugar-coated fake speech. After what happened the day before, she knew all them together wouldn't be easy; to be told that it would on her own would have been...well total horse feathers frankly.

"Oh cheer up Rainbow Dash! Everything's gonna be just fine. There's nothing an old, old, old, old cloud can do that you can't take." Cheered Pinkie as she grasped Rainbow with a hug that would make a bear proud. Too much so however, as it made Rainbow Dash wail in pain. Her weakened state made the patented Pinkie Squeeze a bit too much to handle. It put the realization back in the fold as Dash rubbed the back of her neck. "Oh...sorry..." Pinkie apologized.

"I can't lie, it is hard seeing you like this Dashie." Rarity said with a dash of concern, making Rainbow slouch.

"Seeing me like this is nothing, try feeling like this."

"Could any of you ponies use a drink of water?" Came a voice from the waitress pony behind them.

"I think she could..." Pinkie Pie said kindly, offering to her glum friend. But the gesture came sudden to Rainbow, who then had the images of the nightmares she occurred flash before her. She freaked accordingly.

"What? No!" She yelled out, the abrupt answer traumatized the waitress pony who then dropped the tray she was carrying, sending the glass of water into the air. "AHHHH!!!"

Dash saw the glass of liquid hovering towards her and she jumped straight onto the table they stood by, knocking over all the utensils placed on it. Even knocking a pitcher of syrup right into Rarity's face, who cried in shame accordingly as her face was now drenching in a sticky substance. Everyone turned to the pony standing on the table, most with an angry look at first, but it quickly changed when they realized what happened. Dash was frozen in fear, breathing heavy and panting, sweat pouring down her brow. She looked as if she had seen a ghost pony. Everypony was quiet until Pinkie broke the silence.

"Yeah, that glass of water did look a little scary..." Pinkie followed up. Snapping all the ponies back into confusion. Twilight trotted over to the mare on the wooden piece of furniture, still locked in fear, while Rarity tried to wipe the mess from her face while weeping at the same time.

"Rainbow Dash...what's wrong?" Fluttershy asked the mortified mare. Dash tried to form any kind of sentence, but could only tremble and stutter noises; she pointed to the floor where the glass lay with her hoof, it shaking like an apple dangling from a tree. The group was confused, but Dash was trying so hard to talk, so they gave her the chance to try to speak. And after long...

"I...I...thought...be like...the rain..."

The other Mane Six members could hear the finals words spoken..."the rain". After Rainbow began to calm down a bit more, she began to tell them about the continuing nightmares she dealt with. Each one worse than the next. The mere sight of a drop of water just flashed those dreams back into her head.

"Dash I'm sorry..." Twilight apologized. "Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?"

Dash hopped off the table she sat on, trying to mareuver around her friends and the spill on the floor, still taking no chances. "Right..." She starting in a slow sarcastic voice. "Because telling anypony that Equestria's only hope to stop a millennia old weather monster is freaked out over a few drops of water is TOTALLY gonna go over well."

The comment hit hard. The group knew they wouldn't feel that way, though they also knew they couldn't all speak for the rest of Equestria. The ponies in Ponyville had shown occasions of total freakout moments. Rainbow Dash then proceeded to leave to head back to Ponyville Hospital. "Can't wait to get a total clean bill of health from those doctors...because obviously nothing's wrong with me...I'll catch ya later."

With that, Dash was gone, leaving the others to ponder over her thoughts and feelings. This wasn't a side of Rainbow Dash they were used to seeing. Then again, this wasn't a situation they were used to being here. Nopony was really entirely sure what the right course of action was, or what to do to help achieve a right course of action.

"I've never seen her like this. We just have to re-motivate her to help get her confidence back." Rarity announced to the other ponies. All well and good, but...

"But how do we even help her?" Fluttershy cried out. "We still don't even know what caused this..."

Twilight rubbed her hoof under her chin, and an idea soon followed.

"Let's just do we know best. I'm sure something will help Rainbow Dash. What's the worse that could happen?" But upon saying those words...

"NOOOO!!!!"

Came a scream from Pinkie Pie, who ran out of the restaurant as fast as possible, but quickly returned with a giant dusty book in hooves.

"You broke the golden rule..." Pinkie hollered, slamming the book onto the table in front of them, smashing the table in the process. She then flipped open the book and shoved Princess Twilight's face into it to make her read it. "Rule number Five-Hundred Twelve, in gold letters: Never say the following lines: "What's the worse that could happen?", "It can't get any worse...", or "At least it's not [insert bad thing here]"."

The ponies were confused, but the look on Pinkie Pie was serious, knowing they would understand very soon. Suddenly the head waiter pony looked at the scene and looked none too happy.

"Sooo...who's going to pay for the table?" He asked.

Pinkie Pie and Twilight stood in the forefront, with the others behind them. Pinkie then looked sideways at the Princess of Friendship, and pushed her forward, which Twilight gave an annoyed look in the process. What are friends for one would guess...

***

As expected, and to her own chagrin, Rainbow Dash upon returning to Ponyville Hospital had been given a clean bill of health and was free to go. According to scans, rescans, and re-rescans; Rainbow Dash was back to her one-hundred and twenty percent self. You couldn't convince the patient herself though. In her head, Dash was still all over the place. She had made a complete fool of herself in her mind at the diner earlier in the day. Physically, she still didn't trust the aches and pains she had. Despite being told her wings were good to go and she could fly to her content, something just told her otherwise. So to what would be the shock to many ponies, Rainbow Dash remained grounded.

She slowly walked down a path of the backskirts of Ponyville, head down, her confidence even lower than her dangling head. She came across a standing puddle of water, no doubt still from the previous day's magic rainstorm. The look of the rippling water on the ground made her stop in her tracks bug eyed staring down; but after a few seconds, she grunted and shook her head violently and stomping the ground with a hoof.

"What is wrong with you Rainbow Dash!? You freaked out over a glass of water! Now you're afraid of a little puddle! You're a Wonderbolt, you're a Weather Pony, you're the best flyer in all Equestria! You're not supposed to be afraid of anything! And you totally embarrassed myself in front of all your friends. Get it together! All of Equestria is counting on you, the Princesses said so themselves." She began to slowly walk, no particular place in mind. "...what pony would possibly have any faith in me now?!?"

***

Rainbow continued to slowly track through Ponyville, on occasion a random pony would take a glance at her, their future unsung hero in their mind it would seem. Which certainly didn't make Dash any better at the moment. It was all so silly to her though. Rainbow had saved Equestria before, she even had done heroic events by herself...but this just seemed, different to anything else.

While walking she caught a glance of the castle, Twilight's home, and the perfect place to look for clearance. Rainbow thought if anypony could help in anyway, Twilight could. Heck, knowing the princess so well, she probably had come up with a hundred solutions, and a hundred more ideas. So Dash headed to the castle, hoping to get the great revelation from her friend.

With a loud creak of the monstrous castle door, Dash entered. "Hello!? Twilight! I'm..."

She paused, glanced to all directions. All the more difficult given the size of Twilight's home, but all signs showed that the pony she was looking for wasn't around. "...talking to nopony apparently."

It was surprising to the rainbow mare that nopony was around. She would have been certain that Twilight and the rest of her friends would be here discussing what to do, which made it all the more confusing. Where was everypony?

Then Dash realized, of course. The library. Twilight would go there to gain any information of what to do, so she was certain the princess would be there. Upon opening the library door, she found a purple pony...but not the one Dash expected. It was Twilight's newest pupil, going over the books within.

"Starlight!" Dash called out. The pony called was in the middle of reading a book of spells she was busy practicing, but jumped suddenly at the sound of a pony she wasn't expecting.

"Rainbow Dash? What an...unexpected surprise." The grin she gave was unusual, eerily similar to the grins the ponies at her village once did long ago. It put Rainbow off a bit, but she collected herself.

"Right...look I'm looking for Twilight. Have you seen her?" Dash's question was responded at first with a chipmunk like chuckle, getting an eyebrow raise from company, and Starlight then responded at chipmunk like speed. "Uh, can't say I have. I haven't seen her all morning or all last night. What a shame, oh well; hope you find her, great seeing you Rainbow Dash! BYE!"

*PLOOP*

Starlight then as quickly as she finished talking disappeared from sight, leaving Rainbow Dash all by herself. A very similar feeling of the day. "That...was weird. Even for Starlight's standards."

Off in the distance, the voice of Spike could be heard, calling for Starlight Glimmer in the library, who soon entered wondering why he got no response back. He soon got his answer.

"Spike!?"

He screamed seeing the pegasus instead of the unicorn he called for. This certainly wasn't what Spike expected to find, nervously scratching the scales on the side of his face. "Oh Rainbow Dash! What an...unexpected surprise." Followed with a sheepish grin.

"Seems to be the "Quote of the Day". Have you seen Twilight...or anypony for that matter?" Dash asked the next one she saw, almost fearing she already knew what the answer would be.

After a pause and gander around, he crossed his feet and put his claws behind his back. "Uhh...maybe?"

Upon asking where Twilight or her friends were, Spike then gave the same answer as before. "Uhh...maybe?"

Dash soon accepted defeat, knowing wherever her friends were that she would have better success finding them herself than asking. Staying here and accomplishing this at this point would be like trying to fly with your wings tied. The sigh she gave was quite an annoyed one, she needed help from her friends and she started to get the feeling that they were avoiding her for some reason. With that she just walked past Spike and continued on her search. "Nevermind...forget you ever saw me..."

Dash was convinced that this idea was a bust. Wherever everypony was, it wasn't here. So she had to keep searching, but upon opening the castle doors again. One of the ponies she had expected to see in the castle, was at the bottom of the stairway. The pony of honesty, Applejack, who greeted the pegasus. "Rainbow Dash. Just the pony I was looking for."

"Oh...AJ. Where is everypony?" Came the response from Rainbow Dash, but Applejack didn't seem to what to answer the question given to her, for she had other matters.

"Oh nevermind that. Come with me back to the farm. I've got something to show ya." She said back, trotting up the stairs. Dash seemed to not be ready to leave so abruptly, but AJ wanted to just hurry matters along.

"Great!"

Without warning, Rainbow Dash was being shoved from behind by the earth pony in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. "Uhh...okay?" Was about all Dash could say about what was transpiring. For whatever, and by the looks whether she wanted to or not, her friend had already decided that this was the idea that would be done. But Rainbow Dash truly had no idea what she was ready to be in store for...

Chapter 6

After a lengthy period of Rainbow Dash being pushed by the rump forcefully, she finally just gave in and walked alongside Applejack to the farm. She kept asking AJ about what exactly they were going to do, but Applejack in typical fashion gave some standard "wait and see" responses followed by a chuckle and snort. So not a word was going to come out of that farmer's mouth, or at least nothing noteworthy that was going to be of any interest to Rainbow Dash.

Soon afterwards, the two had finally arrived. The other members of the Apple family were on hoof as well, along with two monstrous looking wooden contraptions. To the eye, they appeared to be giant tubs, like what the apples' would use to squish and mash fruit inside to make their seasonal jellies and jams. But it wasn't anywhere near season for said jams, plus what would they need Dash for if it was? They had never needed her help with it before, so Dash's curiosity grew to a bit of nervousness.

"Uh...what are those for?" Dash spoke up finally, as the last nails were being hammered in to finish the project.

"Well, they're giant water tubs Rainbow." AJ answered, walking over to one of the giant tubs. Tapping on the side of it while continuing on. "The water is right out of our own well, so there ain't no freaky magic rain water in any of these. Now these tub is full of hot water, it'll make ya bake faster than an apple pie." The words being spoke made Dash tense up, just the word "water" was freaking her out on the inside, but Applejack proceeding to the other one without catching Dash's demeanor. "...And this one is full of cold water, this'll make ya freeze faster than a uh...frozen apple pie." Applejack finished with a big ole' grin, hoping she did enough to sell the concept, but Rainbow Dash knew that one big element was being left out of this.

"Okay...what does that have to do with me AJ?" Trying to hide the shakiness in her voice. Applejack answered back.

"Well, after your little freak out today, I felt you needed to get reacquainted with water. And since this is own water supply, you should be completely fine. So why don't ya test'em out?"

Dash was starting to get antsy. She felt like she was being put on the spot by her friend's family. She had to come up with something to get her out of this. What if something did go wrong? How could Applejack be certain she would be fine? She knew Applejack wouldn't lie, but Dash also knew that she couldn't possibly know for sure. Rainbow had to come up with an excuse, a believable one.

"I actually can't AJ...the doctors told me not to fly around." She spoke, while not entirely true, it was still recommended she stay on her hooves. So...an honest lie, or lying truth, ...or something of the such. Her stuttering on her words, she slowing starting to back away. "Gotta save my strength, ya know? So...I think I'm gonna split...like an apple pie."

But before she could even turn around, Applejack grabbed her by the tail. And with that earth pony's strength, Dash knew she wasn't going anywhere. AJ laughed aloud at what she heard.

"Split like an apple pie? Oh Dash, that doesn't even make sense." She followed up, while Dash had an annoyed look on her face, with the Earth Pony's sheer strength keeping her able to escape. "Right..." Rainbow groaned. "Because that's what I need to work on...better apple pie puns."

The pony of honesty started leading Dash back over to one of the tubs. "Now don't you worry. If you can't fly, I'll just give ya a boost."

"I really don't think that's..." But before Dash could finish, a big apple worthy buck sent her into the air. Shortly after, Dash landed smack dab in the middle of the freezing water tub.

Soon then, the tub almost seemed to start shaking, and then, Rainbow shot out of the water like a cannon with a very loud yelp. Uncontrolled, she did an mid-air front tumble, careening towards the other tub with now the hot water below her view. Dash's athleticism allowed her to grab onto the side of the wood planks, keeping her from falling. "Too cold!" She yelled out, shivering out her words.

She wanted to fly so bad, but she knew she couldn't and shouldn't. Unfortunately, her wet hooves were making her lose her grip in the plank she held, and quickly Rainbow slipped off the side and into the tub of hot water. Even quicker than before, she blasted out like a volcano. Screaming... "It's too hot!" in air. She began to fall once more, back into the cold water tub, proceeding in a recycle of events. Back and forth from one tub to the other, as the apple's belong looked on continuing to question this "plan" "My wings! My tush! MY EVERYTHING!!!" Rainbow Dash continued on in the air.

"Uh...do ya'll reckon this is workin'?" Applejack asked her family next to her. Only getting a...

"Nope..." Her brother Big Mac spoke.

"Oh good, so it isn't just me..." Little Apple Bloom finished all their thoughts. After a continued series of hot and cold dips, Dash shot out at an angle that heading to the ground below, allowing AJ to help out.

"Don't worry Dash! I got ya!"

With a solid jump, Applejack caught her friend and landed safely to the ground below.

Upon glance, Rainbow Dash showed no signs of ill effect. Her colorful tones still looked bright and elegant, proving that it was only the rain from the magic entity that had caused Rainbow's problem, but that was far from her mind at the moment. Applejack offered a hoof to help her friend up, but Rainbow swatted it away, and stood up to face her. Dash was totally soaked from head to hoof, water dripping like a waterfall off her mane and brow.

"What was that all about!?!" She yelled out. Applejack put on the spot, knew she was in big trouble now.

"Boy howdy, look at the time. I think it's apple pickin' time. Uh, catch ya later Dash!" Applejack bolted to the barn.

"Eyup!" Big Mac responded also, running after AJ with Apple Bloom under his arm. Before Dash could even gather what had happened moments ago, the Apple's ran inside the barnhouse and quickly closed the door behind.

"Hey!!!" Dash spoke out again, sprinting to the door to open it, only to find it was locked shut. She pulled and pulled as hard she could to try and yank it open. "You dragged my flank out here for this!? APPLEJACK! You apples' get out here! YOU HEAR ME!?!" Banging on the door repeatedly, if anything to let the present company know that she wasn't leaving anytime soon.

Rainbow tried and tried to get answers, but none were coming. She could only hope this friendship trial and error would not a sign of things that would put a damper on her day...

***

So after her Sweet Apple Acres misadventure, Dash began to slowly stroll back to Ponyville. She still had no idea what had gotten into the Apples to have such an unrationed thought. At least the slow walk allowed her to cool off. The water Dash was drenched in still made her completely soaked, and every dozen or so steps she would try to shake off any more excess from her mane and coat.

"Well, that certainly...happened." Rainbow muttered under her breath. "It'll take forever for me to dry off..."

Her sentence was stopped by the voice of another friend. "Well if you'd like to stay dry, I have just the thing Rainbow Dash."

It was Rarity, looking quite happy to see her friend. But judging by how "happy" Applejack was to see her earlier, she couldn't help to think she may be better off trying to make a quick exit.

Dash began to protest. "Actually I..."

"Great, I knew you'd love to." Rarity stopped her mid sentence and used her magic to lift Rainbow up in the air, making RD unable to move. Rarity began to prance back to her Boutique with Rainbow in tow. Dash tried to say something, but the magic kept her from being able to speak. So now, like before, Rainbow Dash was it would seem at the mercy of whatever this friend was up to.

***

In the boutique, Rarity was in one of her zones on clothing ensemble presentations. For Rainbow Dash, this was a bad thing, as she was now the innocent victim of being hoof picked to try on. At least, on the plus side, Rarity gave Dash a complete hair blow dry; so at least she wasn't sopping wet any more. On the negative side...

Everything else...

"No, the green just doesn't pop." Rarity blurted out at another failed idea.

"The blue blends in too much. No, that won't do." Uttered again after another gown with far from desired results.

"Or that, or that, no no no no no." She continued on, tossing aside more and more gowns and dresses that just didn't suit what she was looking for. When she turned around, her friend Rainbow Dash was gone, all there was being a mountain of dresses on the crystal clear floor. "Good heavens Rainbow Dash, wherever did you go?"

Shortly after asking, Rarity heard a very muffled sound under the gown pile, which then was followed by the rainbow pony barely under to crawl out to clear sight.

"Gracious darling, you can't try all on at once." Rarity said with a giggle, which Rainbow Dash responded with an eye roll once Rarity turned around. "Now. Onto the headwear!"

The comment made Rainbow bolt up and shoot for the door.

"You know, I just realized I think I left the stove on. I-I need to go." Dash stated opening the door to run out. Rarity tried to interject.

"But you haven't tried everything on Dashie. We still have goulashes, sweaters, skirts..." But that was all Dash wanted to hear.

"Sorry, can't hear you! BYE!!!"

Dash then slammed the door leaving Rarity by herself, with nothing all the outfits that had been tried on. Rarity scoffed at her friend's hasty exit. "Pfft...how rude..." Who then proceeded to magic all her gowns back where she retrieved them.

***

Dash walked through the backskirts of Ponyville once more. Only this time was slightly more tired, and a whole lot more irritated. Like, Rainbow appreciated the time her friends chose to spend with her, but this was becoming ridiculous.

"Ahhh...what is with everypony today?" She said aloud, trying to stretch out her hooves and wings. "What's with all these surprises?"

Just then came yet another familiar voice...

"Did somepony say "surprise"?"

Rainbow's eye shot wide as she heard the voice from behind. That could only be one pony. "Oh no...no no no no NO NO!!!"

Rainbow quickly turned around to see the barrel of a patient Pinkie Pie Party Cannon aimed right for the face. She only heard one word that followed.

"Surprise!!!"

*PEYU*

Dash quickly blew off and ruffled the confetti out of her mane, giving a slight sigh of relief. Frankly, it wasn't nearly as over the top as she feared it would.

"Well...at least I saw that surprise coming..." She said, eyes closed so she could finish wiping the last bit of colored paper from her face.

"Oh that wasn't the surprise silly..." Pinkie Pie giggled in anticipation.

"Really? What could the surprise possibly..."

Upon opening her eyes, Dash was suddenly surrounded by a whole army of party cannons, as far as the eye could see... "...Oh no..."

*PEYU*

*PEYU PEYU PEYU*

*KABOOM*

The blasts were so high and loud, they could have been seen and heard from the Ponyville town limits. And then in the aftermath, a monstrous pile of confetti sat in the location that all the cannons were fired...the exact spot where Rainbow Dash once stood.

*PEYU*

Went off another cannon for good measure...or perhaps bad measures depending on whom you'd asked.

"WOW! Was that a surprise or what?" Pinkie bounced over to the confetti tower with a big grin. But no answer came, confusing Pinkie slightly. But then she understood. "Okay...maybe that was twenty-seven too many? ....or, maybe I should've done more. What do you think Rainbow Dash..."

But again, there was no response that came, not a murmur, muffle, or even the faintest hint of a sound. "Rainbow Dash? Rainbow Dash? All you in there?" Pinkie stuck her head into the huge pile, hoping to find her friend.

Little did Pinkie Pie know, that Rainbow began crawling out of the pile, trying to get away. But covered herself up with confetti when Pinkie approached this new smaller pile.

"Hey there little pile of confetti, have you seen my friend Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Uh sure, she went...that way!" The confetti covered Rainbow Dash replied, pointing her blue hoof the opposite direction.

There was a long pause after the statement, which was followed by a big smile from the party pony.

"Great!" She cheered and began to hop away happily, helping Dash make a quick getaway.

After a few moments, Pinkie stopped in her hooftracks. "Hey, wait a minute..." Saying in a voice of suspension, rubbing her hoof under her chin. "I forgot to say "Thank you"." Following up with a squee. But turning around, she found that the colored paper pile she just spoke to was flatter than a haycake. Pinkie shrugged her shoulders and quickly blurted out. "Oh well, I'll just have to say thank you to that confetti pile that ironically sounded just like Rainbow Dash later...La La La La La La!"

And with that Pinkie, hopped off to continue looking for her friend.

***
Needless to say, Rainbow Dash was growing quite tired of the repeat cycle that was commencing throughout her day. Sure, she had great friends that wanted to spend time with her. Did that explain the extreme levels they were going...well, no not really. One thing after another, leading to bizarre events leading to Rainbow trying to escape her friends hoof clutches, that and she still hadn't found Twilight. She couldn't possibly fathom what more could happen.

"At least I don't have to worry about anymore surprises..." She said trying to catch her breath.

"Oh Rainbow Dash. I'm so glad to see you."

Rainbow recognized the voice. Yet another friend, but...this one was the calm, sweet voice of a friend she had yet to see in her current trials. "Oh Fluttershy. I'm actually glad to see you too. Everypony's been acting SO weird today."

"Oh, that's a shame." Fluttershy spoke softly, which actually made Dash relieved. "I know that things have been hard for you. But don't worry, I have something that will cheer you up."

Fluttershy's remark perked Rainbow's interest. Giving a huge exhale of relief. "Phew, at least it's not another surprise..." She said so it couldn't be heard.

But...

"It's a surprise." Fluttershy cheerfully spoke.

Dash's eye shot open and her stare went blank...

"...NOOOOOO!!!" Dash sprinted away in horror leaving her friend in a cloud of dust. Fluttershy hacked and coughed until the dust settled, and when it did, she gazed around to find no sign of Rainbow Dash anywhere.

Poor Fluttershy was very confused by these actions."...And she says we're acting weird?" She stated with a bit of annoyance.

***
This day had felt like a new low. Rainbow Dash's friends left and right were planning one thing after another, with still no reason in her mind. An entire day of running and trying to escape multiple situations had taken it's toll on even the most fit of a pony. Dash sat down, panting heavily, and her mind clouded.

"Oh horse feathers! What can possibly go wrong now..." Upon saying her words, Dash noticed the shadow figure of a pony approaching in front of her. Rainbow could see the figure of the shadow on the ground, and immediately noticed the horn and wings. She moaned in moral defeat. "Oh no, not you too."

Dash looked up and to see her final friend. Princess Twilight, who as the others looked eager to speak with her friend. But the introduction wasn't quite the hello she was hoping for.

"Oh come on Rainbow, you don't even know what I want to do yet." The princess whined out. But Dash, to the point made herself clear.

"With everything that's happened to me today, it's probably for the better that I don't." Dash then turned around and slowly paced away. Twilight wanted to make her reconsider, but she knew it wasn't her place. She had to respect Rainbow's wish, so Twilight turned about and headed back to her home back at the palace.

Rainbow Dash was nearly out of sight, when common sense struck her in the face. You had just found the pony you had been looking for all day, and now you decide to just leave? YOU DUMMY! Dash stopped in her tracks instantly.

"Wait...what am I doing!?"

And with that, Rainbow quickly turned around and sprinted back to the castle to follow the Princess. Whatever Twilight may have planned, it may help both of them gather an idea to help defeat Raindoom.

***
Finally, after many hours...many long, pain-staking hours, Rainbow Dash was where she wanted to be, with the pony she had been seeking to find since the day's start. In the endless confines of Twilight's library, the princess was randomly walking around while reading and analyzing her books one after another. Once she finished the part of one, would put it aside and then float over another to gaze into the next. Rainbow Dash, as patiently as she could stood by waiting for her friend to finish, staring around in a daydream in the meantime. She swore the library looked like it got bigger every time she laid hoof in it. Dash's dreaming was broken by the slam of the book Twilight read shut, but it only led to the reading of the next book on her ever growing stack. The rainbow mare as you'd expect had grown a touch impatient.

"So...reading books. I'm not getting any awesome vibe here." The monotoned Dash mocked out. For unless the book had "Daring Do" on the cover...nope, instantly the mare'd be bored. Twilight understood Rainbow's growing impatientness, so she tried to explain the objective at hand.

"Well, I could give a really boring Princess answer, but time is of the essence, so the long of the short is, I'm trying to create a magic spell that may potentially help you against Raindoom."

Upon further looks, Dash could see that the books being read were all different variants of spell books. Some were easy to observe the text, others must have been written in Old Ponish for Dash couldn't make out half the words on the cover. It was interesting that Twilight would attempt spells to help, but Rainbow remembered the speech the royals had discussed back at the hospital.

"But I thought the Princesses said magic wouldn't work Twilight..." She questioned. Twilight then turned to approach after finishing another spell, bringing the total to near a dozen.

"While a direct spell on Raindoom itself may not work, that doesn't mean we may not be able to use our magic to aide another pony."

Rainbow heard what was spoken, but she still couldn't believe what had been said. After taking in, it hit her.

"Wait, another pony?" Dash questioned, backing up a bit. "So you're planning to cast a spell on me?" Came the direct approach, almost coming off like an interrogation tactic, but the Princess was to the point.

"More or less." She shrugged. Dash couldn't even believe the response given.

"Well that was awkwardly honest." Dash bluntly proposed. Twilight put the final spell book aside and explained her rather bizarre proposal.

"If I can find a way to enhance your flying velocity and capabilities, it should make it easier for you to successfully make a Sonic Rainboom." An intriguing idea to say the least. Rainbow Dash over the years had become much stronger from her early years, allowing her to be able to perform Sonic Rainbooms almost at will.

But if the dilemma that occurred once before with Raindoom happened again, completing the task wouldn't be the piece of cake from days past. However, the countless amount of books her friend had been reading made Dash wonder if this was as cut and dry as just doing a mere spell.

"Huh, so if it's that simple, why haven't we ever heard of a spell like this?" Dash carried on the questioning.

"That's the thing, there isn't exactly a real spell for this." Twilight responded, who then floated over a couple of thee previous read spell books to look over once more. "I'm going to try and combine several spells together and conjure up one."

"Wait, y-you don't even know if this'll work?" A aghast Rainbow Dash spoke.

"Well...not exactly." She put out. Rainbow started looking around second guessing the visit, but Twilight Sparkle was quick to calm the mood. "I'll only go through with this if you're comfortable with it, but it's not like we have anything to lose?"

"Well "We" don't have to lose anything." Dash mocked, poking at Twilight's chest. "Me on the other hoof, I could lose a lot of stuff: My head, hooves, wings, everything else blah blah blah..."

Twilight waited though, she gave her word. She wouldn't do it unless Dash okayed it. Rainbow saw the look of Twilight's face. Based on the situation, they didn't have many options, and if anypony could pull off a spell like this Dash trusted that Twilight could.

So Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled. Then reopened her eyes to look at her determined demeanor of her friend before her. "Alright Twilight, do it..."

Chapter 7

The room became quiet as Twilight began to focus her magic, the level and combinations of spells she attempted to conjure up in her head would give a normal mare quite the headache. But once she believed she processed the proper magical spells together...

*ZAP*

A bright purple energy blast shot directly in Rainbow Dash's direction. Instincts would normally tell Dash to dodge it, but this instance was different. All she could do was close her eyes and brace for the impact.

And POW! The blast connected, filling the castle with an illuminating light. Princess Twilight herself even had to advert her vision away. Seconds later, the light dimmed and the Princess of Friendship slowly began to open their eyes. And upon what she saw, followed with a gasp of shock.

"Twilight..." Dash spoke out, eyes still closed. Almost like she was nervous to see the results. "Did it work?"

A long silence followed, along with a bunch of random noises of trying gather a word to speak. Finally, an answer came. "Uh...not...exactly..."

"What's that supposed to mean? What happened then..." But when the rainbow mare opened her eyes, she wished that she hadn't. For upon glance, Rainbow Dash saw a pair of wings...slight problem though, the pair of wings were on the same side of her body. She screamed in shock, but more was to come, for when she turned to look at the other side, Dash saw the same sight. Another pair of wings...

Rainbow Dash gazed at the freakiness of herself with not one, but two pairs of wings. So yeah...not exactly what Dash had in mind when it came to a magic spell to help her fly faster. She kinda wished that the add on wouldn't literally be an add on of extra appendages. The more she looked back and forth, the more she couldn't stand the sight of them. And another scream followed.

"Oh no...no no NO NO!!" Twilight began to spaz. She quickly began to think of another combination of spells. The problem now was the added pressure to fix the new problem created as quickly as possible, and becoming more nervous of what she had gotten them both into was sure to make the task even more difficult to help make a proper spell. And soon, new blast of magic hurled towards Rainbow. Like before, the blast hit head on.

The light intensified once more, and soon once again faded. This time however, Rainbow Dash didn't want to wait. She opened her eyes to gaze up, and the situation had not improved. While, the multiple sets of wings disappeared, now her wings had grown to twice the size of her body. Granted, it did make her wingspan look like an elegant pose for a picture...you couldn't convince her of that right here and now though. Another yell followed, both ponies were in a total panic. Twilight had to fix this and now! Finally out of pure desperation, Twilight shot one more blast to her friend.

The blast hit again. And when Rainbow opened her eyes, her wings were back to normal size. A sigh of pleasure followed. "Ah...thanks Twi, glad that's over with..."

But when Dash looked over to Twilight, her mouth was wide open. And a familiar look of shocked horror followed, and a slight quick shake of the head of what the princess seemed to think she'd done. "Twilight...what's wrong?" Dash asked.

"Nothing..." Came an answer that had the mix of a thousand emotions, none of which mind sounded good. "...just don't look in the mirror!"

The rainbow mare was confused. "But, why wou..."

Rainbow stopped mid sentence when she gazed over to the giant reflection of the palace mirror in the library. Twilight could only close her eyes in shame as Rainbow Dash looked in the mirror to see...that.

Rainbow was looking at the sight of an Alicorn, but not Twilight who was behind her in the reflection, but of herself! Dash look atop her forehead to see a bright blue unicorn's horn to match the wings on her back. Rainbow was on the verge of tears at what she saw, trying to hold in her feelings...but she couldn't any longer, this with along with everything else that had transpired finally erupted. It had simply become too much to bare.

"NOOOO!!!!" The scream of the mare could be heard all throughout the castle, and even the close proximity outside beyond the castle. The frightened Rainbow Dash ran out of the library as fast as her hooves could take her.

"Rainbow wait!" Twilight called out after her giving chase.

Rainbow Dash tried to get as far away from the castle as possible. But when she careened through the front doors, she stopped to find all her friends there at the entrance as well. They all gasped at the sight they gazed upon. Was that really a horn on Dash's head? But before another pony could speak a word, Twilight Sparkle used the opportunity to blast Rainbow Dash with another magic beam; and when all looked again, Rainbow Dash was FINALLY back to normal. No more abnormalities, no more spells, no nothing.

"WHY ARE YOU ALL DOING THIS ME!?!?!?!"

The question echoed out, as the friends took the yell face front. Rainbow though fell to her rump and buried her hooves in her face. Twilight quickly ran over to comfort her friend who groveled in shame. "Rainbow, we're sorry! We were just trying to make you feel better, but we only ended up making you feel worse..."

"N-No kidding..." Dash moaned out, as if she really needed to have the Princess of Friendship to tell her their idea ended in a total fail.

The girls conversed to one another to understand the trials and tribulations throughout the day, and they all realized just the matter of talking to each other helped so much more than the ludacris lengths all went to, to cheer up their friend. It was certainly an important lesson to remember.

"I guess we all learned an important lesson," Princess Twilight stated. "Next time, we should help by keeping your mind off of a problem, instead of constantly reminding you." The other Mane Six members present nodded in agreement.

"I'd appreciate that, thanks." Came the response of Rainbow Dash, who clearly seemed satisfied with what was said. Upon the remark, Dash was pulled in by the farmer pony of the group Applejack once more. She had an idea, a much better one than her previous.

"Tell ya what Rainbow. I could use an actual hoof of help at the farm, why don't you come." Pulling her friend in close, though Dash seemed hesitant on the offer. "I'll make cider..." The farmer upped the deal. The rainbow pegasus put a hoof under her chin to think about it, and then looked to her friend with a smile.

***

Sweet Apple Acres was preparing for yet another grand apple harvest, plentiful amounts of apples were going to be used to make Sweet Apple's Famous Cider, known throughout all Equestria. Just the thought made Rainbow's mouth water with anticipation. But Applejack learned many moons ago that help could go a long way to aid in a quicker harvest, and Dash certainly didn't object to assisting. It just meant she could be the first to get her share in cider. The pace was leisure to allow Dash to pace herself, AJ would have preferred a quicker pace, but it allowed them to catch up on everything that transpired. So the two just talked, a casual conversation between two friends. In bits and pieces, Applejack reluctantly would ease into her reasoning for her actions and why, according to Rainbow Dash, would AJ ever think of something SO Not Awesome...Though, when Applejack had heard of every other tactic that was bestowed upon Rainbow by the others throughout the day, it inadvertently made her better feeling she wasn't the only pony that got a might carried away in their attempt of motivation. No matter how ridiculous the Apples' idea was...at least she didn't turn Rainbow into an Alicorn. Granted, it was only for about a minute, but a minute too long; it allowed the two to chuckle at the complete fail the others did as well...needless to say, what a weird day.

The two continued conversing while proceeding in the work planned, Applejack kicking another tree in the base, making dozens of apples fall from their limbs almost on cue, grinning with satisfaction.

"Nothing like a good ole' Apple Buckin' to take the mind off the outside problems." AJ said aloud, Dash raised an eyebrow at the remark.

"But Applejack, we are outside." Dash scoffed, AJ looked back at her and rolled her eyes and chuckled with a smile.

"That's not what I meant by "outside"." She explained, so needless to say they were hitting it off, just like normal. Dash tried to buck as long as she could like Applejack before her stamina started to wane. After several attempt of another buck kick with little progress, Rainbow then tried the desperate, futile attempt of just shaking the apples out by hoof. But those apples were sturdier than a Apple Built Barn as AJ would put it.

"Geez, shaking these things off is harder than it looks." Dash groaned while working a hard sweat, using all her might to get a single fruit to fall, continuing to have limited success.

"Step aside Dash." Applejack advised which Rainbow gladly did. "Sometimes it takes a good kick to get those apples droppin'." With a massive kick, AJ kicked so hard that every apple in the tree fell, plus all the water and moisture that stuck to the tree from the previous night's mysterious rainstorm. "Now that's how you do it Rainbow." Surprising to Applejack, there was no response from Rainbow Dash, AJ wondered if she was just a bit jealous of showing off her skills. Suddenly though, Applejack heard a groan and loud thud from behind, almost loud enough like something hitting the ground, but it sounded larger than an apple, much larger in fact. AJ called her name again then turned around to see a sight... "Rainbow? What in tarnation, what happened to ya?"

Rainbow was laying on the ground quivering, wet like she was splashed. And then Applejack saw it, the finishing remnants of the very same crazy colored vapor coming off Dash from the night before. She quickly came over to help, questioning what was going on. The downed mare pointed a hoof up above them.

"The water...off the tree." Rainbow pointed up her shaking hoof, AJ looked up as well, as the small droplets of water trickled down her hat. Applejack didn't understand though, she hadn't figured it out.

"I don't get it, it's only...runoff from the rainstorm!" AJ gasped as she realized the problem, the same problem that put her friend in danger the first place. This tree and all the others surrounding them contained the elements of the magical rain that Raindoom created, the same that drained the aura...or life essence of such from the weather ponies eons ago; and now Rainbow also. Applejack was caught in a pause, she didn't know what to do but tried to help her friend up, which was difficult to do so AJ dragged her out from underneath the tree's shade hoping a fresh beam from the sun of Celestia would help dry her off. "Dash I'm sorry. I-I wasn't even thinking. Come on now, shake it off. There wasn't THAT much rain water." Applejack struggled to get Dash up on all fours, who could barely support her own weight without wobbling violently in the legs. After a couple minutes, Rainbow regained composure but only after getting a lot of assistance from her friend, AJ then gave a sigh of relief. "Thank heavens." She said wiping the sweat over her head, along with some worry also.

"I...I have to go." Rainbow Dash told Applejack, as she slowly paced away. AJ was hurt by the sudden leave, but she knew it couldn't any near what Rainbow felt to go.

"O-Of course Rainbow. I-I'm sorry again." Applejack conceded with a frown.

"I know Applejack, it's not your fault. I gotta get back to Twilight..." Rainbow assured her, which made Applejack feel better. Rainbow herself though...far from it. Rainbow left Sweet Apple Acres a beaten, down trodden pony. She had to get back to the castle to tell Twilight about what happened, maybe it would give another clue of a course of action. But as time waned, what little strength Dash had left her. Rainbow was both physically and mentally beat. She needed help, but had no clue who to go to to seek it. She just walked with her head down, staring down at the dirt trail below her. Then she got an idea, a pony she could go to. After a slow trip to the location, Dash knocked on the door of a familiar cottage. And when said pony opened the door, a stunned, surprised look came across their face. But that was only the first of what made her shocked.

***

Rainbow Dash sat next to the preset table, looking around to the going and coming animals flying and running by, gazing upon all the garments and window ornaments that decorated the cottage indoors of her friend's home, and tapping her hooves at a rhythm pace on said table before. Just as she started to daydream like she normally did when bored, Fluttershy emerged from from kitchen, with a platter and hot kettle of tea atop in hoof.

"I have to admit I'm surprised to see you here Rainbow Dash, but I certainly won't complain about your company." Flutter happily proclaimed pouring a cup for herself. It wasn't usual she would have a guest for tea other than her friend Discord, it was to the point that she didn't even know if Dash even liked tea or not, but she certainly wouldn't push Rainbow away.

"No problem, I just hope nothing about this tea party gets dangerous." A comment like what Rainbow Dash said was usually in the half witted remark, but Dash didn't say it in her typical awesome tone. Fluttershy though giggled at the remark, for she was sure Rainbow meant it in good heart.

"You've called my tea parties many things, but I don't think "Dangerous" has ever been one of them." She followed with another gleeful giggle. The look on Dash's face though made it clear that this visit wasn't without reason; it certainly wasn't likely that Dash just out of the blue had an sudden itch for a picnic like gathering. So Fluttershy asked... "So if you don't my asking, umm...what brings you here Rainbow Dash?" Giving a clearing of her throat in the process. "Tea parties aren't exactly your...thing."

After a fiddling of an empty cup before her, she gathered herself to give an answer. "I needed somepony to talk to, it...happened again."

