Rainbow Dash left Twilight’s side. Yes, you could call her a bad wife if you wanted to. After all, the love of her wife was in the hospital, dying, and she wouldn’t even stay with her?! It was the same thing Rainbow Dash blamed their friends for!

However, she believed that this was the only way to save Twilight in the first place! She didn’t care if the princesses said there was no cure or even if Discord couldn’t save her! If they couldn’t do anything, then Rainbow Dash would!

After the somewhat heated discussion she had with Applejack, the pegasus had decided she wouldn’t cry around anymore, and she would actually do something. She wasn’t the type of mare to give up in the face of adversity. What was her idea, you wondered? She left Ponyville to travel all over Equestria in the hopes of finding a cure or someone who could help.

Yeah, it probably wasn’t the brightest plan. Her friends would tell her that blindly seeking a miracle cure was stupid. That was why Rainbow sought that cure alone. She didn’t even tell her friends. They would slow her down, anyway. She meant that literally. The pegasus didn’t bother using trains or other modes of transportation. Instead, all she needed was her wings. Flying all over Equestria wasn’t easy, but she was determined, and she would take regular naps on random clouds she would find.

The guilt from leaving without her friends still lingered, but she couldn’t forget Applejack’s words from that night… It was evident her friends had given up. They stopped believing in Twilight, and themselves! Rainbow Dash wouldn’t waste her time with motivational speeches when her wife was dying!

Unfortunately, Cloudsdale had been a total bust. She didn’t have much hope in the first place, to be honest, but she couldn’t write it off without trying either.

20 hours earlier

“Alicornia Syndrome?” Sour Feather inquired, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “I am sorry, but I’ve never heard of such a disease, Princess,” The pegasus shook his head as he adjusted his glasses with one of his wings.

“What? Aren’t you supposed to be the best doctor here? Even the guy from Ponyville heard of it, at least!” Rainbow Dash jumped off her chair, knocking it to the floor as she glared at the doctor. The stallion leaned back, intimidated by the mare’s sudden outburst.

They were currently in his office because Rainbow Dash suddenly burst into the hospital, demanding to see the best (most competent would Sout Feather say) doctor in the hospital. If this was anyone else, she may have been escorted out, but since she was a hero and a princess, they simply followed her orders. However, she wouldn’t be indulgent just because they listened to her. How could she remain calm when this was the best they had to offer?!

“I-I am sorry, Princess! But if what you’re saying is right, then this disease hasn’t been reported in Equestria in the last 1000 years or more! I don’t think anyone in this hospital has heard of it!” Sour Feather raised his forelegs defensively.

“Grrr, you… You’re useless!” Rainbow suddenly kicked the desk into the wall, slamming it to pieces while the doctor shielded his face and threw himself to the floor.

The cyan pegasus didn’t bother looking back before flying out of the window, immediately dashing toward her next destination. If Cloudsdale wasn’t going to be any help, then she needed to go for big cities such as Las Pegasus!

As she flew across Cloudsdale, Rainbow couldn’t help noticing the city was as bright and lively as ever. Pegasi walked the street clouds without a care in the world, grinning ear to ear as if nothing happened. Didn’t they know one of their princesses was dying?! Why… Why was she the only one doing anything? Even if they believed her fate sealed, they should have been mourning her like her friends were doing, at the very least!

The pegasus mare suddenly froze when her eyes landed on another structure. It was a building taller than most facilities in Cloudsdale, shaped in a circle. If they couldn’t even cry for Twilight… Then they didn’t even deserve to have that in their city… Rainbow glared, clenching her teeth.

“Whoa! It’s even bigger than I thought!” Rainbow Dash commented, her gaze traveling all over the room.

It was a grand room with enough space to welcome more than a hundred ponies easily. There were multiple seats lined up like in a theater, except the seats faced the ceiling instead. Speaking of the ceiling, it was quite unusual. It was made of what looked like glass, showing Luna’s beautiful night sky.

“The biggest observatory in Equestria… Would you believe me if I told you this has always been one of my childhood dreams?” Twilight asked, looking up at the sky with a small smile across her lips.

“Nah, I bet you’re the kind of filly who always wished to be a princess,” Rainbow Dash responded snarkily, only for Twilight to punch her playfully on the shoulder. “I’m proud of ya, Egghead. The grand opening’s tomorrow, right?”

