Canterlot Knights

Rainbow Dash was anxious, but for a different reason than you'd expect. You'd think she was anxious because she was going to a party with all the Wonderbolts and this was her chance to make an impression with them, but that wasn't the case. Thanks to the Young Flyers competition and her experience at the Wonderbolt Academy, the Wonderbolts knew her and she even became good friends with Spitfire. The reason she was anxious was because of two ponies in particular. Those ponies were Lightning Strike, the former Wonderbolt and current owner of the team who Dash will be meeting for the first time, and of course Soarin.

Over the years Rainbow has developed a liking for Soarin, some would even call it a crush, but she didn't want anypony to know about it. She imagined how much ponies would laugh at her if they knew that she had a...crush...on somepony, even if that pony is a stallion like Soarin. So she hid her affection and tried to be close to him every chance she got, and this party would be a perfect opportunity for that.

While she was in her suite getting ready for the party her mind drifted from topic to topic. She thought about Soarin, then the Wonderbolts, then the party, then Twilight becoming an alicorn, but then she found herself thinking about something else or somepony else. Occasionally she would think about the vigilante she had met three days before. Her stomach was still a little sore from that night. She couldn't help but be intrigued by him, and the fact that he seemed more like a character from an adventure story than a real pony. Her mind would then move again to other things while she put on her formal dress.

"Rainbow Dash, are you ready to go yet?" Twilight asked. She was in a gown as well, a brand new one that was given to her. She was a princess after all, she should have a plethora of gowns and dresses to choose from for events such as these.

"Yeah, I'm ready," she said as she walked out of her room and into the hallway with Twilight. The two walked together on their way to the carriage. "You took a lot longer getting ready than you usually do Rainbow."

"Oh, really?" Even Rainbow Dash herself was surprised by this.

"Well yeah, everypony else is waiting in the carriage already. You took even longer than Rarity did."

"Oh, well...I just want to look good if I'm going to one of Fancy Pants' parties."

"Yeah, but it's not like this is your first Canterlot party. I don't know, but to me it seems like you're trying to look good for somepony in particular."

"What?! You're crazy Twilight. I think this whole alicorn princess thing has gone to your head."

"Maybe...it's just that I know that the Wonderbolts are going to be at the party, and that means Soarin is going to be there." Rainbow Dash, no matter how hard she tried, was never very good at hiding her emotions. Twilight had never mentioned it, but she caught on that Dash just might have been harboring feelings towards the ace flyer.

"What, I...I mean he...oh, please don't tell anypony," Dash pleaded.

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed." Twilight smirked as the two ponies walked out the castle doors and joined their four friends in the large guard-drawn carriage. "My gosh sugar cube, what took ya so long," Applejack asked.

"Sorry, I just lost track of time I guess." The carriage started to move. It pulled out onto to the roads and started towards Fancy Pants' estate.

"I think I know what's going on," Rarity said.

Dash gulped. "You do?"

"Yes. I think somepony wants to make a good first impression on a mister Lightning Strike, hmm?"

Rainbow gave a sigh of relief. For a moment she had forgotten that the owner of the Wonderbolts was going to be attending the party. "Okay, you got me." Rainbow had wanted to meet him ever since at the academy Spitfire had promised to introduce them one day.

"Oh, that's nothing to be ashamed of Rainbow. If your tremendous flying skills haven't guaranteed you a spot on their roster yet, becoming friends with the owner certainly will." Rainbow blushed. Getting to know Lightning Strike wouldn't hurt her position. Since she was just a filly Dash had always known that it was her destiny to become a Wonderbolt and rise above the rest to become the greatest flyer Equestria, no, the world has ever seen. Everyday her goal grew closer and closer, to the point where she could almost just reach out and touch it.

The carriage hit a bump on the road that brought Rainbow back to the conversation. "Ya know, Ah thank Ah almost prefer walkin'," Applejack said, getting annoyed with the bumpiness of the carriage ride.

"I personally prefer this to walking. It's much faster and we don't have to worry about dirtying our hooves on the way to the party," said Rarity.

"Please, if we flew to Fancy Pants' house we'd get there way faster," Rainbow said.

"Not all of us have wings dear."

"Speak for yourself Rare, since ponies seem to be sprouting them now. Isn't that right Twilight?" Rainbow laughed as she gave Twilight a little nudge.

"Oh, I don't know about flying. My wings have been getting really tired every time I try it."

"Oh, well, maybe you just have to get used to them."

"I'm going to have to get used to a lot of things now," Twilight said in a surprisingly solemn tone. All her friends noticed this, but before they could comment the carriage halted and Twilight seemed to return to her cheerful mood. "We're here."

The six got out and saw the familiar sight of Fancy Pants' home. Fancy may own many houses such as his inner-city penthouse or his ski home in the mountains, but he felt it appropriate to have his party at his main home with his lavish garden which was reminiscent of the Canterlot Garden Party, the first time he met Twilight Sparkle.

The house and garden were filled to the brim with the upper crust. Wealthy ponies, politicians, celebrities of all sorts and of course, the Wonderbolts. As the mares entered the house Fancy Pants was actually the first to greet them. "Your majesty, it is so wonderful to see you, and the Elements of Harmony, always a pleasure," he said as he shook their hooves.