"You crashed into a garbage can during Wonderbolt's training?" Fluttershy gasped in response. Dash though turned to her friend and gave a shake of the head in denial.

"No...the rain, draining thing."

Upon the answer, Fluttershy did gather a closer glimpse of Rainbow Dash and began to realize, the colors of her friend's mane seemed dimmer again from before. It made Fluttershy quite sad to see. "Oh, I'm so sorry Rainbow Dash. I wish I could do something to help you. But I have no idea how."

"Well, maybe a hot cup of tea could actually help." Dash responded with a brave face, to assure Fluttershy that nothing was wrong. That it was nothing more than an already fixed problem, hoping to make her friend feel better. And to her delight, it worked; Fluttershy gained a smile believing Rainbow Dash.

"Right, it should be ready to drink." Came the calm, peaceful voice of Fluttershy who picked up the kettle and poured a hot cup full of tea for her friend, followed by a quick blow to chase away the steam it made. "Here you go, careful...it's hot." Holding the kettle's handle with her wing used to pour it's liquid remnants. Once poured, she gently moved the cup to Dash to allow her to sample it.

Dash wasn't much of a tea drinker, but she'd even admit it had a warm, soothing aroma to it. So shoot, what could it hurt she thought. Rainbow took a nice, quick swig of the liquid and swallowed it slowly. It felt of relief, though as it went down her throat, something began to feel off...very off.

"AHHH!" Dash cried out, widening the eyes of her host. "I said it was hot...at least, I thought I did." Fluttershy said aloud.

"What's wrong with this stuff!?" Dash questioned, hunched over the side of table. Huffing for air, coughing dryly, and trying to spit out anything that may have been in her mouth.

"Why, it's just tea." Fluttershy said in confusion. And confused she was. Dash had a concerned look on her face, borderline of straight panic. She was starting to dry heave, profusely sweating, just one thing after another was happening. "What did you put in it, poison?"

"Of course not...it's just tea..." Her friend responded. "...brewed from fresh water from the stream." Pointing to the brook that flowed alongside the cottage. Dash though gasped loudly at the answer.

"The stream!? But the stream would still have...water from Raindoom's...storm..." By the time the rainbowed mare could finish her sentence, she was running out of breath...worse yet, she was having trouble gathering another gasp of air.

Just then, she crumbled off her seat and fell to the floor below. Flutter gasped in shock, scurrying to her friend in peril. Rainbow Dash finally let out a big exhale, but when she did...a massive vapor cloud of color came from her mouth. It was like seeing your breath on a cold winter's day. Fluttershy gazed upon the sight and realized the severe seriousness.

"Oh no! Rainbow Dash...what have I done?" Fluttershy propped up her friend, as Rainbow's color again began to fade like the winter greyhues. Dash was in trouble, Fluttershy was in a panic, she only regained herself hearing her friend's voice.

"Fluttershy...get...help...hurry!" The muffled sound came from the mare's lips. And soon, Dash's eyes closed and her head fell back.

"Oh dear! Angel, look after Rainbow Dash; I'm going to find Twilight!" With that, Fluttershy bolted in a panic out of her cottage while Angel Bunny hopped to Rainbow and fanned his little paws to Rainbow's face to try to give her some air which looked to little avail. Dash tried inhales, short exhales trying to prevent any additional essence to pass. Fluttershy needed to find Twilight, Dash couldn't keep this up much longer and she needed help faster than she could fly. Fluttershy could only hope she could be able to get help in time!

***

Meanwhile at Twilight's Castle, The Princess was continuing to search any and all books to try and gather additional information about what this Raindoom entity was. It was to the point now that she could almost recite an entire page of text before she even turned the following one, on account of how many times she had read them by this point. Spike was there to assist as he usually did, much to his chagrin as well. He gave a pessimistic sigh seeing that even after so long, there had literally been zero progress.

"Come on Twilight, you already checked all these books...three times. You know there's nothing in them that'll help..." Spike told Twilight with a voice showing her assistant being totally bored out of his mind. Sadly, Twilight knew Spike's comment was true, but she just couldn't quit.

"I know Spike...but we have to keep looking." Twilight paused to remember everything she read through in the book in front of her face... "...There has to be something in here that can help find an answer." She finished.

After what appeared to be another failed reexamination, Twilight began to magic three more books over to read, but her concentration was halted by the library doors slamming open followed by a desperate cry.

"Twilight! HELP!!!"

The scream came from Fluttershy, and the lapse of Twilight focusing on her magic, caused the three books she held to come crashing down, ironically right on top of Spike's head, flattening him to the floor; however Twilight was more in the attention of finding out Fluttershy's problem. The yellow colored mare looked to be in a state that could only be described as "A Panical Frenzy". Her panting was extreme, Twilight knew wherever Fluttershy came from, was in a terrible hurry. Twilight zipped over to see her friend. "Fluttershy!? What's wrong?" She asked. Fluttershy's words were quick and choppy trying to catch a breath, stuttering and trembling in fear; but Twilight was partially able to understand her in this frantic state.

"R-R-R-R-Rainbow Dash...in trouble! N-N-Needs help!"

"Oh no! We have to get back to her!" Once Fluttershy told Twilight her location, she held the shy mare by her hoof, and used her magic to teleport them together straight to Fluttershy's cottage. And...

*PLOOP*

In a pink flash, the two ponies disappeared without a trace. Leaving the purple dragon alone in the library, still buried under a barrage of spell books, who called out in a muffle. "Don't worry! I'll be fine!"

But no pony could predict the seriousness at hand, all anyone could hope is they were not too late...

Chapter 8

After the efforts of Twilight, both her and Fluttershy had managed to get Rainbow Dash back to the hospital for care; and based on the diagnosis given to them, it was not a moment too soon. Unfortunately, the visual effects were still clear to see. Rainbow had become anything but so, her coat and mane were near faded to grey again, and her energy near sapped entirely. Dash lay in the hospital bed, IVs above her front left hoof to give her a massive amount of fresh fluids into her body in an attempt to dilute the contaminated fluids she had ingested by mistake.

After some time, it appeared to have worked and Dash's vital signs appeared to return to normal. The other positive was unlike before, she was conscious and alert. Though barely any words Dash said since Twilight and Fluttershy found her. Only the short one word answers, or a occasional moan and groan with a nod or shake of the head, plus whenever a word was said it was extremely difficult to make out unless really listening carefully. Over time her condition continued to improve. Twilight stayed by Dash's side to give her company as she did before, just as a doctor came in to see his patient, with most of the other Mane Six following behind.

"Well, Miss Rainbow, your second trip to the Ponyville hospital today...only one shy of your record." The doctor gave a chuckle, though quickly stopped realizing the humor landed with a thud, he cleared his throat and went on embarrassed. "I think we're going to keep you here overnight, so fortunately for you, you won't be breaking that record today. Just try to get some rest and I'm sure you'll be fine." The doctor quickly paced his way out as Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack came up to the bed to check on Rainbow Dash.

"I suppose this wasn't how you wanted to spend the rest of your day." Applejack said. It was only responded with a soft sigh from her bed-ridden friend. Pinkie then jumped on top the bed next to her.

"And here I was all ready to throw you a "Getting out of the Hospital" Party, now I'll just have to wait until tomorrow to do it all over again!" Pinkie noted jumping up and down on the bed, trying to contain her dilemma, as the others had to pull her down.

"Right..." Was the only word Dash said. Her lack of enthusiasm made Pinkie's happiness deflate, along with the rest of her body to boot.

"How are you feeling Dashie? You look even worse than when we saw you last night." Rarity asked her, seeing the pale look on Dash's face. Though recovered slightly, still no where close to fully healed.

All Rainbow gave was a soft. "Terrible..."

"Fluttershy doesn't even want to come up here, she feels horrible about what happened..." Twilight told everyone, just to explain why her absence was noted. The event had completely traumatized her, added on the fact that Fluttershy felt responsible for what happened.

"Bet it's still not as horrible as I feel..." Rainbow replied to it, which sadly probably wasn't far from the truth. She then went on after a slight pause. "Can I have minute?"

"Alright, but I'm keeping count!" Jumped Pinkie onto the bed, but Twilight slowly her off so.

"It's alright Pinkie, let's give Rainbow Dash time to recoup." Twilight telling her, but as the group was going to leave, they were stopped.

"Twilight." Came Rainbow's voice. "I...I meant I need a minute with you Twilight."

Twilight wasn't quite sure what the issue was, but she came over and sat back Dash side. Rainbow looked over to the others for acceptance of the request. Rarity nodded in approval.

"We'll be right outside, call us if you need anything Dashie." Rarity obliged. Applejack came followed up before exiting. "And Dash, we're real sorry about what's happening. We wish we knew what to do..."

"Don't apologize. I know you're doing all you can...plus you're just sounding all sappy." Rainbow teased them. The smiles on their faces gave a sense of approval to Dash's reply. Soon it was just Twilight and Rainbow in the hospital room with nothing more but a flickering light of sun setting on the horizon. Twilight was expecting to have a typical conversation, or at least the typical Rainbow Dash convo.

"Well, at least you haven't lost your sass." Twilight said to Dash, though when she turned around to look at her, Rainbow gingerly laid to her side to hide the pain she was in, perhaps physically and emotionally which made Twilight realize. "Oh...you were faking it." She followed up, Rainbow sighed at the obviousness of the answer. There was an awkward silence between the two of them, it seemed like Rainbow Dash couldn't come to ask her question on her own, so Twilight decided she needed to nudge Dash on the path. "So...I guess you're not planning to talk about how the weather is?"

Rainbow's ears perked up, and she decided to pick herself in her bed to sit up. The frown her face couldn't be anymore noticeable, and didn't seem possible she could look any more depressed than she already was. But Dash said she needed to talk, and being quiet wouldn't get anywhere...

"Twilight, what's happening to me?" Dash asked the only other pony in the room. Twilight didn't know how to answer the question sadly, but she gave the best effort. Twilight owed Rainbow Dash that much.

"I'm not sure Rainbow. If what the Princesses said is true, this rain from Raindoom has some sort of magical properties that seems to be draining the very life force from you." She explained what he believed to be the case, even though there wasn't complete fact of it. Twilight held up Rainbow's hoof that looked like was continuing to replenish in color even by the moment. "You seem like you've been able to recover from it over time, yet I don't know how, or even if you'll be able to keep doing it."

The only thing that made sense to them was that nothing made sense at this point. Only one pony could stop this thing, but it could do the same thing or worse back to Rainbow Dash. Nopony else was affected by the magic Raindoom caused, but could no one could do anything back? It's like logic was crumpled up into a little ball of paper and tossed aside.

"I don't know what to do Twilight. If what Princess Celestia and Luna said are true, I'm the only one who can do anything to save Equestria. How can I possibly help if a few drops of water puts me in a hospital bed? W-What's gonna happen when he comes back? What if I'm not ready?" Rainbow's speech and words were quick. Rushed but thought out, and every word said was heard by Twilight.

"Rainbow...it's alright. Everything is going to be alright." Twilight assured her friend, but Dash didn't seem to have the same belief, who tried to sit up in her bed, with sluggish results.

"How is it going to be alright Twilight? This isn't something we can just say we're gonna fix, and then "POOF"...it's fixed! I mean, it's not like you could just give me your magic or..."

She paused, and a look befell Rainbow Dash unlike any Twilight had seen. Dash looked as if she had seen a Windigo, gazing straight ahead.

"Rainbow? What is it?" Twilight asked her tranced like friend...after a pause.

"Twilight...remember earlier when you cast those magic spells on me today?"

"Remember? I could I forget doing something so utterly ridiculous?" Twilight huffed in the mere reminder of failure, she rarely spook on things that didn't belittle success, so Dash's mention of it did not help matters. But Rainbow was gathering thoughts, while staring through the wall in front of her, giving no eye contact.

"Yeah, about that...what if you went a step further..." Clapping her hooves together lightly.

Twilight didn't understand where this conversation was going... "Those spells resulted in a catastrophic failure. What do you mean "A step further"?" Almost fearing what Dash had in mind. Rainbow was known to come up with insanely outlandish ideas, and now the look she had made Twilight fear the worst of them yet was coming. Dash started stumbling on her words, it was clear she didn't know how to put what she was about to say.

"What if you umm...actually gave me your magic?"

The words Rainbow spoke triggered Twilight so fast, Rainbow Dash barely had a chance to finish her sentence before the Princesses' rebuttal.

"No...no no no! You can't be serious?!" She yelled.

"Of course I am. The princesses did it for you, you said so yourself." Dash countered back, Twilight facehoofed as a result. She understood that Rainbow didn't understand what had happened; she wasn't there. Twilight's Alicorn Magic Transfer was one of the most painful experiences of her young life. The fact that Rainbow Dash would speak of it like it was a simple task was bad enough, Twilight tried her best to maintain her composure, while trying to explain why this was just...well dumb to her frankly.

"That was totally different!" Twilight began, hooves up on the side of Dash's hospital bed. "That was Alicorns transferring magic into another Alicorn. Transferring Alicorn Magic into a Pegasus? That's not only unfathomable, it could be extremely dangerous."

"Dangerous, oh please. That's just the worry-wart in you Twi." Rainbow came back, Twilight was beginning to get more frustrated at her friend's mere dismissal of the matter.

"I'm serious Rainbow! You saw first hoof, it took months for me to learn how to effectively use my Alicorn Magic. You don't even have a Unicorn's horn, h-how would you even be able to control such powerful magic?"

Rainbow for the first time in a while had to stop her thought process, and not because it made her head hurt at the moment. While she didn't quite comprehend everything Twilight spewed to her, it certainly gathered enough that she knew what she talking about. Dash didn't really know how to respond to Twilight after her retort. "Okay, I admit I didn't think that far ahead."

"More like you didn't think at all. Forget we're even having this conversation." Twilight turned and stared out the window, still not believing the idea her friend said. But Dash was still confident.

"Well I think you should ask the princesses what they think." She spoke up again, this perked up Twilight's ears. Yet one more act of verbal foolishness Rainbow Dash spoke, only Twilight's opinion of course.

"Are you kidding me!?" Trying to contain her emotions, Princess Twilight did a fairly poor job of. "Well, I did think of this idea. Didn't I?" Dash answered with her own question. This had become too much for Twilight to take. She understood Rainbow Dash cared, but reckless care would do no one any good, especially Dash herself. Twilight calmed herself with several deep breaths, giving one final exhale, she told Dash the following...

"Alright Rainbow Dash, tomorrow when you're healed up and released, you and I will go to Canterlot so you can tell Princess Celestia and Luna your looney idea." As she got in Dash's face, though not to point to hurt her of course, Dash was still a patient after all, but Dash was sure of the response she'd get until Twilight continued... "And when they say "No", or "That's crazy", or "That's not possible"; I'll tell you "I told you so"."

After giving it a bit of thought, Dash nodded in agreement. "Fine..." And the two tapped hooves and shook to agree to the proposal. Dash knew though she had nothing to worry about. She was certain the higher up Princesses would side with her.

(The next morning at Canterlot Castle...)

"No!" Hollered Princess Celestia with a sharp gasp.

"That is crazy!" Luna followed up quickly.

"I-I'm not sure that's even possible!" Celestia continued afterward.

"WHAT!!!? OH COME ON!!!" Came a cry from a visually healed Rainbow Dash which Twilight responded to... "Told you..." Twilight Sparkle's reminder of what happened made Dash drop her head in shame with a depressing sigh. But Celestia was willing to give an explanation on their reluctance.

"While my sister and I appreciate the lengths you wish to go to help Equestria Rainbow Dash, this is something we simply cannot allow."

This discouraged Rainbow Dash. It may have been more that Twilight told her it would happen, rather than it actually happening altogether. She probably should have known better, and perhaps expected better. It still didn't make her feel any better though, as her emotions seemed to get the better of her.

"But why?! Why is this such an issue to not even try?" She protested, stomping her hoof on the floor, startling Twilight slightly. "Why won't you even help me?"

Celestia gave a small sigh. She always respected Rainbow's courage, but courage and stupidity were two different things. Dash's stubbornness did not help matters either, the Princesses knew convincing her otherwise would be difficult.

"Please understand young one, it is not a matter of wanting or not wanting to help; we do not do this to discourage you. Even if we were certain this could be done, Alicorn Magic is NOT to be taken lightly." Celestia urged the Rainbow mare, Luna followed up with her own stance.

"With no experience wielding any form of magical intake, taking on the magic and power of an Alicorn would be extremely dangerous to not just yourself, but all of Equestria." Luna said with a stern voice.

"Princesses...your majesties, whatever you wish to be called." Rainbow gathered herself, took a breath and continued. "With all due respect, if I can't stop Raindoom, Equestria is in extreme danger one way or another. Our options are hardly any to put it mildly. W-Why can't you just train me how to use Alicorn Magic?"

"Because you're not an Alicorn Rainbow!" Princess Twilight rebutted with harsh demeanor. Speaking in a tone that Twilight Sparkle rarely if ever spoke in. "That would be like you trying to train Applejack how to fly. She CAN'T fly, she DOESN'T have wings! You don't have a horn, how can you use magic!? Alicorn Magic at that?"

"Twilight is correct Rainbow Dash..." Celestia added, agreeing with her fellow Princess. "While I'm sure this upsetting for you to hear, please understand that we're saying this because it is important to know the risks to you. We simply cannot let this happen."

The reality had finally hit like a ton of bricks. Rainbow Dash was truly dejected, but she felt more so by the fact that the Princesses looked to take no pleasure in it. They clearly wanted to help, but to be frank, this seemed like a plan that could never succeed. Rainbow began to slowly pace away, Twilight just gloomfully looked at her in sorrow, knowing this was coming and knowing she could do nothing about it. Dash had almost got to the giant door to exit, ...then she paused and turned to her superiors.

"You know what...you're right. You probably can't teach me to use Alicorn Magic, just like I probably couldn't teach Applejack or anypony without wings to fly. But if they really were committed to learn, I would at least try to help them, even if I knew I couldn't. Because that's what a friend would do." She gave a sigh before giving one final claim. "I just wish my friends would try to do the same for me, when I need them the most..."

With that, Dash turned back to the door and began to pull it open to leave, but before it widened to the level to allow her exit, a giant white hoof closed the door back closed. Dash was surprised to look up and see Princess Celestia by her side, with a smile on her face.

"Rainbow Dash...We will attempt to transfer our magic to you."

Rainbow Dash just looked up to her majesty in a bit of shock and awe, her royal sister then approached from the other side and lay a hoof on her wing.

"And we will try to teach how to control them." Luna finished.

Rainbow stood in silence, a rather awkward one at that. This had been what she had hoped for, the Princesses nearly expected Dash to soar the halls until her wings fell off; but her reaction was quite the opposite. After a bit, she finally gathered the thought to say something after the wonderful gesture they were making.

"But, why are you choosing to help me now?" Rainbow asked in confusion, Twilight then slowly trotted to her with a smile. Rainbow had fully expected to see her go crazy after the Princesses chose to do something Twilight would have imagined, but instead she seemed...happy. After looking to both her fellow royals, she looked back to Rainbow Dash and gave a gentle embrace.

"Because just like you said, that's what a friend would do." With those words, it was clear they were all on the same page. But the time for being generous and happy was over. They present ponies knew that serious matters were now needed in order to make this vow worth it. Rainbow Dash was about to attempt something that was never attempted before, and may never happen again. A Non-Alicorn being would successfully possess Alicorn Magic. The mere thought of it seemed impossible, and no amount of friendship would make it more possible. One thing was certain, tomorrow could perhaps be one of the most important days in Equestian history; they only hoped it would be for the positive.

***

It was night once more in Equestria, though this was a much different experience of most evenings. Because of the Princesses' spell to shield their presence to the outside world and dangers, the sky did not have the same look or feel as usual. It almost dare say looked artificial; the stars that traditionally shined bright above were now no where in sight to any pony eye, it merely had a dark grey appearance that looked quite phoney. But sadly, it was all that could be done to protect them all.

The Princesses still needed to use their abilities even during a time of sleep, which made doing either objective most difficult. Since the spell, each Princess attempted to get a few hours of sleep a piece while the other kept guard, after some time the sleeping would awake to allow the other gain the needed rest to keep their own strength to fulfill their end of the magical ritual.

Princess Luna for the time held guard for her elder sister who laid in slumber in the royal quarters. Despite always being awake during the evening, Luna was quite tired herself, for sleep had become quite scarse for the two since the threat emerged. The younger had to put on a brave face despite the fear at hand, not just because her sister expected it, but the ponies of Equestria needed it. The elder tried to take advantage of the brief time to sleep, the two would need to be as rested as possible to aide the young Rainbow Dash in the envious task she asked for in the morning. But as her slumber became peaceful, something interrupted it...

Or perhaps, someone...

In the back of Celestia's dream she could hear a broken up, dark ominous laughter that would become louder and more vivid in moments of her slumber. Then as quickly, it would fade back to a distance of her slumber. Then once more, it would return. The Princess of the day was not used to an internal disturbance waking her during any point of her life, so this made her become most confused. Though after a moment to calm her passing nerves, she would return to sleep.

Though again, a time later, the laughter returned. This time however, the had a voice she instantly realized, and when she did...it spoke to her.

The words were quite cryptic in their statement, ones like: "Equestria will fall!" or "The end will come!" It made the Princess shake her head to attempt to clear her mind, but to no avail. Then the final words shook her, words that made her tremble within...

"You cannot protect her! She cannot save you! You are DOOMing her to peril!"

With that, a loud crack of lightning and thunder stormed so loud in Celestia's thoughts, she jumped out of her sleep in panic; so much so she for a brief moment nearly lost her focus on the spell she and her sister needed to remain cast. As she finished reestablishing her connection to the spell, the door slammed open with her younger royal emerging with haste.

"Sister! Are you all right!?" Her sister Luna spoke in a combination of disturbance yet regal voice.

"No Luna..." Celestia responded back, gaining the attention of Luna. "I felt like I could hear Raindoom my in slumber. I know it was just a dream, but his presence...felt so real..."

Without warning, Luna said back. "You have heard Raindoom in your dreams as well?"

Celestia gasped at the redirect of the question. And thus began a collaboration of the two telling of each other's time of this cloud entity's encounter in their sleep. Luna even spoke of a time that she was now convinced of was the voice of Raindoom, even before he had returned to the land. The two royals spoke for some time of the continuing events that occurred separately with themselves and these internal messages from their foe, and could only imagine if they were the only ones to see them.

After the talks, the two stared out to the off putting dark sky from inside the castle.

"The magic transfer sister..." Luna asked her elder. "Do you believe the young one can be successful?"

The older sister paused, there was no way to be sure. She looked back out the giant window they gazed upon before responding to her sister. "For the fate of Equestria, I certainly hope so sister..."

It was the only thing she could say, what else could she possibly say? What if these encounters they were experiencing from Raindoom were not visions...

What if he knew what the ponies were planning?

But how...

***

Morning came to Canterlot as the light took over the night. In the Canterlot Castle, Rainbow Dash was allowed to stay and sleep in the castle quarters to prepare for the upcoming day's plans. Unfortunately for her, she wasn't able to take advantage of the wonderful accommodations to get the much needed sleep she could have used. The combination of worry, doubt, and surging adrenaline kept Dash awake most of night. On occasion her complete lack of energy allowed sleep to befall her, but only for brief moments at a time. Dash would then wake up and have to go through the whole ordeal again. After several times over, Dash decided enough was enough. She sat in front of one of the massive mirrors in her room as gazed at her reflection, trying to pep herself up for upcoming..."ritual" would seem to be the best term. An Alicorn magic transfer into a Non-Alicorn being had never been attempted before; no pony knew if it was even possible, or how dangerous it could be if possible for that matter. Whenever those thoughts crept into Rainbow Dash's head, she did her best to talk them out; usually before a deep breath and exhale.

"Don't worry Rainbow Dash, you totally got this..." She told herself, for what seemed like the twentieth time in her head. Soon came a knock on the giant door to her guest room, it slowly creaked open to find The Princess of Friendship behind it. Twilight Sparkle also remained at the castle in case she was needed. Twilight walked in and looked towards the dark premises of Dash's room where she sat.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight called to her. "It's time..."

Rainbow looked at Twilight in the reflection in front of her and turned to face her. "I'm ready." The two smiled to one another and headed out to the grand hallway that would lead to the Princesses' Chambers.

The stroll for the two ponies was a quiet one, only a sight noise could be heard from the occasional ruffle of a hoof along the royal carpet behind. Rainbow was remaining calm throughout the stroll, even giving a light whistle of a tune, the other pony however...not so much in the calm department.

"So...just your everyday quiet stroll down the halls of the Canterlot Kingdom before your ordinary, casual, life altering, potentially extremely dangerous Alicorn Magic transfer. No biggie." Twilight struggled through the speech, sweat beading off her forehead and muzzle, and twitching ears.

"Twilight, just chillax." Rainbow assured, breaking out Twilight's worry from her mind. "Everything's gonna be just fine. You said so yourself after all."

Twilight exhaled before giving a nod of agreement, but even she had noticed that even for Rainbow's standards, she was quite...chill. Which didn't go unnoticed from Twilight. "I have to say Rainbow Dash, what you're doing is incredibly brave."

"...Ah come on, you did it once. Can't let you have all the fun." Rainbow said with a chuckle, the lighter mood certainly made Twilight feel better. And luckily for Rainbow, her plan to make Twilight do so helped herself too. If Twilight knew what Dash was really thinking, the conversation would have been much different for sure.

Both ponies placed a hoof each on the massive doors before giving a nod to one another, and opening them to enter.

"SURPRISE!!!"

The word was heard loudly followed by a blast from Pinkie Pie's Party Cannon, covering both Rainbow and Twilight in confetti. Upon removing the colored paper from their eyes, Rainbow Dash was surprised to see not just Pinkie, but all her friends present; Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity stood alongside the other Princesses Luna and Celestia. Dash was at a loss of words trotting over.

"But...what are all of you doing here?" She questioned.

"Well, Twilight got a message to Spike about what was going down, and he told us that being here was probably something you'd appreciate." Applejack told her, the answer made Dash look back to Twilight who gave a smile and a little wink in return. "We decided that you could use some support." Flutterfly continued on, then Rarity followed up after that. "Fortunately, all of us got here on time..." Herself and the others looking over to a certain party pony.

"What!?" Pinkie said. "I just found out..."

*FLASHBACK*

(One Minute Ago)

Pinkie Pie was busy making a delicious chocolate ganache for a tasty dessert she had prepared baking for the Cakes in Sugarcube Corner. Though while working at her traditional Pinkie Pie pace, the pony noticed a letter that her pet alligator Gummy had in his mouth with an apparent message on it. Quite curious of the note, she happily received it from her pet and quietly observed the note. And her eyes popped at the message...almost literally.

Girls,
The Princesses and I are sending out this message as quick as we can. We are going to attempt something very complicated, and we could all use your support here. Please come to The Royal Castle in Canterlot at morning. Hope you're all there.

Your friend,
Princess Twilight Sparkle

Upon finishing the message, she looked up at the clocks in the room she be in, seeing that she had a mere thirty seconds left before the time approached near. She screamed in horror what she had done.

"I HAVE TO GET THERE BEFORE I'M TOO LATE!!!" In a frantic panic, she began to spin her legs as fast as the eye could see. But then stopped, and slowly began to trot to the hidden broom closet in the back of the housing. Opening the door to a very dark and dim path that had another door at the end of the very short hall passage.

Pinkie Pie then proceeded to open the second door in the mysterious broom closet and walked through it, and without warning appeared in the main chamber of the Royal Castle, where all her friends and the Princesses looked on in pure befuddlement.

"Sorry I almost didn't make it, I just found out." She stated to a continued look of confusion from all ponies present. Just then a thought came to mind. "WAIT! I FORGOT TO TURN OFF THE OVEN!!!" And then in another fake out sprint, began to slowly prance back to the unexplained door that came out of nowhere. "Be right back..."

And left once more as Applejack, Rarity, among others hoofpalmed their faces as the door closing could be heard from a distance.

*END FLASHBACK*

Pinkie Pie just smiled cheerfully, while most in the chamber looked quite unamused. A bit of a chuckle came from the rainbow mare herself.

"Yep. Typical Pinkie Pie. Thanks for all of you coming. This really means a lot." Dash told them all, after a big nod of agreement, all them gave one group embrace. Then the words of Princess Celestia could be heard.

"Well, I don't believe there is any point to wait any further. Rainbow Dash, we are prepared to begin this process...I assume you are prepared?" She said, with her Royal Sister Luna by her side.

"I Guess so..." Was the response of the rainbow pony, who walked towards them, closer to the center of the main room. Rainbow listened closely for the Princesses were sure to instruct her on the upcoming transfer. Luna spoke first.

"Now Rainbow Dash, transferring Alicorn Magic into a non-alicorn is not something we have any knowledge or experience in. We are not still even entirely sure this is possible; so we cannot promise you this will go smoothly."

"I understand." Rainbow agreed to the task with a nod. Twilight then walked up and gave more instructions.

"Just remember, we don't really know if this is safe to try; so please Rainbow, if at any point you feel like something's wrong and you can't control the transferring magic anymore, don't hesitate to say so."

Rainbow gulped, perhaps a way to figuratively and literally swallow her fear. "Right..., so how DO I control it exactly?" Asking the sixty four thousand bit question.

"Well, we would simply use our horns to harness the magic, but sadly, you do not have that luxury. All I can suggest is try to remain calm and attempt to focus it somehow." Celestia replied in her calm, soothing voice as she often did. "To be safe, we will on go the transfer one at a time, but we NOT give you all of our magic."

The news of this was quite shocking to the remainder of The Mane Six. It was pretty clear that Twilight didn't perhaps explain EVERYTHING that was going to happen.

"Wait? You're all going to transfer your magic to Rainbow?" Rarity barked out in a shade of panic. The comment made Fluttershy cringe in fear as well. "Oh, I hope this is safe." She clinged onto Rarity upon saying so.

"Well, at least I came prepared..." Pinkie cheerfully claimed, the others turned to her seeing she had a big bag of popcorn in hand, shoveling a mouthful in her mouth, ready for the show to go on.

Rainbow Dash then quickly intervened to ask. "Wait, what do you mean you're not going to give me all your magic? Isn't that the point of this?"

Celestia understood Rainbow's question, but it was clear she did not know the severity of what would happen. "There are two issues with doing a complete power transfer Rainbow Dash. Firstly, transferring all our magic would give us no way to get our magic back from you if something were to go wrong. You would potentially have multiple Alicorns worth of magic trapped within you." Luna then followed. "Secondly, even now we are using our magic to keep the Invisibility Spell working to keep Equestria protected. By transferring all our magic, you alone would be responsible to keep the spell active...Unless you can convince us you would control all this magic and keep the spell afloat in a instant right now..." The smug look on Luna's face told Rainbow to say the right answer.

"Okay...fair enough. Not ready or able to do that. Just thought I'd ask." Rainbow conceded, and took a step back to let them do what they needed to do.

The lightness of the room became serious, it was time to commence. The three princesses present stood side by side by side; Twilight by Celestia by Luna. The Princess of The Day looked down to her once pupil and began to instruct directions.

"Twilight Sparkle, whenever you are ready..." Celestia stated. Twilight gave a nod and then looked to her friend who took a defensive stance, wings spread; Rainbow was ready almost looking like she wanted Twilight to get on with.

"Stand back everypony!" Twilight ordered the room. The others in the room took several hoofsteps back to give more room. Then Twilight's horn began to glow, her eyes brightened in light, and a surge of magical power released in the direction of Rainbow Dash, hitting her full strength. All covered their eyes at first from the sheer brightness that engulphed the room.

Rainbow's teeth gritted as she took the impact of the magic absorbing into her. Whether or not Rainbow could use it was still a question, but she could definitely feel it becoming stronger by the second. The others looked on with severe nerves while Dash was shaking, making the occasional deep wince.

"Rainbow! Are you alright!?" Twilight called out her name as the remains of what Alicorn Magic she could disperce was transfered to her friend.

After some faint cries of gasping exhales, she spoke. "Keep...going!"

"OH, I can't watch..." Fluttershy cried out in emotional suffering while she looked over to Pinkie, who now was wearing sunglasses to tone down the light, scooping more popcorn in her mouth, making Fluttershy roll her eyes...

Once Twilight had finished her sequence of magic, it was time for the second. "Whenever you're ready Luna." Princess Celestia told her younger sister, who spread wings and began the process herself. The magic came out swift and direct, also making impact on Dash in full. The impact felt twice as hard as the first. Rainbow felt like she was doing well, what she didn't know was the tip of her wings were starting to turn red, a glowing red at that, the magic also made her begin to float in the air without even the usage of her wings. It caught the eye of Twilight as well as Celestia; it wasn't certain if it was a good or bad sign, or if it was even working or not. The pain Rainbow was feeling became harder to hide as well, even though Dash knew she should say something like Twilight told her...she knew she couldn't. Pain was for the weak, a strong and brave pony would fight on...and so she did. Rainbow Dash may have been trying to hide it, but it wasn't working; the whole room could she the anguish on her face at this point, becoming worse and worse by the moment; soon Rainbow would have two Alicorn's worth of magic to have to control, which she continued to do an amazing job of. The others were getting concerned, Twilight especially, unsure if all was well.

"Rainbow, say something!" Twilight called out to Dash, hoping for any kind of answer. After what seemed like the length of a moon.

"Don't...stop! I can...take it!" Rainbow yelled out, the pain in her voice was clearly heard.

Twilight didn't know what to do, Celestia began to prepare as Rainbow wished. Twilight Sparkle turned to her mentor to see the worry and sorrow of what she was about to begin. "Princess, are you sure about this???"

"No..." Was Celestia's only word of responseWith a pause, Celestia's horn began to glow a bright yellow; and soon she did the same as the two Princesses before. But it seemed almost instantly, and soon as the force of magic connected at Rainbow Dash, the room emitted in a blinding light, making all the ponies shut their eyes tightly.

The light illuminated extremely bright, but before it could dim, the ponies could hear Rainbow call out for help.

"TWILIGHT!!!" She yelled out. Twilight left the side of Celestia to gallop and race to her friend in need. Luna held back the others with her little available magic to try as well to ensure their safety.

"Rainbow Dash! I'm here!" Twilight held Rainbow to comfort. Dash's wings went from the tips turning red to now her entire wingspan began to glow as bright as the room and engulf her entire wingspan.

"IT'S SURGING, WHAT DO I DO!? I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN..."

Suddenly, Dash's eyes turned pale white and an incredible energy blasted from her wings, careening Twilight aback. Luna used what little magic she had left to create a shield to protect the other Mane Six, and Celestia stopped her transfer to protect Twilight. The energy Rainbow was emitting was astounding, but unstable. Shattering glass window panes and other nearby objects.

Celestia called out to her sister and once pupil to assist her. "Luna, Twilight we must extract the magic, quickly!"

"NO!!" A cry from Rainbow could be heard, to tell them not to intervene, but it was for Dash's protection and the others as well. The Princesses had to, it was for everypony's well being. After what seemed out an eternity, the Princesses absorbed the Alicorn Magic to their rightful possessors, leaving Rainbow Dash once again magicless; the exhaustion of trying to control the power she had made Dash collapse to the floor below. Now safe from any danger or fear of danger, Rainbow's friends ran over to help her; other them a slight shiver she let off, Dash appeared to be fine.

"That...was...incredible!!!" Pinkie Pie gave with an enthusiastic cheer.

"Ohh...I don't think it was for all of us..." Fluttershy looked to her with worry for their friend.

"Dash, are you alright Sugar Cube? Say something..." Applejack gave a helping hoof to Dash getting her back to all fours. Rainbow had a bit of spaghetti legs, but gathered herself.

"...why?" She moaned to the Princesses before her, wondering why they stopped the magical transfer. To Rainbow's surprise though, the Princesses did not have any look of pessimism. In fact, quite the opposite reaction was given.

"That was very good Rainbow Dash." Celestia announced in a proud voice of confidence to the young filly. But Rainbow was frankly insulted by the kind words.

"Good!? How can you say that was good? I failed...epically." Rainbow moaned, making a stomp of her hoof in frustration.

"But why? You make it sound like you did bad darling?" Rarity told her. Rainbow huffed at the remark.

"Well, I did didn't I..." Everyone then chuckled at the comment that Dash made. She looked around at all in the room in pure befuddlement at their reaction. "What's so funny?"

Twilight then approached her with a look of pride. The other Princesses followed close behind.

"Rainbow Dash, you managed to take in the magic of three Alicorn Princesses." Twilight told her.
"And you were able to use that magic without hurting yourself or anypony else." Celestia then followed. Luna then also added. "What you did was truly amazing!"

Rainbow thought hard about what the Royal Sisters and her friend told her, and they were right. She never truly realized the immense pressure she had put upon herself to get everything right, that just getting on the right path was an awesome feat enough.

"Seriously daring, you didn't REALLY think you were going to be able fully control three alicorn's of magic on your first try, did you?" Rarity asked her with a raised eyebrow; Rainbow gave a quiet little chuckle at the question.

"Well, I guess I did..." Dash admitted. The pride of Rainbow Dash was undeniable, but pride she learned sometimes also brings unrealistic expectations upon yourself.

"Rainbow, remember what I told you..." Twilight told her friend, putting a hoof down on her shoulder to help her up. "Seriously, you did better than I did in my first trainings. You should be very proud of yourself."

"Twilight, I get that it took a couple months for you to learn completely, but I only have a couple of days. I need to learn how to use this stuff, and fast."

"You must have patience Rainbow Dash." Came the words from Princess Celestia, garnering the attention of all present. "We will continue to train you as long as you wish. You can even stay here in the castle if you choose to."

Rainbow apricated the gesture that was given to her, probably the closest thing to a grant of immunity she may ever get in her life; and she certainly greatful for it.

"I'm sure you're discouraged, but remember, you must learn to trot before you gallop. It will take time, but you're sure to improve with that time."

And with Celestia's final statement, the royals decided that it was time to let their guest recover. The Princesses went on their way while the Mane Six left the opposite, until a thought came to Pinkie.

"Wait a minute...Rainbow Dash already knows how to trot. What did that even mean?" The others just shook their heads at the lack of Pinkie not getting an analogy. Rainbow tailed back behind the group and came to a stop to observe her surroundings. To say the past day had been eventful would be a quite silly comparison of what a normal day would be. Dash was going through things that could only be rivaled to an actual Alicorn Ritual, but in ways it was just as rare and unheard of. She literally went through something no Non-Alicorn ever experienced; and would surely have to do it again multiple times to come. Uncertainty clouded her mind of thought, but these weren't the typical clouds that she could just buck away to create a clear, sunny day. Her pondering made her unaware that the others were looking back at her, wondering if she was lost in her head or not.

"Uh Dashie?" Rarity asked her friend. "Are you coming with us darling?"

Rainbow looked to her friends and then outside to the horizon, the imaginary illumination of a sky that was protecting Equestia from Raindoom as they stood, keeping the dose of reality at the forefront. Dash turned back to her friends.

"You go ahead. I think I need some time by myself."

While they were disappointed, they obviously understood her request. Most of them would need to return home before the night's end, but they knew that they could still be in conversation later in the day; there was still plenty of time to enjoy themselves. So the rest of them, including Twilight left Dash on her own; although Twilight did give one last glance back to Rainbow staring out the giant castle panes, slightly cracked along others shattered from the turn of events, she would so join her other friends. Rainbow Dash was now by herself, her thoughts to her own, knowing that the intensity of what had just transpired today was only the beginning...

Chapter 9

Rainbow Dash stayed behind at the castle of Canterlot, mainly to rest and then to continue to practice learning to better handle the powerful magic transfers. Meanwhile, the rest of the Mane Six went about Canterlot together. They did this for two reasons: the first was to allow Rainbow Dash to relax and focus practicing on what she wished to do, believing that the company of them would only stress her and put her under more pressure to do so. The second was to see if they could find any further information on this Raindoom phenomenon.