“It is,” Twilight confirmed. “Since Luna will be hosting most sessions, it won’t be open every night. For now, though, I wanted you to be the first pony to see what it’s capable of,” The lavender alicorn grinned, and lit her horn. “To sum up how it works, it uses potent magic to…” Twilight began explaining, only for her marefriend to cut her off with a raised hoof.

“I’ll stop you right there, Twi. I know I won’t understand a thing you’re saying, and even though I love hearing you talk… Why don’t you just show me this time?” Rainbow suggested, to which the alicorn simply smiled.

Her pegasus marefriend would never change, would she? After a small chuckle and a shake of her head, Twilight lit her horn. As if the sky was hers to command, it began to shift. No, it wasn’t the sky… The glass pulsed with Twilight’s light, showing a whole new image as if the observatory had been shot into space. It traveled across the stars, revealing sights that Rainbow had never thought she would witness before.

It was a fusion of colors and lights, merging to form spectacular celestial wonders. She watched comets streaking through the vast emptiness of space, stars collapsing into themselves, and brilliant nebulas radiating with vibrant hues. It was a breathtaking scenery that could sway even the coldest of hearts.

Rainbow Dash didn’t know how long she stared at it, or how long it lasted. She could never understand how Twilight and Luna created this, but it allowed them to glimpse into the unreachable depths of space, and… She had no idea what that entailed, but it was pretty to look at!

“What did you think?” Twilight suddenly stopped her magic as the glass pulsed again to show the sky as it originally was.

“Twi… This was awesome! I… I don’t even know how to describe it! How did you even do that?!” The pegasus fidgeted, holding herself back from jumping around.

“I would have to go on an intricate explanation,” Twilight snickered until she grew quieter… More hesitant. “Listen, Rainbow… There’s still something missing before this observatory is complete,”

“Okay… What is it?” Her marefriend inquired curiously.

“It hasn’t been officially named yet, and… Well, I want to give it your name,” Twilight revealed, making Rainbow’s eyes go wide like saucers.

“What?! But that’s your thing, Twilight! It’s your project! It’s your dream!” Rainbow argued in disbelief.

“Yes, and that’s why I want to name it after you,” Twilight responded softly, placing a hoof on the pegasus’ cheek. “I never thought I would feel so much when we started dating. I thought my emotions would be similar to when we were just friends, but… They have grown so much beyond that. Just thinking of you makes me happy to get up in the morning, and I feel as though you complete me. I love you. I want this project, this dream, to be my gift to you,” The alicorn gently explained while staring into her marefriend’s eyes.

“Twi…” Rainbow uttered with watery eyes. What could she possibly reply to that? Those feelings were powerful and never-ending, and Twilight had just proved how true it rang for her. The pegasus embraced her with her mighty wings, holding her tightly. Now, Rainbow Dash just had to repay Twilight in kind to show she felt the same way.

Rainbow shook her head, trying to forget about the moment she just experienced again. No, she wouldn’t let all of this end! She refused to! Even if the whole world gave up on her, she wouldn’t. She couldn’t. Without further due, the pegasus continued her voyage to Las Pegasus.

Las Pegasus, 18 hours before present time

This time, Rainbow Dash found herself meeting with another doctor. She was a unicorn named Crackle, and the oldest doctor the hospital had. The pegasus princess hadn’t noticed any difference from the hospital in Cloudsdale, so she wondered if she would get any different results when she came in, though she still hoped she would.

“Hmm… Yes, yes, I’ve heard of this disease. Wasn’t it supposed to be extinct?” Crackle hummed while looking over the files Rainbow Dash had given her. They were about Twilight’s diagnosis as well as all the results from the tests the doctors did on her in Ponyville.

“Well, it’s not. Can you do anything or not?” The cyan pegasus asked in exasperation.

“Have you tried amputating her horn, perhaps?” Crackle suggested, making Rainbow roll her eyes.

“They already said that wouldn’t work,”

“Oh, well she is an alicorn, so it’s not like the source of her magic solely stems from her horn. They should try amputating the wings too. Maybe it could work,” The old mare nodded in approval at her own words.

“Grrr… I don’t want maybes or perhaps! I want a real solution that is sure to work! And I’m not gonna cut off my wife’s limbs if you aren’t even sure it’ll work!” Rainbow hit the doctor’s desk to accentuate her words.

“Well, what do you expect me to do when I don’t even have the patient to look at?!” Crackle retorted, crossing her forelegs. “This is medicine, not magic! We don’t have miracle solutions at our disposal whenever we want to!”

“Obviously, you can’t help me, old bag! Don’t even know why I bothered coming here!” Rainbow Dash jumped off the chair, ready to take off again.

“How ungrateful. Back in my day, we didn’t hijack so many resources for one pony. We would have pulled the plug days ago already!” Crackle grumbled, shaking her head.

The pegasus paused, sternly narrowing her eyes as she stopped herself from taking off and spun her head to face the old mare again.

Outside of Crackle’s office…

A pegasus attempted to open the door, only to be stopped by the voice of a colleague just as his hoof was about to touch the doorknob.

“Wait, Doctor Crackle’s busy with someone,” The nurse stated. “She hates it when we bother her while she’s busy. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with this,” She warned the stallion.

Before he could ask what Crackle’s issue was, something suddenly crashed through the wall to embed itself into the hallway, groaning in pain. The nurse and the pegasus widened their eyes, coughing because of the dust cloud invading their lungs as they tried to discern what burst out of Crackle’s office.

Looking closer, they noted that… It was none other than the old unicorn herself!

“Ugh…” Crackle moaned painfully before falling to the floor. While the nurse rushed to her side, the pegasus looked back into the doctor’s office to see what could have happened. However, the room was empty with the window wide open, and the wind gently blowing the curtains apart.

Rainbow Dash left Las Pegasus, heading for her next destination. After that disaster, there was no way she would only focus on big cities. If she truly wanted to help Twilight, then she would need to travel across ALL of Equestria!

Besides, why did she even trust Las Pegasus to be her saving grace in the first place? That city may have looked awesome on the outside, but it was rotten to the core, wasn’t it?

“Oh, I couldn’t have asked for a better vacation! This week has been simply divine!” Rarity grinned widely before sipping on her cocktail.

The girls were all in a restaurant in Las Pegasus, more specifically outdoors to enjoy the night’s gentle breeze. Since Rarity had been overworked lately, and because she always gave her all during her job, her friends decided to take her on a vacation to the most popular place in Equestria among tourists: Last Pegasus. Of course, this trip was their treat, so they would pay for most things and allow Rarity to enjoy a vacation without any worries or trouble.

“A shame it’s almost over, but Ah guess all the lights make me miss mah farm,” Applejack remarked while looking around.

“I know what you mean… Everything is so bright and noisy here,” Fluttershy added. It was a miracle they could even hear her. “I think a week is more than enough time spent in this city,”

Pinkie Pie also had quite an opinion on this place. The nights here felt like never-ending parties, and needless to say, the pink mare saw that as competition. Nevertheless, they all had fun during this week. Especially Twilight and Rainbow Dash. The pegasus enjoyed finding ways to be alone with her marefriend and discover some of the places here on their own. No, no, it wasn’t just an excuse to find room to smooch, not at all!

“Uhm, excuse me, sorry to bother you, ladies,” Someone suddenly cut in their conversation. It was a stallion, a pegasus. He didn’t look well, what with the wild mane he sported and the coat covered in dirt and wore a cast. It was as if he had fallen in a ditch.

“Oh, you’re not bothering us at all, do you need something?” Twilight asked, turning around to face him since he came from behind. She slightly widened her eyes at his appearance.

“Oh, my! Are you alright, sir?” Rarity inquired with a hoof over her mouth.

“N-Not really. I won’t be long, I just wanted to know if you have one or two bits you’re willing to spare,” The stallion shook his head before extending his hoof in a pleading manner.

“We do, but… Are you sure you don’t need anything else?” Fluttershy questioned.

“Oh, I need a lot of things. Basically everything actually. You wouldn’t believe the month I had. Lost everything to the casino, including my house. And I’ve got debts with the hospital too because I broke my hip last week!” He looked down defeatedly.

Rainbow Dash felt bad for the guy, but… Well, she couldn’t do anything for him. He didn’t look like a pegasus from Las Pegasus, so she guessed he may have hoped to come here to win big. He played the game and lost, though, she didn’t know you could lose your house too… The ponies in this city were ruthless…

“Do you have any time to spare, sir?” Her marefriend suddenly stood up. The stallion widened his eyes once he finally realized she was a princess.