The Canterlot Library they were certain could lead them to something that Twilight was unable to find back home. After several hours however, it seemed clear they would have no better luck in the libraries of Canterlot than they did at Twilight's own. It was thought that perhaps the Royal Library at the castle could find an answer, but Twilight knew that any book of history or elemental magic at the castle, she herself either already have, already read, or would have done retrieved such book to research before now. It was evident, they would have no more luck here than before. It seemed that an answer was just not meant to be found, this was a task they would just have to learn once it came.

After the hours of zero progress, the day of hope to find any intel turned bleak. All the ponies also were becoming very hungry as well. So Pinkie Pie and Rarity recommended a restaurant they had recently visited on a recent trip to the downtown Canterlot location. A small diner called "The Tasty Treat" located on "Restaurant Row", with a name as tasty as the food they made. After the help of the two mares, business had boomed for their owners, so whenever the tandem of Pinkie and/or Rarity graced them, the food would be on the house. The presence of the Princess of Friendship would also be a welcome sight as well. Owners Coriander Cumin and Saffron Masala offered a private dining room to allow the five mares to eat in peace from the public, but also to allow the said guests to converse with the owners themselves.

The food was brought by the plenty, and the Mane Five mares all enjoyed the food very much so as Saffron brought another delicious plate of cuisine. Throughout the conversations that had been spoken amongst the visiting dining mares, when young Saffron became quite engaged in talks with her guests.

"If you don't mind my saying, please give my support to Miss Dash when you return to the Royal Castle." Saffron told them all. "I only wish she could have been here so I could thank her personally. It is very heroic to go the lengths she is willing to."

Several of the Mane Six partially forced down what they were eating in a bit of concern. Looking to one another in confusion as to how the plan was discovered so hastefully. Twilight turned to the diner's owner in puzzlement. "How did you know what was going on?"

Saffron partially blushed from embarrassment, she didn't appear the mares would be sensitive to the comment, but rather pleasure and ease. She explained herself. "Oh, forgive me my friends." She said approaching them. "But the threat to Equestria became learned of very quickly. It was also learned of the "Rainbow Pegasus" who was attempting to do away with the weatherly fiend. All of you are known amongst Canterlot and beyond, so many realized quickly that the rainbow pegasus was your friend. I hope you're not upset that so many other ponies know..."

The ponies continued to glance back and forth to one another. Nopony really knew what to say or how to respond. They believed the stress that Rainbow put on herself just from trying to save the land, but now knowing that everypony already was aware would certainly not help any matters. Needless to say, it was a perfect way to make a perfectly tasty meal turn sour...

***

The ponies after a tasty meal, left "The Tasty Treat". The food certainly lived up to it's name, but food was the last thing the girls were thinking about. As they walked, nothing was said for quite some time, until Fluttershy finally broke the silence.

"I don't think I feel so good now." She quietly told, getting a nod from the others.

"Yeah, that curry was a lot hotter than the last time..." Pinkie proclaimed, but the response received a half witted stare from the others. "Oh, not what you meant..." Drooping her head now as well.

"Dash looked more stressed than me on the first day of Cider season..." Applejack admitted to the others. "And that's when only we knew...if she finds out everypony knows..." The mere thought made the pony of honesty gulp the saliva in her mouth. Pinkie Pie however, always the pony of optimism went to assure her friends of the best.

"Don't worry everypony, Rainbow Dash can handle anything. Everything is gonna be fine..." Continuing to walk along the others with the utmost confidence.

***

"IT'S HOPELESS!!!" Rainbow Dash cried out, nearly half fainting in front of her friends to see. The ponies around their friend then once more stared at Pinkie Pie, who may have just "broke the golden rule".

"Uh, scratch that thought..." Pinkie sadly stated, knowing that her vote of confidence was an incorrect guess. Meanwhile Rainbow got back up in a panic, freaking out, hovering in the air with her front hooves over her head in a state of stress.

"What am I gonna do!? I practiced all day with the Princesses, and the same thing kept happening. I-I'm not getting any better! Wh-What if I can't do this!? WHAT DO I DO!?!?"

It looked as if Rainbow Dash was going into some state of emotional panic, almost so intense to the point where she would forget to even breathe. Making her take quick inhales and just as fast exhales. The girls tried to calm her, but their hovering only increased the issues. Dash then shot up over them in a ditch to keep her distance. "Can't talk anymore! Gotta keep trying! Gotta keep training! I'M RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!!"

With as quick as the conversation started, Dash zipped away in a colorful rainbow stream. It ended so abruptly, the mares didn't even get an opportunity to even discuss anything that had transpired or say goodbye. They didn't even know if they should follow to check on any improvement that may or may not have happened. The only one who would know for sure would be Twilight, who was still needed to be the other Royals when further magic transfers would be attempted. But by the looks, it was still a long journey ahead...

By the end of the day, all the mares except Rainbow and Twilight remained at the castle as the others needed to head back home. Each pony individually gave their farewells to Dash, who could only give a quick goodbye back for she continued to train very hard even into the outskirts of the night. Rainbow had to keep going, several more transfers were done and still no improvement was made; truth be told if anything, her progress was regressing. So Rainbow had to keep going, train harder...and harder...and harder. Everypony was counting on her.

She couldn't let everypony down...

***

Into the late hours of the night, the two royal princesses remained in the main chamber. The young rainbow mare informed them that she wished to attempt one final magical transfer before calling it a night. Celestia and Luna both were becoming concerned for the young one's well-being. The continued stress and strain of repeated transfers of magic looked to take a toll on young Rainbow as the day went on. After nearly an hour of waiting, Rainbow Dash still had not arrived to meet the Princesses, and they decided find the mare instead of vis versa.

Looking through most the castle proved unsuccessful, from the mare's quarters to the hallways heading to the chambers found no glimpse of the mare in question. Celestia and Luna then chose to split up to further the search. After a while longer, the Princess of the Night would be the one to locate Rainbow Dash. She was in the Royal Guard's training facility, but Luna noticed that she was no longer training. In fact, she was no longer even awake. The poor mare had and worked and trained herself to the point of exhaustion, even where she lay asleep looked like she had attempted to do more exercises from the pull up bar located above her.

Using what little magic Luna had in reserve, she floated Dash to not disturb her, though it appeared clear that there would be no further transfers attempted tonight. Rainbow was taken to her designated room for a much needed good night's sleep. But little did the ponies in the castle know, that it would be far from a sleep Rainbow Dash was hoping for...

***

In a heavy downpour, Rainbow Dash looked up to the sky to see their nemesis before her and all Equestria, Raindoom. But luckily for all the ponies, Rainbow Dash had the great equalizer, all the magic from the Princesses to assist her in battle. And with great confidence, Dash flew with a rainbow blaze trail to turn the tables on Raindoom.

The battle was long and grueling, neither side seeming to gain the upper hoof. Dash landed to the surface, panting heavy as the rain continued to fall. Raindoom also used all the tactics he could to end the struggle in his own favor. The two foes stared each other down, knowing that one would eventually fall.

Dash proceeded to soar for the sky again, beginning to try and use the source of the Alicorn magic within her to turn the tides in her favor. "The time is now Raindoom! You're going down!!!" Said the rainbow mare who began to glow with sparks emitting from her wings. But the remark only gained a laugh from her nemesis.

"I wouldn't be so sure young filly..." The monstrous cloud retorted from high above.

"Oh yeah? Why not?" Dash responded back, glowing brighter and brighter before them. The brightness of her own hoof though soon caught her attention, as it appeared that the essence of magic seemed to be floating away. Almost like the power of the Alicorn magic was flowing out of her body. Then when Rainbow glanced back down to the surface below, she saw what was causing it...

It was three ponies...three Princesses in fact. Luna, Celestia, and her friend Twilight Sparkle. All three were taking back the magic they gave to help Rainbow Dash save the day. Dash gasped at the sight and flew down to find out what was going on.

"Twilight! Princesses! What are you doing?" She cried out to them, as the magic continued to be extracted back to their respective users.

"You can't do this! You're just going to fail!" Twilight answered in a slow monotoned voice. The response was received with a look of dismay, Dash couldn't believe her friend what do this to her.

"We cannot give our magic to a pony who will fail..." Princess Luna followed alongside both Twilight and Celestia, giving the same erie tone to her voice as the Princess of Friendship did before her. Dash just shook her head in fear and regret, then looking to the elder royal, who just looked straight ahead with a sense of disappointment.

"You are a failure Rainbow Dash!" Princess Celestia then continued the agreeing consensus of the other Princesses. The statements from her friends and peers could only make Rainbow Dash give a betrayed "No..." in response. But it only seemed to get worse, for now more and more scores of her friends and other ponies emerged from the shadows and corners of her sights, none of whom looked very happy either. Dash landed to the ground now, having had now all of the Princesses' Alicorn Magic taking away from her, as all the ponies began to surround her. She was now powerless, and helpless; she felt like she couldn't even move, let only fly to defeat Raindoom still hovering above.

"All you will do is FAIL!!!" Came a uniform yell from all the ponies. The words made Rainbow Dash scream, dropping to the ground, putting her hooves over her head in shame.

"NO!!!" She yelled out, hoping they would stop. But they didn't, it only continued. A continued, repeated chant of "You're a failure!" echoed over her head and mane, all the ponies of Equestria surrounding around in a circle. Finally in a last ditch effort, Dash gave a frantic cry for help, begging for an act of forgiveness of why she failed all the ponies of Equestria.

Then suddenly, when Dash looked around her, all her friends were gone. No Celestia, no Luna, no Twilight, no pony at all. This all left her confused, where did they all go so quickly, as the air around her began to turn red a voice from above then could be heard as clear as a crystal from the same named empire.

"Is it beginning to sink in that you will never succeed?"

Rainbow looked up, and there the dark red cloud known as Raindoom remained present high in sky.

"My friends wouldn't take back their magic and then abandon me...this is just a dream Rainbow Dash. I have to be dreaming..."

Suddenly, the laughter above Rainbow Dash seized. The surrounding air felt as stale as a moldy piece of bread, when the massive figure hovering spoke.

"This may be a dream young child, but the feelings in it are as real as I am..."

The words made Rainbow stop and tremble. How was that possible? She slowly looked up to the figure that resembled Raindoom, which had stopped the precipritation. This couldn't be Raindoom? But even the rain she had felt had a realness to it also...but...this was a dream. Wasn't it?

"How do you know my feelings?" She called above. "And how can you really be here? This is a dream!"

Just then, Raindoom's eyes glowed a bright blue, and on cue Rainbow Dash began to rise into the air, without even using her wings. Almost as if this weather phenomenal wanted to see the mare eye to eye.

The surroundings soon changed, showing the land of Equestria, is a similar state like now. There Rainbow saw something. A much young Princess Luna and Celestia facing the might of Raindoom above them. Without saying a word to her, Dash knew what this was. A glimpse from the past, perhaps this would answer the questions she sought.

She saw the moment when both Luna and Celestia used their combined strength and magic to blast Raindoom away from the land, thousands of miles into the far reaches of space, a place few ponies knew existed. The attack the Princesses gave made both fall to the land in a very weakened state, but they had accomplished their goal; they had defeated Raindoom and destroyed him...or so they thought.

Hundreds of thousands of miles away from the land, the essence of Raindoom still radiating from the powerful blasts of Luna and Celestia began to reform and take in the magic from the Princesses. Allowing him to not only regenerate his form but absorb their powerful magic.

"The magic used in my creation gave me the ability to absorb all forms of magic." As Raindoom explained to the mare below. "Over time, I slowly absorbed the power of your Princesses, adapting to alike magic and recovering over the millennium, and becoming stronger." The visual of what Dash saw showed Raindoom then beginning to journey back to the place of it's creation, Equestria; to attempt to finally do what it was created for, destroy the land. "And with their power and magic, also came their abilities. Since the Princess you know as Luna has the power to enter one's dreams...I became able to do the same."

A sharp gasp came from Rainbow Dash, piecing the puzzle of what was happening to together. "Wait, so this IS real!?"

"It is as real as I choose to make it." Raindoom answered, almost in a voice that felt like a stern warning. "You are indeed a brave young filly. Unfortunately for you, your bravery will only prolong the end of your world."

Slowly, Raindoom began to grow, bigger as well as darker. Dash shook her head in a bit of denial and shock as Raindoom finished his threat. "I was created for one purpose and one alone. And try as you might, you will NOT prevent it!"

"You're wrong! I'll stop you!" Dash stomped a hoof down with passion and fury, spreading her wings simultaneously. She proved able to brake free from being held by the restrictive force Raindoom had her in, and zipped back into the sky to attack, but Raindoom fired a direct shot of water with the pressure of Rainbow Falls that blasted Dash back to the ground below. The power of the rain and water prevented Rainbow from even being able to move, like being frozen solid.

The rain came down so quickly, that the ground Dash was pressed to was being to flood. She realized the trouble at hand, for if this dream was as real life, Rainbow could potentially drown. Certainly not way she would want to go out. Dash struggled and struggled, but she was too weak to move out from the continued pressure of water drenched down upon her. The only thing louder than the thunderous force of waterfall rain careening down on her body, was the continued voices of her friends..."You're a failure...You're a failure..."

"No...No! I'm sorry! What was I thinking I could do this on my own..." As the water level rose around Rainbow Dash, rising higher and higher, Dash was fearing for certain. Being a Pegasus, she wasn't the greatest swimmer, so Dash knew she had to try everything she could to keep her head above the surface. Even if this was a dream, Raindoom's manipulation of the dream made it unsure if the events were real or not and the panicking rainbow mare began splashing, sloshing, and struggling. Dash could barely keep her head above the rapidly rising water when she heard a faint voice call out to her in the distance of her mind.

"...Dash! Rainbow Dash!! Rainbow Dash!!!" The voice growing louder with each call. It made Dash realize that despite what was happening, she had to wake up. Rainbow tried and struggled to end this nightmare, and as the tide of water submerged over completely. Suddenly, she saw in the gleaming light through the rising water level, what appeared to be a phased out hoof, reaching out for her to grab. With all her courage and might, Dash reached out a hoof to touch the other extended out to her, and when they connected the surroundings became so bright, Dash could no longer see anything or anypony.

And then without warning, everything went black...

***

"AHHHH!!!!" Dash let out a deathly scream. She clinched herself as tightly as possible to control her anxiety, breathing deep and in a panic, almost gasping for air rather than taking a normal inhale. Before she could calm herself, the familiar voice from her dream she recognized caught her attention in the dark. "I am relieved you heard my call."

Rainbow Dash paused and turned to her left to see The Princess of the Night standing next to her with a smile. "Princess Luna?" Dash responded. It was rare to earn a visit from the Princess, even if being in the Canterlot Castle; so this seemed like an unusual privilege to be greeted and amongst royalty so often. Luna placed a hoof of calmness on the bedside to ease the stress of the mare.

"It's alright little one, you were having a nightmare...but it's over now." The calming voice gave further relief to Rainbow that perhaps the peril was over.

"I-I don't understand. Why didn't you just come into my dream?" Rainbow Dash asked. She had witnessed her power and ability to do so before, thus her lack of appearance made her concerned.

"I'm afraid with having to use my magic to keep the invisibility spell lasting with my sister, I do not have enough strength to maintain my monitoring of the Dream Realm as I once did."

It appeared to be true to the eye; Luna's magic illuminating from her horn did not have the brightness or energy that was accustomed to her presence. It did then make sense as what was explained to why their magic could not be entirely transferred to Dash earlier in the day, for the spell seemed to be taking it's toll on the princess.

"Oh...That would explain why you haven't been able to help with all these nightmares I'm having." Dash moaned at the realization of the matter.

"I have only been able to see them briefly, and I sensed his presence in your dream, but I don't have the magic or ability to be able to help within the realm at my current state. Fortunately, your presence in the castle allowed me to be able to help in pony...this time."

"Well...thank you." Came kind words from Rainbow Dash. Though magic was a specialty, Luna had other methods of strength. Mostly her ability to seek a solution to one's problems. Her past helped her realize of the terrible mistakes she had made and thus made her stronger in helping to guide a pony back on the right track.

"Now that I am here, is there anything you wish to talk about? Having nightmares so frequently is usually an indication that something is troubling you." She asked her temporary pupil.

"I'm scared Princess Luna...I'm scared I'm going to let everypony down. I don't know what to do!" Rainbow stuttering over her words and thoughts, "I-I mean, hundreds of Rainbow Pegasi plus you weren't able to stop him, and now ever stronger! H-How can do this all by myself!?" Rainbow was about to continue but Luna stopped her with a soothing shush, slowly Dash did so and listened close.

"I understand your fear Rainbow Dash." She spoke. "But I believe the answer you seek is much easier to find than you think." Rainbow didn't quite understand, she tried to think what the Princess meant, but she just couldn't. She was just so weak right now, that... Or maybe that was the point, looking back to Princess, who gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "The reason why you were not improving was because you were pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion. Everypony is truly grateful for the efforts and care you wish to take, but it will be futile if you fail to take care of yourself first."

It was indeed a good lesson to remember, Dash for the first time in while gave a big smile to the Princess. "Thank you, I feel better already." Getting back under the giant covers given to her, the Princess of the Night returned a kind smile in like, but needed to remind the young one of the future.

"Save your thanks for now little one, all you should be focused on now is getting a good night's sleep. I'm sure you have much you want to practice tomorrow."

To assure the mare's rest, Luna decided to remain outside the room's quarters so the young Rainbow Dash would not feel unsure about being able to rest. And now, free of fear and worry Rainbow slowly closed her eyes and tried to sleep comfortably for the first time in what felt like moons. Only now, with Luna's guiding, Dash was confident that she would have a sleep and a next day to look forward to.

Chapter 10

For the first time in what seemed like far too long, Rainbow Dash woke up from actually getting a decent sleep. Dash shot up from the bed treated to her in the castle, and zipped to the door where Princess Luna met her again like several hours before to escort her. To Rainbow's surprise though, Luna did not bring her to the royal chamber, but instead to the banquet room. Dash gazed upon a wide variety of foods were displayed and seemed ready to be feasted upon.

Shortly after seeing the edible assortments, a violent growl came from Rainbow's tummy which made her realize. She had become so short sighted yesterday from trying to train and train, that she never managed to eat even a morsel of food. It was no wonder Rainbow had never improved during the day of multiple attempts to control the Princesses' magic; she had no energy and the stress was too much to manage. The fact that The Princess of the Night brought the mare straight here made it clear to Dash that the Princesses' were quite aware of this as well.

So it was agreed, training would only ensue provided Rainbow Dash treated herself to a hardy meal first. Dash gave a quiet nod with a smile and flew over to a waiting cushioned seat. Slowly but surely, Dash fed herself well. Almost instantly, Rainbow felt herself have so much more strength and energy than the day before. The first plate turned into seconds, and seconds turned into thirds. It was amazing how much missing a full day of meals had impacted so much. During her breakfast, Princess Celestia and Twilight both arrived, happy to see Dash obliging to having breakfast first before any practice.

After thirty minutes, Dash pushed away a third helping, with a belly full of food and ready to go. And the Royals were ready to begin the new day of training as well.

The practice and tests were tough, but productive. It was amazing how much a full amount of energy did for Rainbow Dash, with each attempt she went longer and sustained the magic of the Princesses' greater. It wasn't perfect by any means, still a jolt of magic here, and surge of magic there. It left Dash reeling for brief moments, but she managed to stay on her hooves throughout. Only now, the moment Rainbow could feel herself begin to flatten on her progress, then it was time for another meal to refuel. All of them were feeling very positive in how the transfers were proceeding, and in a way that helped even more, for Rainbow Dash would feel more confident, and less stressed, which only improved her ability to focus and contain the abundance of magic she was trying to endure.

Throughout most the day, they continued on. Nearly a dozen attempts by this point were tested, allowing Rainbow to hold the magic a bit longer each test too, then the magic would be drawn back to the respective Princesses'. But the time had come. They prepared for a full on trial, the royals would not draw their magic back on this attempt; it was time to see if Rainbow Dash was ready to handle the power they all possessed.

Unlike previous transfers, a different strategy would be tried as well. Rather than a Princess dropping all their magic at once, one at a time, Princess Twilight suggested that all the Princesses slowly give their magic over to the rainbow mare together. This would accomplish two things: Rainbow would still take in the same amount of magic during the transfer stage, but would take a third of the time, to prevent additional strain on Dash's body.

The Princesses all took their positions on one side of the Royal Chamber, with Rainbow to the opposite, set to begin attempt number...more than she could count.

"Are you ready to go again Rainbow?"

"Ready!" She called out from a distance, spreading her wings out with confidence.

"Then let us proceed." Celestia stated, looking to their current prodigy giving one last nod of confidence. "Good luck young one."

The three Princesses then proceeded with the plan. They all connected horns together and sent a steady beam of all their combined magic hovering toward Rainbow Dash. Rainbow closed her eyes and took a defensive stance, to prepare for impact. Then her blackened vision turned a bright white even through her closed eyes. The positives for so many trial runs was Dash had learned of what to do when she began feeling the surge of magic begin; it was all about remaining calm. The others would give suggestions of how to do so throughout the day, which Dash used to a great deal of success. Rainbow went to a point of pain tolerance where in previous attempts, was when they would see if any more progress was made. But strangely, the moment she expected it, the pain stopped. Confused, Rainbow Dash openly her eyes to look to the Princesses to see what the issue was, but to her surprise, they all just look towards her, with looks of surprise and delight.

The realization hit her like of a ton of pegasi feathers, as she looked down to her fore hooves. She looked to gleam in a slightly shining glow of light, looking to her side of her face, she noticed her mane was flowing slightly as well. No where to the degree of the royals, but clearly enough to observe from a distance that it wasn't marely just the breeze flowing through it. What she noticed the most however was from within herself. She could feel the essence of the Alicorn Magic inside her to a great degree, she felt so much powerful. Rainbow looked to the Princesses, still not able to grasp what was transpiring.

"Rainbow Dash..." Princess Twilight called out her friend. "I can't believe it. You did it!" Running towards her and embracing tightly. The hug caused a slight crack of lightning atop them, but disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

"Ah, piece of cake. It's not..." Dash's speech was stopped by another jolt of electricity, clearly realizing this would be the next step to learn of control. "... not that hard once you've...gotten used to it."

Although the issue was Rainbow hadn't gotten use to it, it was frankly the first time they had reached this level of the training. So the abundance of magic was far more a hoof-full than she ever anticipated. She took each hoof step as if she looked like a newborn foal, slightly putting weight of her hoof to the floor to hope to not trigger an outlandish burst of magic and power. Twilight stayed by her side to help ease and guide her over to the Princesses, to prepare for a next objective from here.

"Your ableness to control of our magic is quite impressive. I must say for only two days, I am very amazed at your progress." Princess Celestia said with glowing praise, it was everything for Dash to not blush at the complement, though it was important to not lose focus.

"Rainbow Dash is the strongest pony I've ever met. So I can't say I'm surprised she managed." Princess Twilight replied with the utmost praise. But all of them knew that it would take far more than just mere strength to use Alicorn Magic, multiple Alicorns on top of it. To Rainbow Dash, the only good thing about Twilight talking to Princesses, was her friend would not notice any additional spark or surge that would soar over her to nearly singe her mane.

After all of this, all the tests and trials, it was finally time for a new step in the training. Actually attempting to do what Dash needed to do. Rainbow had put so much focus on just trying to withstand all the intaking magic, the thought of making the first magic run, or flight rather was a tab bit chilling.

"I think it may be best to test your enhanced power outside the castle." Princess Luna suggested, with the others agreeing. Rainbow definitely was in unison on the opinion. The time had come, Rainbow Dash began to slowly track to the opening to the outer horizon of the castle, the Princesses close behind, giving Dash some sense of nervousness.

"Uhh, I'm not quite sure how this may go." Rainbow admitted to the present company. "You might want to take a few steps back." The Princesses complied and took several hoofsteps backwards. Dash just shook her head though. "A few more might help..." They then repeated, but Dash decided to just say it. "Okay, a lot more steps back...like the other side of the chamber!" The Princesses' couldn't help but chuckle at the request given to them.

"You may have most of our magic young one..." Luna reminded her. "But that doesn't mean we can't protect ourselves." A brash remark, in a way of saying that whatever Dash could do, they all had been there and done that.

So, perhaps there was no more time for stalling, unless Rainbow was only doing it to stall for herself. Once the Princesses moved to a space Dash felt comfortable with, she turned to look up into the cloudless sky above. And then, one more deep breath to calm the nerves.

"Okay, just like any takeoff. Spread the old wings..." As she slowly extended her wings to prepare for a launch. "...and then jump..." Dash began to take a slow leap into the breeze...but...

*KABOOM*

"AHHHHHH!!!!" Dash screamed aloud.

Rainbow Dash's energy she was harnessing unleashed into a massive explosion of speed on takeoff, creating a sonic rift from where she placed. By the time The Princesses could realize that the rainbow mare began her flight, Dash was already thousands of feet in the air.

Meanwhile, in the air Rainbow Dash's fear of the shock of takeoff began to turn into excitement and pure awesomeness. She was doing it, almost effortless. Trying to look down the horizon below, nothing looked noticeable. Could it have been she was going too high? Dash decided to alter course and try to get into a horizontal trajectory. After a bit of strain, she succeeded to do so with a huge grin on her face.

"Alright!" She called out. "Time to put these wings to good use."

She focused hard and very quickly, began to increase speed, and in an instant.

*BOOM BOOM BOOM*

Rainbow Dash took off to a velocity so extreme, it resulted in not just a Sonic Rainboom, but one after another, after another. The sky began to almost fill in the colors of the Rainbow by the repeated barrier breaks. As Rainbow continued to soar through the sky, she was unaware of the speed she was gaining. Becoming faster and faster by the second, down below from the castle the three Princesses looked on in what could be described as shocked horror. One rainbow streak cut across the sky as Dash began to fly so fast, she began to fly the entirety of the land in a matter of seconds, the single rainbow floating in the air soon turned into multiple, blending into one another.

And it wasn't just Canterlot that could observe the visual in the sky, all of the land ponies far and wide were gazing to the sky above seeing what was transpiring. Even in Ponyville, where all of Rainbow's friends were beginning to realize what was going on. Meanwhile back in at the castle, even to the Princesses' eyes, they could tell Rainbow Dash was still getting faster. Before they knew, Dash was flying the land in a second, then twice in a second, three, four, five times in a second; with no signs of slowing down.

"I can't believe...what I'm seeing..." Twilight said aloud to her fellow onlooking Princesses.

"She's circled the land more times than I can count..." Celestia in amazement observed the ungodly feat she was witnessing.

"...and only getting faster!" Luna's voice began to show a sign of worry. This was becoming dangerous. No mare or stallion could forego speeds like that, even with the power of an Alicorn. "Rainbow Dash! Slow down!!!" Twilight yelled out rather unproductive.

The other royalty soon also called out, even to using their Canterlot voices to try and hope that any of the rumbling echo could find a way to be heard from the rainbow mare traveling the profound speed.

The words though couldn't be heard, Dash just wasn't able to hear them. It only sounded like a muffled tone that sounded broken, from only being able to hear it in parts from being below them at quick intervals. Dash suddenly realized her speed; how fast she was going. It was so fast...too fast in fact. Looking down below, the land moved at such a speed that it looked a blurred white. Flying through the heart of Raindoom would be pointless if the speed she went would careen her into space or worse.

She tried to talk, but couldn't. It literally hurt her lips to even open them. It was very clear, this was a success, but even so she now had to do the difficult part. Crazy that a moon ago, the thought of creating a Sonic Rainboom at mere will would be considered a piece of cake, but now trying to control herself to stop making them repeatedly to come to a slow and eventual stop.

...But how? Even flapping her wings as slow as she possibly could jolted Dash into the sky at blistering speeds. There really was only one option; to close her wings and stop. It wasn't safe by any means though. At the uncelestial speeds Rainbow was travelling, stopping would cause her speed to reduce so fast that the force may send her careening in any direction, and if she were to land in a heavily pony populated area, the result could be very bad to say the least. The second problem would be even if she could stay air right, once slowing down below barrier breaking speed, the recoil of the barrier would be very powerful. Granted, Rainbow had endured the barrier recoil in the past, but not having dealt with the impact of the force of rapidly slowing down to allow the recoil to occur. It would be like flying smack into a brick wall, and following it up by flying into a tree. Either way, this was going to hurt...a lot!

Dash had to act fast though, the speed she was so extreme she could almost feel her feathers beginning to singe with heat. And without any further hesitance, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, held her breath...and closed her wings.

The decrease in speed was indeed as rapid as Dash feared. The massive force that smashed her sent the mare in an endless aerial tumble in the air. On the surface it was completely unnoticed, for the endless amount of rainbows in the sky made it impossible to find Rainbow Dash from ground level. All they could tell was the continuous Sonic Rainbooms had halted, and now was a eerie silence; and the Princesses weren't sure honestly if this was good or bad.

Meanwhile in the air, Dash despite still not able to regain control of her flight, used her training in Wonderbolts' practice to marenuever her wings to allow the air to keep her afloat in the sky than crash to the ground below. But she wasn't out of the woods yet, her body was beginning to feel the push back of the bubble barrier beginning to recoil.

Massive Impact Number Two Coming Up...

*EUUUERRRRR*
*SPROING*

The rubber band effect of the barrier sprung Rainbow Dash back in the complete opposite direction. She was in a tough position, usually Rainbow could just start flying and regain her control and reestablish her equilibrium, but fearing she may respark the magic within her and be forced to repeat the series of events all over again, Rainbow had to take the fall. It wasn't like Dash hadn't had her fair share of crash landings after all. She waited and waited, until she felt an impact. Fortunately, she careened through a big tree that soften the smash to the dirt trail below, leaving an indented path of about twenty feet. Getting to all hooves made all the pain go away for a split second, realizing that the plan worked. Rainbow Dash pulled off a Super Rainboom that could defeat ten Raindooms.

"YES!!!" She screamed aloud, almost wishing somepony would hear her, mainly so she could figure out where in Equestria she was. The canopy of trees was thick and dense, but underneath the tree line, Dash could see a vauge view of the Canterlot Castle. She looked to be only a couple miles away from said location; her normal would allow her to get there in a couple minutes. Now the tricky part: finding a way to fly normally without sparking more magic. At least it wasn't sparking and cracking like before, so Rainbow believed that maybe she found a way to contain it for a moment. All she could do is hope the journey back to the castle would go smoothly...

***

At the castle, there was a growing concern among the Princesses. The rainbow illuminating sky began to slowly dim away and return to it's original shade of color, the problem was the mare responsible for what occurred was no where to be seen. There was no sign that Rainbow Dash had slowed down during the flight, so much worry began to mount she may have gone down and crashed. And if that were the case, at the speed she was travelling, Dash could be anywhere in the land. The three Princesses continued to look and scan in all directions and all levels of the horizon above.

"Anything sister?" Luna asked, hoping that Celestia had better luck spotting the mare in question.

"I'm afraid not..." A troubled Celestia replied back.

The third Princess present, The Princess of Friendship also looked around franticly, hoping her friend was okay. When suddenly out of the corner of her eye, Twilight noticed a small figure coming from the North side of Canterlot, coming in a very slow rate of speed. It almost looked a feather floating around in the wind. Looking closer though, Twilight noticed it was a Pegasus. She wanted to convince herself it was Dash, but at that slow pace of speed? Rainbow would never want any pony to see her flying at any speed but full, so Twilight knew she had to dismiss that belief...

But then she could see...

That flowing rainbow mane was still as vibrant as ever.

"Look! There she is!!!" Twilight called out to the royals. They all looked up in unison as the figure above continued to slowly approach. Rainbow Dash had finally closed to a distance where she could glide her way in, but doing so would cause her to gain more speed so she had to focus and not trigger anymore magic upon landing.

The Princesses also noticed the acceleration of the mare coming in for landing, and the three used what magic they all still possessed to slow down Rainbow's reentry. It thankfully worked, Dash's landing wasn't the crispest, as upon her hooves hitting the crystal flooring, she began to slip and spin slightly until...she came to a full, and more importantly a safe stop.

Finally, it was over. And as Rainbow Dash looked back to the Princesses, the gleaming look in Twilight's eyes told the whole story. The Princess galloped over and embraced in a full on spinning hug.

"Rainbow Dash, that was unbelievable!" Twilight screamed in glee, the spinning made Dash's eyes loop in circles from dizziness. "Shucks, it was nothing..." The discombobulated Rainbow Dash bragged.

"Never...in all my years as Ruler of Equestria have I seen any feat of speed like what you accomplished." Celestia praised in high regard.

"Yes, that truly was phenomenal." Luna added on. The present company couldn't have imagined that everything turned out so successful, just as Rainbow Dash thought it would. Granted, she often had over-the-top expectations of what she could do, but this...this superseded all the Princesses.

All the mares believed after this event, that a proper rest was needed to allow Rainbow to recover fully. Dash was so proud of herself and started talking herself up while the others proceeded on ahead.

"Ha! With that kind of speed, taking down that pesky storm cloud will be a piece of..." Suddenly, Rainbow's body jolted awkwardly, almost like she felt zapped by a lightning bolt. It was strong enough that it made her stop in her hoof tracks. "W-What was that?" She called aloud.

It perked the ears of Twilight, who by this point was about twenty paces ahead of her friend, slowly turning her head. "What was what Rainbow?" Asking Twilight, only saw Dash staring at her hoof in confusion. This also garnered the royal's attention as well.

"I-I don't know..." Dash responded to Twilight, still staring at her right fore hoof. It was starting to tremble and shake, but Rainbow wasn't moving it. And the more she tried to hold it still, the more sudden it's movement. She looked up to Twilight, starting to become a bit concerned. " I'm starting to feel strange, it's like..."

*BZZZZRR*

Suddenly, Dash was hit with a much stronger jolt, so much it jumped her in the air. And her tremble and shaking increased even more. "Twilight, please tell me you or the Princesses are doing something?"

"No, we're just..."

Twilight's sentence was halted by another much more visible jolt of power.

*BZZZRR* *BZZZRR* *BZZZRR*

They grew in shock and size each time. The jolts began to turn Dash a bright glowing white with each zap. Twilight quickly ran to Dash to help, putting a hoof over her mane. "Rainbow, what's happening?!"

*BZZZRR*

The zap increased in power once more, shocking both of them, and blasting Twilight backwards. Whatever this was, it was continuing to worsen and the other Princesses knew they needed to act fast.

"Quickly we must remove the magic from her." Celestia said in a haste. The task proved much more difficult than before. The outburst of energy continued to zap and shock during the extraction, all of them felt the blasts until they finally managed to draw their own powers back. Even back in their own bodies the Princesses could feel a slight twinge from the drawback. Luna was able to recoup first of the three and rushed to Rainbow's side, still trembling and shivering in shock. "Rainbow Dash, you're alright my dear. Try to remain calm."

"Wh-what...happened?" Twilight asked in befuddlement. That was something completely unexpected, Twilight herself never dealt with any of those magical jolts her friend had just dealt with. Celestia had herself never witnessed this herself, but she did believe she had an answer.

"It seems that her magically enhanced Sonic Rainbooms intensified the power inside her, and once she seized using it, the building magic created some form of surging aftershock."

"But how can we be sure that it won't happen again should we continue sister?" Luna queried to her elder, but Celestia could only shake her head with uncertainty.

"I'm afraid we can't. I feared a magical transfer may cause an issue, but even I never expected this."

During Celestia's response, Rainbow Dash began to stir and come to.

"We have to try again..." Dash responded, Princess Luna and Twilight attempted to help her up, but she refused it and struggled to her own hooves. "We've gotten this far, we can't give up now." When Dash finished, she crumbled back to her forehooves. It was becoming too much for the Princesses to bare.

"I'm afraid this training must end..." Celestia announced with a stern voice.

"Wait...what!?" Rainbow Dash questioned. Twilight even though she understood, was also a bit shocked by the Princesses' statement. "Princess Celestia, are you certain about this?"

"I'm afraid so Twilight..." Princess Celestia explained. "For if this effect happened to her now with disastrous effects, what if this were to transpire during a battle with Raindoom whilst in a weakened state; I'm afraid there is little that could be done to help her. This is a risk we simply can no longer afford to take."

Rainbow Dash couldn't believe what she was hearing. Even though she was wide awake, she felt like she was in a nightmare. How could this be happening? How could everything change so quickly? She stomped her hoof in frustration...

"This is wrong!" Rainbow yelled in protest. "We all understood the risks when we started this training. Why would you turn tail and quit the first sign of things going wrong!?"

"ENOUGH!"

Came the bellow of a "Canterlot Voice" from the Princess of the Night, stopping all the ponies in their tracks. "My friend, I understand your frustration with this decision, but I believe it is wise you do not use that tone of voice to my sister or myself."

Dash restrained herself, closing her eyes as tightly as possible. But while doing so, she could being to hear the faint echo of all the ponies she heard the night before.

"You're a failure! You're a failure!"

Rainbow could be seen gritting her teeth, trying to internally keep away the voices. Twilight Sparkle tried to help her friend, but Dash kept her away with her wings. "He was right..." She said before galloping away to head to the outside balcony. Twilight was confused by the statement.

"What are you saying Rainbow Dash? Who was right?" Twilight's question stopped Rainbow, right before she attempted to leave. The rainbow mare turned around, a face filled with hurt and disappointment.

"He found me in my dreams last night..." Rainbow declared, it brought a sense of shock to the Princesses for they feared who Rainbow Dash referred to, Luna however more lowered her head in regret, knowing there was more she wished she could have done. "He told me that none of you really believed in me. That you would turn your flank the first sign of trouble. Well fine! I don't need your help, and I don't WANT your help!" And Dash flew in a flash of color, but the color of her rainbow streak appeared fizzled and quickly faded to nothing. The Princesses could hear one final sentence before Rainbow was beyond their range of hearing.

"I'll do it myself!"

As quickly the mare disappeared into the sky, the trail of her rainbow was gone as well. Making it clear as hurt mentally as Rainbow was, she still was just as much physically.

"Rainbow, come back!" Twilight called out to her friend, and was about fly after her, but she was stopped by Princess Celestia.

"No Twilight, this must be very difficult for her...it's best to let her be." Celestia's voice was now more saddened than stern. Twilight could only look up to the sky above. Even in a weakened state, Dash was still much faster than Twilight was and trying to follow would be a futile attempt. All three Princesses could only wonder if the mare was right, or more importantly...if Raindoom was right?

Did any of them really believe Rainbow Dash was up for the task? The feat seemed improbable, impossible even. But now as Dash was shattered emotionally and physically, they all now believed they may have caused a even bigger problem than before...

Chapter 11

From high above, Rainbow Dash continued flying through the sky, until her energy waned to a point that she felt her wings would fall off. It was beginning to be a struggle to even stay a float in the air; a point Rainbow didn't even realize how much slower a pace she was traveling in comparison to the "Rainbow Dash" everypony knew. But her speed or lack there of didn't matter to her right now; Dash just wanted to be as far from the Canterlot Castle as possible. From a far, Rainbow Dash could see a view of Ponyville, and planned to stop there to recollect herself, and maybe to just talk to any familiar face.

However, the trip was proving too much, as she could feel her right wing begin to go stiff, and quickly began to lose altitude. Dash had to act fast and attempt to land someplace safely nearby. Down straight below her view, she saw a rather unwelcoming location; it was the heavy brush and tree canopy of the Everfree Forest. Anypony knew it was unwise to venture into Everfree, much less all alone. It did have a string of positives as well though. Rainbow suspected over time Twilight and her friends would begin to search for her when The Princess of Friendship returned to Ponyville to inform the others of all that happened, and Rainbow knew that Everfree would be the last place they would ever look, so it gave Dash time to cool off and vent at her leisure.