“P-Princess!” The pegasus gasped, quickly bowing. “Yes, I do!”

“No need to bow,” Twilight swiftly shook her hoof awkwardly at the display. “I’ll accompany you to the hospital, okay?”

“S-Sure, but why?”

“Well, to settle your debt, of course!” Twilight proudly declared, much to Rainbow and their friends’ shock.

“Are ya sure, Twilight?” Applejack whispered quietly enough so that the stallion wouldn’t hear.

“You don’t have to do this, Princess!” The male pegasus shook his head in disbelief.

“I don’t, but I want to do it,” Twilight assured confidently.

While the alicorn conversed with the stallion, Rainbow shut down everything else, focusing only on her marefriend. She managed to surprise her every time! Seriously, sometimes, she wondered what she did to deserve her…

Smokey Mountains

“Alicornia Syndrome? What is that?” The old stallion questioned, his frail legs shaking under his weight.

“It’s a disease, it’s… Ugh, does anyone know what Alicornia Syndrome is?!” Rainbow Dash shouted in the middle of the town square. The ponies assembled around her whispered to themselves. From what she could hear, most of them were asking each other what that disease supposedly was. The cyan pegasus groaned, slapping her face with her hoof. She thought a town on top of mountains would be mysterious, and have some kind of miracle magic! This was a total bust!

“We have Alicornia Pie if you want! It’s a specialty here!” One pony brought up, only for Rainbow Dash to take off as quickly as she came, leaving a rainbow trail behind her. “Oh, well. Guess she doesn’t want to try it,” He shrugged.

Vanhoover

“I’m sorry, Princess, but… If Princess Celestia or Princess Luna don’t have any cures, then we sure don’t either,” A doctor shook her head.

“Aren’t you supposed to be a doctor?!” Rainbow Dash growled, stomping the floor.

“Yes, of course! But that doesn’t mean we can perform miracles on a whim! I really am sorry, Princess… I understand what you’re going through…” She raised a hoof to comfort the cyan pegasus, only for Rainbow to slap it away.

“As if! Don’t give me that crap!” She fumed, promptly turning around. “I’ve got enough pity already, I don’t need more!” Rainbow added as she opened the doctor’s window.

“W-Wait! You can’t…” She tried to stop her. Unfortunately, Rainbow didn’t seem to care. She took off with a strong burst of wind, knocking the doctor’s paperwork away. “Ugh… Darn it,” She muttered while looking at the mess.

No matter where she went, Rainbow Dash would receive the same responses. No matter how much she yelled, begged, or cried. It was always the same.

“My apologies, but I have never heard of such a disease,”

“Miracle cure? Oh, I wish we had something like that, Princess! Hahaha! But if we did, then there wouldn’t even be hospitals in the first place,”

“Unfortunately, it’s incurable. We can’t do anything… D-Does Princess Cadance know you’re here?”

“I have no doubt this must be painful, but there are times when we must face reality… I am sorry, Princess Rainbow Dash, but… You must let go,”

“I do have magical artifacts here, but not what you’re looking for. Besides, if I had something as powerful as a miracle cure for everything, I would keep it for myself,”

Back to the present…

Why couldn’t a single one of them give her the answer she was looking for?! Why were they taking her request so lightly?! It wasn’t fair… It wasn’t fair. They should be heartbroken! They should be crying as they told her they didn’t have a way to save Twilight!

Those questions swarmed Rainbow Dash’s mind as she let out her fury by screaming to the heavens, and shattering the trees of the Everfree Forest. She had traveled over half of Equestria, at least, and didn’t find anything! She even flew all over a chain of mountains because an idiot told her there was a myth about a fountain capable of healing anything! Obviously, she didn’t find anything…

She felt ashamed for coming back to Ponyville empty-hoofed, but she needed to check on Twilight. And… Use something as an outlet for her anger and frustration.

She just didn’t get it! She, Twilight, and their friends saved Equestria countless times! And now that the ponies of Equestria had a chance to repay that favor by helping their saviors, they didn’t?!

No, she didn’t want to hear about any of their excuses! They should be going above and beyond to find solutions to help Twilight! After everything she had done for them! They were so ungrateful!

“Grraa!” Rainbow growled, flying right through a tree and bursting it in half. “Damn it! Damn it!” She punched a boulder, only to quickly retract her hoof in pain. “Ah!” She yelped, though nothing was broken, thankfully. Small tears rolled down her cheek. It wasn’t from the pain caused by that blow, of course. But she was tempted it was… Just so she wouldn’t have to break down now of all times. If she gave in to despair… Then she wouldn’t be giving up on Twilight like the others.

“Rainbow Dash?” Someone suddenly broke the pegasus out of her thoughts. Rainbow looked up from where she sat, noting it was Zecora. Quickly, she wiped her tears away, unwilling to let the zebra see her so weakened.

“Zecora? What are you doing here?” Rainbow inquired, though, truthfully, she wasn’t interested. Nothing else mattered than what she set out to do.

“This morning I looked for you, but you weren’t in sight, to Ponyville I was returning, hoping you’d alight,” Zecora replied while Rainbow kicked a rock away in a bored manner.

“Well, unless it’s a cure-all for Twilight, I’ve got other stuff to do,” The pegasus warned, already standing up to fly away. She wasted enough time raging out here.

“A cure for Twilight may be near. Please stay, Rainbow, and lend an ear,” Zecora said just as Rainbow Dash was ready to take off, making the mare freeze.

“What did you just say? Please tell me you actually have some magical miracle cure somewhere in your hut!” Rainbow Dash pounced on Zecora, holding her by the shoulders. “And this better not be a prank, or else!” She immediately threatened, changing from hopeful to vindictive.

“I said a cure is near, but not my own. So calm your temper, let my words be known,” Zecora raised a hoof in Rainbow Dash’s face. “First, my friend, a lesson is due. For history holds the answers you pursue,”

“Huh? I don’t have time for history lessons!” Rainbow groaned, facehoofing. “Look, do you have a cure or not?” She questioned, tapping the ground impatiently. However, Zecora simply went on with her story instead.

“Our potions and rituals, as you may see. Come from a culture of past centuries. A culture whose roots with Zebras don't align,” Zecora began explaining as Rainbow finally started listening to what she was saying. “Long ago, the Kirin and Zebra did share. Traditions and secrets, a bond so rare. In darker sources, their shamans would seek. Though I have no cure, one may hold the key,”

Rainbow remained silent as if pondering the zebra’s words. Zecora wondered if the pegasus wasn’t…

“Zecora, can you please, please, talk normally for once? I didn’t get a thing!” Rainbow Dash complained.

Zecora deadpanned. Yep, there it was…

“Very well,” She sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Kirin shamans hold many secrets. One may hold the key to Twilight’s salvation…” Zecora said before closing her mouth and keeping her lips tight as if she physically struggled to keep her mouth shut.

“Alright, I just gotta see some Kirins? That’s easy! Thanks Zecora!” Rainbow Dash quickly took off in a rainbow streak.

“But don’t leave behind any regrets,” The zebra breathed out, relieved to complete her rhyme.

Truthfully, Zecora didn’t know if even a shaman could help Twilight. Sure, they were known to have the knowledge of many rituals and potions, most of which were kept tightly secret. It was possible they had something for Twilight’s condition. However, that possibility only amounted to a 2 or 3% likelihood. She wasn’t sure they had anything that could help or that they would be willing. Nevertheless, she supposed this was still better than anything Rainbow had until now.

“Okay… That Kirin village should be around here, right?” Rainbow asked herself while spinning the map she held around.

She knew that Applejack had gone there once for a friendship problem, giving her a basis for where to look. The pegasus hoped they would have a… What did Zecora call them? Right, a shaman! She hoped they had one, otherwise, she’d potentially have to leave for a whole other continent!

Of course, she also hoped Zecora was right about this. Rainbow didn’t know how long Twilight had, but this was possibly her last resort. Of course, she still wouldn’t give up even if the shaman route didn’t bear fruit. She could try asking the changelings or maybe the dragons. They didn’t have the same medical equipment Equestria had, but they must have had some way to treat their sick and injured, at least!

Nevertheless, for now, she would rely on Zecora’s word and the Kirin. The pegasus folded the map in annoyance before flying higher in the sky. She spun her head around, searching for any trace of houses or any building at all.

“Ah! There!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed when her eyes landed on various wooden structures. Those were clearly houses! It looked far away, and if she had been on hooves, then it would have taken her an hour or two to get there… Fortunately, she was the fastest pegasus in Equestria! She flew over the forest, hurrying to the village.