"OOHH!" She cried in the air, as her wing muscles continued to tighten up, it was time to stop thinking mid-air and get on the ground. So after a quick glance to make sure that no ground pony would spot her, she glided downwards and landed into the heart of Everfree Forest.

Even in the broad daylight, the thick canopy of the trees made it quite dark from the forest surface, making it perfect to never be spotted. She chose to rest on a nearby stump, staring at her moping face in a grimy reflection of a large patch of swamplike water. Rainbow couldn't help but continue to remanence on what the Princesses told her back in Canterlot.

"I can't believe them...I thought they trusted me." The venting Rainbow Dash huffed. "I was trying to help them save Equestria, don't those jerks even CARE!?!" In frustration, Dash kicked the ground not knowing that where she kicked lay a massive rock, striking it full hoof force. "OUCH!!!" She yelled out, it hurt so much more that she thought it would. Rainbow began to realize that maybe the aftermath of that magical aftersurge was far worse than she ever thought. Her body still felt like it was quivering from the build-up of magic she had possessed not long ago, and it felt like it only made triple the pain in her newly stubbed hoof.

She muttered and murmured some things under her breath, but it didn't make it any better. It didn't make the pain go away either, and Rainbow Dash began to wonder. If she had continued the magical transfers against the Princesses' suggestions, she could be in much worse shape than a mere hurt hoof. She could only sigh in acceptance, as much as Rainbow didn't want to admit, she knew the Princesses were right...maybe they were only trying to help, even though she believed they could have showed a bit differently. But as Rainbow continued to ponder deep in thought, from behind her was a heavy ruffling from the bushes and brush. Rainbow snapped out of her daze and turned where the noise resided.

"Who goes there!? Don't come any closer, uhh..." In a bit of panic, fearing it could be a flock of cockatrees, or even a timberwolf she grabbed a long rod like wood limb, almost as long as herself, holding up in a defensive position. "I gotta a stick, and I ain't afraid to use it!"

Rainbow began to tremble slightly more as the movement in the brush continuing to fester and seemed to come closer. Soon in fact, Dash could now see a shadowy figure beginning to emerge, but as soon as Rainbow looked ready to pounce the figure began to speak in fimilar voice.

"Fear not child, for all is good." The shadow then became completely visible to the pony eye, it was full sized zebra, carrying a pouch of herbs and other plants over each side. The individual approached with a curious smile on their. "There's no need to use that piece of wood."

A took a couple of seconds for Rainbow Dash process the figure before her, shaking off the mental cobwebs in her head.

"Huh? Zecora!? No offense, but you could've said something sooner." Dash explained, still holding the giant stick shaking in her hooves. But the zebra merely gave a chuckle to respond back at first.

"Forgive me, but it was hard to see. Tell me, what brings you to the middle of Everfree?" She questioned. It was certainly uncommon to any pony enter the forest, much less one of her friends of note unless they were coming to see in pony. Though they all knew where she rescinded, so the zebra believed Rainbow Dash would have simply flown straight to her hut if that was where she wished to go. Regardless, Zecora seemed to welcome the company, though she did notice that her friend didn't seem to be in her usual "Free Spirited Awesome" state of mind.

"Sorry but, I don't really wanna talk about it. I kinda came here to not be seen by anypony..." Rainbow began to try to walk away to try and end the encounter, but one badly placed hoof step sent the rainbow mare in a yelp of agony, dropping the stick she held. It seemed if Dash could clinch hold of every limb possible, she would have. The ears of the zebra nearby perked in a worried concern, heading over to observe the mare's fore hoof, which looked a shade of purple that nearly matched said mare's mane.

"Your energy looks drained, and body strained. Stop struggling dear mare, it's clear you're in pain." Zecora responded, almost trying to make Rainbow Dash sit and stay put. It was clear to her that any additional movement would aggravate any of the obvious injuries Rainbow Dash was very poorly trying to hide.

Dash would give a deep breath here and there to tough through the discomfort. Zecora looking at Rainbow's hoof realized that it needed immediate treatment, along with the rest of herself for that matter. While it was unsure what the all out ailment may be, she was certain that a potion or remedy existed to do the trick. Zecora couldn't even remember a time this particular pegasus was ever grounded upon meeting, she would always be in flight or hovering with inner joy or what not. More so the fact, with a stubbed hoof would in fact encourage the mare to be in the air to stay off it, so to not be only increased the zebra's suspicion that something was indeed very wrong. Zecora came over and offered her hoof for assistance, putting Dash's sore hoof over the zebra's neck. "Come with me my friend. Your injuries, I will tend."

Rainbow really didn't want to, she'd rather just be alone to lament. But who was she kidding? She was helpless right now, the worst that could happen would her friend would help her recover, so that wasn't really bad at all.

"Thank you, friend..." Dash complemented, and while Zecora didn't respond, she gave a smile of acknowledgement. The pain was just too much to bare for Rainbow in her current state, so she just kept her eyes closed or winced, allowing to Zecora to be her guide back to her hut deeper in the forest. It certainly wasn't what she envisioned would happen upon entry into the Everfree Forest, but it was not an outcome Rainbow Dash would complain about in the least...

***

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack had come to Twilight's Castle when she returned. However, when they all came to the throne room together, Twilight had a most discouraged and upset look on her face. It was also odd to them that Rainbow Dash was not with Twilight either, they were preparing to have the whole story on how well the test trial had gone, now they seemed ready to avoid that conversation entirely and ask the complete opposite of what had went wrong.

The others all sat on their respected thrones while Twilight explained her side of the story, although it began often interrupted by Twilight's visible frustration towards Dash's behavior. She would quickly pace back and forth, refusing to sit for being in one place only riled her more, and moving would allow to vent more freely. But then came the important question from the others.

"But, where is Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy asked on behalf of the remaining ponies. Twilight could only give a sigh of defeat.

"I don't know where she is..." Twilight glumly spoke. "She flew away after the argument, and no pony's seen her since." It seemed the reminder of the incident got under the Princesses' coat and skin once more, which she emotionally groan aloud. "I can't believe Rainbow Dash was so disrespectful to the Princesses, they were only trying to help..."

"But why did y'all decide to stop training? Didn't ya tell Rainbow you would help her get through any problems?" AJ openly asked the Princess of Friendship, Rarity chimed in as well to agree. "Applejack is right Twilight. This was an entirely new experience for all of you. Each of you told Rainbow Dash directly to not expect to succeed on her first try, did you not?" Pointing to the Princess in the process, almost confronting Twilight putting her on the spot. "And after failing one time and having a setback, you and the Princesses forced her to quit? Darling, that's not fair to her..."

Twilight didn't have a response to it, she just looked to the other ponies present who gave a slight nod of agreement. "Yeah, you dun goofed Twilight..." Pinkie tried to lay it on thinly. "Uh...no offense.

What made Twilight feel even worse is that at first she didn't agree with the Princesses feelings, but it was their worry of Rainbow Dash's safety that convinced her that they ultimately were right. But Twilight couldn't help but know that her friends were right, it wasn't fair to Rainbow Dash either. Rainbow accepted the risk that came with the battle that would face her, and they agreed to help her in any way despite that danger. Whether Dash wanted to continue on or not was her decision to make, she had that right to choose, but they took it from her. Now Rainbow was gone, and possibly hurt as well. This now only wasted more precious time that would be needed.

The Princesses' Stealth Spell wouldn't last for much longer, and if it failed at any time soon, the ponies would have no plan of action to stop Raindoom from flooding the land. The ponies needed to spend additional effort and time to now find Rainbow Dash wherever in Equestria she may be, then spend longer for her to recover, and then longer again to potentially come up with a new plan. Twilight wished she could have stood up for Rainbow back at the castle, now she needed to instead find her, but where...

***

In the dark hallows of the Everfree Forest, the shaman's hut and home of Zecora stood high around the murky surroundings of muddy water and poison joke plants. Inside Zecora had her cauldron boiling with a brew of ointments and other medical herbs she had scurried for during her recent walk. Meanwhile on a nearby bed lay the pony they were meant for. Rainbow Dash laid propped up in bed, her head lying on the hay filled pillow Zecora owned, waiting for the zebra to return to her side for aide. Candles were lit in all directions to keep the mare warm, her eyes very baggy. Even to an untrained eye, Rainbow looked as exhausted as she did weak. Even lying in the bed she lay in, she could still feel herself losing energy and strength. Whatever had happened to her at the castle, was still taking a toll and it took every bit of might in Dash's being to just tilt her head aside to see the zebra approach with a bowl of steaming vat.

"This herbal broth will reduce the swell." Zecora told Dash. "And it will replenish your strength as well." The zebra then proceeded to retrieve a roll of bandages to wrap Rainbow Dash's discolored hoof, but Zecora's trek was halted hearing a grotesque gag from the bed ridden mare coughing and hacking to the side.

"Ugh! This tastes horrible!" Dash groaned, gagging nearly between every word, but the statement was followed by an unexpected chuckle by her zebra friend, which was a tab surprising to Rainbow.

"Thus was an assumption that you need rethink. I never said it was meant to drink." Zecora responded back and then proceeded to sit aside the wooden stool the vat lay, and now with a bandage roll in hoof, using a small piece to wipe Rainbow's mouth of the mixture she mistakenly drank. She proceeded to gently mareuver Dash's swollen hoof over towards her and in a moment later, slowly dipped Dash's hoof into the same still steaming mixture. The temperature made Dash wince and make a soft moan, but almost just as quick the pain and swelling began to rescind.

While Rainbow stayed rested, Zecora began to mix an additional special brew for the injured guest in her hut. The zebra took a near entire sack of Everfree Berries from one of her saddlebags and began to boil them thoroughly. Now Everfree Berries in a raw state were quite poisonous, but boiled to a precise temperature would burn off all the toxins, leaving the sweet edible juice that had natural healing properties. Fortunately for Rainbow Dash, her lack of knowledge of Everfree worked to her advantage, helping not freak her out about what she was about to consume. When given the bowl of boiling berry juice, it tasted other worldly to Rainbow. Zecora told her over time, Dash's strength and energy would restore. So in the mean time while waiting for Zecora's potions and recipes to do their thing, the zebra indeed had questions. "So forgive me if you don't mind my asking. But it seems that there are troubles you're masking."

Dash sighed at the comment. "That obvious huh?" It was greeted with a nod from Zecora. Rainbow slowly sat up in the bed made for her and began to tell her friend of the events of the day. Zecora had seen many a tale, and heard even more, but this was far beyond even the greatest of zebra folklore. Rainbow Dash sat over the side of the bed she lay in, burying her hooves into her cheeks while slumped over. "I don't know what to do...I...I can't do this alone..." She then curled her pegasus wings around her face, almost to hide her feelings from her friend.

Zecora though knew there was a time where it was important to allow somepony to grieve. The zebra allowed Rainbow to vent and ease, and when the time was right Zecora knew the words to say. After a minute or so, she came over and with her own hoof, lifted up Dash's face to make sure Dash could see as well as hear the words spoken.

"Your friends will be with you, whether far or near. Because they will always be inside here." Zecora spoke with an assurity and confidently, pointing straight to Rainbow's chest. The exact placement of her heart, Dash looked down to where Zecora pointed and sniffled and wiped her face, though Rainbow would denied if they were tears.

"You're right..." Dash responded back, though her cracked for a moment, thus she repeated it again. She then hopped up off the bed and for the first time in a brief while, stood on all fours with a smile. "My friends have always been there for me. And they always will be. And I know that as long as their friendship is strong, that I have to be strong for them."

What Rainbow Dash didn't realize was that while she was speaking, her whole body began to glow a bright gold aura. And once she finished speaking of her friends, a bright flash of light encompassed the entire hut. Just as quick, it was gone and all returned to normal. Dash looked down at her once purple, swollen hoof, now like nothing had ever been wrong. In fact, Rainbow felt good as new. "Woah, I feel stronger than ever. That berry juice does wonders Zecora." Stretching her wings out, almost to see if they still had any illumination of light to them, which sadly for her they didn't; it would have been awesome to show it off to anypony who cared to look. Zecora though, was not so sure she believed that what just happened was anything to do with her remedies. "What happened my friend is a mystery. For whatever that was, was not done by me."

"Well, whether you did that or not, you still lent a hoof to help. I can't thank you enough. But I gotta go and find Twilight." With a quick zip and a flash, Rainbow flew out of Zecora's hut and left above the canopy of the Everfree Forest, making a beeline back to Ponyville. Zecora as Dash left placed a hoof under her chin to ponder what the strange occurrence was. The encounter as a whole was strange at that, and whatever had or was about to transpire that she be prepared. Because something in fur told her that she would be needed again soon...

***

At The Castle of Friendship, the girls had begun packing, preparing to find Rainbow Dash wherever she may have gone. The ponies had no leads, they could only go on locations that Rainbow would find "Awesome enough to get away" from. Twilight magically floated over a pack of items for both Fluttershy and Applejack as the five ponies present were ready to head out.

"How in the hay are we gonna find Rainbow Dash Twilight?" Applejack asked amongst them all.

"I don't know Applejack..." Princess Twilight answered in a somber tone. "We just have to hope we can find her before it's too late. Remember everypony, she could be anywhere, so whenever you think you've found her, let us all know." The statement was heard for all present, who all gave a nod of confidence. "Alright, let's go!" And Twilight used her magic to open the giant Throne Room Doors...

But when they opened, what was behind them shocked everypony.

"Twilight, we need to talk..."

The very pony that all were prepared to search, stood mere feet from all of them. Rainbow Dash's statement was responded with a state of silence, until...

"I FOUND HER!" Pinkie Pie screamed out to the other Mane Six members while pointing to Rainbow Dash with a hoof, maybe hoping a prize would be rewarded to the winner. But it seemed clear by the tone of Dash's voice that she wanted to speak with Twilight quickly, and privately.

Twilight could only hope that maybe Rainbow had learned something that prove useful to defeat Raindoom, or any other vital information.

Chapter 12

Nearly another day had gone by in Equestria, of course with the spell still up the sky continued to have it's now recognized pale, grey look. And if what the Princesses said was true, it would be maybe only another day or two before the spell protecting the land faded, leaving Raindoom to have his way. So action needed to be made, but what action was the question.

Twilight respected Rainbow Dash's request to speak with her privately in the castle, and the others had to attend to other important matters amongst themselves and their families to prepare. This left the rainbowed Pegasus and Alicorn Princess alone to talk to themselves. Rainbow mainly sat in her own throne while Twilight paced back and forth to both converse as well to continue to formulate a plan of action. But Twilight had many questions on her mind, mainly where Dash had been after she left the confines of the Canterlot Castle. The problem was Rainbow wanted to get her word in first.

"I don't understand why you didn't stand up for me back at the castle?" The outspoken mare stated up front, now talking while a float. "I could be fully in control of your magic by now if the Princesses would have just gave me a chance like they said they would...now I'm nowhere close to prepared to battle Raindoom, and Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna probably don't even wanna look at me right now."

Twilight was getting slightly irritated at Dash not taking responsibility for her own actions as well. Twilight sat down in her own throne and waited for Rainbow to conclude her ranting. "Well, that may not have happened if you didn't snap at them like you did..." The Princess of Friendship snapped back with a quiet, yet tone that could be easily heard.

"Well, why wouldn't I?!" Rainbow bolted into Twilight's face to confront her. "They promised they'd help me, and they went back on their word. They lied to me Twilight, so don't tell me they're right..." Pointing at her with a hoof of defiance. "You know they're not!"

Twilight was conflicted at being put on the spot by Rainbow Dash's comments. "I don't know what's right anymore Rainbow Dash...I know the Princesses are right, but I know you're right too. Time is running out and I don't know what to do!" As Twilight slammed her head on the cutie map in regret.

Dash suddenly felt a mood of sorrow now. She didn't mean to make her friend feel bad, it was more to make Twilight understand why herself felt bad. This was an ordeal that none of them knew how to deal with, but for Rainbow Dash it certainly was a much different reality of the matter. She expected to be consoled by Twilight, but she wasn't expecting to do the consoling herself. She hovered over to Twilight, still very dejected in morale.

"Come on Twilight, you're supposed to be pepping me up, not the other way around." Rainbow's open hearted words made the Princess sniffle before looking up to her flying friend. It did make Princess Twilight realize something, having now closely looking at her friend up close, she realized that Rainbow almost dare she thought looked good as new. Showing no signs of ill effect or exhaustion. A far cry from when Twilight had seen Dash earlier in the day.

"I have to say Rainbow, I am impressed with how quick you recovered. You had me and the Princesses worried with how injured you looked when you left Canterlot." Twilight's comment was given in sincerity, Dash was humbled by the remark and felt to explain.

"I know right." Dash commented on her unscathed self. "Zecora makes an awesome berry juice. Made me feel better in no time..." Perhaps though for Rainbow Dash, she spoke a bit too much for Twilight raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Zecora? You went to Everfree?" Twilight puzzled to her friend, having more and more questions with each she asked. "How did you expect us to find you there?"

Dash sarcastically chuckled realizing her error, spilling the hay so willingly. "Umm, I kinda didn't wanna be found...I mean, it wasn't that big a deal. I mean, I wasn't that hurt..." Trying to fib away the seriousness of the matter.

"Well you sure looked that hurt when you flew off. To me, and to all of us." Twilight felt the need to point out.

The two continued to bicker back and forth although the emotion didn't elevate to a peak of raising their voices towards each other, just each pony trying to really get their point across that they knew better than the other. After a good while Rainbow Dash slouched over into her throne chair, realizing they still weren't getting anywhere, Twilight realized the same when she saw the look on her friend's face.

"I'm sorry Rainbow..." Twilight apologized. "We're just trying to help, but we don't really know what could even help..."

"Actually..." Rainbow began to speak up, hovering back over to Twilight. "Maybe a little party would help. Pinkie Pie did seem excited to wanna throw one. So maybe..." Twilight perked up in excitement.

"Say no more Dash. I'll let Pinkie know. In the meantime, I'd say you stay off your hooves for a bit to stay rested up." Twilight's comment was greeted with a clearing of Rainbow's throat.

"Uh...Twilight." Rainbow stated. "I am off my hooves." Pointing to the obvious fact that she was still flying. Twilight just rolled her eyes happily, knowing Dash didn't get the figment of speech. But it did feel good that the two could have actual conversation again.

***

Another day was about to end, and back in The Royal Castle of Canterlot, there was added strain for the Royals to continue keeping their cloaking spell powered. The younger sister Luna encouraged her elder Celestia to try and rest during the night sky whenever possible, but it was proving more difficult for each of them. It was to the point where Luna would stay within her sister's room in case of any concern. Much like Rainbow Dash, Luna began witnessing the presence of nightmares in her sister's sleep as well, growing worse each time she slumbered.

And this one, the worst yet...

***

The Princess of the Day stood atop a small broken fragment of rock, trembling with fear to the point to being unable to fly away. The sky above looked dark and fierce, rain pelting her flowing mane, the clouds swirling menacely. Loud bangs of thunder and lightning were heard as well with the ground shaking and rumbling beneath her. Suddenly a quick bolt of flashing lightning aimed directly for Celestia who attempted to use her Alicorn Magic to thwart it, but for reasons she didn't understand, her magic would not emerge. Facing a fear of hopelessness, Celestia closed her eyes, awaiting the inevitable attack. But suddenly...

A blast of darkened blue magic destroyed the bolting blast in it's path, and when Princess Celestia reopened her eyes, her younger sister Luna hovered above her beginning to lower to the rocky platform she stood on.

"Sister! I came into your dream as fast as I could..." Princess Luna urgently spoke, both looking above to the dark clouds and sky above.

"I can't be overcome by fear..." Princess Celestia demanded. "This is only a dream!" But the remark was quickly followed by a familiar rumbling response.

"That's what you think Princess!"

The clouds above began to form into a singular entity, glowing blue eyes opening. It was their nemesis. The being that needed to be stopped...

"Raindoom!" The Princess stated in a demeanor of shock. "But this is a dream, you can't truly be here." The comment was followed by another burst of meniscal laughter.

"This is very real Princesses...my ability to harness your magic has allowed me to traverse into what you know as "The Dream Realm". The very reason your magic does not affect me, is because your powers are now my powers."

Suddenly, Raindoom began to glow, turning from red to grey. Then with a sudden blast of power, the Princesses turned to the surprise that the entire visual horizon had been altered. This entity that claimed to be Raindoom was able to change and evolve the dream they all stood in. To Celestia and Luna though, that was impossible. Only The Princess of the Night had the ability to alter dreams, change dreams to nightmares or the opposite affect. The two looked up, now realizing the true seriousness of the matter as Raindoom's figure reformed.

"This dream is dangerously real, and to think your young pupil realized this before either of you did!"

Princess Celestia gasped, stomping a fore hoof in disgust by the remark. "What!? You have been haunting her dreams as well!?"

"Indeed I have!" Said the creature with a brash boldness. "The whole point was to break the young one's spirit, fortunately, you did that for me!" Followed by a sinister laugh, confusing the Princesses.

"What do you speak of Raindoom!? We have done no such thing!" Luna belted out at their foe above them.

The laughter from Raindoom continued down as the denial of the royal he took as a joke. "The two of you truly do not know the error of your ways..."

Luna and Celestia could only look to one another, not understanding the words being spoken. The dark figure above was in a bizarre twist of fate, shed light on such a dark reality of matter.

"Her idea to use your magic was actually quite brilliant. With all of your combined power, the young one would most certainly have been able to vanquish me." The look on the villain's face seemed legitimate, it believed the words it spoke were quite true as the Princesses looked on, but it had more to speak of. "But now, with your reluctance and refusal to aide your assistance, you have now doomed her to oblivion..."

The deathly silence fell across the figment horizon. Almost as if the foe was waiting for one of the royals to speak, a brief pause later, one did.

"And what do you plan to do to her Raindoom?" Luna proclaimed in a low, lifeless voice.

"I do not plan to do anything to the young one." Raindoom explained. "Her resistance will be her own choice. I know you know this young pegasus very well, and I'm sure you also know that she will continue to resist and fight; with or without your magic. And your unwillingness to help will only motivate her further to do what you both know she can never succeed!"

The Princesses couldn't even speak, give a retort or anything. Could it be that they truly caused this?

"I plan to do what I was created to do. To flood your land of Equestria away...And when it is done, and your young pupil drowns in the tears of her failures and yours, you will only have yourselves to blame!"

The laughter that then ensues was loud and thunderous, with cracks of lightning and howling winds. Princess Luna then began to lose focus on her ability to control her presence in Celestia's dream any further; so knowing so, Luna grabbed hold of her elder sister to assure they returned to the "Waking World" together...

***

Celestia awoke in a snap following her exit from The Dream Realm a sharp gasp, Luna soon struggled to her hooves as well. Both continuing to grow weaker, almost to the point of their magic beginning to flicker from their horns, doing so made the sky's horizon do the similar scene their horns did moments before. Both had their heads down, reminiscing what Raindoom had told them. Not just what they had done, but what they made have also caused per result of their actions.

"Sister..." Princess Luna mumbled in a panting panic. "I fear we have made a terrible mistake..."

Celestia couldn't answer, only exit her bed and slowly head to the window to gaze out to the sky's horizon. Luna continued on knowing her sister was still listening. "Raindoom has become far too powerful, there is no way the young one can defeat him on her own..."

Luna joined her elder sister by the window to gaze upon the city of Canterlot below them. As powerful as both Princesses were, never had felt as helpless to lent a hoof at the impending danger that would soon arrive. Options were becoming very limited, it was also unlikely that even if they reconsidered helping Rainbow Dash and reattempting a Magical Transfer, their powers had grown far weaker, and would only grow more weaker when the upcoming face-off commenced. They would serve little to give in magic when the time came to make any difference.

What made matters even worse was if they tried to help the young pegasus to stop Raindoom, his increased powers with their weaken ones, may prove to be a futile gesture of assistance. Yet they had to continued spending their magic and thus further exhausting their reserved magic output. The Princesses had thus decided, it was time to find the rainbow pegasus now, for they knew their magic wouldn't last much longer and Rainbow Dash would need to be ready.

Ready for the potential battle of all battles, the battle to save Equestria from total catastrophe...

Chapter 13

Rainbow Dash accompanied Princess Twilight around Ponyville to get a glimpse on how preparations were being made for any potential disturbances, from either Raindoom or any other problems. Everything looked ready to go, but no one was around to confirm anything in pony. Once everything seemed well, the two ponies began to track their way towards Sugarcube Corner. Twilight had informed Pinkie Pie earlier of putting together a party for Rainbow as she requested, and as Pinkie most certainly wanted. Since it had been more than a minute, they expected Pinkie to have everything fully prepared ready for a gathering with their friends.

"Twilight, are you sure Pinkie is throwing a little party?" Dash asked her friend clearly seeing the abundant empty homes around town. "I'm not sure "Little Party" is even in her vocabulary..."

Twilight Sparkle though assured her friend that all would be fine. "I told Pinkie a little party, and that's what I'm sure she'll make for you. Trust me Rainbow Dash..." As she began to open the door to Sugarcube Corner. "You have nothing to worry about..."

*PEYU*

A loud cheer from ponies all around came from inside the room upon the blast of Pinkie Pie's Party Cannon, with streamers, banners, and confetti galore. "SURPRISE!!!" Came the yell of the Party Pony who looked to have everypony in Ponyville crammed inside. "I told our friends about the party so I decided to invite a few more...and more...and more and more and more and more!" Pointing hooves at everypony she could see followed by a squee grin with a bunch of hoof waving ponies.

"So...can I worry now Twilight?" Dash whispered to the Princess while giving a hoof palm, Twilight gave a sarcastic chuckle with an even more sarcastic grin. "One second..." Twilight muttered and shortly after used her magic to quickly teleport over to Pinkie Pie who held up in her hoof a giant slice of dessert.

"So who wants a jumbo slice of cake!?" Hollered Pinkie Pie, directing the snack to a small Featherweight, a common like guest of the party. But just before the young colt could retrieve it...

*PLOOP*

"Pinkie!!!" Twilight appeared, grabbing the party pony by the hoof and just as fast...

*PLOOP*

Both ponies disappeared, causing the big plate of cake fall to the ground and crash on the floor, leaving the young pony very disappointed.

*PLOOP*

The two ponies reappeared back at the entrance of Sugarcube Corner, Rainbow Dash still a bit in shock of all the company present, feeling a slight bit uncomfortable. "Pinkie!" Twilight repeated. "I said a "Little Party", remember?"

"What!?" Pinkie complained. "This is a "little party"..." Following with a chuckle. "Cupcake?" Offering a sweet treat to the Princess, but Rainbow Dash then pulled the pink pony in to aggressively whisper into her ear.

"How is this little Pinkie? Everyone in Ponyville is here!" The blunt pegasus rebutted.

"Well..." Pinkie Pie wasn't sure if she should say it, but she felt a bit pinned to the wall; figuratively of course. "Considering everypony in Equestria knows what's going on...this is a "little party"..." She smiled squeamishly. "Considering?" Giving the most deflating "squee" sound one could ever hear. Everypony in the background was smiling to their forthcoming hero Rainbow Dash, unaware of the conversation that had commenced.

Twilight could only looked to her friend who just slouched her head down in shame. If the floor of Sugarcube Corner was made of sand, Rainbow certainly would have buried her head in it by. No doubt this would be a long night to endure for the pegasus...

***

As the night went on, it went about as bad as Rainbow Dash feared it would. It wasn't that the town's ponies thought Rainbow wouldn't come through, in fact it was quite the opposite. It was their upmost confidence in her, almost to the point where none of the ponies really felt like they were in any danger. Like they knew Rainbow Dash coming through was foregone conclusion, like she always had. It was starting to become a bit disconcerting frankly. Every couple seconds, another group of ponies would come up to her, some even on multiple occasions, thanking her for a task she hadn't even done yet.

The lacking of any sign of fear within any pony in Ponyville was beginning to make Rainbow more and more antsy. Eventually, Dash bought herself a moment and slowly went over to the cider bowl, which Applejack had specially made for her...it was a Rainbow Dash party after all. Dash poured a small cup for herself, but instead of her standard tactic of drinking her favorite liquid in under a second...she just stared at it, looking at her reflection in the cup. It was the look of a pony she had never seen before, and what made it worse was it came from her own image. While she was lost in her train of thought, a voice came from behind her.

"Why ya checked out in the corner Dash?"

The words spooked Rainbow, making her nearly drop the cup in her hand, but gathered it quickly. Upon turning around she saw her friend Applejack. The likes of Rarity, Fluttershy were also alongside and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were also nearby. "Aren't ya enjoying yourself? You did want this party after all." AJ continued on.

Rainbow started to respond, but the scent of the beverage in her hoof caught the farmer pony's attention. "Oh I see, you don't anypony to take any of that cider from ya. No worries though, that cider's made just for you. So how ya feelin'?"

All her friends and young fillies were looking on waiting for an answer, which only tensed the pegasus even more. Stumbling on what to say, Dash desperately swigged the cup of cider quickly into her mouth, shrugging her fore hooves as a way to avoid answering the question. The ponies giggled at the gesture, Rainbow's usual demeanor would illustrate that as a way of being funny to them, something she did quite often so it didn't seem off to them. However, it did to one of the ponies. The young pegasus, Scootaloo, who looked up to Rainbow Dash as more than just a friend, but as a big sister. She wanted to ask Rainbow why she was acting so defensive, but with all the others around Scootaloo didn't want to make a scene. Young Scoot decided that she had to find a moment when the two would be alone and ask what was going on, the only issue would be with all the ponies crowding the place, it would be next to impossible. Scoot's friends decided to continue enjoying the party and left Rainbow alone for the time, and by the way Rainbow watched them leave Scootaloo knew something was wrong, and she was going to get to the bottom of it...

***

Throughout the night, everything continued to worsen. Everytime Rainbow turned around, another pony wanted to talk to her. It was to the point that her mind began playing tricks on her; muffling out the words all the friendly ponies were speaking, and instead began hearing all about her impending doom. Now each time Rainbow would turn around, Sugarcube Corner looked to darken, ponies faces were replaced with dark red clouds, their eyes turned glowing blue...just like Raindoom's. Then on top of it all, Dash began to hear the voices of all the ponies like in her nightmares...

"YOU WILL FAIL!!! YOU WILL FAIL!!! YOU WILL FAIL!!!"

Rainbow Dash had to get out of here, she was going insane. Trying to not draw any more attention to herself, Dash flew up the stairs of Sugarcube Corner to try and get some air and relax. Her breathing was sharp and short, she was starting to turn pale, and she made up her mind right there. She was getting out of here. Rainbow believed a party of encouragement would make her feel better, but it was bringing her to the point of pure anxiety shock...

So without telling anypony, Rainbow opened the window and flew off into the sky.

Meanwhile a young Scootaloo peaked into the room to realized that Rainbow was indeed gone. The realization made her gasp, and she quickly ran back downstairs to get help...

***
Back downstairs, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were being subjected to the annoying conversational banter of the two young colts they had grown up with, probably regrettably so, Snips and Snails. Snips was holding up a customized Rainbow Dash hat, with colored rainbow mane and all, Snails was wearing one as well to demonstrate Snips' pitch. All while Sweetie and Apple Bloom just blankly stared at them, with an occasional yawn of boredom.

"So what I'm saying is when Rainbow Dash saves the day, is making her wear a hat that already looks like her head a good idea?" Snips proposed, but it was soon cut off by a holler to the other CMCs behind them.

"Sweetie Belle! Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo got her friend's attention, trying to catch her breath.

"Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom asked. "What in appleseeds are you runnin' from?"

"It's Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo answered quickly. "I saw her head upstairs and she flew away...SHE'S GONE!!!"

The kids gasped at the statement. Scoot then told them about how panicked she looked upon her leaving, which made Apple Bloom ponder.

"Hmm, Dash was acting kinda weird when my sis spoke to her earlier" Bloom remembering their recent encounter with the pegasus. Scootaloo agreed with a nod.

"Yeah, I noticed that too." She said back. "That's why I went upstairs to follow her, to ask her is everything was okay...but she flew off before I could talk to her." The look on all the young filly's faces told a story of confusion. Why would Rainbow Dash leave now?

"Wait a minute...are you thinking what I'm thinking Snails?" Snips turned to his unwise companion.

"Does Fillydelphia make all the cream cheese?" Snails puzzlingly responded. The answer was given a look of dumbfoundment as the girls looked on as well. Snips pulled Snails in close. "No! It means she's scared! And if Rainbow Dash is scared...that's means..." He paused and thought for a moment, putting the pieces together. "WE'RE DOOMED!!!"

Snips and Snails then hugged each other tightly and started balling out crying in a waterfall of tears. The CMCs just looked on a stance of pity, and knew they needed to tell a grown up of the situation. So they quickly left the two boys to themselves, giving no acknowledgement they even left. And after nearly a minute of crying, suddenly Snails realized something and stopped.

"Wait..." He said to his friend. "Am I doomed...I thought I was Snails..." The statement made Snips plant his own head back onto the floor. "Or am I?" Snails continued questioning himself...

***

Meanwhile, the adults were gathering as the Cakes were about to cut their own personal cake they made for the party and the guest of honor Rainbow Dash.

"And now, a very special Seven Layer-Seven Flavor Cake with every color of the rainbow!" Pinkie Pie announced to the gathered assembly of ponies. "Now, all we need is for Rainbow Dash to come on up and cut the first slice..."

All the town's pony looked around, with the speed they knew Rainbow Dash had, they suspected the guest would appear very quickly...almost instantly. After about a minute of the pegasus no showing, Pinkie Pie cleared her throat and began rummaging through her similarly name colored hair, and so pulled out of it a giant megaphone, twice the size of herself in fact. Wondering how could it even fit in there...really. "RAINBOW DASH!" She screamed into the megaphone, causing ponies nearby to cover their ears. "SUGARCUBE CORNER CALLING RAINBOW DASH!!!"

Whispers and murmurs were starting up, wondering if this was prank of some kind. Princess Twilight also amongst the gathered ponies started looking around in all directions to spot the rainbow pegasus anywhere, but just then she felt a tug on her tail which got her attention.

"Twilight, there's something we need to tell ya..." Came a statement from Apple Bloom, a panicked Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle close behind. Twilight leaned in so the filly could tell her quietly, so not to rile the crowd of townponies. But when Twilight heard what she needed to hear...

*PLOOP*

Twilight reappeared next to Pinkie Pie, who then whispered into the party pony's ear. A shocked look on Pinkie's face told a story that confused the gathered company.

"Alright, don't worry Twilight." Pinkie quietly responded back. "I'll make sure to not let the crowd know THAT RAINBOW DASH IS GONE!!!"

Realizing too late that the last part of her statement carried into her megaphone, causing it to be heard by everypony. Pinkie giggled awkwardly as Twilight gave her an annoyed look. "SORRY! WAS MY SUPER LOUD MEGAPHONE STILL ON?!?" She called out blaring into her echoing gadget once more, causing a silence within Sugarcube Corner that could only be described as eerie and fearful.

Princess Twilight did a masterful job of calming all the Ponyville present down. Telling the town that it was possible that Rainbow Dash sensed something may be happening and went to investigate it, she then told everypony to take precaution and stay safe in the mean time while herself and the remaining Mane Six members went to help. The mares went to Scootaloo for assistance for the young filly was the one who saw her leave. So she could see what direction and designation could be. The CMCs asked Twilight and the others if they could come too, and while everypony was hesitant they agreed. The CMCs were Rainbow's friend too, so it was only right they found out what the problem was also.

So Twilight floated Scootaloo atop her back so the filly could guide her to where Dash flew off to, and soon the Mane Six and CMCs left Sugarcube Corner by their own method of travel to all attempt to find their friend. They could only hope all was okay...

***

Rainbow Dash was staring out to the horizon while sitting on a nearby mountainside. Dash almost wished she could see the sky as it once looked, the bright stars and glowing moon were absent as they had been since the Royal Princesses cast the spell to protect the land. Ever since she got there, all Rainbow could hear was the voices in her head...

"You will fail...you will fail...you will fail..."

The pegasus shut her eyes tightly trying to calm herself and get the negative thoughts out of her head, but while doing so she heard a different voice from behind, one not in her head.

"Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow became slightly spooked at first, but recognized the voice immediately. Although she expected somepony would find her at some point, the pony that spoke wasn't the pony she expected. Dash turned around to see the young pegasus that called her name.

"Scootaloo!?" Dash spoke in surprise, galloping over to the filly. "What are doing out here alone, it's the middle of the night..."

The young pegasus noticed a tone to Rainbow's voice that Scootaloo wasn't accustomed to hearing. She didn't want to believe it, but it became harder to deny. "I could ask you the same thing. Why did you leave the party without telling anypony?"

Rainbow Dash looked at her "little sister" who had a frown on her face and Dash couldn't help but sigh. She felt ashamed and embarrassed. Fortunately, before Dash could give an answer to Scootaloo the rest of the Mane Six approached with the rest of the CMCs. She looked at all her friends, all of them had the same look as Scootaloo. It had become a point Dash could no longer bare, she crumbled to the ground and began to openly broke down. It was a side of Rainbow her friends rarely saw, and in this case they couldn't help how terrible they all felt for her.

Scootaloo slowly walked over to her friend and hugged her tight, a gesture that Rainbow had done for her numerous times when she was really sad. After several minutes, Dash finally gathered herself and vented to the ponies, even though it was more just to vent to herself. Rainbow talked about how she believed everypony knew she would fail them, and they would never forgive her for it. Her growing self-doubt and fear. About how Rainbow Dash had always dreamed of being a hero, and now that moment was here...and now she didn't want it anymore.

Princess Twilight of all ponies understood the position her friend was in, who approached Dash still gripping tightly to Scootaloo.

"I've been in your hoofsteps before Rainbow..." The Princess stated. "...and even in the times when I knew everypony was counting on me. I knew I had still had amazing friends to help me through any problems that we'd encounter. I learned that from you...from all of our friends." Pointing her hoof behind to all of them. Rainbow listened closely, but couldn't help to think of the difference between all the things Twilight faced, and what she herself would ultimately face.

"That's just it though Twilight. You've done everything you can do to encourage and motivate me, you can't help me beyond that. All the friendship and hope in Equestria won't do any good if I can't do what I need to do." Dash turned back around and slowly walked back to the edge of the mountainside. This was a special place for Dash, it was the place that herself and Scootaloo first bonded after she saved the young filly long ago. The both would often return there together to reminisce, it was the very reason Scootaloo knew where Rainbow Dash would be. It had become Rainbow Dash's "Getaway Spot". She observed the horizon in the distance which looked calm for the time, but knew it may not be for much longer. "I need to be strong enough to defeat Raindoom, fast enough, tough enough, brave enough...and...I don't know if I'm any of those things..."

"And yet, I know you're all of them!" Twilight responded to Rainbow's dejected demeanor. The statement made Dash's ears perk up which had drooped down in her sorrow.

"Really?"

The nod came from all the ponies, who came closer.

"You ARE the strongest." Applejack stated.

"The Fastest..." Pinkie Pie followed up.

"The Toughest..." Then Rarity after that with determination.

"The Bravest..." Fluttershy continued with a sweet smile on her face. Dash then looked down to the young filly next to her.

"And most important..." Scootaloo began as Twilight approached.

"You're our friend!" Twilight Sparkle concluded as all the fellow Mane Six and CMCs grouped together. Dash looked to them all and gave a smile, but shortly after it turned back to a frown.

"Thanks everypony..." Dash said with a sigh. "I just wish it was that easy..."

Dash then slowly turned around and walked back to the cliff's edge and stared back at the sky and began to envision what lied ahead.

Rainbow Dash:
I used to think that everything,
Was going to go our way.
The sun would shine, from high above.
And brighten all our days.
But now the clouds have cast a shadow,
Upon us here today.
And now you need a ray of light,
To chase the dark away.

But how can it be?
Why's it have to be me?
To save us all,
Set Equestria free.
Everypony's counting on me...
I only wish that I could believe.

Rainbow looked down and blankly gazed the ground beneath her as the other ponies looked on, listening to her words. Soon, upon looking to each of her friends, Princess Twilight approached Rainbow...putting a hoof on her shoulder.

Twilight:
Don't worry Rainbow, we'll be alright.
Rainbow Dash:
How can you be so sure?

Twilight:
Because we know that when trouble is near.
Applejack:
There's nuthin' you can't endure!

Rarity:
You're strong, and fast, and incredibly brave...
Fluttershy:
And we believe in you.

Pinkie Pie:
(Hugs Rainbow Dash from behind)
And we all know that when the time is here...
You'll know just what to do.

Rainbow Dash:
I sure hope you're right.
That I'll put up a fight.
So I can make sure everypony will be alright.
All of you are counting on me...
I really, really hope I believe.

(All the ponies then gathered around Rainbow Dash)

(CMCs: When you believe) Twilight:
We know you can do anything,
That you put your mind to.
(CMCs: And when you believe) Twilight:
There's no such thing as impossible,
No matter what you can pull through.
(CMCs: And if you believe) Rainbow Dash:
Then I can do so many awesome things,
Just like I've done before.

Everypony but Rainbow Dash:
And with all of your friends, here by your side.
You can do so much more.

All the kinds words from her friends put a smile of Dash's face as she looked at all of them with a spark of happiness she hadn't had in a long time.

Rainbow Dash:
Thanks everypony, I think I'm alright.
You've helped show me the way.
That with all of you, here by my side.
I know I'll save the day.
I'll keep fighting, no matter the odds.
Until the skies are clear.
You've made me realize that I'll win in the end.
As long as you're all here.

Twilight:
If you take a stance.
Evil won't stand a chance.

Everypony:
No matter what, we know you'll succeed.

Rainbow Dash:
Thanks everypony, Now I believe.

All the ponies embraced in a tight hug, allowing all them to let out some emotion and feelings at the situation. Rainbow then let out what sounded like a weeping, giggle of happiness which made all the ponies seem to do the same. They were all so lucky at the friends they had and had made with one another.

The joy was interrupted by a giant flickering flash of light in the sky, which looked like lightning to the pony eye, however there were no clouds in the sky to make it be such. This caught all the ponies' attention, looking up above, wondering if it would happen again. Sure enough, several moments later another protruding burst of light flickered again high.

"Wh-What is that?" Young Sweetie Belle asked the adult mares around her. There was no answer to the question though, which only worried the fillies more. Twilight walked up next to Rainbow Dash who was aggressively observing the horizon while the other mares tried to keep the kids calm.

"Rainbow?" Princess Twilight questioned. "What do you think is going on?" Rainbow Dash turned to her, and even though Dash had never experienced anything visual like this, she did suspect what was happening.

"I think it's the Princesses' spell Twilight...it's getting weaker." Dash truthfully implied. "They won't be able to keep it up much longer..." The way that Rainbow Dash worded it, and by her tone of voice, it seemed dire.

After a couple of moments, Twilight spotted something in the air, almost on an incoming direction to their location. And when she spotted the pair of illuminating lights of yellow and blue, Twilight quickly determined who was approaching.

"There's the Princesses now!" The speed that they saw Luna and Celestia coming looked to be a quick like pace, but certainly much slower than they would expect for the situation. But upon them both coming closer, it was apparent why. Their energy looked completely depleted; and with their lack of energy would also come a inability to maintain the spell.

Luna and Celestia soon landed on the cliffside to meet the Mane Six and CMCs, both upon doing so collapsed to the ground, getting a cry of worry from the mares present.

"Do not worry..." Princess Celestia assured to her subjects. "My sister...and I...will be fine." Giving a cough of exhaustion in each break of the sentence.

"No you're not..." Princess Twilight admitted to them. "Both your magic is nearly gone...you can't keep this up."

The ponies around them tried to think of an idea or solution to aide the problem at hoof. But one thing was certain, the spell could not be stopped. When the time came, all the ponies needed to be evacuated to safe haven and no pony would have any time to prepare. So they needed to come up with something, and quickly.

After consideration, Rainbow Dash thought of an idea, though she wasn't sure how well it would be received. "Twilight, if you gave the Princesses some of your magic like you did for me, would they be able to keep the spell up?"

"It's possible. But that would be magic you could use if you needed it..." Twilight warned her friend, but Rainbow was not considering that.

"They need your magic right now more than I do later Twilight, they need to be able to keep the spell going...do it!"

Princess Twilight nodded reluctantly in agreement with her friend and hurried to her royal heirs, leaning down to connect horns with them. Sparks began to emit from the three Princesses and soon a flow of magic began to flow from Twilight to Luna and Celestia.

Moments later, the sky which had become constantly flashing with light returned to it's original norm when the Princesses' magic began to flow more powerfully. Luna and Celestia were then able to get to their hooves and begin to recover.

The Princess of the Day and Night began to inform the girls of Raindoom's intrusion of their dreams, which Rainbow Dash was already aware of. The royals came up with an idea that could allow Rainbow Dash to stop Raindoom without the spell needing to be ended, but it would require Rainbow Dash to return with them to Canterlot. Rainbow looked back to her friends, all had a mixed feeling of confidence...yet uncertainty. But shortly thereafter, Rainbow turned to Princess Twilight.

"Twilight, I'm going to Canterlot..."

Chapter 15

Rainbow Dash struggled to open her eyes, wondering if it was okay to do so. But once she did, nothing was like what it was when she closed them. She somehow was already on her hooves, staring down what could only be described as an endless starry sky. It had been so long since she saw the stars that they looked out of the ordinary upon seeing them.

The other noticeable puzzlement was that no pony was present. That was when Dash recalled what Princess Luna had spoken to her of. Perhaps by inducing Rainbow's slumber, Luna could bring her to a remote location of the Dream Realm, one where no pony could traverse in. It felt so...lonely to be here though. There wasn't even a single echo of sound either, not the the steps she took making any noise below her. Rainbow wondered how something that looked so beautiful, could feel so lifeless?

"Princess Luna!?" Rainbow Dash called out to the deep horizons. Hoping the Princess would hear her within this empty abyss of nothing. But nothing was heard upon Rainbow Dash's call. "Princess Celestia!?!" She cried out to the other Princess, only to hear the same eerie silence. Dash looked around in all directions, in a hope to see anypony at that point. Disappointment was all that came.

However, it would not be for much longer...

A loud rumbling began to occur, making the essence of the ground underneath the pegasus shake from below. The noise could only be described as a loud moaning from above. Rainbow knew that noise, she had heard it before in her dreams in the past. And then, without warning came a bellowing call...

"I suspected you would come here!!!"

Rainbow Dash looked above as the cloudlike, starry sky began to swirl and change shape before her eyes. The horizon changed from a glowing blue to a dark red as a dark smoke-like form started to come into creation. As the smoke swirled, it grew larger, until it took up the entirely of the once sky above. Rainbow took a stance of defense and readiness as she began to hear the all too familiar laughter that had haunted her dreams since their first encounter.

Then, his eyes appeared. Glowing blue and bright for what seemed like miles in the sky above the pegasus.

"You..." Rainbow Dash said in a soft yet aggressive voice that could be heard from the figure above.

"It was unwise to come here alone..." The dark figure said in a bellowing echo, making the ground shake upon speaking.

Rainbow Dash though stood tall, spread her wings in an attacking position. "Maybe the same can be said for you!" And Dash flew up to face the monster before her.

Raindoom looked on and sharply closed his eyes nearly shut, as the pegasus continued to charge gaining more and more speed. "Foolish filly..." He uttered, saying almost with a tone of disappointment more than anger.

Raindoom summoned a mighty gust of winds, more powerful than the even the strongest of hurricanes. Blowing directly into the pegasi's path, the stifling winds stopped Dash into her tracks midair. Flapping as hard as she could, it proved futile. And then with a wind twice as strong, sent Rainbow Dash back down to the ground below.

Rainbow managed to roll backwards to break the fall and struggled back to her hooves. The hardened breeze continued to push her back, every time when trying to fly back into the air caused her to be pushed back further from the cloud in the sky she thwarted to stop. Then, Rainbow gathered an idea. She decided to use the wind to her advantage, if the wind was so strong that Dash couldn't fly into with her ability of speed, to fly with the wind would nearly double her already amazing speed. Fast enough to even possibly do a Sonic Rainboom without any effort.

Rainbow picked herself up and galloped with the howling breeze, it was so intense that by just opening her wings she lifted into the air with incredible speed. Aware of what Rainbow Dash was planning, Raindoom halted the intense gusts. Doing so allowed Dash to alter course and aim at her target, the center of the cloud before her.

Rainbow's speed continued to increase as she neared striking distance. Concentrating hard, Rainbow was almost ready, but then she saw her nemesis counter.

Raindoom began to shift and alter his figure to form a massive hole that was once the center of its being, creating an opening to protect itself from a hit. And before Rainbow Dash could change her flight movement, she flew through the opening, leaving her target undamaged.

"NO!!" She cried out in frustration, getting an euphotic stare for the entity.

"Stop trying to fight me young one! You are just going to get yourself hurt once again!!!" The voice called out from behind her now. And as Rainbow Dash turned around to see where the figure was, a massive bolt of lightning was careening towards her direction. Rainbow tried to evade, but was too late. The bolt clipped her left wing slightly, and upon impact tensed up her left side, Rainbow began spiraling down to ground below. And the incredible speed she had garnered only meant as equal a free-fall back to the surface.

Rainbow Dash tried to flap her slightly singed wing to create any kind of lift to alter course and keep from avoid crashing, but it remained limp, plus her spiraling was so rapid that just spreading her wings wouldn't create any veer to level off. She was definitely on course for a significate crash. Rainbow could only close her eyes and wait for the evitable, brutal smash into the ground...

After a long weighty period, Rainbow slowly opened her eyes to see that she was floating mere feet from the ground, and to the side of her vision she could the reason.

The Princesses of the Day and Night began to appear slowly in a staticky like phase, becoming more solid by the moment. They had found Rainbow Dash in just the nick of time to save her, shortly after the realization, Luna and Celestia lowered Rainbow Dash safely to the ground. Luna and Celestia both checked on the rainbow mare's blackened left wing feathers from the shock. But before the Princesses could say anything to assure their entrance into the Dreamscape, the rumbling above attracted the eyes of all the present ponies to the sky. There the dark reddish cloud continued to alter and glow with certain evil intentions.

"I should have known the two of you were behind this..." The cloud stated with vulgar and disgust in its voice. "But it matters not...your interference will not stop what I was created to do." After a pause, it said with further malice. "No matter how hard you try!"

Raindoom sent another blast of wind in the direction of Rainbow Dash and the Princesses, but all were able to avoid the gusts without much difficulty. Rainbow still slightly dinged up with the previous attack turned to the Princesses as Celestia called to her. "Hurry my dear. You must stop Raindoom before it escapes the dreamscape."

Rainbow Dash turned to the Princesses, seeking their help to stop Raindoom, who would certainly not go down easily. But Luna and Celestia believed that their hooves were tied. "Raindoom is immune to our magic, there is no way we would make a difference..." Celestia reminded the pegasus, but Rainbow Dash wasn't so sure about their pessimistic beliefs.

"Your magic may not make a difference in the real world, but this isn't the real world. This is a dream! And you told me that I can make anything possible in this dream, remember?"

Rainbow Dash was responded quickly by Luna, the one responsible to put this dream together. "You are capable of making anything possible Rainbow Dash, but not us. This is your only dream, not ours..."

But then, Rainbow Dash figured it out. "Exactly! This is my dream, that means I can make your magic work, because I can believe it will!"

Rainbow Dash then turned to look up above to Raindoom once more, standing before the Princesses. Dash then closed her eyes tightly and began to focus hard. Before the surprise of Celestia and Luna, the tips of Rainbow's singed wing began to heal and return to fit flying form...exactly like Rainbow Dash wanted. Then opening her eyes again with confidence, it was time to end this nightmare, in more ways than one. For herself and for everypony.

Princess Luna and Celestia looked to one another as Rainbow Dash spread her wings, ready for takeoff as the dark cloud loomed over.

"Now Princesses!!!" Ordered out Rainbow Dash, a rare instance to instruct a royal what to do, although if you include training Twilight Sparkle how to fly, they would be the second and third Princesses Rainbow would have instructed at some point in her life. On cue, Luna and Celestia began to cast their spell, far more powerful than they ever believed it could have.

Within moments a massive magical barrier appeared around the entire entity of Raindoom, who looked at the spell observing it with a sense of alarm. "NO!!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!!"

The barrier glowed a bright yellow and blue from the Princesses, but though the spell was powerful so was the strain. "Hurry child!" Luna called out to the pegasus in front of her. "You haven't much time!!!"

In a snap, Rainbow Dash zoomed into the air with a rainbow streak behind her, gaining speed rapidly while Raindoom had no where to marenuever within the confines of the royal's spell.

Rainbow continued to go faster, knowing she could go as quick as she chose to go. And then it began to happen, the force of the sound barrier began to shape around Dash, the Sonic Rainboom was not far from happening. "Come on! A little more!" She motivated herself to keep pushing.

And soon after...

*BOOOM*

Rainbow perfectly executed her Sonic Rainboom, meaning the Princesses had to act fast. They had to allow Rainbow to pass through the barrier the moment she could strike the cloud creature above. A moment too soon, and Raindoom could escape...A moment too late, and Dash would strike nothing but the magic barrier leaving Raindoom undamaged. They had to time it perfectly...

Rainbow Dash continued to close, and close, until...

"NOW SISTER!!!" Princess Celestia commanded Luna. In a split instant, the barrier disappeared as Rainbow Dash came to contact with Raindoom, who remained still. What followed was the brightest light any pony had ever seen, blinding everypony momentarily. Though in an second to follow, Luna and Celestia opened their eyes. All they saw was the beautiful rainbow that Dash had created.

And more importantly was what they couldn't see. The dark cloud of Raindoom that once took up the entire scope of the Dreamscape, was gone, no where to be seen.

Even after several minutes, it remained the same. Before long, Luna and Celestia began to see Rainbow Dash return from the far distance. She appeared from the ground to be uninjured, but she also looked to be looking around in all directions. Once she herself spotted the Princesses, she landed close by, still looking to be a bit distracted. Rather than looking excited and happy for having defeated the weather foe before them, Dash seemed worried instead. "Where did it go?" Questioning to the Princesses, but rather than giving an answer, the Princess of the Day brought in Rainbow for an embrace. "It is over now..."

Rainbow Dash though didn't feel so sure. "But I don't understand..." Pulling away from Celestia in the process. "I don't feel like I hit anything." Continuing to scan the scape's upper horizon.

Rainbow Dash's experience in the weather and clouds was an advantage in this case. Knowing the structure and makeup of clouds, knowing of them being condensed vapor and water would mean passing through one would have changed the moisture level and wettened her coat and mane...and she felt that didn't happen. To her, it simply was passing through the same space of scape they hovered in now. Rainbow didn't know where Raindoom had gone, but whatever happened...she wasn't the reason for it.

Luna and Celestia's concern started to grow, looking up as Rainbow had. "I do not understand..." Celestia stated. "If Raindoom hasn't been destroyed, then where could it be?"

Almost instantly upon asking the query, came a violent rumbling within the Realm, it was soon followed by a low yet loud moaning sound. Then, came the voice they dreaded.

"It appears your friend's magic is more powerful than I imagined little one..."

Within seconds, a bright pink flash covered the horizon, and the dark red cloud they all hoped gone began to reemerge, swirling about to reform. The full form of Raindoom was fully restored, though something was different in its current state. Raindoom looked to be glowing in the same pinkish magenta aura that flashed before its reappearance. The three ponies below looked on in a dazed confusion, how could this have happened?

"My friend's magic?" Rainbow scoffed at. "What is that supposed to mean!?!" But the look on the Princesses' faces told more of the story.

"It is Twilight Sparkle's magic!" Luna called out, pointing to the figure above. "It has absorbed her magic as well..."

Rainbow looked back to Raindoom above her. It did bare a similar pinkish aura of her friend's magic. Rainbow Dash turned back to the Princesses confused. "What!? B-But how did that thing get Twilight's magic!?"

Luna and Celestia explained that Princess Twilight Sparkle had to blast away Raindoom with her magic to allow the Princesses to create the spell that protected the ponies in the first place. But Dash was confused, when did that happen?

Then she remembered... The first time Raindoom appeared. The first rain event that occurred left Rainbow Dash in a state of unconsciousness. Rainbow never could have realized all that had happened in that brief period of time. Now in that span, Raindoom had the magic of both the Princesses in Canterlot and now Twilight as well. No doubt that things looked very dim, and it wasn't just from the dark dreary colors all around them...

"You ponies can do anything you want here because it is the Dream Realm..." Raindoom began, but then narrowed his eyes to a near glare. "I can do anything I want here...because I CAN!!!"

Raindoom heeding to his word, sent out a powerful pulse of Twilight's magic. The blast of magic came flying at the Princesses and Rainbow Dash at a high rate of speed. Even though Rainbow may have been able to fly away from the attack, the Princesses didn't have the magic reserves needed to hold off the blast themselves; so Rainbow tried to fly in front of the blast to shield them, but Twilight's magical attack that came from Raindoom was much too strong to withstand. The pulse of magical energy struck all three ponies together. While Dash seem able to recoup, the blast caused Luna and Celestia to scream out in agony, but that wasn't all. The magic pulse also broke their connection to Rainbow's dream, thus when struck, the Princess of the Day and Night began to phase out until they disappeared from the Realm. Dash called out to the royals, but it was no use...they were gone. And as Raindoom continued to hover above her, Dash looked up to her foe in anger. "Where are the Princesses? What did you do to them!?!" But as Rainbow demanded to answered, something she had realized caught her off guard.

Despite what Luna had said, Dash did not also phase from the Dream Realm upon the connection of her link with Luna being broken. Rainbow was alone, with no help and no clue what to do. It was only her and Raindoom now within the Dreamscape. "Wait...how am I still here? I thought I was supposed to..."

But before Rainbow Dash could finish her question, the figure above in a surprise to her, gave her an answer...

"Your Princesses' magic was weakening rapidly. It made overpowering her link to your dream quite easy." Raindoom explained. But the response made Dash realize what was going on. "As I told you once before, I have all the abilities of your beloved Princesses, linking myself to your dream is no different. And with their weakened state, I fear rebreaking my link to this dream will be quite impossible for them. Which means..."

"No..." Came a soft defeated voice from Rainbow Dash.

"With my excess magic in this realm, I can keep you within this dream for as long as I desire!"

Raindoom's statement was feared true. The entity was far too strong, his magical output far surpassed any of the Princesses currently, even Twilight's magic...which Raindoom now also possessed somehow. Which made this a grim reality...Raindoom could use its magic to keep Rainbow Dash trapped within the Dream Realm...forever!

Chapter 16

The mood in the guest quarters of Canterlot's Royal Castle was in a state of panic. Both Celestia and Luna arose to their hooves upon being forcefully removed from Rainbow Dash's dream. But the panic truly started when they both realized that Rainbow did not reawaken alongside with them, making Luna suspect of Raindoom's intentions to remove the Princesses from the Dream Realm as part of its scheme. Luna stood over Rainbow's still slumbering body as Celestia stood by in concern. The Princess of the Night was trying desperately to attempt to relink to the dream the pegasus was in, she didn't even have the time to try and bring her sister on this attempt. Time was too valuable to waste any moment. The magic output would have been too great to reestablish with them both, but she had to attempt to get Rainbow Dash out of the Dreamscape; who knew what in Equestria was happening in there.

Unfortunately, despite immense focus all Luna could muster was multiple sparks of magic from her horn. Keeping the Stealth spell afloat proved more difficult using additional magic than the Princesses believed, even with Twilight Sparkle's added magic to aide them. Luna grunted painfully, continuing to gather even an ounce of extra magic. "I am failing to reenter the young one's dream." Luna told her sister with increasing strain.

"Keep trying sister!" Princess Celestia answered in a state of almost plea. The worry would only increase, seeing no emotion on Rainbow's face in her slumber. Only until Luna could find a path back into Dash's dream, they could only hope all was well...

***

Within the Dream Realm, the winds howled and thunder boomed loudly. Below on the surface, Rainbow Dash prepared for an incoming attack that was sure to come from Raindoom. But to Dash's surprise, no attack came. At first she thought it was some kind of trick; a way to let the pegasi's guard down. But the longer the wait, the more surprised Rainbow became. Raindoom remained motionless, staring down at the pegasus from above, with only the sound of continuing wind and thunderous booms. But oddly, no rain. Clearly, Raindoom knew the effects that its magic enhanced rain would do to Rainbow Dash, and yet not a drop of rain did Raindoom summon to befall onto her. But this didn't make any sense to Rainbow Dash. Why trap her within the Dream Realm and then do nothing once you do so? The stale mate between the two lead to a call from the upward.

"I sense some confusion in you young one..." Raindoom called down to the pegasus below, startling her in process. "Does my lack of aggression puzzle you so?"

A question? A conversation? Certainly not what Rainbow Dash predicted before a battle to the bitter end to save all of Equestria from a being of ultimate evil. While Rainbow was a bit hesitant to answer, she knew that her incredible ability of flying and speed would protect her from being caught off guard.

So with a slow step forward...she answered the question poised to her.

"Well...yeah actually." Dash called aloud, slightly stuttering between her words. "Like...why trap in this place and not attack me?"

The look on Raindoom's "face" became broad of confusion.

"Whoever said my plan was to trap you within this realm? And whoever said I planned to attack you?"

"But...you've said you plan to flood our home!" The pegasus claimed with the brash accusation, giving a stomp with her fore hoof. "To destroy Equestria!!"

"It is true I have said that...but that does not answer the question I have asked of you." The moment of awkward silence befell the pegasus. Once it became herself and the entity before her, she fully expected a full on battle to the end. To not even be attacked was beyond anything that may have entered Rainbow's mind. Once an answer was still not given, it was clear from the cloud above that the one whom the question be asked to was confused to what was taking place...

Perhaps more needed to be explained.

"Young filly, I have witnessed what my magical elements would do to your being. I could use them right here and now, and you would be defenseless against my abilities. Yet here I hover, taking no aggressive action towards you. In fact, the only one whom has taken any aggression in this encounter...is yourself."

The accusation towards Rainbow Dash, she found not only disconcerting...but also true. What was going on she wondered? "I don't understand...the Princesses said that..."

Her words were halted by the one above...

"Your Princesses I'm sure have said many a things about my presence...and what they paint myself as." As the statement was finished, the cloud slowly began to gradually reduce in size; not looking nearly as opposing or threatening. "And based on your continuous attacking nature towards myself, it seems you have taken their words to be true."

"But in my dreams...you've attacked me. The wind, the lightning strikes!" Rainbow Dash accused.

"You have been trying to destroy me young one..." Raindoom responded. "Do you not expect me to defend my being...rather than just letting you do it?"

It was a fair point by Raindoom, one that Dash couldn't really defend her actions for. It was a simple act based on the accusations made by her friends, and the royals.

Another question soon followed...

"Do you believe that I am a monster?"

Rainbow Dash didn't need to answer, the look on her face gave an answer that no words could do justice. Though it seemed, to be what the one above expected.

"You are not the only one who feels so..."

Raindoom as before sent another pulse blast. Dash closed her eyes tightly to brace for the attack, but surprisingly after a lengthy delay she reopened her eyes to see that the pulse wasn't an attack at all. What Rainbow did realize was she no longer seemed to be within the starry horizon of the scape, but what appeared to be a location within Equestria...

***

The location continued to change around both Rainbow Dash and Raindoom, who now not only hovered alongside the pegasus, but had morphed his form to where it was now nearly the same size of Dash as well.

Rainbow Dash would keep giving a glance to the side to see if Raindoom was in fact next to her, and it grew an unnerving urge to speak her mind, knowing that her "foe" gazed afloat her. "I have to say. This isn't what I expected based on my other dreams..."

Raindoom was quick to explain the potential reason. "Because you are not having a nightmare...Nightmares are fueled by your fears filly...Without those fears, all that you're experiencing is as it would be in your waking reality."

"Ugh...but I wasn't scared..." Dash's comment was received with a sideward stare from the cloudlike form next to her. It was amazing how easily intimidating a cloud with glowing blue eyes could present, even when not acting in a hostile manner. "Okay, maybe a little scared..." Changing her tone quickly.

The rainbow pegasus slowly paced forward looking at the surroundings continued to change around her, beginning to take new forms that looked eerily familiar. She recognized the location quickly, even if it looked far different as Rainbow always saw it as.

Cloudsdale...but from the looks and appearances around, long ago in the past. The visual images of pegasi flying around was a sight to see. They looked so much different to present day. "When is this?" Dash asked aloud, leading the cloud entity to float alongside once more.

"Approximately three thousand years ago..." Raindoom's response was followed by a voiceless "Wow" from Rainbow, though saying aloud wasn't necessary for her face told enough to her reaction. "Your world was much different then, yet there are some things that make them very similar..."

Straight ahead of the two, was a slew of pegasi. Their outfits they wore made Rainbow suspect that these were some of the assigned Rain Ponies that she learned of. But these weren't just any Rain Ponies, by the looks and demeanor of Raindoom, Rainbow Dash realized that these ponies were...the creators of Raindoom. Confusion followed though, for these ponies didn't seem the evil and vile, soulless ponies Rainbow took them to be, nor how they were protrayed to her by what she had heard before. Furthermore to Dash, the other pegasi around these "creators", they seemed to be embracing them...almost consoling them...

...Forgiving them even.

In fact, more and more pegasi came to give grievance and sorrow to these Rain Ponies. It actually made Dash smile knowing that these ponies could be accepted even after their actions. It showed perhaps what friendship could do. Rainbow's smile was to turned to a frown after a begrudged voice spoke next to her.

"But pity that sorrow wasn't given to everyone..."

In the image the two observed, a rumbling of thunder was heard and quickly the sky began to fill with a dark cloud coverage. Rainbow then saw what had caused it, the presence of Raindoom from the past which began to emit a heavy downpour onto Cloudsdale and the rest of Equestria. All the elemental pegasi caught in the rain began to collapse, as their energy was being sapped from them...just like had happened to Rainbow Dash mere days ago. Images of concerned ponies towards their fallen friends looked to the skies above, showing anger and distaste towards the source of the magical rain.

"While my creators were forgiven and loved once more with open hooves...their creation was treated with fear and anger..."

Pegasi by the hundreds tried to stop and steer away the storm cloud, but they had no knowledge of how. Dash then saw the fleets of Rainbow Pegasi who bolted into the sky to fight Raindoom as well, but one by one the same fate awaited those brave ponies all the same. With every fallen pegasi, the distain grew even more for the dark cloud above. Rainbow was realizing that the intent of hurting the weather ponies around her was non-existent, but whatever the magical elements possessed within Raindoom seemed uncontrollable.

It appeared there was nothing that Raindoom could do, only continue to emit rainfall as it was created to do so. It was getting harder for Rainbow Dash to watch the devastation around her, even it was from many millenia ago. Seeing so many weather ponies caught in the elements, only making Raindoom stronger.

Then with Raindoom's present self still alongside her, she saw the final stand from so long ago. Seeing all the Rainbow Pegasi giving their combined strength and power to the Princesses that Dash knew to today, strengthening them with the combined magic of all the Rainbow Pegasi to blast the weather fiend away into the outskirts of space, hoping to never be seen again...

While Raindoom was defeated, it came at an unfortunate price. The slews of Rainbow Pegasi lay unmoving before Rainbow Dash to witness...

The Rainbow Pegasi...were no more.

Dash realized what made her so special to many ponies, including the Princesses. She really was part a special breed of ponies feared gone many moons ago.

The image of all the pain and sadness soon after faded away, Dash slumped her head down as Raindoom slowly hovered over top, casting a shadow upon her.

"I could only wish you knew what it is like to be created to do only one purpose for your entire existence, and to be hated and loathed for that purpose. One which you had no ability to choose or change..."

Rainbow Dash found the last statement to be a fallacy. And she knew that couldn't be true in the slightest. "What do you mean you can't change? Or choose? You said could have attacked me, but you didn't..."

"Because I was NOT created to hurt any creature...Don't you understand?" As what seemed to have become normal during this encounter, Rainbow was at a loss of words. Having no words to say though proved to be a positive at times...for it allowed one to listen to the words be spoken, rather than thinking of words to speak. "I was created to destroy Equestria, to turn this land to a watery ruin... and I CAN NOT CHANGE THAT!" The rumble in the air this time came from the words of Raindoom, rather than the distance bang of thunder or lightning. But its words became calm once more for the final remark. "...And neither can you."

The cloud began to rise higher into the horizon as Dash remained on the ground. The pegasus grew a face of determination. While she did gain some remorse for Raindoom, it didn't eliminate the reality that so many ponies were counting on her...even if it meant doing the one thing she began to think she couldn't do...

"It doesn't mean I won't try..." Dash called out. The remark made the entity above pause, and began to spin around to direct to her once more.

"Do not try to fight me young one. Doing so is what lead your rainbow breatharian to a state of obscurity."

Despite all that had transpired between Rainbow Dash and Raindoom, the cloud still appeared very stern with its warning, perhaps even as far to say threat to the pegasus.

"I have told you young one to not intervene, to stop fighting and resisting what I must do. I do not wish to bring harm to you, but deep down you know that you cannot do what your friends and Princesses expect of you. You must NOT FIGHT!!!"

"I can't do that Raindoom..." Rainbow Dash closed her eyes tightly, in an attempt to muster the courage to say what she believed had to be said. "You told me you were created to not hurt any creature, but by destroying our home...you'll hurt so many ponies in a way you could never understand. I can't let you destroy Equestria......I have to stop you!"

From the heights above, Raindoom could only look down at Rainbow Dash, she was breathing so heavy through her nose you could almost see a steamy mist come from her snout. Looking into her eyes, Raindoom knew the words spoken she believed. And while all those moons ago, no pony felt sorrow for Raindoom...it couldn't help begin to feel that way for the rainbow pegasus below. Knowing that she would never quit, and that commitment of ultimate determination could come at a price...a price that no amount of bits could afford or fix. The being could be see from far below closing its eyes, before speaking once more... "Believe me young one, I do understand. And I expected you to say as much. So it seems now there is no point to continue this..."

Everything surrounding the pegasus began to rumble. Upon looking around, all that she could see began to disappear and turn black, causing her to worry.

"What's going on? What are you doing!?" She spoke, demanding an answer.

As the Dreamscape began to deteriorate, the being spoke.

"Once I leave this realm, you are free to awaken. But know this young pegasi...I can only hope for your sake that once you return to the Waking Realm, you realize there is no light at the end of the path you are choosing to take..."

Those words were the last thing Rainbow heard. Soon after, the entity that was Raindoom disappeared into thin air...then all was black in a snap.

***

Princess Luna continued to make every effort to retap into Rainbow Dash's dream, but all attempts proved unsuccessful. But suddenly, the princesses were shocked to see that the pegasi's eyes opened and the mare soon after sat up to her flank. Surprising in Rainbow showed no signs of franticness or peril; in fact she showed nearly the same emotionless expression now awake as she did while slumbering.

"By the stars, you are alright." Luna sighed and said with a sense of relief. "My sister and I truly feared the worst." The Princess of the Night's words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Rainbow Dash soon slowly plopped off her resting area and with equal undashing speed walked over to the giant window before them, looking out to the greyscale sky.

"Young one?" Celestia called to the pegasus, still getting no acknowledgement of their speech. "Is everything alright?"

Rainbow Dash stared out the window, partly seeing her reflection, but the pegasus stared out to the horizon of the sky...knowing full well what was out there waiting for her.

"I learned something from Raindoom tonight..." Dash stated in a monotone voice, continuing to stare out the window in front of her, seeing her frown cascading off the glass, remembering what she heard and witnessed. "Raindoom doesn't want to hurt anypony..." She declared and then gave a gulp before finishing. "But it won't stop until it finishes what it was created to do..."

"But how can you be so sure that is the truth?" Princess Luna asked the pegasus.

"Because Raindoom never attacked me...He spoke of the past, and all that had happened." Rainbow responded, which surprised the Princesses. Certainly they both believed that an intense struggle would have occurred once Rainbow Dash and Raindoom were left unopposed within the Dream Realm. "But Raindoom told me what it has to do...and what I'll have to do to stop it..."

"Which is?" Princess Celestia softly spoke. Rainbow Dash pondered whether to say the truth...but rather turned to the royals and told them what needed to be done. The final plan of action.

"In twelve hours, I want you both to come to Ponyville, and when you do...I want you to end the spell..."

Luna and Celestia looked to one another with a look of uncertainty. But even if what they heard seemed shocking to believe, they chose to honor the request given to them. The two turned to Dash with a look of confidence.

"We will do what you ask of us." Luna confirmed with an assuring look.

"What do you plan to do until then Rainbow Dash?" Celestia followed up. Dash after staring out one final time to the sky, now knowing full well what the future held, Dash turned and answered.

"I'm going back to Ponyville...if tomorrow is the end, I'm going to spend it with my friends..."

Chapter 17

Even though the sky couldn't show that another day had come to Equestria, years of daily chores made the Apples know when morning had arrived. While morning chores were customary for the Apple family on the farm, this particular morning had greater importance. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big MacIntosh had just finished another run of filling bushels of apples; everything from red, to gold, to green alike. Filling up as many barrels as possible. Usually, these apples would be brought to town to sell, but all the apples bucked today would be used for emergency food, along with haystacks and tools for back-up supplies.

After dragging another heavy haystack onto their wagon crate, the youngest Apple groaned loudly. "How much more we gotta do Applejack?" She asked to her older sister, who followed close behind balancing a barrel of apples on both her flank and her head. Yet amazingly when she plopped the barrel off her head, the hat she always wore showed no signs of getting scrunched or damaged...it just popped back into its usual look.

"As many as we can Sugarcube." AJ told the youngin' with a bit of regret. "If we gotta evacuate town, we'll need plenty of food to help everypony."

"But, we ain't gonna need to leave town, are we?" AJ's sister asked another question, followed by another. "I mean, Dash is gonna come through, right Applejack?"

"Of course she is Apple Bloom." Applejack said with confidence. "But in order for her to do her part, we need to do our part too." The honest mare then grabbed another tied-up haystack and plopped it onto her back. "So let's keep at it. It won't be much longer."

The Apples continued on. So hard even to the point that Applejack herself began to work up a sweat, but they had to trudge on. Poor little Apple Bloom was exhausted to the point where she thought she was beginning to see things. At the barn opening, a blurry image of a pony with wings emerged into sight. The little apple blinked repeatedly to put the image into focus, and when she realized what it was, she gasped with delight.

"Hey sis, look." The youngest apple called to her sister, but the eldest had her backed turned and still working tirelessly to observe.

"Not right now Sugarcube, keep focused on the task at hoof." Thinking that the youngin' would put the conversation behind them, AJ continued to work, but Apple Bloom ran over and shook her sister's hoof to get her attention for real this time around.

"Applejack, I'm serious. Look, it's Rainbow Dash! She's here!"

The ears of Applejack perked up upon the statement while Bloom pointed a hoof to the entrance. And when she turned to observe, the brightness of the sky outside made the figure at the doorway look like a shadow. It wasn't until the one the attention was drawn upon began to step further into the barn, and once so...the figure became far more clear of the pony they had mentioned just earlier.

Rainbow Dash stood before the three apple siblings, looking in surprising high spirits, but also with a look that a sense of importance for her presence. But to break the ice, she gave the littlest apple a welcome with a hoofrub atop the filly's mane, which both seemed to enjoy very much so.

"Oh, Dash. We weren't expecting to see you on the farm." AJ chuckled briefly. "Here for a cider?"

The look that Rainbow had was different from usual, and all the apples noticed it. The mere mention of "cider" would normally send the rainbow pegasus into a demeanor of utter delight, but this time Dash just simply gave a slight shake of the head. A response like that from Rainbow Dash would worry ponies, but Dash's smile on her face showed something else was on her mind.

"Something more important than cider? You sure you're okay?" Apple Bloom chuckled, placing her hoof over Dash's forehead, thinking the pegasus must be sick to think such a thing. But Rainbow just smiled once more and ruffled the hair of the filly again, making the young apple giggle.

"Never better," Dash responded. "Actually, that's why I'm here." Everyapple gathered around with a smile. Dash a deep inhale in and began. "Well, I fell like I'm in good enough shape now. So I was wondering if you could help me train some."

"You mean like some real "Apple Family" training?" AJ spoke allowed, getting a smirk from Dash.

"Is there any other way?" Dash said back in her vintage Rainbow Dash brashness.

"Big Mac, do ya wanna lend a hoof?" AJ turned to her older brother, who gave his patient, "Yep."

"Oh, can I help too?" Cheered Apple Bloom also, hopping up and down in a frenzy.

"Absolutely!" The elder apple sister happily answered, making the youngin' jump with excitement. Applejack knowing Rainbow Dash knew that the pegasus would want to the most extreme, intense training in all of Equestria. The Apples would have to jerryrig some things together, but they would be sure to give a workout that would make Rainbow sweat colors by trainings end. And Dash would more than welcome it...

***

After some time was taken, Applejack and the rest of the Apples had turned the barn into a personal training ground, only for this occasion, it wasn't for an Apple to train.

"Come on Dash, you can do it!" AJ shouted out before blowing a whistle in cadence. Soon after, a series of grunts and gasps could be heard from what could only be described as "Applejack's Training Subject". From a wooden plank that was used as a support beam for the barn, Rainbow Dash was in the middle of a series of wing pull-ups from said plank, which was secure about ten feet over the barnyard floor. Now a rigorous training of elevated wing-ups would have been tough enough, but extra steps had to be taken to truly make this qualify to the level of "Apple Family Workout".

Upon each of Rainbow's hind quarters, AJ tied a long rope tightly, and to the other end of each rope was tied a massive bale of hay that touched the ground when Dash was at rest, but needing to finish a pull-up would lift and dangle the haybale in the air. And these bales of hay were typical size for the Apple's, so they were not only large...but heavy too, each weighed about fifty pounds a piece. And Dash needed to lift all that weight in order to do a single pull up at a time. But for R.D., it didn't stop there.

After while, little Apple Bloom used the nearby hay stack on the corner of the barn to hop onto Rainbow Dash's back as well. Of course, Bloom did it marely for moral support for her friend, but to Dash it was almost like having an additional haystack tied to her back. Making only that much more to lift each sequence. But Dash didn't stop, she kept fighting through the aches and anguish to continue to do one wing-up after another.

"Keep pushin', keep fightin'. We believe in you Rainbow!" Applejack called out, by this point Big Mac was alongside to make sure that both Rainbow and Apple Bloom would be alright while in the air like they were. One by one, Rainbow continued to impress and amaze all the Apples present, and to impress an Apple in an act of strength was no small feat. AJ continued to count the reps aloud. "Ninety-Eight...Ninety-Nine, one more Dash. YOU CAN DO IT!"

Rainbow felt like her wings were on fire, burning with strain. She felt like her hind quarters were about to be ripped off from the weight tied to them. The sweat was pouring from all pours, making Apple Bloom on Rainbow's back squirm around to keep a good grip on the pegasi's back. Slowly, but surely she began to creep herself to the plank for one final lift. But halfway up, the body of the pegasus began to shake like an earthquake. The littlest apple called out in a cheer. "Come on Dash! You can do it!" Still the pegasi's back.