Rainbow Dash swooped down, her wings cutting effortlessly through the air as she zoomed toward the village. The sounds of the forest died out as she landed, replaced by the soft hum of Kirin voices. Beautifully nestled among a copse of tall trees and vibrant flowers, the village of wooden houses was built into the landscape harmoniously. She wasted no time, impatience bubbling over.

"I need to speak to your shaman guy or girl!" She called, firm and impatient. A few Kirin lifted their heads-their golden eyes following her movement. An older Kirin with a flow of silver and green came toward her.

"Ah, a visitor from afar," The older Kirin said with a slight, inclined head, "It’s not often we get ponies in our village. However, it is better if you talk with our leader if you are looking for a shaman. She is in the middle of the village. Come with me,” He instructed before walking away.

“Look, I need help. My wife needs help!” Rainbow Dash quickly ran after him. “Do you guys have a shaman or not?” She questioned hurriedly.

The old Kirin sighed but didn’t stop walking.

“You won’t be satisfied with my answer… But no, we do not have shamans here in the village. It has been years since we haven’t… However, there is a shaman who regularly comes to the village to sell goods. That is why you must see our leader. She’s the only one who knows where to find them,” He explained. Rainbow furrowed her brows. No, she didn’t like that answer, but it wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be.

“Fine… Lead the way, I guess,” Rainbow mumbled. Arguing would be useless. She needed to keep what Twilight said about unreasonable ponies in mind.

As they reached the middle of the village, a large clearing broke open. The focal point was a tall construction of wood and stone. Elaborate engravings bearing Kirin history and tales adorned the walls. The older of the Kirin stopped at the base of the building and turned to Rainbow Dash.

"Here we are," He gestured to the house. "The chief's home. She will speak with you,"

Rainbow Dash hesitated a moment, then nodded.

"Thanks." She darted up the steps and knocked firmly on the door, her heart pounding. Twilight needed help, and she wasn't going to leave until she got it.

“Yes, come in,” A feminine voice allowed entry from inside. Immediately, Rainbow opened the door and flew in to meet the supposed leader of the village. The pegasus immediately arched an eyebrow when she noted that this particular kirin was as tall as Princess Celestia! “Hmm, I didn’t expect to be visited by a pony today,”

“You’re the leader, right?” Rainbow inquired, wanting to make sure she didn’t get the wrong Kirin.

“I am. My name is Rain Shine,” Rain nodded in confirmation.

"Look, I need your help," Rainbow Dash said urgently, her voice cutting through the silence. "My wife is in danger, and I was told you might know where I can find a shaman who can help her," She decided to cut to the chase and didn’t even bother introducing herself.

"A shaman, you say? It is not often that outsiders come seeking one of our kind. What makes you think a shaman could help your friend?" Rain asked in surprise.

“Because nothing in Equestria can help her, so I’m expanding my choices. I’m willing to try anything, so please, just tell me where that guy is already!” Rainbow demanded. She didn’t have time for niceties, and she had enough of asking around. She wanted results this time! It was the closest anyone ever got to telling her she had a chance of saving Twilight!

Rain studied Rainbow’s face for a moment, taking in how determined the pony was. Finally, she nodded.

“Alright, I will tell you. There is a shaman that comes and goes from time to time. It would be once or twice a month, and since she came here a few days ago, you would have to wait for a couple of weeks before she comes back. However, if your predicament is as urgent as I imagine, then you may want to leave for the mountains to the north. I’ve never seen her hut, but from what she told me, she lives at the base of the mountains, deeper in the forest,” Rain explained, to which Rainbow nodded excitedly. Finally, she had some hope! “However, I do not want to give you false hopes. I don’t know what her views on outsiders are, and I do not the extent of her knowledge. While her profession is a part of our culture, it’s a practice that has been fading,” She warned the pegasus.

“Thanks, but I’ll see for myself,” Rainbow rushed to the exit. “Mountains to the north, huh? I can get there in ten seconds flat!” She declared confidently, leaving a rainbow trail behind her as she zoomed out of the village.

Rainbow Dash was high above the forest, flying at a pace that sent her heart racing for a taste of pure adrenaline. The rush of wind in her mane was comforting and familiar. She had her destination now, and nothing would stop her from getting there. Twilight was counting on her, and Rainbow Dash would never let her down.