"DAAAAHHH!!!" Rainbow screamed out in agony, making the youngin' on her back close her eyes sharply to the loudness. While the Apples below began to take a stance ready for action, they soon saw that Dash still was inching closer and closer...until Rainbow was at a height where she grabbed the flat side of the plank her hooves to finally give her now trembling wings a much needed rest. Rainbow in a state of panting told Bloom to hop off her back and jump onto the plank to relieve herself of the additional weight, while Mac and AJ untied the stacks to her legs. Rainbow Dash felt so free after this, but she was ready to get down, and after telling the Apples so, Dash just let go of the plank and began to free-fall to the barn floor below.

It caught the siblings off guard suspecting that Dash fly down instead of just drop. But Applejack acted fast and in a dash of herself, leaped in midair and caught the distressed on her back, still able to land on her feet and stick the landing. All of them then regathered to show their approval of Rainbow's fortitude and guts.

"Great job Dash! Couldn't have done better myself." AJ complimented her, still huffing and puffing for air on the honest one's flank, before plopping off trying to stretch her limbs.

"HA!" Dash laughed in a form of gratitude. "Of course not, you wings to do a Wing-Up."

The two ponies chuckled at the comment for a bit, but Applejack felt she needed to say something to pegasus. Something heartfelt.

"Hey uh, Dash. I just wanted to apologize."

An eyebrow raised on the pony of the one the comment was directed towards. Followed by a somewhat sense of confusion. Applejack was honest, but she wasn't one to apologize about random things. "What for AJ?"

"Well..." Applejack began, looking down rummaging small pieces of straw her passing hoof. "F-For calling ya lazy before..."

After a brief pause, a giant "HA!" was responded by Rainbow Dash, followed by a hoof shot to the shoulder of the Apple next to her. "Come on Applejack, this isn't the time to be worrying about petty insults and regrets."

The reply was almost received with a snort after the chuckle. "Ya know Dash, that sounds like somethin' I'd say. Maybe ya do gotta little Apple in ya!"

Suddenly off in the distance, a familiar cheery voice was heard.

"OOH OOH! Are we in time for the big group hug gathering?"

Rainbow turned around to see the entrance of the rest of her friends, including the CMCs. Once everything was set up, Big Mac went around and told all the ponies where Dash was and all agreed to attend together as a semi surprise. And surprised Dash was; it was good to see all her friends here to give their full support and confidence.

Rarity soon approached in front of the rest present, she used her magic to float a wrapped package alongside and placed it in front of the pegasus. "While you were in Canterlot, I had the opportunity to make this for you Rainbow Dash..." Using her magic, Rarity untied the bow and opened the box. She then proceeded to float out of the box and unusual piece of full body clothing. It had a rubberish like texture to the eye, with a white tint though still a clear enough fabric to see through. "I think you may find this useful." Rarity finished up, and looked ready to help Rainbow put it on.

The ponies present smiled gleefully as Rarity "do do do'ed" a little melody aloud while helping Dash get clothed up. And with a final use of magic, Rarity zippered up the fabric under Rainbow Dash's neck. The outfit covered her whole body, wings included. In fact the only thing uncovered were Dash's eyes, tail, and mane; though the clear material made Dash's body still visible. Rainbow Dash observed the finished product while Rarity spoke again. "It may not be my most stylish form of un costume I've made, but I think it might be my best work. How does it fell on you?" She asked its wearer.

"A little tight, but not bad." Dash responded kindly, flapping her wings strongly to make sure the clothing wasn't too tight to constrict her flight ability. "Can still move pretty good."

"That's not all. Come see..." Princess Twilight asked her friend to come over to where the others were. Upon spacing out, a bucket of water was placed on the floor. "Stick your hoof in it Rainbow." The Princess requested.

Although hesitant, Dash slowly creeped her right hoof in the bucket of stagnant water. In it Dash stayed still for a couple seconds, and then Twilight told her she could remove it. Once Dash did, she noticed the submerged hoof was completely dry, the very minuscule amount of water beaded off as fast as Dash could fly. Rainbow was left in amazement when she looked up to her friends.

"Completely water resistant." Rarity announced. Also clarifying why the suit needed slightly tighter, to prevent any water from entering from the inside. Worked like charm, exactly like Rarity had hoped.

"Wow!" Rainbow Dash cried in excitement. "This is SO AWESOME! Thank you so much Rarity!" Giving her generous friend a flying hug.

Everypony was so happy, it truly looked like everything could be actually work out. If Rainbow Dash could stop Raindoom, all of Equestria could be saved. But Rainbow knew this wasn't the time to get too caught up in the moment, it was time to get back to work and to keep on training. Only now with all her closest friends by her side, it would only motivate her further.

***
After a while Rainbow Dash was back training again, only now with all her friends present. Seeing everypony working so hard made the CMCs filled with cheer.

CMCs:
You're faster than lightning,
And tougher than nails.
When trouble shows it's coming,
We know you will prevail!
We'll never frown,
when you're around,
because you're the best.
You will see your destiny,
and you'll rise above the rest!

Cause when the going looks bleak,
You will protect the weak.
You'll show you're tough,
when times are rough.
Cause you're our hero!

CMCs:
We all know
That we will be together!
We know
That we'll be friends forever!
We know
That one way or another!
We know...

Apple Bloom:
Yes, I know
That you're going to win!
And you'll never give in!
As your colors soar into the sky!
Your fightin' spirit's flyin' so high!

CMCs:
We know!

(The joyful delight of the melodies sang only made Rainbow Dash more committed to train harder.)

CMCs:
The awesomeness inside you,
will light up the sky.
As your strength, and speed, and bravery
Continue to climb.
Like a streak of lightning, you'll be fighting
Fast as can be.
And your awesome might, burning so bright
For all ponies to see.

Your unbreakable will,
Will keep us hoping until
Your Rainboom flows,
And colors glow,
Like a true hero!

Yes, we know!
That no matter the weather!
We know
You will make things all better!
We know
That one way or another,
We know...

Sweetie Belle:
Yes, I know
That you are a great friend, that
We can always depend, on
Whether sun or rain, or wind or snow
Your winning spirit's going to show!

CMCs:
We know!

As all her friends continued to look on, Rainbow Dash continued her long rigorous series of wing-ups, but the exhaustion was starting to get the better of her. After another difficult lift, Dash grabbed the plank with her hooves, dangling above. Panting heavy, she couldn't help but begin to play out all the possibilities that could go wrong, the possibility of letting all her friends down. They had done so much for her, ...what if she failed them? As Dash continued to try and catch her breath, she couldn't help but remember what she said a couple of days ago to her friends...

But how can it be...
Why's it have to be me...
To save us all,
Set Equestria free...

The words just continued to play in her head, over and over again.

But how can it be...
Why's it have to be me...
(x2)

Just when Rainbow thought to stop, she began to hear new words in her head. Voices, familiar voices.

Rainbow, don't you see...
It's because we believe!
(x2)

Dash's ears perked up upon hearing those voices spoke, and she looked down behind to see all her friends. And even though they weren't speaking, she could still hear their voices calling to her.

Rainbow, don't you see...
It's because we believe!
(x2)

From Rarity to Pinkie Pie, Twilight to Spike. Applejack, Fluttershy, and the CMCs. All of them looking up to the pegasus with a gleam, cheering her on from inside. And it made Rainbow Dash realize the truth of all that was going on. That just because one can't help physically, doesn't mean they can't help. Sometimes the littlest thing can make all the difference. From a suit to wear, to a little support. As Rainbow continued to look down upon, the look on her face went to confidence and determination. She soon turned her attention back to her training and began to trudge on, knowing that her friends wouldn't let her down, and neither would she let them down. After one more wing-up after another, Dash's spirit was flying high...

Rainbow Dash:
And I'm starting to see
This is my destiny.
So now I know,
It's time to show
The Magic in me!

Rainbow Dash:
I know
That the future may look grey!

CMCs:
We know
That the happiness will stay!

Rainbow Dash:
I know
That I'll chase the clouds away!

CMCs:
We know... (Fluttershy flies up with Scootaloo in her hooves and sets the young filly on Rainbow's back as she embraces her "big sister")

Scootaloo:
Yes, I know
That you are my best friend,
And our world you'll defend!
As you're soaring high to victory!

Rainbow Dash:
Thank you all for helping me see...
The magic will always live in MEEE!!!

Before Rainbow Dash could finish speaking, the barn became engulfed in a bright golden light. So bright that all the ponies shielded their eyes from the light's sheer intensity. After about ten seconds, the light faded away. Princess Twilight shortly after reopened her eyes hesitantly and looked around. "Everypony alright?" Twilight asked the company around. Everypony nodded but Dash landed on her hooves with Scootaloo in tow, approaching everypony.

"What happened to you all? You guys acted like you couldn't see anything..." Dash told them in a tone that made the others believed two things. One, that she felt they were acting kinda lame. But two, that Rainbow acted like nothing had just happened.

"The-the barn went brighter than the sun Sugarcube. You didn't see that?" Applejack questioned.

"Didn't see a thing. You didn't see anything either, right Scoot?" Rainbow looked down, but Scootaloo had a bit of a shiver to her that bugged Dash a bit.

"Well, actually that light was pretty bright! In fact, it looked like it came from you." Scoot said, pointing to Rainbow at the end.

Dash though just rolled her eyes at the statement. "Ah, you ponies are just getting caught in the moment." The others looked to each other, something definitely happened. And Rainbow Dash just tossing it aside felt strange. Dash began to stretch her wings and hooves out with a big grin of satisfaction. "Wow, I don't even feel tired anymore. So much for that intense Apple training, huh AJ?"

All the ponies were quite surprised by Dash's demeanor. Though her attitude, physically and emotionally seemed to confirm her words. And even when they would each ask if Rainbow was exhausted, even the slightest bit tired, Rainbow Dash gave the same answer.

"Nope, feel good as new." Dash happily clapped back.

"Ooh ooh ooh! Maybe Rainbow has super duper healing powers. Like a wolverine!" Pinkie Pie celebrated, shaking Fluttershy out of giddiness. But Fluttershy was confused.

"But, wolverines don't have healing powers..." Fluttershy explained, now confusing Pinkie.

"Really? Huh, where have I heard that before..." The party pony pondered, scratching her mane. But after the side story, the ponies returned to the matter at hoof.

"Rainbow..." Princess Twilight spoke to her friend. "This sounds like this happened before."

Dash and Twilight stared at each other for a moment, but Twilight began to explain a conversation that the Princess had with a friend the day before in the Everfree Forest. Everypony began to listen, for many of them had not heard what had occurred, before or currently.

*FLASHBACK*

Young Scootaloo and Princess Twilight listened in to what had transpired the day Rainbow flew into Everfree. Miss Zecora recalled the events that had occurred overtime; Dash's ailing health at their initial meeting, the treatment the zebra gave the pegasus throughout, and then...the moment she remembered the most of all. So hard to forget such a thing, for it was something Zecora had never seen in her life.

"Your friend started shining brightly like gold. It was certainly a sight to behold." Zecora told Twilight, who took the words in deeply, remembering them well. So to the next statement Zecora made, which was even more important than perhaps the first. "So remember what I have spoken Twilight. Remember the light. Blinding, golden, and bright."

*END FLASHBACK*

Twilight pondered what her zebra ally told her.

"Zecora told me you did the same exact thing when you visited her in the Everfree Forest." Placing a hoof under to chin to to think. "Something is causing this, I'm sure of it. But what's the connection?"

Twilight's train of thought was cut off quickly by a loud regurgitation sound coming from her dragon companion. All the ponies looked over as a magical scroll appeared that Spike began to read over. And upon finishing, the young dragon let out a loud gasp of panic.

"Twilight! It's from the Princesses!" Spike urgently stated, unraveling the scroll for the Princess to read over. "It says they can't contain the spell much longer, so they're heading for Ponyville...NOW!"

Almost as soon as Spike gave the announcement, the ponies noticed a disturbance in the sky. The once greyscale horizon of sky began constantly flashing bright and then changing to a dark, evil reddish overview. And that could only mean one thing, the spell was fading. Time was running out...Raindoom was coming.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked to each other. Both with a look of uncertainty, unclear as the sky behind them. Each of them knew that the time was drawing closer. Though soon after, Dash shot Twilight a smile, a look of confidence. One that filled the Princess, and the rest of the ponies in the barn with a feeling that everything would turn out alright.

All the ponies knew what the plan was, but what challenges would face them...nopony knew.

Chapter 18

All the ponies of Ponyville began to gather at the middle of Town Square. Concerned looks came from mares and stallions alike as the skies above continued to worsen, violently flashing back from stagnant grey to darkish red hue. While Rainbow Dash continued to keep close eye of the sky waiting for the arrival of the Princesses, Princess Twilight and the other Mane Six ponies made sure that every Ponyville resident was present and accounted for.

Suddenly off in the distance, the Princesses were spotted. It was clear by their sluggish pace they were in dire need of care and assistance. Rainbow Dash called out to Twilight to help her before bolting into the sky and trying to help Celestia and Luna quickly. With Twilight helping Princess Celestia, and Dash aiding Princess Luna, the Princesses were greeted by the townsponies with bows. Both Celestia and Luna quickly acknowledged the kind gestures of everypony, but knew there were far greater matters as the two began to struggle to even stay upright, causing a worry from everyone present.

"We cannot hold the spell much longer Twilight..." Princess Celestia stated with a grovel and strain in her voice. "Whatever you have planned, you must do it now!"

Twilight looked to the one who was the inherit leader of any operation, the rainbow pegasus next to her. "Rainbow, what do you need us to do?"

Dash gazed around almost in a complete circle, making sure she gave eye contact to everypony before speaking. After a deep breath, Rainbow announced... "I don't want anypony to be in harms way. So I need everypony to evacuate the town to safety."

There was a hollowed gasp of ponies all around. Some in a seem of frantic concern.

"Rainbow Dash, are you sure about this?" Twilight asked with a level of uncertainty, which Dash gave a reluctant nod to.

"I'm the only one that can stop that thing, and it knows that. So it will only focus on me." Rainbow then began to look to all the townsponies, to explain her rational to all of them. "So everypony will be safe if you're not where I am."

A chorus of murmurs were heard from several, until a young voice was heard loudly above all the others.

"But...Rainbow Dash?"

It was the young pegasus filly, the one who looked up to Rainbow Dash for years now. Scootaloo trotted over to talk to her "big sister", almost in a plead though. "I-I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you."

Dash gave a frown towards Twilight's direction, but soon went to the filly, whose head was slumped. She placed a hoof under Scootaloo's chin to lift up her head so they could talk. "It's gonna be alright Scoot..."

Twilight and the townponies looked on, most of which were quite impressed. Many in Ponyville had known the rainbow pegasus for some time, and this whole ordeal had to everyponies' eyes given Dash a whole new level of loyalty and maturity. Almost like this was Rainbow's "Growing Up" moment of her life. They all looked on as Dash continued to talk to the young filly, mare to foal.

"Look Scootaloo...it's alright to be scared." Dash spoke again. "But your friends are counting on you to be there for them. You gotta be brave for them...for me. You and everypony did so much to help me believe I can do this, now I need you to believe that you were right. Can you do that for me kiddo?"

Scoot wiped a single tear from her eye, sniffled as she wiped her nose and hugged Rainbow Dash tightly. "Alright Rainbow Dash."

After their embrace, Scootaloo slowly ran back to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, who alongside Applejack were ready to carry out the evacuation. After a moment, Twilight saw a nod Rainbow to give the cue to the Princesses that the time had come.

Luna and Celestia soon faced one another and connected their horn's tips, and shortly after a rapid series of magical sparks began to emit. Almost immediately, the sky began to flicker and flash more violently. All the townsponies looked above to observe the disturbance.

Then, a rumbling began...it was coming. Raindoom was almost here as the skies began to redden. A worried Twilight began to take lead of Ponyville evacuation, but quickly Rainbow extended a wing to block her movement.

"Twilight! The others can lead the evacuation. I need you to stay here!" Rainbow Dash hollered, as the rumbling and sonic flashes above were becoming too loud to use a normal voice...the response caught Princess Twilight off guard.

"Stay!? I thought you wanted everypony to..." But Twilight stopped as she saw the look on Dash's face. The pegasi's wings extended out gave a reminder as well to the Princess what Dash was asking of her. "You want me to give you my magic, don't you?"

After a moment of thought, Dash shook her head.

"No, It's too dangerous to ask you to do that." Answered Dash, wanting to almost make sure that nopony heard the response. "Do it only if you feel we're out of options..." Placing a hoof on her friend. "...I trust your judgment."

Twilight didn't know how to process that however. She didn't want to put her friend at risk, Twilight saw first hoof what happened to Rainbow acquiring the Princesses' Alicorn Magic. The results were astounding, yes; but the consequences were equaled as bad, if not greater. That was a whole different level of responsibility, giving Rainbow Dash Alicorn Magic to defeat Raindoom knowing it was beyond dangerous...and Rainbow willingly gave Twilight the liberty to make the decesion on Dash's behalf, knowing all the negative that could come with it.

Twilight could only begin the first word in her answer, when the other Princesses gave a cry out to all the ponies. "IT IS COMING!!!"

A loud moan quickly followed, making the ground shake so hard, that ponies began to lose their balance and stubble. Rainbow acted fast. "EVERYPONY! GET OUT OF HERE...NOW!!!"

A frantic flee of mares, stallions, and foals alike began retreating from Ponyville to regather to a safe location. Princess Celestia while exhausted, urged her younger sister to accompany all the ponies, but The Princess of the Night decreed against the idea. Twilight and Dash were nearby to hear the conversation and gathered close. "Assist the townponies to safety sister." Luna spoke. "I will remain with the young one to do anything I can."

"Is there anything we even can do?" Celestia pondered the thought aloud.

"We will not know unless one of us tries sister..." Luna responded. After a quick embrace, The Princess of the Day flew off to aid in the evacuation. Leaving Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Princess Luna to only ponies remaining in Ponyville.

"Twilight quick, help me get this suit on!" Dash told the Princess of Friendship in a hurry, trying to desgiuse her protection before Raindoom appeared. It took a bit of time, but finally with a bit of magic, Twilight zipped the suit up under Rainbow's chin. "Thanks Twilight." The pegasus responded, now clothed up and ready to take action. All the ponies still present soon proceeded with the plan at hoof.

And soon, the rumbling voice they all recognized spoke...

"Your efforts to prevent my presence has failed you all!!!"

The skies grew darker as the clouds swirled above, as the form of Raindoom appeared before the ponies below. It was just as Rainbow Dash remembered the ominous figure in her dreams. But a dream this no longer was, this was now as real as could be. Dash instructed the two Princesses, Luna and Twilight to remain behind her.

Then its glowing blue eyes opened, its cloud like being taking up the entirety of the sky. And the pegasus below gazed into those eyes with not the slightest trace of fear.

"I see you are still choosing to resist young one..." The response from the air lead to Dash unfurling her wings, ready to leap into the air for attack. The being above became annoyed by the action. "Know that I take no pleasure in what will result..."

Before Rainbow Dash was prepared to fly into the air, her name being called stopped her. She turned to Twilight who gave her last words of encouraging. "Rainbow...Be careful."

Dash gave a nod of assurance, and then in a flash flew into the sky, her rainbow trail streaking behind. Princess Twilight and Luna could only for the time watch, and hope that Rainbow would succeed.

As the cloud entity saw the small pegasus figure approach with blazing speed, a sound of disappointment was heard..."So be it." It spoke, before beginning a rapid downpour of rain and a raging blast of high winds.

The winds were so strong, that even the Princesses on ground level were pushed back slightly by their strength, and the rain had already began to dampen hair. In the air however, it was a different story.

Within the finely fitted suit, Dash could feel the rain continuing to bead off, leaving her unaffected for the time. And the gusts while strong did not push her off target. Rainbow continued to pursue the foe at hoof.

As Raindoom observed below to see the rainbow mare continue to approach, the look on its face could be described as a "pleasant surprise". "Impressive, young one. But it still won't help you!" The cloud threatened.

Then in a spurs moment, the winds transformed from strong to the strength of a hurricane. And try as she might, Dash was blown away from her target in a heap. The two Princesses looking below could see the mare in trouble. Though the The Princess of the Night tried to help, her magic was still too faint to assist, leaving it up to Princess Twilight to save her friend from a hard crash landing. The rapid speed of the out of control Rainbow proved tricky, but at the last moment Twilight managed to use her magic to stop Dash's momentum allowing her to power slide on her hooves to the surface.

An adrenaline pumped Rainbow was breathing heavily at the frantic turn of events. "Thanks again Twi!". Dash quickly bolted back into the sky to engage Raindoom once more. Twilight and Luna on ground felt helpless, only able to do virtually nothing more but witness Dash's efforts. If only there was anything they could do...

Chapter 19

Within the outer region of Ponyville, the massive group of ponies traveled out of the town in a panicked, but orderly fashion. Applejack and Fluttershy took the lead of the evacuation while Princess Celestia assisted any of the elderly or younger fillies who were having trouble keeping up.

AJ on occasion would head off to the side and keep note of ponies present to make sure nopony got lost. Giving a sporadic "Just follow the pony in front of ya." to all the Ponyville residents. The continuous sounds of the thunder and heavy winds behind them all could only mix their feelings of if they were safe, yet knowing they was great danger back where they started. Upon hearing another loud boom of thunder, young Scootaloo near the front of the gathering looked back to the skies behind her. The being of Raindoom was so large of scale, it could easily be seen from anywhere in Equestria, but it was what else the filly saw that made her worry.

From the far distance, Scoot could see a small streak of a rainbow flying straight towards to cloud being in the sky, along with a very condensed downpour of rain in the direction the rainbow streak was flying at. Little Scootaloo knew it meant that Raindoom was attacking her friend. She only wished she could head back, but it wasn't what Rainbow Dash wanted. Soon Applejack came back to her and placed a hoof to her side. "Come on sugarcube, we need to keep movin'." Sadly, Scootaloo obliged. All she could do was view from their retreating distance and continue to hope that Dash would come through...

***

The fierce battle raged on as Rainbow Dash continued desperately to make a Sonic Rainboom. One that would vanquish the foe in the sky before her. But attempt after attempt was easily thwarted by Raindoom. And while the cloud being above looked willing and able to continue the heavy rainfall to flood Equestria into a barren oceanfront, the young pegasus resisting to help her friends while holding strong was beginning to show her first signs of fatigue. It seemed to not matter how hard she tried, she was getting no closer to performing her signature Rainboom and save all her fellow ponies.

Meanwhile, Princess Luna and Twilight remained on the ground below, trying to shield the strong winds and debris with their hooves. And even from a far, they could see Rainbow's speed and energy starting to wane.

"I don't know how long Rainbow can keep this up!" Princess Twilight called out to Luna, raising her voice to be heard over the howling winds. "If only there was something we could do!"

"Perhaps there is!" Luna called out, who had come up with an idea.

Another attempt by Rainbow Dash to attempt her Sonic Rainboom proved futile as the elements of nature prevented her from gaining the speed to defeat her enemy. Suddenly another strong blast of wind hurled Dash again down to the ground, only this time away from the Princesses so the pegasus took a rather rough landing through the quickly forming mud. After a brief moment, Luna and Twilight met up with Rainbow once more, who was starting to visibly become frustrated, along with all the scrapes all over her body.

"Rainbow! This isn't working!" Twilight began. "We need a new plan!"

"Twilight Sparkle is correct." Luna added on. "Please, let us help you!"

Dash didn't know what to do, but the one thing she DID know was she couldn't let her friends put themselves in danger. "I just...don't know."

Before she could continue on, The older Princess placed a hoof on the young pegasi's shoulder. "My friend...do you remember what my sister and I attempted in the Dreamscape?" The question gained a look of intrigue from Rainbow, and decided to hear in to the idea.

***

After quite some time of continued rainfall, Raindoom looked down below its sight to see the rainbow pegasus once more ascending to face it again, and the continuous attacks were beginning to annoy the cloud being in the sky.

"The will you have to keep resisting is impressive young one, but I grow tired of these antics." As the rumbling of thunder began to be heard. "Stand down now, or I will be forced to..."

Suddenly the foe's words were halted, as something began to become visible by Rainbow Dash's side. But not just something, but...somepony. After a few seconds, The Princess of Friendship appeared from a spell of invisibility, and so after another figure began to appear from Rainbow's other side. Revealing it was the other Princess present, The Princess of the Night Luna. Both the Princesses had a confident, yet determined look to their faces.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Raindoom bellowed aloud. "Your interference will not help her!"

"You're wrong Raindoom!" Dash said, with a Princess to each of her side in defiance, as Twilight spoke up next. "Because we've realized that our friendship will help Rainbow Dash stop you once and for all!"

"You think friendship will help you young one..." Raindoom began, but a sharp squint of its eyes showed determination and malice. "But in truth...it will cost you everything!"

"You're wrong Raindoom!" Rainbow Dash. "I..." She then stopped and rephrased her statement. "We will stop you!!!"

"Cause now you see us, and now you..." And before Twilight could say "don't", the Alicorn's spell engulphed all three flying ponies until they disappeared from plain sight. And from a cloaked state, all three ponies took off in a different direction.

Just as Twilight had predicted, Raindoom temporarily seized any precipitation, which would help Rainbow Dash during the battle and give her an opening. Raindoom then began making more rain fall wildly at the sight of nearby moving trees. Fortunately, none of the rainfall came in any further contact with Dash, allowing her to get into point blank range for a Sonic Rainboom.

But suddenly, Raindoom's movements began to change. It started to ascend higher into the sky, so high that it nearly doubled its altitude, making Rainbow Dash halt her pursuit. As Dash pondered what to do next, something or perhaps somepony pulled the pegasus back to the ground below. Quickly Rainbow realized that it was Princess Luna, still in a stealth state, giving her a "SHH" to stay quiet in case Raindoom could hear them. Also from a distance, Rainbow could spot a lightly glowing dot of pink on the surface, showing Luna where Princess Twilight was located...and soon after the three discussed their next move.

"I don't suppose making me have to fly even further was part of the plan?" Rainbow Dash talked loud enough to be heard, yet still wanting to make sure their location wasn't revealed.

"Perhaps not." Princess Luna declared to the pegasus. "But it did accomplish stalling its motive."

Princess Twilight agreed with the statement, now noticing that Raindoom had halted any rainfall once more, almost as if it were attempting to determine the ponies location. "Now from a distance, it allows us to better prepare for any attack it plans." But Dash was a bit cautious at the optimism.

"The same thing could be said against us also." Dash reminded the Princesses. "Keeping its distance gives it more time to plan a defense and possible counter."

It was a fair point from Rainbow, so all agreed to stay focused on the matter at hoof. Everyone's location may have varied, but the overall plan remained intact.

All the ponies involved retook to the sky, and the Princesses while invisible began from a distance to slowly emit a spell together to trap Raindoom in position, once confined would give Rainbow Dash an opportunity to strike, however the cloud fiend could sense the magical energy around it and now had the Princesses right where it wanted. "A clever trick ponies! But using your power on me has given you away!"

Now Raindoom using its own magic, it had long acquired from the Alicorns in the past and present, now had Princess Luna and Twilight trapped instead of the other way around. Slowly from a far, Rainbow Dash could see their magic beginning to be absorbed into Raindoom, thus only making it stronger.

"TWILIGHT!" Rainbow Dash called out to her friend, as hers and Luna's magic both was continuing to be drained. Princess Twilight was also making her best effort to try and continue to keep Rainbow Dash hidden in stealth from Raindoom's sight. The only hope they would have left, but doing was causing her own stealth, as well as Luna's to fade. The two Princesses were beginning to be revealed. Though as Princess Twilight struggled to break free, she called out to Dash.

"Rainbow! You have to stop Raindoom now! W-we can't keep it trapped much longer!"

Dash looked up to the cloud being, still caught within a spell of confinement. However, the magic was absorbing from the Princesses, growing stronger and stronger by the second. If Rainbow Dash was going to act, it had to be now.

Suddenly in a last bit of rage, Raindoom yelled out. "THIS ENDS NOW!!!"

A massive bolt of electrical energy was shot directly into Twilight's direction, with the Princess of Friendship being unable to move, the attack would be certain to land a direct hit. The lightning along with the rapid rainfall would also make the strike incredibly powerful. Twilight Sparkle could only watch in peril as the bolt of energy came closer and closer.

But just as Twilight thought she would be struck, her friend called to her.

"TWILIGHT!!!"

Dash soared in front of her friend, taking the electrical blast direct in the heart. The electricity mixed with the continuous rainfall looked to have greater impact, and Dash's reactionary loud groan confirmed such. The shock didn't take Rainbow off her wings though, who after the shock directed her attention to Twilight who was able to free herself as well, as the ponies flew back towards the surface out of harms way.

"Rainbow, you saved me!" Twilight thanked Rainbow Dash, who like her friend had a mane soggy and drooped from the rain at this point. The pegasus though simply chuckled at the remark as she turned her head to look back to Twilight.

"Oh come on Twilight. You know that cloud would have to...do better...than......that......" Rainbow's demeanor began to change mid sentence, as her body started to turn droopy like her mane.

Then Princess Twilight could see it, the colored vapor could be seen flowing from Dash's body, and like before, the beautiful color of Rainbow Dash's body and mane began to fade. Both Twilight and Luna flew to her aid quickly.

"Young one, are you alright?" Luna question to the pegasus, whom she almost had to keep hold of as Dash's wingspeed slowed to a near snail pace.

"I don't...understand. Why is...this happening...now?" A slow speeched Rainbow asked seeing the effects from herself visually, but Twilight saw the reason, gasped and pointed her hoof below Dash's face, and when Rainbow down...she noticed it as well.

The lightning strike of Raindoom was so powerful that it burned through the protective suit that Rarity had created. All that remained was a black singed outline around the material. The exposed area on Rainbow Dash's body was now coming in contact with the elements of Raindoom's rain. And with every passing moment, Dash became weaker.

In a spurs moment, Twilight began to use her magic to attempt a trick she had learned from Rarity, trying to use pinpoint magic to sow the material back together to close the opening to Dash's exposed chest. But in this attempt, a rumbling was heard from above once more, causing the ponies to look above.

"So, you found a method to protect yourself." Raindoom roared in the sky. "But your friendship has now endangered you. I warned you to not resist young one, but if you and your friends continue on, I fear I must force you to stop!"

After a moment, the rain up above stopped; confusing the ponies, but certainly for Rainbow Dash was a positive. Shortly then, Raindoom appeared to have made the weather change. The rain had turned into snow. The flakes began to fall on the ponies' noses and manes.

"Good!" Rainbow huffed in determination once Twilight had finished repairing Dash's suit as best she could. "Now's my chance!" Who then at the best of her ability took off, now at a much slower pace than before, though it appeared the suit appeared to hold and protect her again.

The Princesses, both Luna and Twilight Sparkle were trying to understand what Raindoom's plot was. Rapidly, the wind blew stronger, and the snow turned into blizzard like conditions, turning the trees snow covered. The cold became so extreme, that the tips of Princess Twilight's wings began to frost and freeze making it harder to stay afloat in the air. Suddenly, Twilight realized something. The freezing was so harsh that if the Alicorn's own wings were freezing, then any material worn would also freeze solid. But that would mean the protective suit that Rainbow Dash was wearing would...

Twilight gasped aloud at the realization. "RAINBOW! WAIT!!!"

But Dash was too far way to hear the Princess call her. As the wind blew harder, it started to cause her to struggle to stay on target. What Rainbow didn't realize, was the tips of her wings were beginning to freeze over and soon after the entire suit she worn turned to ice, leaving Dash completely immobile. As she heard her foe say aloud. "Good luck flying, with wings of ice young one."

As Dash let out a loud yell, as her frozen over suit and wind led to Rainbow freefalling to the ground far below.

Rainbow fell down, down, down to the ground below. Frozen still, with no ability to protect her fall. Within mare seconds of crashing, Rainbow Dash could see from the corner of her eyes Princess Twilight flying straight for her, and barely managed to swoop in and catch her friend before both Twilight and Rainbow slid onto the ground for Celestia knows how long. When Twilight got up, she saw a streak of ice crystals along their fallen path, and onto looking down could see that the ice was pieces of Rainbow's protective suit that had shattered and cracked apart. The pegasus was able to move her right wing and right forehoof slightly, but the rest of her body was still incased in an ice crystal cocoon, grunting and struggling to move to no success.

"Rainbow..." Twilight said quietly, winded from her sprinted flight. "Are you alright?"

After another grunt trying to move, but failing Dash responded. "Twilight, get me...out of this thing."

Soon Princess Luna arrived back to the mare's side, also exhausted from the trials of Raindoom's attack. "Young one, if you remove the suit, you will be at the full mercy of Raindoom's elements." But Rainbow looked up to her side to face Twilight, almost in an expression of plea.

"Twilight...I can't...move!" As Rainbow continued to desperately tried to move to no success. Also Twilight and Luna both while at her side could feel her body violently shaking and shivering from the ice the pegasus lay trapped in. After a moment, Twilight looked up to Luna and shortly after gave a hoof stomp to the ice, shattering fragments little by little. Soon, The Princess of the Night also lent a hoof as well, attempting to free Rainbow Dash from her icy prison.

In a couple minutes time, Dash was freed who struggled to her hooves, her legs wobbling non-stop. The moment Twilight asked Rainbow Dash if she was alright, Rainbow stumbled to try and retake to the air. The Princess of Friendship grabbed Dash by a hoof to hold her up. "Dash, save your strength. You can't possibly do a Sonic Rainboom in this state."

But Dash bumped Twilight's hoof off her. "No, I...have to...keep going......"

But as soon as Dash finished speaking, she collapsed back to the ground, visually having even less color in her coat, mane, and eyes. Twilight gasped at the sight of her friend. The elements above from Raindoom ceased as Dash fell, the Princesses aided to Rainbow Dash, who was as equally exhausted as she was cold to the touch. Twilight lit her horn desperately trying to conduct a form of heat spell to keep her friend warm ,also urging Luna to try the same. Just then, the cloud being above spoke once more.

"Why do you continue to allow the young one to suffer!? You must know that no good will come from it!" Raindoom rumbled aloud. A look of anger appeared on Princess Twilight as she snapped her head around to confront Raindoom.

"Because we all know that Rainbow Dash will do anything for her friends. She has a loyalty that you will never understand!" The tone in Twilight's voice was one rarely heard by any pony, let alone her fellow Princess. The venom in Twilight's voice though did not waver Raindoom above.

"Loyalty and self-sacrifice are NOT the same thing!" Raindoom forcefully put, putting a look of sorrow on both pony's faces. But equally surprising, its tone changed back to a calmer tone. "But judging by your response, I cannot fault you. For it seems the young one chose not told you what she knows." The look of anger began to fade on Twilight's face, and turned to a look of curiosity, almost wanting to now hear Raindoom's side. After a moment, Twilight asked for the truth. "I do not wish to harm your friend, but her actions to attempt in my demise force me to defend myself against her. I was created to bring eternal rainfall to your land by my creators, and it is taking all my being to not do so now. If your friend were to be exposed to anymore of my elements, I am certain she will not survive......But your friend has accepted that fate, and is willing to resist to the very end...and I know deep down that is never what you or any of your friends would want of her. Now is it?"

It was a stunning revelation to say the least. One so much, that Twilight couldn't possibly think it to be true, but just she started to rebut...Luna spoke up.

"Twilight Sparkle...I believe it is speaking the truth." Twilight turned back to The Princess of the Night, asking how she could be so sure, and while Luna didn't wish to believe it either, she spoke of earlier events. "Your friend spoke of encountering Raindoom last night while within the Dreamscape, and of certain things spoken. And while my sister and I did not know what to think at first...what the young one spoke was eerily similar to what Raindoom has spoken of now."

Twilight looked down to Rainbow Dash once more, mainly to see if she was still responsive, being so fortunately. Soon another sharp rumble came from above. "What are you doing Raindoom!?" Twilight questioned.

The struggle on its face was apparent, almost fighting within itself. "I...MUST...COMPLETE...MY...PURPOSE!!!" He said with a roar.

Then from the sky, a massive amount of rain began to fall from the cloud. Both Luna and Twilight each tried their hardest to fully cover Rainbow by physical means and with the help of magical shields. But once the rain hit the surface, they noticed something. The rain only came to a matter of a few paces from the ponies and stopped. All beyond them, was a massive monsoon of rain. The flooding began almost instantly, but yet where the ponies stood remained dry. Soon, Raindoom spoke once more. "Go! Take her from here, before it is too late!"

Its voice was trembling...suffering.

"Take her where!?" Princess Twilight called out.

"My magical elements weaken the young one's strength, if you can cleanse them from her, you may be able to save her. But you must hurry!" As Raindoom finished, a harsh roar emerged again and suddenly the path of rain expanded now over the ponies, the rain falling hard on the ponies.

The magical rain was so powerful, it passed through both Luna and Twilight's shields as if they were air. Rainbow Dash yelled in pain below, as more of vapored essence drifted from her.

"GO! NOW!!!" Raindoom urged once more. And Luna and Twilight quickly grabbed a forehoof each from Rainbow Dash and pulled her out of the rapid falling elements. The Princesses had to think of a location to get Rainbow to help her. But Ponyville Hospital was out of the question, it was in the middle of the powerful storm, and plus all of Ponyville had been evacuated.

All they could do was what Raindoom deemed they to do. Take her somewhere, anywhere in Equestria away from Raindoom's might. But Twilight and Luna both couldn't help but realize Raindoom's willingness to help. It gave them multiple chances to get away, and still they failed based on their unsureness of its trust. But it was clear that Raindoom gave the ponies a chance to save Rainbow Dash...they had to make the most of it.

And with that, Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle carried Rainbow Dash to safety, thinking of any idea to help her. Raindoom did not pursue...only continuing its purpose.

To bring eternal rainfall and flood the land to a watery ruin...

Chapter 20

Everypony in Ponyville continued their evacuation attempting to move as far from Ponyville as possible. Over an hour had passed since their trek began, and despite the mass number of ponies they had made good time. They had just exited the mountain caverns that Canterlot were built upon, but the ponies moved as far East as they could. Just South of Foal Mountain, the ponies briefly rested at Lake Neightron, a beautiful body of water that was home to many birds and other wildlife. Under the glowing sun of Celestia, the lake would glisten and shine like diamonds, but with the dreary dark sky, the water reflection looked black as coal.

Once Princess Celestia had the final groups of Ponyville residents catch up with the fully gathered, she spoke to all present. "Is everypony still well?" A following of commotion and agreement appeared to be the response, giving comfort to the Princesses' worry. "We shall break for now to allow anypony to rest."

As several began stretching their legs, from aches and Charlie horses they may had developed, young Apple Bloom went to the shoreline to take a drink of the water from the lake the rest upon. However, she quickly made a face and spit the water out just as fast. "Ugh!" She groaned. "It's salty! We can't even drink this." Frowning as Applejack came up to check on her little sis.

"That's why we came prepared Apple Bloom." AJ reminded her sister, opening up several crates from the Apple's wagon. "Hey ya'll, If anypony needs fresh water or some cider, feel free to drink up."

Townsponies began to gather around to take their share of refreshments available. Showing that even during this time of uncertainty, everypony felt a small sense of security.

Meanwhile by the shoreline, Sweetie Belle took a much needed sip of her water, who was very tired from the journey like so many others. She exhaled in relief at its taste. "So good..." She spoke quietly to herself. When suddenly something caught her eyes off in the far distance, coming from the direction where all the ponies had travel from. "Huh?" Sweetie Belle said with a gasp once she noticed the figures approaching. "Everypony! It's Twilight and Princess Luna!"

A cheer from all the ponies on the ground below emerged as pony by pony they spotted the Princesses flying in their direction. Rarity and Applejack approached the shoreline with their younger sisters, waving to the flying ponies above to direct them. But soon, something caught Rarity's eyes. "Applejack. Are Princess Luna and Twilight carrying something?" The pony of generosity's comment was followed by a question from Pinkie Pie. "And...where's Rainbow Dash?"

Both Pinkie and Rarity's question caught AJ's attention. The Apple squinted trying to get as in-depth a glimpse she could. As The Princesses closed in, the figure became more clear. It looked like a grey pony, mane whipping in the wind. Applejack had to take a second look...it couldn't be what she thought...or rather, who.

But soon her fears were proven correct as the Alicorns above began to descend. "Oh no...It's Rainbow!"

The cheers of celebration soon turned to concern as the Princesses landed. They lay Rainbow Dash on her back who would flinch and shake sporadically as the ponies looked. A whimper came from Fluttershy. "Oh...not again." For she saw the all too familiar look of her friend looking helpless on the ground.

As ponies began to gather around, Applejack tried to intervene. "Everypony stay back! Give her some air!" The plea went answered as almost franticly ponies backed up several hoofsteps.

Luna and Twilight approached Princess Celestia who looked equally concerned as everypony else. "I am sorry sister..." Princess Luna said to her elder. "We did all that we could." Although Rainbow could move around slightly, it wasn't nearly enough to get to her hooves.

Heartbroken at her friend's state, Rarity was about to cry. "But...what happened to my beautiful suit? It should have worked." Rarity sadly asked, wondering why her creation completely failed her friend, but Twilight explained.

"I'm sorry Rarity." Twilight apologized. "It held up well. If it wasn't for me, Rainbow wouldn't of had to put herself in harm's way. I should have just gave her my magic when she asked me. This is all my fault."

Pinkie was quick to help Twilight calm her grief and bury the burden she carried. "Don't blame yourself Twilight, you don't know that's true..."

"Twilight..." Princess Twilight mentor, Princess Celestia came forth to console her. "You are not at fault. To watch your friend try and save all of Equestria while standing by doing nothing, would have been wrong. You did everything you could to help her...you did the right thing."

Twilight continuing in her self pity though. "But it didn't matter. All I did was put my friend in a worse state than if I had done nothing..."

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" Came a slight harsher tone from Celestia's younger sister, Luna. "Sometimes you can do the right thing and still fail...but that doesn't make you any less of a good pony..."

Just then all the ponies attention was redirected when all could hear young Scootaloo call out, seeing her "big sister" for the first time.

"Rainbow Dash!?" She cried in worry, even when Applejack tried to hold her back, the young filly pushed the earth pony's hoof away to allow her to run to her friend. The tired Princesses and others could only watch as the pegasus filly endlessly tried shaking Rainbow Dash, hoping she would come to. A look of sorrow and sadness came across all the ponies watching the young Scootaloo franticly fanning her hooves over her friend, trying desperately to dry her. "She soaking wet! I'll bet that monster did this..." The filly angerly accused. "Don't worry Rainbow Dash, you'll make that cloud pay. I know you will..."

The filly's harsh words lead to both Twilight and Luna giving one another a sorrowful look. Little did anypony know that the very thing each pony grew such distain for, was the very thing that gave the Princesses a chance to remove Rainbow Dash from danger. But even if Luna or Twilight spoke the truth of what had actually happened, why would anypony believe them? How could them convince them otherwise?

While Twilight looked deep in thought for a solution, she then looked out to the lake beyond her, and recalled what young Scootaloo has said. "Wet...WET! Of course!" Twilight perked up, forming an idea.

Twilight asked Scootaloo to move aside so she could grab hold of her friend. "What is it Twilight?" Princess Luna questioned.

"Remember what it said? About "cleansing" the elements away. Maybe this lake can do the trick..." Twilight then was about to take flight, until Applejack stopped her.

"Wait a minute..." AJ started. "You said "It said..."? Who's "it"?" But The Princess of Friendship didn't answer, only continuing to carry out her idea.

Twilight had no time to explain just yet, she had to act to save Rainbow. Before taking off she spoke. "Rainbow, can you hear me?" The question was slowly responded with Dash giving a soft exhale, followed only with saying her friend's name. It was all Twilight needed to hear to know Rainbow was alert, so she continued. "I have an idea. Whatever you do, hold your breath!"

In an instant, Twilight flew up into the air with Rainbow in tow as both attempted a long breath hold. Rainbow Dash couldn't give much of one, meaning Twilight had to go fast and make it count. With Rainbow in her forehooves, Twilight dove into the lake before all the ponies, leaving many of them confused and questioning, with gasps and looks of concern.

Using her Alicorn wings, Twilight swam through the salty depths of Lake Neightron, all while grasping Rainbow Dash tightly in her hooves. She kept close eye to make sure that Rainbow was still holding her breath hoping the abundance of water from the lake would dilute the elemental rain that Dash had become saturated in. She didn't want to stay underwater too long for Rainbow Dash's sake, but yet wanted to be sure she could cleanse away all the impurities the rainbow pegasus had been exposed to.

***

Back on the shoreline, the ponies looked on what felt like forever, even if it had been only about a minute. Suddenly, a huge splash came from the center of the lake where Twilight resurfaced and returned to the sandy shore. Twilight was breathing heavy as the deep dive took just as much out of herself as it did Rainbow Dash, who was also nearly gasping for air. For all the other ponies, it was quite surreal seeing the pegasus in the condition she was. Very few of them saw the effects of Dash's first encounter with Raindoom, and her lack of visual elegance of vibrant colors were quite distressing to see.

Twilight after gathering her wind back, lightly shook RD on the shoulder. "Come on Rainbow. Please, wake up!"

...Suddenly, her eyes slowly opened. "Twilight..." Her voice was heard.

It worked, to Twilight and Luna's surprise it seemed to be true what Raindoom had spoke. Although her color didn't restore, removing the elements of Raindoom's rain within the lake stopped the process of draining the rainbow pegasi's strength. Soon she struggled to sit up and wiped the salty water from the lake from her eyes. "Wh-what...What happened?" But as Twilight Sparkle began to answer, something else caught Rainbow's eyes. Or rather, somepony...lots of ponies in fact. "Wh-Wait, where are we? And how did everypony get here?" Dash asked in a frantic state.

Trying to calm her friend, Twilight spoke. "It's alright Rainbow, Luna and I had to get you out of Ponyville. You're safe now."

"What!? NO!" Dash cried out in an act of paranoia, trying to hop up to her hooves, taking a moment to do so. "We have to get everypony away from me. You're putting everypony in danger!"

"RAINBOW DASH!!!!"

The pegasus stopped in her hooftracks. Then, calmly and slowly Twilight stood alongside Rainbow and told her friend to take a breath with her and calm down. Rainbow did so, with a look on her face that seemed conflicted. Using the breathing technique that her sister-in-law taught the Alicorn, Twilight wanted Rainbow Dash to slowly relax by attempting the same method. Little by little, Twilight side by side her friend took deep breaths to calm themselves. After a moment, Dash turned calm and looked to here friend with a subtle smile. Now it was time to talk while they were all there.

"Alright..." Applejack spoke first. "Now that everypony is calm. Can someone please us what the hay is going on?"

"I must concur Twilight." Princess Celestia followed up. "How were you certain that your idea would work?"

Before Twilight said anything, she stepped aside leaving the still color faded Dash in the limelight. "While Luna and I could answer that...I think it's best if Rainbow explains."

Confused, Dash questioned what The Princess was talking about. Twilight proceeded to tell her what they had been told by Raindoom, all they remained was for Rainbow Dash was to confirm if what The Princesses were told...was true.

Dash closed her eyes for a minute, then with a touch of sympathy, she told the truth. "Yeah, it's true..."

Twilight and the others questioned Rainbow Dash's intentions to go to the lengths to resist. All of them cared, but they cared more for the pegasi's well-being than anything else. The ponies could always replace their home, ...they couldn't replace their friend.

"Rainbow, if you're right and what you said is true, then there just might be a way." Twilight then galloped to the shoreline and looked out to the horizons of where her and Luna came from, towards Ponyville. Then to many's surprise, she called a name they never thought Twilight would utter...

"RAINDOOM! RAINDOOM!" She cried out to the sky. "CAN YOU HEAR ME!?"

The ponies surrounding the shore were quite confused to what the Princess of Friendship was thinking. "Applejack, has Twilight gon' bananas?" Apple Bloom asked her sister, who only responded giving a hoof nudge. Whether the response was to tell her little sister to stay quiet, or for using any pun that wasn't an apple...that was anypony's guess.

Then the sky grew even darker than before, the temperature felt like it dropped instantly. The instincts of the ponies were acute...they could sense its presence coming.

While the ground began to rumble violently, Rainbow Dash stood tall next to her Alicorn friend. "I hope you know what you're doing Twilight..."

"So do I Rainbow..." Was the only answer Twilight Sparkle could give back. She knew it was very risky, but also knew this was the way to help everypony.

Within moments, it appeared. Its dark, red masses eclipsing the light from the sky. After a stalling moment, the fiend in the sky looked down. Many ponies were present, far more than any of their previous encounters. "I am sure you know that my presence here will only bring risk to all of you." It spoke.

"I'm aware of that Raindoom." Twilight spoke back, now in the air, acting as a verbal shield of her pony subjects as much as a physical shield.

"The Pony of the Elements was wise to tell the others to flee from me, bringing the young one back to all of them I feel is a true disparage to her efforts. So I ask you young Princess...why have you called to me?"

The voice from the fiend above was stern, yet reasonable. Rainbow Dash had no idea of Twilight's reasons, nor did anypony else for that matter. The Princess looked above and responded.

"Because I could sense your pain back in Ponyville. It took everything for you to allow us to escape. You helped us save Rainbow, now it's our turn...let us help you now!"

Raindoom's response was quick...

"There...is nothing...you can do..."

Princess Twilight didn't accept that answer, she knew there was something they could do to help no matter how big or small. The thought was short lived however, for the rumbling above from the cloud told them all that the storm and rain would return...and unfortunately for Rainbow Dash, Twilight brought Raindoom right to her. Twilight prepared to activate a magic shield to protect them, but a hoof placed on the Princesses' back from the pegasus was the cold, chilling reminder that it would be irrelevant. That just like before, the spell wouldn't help.

And then, after a loud yell from Raindoom. The rain began to fall...And this time, she had no protection...no hope.

In a complete sense of fear, Dash closed her eyes, trembling awaiting the monsoon of rain to impact, yet when Dash reopened them, she noticed Raindoom's elements was seen in every direction. She could see everypony being drenched in the heavy rainfall, though Dash looked up and saw a complete break of light above herself. Leaving her completely dry, yet when she looked to her side a mare matter of hoof paces, Princess Twilight was also being bombarded with a steady battering of rain. The two looked to one another almost in amazement, Twilight was soaked to the bone...yet Rainbow Dash was in fact dry as a bone.

Then above, a loud roar of what seemed to be pain came from the cloud above, but for what reason, the ponies weren't sure.

"Raindoom, what's wrong!?" Princess Twilight called above from below.

"I cannot bare this much longer..." Rainboom spoke once more, Twilight then again asked what could be done to help.

"...Set me free..."

The words echoed down from the sky. Rainbow Dash heard those words and felt a sense of sadness in the cloud's voice. But...could Rainbow Dash do it? After all that Raindoom did to help the Princesses get the rainbow pegasus out of Ponyville, now Dash had to return the favor...by destroying it? And even if she went through with the task, would the toll be too much for Rainbow to take? The response from Raindoom continued, almost to a plea. Dash though injured and weak, knew what to do. For the sake of not just Equestria, but for Raindoom as well.

With a face of determination, the time was now. It was time to be a hero...

Rainbow Dash took off to the sky, still hurt but trying to do anything she could. The guided path of clear weather Raindoom continued to create gave the pegasus a chance, but in her condition there was no certainty of how many opportunities Rainbow would have. In a continued plea, Raindoom told the mare to hurry before his magical elements instintively reacted against her.

Dash tried to gain more speed, providing little success. In a sudden scream above in the sky, a heavy force of wind blew directly into the pegasi's face. And while Rainbow Dash wasn't blown back, the gusts stopped her movements to a complete halt. Struggling, Dash had to remain in her present position; for if the high winds pushed her to any side, the heavy downpour of magical rain would surely do her in. In her current weakened state, becoming drenched again from Raindoom's elements was not an option.

Twilight and the others felt helpless, for none of them could help their friend. They were all soaking wet from Raindoom's storm and thus couldn't touch her, all they would do is sap the remaining strength she had left. All they could do is cheer and hope Rainbow on.

But suddenly, rumbles of thunder began to emit from Raindoom, and the cloud being knew what was happening. It was beginning to strike the pegasus below.

"Look out young one!!!" Raindoom bellowed out as a rapid fire of lightning bolts came crashing down in Dash's direction. In a frenzy, Rainbow Dash ducked and dodged as best she could. But before long...

*ZZAAAPPPPP*

"NOOOOO!!!" Came a roar from entity above as a powerful strike of lightning connect to the rainbow pegasus sent her falling back down to the ground where all the ponies stood as gasps and shrieks of panic followed.

Princess Twilight tried to use her magic to stop Dash's crash landing, but her magic had become so depleted that she could only soften the landing, as a plume of dirt and water splashed up on impact. The Princess of Friendship quickly pulled Rainbow back to the clear patch of dry land, but it was too late as she became saturated with the elemental rain once more, leading to the colored vapor releasing into the sky above.

"I am sorry ponies." Raindoom apologized, words nopony expected to hear. "I am trying so hard to not harm your friend. The magic within me strikes against her when she attacks...perhaps I deserve to be called a monster..."

What Twilight soon noticed that the clearing that Raindoom created for Rainbow Dash was beginning to close in. If it closed completely, then Rainbow was a goner. "I am sorry...I have done all that I can..." Raindoom called down.

Twilight tried desperately to cast a spell to try and halt the magic rain from closing, but she was too weak; even so she knew like before it would most likely have no effect.

Just as the rain closed in fully, a bright blue shield shaped like a pyramid formed over top the downed pegasus and alicorn. The sudden shock from Twilight was followed by a familiar voice.

"Well, it may not be as effective as my suit, but it may do the job the same."

Twilight turned to see the sight of her friend Rarity, severely straining as much magic as possible to protect them. The Princess soon called out for every unicorn to help assist. One by one, an additional magic shield formed over Twilight and more importantly Rainbow Dash. Even despite the plan in place, Raindoom doubted they would sustain very long.

Slowly, all the unicorns could feel their magical energy becoming weaker. Twilight feared it was only a matter of time before their magic proved immune to Raindoom's rain as well. Twilight was beginning to panic.

"This is all my fault..." Twilight sulked. "I should have gave Rainbow my magic when I had the chance..." Now so weak, the Princess barely had any magic to use herself, let alone to give to another pony.

After a moment, a shake in Twilight's hooves made the alicorn jump in surprise as Rainbow Dash got back to her horseshoes once more. Rainbow looked horrible; her color nearly completely wiped away, and her appearance looked weak and brittle. About the only thing she was still capable of doing was talk, and with a heavy breath she turned to Twilight and said just one word.

"Magic??"

Magic. It was what caused the whole problem so many millennium ago, but it would also fix everything. If only Twilight had any to give, or even Luna or Celestia in fact. But all three Alicorn Princesses were physically and magically exhausted to their point. Rainbow Dash said Twilight's name once more, and said it again..."Magic...Twilight."

All the ponies gathered within the barrier, if anything could use themselves as a physical shield if need be. "Twilight, we are running out of time." Celestia warned. "If only one of us had our magic to give..."

After the royal's response, a voice was heard from above.

"Princess Twilight..." Raindoom called out from above, garnering the awareness of all the ponies. "You and your fellow Princesses are not the only ones who bare your Alicorn magic."

A gasp came from the Princess of Friendship, it was true. She realized what Raindoom was implying as a spoke on. "That same magic also resides...with me."

But all knew that it wasn't as simple as it seemed. Raindoom knew what would result if any form of magical transfer occurred. It had sensed her thoughts, seen her fears in her dreams. It knew the risks and dangers that would become of the young mare should she choose to save them all.

The reality had become dim for the ponies. Could this really had been real? Was is fate to lose a friend, or lose their home?

Rainbow Dash looked up to the figure above, one that tried great lengths to help her. A strange twist of irony that a cloud could be seen in a whole new light. The pegasus began to shiver and shake with adrenaline, she knew the time was now or never.

"Believe in your friends, as they have believed in you...and you will be fine young one."

A hush befell everypony, as soon after Rainbow Dash looked up to Raindoom. "Do it..."

With all its might, Raindoom began to release with appeared like colorful streaks of magic. Princess Twilight was all too familiar with its appearance. It was indeed an essence of hers, as well as Luna and Celestia's Alicorn magic, harvested over millennia. The magic flowed down to the surface slowly. The unicorns were put into a difficult position, as they had to open a hole into their shields, causing Raindoom's elements to seep in.

Shortly after, the magic flowed into the confines of the safe haven Twilight and Dash were protected in...and in a flash the magic literally attracted into Rainbow Dash's body.

The pain was sudden and sharp, and the shocks of the magic began to distract the unicorns still attempting to keep their shield intact. The power inside Rainbow began to grow, to the point where the ponies nearby could begin to see her mane start flowing like The Royal Princesses, yet the transferring of magic was still continuing.

After an urge from Raindoom to hurry, Rainbow Dash flew straight through the magic shield the unicorns had created, shattering it to pieces. Dash continued to absorb more and more of the magical energy, and even through the forceful wind gusts, the pegasus slowly began to accelerate and cut through the gusts. The pain was unbearable, but Rainbow Dash had come too far now. She had her eyes set on her target, the very one who went to the extreme length to help her, she now had to "free" it...by...by...

Although Rainbow was still drenched with rain in her eyes, she knew that some of the water came from tears forming. Dash closed her eyes tightly and in one last cry, as the energy inside began to surge, even through the powerful wind gusts, the increasing Alicorn Magic she bared allowed to become faster and faster . "I'm sorry..."

*ZZOOOOOOOMMMM*

Sparks began to fly as the barrier began to break, all the ponies looked on as the rainbow pegasus looked like a dot in sky by this point. Then, when all went silent...

*BOOOOOOMMMM*

The Rainbow Ring expanded outward and what looked as fast as a rocket went blasting to the sky. Raindoom looked down to the rainbow streak coming towards it and could only close its eyes. It would no longer be a prisoner of fate and destiny...it was finally free.

"Thank you young one..." It thought to oneself.

The ponies below looked on in anxious wait until the beautiful rainbow pierced through the center of the cloud, and almost instantly the sky began to light up by the bright sky. And just as quick, it was gone.

Raindoom was destroyed...but the feeling was far different than what the ponies thought it would be far earlier. What they believed originally would a feeling of pure joy, was rather a feeling of melancholy happiness. In the end, everypony achieved what they had hoped for.

***

High above in the sky, the remaining pieces of Raindoom had begun to fade to nothing. And Rainbow Dash felt a tearing conflict of emotions. She couldn't help but feel terrible for doing what she had done, but at the same time Rainbow did do what the being asked of her. "I wish there was another way...after all of this..." She thought, but once looking down to all the ponies below, she believed that perhaps being alongside her friends would ease the pain. "Well, the important thing is to make sure everypony is safe. All that's left now is to get everyone back..."

*BZZZZTT*

A sudden surge of magical energy jolted through Rainbow Dash's body like electricity. A hard, sharp pain. And one that Rainbow had experienced before. That same horrible pain she felt back in Canterlot, when she absorbed the Princesses' magic before. And now, it was happening again.

Dash tried to remain calm, but the pain continued to increase with every jolt of unstable energy.

*BZZZT* *BZZZZT* BZZZZZZZT*

Each shock became stronger and longer than the previous. What made things worse was Rainbow Dash was so high in the sky, the ponies couldn't even tell what was happening. They believed their peril was over, unfortunately for Rainbow Dash, hers was just starting.

*BZZZZZZZZT* BZZZZZZZZZZT*
*BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT*

Rainbow's body then went limp, her wings barely moving to keep afloat. Then in a beat, all the remaining color on Rainbow Dash's coat and mane completely disappeared. Her far further weakened state than from back in Canterlot, made the effects of the aftershock and aftermath far worse. Her vibrant color turned white and black like a zebra, her iris of her eyes went clear gray.

The pegasus tried and tried to keep her wings moving, but despite her last gasp effort, her wings stopped.

Rainbow's eyes closed and everything went quiet. With all her energy sapped, Dash blacked out and began to freefall from the heavens and downward spiral back to Equestria...

Chapter 21

On the surface, all the ponies looked upon the resurfacing sky that had been hidden from the dark clouds of Raindoom. A look of dusk was set as the day had neared its end, but all the Princesses weakened magic did not allow them to use their skills to their full extent, leaving the sky in a state of flux. Twilight and the others began to grow a state of concern for their friend Rainbow Dash, they were certain she would have returned by now. Or at least they should have spotted her somewhere above them.

"Does anypony see her?" The Princess of Friendship asked her company of fellow ponies. A regrettable following of "no" came from them all, only making the worry exscalate.

After a brief pause, Pinkie Pie spotted something in the distance. It almost looked like a shooting star, Pinkie pointed over towards it to get everypony's attention. "There she is Twilight!" She stated, spotting a winged figure off in the far distance. "And she's twirling around...show off." Pinkie chuckled as a follow up, but Twilight wasn't so sure if whatever Rainbow was doing was intentional. The Princess squinted her eyes sharply trying to get a clear view of if the figure she saw was in fact her friend.

It certainly looked like Rainbow from a far, but something certainly seemed off to Twilight Sparkle. It didn't look like Dash was flying towards them, but rather flying straight down. Also the speed the pegasus was flying... While Rainbow Dash was fast, to fly at the speed she was carrying straight to the ground was incredibly dangerous. Twilight didn't like the looks of what was going on. "Something's wrong, she's descending too fast." Twilight began calling out hoping that her voice would lead Rainbow towards them. When it didn't happen, Twilight knew Dash was in trouble. The Princess began to run quickly and soon took off to the sky. Princess Luna, Celestia, and even Fluttershy took flight behind Twilight to follow behind in any way to assist.

As Twilight got closer, she could see the peril Rainbow Dash found herself in, making the Alicorn fly faster and quickly pulling away from those behind her. But even at her pace, the free fall rate Rainbow was falling...Twilight would never catch her, time was running out.

The Princess of Friendship began to conjure any magic she had to attempt a teleportation spell to get closer, but if it didn't work any slim chance to get to Rainbow Dash in time would become even more meniscal. While flying fast as she could, Twilight harnessed her magic for just one usage. "Come on..." She cried in desperate plea. Her horn began to glow, and struggling Twilight gave a last ditch charge.

*PLOOP* *PFFT* *PLOOP*

"NOOO!!" Twilight moanfully whined. The Alicorn's magic was only restored enough to successfully teleport, but not enough to reappear elsewhere. So as soon as Twilight teleported, she popped back in the same position she was, which did nothing but halt her progress. Twilight again repursued, trying to fly quicker to her friend, who was now getting dangerous close to crashing.

Twilight could see that Dash was falling towards the vicinity of the lake below them, and it gave her one final desperation idea, but she still had to get ever so closer to try. Using any remaining magic she could muster, Twilight tried to form a barrier in front of Rainbow Dash's free-falling body, hoping that doing so could keep the pegasus from crashing directly into the water and the barrier would take the impact for her. But it would take ever bit of magic Twilight could generate to even give Rainbow a chance.

A tiny magic buffer began to form around Dash, but the speeds both Twilight and the unconsious Rainbow were traveling made the shield hard to hold steady, as well as the distance away. Just had to sustain a bit longer until. Then at a high rate of speed...

*CRA-SPLASH*

Twilight panicked, did the barrier form? Did it do enough to work? All the while, all the ponies on dry land gasped as the water cascaded high in the air, and the small figure from off in the far distance disappeared from visual sight.

Honest Applejack wasn't going to let any more worry keep her motionless. "Apple Bloom...make sure everypony stays here." AJ said flipping her hat over to her little sis, to which the farm pony dove into the lake to help in any way to find Rainbow and Twilight. Everypony listened to Applejack's plea, and waited...and hoped...

***

The Royals, along with Fluttershy still hovered overtop Lake Neightron, trying to find Twilight who dove in immediately after Dash entered the water. The others kept close observation in hope they could see and assist Princess Twilight when she resurfaced. Swimming at a frantic pace, AJ soon neared the same vicinity as the flyers above, searching far deep into the water beneath them.

Just when all hope seemed lost, Applejack spotted a glowing pink light in the water below her hooves. She knew it could only be one thing, Twilight's horn illuminated like almost a spotlight. Luckily, AJ located it quickly.

"Twilight!" Applejack called out, garnering the attention of those nearby. But before any of the others could speak, the Earth Pony took a deep breath and dove into the depths. Being a pony with no method of perpulsion, Applejack struggled to swim quickly, but had to give all she could.

Princess Celestia, Luna, and Fluttershy could only wait and watch the ocassional air bubble float to the surface. After what seemed like forever...

*SPLASH*

Applejack and Twilight were coughing and gasping franticly for air. "Don't worry Twilight, I got ya!" AJ assured her friend, but the Princess of Friendship wasn't concerned about herself at the moment.

"Don't worry about me...help her!" Princess Twilight stated in a near plea. AJ lent a hoof to help Twilight pull the unconscious pegasus over the waters. And together Applejack and Twilight tried with their full might to pull the fallen mare back to shore. Doing so, the Earth Pony couldn't help but catch glimpse at her friend, and the lack of visual appearance Rainbow showed. It brought back terrible memories she witnessed in recent days. There was no guarantee anypony would like what they were about to see...

***

Back at shore, when ponies could get to a position to lend a hoof, everypony helped the drenched ponies come ashore. Though all went hush when Twilight pulled Rainbow Dash completely onto dry land. The visual was shocking. Dash's black and white appearance. All were hesitant to approach or speak, and Twilight was on the verge of breaking...she felt she had let her friend down in ways unimaginable.

Even poor Scootaloo for the second time in a brief period had to witness her "big sister" in a helpless state. Regrettably, Fluttershy grabbed her and flew the filly in air to vent and greeve. Seeing Rainbow Dash in peril once was enough, twice in the same day was simply too much to bare. She cried on Fluttershy's shoulder, who hugged Scoots tightly to console herself as much as the young one in her arms.

Twilight desperately tried to emit any spark of magic, anything that could give her friend any recovery. But all seemed dim with every fading flicker.

*PFFT* *PFFFT*

"Sister..." Princess Luna spoke to her elder. "If the young one perishes, all of that Alicorn magic...from Twilight Sparkle and ourselves will be lost forever..."

Celestia couldn't even give an answer, a response. An acknowledgement nor denial. Only lower her head in disappointment. To the Princesses, letting any subject fall was inexcusable to their heightened standards. But for that one to be an element barer?

Princess Twilight continued trying all she could, anything that came to mind and hoof she attempted. Baring no change. For all the ponies, it was becoming harder and harder to watch.

"She did everything for us, why did this have to happen Applejack? This just isn't fair..." Young Apple Bloom sniffled through each sentence, her elder trying to console her.

"I know it ain't Sugarcube..." Applejack agreed with her little sister, hugging her tightly to hold back any tears. "It...just ain't..."

Slowly, try as she might, the magical electricity from Twilight's horn began to disappear. Any chance Twilight had to save Rainbow...was gone.

The tears began to flow down and plopped next to her friend's magically deformed white hooves which failed to show any sign of movement. Princess Celestia and Luna lay a hoof on the younger Princesses' shoulders to let her know that they, as well as the rest of the ponies were there.

Everypony gathered in a circle and stayed in silence, paying their respects to the pegasus that had saved them all. Using her own remaining physical strength, the Alicorn lifted Rainbow's lifeless body onto the her back. Sniffling and trying hard to a catch a breath to speak, Twilight spoke...

"Come everypony...let's bring her home..." Twilight then began to carry Rainbow Dash, with the rest Mane Six closely behind to begin the difficult return home. Though it would be a million times harder emotionally than physically. The Princesses and the rest of the Ponyville residents also payed their respects for the journey. While everypony began the trek, many ponies became distracted by something that caught their eyes in the sky. Some pointing their hooves, others speaking in distress and confusion. It led to all the ponies to look above, and all became to see what was causing the alarm.

From the sky above, the reddish colored vapor began to slowly descend to the land. A colored vapor the Mane Six and Princesses had become familiar with over the past few days. But this vapor didn't appear like the colors of the rainbow they had recognized from their friend. It bared the familiar resemblance of something else.

"Could it be..." Twilight spoke mostly to herself, but loud enough for others to hear. The trail of vapor slowly spiraled down overtop the ponies, mainly over The Princess of Friendship who had her fallen friend on her back. "Raindoom? Is that you?" Twilight spoke once more, garnering a collective gasp from many a pony.

Suddenly, each pony had a look of confusion. A voice was speaking to them. But not in their ears...but in their hearts. The words were the same spoken to mare and stallions alike...

It was Raindoom, and it would be its last words spoken...

"Do not worry ponies...Remember what I told your friend...Believe in her, just as she believed in you. And she will be fine. Consider this my last gift to you...my friends."

Upon Raindoom's final words, the essence of red vapor flowed straight through Rainbow Dash's chest, one would think it may have pierced through her heart if beating. The ponies at first were anticipating some form of immediate solution, but it did not happen...turning their reactions somber once more. None more so than Twilight who closed her eyes in disarray.

Then, without warning, Twilight could suddenly feel a glowing warmness beneath her, and almost simultaneously the Princess could hear all her fellow ponies take a set of hoofsteps back. When Twilight opened her eyes, she saw it...along with everypony else. Rainbow Dash's body was glowing in a sheening gold aura. By the second, the glowing grew warmer, and brighter to the ponies touch and sight before them.

Then to everypony's amazement, the motionless body of the pegasus began to lift off the ground, even though her usual constant flapping wings remained still. Princess Twilight attempted to grab her friend, but the pegasus quickly floated out of reach. Leading to the Princess to fly up, but the glowing continued to brighten, almost as bright as the sun Celestia would raise each day. All the while, the rainbow pegasus was still not awake, but something was clearly occurring for everypony to observe...they could only hope it would end well.

Until...

*BOOOOM*

All the ponies adverted their eyes at the sheer brightness of what looked like another sun in the sky where Rainbow Dash hovered. The heat from the illuminating glow made it feel like a sun as well. Over the next moments the blinding light slowly began to subside, allowing ponies to gaze above. And they were awed at what they saw...

A completely color restored Rainbow Dash hovered over all the townsponies, still her wings unmoving. But what caught the pony's eyes was Rainbow's mane. Like both royals, Rainbow had a elegant free-flowing mane moving in the breeze, bringing a sense of pure aura to the pegasus, if that was the correct term to give.

The glowing pegasus softly landed on all fours on the ground, slowly opening her eyes seemingly oblivious to all that occurred. Her stunning purple iris in her eyes had returned along with her beautiful colored coat. "Tw-Twilight?"

One word was all the ponies needed to hear to burst into a cheer.

"RAINBOW!!!" The Mane Six and CMCs rejoiced. They all quickly trotted over and gave the rainbow pegasus a massive hug, all happier than they had ever been. Many comments followed, such as Rarity admiring Rainbow's new free flowing mane which the fashionist saw for the first time, or Applejack complimenting how strong her friend now looked. Chuckling and laughing all the while, but one thing to them was still unanswered.

"But how in the pickin' did that happen again?" Applejack asked all the ponies, all who were very confused.

"I know..." Fluttershy agreed. "I've never seen you have that golden glow before Rainbow Dash." With her mane still flowing started walking alongside her friends.

"I think I figured it out, and in fact, I think The Princesses can explain it too." Rainbow's remark caught the Royal's attention. Despite the mare's remark, both Celestia and Luna were still unsure. For this was only the first time they witness this phenomenon, for the Mane Six it was their second time. But based on what Rainbow told them, and from what Zecora told Twilight before, this had been the now third time this occurrence happened within a mere matter of days. When all the ponies couldn't give Dash an answer, the pegasus gave her thoughts. "Remember back at Ponyville hospital Princess, when you told the story of the Rainbow Pegasi? I remember hearing something that you said..."

"When the sun and rain ponies were united in harmony, the strength and speed of the rainbow ponies grew. At their peak, many believed the power of a Rainbow Pegasus was virtually limitless."

While many of the Mane Six only understood what Dash said at face value, for Twilight Sparkle it made so much more sense. In fact, it marely explained everything. All those millennia ago, the different groups of pegasi strengthened the Rainbows; in the present, all the races of ponies are united in harmony. Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi alike all bonded in friendship. The level of unity amongst all ponykind would multiply a Rainbow Pegasi's power nearly beyond compare.

Twilight realized it would have also explained how Rainbow Dash was strong enough to bare all of the Princesses' Alicorn magic. It would have taken a pony to bare a level of strength, power, and courage unfathomable to process that much magic.

...Just like Rainbow Dash.

While all the Mane Six were still celebrating, Rainbow did feel something did need to be done before moving onward.

"Well, as awesome as this looks, I think all this magic should go back to who it belongs to..." Rainbow's sentiments seemed to be agreed on by the ponies whose magic she bared. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Twilight Sparkle all gathered round. All three Princesses lowered their horns towards the pegasus, who unfurled her wings and began to focus deeply attempting to activate the powerful magic within her.

Upon a spurs notice, giant sparks of magic erupted high above and the Alicorns used the magic they had to attract the own bands of magic. After a tenuous lapse of time, it was done. All the Princesses' Alicorn Magic was back to their rightful owners, each Princess lighting their horns to show each townspony their restored abilities.

Everything was back to normal, the way they had remembered just from a few days prior. If only so many events hadn't had occurred to put all their lives in perspective.

Twilight, completely replenished of her own magic went over to Rainbow to check on her, knowing the massive magical release would cause a level of strain, but Dash simply looked to her and smiled.

"Wow..." Rainbow said in a bit of fated breath. "That was...(YAWN)...awe...some..."

And just as she finished, Rainbow's eyes closed and slumped forward, which Twilight caught her with her newly reacquired magic. The moment caused another quick bit of worry. "What happened? Is she alright?" Young Scootaloo spoke.

*SNORE* *PHEW* *SNORE*

A small chuckle came from Twilight upon the sounds beneath her. "I think she's just fine Scootaloo. After everything that's happened, I'd say she's exhausted..."

"I think Rainbow Dash has earned a nice, long rest." Princess Celestia said with pride, getting a smile of satisfaction from her younger sister as well.

Everypony began to gain more and more cheer, except for Rainbow of course, who was getting some well deserved "Z's". As all the Ponyville residents began to make the long track home, they all knew it would be a much happier and peaceful journey.

And they all had a certain rainbow pegasus to thank for it.

***

(One Week Later...)

When back in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was taken to Ponyville Hospital as a precaution to allow the pegasus to rest and heal up at her own leisure. And while Dash was resistant to doing so, the others convinced her it was needed and for the best. During her stay, the nurses conducted tests and other exams to test how Rainbow felt physically. To everypony's surprise, Rainbow Dash not only made a full recovery, but it many ways appeared stronger than she ever had.

On the positive side, when Dash wasn't going through tests and physicals, the free time allowed her to read her entire Daring Do series again, another seven times. Every day, Dash would read all the books through again, proving that the only thing faster than her reading was her flying.

All her friends were by her side when Rainbow was given the A-O-K and a clean bill of health. When the pegasus came out of the hospital, the whole town came to greet her and cheer. A truly humbling moment for Rainbow Dash, she didn't think there could be anything more awesome than this.

The next day, as all the Mane Six were walking through the town with the CMCs accompanying them, they looked over a stack of newspapers they had gathered throughout the past day. One by one from the Foal Free Press amongst others, reading the headlines...

"RAINBOW DASH SAVES PONYVILLE!"

Reading the front page of the next paper, from The Canterlot Chronicle...

"RAINBOW DASH SAVES CANTERLOT!!"

Then another from The Equestria Daily, put on top in the biggest print of all of them...

"RAINBOW DASH SAVES EQUESTRIA!!!"

Each picture of Rainbow Dash looking more over-the-top than the previous. "Oh golly, she's never gonna let us live this down." Applejack said to all the Mane Six in a factual, yet sarcastic voice. But Rarity was quick to interject.

"Oh of course not Applejack...after all, Dashie did it all by herself. Right darling?" An equally half-joking question came from the fashion pony of the group. But Rainbow Dash was quick to give her side.

"I told everypony that you all helped, they didn't buy it..." Rainbow Dash insisted in that as the truth, and although the others were skeptical, Scootaloo had her "big sister's" flank.

"But it's true, she did tell them. I was there." Scoots backed Rainbow up, but the statement was to The Princess of Friendship, like a needle to the eye.

"Wait...weren't you supposed to be in school Scootaloo?" Princess Twilight's question led to a hesitant chuckle from the filly, making Twilight Sparkle's look more demented. "YOU...SKIPPED...SCHOOL!!!?"

After the ponies managed to calm Twilight down after a lengthy tangent to the Mane Six and CMCs about the importance of school and education, a group of young fillies called to Rainbow Dash to come meet them. The pegasus was more than happy to oblige as Scootaloo went alongside. The group looked on as the excited young mares and colts talked to Rainbow Dash with "oohs" and "aahs" during her talk, after giving them all a hug a piece and pointing over to the said group of ponies she headed over from. The gang looked on in curiosity as they couldn't hear Rainbow's words, but her gestures towards the Mane Six and CMCs surprised them all. Soon then, the younger ponies came over to greet the rest of them.

"Hello." Said the young filly who took the head of the group of youngins'. "Uh, we wanted to thank Rainbow Dash for saving us, but she said that we should really thank all of you." The rainbow pegasus stood behind them all looking to her friends, a smile on her face.

"What!? She did?" Princess Twilight asked in shock, which was responded with several nodding heads from the children, along with a wink from Rainbow. Rainbow's friends then gratefully gave all the welcome to the thanks given to them, and soon the children went back to their parents when all the kind gestures were made. "Rainbow Dash, why did you tell those fillies to do that?" Twilight asked out of curiosity.

"Yeah." Pinkie Pie followed up. "You know that we're joking about helping you. Everypony knows that you're the one who saved Equestria."

Rainbow Dash was sort of surprised, for it seemed like her friends really didn't understand their importance during this whole affair.

"You might not really think it, but all of you really were the reason why I was able to do what I did. If I'm really one of those Rainbow Pegasi of legend, then your friendships with me is what made me strong enough to save Equestria, that makes all of you just as important as anything I did."

Rainbow's words were true inspiration to all the ponies present. It was an important lesson to always remember. That even when you think you're the only one who can make a difference, it's equally as important to remember those around you who can lend a hoof...no matter how big or small. All the ponies looked to one another and nodded in approval with what Dash told them.

Dash quickly moved on from the speech, not really thinking it was a big deal. Using her wings, she flipped Scootaloo onto her back and called for her friends to hurry up. "Let's get to The Poniful girls, I'm dying for some pancakes."

After a bit of a walk, Rainbow noticed that the girls weren't really staying close behind, but only watching the pegasus herself with a smile on their faces. "What's the matter with you all? Aren't ya coming?"

Each of the other Mane Six and CMCs looked to one another to see who should speak first. Ultimately The Princess of Friendship did. "We're just...surprised Rainbow Dash. All of this has...really brought out the best of you."

Before any more statements could be made, Pinkie Pie stopped Twilight. "Wait..." Pinkie screamed out after a long, exacerbated gasp. "SHE IS THE PONY OF THE ELEMENTS!"