As she approached the mountains, the landscape changed. The trees thickened out, their branches growing in weird and wonderful ways. Rainbow Dash didn't care. She was on target. She knew she was getting close. She could feel it.

Finally, she saw it: a small, secluded hut nestled at the foot of the mountain, veiled by thick fog. Rainbow Dash's wings flared as she slowed down, touching down gently in front of the hut. The air around her felt heavier, and she couldn't shake the sense that something was off. But she couldn't turn back now.

She took a great breath and approached the door, rapping while her heart was racing. Whatever was on the other side, she was ready to face it. She had to be.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a cloaked figure. The mysterious shaman stood tall. Rainbow Dash could only perceive her mouth, and not much else. She knew some ponies liked having a vibe, but did she need to be all mysterious even in her own house?

“I haven’t had a visitor in years, much less a pony…” The shaman remarked, then stepped aside. “Come in. If you’re here, then it must be because fate brought you,”

“Thanks,” Rainbow came in. She tried to stay polite, and not jump at the kirin to ask for a cure. While she was in a hurry, she also didn’t want to waste a chance at helping Twilight.

The moment Rainbow Dash stepped inside, she was hit by the scent of herbs and old wood. The room was dimly lit, with shelves lined by strange vials, bundles of dried plants, and books that looked ancient. It felt… ancient... mysterious. Almost too mysterious for Rainbow Dash's taste, but she quickly pushed that aside. Twilight needed help, and she wasn't going to let any of the shaman's cryptic vibes throw her off track.

“Now… What do you seek, Loyal One?” The kirin shaman asked, walking up to a table, where a book was open.

“"Okay, so, I’m Rainbow Dash," Rainbow started, trying to keep her tone steady. "And I heard you might be able to help me. My wife is in big trouble. She… She’s dying, alright? The princesses can’t help, and neither can Discord! The literal Lord of Chaos! So, no pressure… Can you help? Do you have anything that can save her? Please…” The pegasus slowly approached the kirin with a pleading tone.

“Hmmm, this depends on the affliction she suffers from,” She retorted.

“It’s Alicornia Syndrome,” Rainbow Dash revealed, furrowing her brows. She braced herself, waiting for the shaman to either tell her she had no idea what it was or that it was impossible to cure. However, the shaman hummed instead.

“I never thought I would face such disease in my lifetime… It is no wonder your rulers cannot help,” The kirin shaman nodded. “It is the very antithesis of their being. The Alicornia Syndrome is the anti-magic, eating away the beings that possess. And what has more magic than alicorns? It is no wonder that using magic to fight is worthless, whether that magic comes from order or chaos. Ultimately, it is only food for the disease,” She explained, closing her book and turning to Rainbow Dash.

“So what? You’re saying nothing can save her?!” The pegasus groaned, ready to fly out of here and go to the Changelings instead.

“I said magic cannot save her. Fortunately, what I use isn’t magic as much as it is sorcery… I think I know of a way to save her from her fate,” The shaman retorted.

“R-Really? You do?” Rainbow Dash asked with trembling lips. The kirin nodded. This… This was the answer she had been looking for… This was what she wanted to hear all this time!

“Indeed. However, I must warn you that the price isn’t cheap,” The cloaked kirin warned, making Rainbow snicker.

“Twilight and I are princesses! Don’t worry about the price, okay? We’ll have all the bits you want!” She assured. As if she was going to let money stop her! What a joke!

“You misunderstand me. The price I talk about is not paid in gold,” The shaman revealed, making Rainbow Dash pause. The cyan pegasus furrowed her brows, growing serious again. “However, I can see that you are determined. Whatever the price is, you are willing to pay it… Yes?”

Rainbow didn’t speak for a couple of seconds. No, she wasn’t looking for her words, or thinking over the shaman’s offer. Of course, not. She was simply baffled that the kirin thought even for a second that Rainbow would back down!

“Of course, I am. Whatever the price is. I’m paying it,” She affirmed determinedly.

Author's Note

Yo! I'm back to the story, guys! Sorry for the very, very, long wait. But I really wanted to focus on and finish my Multiversal Voyage story first. If any of you are interested, go check it out! As for this one, well, the end is near too. Don't worry, you won't have to wait two years for an update this time.