The others rolled their eyes somewhat, feeling they had already gone over this. "Yes Darling." Rarity responded ho-hummish. "A Rainbow Pegasi of legend. Rain, sun, rainbows...elements of weather. We established this already Pinkie..."

"NO NO NO! With The Elements of Harmony!" Pinkie yelled back, pulling down a big rainbow arrow pointing to her friend out of virtually nowhere, awhile Dash raising an eyebrow. Quickly after zipping off, Pinkie returned moments later, carrying all of their respective necklaces of elements, along with Twilight's tiara of Magic. "You see! She was Loyal to all of Equestria, she was Honest about what really happened, she's been Kind to talk to everypony around, she's been Generous to share the credit, she's made us Laugh ever since we've seen her, and she was REALLY good with all that Magic!" One by one tossing each necklace around Rainbow's neck, as well as the crown on her head. "SHE REALLY IS THE PONY OF THE ELEMENTS!" Pinkie began crying in front of everypony. "She's gonna put all of us out of work!!!"

A utterly confused Rainbow Dash, now dripping in "gold bling" just stared at the rest of The Mane Six hoping they had a solution. Under her breath, Rarity was expressively pointing to the sulking pink pony, mouthing to Rainbow Dash quietly "Say Something..."

A sobbing Pinkie Pie now lay head first in an ever rising pool of tears, Rainbow patted the party pony awkwardly on the back trying to make her feel better as best she could.

"But Pinkie, if I put all of you out of work. That wouldn't be very kind...or generous...or funny...or very magic...like stuff...right?"

Upon hearing that, the crying stopped and Pinkie's ears stood straight up. "Oh, that's right! Nevermind!" Pinkie popped right back up, pulling off all the elements from Rainbow's head and threw out of plain sight. "We're all gonna be just fine!" Giving a "squee" afterwards.

"Tell ya what..." Dash assured the group, while putting a hoof on her party friend's shoulder. "I'll go back being to my old, awesome, "No other harmony elements" self..." Using air quotations. "...if we all go pig out on some pancakes together...Deal?"

"DEAL!" The group...with the exception of Rarity of course. The mare thought of a visual of stuffing and scarfing food was a truly hideous visual. But, she still followed along, as the excited ponies were all about to have a ball. Leading the way, Rainbow started getting very psyched, to the point that she couldn't resist singing a tune they sang once before...

Rainbow Dash:
I really am so awesome,
Yes, it's so clear to see.
But I never could be that way
without my friends with me.

With Pinkie, Fluttershy, AJ
Twilight, and Rarity...

Rainbow stopped and looked up to the sky above her. It was a beautiful cloudless, sunny day, but she almost wished that there was at least one cloud. It would have reminded her of the one who helped Rainbow save Equestria. And she owed everything to that very cloud. With a smile, all she could do was gather a thought. "And you too Raindoom...wherever you are."

Very quickly upon thinking those remarks, Rainbow felt a glowing warmness in her heart. Almost like Raindoom could hear the compliments given, bringing a bigger smile to her face, making Dash feel even happier.

Rainbow Dash:
You make me happy.
That's what I'm meant to be!

(Rainbow claps her hooves together in rhythm, and all her friends follow along for their grand finale.)

Everypony:
When we're happy,
We can light up a town.
Spreading joy and cheer to everypony around.

With friendship like this, It's so easy to see,
That we're happy.
We're really happy.
It's what...we're meant...to be!!!

It was true that Rainbow Dash was incredibly thankful for all the awesome friends she bared, that in kind made herself, even more awesome! And as all the ponies laughed and enjoyed the fun they shared under the beautiful sunny day.

But always remembering in irony, that it was the selfless acts of a once dark cloud which helped a rainbow bring the bright sun back again to the magical land of Equestria.

THE END

Chapter 1

The sun rises high to warm the wonderful land of Equestria once more. For the magical world of Ponyville, and all it's neighboring lands, it looked that the day would bring joy and happiness to all.

The cottage of Fluttershy's was full of life with all the loving animals and creatures around; certainly something that was worth singing about.

Fluttershy:
The sun is shining, the animals sing!
I'm so excited what this morning will bring.
This day will be so wonderful, that I guarantee!
Because I'm happy, it's what I'm meant to be!

(Fluttershy wasn't the only one in high spirits...Meanwhile at Sugar Cube Corner, plenty of tasty treats were being made, with a random firing of a Party Cannon...)

Pinkie Pie:
I've made a chocolate cake, and a brownie or two.
I feel pretty giddy to make them for all of you. (Points to your screen)
And after this, I'll make another hundred or three,
Because I'm happy, it's what I'm meant to be!

(With another fire of her Party Cannon, confetti falls endlessly. Meanwhile at Sweet Apple Acres, another morning of chores began on the farm. As the pony of honestly began her morning bucking routine.)

Applejack:
Bucking apples all day, can be really tough.
But one thing brightens my day when I'm feelin' glum and rough.
Just spendin' R&R with my friends and family,
Makes me happy, that's what I'm meant to be!

(Hoof Stomps x3 As the three ponies are now traversing through Ponyville)

Chorus:
When you're happy,
You can light up a town
Spreading joy and cheer to everypony around!
With friendship like this, it's so easy to see,
That we're happy, it's what we're meant to be!

Yes, the friendship and magic connected to it was at an ultimate high in Ponyville, which would trickle to all the other neighboring locations that made up the magical land of Equestria. Meanwhile, the Princess of Friendship who made all this possible was in a joyest mood as well writing on scrolls, and by the abundant amount next to her, was an objective she had been doing for some time and planned to continue for even more after; bobbing her head back and forth.

Twilight Sparkle:
I'm practicing a brand new spell to cure "The Speckle Flu".
Some ponies think it's boring, but I think it's fun to do.
And after this I think I'll plan my Royal Decree,
Because I'm happy, it's what I'm meant to be!

(A glow from her Alicorn horn engulfed the room she had been, shining bright like a diamond. Speaking of diamonds, a certain pony of generosity was in nearby Rarity's Boutique, floating over the latest additions to her bedazzling new line of outfits to sell.)

Rarity:
This gown is made of white wool, and this one's made of lace.
My heart shines like a diamond, to see a smiling face.
These outfits are perfection, no question to me!
Because I'm happy, it's what I'm meant to be!

(Finishing her work, she leaves the boutique to meet her friend Twilight outside, who are both planning to meet their other friends.)

(Hoof Stomp x3)

Chorus (Rarity and Twilight):
When we're happy,
We can light up a town
Spreading joy and cheer to everypony around!
(As the two ponies meet the other three singing Mane Six members, trotting down the street with glee.)
With friendship like this, it's so easy to see,
That we're happy, it's what we're meant to be!

(Hoof Stomp x7)

We can say, today
Will always go our way!
So magically and perfect
As our friendship grows more,
And we're sure, we know
Tomorrow's gonna go
As happy and hoof-tapping as the day before!

The five ponies were waiting for one more to join. One who was fashionably late as usual, even though said pony would say that they didn't care for fashion. She was quite a distance away from Ponyville as well in a cloud like paradise home near the floating land of Cloudsdale. The Pegasus pony seemed to be reading yet another Daring Do book. The latest one in the series "Daring Do and The Rainbow Crystals". Figuratively glued to it as the adventure of the character she looked up to so much was too hard to put down. After finishing the final page of the book, she slammed it shut with satisfaction, pumping her hooves, but realizing she had lost track of time and she needed to get going to meet up with her friends.

Yep, that was everypony's favorite rainbowed mare alright, Rainbow Dash. The distance it took to get to Ponyville would be a time consuming journey...for anypony other than Rainbow Dash of course. She carried her Daring Do book to put away and gave her pet tortoise Tank a noogie while soaring by.

Rainbow Dash:
I've read this Daring-Do book for the two-hundredth time!
I know it in my head just like a really rockin' rhyme.
But now my friends are waiting for me, so it's time to go
To light the sunny skies, like a dazzling rainbow!

(As she takes off wings spread at lightning speed)

This day will be so awesome, as I fly through the sky!
Having tons of fun with my fellow Pegasi
Just Soarin' through the clouds, and feeling so free!
Makes me happy, that's what I'm meant to be!

(Dash then makes a Sonic Rainboom and takes off even faster than before, while also making her awaiting company know that she was on her way and coming in hot. After a couple of seconds, she landed next to all her friends and pranced along with the others.)

Chorus:
When we're happy,
We can light up a town
As long as we're together, we will never feel down.
With friendship like this, it's so easy to see,
That we'll be friends forever, together you and me!

(The Mane Six prance side by side)

Fluttershy: This morning's so wonderful!
Pinkie: This day is so sweet!
Applejack: It's flowing smooth like cider!
Twilight: This day cannot be beat!
Rarity: This day is so charming!
Rainbow Dash: Awesome as can be!

(Hoof Stomp x7)

All Mane Six:
Because we're happy,
We're really happy!
It's what we're meant TO BE!

Yes, indeed the love and friendship in Ponyville continued to grow and created a magic that looked to protect all of Equestria. It appeared that as long as hope continued to fill the land, that pony and all kind would bring harmony to all.

...But wherever light resides, darkness would never be far behind. Someponies even believed that a brighter light would only bring a more evil, deeper darkness. For far away from the land, too far away from eye's view, a dark shadowy figure began to slowly approach Equestria.

But this wasn't any mere dark figure, it was a darkness...an evil that had believed to be gone for millennia. As it neared closer, it brought a smile to it's "face".

"At long last I have waited...and now, I will bring an end to Equestria!" Giving off an internal laugh, knowing that for when it arrived it would bring DOOM to all hope, love, and friendship.

***

Meanwhile in Canterlot, it had become quite the normal go for all it's citizens. All pony folk going about their days doing all the things all respected ponies enjoyed. More importantly though, it was the location of the most royal of royal in all of Equestria. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the royal sisters of day and night.

The Princess went about her rigorous routine day in and day out to keep lands happy, not just for ponies. Meanwhile, per usual her sister would take the opportunity of the day to rest to prepare for another straining night of patrolling the realm of dreams. Very few knew or understood how Luna managed to undergo the tiring efforts every night the moon rose to make sure every pony in the land would have a soothing slumber. One certain thing was a good rest during the day would be nothing but positive.

And this day had gone like most others, The Princess of the Night napped peacefully in her own location away from any disturbance...when suddenly, she heard a dark rumbling voice. It was a sinister laughter that bellowed loudly, making her shoot her head up and gaze around the room she was in.

"Wh-Who's there? Show yourself!" She called out loudly. Though when she observed, no pony was there. As there shouldn't be, no pony knew of this location other than herself and her sister. And within the darkness of the halls she looked back and forth upon, it certainly seemed to still be that way. But she knew what she heard; there was no way her mind would be playing tricks on her, unless the dread of an upcoming duty of dream wondering was making her worry.

Luna took a deep breath and nestled back in position to resume slumber. But as soon as she closed her eyes...

*CRACK* *CLAP* *CRACK*

She jolted up upon hearing the noise, breathing heavily in a fear of panic. It sounded like intense thunder and lightning, but it was most peculiar. It noises sounded it came from within her thoughts, or her dreams perhaps.

But how was that possible? No pony knew how to travel the astral plane of the Dream Realm other than herself. The occurrences continued though...

Every time Luna closed her eyes to calm herself, another sharper image and noise came forth. Darkness, laughter, lightning, thunder, destruction.

Luna began to worry for it appeared she knew what was going on. Why, she wasn't certain still, but she knew that her own personal matters of slumber were now a thing of the past. She left her location of once peaceful asylum to head to the castle, where she had to warm Celestia that something was coming...

Something they both had hoped to never see again.

Chapter 3

"RAINDOOM!?" Pinkie Pie screamed in horror. "Worst name ever..." Followed in a ho-hum voice.

But the entity before the ponies didn't seem to care about what they thought of his name. He only sought out to do what he was there for, his threat to the land the ponies lived in. The rumble in the ground wasn't sure to be either the voice of the figure above, or the roar of thunder that accompanied his movement. He seemed to morph his shape and size at will, like an actual cloud could. But he was just that...a cloud. How could this be a sentient being, much less one that could be the apparent destruction to Equestria. The girls were skeptical, but the demeanor in the Royal Princesses told a different story.

Whenever Celestia and Luna deemed something a serious threat, it was certain every pony would and should heed it. But this was unlike anything any pony had ever seen. What could this entity do? The rumble of the sky and it's voice could be heard once more over the land, it's glowing blue eyes open wide.

"And now, after two thousand years, I have returned to the place of my creation to destroy those who wished to vanquish me and condemn my creators. You will now all suffer from my ultimate power!"

At the heed of his threat, the wind began to howl furiously once more, moving some ponies from where they stood. Thunder and lightning could be seen and heard as the sky grew darker and darker by the second. The Mane Six and friends feared the worst...when to their surprise...

*BLOOP* *BLOOP*

*DRIP* *DRIP*

*BLOOP* *DRIP*

A drop of rain...then another drop. The sky began to emit in a heavy drizzle of rain from the embodiment of the being before them. This brought extreme confusion, what was going on they thought.

"Huh?" Twilight in pure puzzlement rubbing a droplet off the tip of her nose, proving what she clearing thought. "It's just rain..."

"A bit too much rain for me darling, should have brought an umbrella." Rarity whined out, with her mane plopped down over her eyes, however in typical fashion, she had a stand by coat and umbrella in preparation should any change in the weather take place.

However, something about this didn't seem to fit. The group continued to look on over at the entity above them, who's heavy drizzle began to continue to worsen to the point of now a downpour. This figure just remained in place, seeming like all was going as it sought and hoped.

"I don't get it...what's so evil and powerful about rain?" Twilight wondered aloud, the others were also beyond confused as well. None of this made any sense. Suddenly, something would draw their attention from behind.

"DAHH!!! STOP!!! PLEASE STOP!!!"

The voice was familiar, the voice of a friend. A cry for help? And five of the Mane Six were quickly in tone to the voice behind them was their friend.

"Rainbow Dash?" Came a call from Twilight as the group turned to see why the heightened plea was cried. Then what they saw put everything in focus, and their fears into motion.

Rainbow was hunched over, drenched in rain, wrapping her hooves around herself like she was in pain. Quivering and shaking like a pony would do if they were freezing cold. Twilight ran over to try and help, even if unsure what the dilemma was.

"Uh, she did eat a lot of pancakes, maybe it's cramps?" Pinkie commented, more a hope than sheer fact. Frankly, it didn't seem very farfetched. All the fillies had heard those myths in their youth. Rainbow was in pain like it was only a cramp...but it was like a very serious cramp at that. The pain on her face looked undeniable; Twilight grasped Rainbow's trembling body to try and calm her, giving a simple..."It's going to fine Rainbow Dash, you're alright."

But something wasn't alright, as the rain continued to worsen, "NOO!!!" Rainbow let out a yell as what looked like a vapor of colored smoke began to emit from the mane and coat of Rainbow Dash. Twilight witnessed this smoke float by her which left her speechless.

"That ain't no charley horse cramp! What in Equestria is happenin' to Dash Twilight?" Applejack called out in in worry.

The color from this vapor of essence not only bared a resemblance to the colors of a rainbow, but it seemed to literally be the color that made out the pigment of Rainbow Dash herself. As the vapor continued to drift away and float into the sky, the color of Dash was noticeably beginning to fade and gray.

"It's like something is being drawn out of her..." Twilight said in a panic. She didn't get what it was though. But what it may be, was serious for sure.

"But what is causing it!?" Rarity brought up in an upped tone, as the rain fell so hard the ponies needed to speak up to hear one another. And the answer was quite clear. Twilight began to realize it quickly as weather continued to fall.

"It's the rain! I don't why, but Rainbow Dash can't take this rain!" Just then, Twilight heard a quiet mumble from beneath her. "Twilight?"

Rainbow was struggling to even pick up her head, she looked like a ghost almost to the eye. The color of her coat looked like it was running like thinned paint. "What's...going on?" It was the last thing Rainbow could say before she passed out in Twilight's hooves. There wasn't a second to lose.

"My umbrella!" Rarity cried out as Twilight used her magic to zip the object over to her.

"Sorry Rarity, I hope you'll understand." Twilight made a feverish attempt to hover it over Rainbow's body to keep any more precipitation from making contact, and trying to make sure that not a spot was exposed to anymore of the elements. "Applejack! Fluttershy! Get Rainbow out of here, hurry!!!"

"WAHH!!! MY MANE, I CAN'T SEE ANYPONY!!!" Was a quick call from Rarity, whose hair now drooped down to the ground, nearing laying in the newly created mud below.

Applejack and Fluttershy took their fallen friend to the nearby hospital, which fortunately for them was a quick gallop away. When those who stayed behind saw the other ponies gone from the horizon, they returned focus to the cloud in the sky who had remained unmoved. Continuing to torrential downpour, which was starting many puddles already in the short amount of time the rain began. The Princess of the Day and Night stared relentlessly to the figure above, the time had come for action.

"Come now sister, let us rid the land of this nuisance." Ordered Celestia, which was replied with a nod from her younger sister. They then both took off in flight, while Twilight and her friends continued to look on. They were clearly still a combination of confusion by what was transpiring and wariness after seeing Rainbow Dash in the condition that came before her. But they knew if anypony could stop this entity, the Princesses could. Based on their apparent knowledge of this "Raindoom", they would clearly know of what course of action to take.

Luna and Celestia flew up into the sky with the greatest of ease, cutting through the heavy bands of rainfall. They both began to charge their horns for a simultaneous blast of magic at their foe before, who continued to pay the royals no mind in the slightest, only continuing the fall of rain to the land below. This only began to make Twilight even more concerned, if the Princesses had encountered this being before, then surely their previous battle would have instilled some form of worry into the cloud like being before. But this was far from the case; it was almost as if Raindoom expected an upcoming attack, ...and deemed it no threat.

The Princesses would make this entity regret not taking their magical powers seriously. After their magic was fully charged, Celestia and Luna aimed at the center of the cloud in the sky and fired full blast. Both their bright yellow and dark blue beams of magic respectively shot through the sky at a lightning fast pace with both trajectories as straight as an arrow. After mere moments, the magic blasts reached the enemy in the sky. It was a direct hit. Ponies on the ground began to cheer and celebrate at the events above, but something seemed to be wrong.

Nothing had changed. In fact if anything, the rain continued to fall harder than before. Soon after, the magic that connected at the target in the sky disappeared within the entity above, showing no signs of effect.

"That's impossible!" Celestia declared, with her younger sister along side. But Raindoom merely laughed at the statement.

"You fools! Your magic cannot effect me like before!" He bellowed with a forceful tone in his voice, his eyes glowing a brighter blue than before. "Your powers are part of me now!"

The sky began to rumble once more as Raindoom appeared to charge up for some kind of strike, soon after striking a powerful lightning streak towards Luna and Celestia. The sisters were able to avoid it, for it didn't seem to be aimed directly. The energy from the lightning streak though did force the two to draw back to the surface rather unconventionally and attempted to rethink the means of another form of action. So they returned to ground without injury as the pouring rain continued to fall, no additional aggressive means from Raindoom proceeding. It almost seemed like he was ignoring them, only focused on what he set out to do...flood the land with his elements of nature as the rain kept falling harder.

"Twilight!?" Rarity yelled out as loud as she could, for it was the only way to be heard with the howling wind and rain falling so hard. "What do we do!?!" But Twilight didn't know that answer, how could she. She still wasn't sure what she was seeing was real or not.

"You cannot delay your fate." Raindoom bellowed down from above. "Your Pony of the Elements may try, but she will fall the same, leaving your land to feel my wrath!"

The words were spoken with confidence and believed truth, but the words themselves were confusing to the company on the surface. A "Pony of The Elements"? Who was that? The ponies had never heard of such a being. But whoever this was clearly was not here to help at the moment. So a different plan needed to be put in motion. The eldest sister of the royal sisters looked to her younger with determination as Twilight tried to wipe her eyes dry of the wetness continuing to sting her face.

"Luna, we must use the ancient ritual." Celestia commanded out, using a voice loud enough to be heard over the high volume of rain falling faster than ever. The Princess of Friendship looked over to the younger sister to garner her reaction, which was one of uncertainty.

"But we have never used that spell sister." Luna answered to her elder. But Princess Celestia began to fly up into the sky. "Well now is as good as time as any."

Luna and Twilight gazed glances to one another briefly before Luna followed her sister's trail into the air once more. The two Princesses then stopped several hundred feet in the air, locking eyes and about ten feet apart. The two mumbled words together, almost like they were reciting a spell. After a few seconds, the Princesses both began to glow and shine immensely, almost as brightly as the sun. Ponies on the surface covered their eyes with their hooves, all except Pinkie of course who enjoyed the display as only Pinkie Pie would.

"Oh, so bright!" She admired staring directly into the constructed light the Princesses' created.

Twilight and the others noticed that suddenly the horizon began to rise with light and brightness from all sides and angles; blocking out the darkness created by Raindoom. The wasn't sure what Celestia and Luna were up to to the ponies below, but it seemed Raindoom began to see. The precipitation stopped and the monster above bellowed from above once more.

"NO! You can not escape!" He yelled as the dark figure drew closer to the Princesses and the surface. Seeing the movement very faintly, Twilight worried for the safety of the two royals, believing Raindoom may be plotting a form of attack. She acted fast to counter, flying up in a position to defend, charging up her horn for a blast of magic in her recognized magenta aura.

"Twilight, NO!" Celestia called back, hoping her once pupil would hear her. But alas, she was too late.

Twilight fired her blast of magic towards the cloud being in the sky. As the Princesses before, it was a direct strike into the center of the being. But unlike before, Raindoom was blasted backwards away from surface and far a distance from Equestria. The other Princesses took advantage and continued with their might to complete the ritual. The bright horizon continued to rise, and rise higher. Until at the top of the horizon, the light conjured by the Princesses connected. The spell was complete.

Ponies looked around, it was as if the day had returned to normal. A cloudless sky above, with no threat of what had occurred. The only remnants that remained were the massive puddles of water caused by the cloud's downpour of weather.

"Wh-What just happened?" Princess Twilight asked her royal others, who didn't answer. When she turned around, she noticed why. The spell appeared to drain their power to the point they appeared to both faint in mid-air. "Princesses!" Twilight used her magic to catch them and slowly lower them to the ground and to safety.

"We'll be fine Twilight..." Celestia announced to the ponies before them, who many began to bow and knell before them, as a gesture of thanks and gratitude to their ultimate means to protect them. "Our magic may not affect Raindoom, but we can still use it to keep Equestria safe."

It seemed to be true, the royal princesses' horns continued to glow even after the ordeal had occurred. Both Luna and Celestia's horns looked to both using an abundant amount of magic. Twilight herself was familiar with magical spells as well as output needed to perform powerful spells. And she realized that the amount of magic they were using was very excessive, even for an Alicorn's standards.

"We've managed to make our location disappear, it is now as if we do not exist in the land." Luna declared, her horn still glowing bright, but the magic output gave off a strong spark making her wince. It was clear they had to put complete concentration in continuing whatever spell they had cast. Other ponies had begun to realize that the spell was in fact still in use. The looked to be that the royals would have to maintain the spell for the duration. Which was sure to be a daunting task. "But we cannot maintain this spell forever Luna." Celestia reminded her sister, her horn also glowing bright. "This spell will drain our magic at a very quickened pace, I fear it will last for no more than a few days, if lucky. With our magic drained, we will be an easy target thereafter."

"It gives us enough time to think of a plan at least." Princess Twilight assured, knowing that if anypony could come up with an idea to save Equestria, they had learned that all of them together could do so.

So for now it seemed, all the panic in the heat of the moment had finally passed, but once it did, it led to another reminder that hit Twilight quickly; gasping when she remembered.

"Rainbow Dash!? We have to go to her. She may be hurt!" As Twilight galloping away to the location her friend was taken to for safety. A wet maned Rarity and Pinkie Pie followed quickly behind, also it seemed forgetting the moments prior.

The group flew off or ran, or by whatever means they could to get to Ponyville Hospital. Their friend was potentially hurt, yet they didn't know why or how. There were so many questions to be asked, with no answers to any of them. They only hoped those answers they seek would come in time.

"What do you suppose happened to the young one sister?" Luna asked her elder, who turned to her sister with a grim face.

"Something I hoped I would never see again..." Celestia responded in complete disarray. It was clear the company was shaken with what had transpired. No other words were spoken, the health and well being of Rainbow Dash was now the primary focus.

From beyond, the entity of Raindoom gazed into what looked to be a bright protective barrier around the land below. It did appear that Celestia and Luna had managed to encumber all of Equestria within their magical shield. Raindoom could roughly see the contents of the land through it's protection, which caused him to smile.

And the cloud looked to begin to find a way to draw the magic that was creating the shield. If he could manage to do so, Equestria would be defenseless. More importantly, the aura of magic that Princess Twilight had shot Raindoom with was beginning to be drawn into himself as well, just as he had done with the magic of the other princesses prior.

"You cannot hide the filly from me forever Princesses, then I will rid the land of your existence! Mark my words!!!" Were the words spoken from the evil present.

Equestria was safe...for now. But no pony would be certain for how much longer...

Chapter 14

Rainbow Dash said her goodbyes to all her friends. She was preparing to return to Canterlot with the Princesses per their request. The others wanted to go with her, but Dash told them the important thing to do now was to prepare every pony for potential trouble. If Raindoom was to return, ponies would need to evacuate to safety; and the more the ponies were prepared, the quicker and easier innocent ponies would be out of harm's way.

Once all was agreed upon, Rainbow Dash bolted away with her traditional elegant rainbow streak on a direct course back to Canterlot. It eased them that her colorful streak had returned to it's beautiful form, they could only hope it would remain that way for good. Luna and Celestia gathered themselves to follow the mare to the castle, but before they left The Princess of the Day turned to the present company, particularly Twilight.

"We will keep her safe..." Celestia decreed to the ponies before her. "...You have our word."

With that, The Royals spanned their wings and flew off to follow the rainbow mare. The remaining Mane Six and CMCs could only observe the three separate streaks of light, dark, and rainbowed respectfully off in the distant horizon until they soon disappeared from sight. Twilight turned to the others give further instructions.

"Everypony head back to Ponyville and prepare everyone like Rainbow asked. I have to make a trip to someplace and talk to someone. I'll be back to Ponyville as quick as I can..."

The others hastefully began to head back to Ponyville, but as Princess Twilight began to fly off, somepony stopped her.

"Princess Twilight? Wait!"

Twilight stopped right before preparing to lift off, when she turned around to see the young CMC pegasus behind her with a look of uncertainty. "What is it Scootaloo?" The Princesses asked the filly.

"Tw-Twilight?" She began, hesitant to speak up. But she knew the Princess needed to hurry, and if it helped her friend she knew she had to allow to go quickly. "I-I was wondering...if I could go...with you. With Rainbow Dash gone, I-I don't have anywhere to go." The frown on Scootaloo's face made it hard to say no to, and Scootaloo had helped Twilight find Rainbow Dash in the first place; so Twilight felt she owed it to her to return the act in kindness.

"Of course you can Scootaloo. So hop up, we need to hurry on." Scootaloo galloped over and jumped onto Twilight's back, holding on in a position that allowed Twilight to spread her wings. Of course, it was also the closest thing Scootaloo could currently come to flying too, so a double bonus to the filly. Once Scoot was secure, Twilight filled her in on what was about to happen. "We're going to see an old friend. So hold on tight Scootaloo...we're going to Everfree!"

***

Upon a speedy flight, Princess Twilight along with Scootaloo had arrived to the entrance of the Everfree Forest, and although Scootaloo was aware of Twilight's intentions, she wasn't sure why those were said intentions.

"So...who exactly are we meeting in Everfree Forest Twilight?" Scootaloo asked the Princess with a bit of shiver, in both her body and voice.

"We're here to see Zecora..." Twilight answered. "Dash told me that she came here after leaving Canterlot a few days ago and Zecora helped her. I'd like to know everything that happened though."

"But didn't Rainbow Dash tell you everything?" Scootaloo questioned back in curiousness. Getting a snappy response back from The Princess of Friendship. "Does she ever?" The quick rebuttal couldn't be challenged from the filly, so the young one took it in stride. Scootaloo hopped off Twilight's back and grabbed a hold of her hoof. After telling Scootaloo to hold on tight, Twilight began to teleport them directly to Zecora's location.

Scootaloo closed her eyes waiting for the blinding flash of light that would emit during the teleportation. But after about twenty seconds, Scootaloo reopened her eyes and realized that they hadn't gone anywhere, still in the same position they were. And upon looking up to her friend, Scootaloo realized the problem.

Twilight's horn was garnering a pinkish purple glow, but if was as if Twilight was struggling to cast the spell to teleport, moaning and gritting in pain trying to get her magic to power further. After the struggle continued, Scoot intervened. "Twilight, is everything alright? Why haven't we teleported yet?"

"Oh no..." Twilight gasped out, as it turned out to be what she feared. "I must have gave too much of my magic to the Princesses. I don't have enough to complete advanced spells anymore!"

"Don't worry Twilight." Scootaloo comforted her friend. "You did what you had to do to help everypony." She began to walk towards the Everfree's entrance. "Besides, it's not like we don't know where to go. We can just hoof it from here."

Twilight smiled at the filly's spirit, even if she didn't really understand the real meaning of Twilight being unable to perform the spell. Twilight grabbed a hold of Scoot and began to fly into the heart of the forest.

Within a few minutes they reached the hut of Zecora's. Scootaloo hurried over to the front door and gave three bangs, calling out the zebra's name to hurry for it was an urgent matter.

The zebra soon opened the door, being befuddled at the sight of a small filly and The Princess of Friendship at her doorstep at this time of night. The Princess then spoke...

"Zecora...we need your help!"

Twilight's plea confused Zecora, who placed a hoof under her chin in unsureness...

***

While Scootaloo sat distracted staring at the bubbling green vat in Zecora's cauldron, Princess Twilight took the opportunity to converse with the zebra of the recent events. And while Rainbow Dash seemed very adamant of the story she spoke, Twilight seemed certain that Zecora may shed some more light on what actually happened that day.

"Your friend was very weak, it was not hard to tell." Zecora spoke while pouring a hot drink for herself and Twilight. "I brought her back here, she was clearly not well."

The response was expected, but still didn't make Twilight feel any better on the matter.

"I knew Dash wasn't letting on how hurt she was before." Twilight begrudgingly confirmed her initial suspicions. But Scootaloo knew there was more to the story, Twilight even admitted so, so something was still unexplained.

"But, you said Rainbow Dash was fine when you talked to her Twilight..." Scootaloo responded looking to the Princess, then she turned to Zecora to follow up. "How did she get better so fast?"

Zecora walked over to one of her sacks where she kept her herbs and ingredients she obtained during her morning rounds of the forest that fateful day. "I gave her a remedy, a boiled berry vat. She drank it and then...was healed, just like that." She finished with a snap of her hoof, even though for a pony or zebra snapping a hoof would seem impossible.

"Rainbow did say something about you giving her some "berry juice"..." Twilight brought up making air parentheses with each of her hooves. So at least that part of Dash's story held up. "...I never realized Everfree Berry Juice resulted in such rapid healing."

"They never have before, I must say it is strange." Zecora began, making Twilight confused. "To what caused an instantaneous change..."

Both the adults began to ponder deep in thought, while little Scootaloo could only look back and forth to each of the two, hoping that one would speak soon. Both Twilight and Zecora learned something...though they weren't exactly sure what it meant. After a long pause of silence, Scootaloo came up with an idea. "Well, why doesn't Zecora just make some more of the juice for us to try some, to see if whatever happened happens again..."

Twilight was actually impressed by the filly's suggestion and smiled to her. "That's a good idea Scootaloo. Zecora, do you have anymore Everfree Berries to make another batch of juice?"

A nod came from the zebra to then turned to her herb sack and ruffled out a dozen or so more berries she had collected on the day's trek. She would go to work right away to making another bowl of the healing remedy, to see if they could find a similarity to connect the dots on this mystery.

***

Rainbow Dash had returned to the Canterlot Castle with Celestia and Luna. The inside was dark with very little light luminating, barely enough to see your hoof in front of your face. The company had entered the guest quarters, the same room that Rainbow had stayed within before, making her somewhat familiar with it's inside. Before The Princesses spoke of their plan to the pegasus, they stated that they wished to say something beforehoof; curious, Rainbow Dash obliged. No sooner from Dash's acknowledgement, both Celestia and Luna gave a bowing stance before her, making the pegasi's mouth open in confusion.

"We would like to offer our sincerest apologies for our statements and actions to yourself the last time you were here Rainbow Dash..." Celestia humbly put, and Luna continued on.

"Myself included..." Princess Luna followed. "I of all ponies witnessed first hoof of what you went through in your dreams. And I gave my word that my sister and I would help you in any way we could..." She sighed before completing her final remarks, or perhaps final regrets. "And despite your endless courage and bravery to protect and defend the ponies of Equestria, we failed to live up to our word. We hope you can forgive us for our error of judgment..."

Rainbow Dash was taken aback by the Princesses' staggering remarks, to be apologized to by royalty was certainly not something you woke up to each morning expecting to have happen. How do you react when two of the most powerful ponies in Equestria are basically groveling before your hooves? No pressure right...

"I...Of course I forgive you..." A choked up Dash stated, but cleared it from head, greater matters were at hoof. "But we can't focus on the past. And I don't think you asked me to come here to just apologize."

Princess Luna and Celestia truly admired her courage. It was a level of loyalty that could never be done justice. The two royals gave a nod of approval to the young one's words and began to explain their plan.

"As you're aware, Raindoom has been able to use the magic of my sister to enter the Dream Realm." Celestia stated, which received a "Tell me about it..." gesture in response from the pegasus. But this was marely a lead in. "But we believe we may be able to use this to our advantage."

The statement was indeed intriguing to Rainbow Dash. The potential for any form of tactical advantage was important, yet Dash was confused with how the Dream Realm played into this plan. Luna continued to speak of the idea.

"Like myself," Luna began. "Entering the Dream Realm means that Raindoom's physical form is within the realm of sleep."

Then the light bulb went off in Dash's head. "Wait...you mean?" A nod was given to Rainbow, it appeared they knew what each other were getting at.

"If combated, Raindoom could be defeated and destroyed within the Realm, keeping everypony in the Waking World safe." Luna finished, but Celestia added on even more information.

"Plus within it, your capabilities are only limited by your imagination." Celestia followed up. "Anything you wish to do, you can do within the Dream Realm."

Rainbow Dash took in the idea and liked what she heard. So much so that she didn't want to stall in putting the idea into action. But The Princesses felt it necessary to remind Rainbow that even the giant upside of the idea did come with it's share of setbacks.

"But be aware that this plan will not come without risk to yourself as well." Celestia warned the pegasus, as Luna finished the stern warning.

"My sister and I will attempt to link ourselves into your dream to assist you in combating Raindoom. But the amount of magic will be massively draining. Magic that we do not have much to spare." Luna stated while looking up to her still illuminating horn as they spoke. "If my magic becomes too weak, the link will break and we will all be drawn back into The Waking World. Meaning this will likely be the only opportunity we have to stop Raindoom."

"But I don't understand..." Rainbow Dash questioned. "If the link breaks, why would we all be brought back? Wouldn't I still be asleep?"

It was a logical question, but Luna had the answer to it. "In this instance, no." Began the reply, and after a slight pause she explained why. "In order to directly link us into your dream...I will need to magically induce you to sleep myself."

"That seems...a bit extreme." The rainbow pegasus exclaimed with a face that looked like she had consumed a dozen lemons prior.

"You are not wrong I'm afraid." Luna responded once more. "But The Dream Realm is a massive space, and yourself slumbering with thousands of other ponies would make it impossible to locate you in time. And with the amount of magic I will be exhausting, time is the one thing we will not have in our favor."

Rainbow Dash pondered it for a moment, but knew this was a decision that needed to be decided quickly. After a brief thought, she looked to the Princesses with determination. "Tell me what I have to do..."

***

After some time, Zecora boiled the berry brew to the perfect temperature and consistency. She proceeded to take a wide-bottom bottle and slowly filled it half way with the darkish red liquid. Carefully holding it in a hoof, Zecora walked over to Princess Twilight to give her instructions. "The juice is ready for you to try, to see if it's healing will amplify."

Twilight at first considered using her magic to float the bottle over, but reconsidered in an attempt to reserve any magic she had. She simply grabbed the juice from Zecora and slowly took a gentle sip. The taste was quite delightful for her first Everfree Berry Juice experience, the positive gesture made Scootaloo want to try some as well which was granted; besides having multiple ponies try the remedy would only help in finding the truth faster. As Twilight, Scootaloo also loved the taste, it was almost a shame she needed to focus on how she felt moving forward.

"Okay, I guess now we just wait for the healing properties to buck in." Twilight explained to the young filly next to her. "It should work relatively quickly."

(ONE HOUR LATER)

Scootaloo at this point was now lying on her stomach, her eyes half open trying everything to keep them open. "Ughh...does that juice heal you of boredom? Cause I don't think it's working..." Scoot said giving a yawn before and after her statement, plopping her head on the floor, barely able to stay awake.

Scootaloo wasn't the only one to be underwhelmed by the results. Twilight pondered in thought while Zecora held the juice once more, with still more inside if they felt another test was needed or wanted, but Twilight seemed unwilling to be disappointed once more. "I don't understand, it doesn't feel like it did anything. Much less as fast as it healed Rainbow Dash..." Rubbing her hoof hard on forehead, thinking deeply. "There has to be something we haven't thought of..."

The more Twilight thought, the more question marks formed. They were just getting nowhere for answers. By this point, Scootaloo had dozed off to sleep and Twilight tucked her into the bed Zecora had for the time, meanwhile the adults continued to think of something. Princess Twilight asked Zecora if she could recall everything that happened once Rainbow took the remedy, every little detail could help. Every motion, every sentence, even any odd sequence could be helpful. They both sat down and Zecora began to retell the encounter, in hope they could gather something...anything important from it.

***

Rainbow Dash laid her back on the pillows and bed that had been prepared for her by Princess Luna. Her body began to tingle and shake from the nervousness, looking above her seeing Luna and Celestia preparing the next step of the plan.

"You must calm yourself my friend..." Luna informed the pegasus, gently placing a hoof on her forehead, applying hardly any pressure, but the sense of importance in the matter. "It will make this much easier to induce your slumber."

Dash closed her eyes and began taking deep, but regular breathes. Trying to bring her adrenaline and heartrate down. Since joining the Wonderbolts, Rainbow had learned of methods of remaining calm in high anxiety situations, and it was time to put them to use. After about a minute, Dash slowly calmed herself to Luna's satisfaction, for it would make the next step far easier to achieve.

Luna proceeded to stand over Rainbow lying self, as Princess Celestia was also alongside. Luna's horn began to glow brighter than it had been, which made the pegasus believe that the process was about to begin...

"I want you to concentrate on the light." Luna instructed. "Once I am certain you have entered the Dream Realm, I will attempt to connect my sister and I into your dream."

Rainbow gave a slow nod of encouragement, followed by a last gulp to swallow any of the nervousness she had. Luna began to closely move her glowing horn of dream magic to Dash's head, while Rainbow continued to hear the echo of Luna's voice...

"Concentrate on the light..."

The echoes became more broken and softer each time she heard them.

"Concentrate"

The light became bright to the point where it made Dash want to wince and shut her eyes, but she had to continue to focus. Before long, the light glowed so much it was all Rainbow could see. A plain white light. She wasn't even sure this point if her eyes were even open or not. Suddenly, Rainbow heard what she could only describe as a long loud swishing sound, like the waves of the ocean crashing to the shoreline.

And then, without further warning, the white light turned all black...and Rainbow Dash fell asleep.