"Fancy Pants, darling, if anything the pleasure is ours," Rarity said with a smile. Fancy returned the smile and gave her hoof a kiss.

"Rarity, it's been so long. How have you been?"

"Oh, fabulous as ever, as you can obviously see." The two laughed. The others stood there and feigned chuckles. "Well," Rarity continued, "as you know I live in Ponyville. A town of rural charm and Canterlot elegance, and things have certainly been exciting."

"I've heard stories. Everything from a parasprite attack to an occupation even."

"Well, even without that, life there can be very interesting."

"Come, there are some ponies here that you, and the princess, simply must meet." Fancy Pants took Rarity by the hoof and lead her to a nearby circle of ponies and Twilight followed as well. "Ah might as well join 'em, it's always good ta meet new ponies," Applejack said.

"Let's get this party started!" Pinkie said as she ran off to be Pinkie. Applejack and Fluttershy went to join Rarity and Twilight, and Rainbow went about fulfilling her own agenda for the night. She scanned the crowd for Soarin, and then saw him and Spitfire talking by a table of food. She walked up and they smiled once they noticed her.

"Hey Dash!" Spitfire said.

"Hey, how's it been? No, wait, let me guess. Pretty dull since I finished at the academy, right?"

"Took the words right out of my mouth Dash." Spitfire and Dash had become close at the academy, even if their roles were trainee and drill instructor. After she finished her training at the academy Rainbow had even exchanged a number of letters between Spitfire and her. "You know Dash," Soarin interjected, "after the academy and saving our asses at the Young Flyers competition, I'd say you're definitely at the top of our draft list this year."

"You think so?" Rainbow said, blushing just a tiny bit.

"Hell, if it was up to us, you'd already be on the team," Spitfire said, "but you have to take into account the coaches, the draft pickers, and of course Lightning gets the final word on the whole thing. Speaking of which, Lightning has been wanting to meet you since the academy and he's somewhere around here. Goddess I swear, he blends in so well with these ponies, but you have to understand he's nothing like these stuck up rich ponies. You'll see, when you talk to him, he doesn't act like he has a giant stick up his ass."

"Spitfire!" Soarin chuckled.

"What, you know I hate these types. They're elitist, snobby, and boring to talk to. Definitely the worst part of the job. You know what I mean, right Dash?"

"I guess so, but that's a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"Well, look at me. I am one of the best flyers on the frickin' Wonderbolts, and I talk to ponies who you can just tell that they think they're better than me just because they have money," Spitfire ranted as she downed a glass of champagne.

"To me, it seems like you're the problem," Soarin said.

"Excuse me?"

"You seem to assume a lot, and that makes you a bit insecure. You also generalize quite a bit. A lot of rich ponies, like Fancy Pants and even Lightning Strike, aren't like that at all."

"Wh-what? Dash, can you believe this?"

"I think Dash may be on my side, since her best friend Twilight Sparkle just joined the ranks of the elitist, the snobby, and the very boring to talk to," Soarin pointed out as he finished his own drink, "also, there's a chance that you might be a little drunk."

"You know, I really hate the fact that you're smarter than me." Spitfire gave Soarin a light hit to his shoulder. Rainbow, not wanting to be left out of the conversation, looked for something to say. "So you guys are performing soon?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"Yeah, we're doing a special show for Blue Blood's party in about a week," Soarin said.

"Cool, I can't wait to see it."

"Okay, enough horsing around," Spitfire giggled as she put down her glass, "let's find Lightning, he wants to meet you."

"Wait, we don't have to bother him now, I've barely gotten to talk to you guys," she said, looking at Soarin.

"No, no, we have all night to talk, Lightning wants to meet you now." Spitfire took Rainbow by the hoof and lead her through the crowd, closely followed by Soarin. 'She's right. Sometime tonight I can probably get Soarin alone to talk to him, or maybe even more.' Rainbow smiled at the thought. 'If I'm going to meet the owner of the Wonderbolts, I want to do it sooner than later.'

*    *    *    *    *

Fancy Pants' party was in full swing as Saber snuck in through one of the top floor's windows. He found his tuxedo a bit constricting as he moved. He was surprised that there were honest to Celestia guards at the party. He didn't know, but Shining Armor had assigned those guards to the party, since he himself couldn't attend. He was busy investigating a murder right outside the Golden Goblet and there was a possibility it could be linked with the vigilante.

Saber made his way downstairs and blended into the crowd. He remembered the picture of Lightning Strike from the magazine and he scanned the room for the old pegasus. He spotted him just as some ponies finished talking to him. They left him alone, creating a perfect opportunity for Saber. Saber approached him. He had planned out the whole conversation. He knew exactly what to say and how to say it as to not be suspicious. He had thought of everything to the letter.

"Hi, Mr. Lightning Strike. Big fan, big fan of your work."

"Oh, why thank you, and you are?"

Okay, he hadn't thought of everything. "Umm..." Saber stammered. In all honesty, he had imagined how the conversation would go on his way to the party, he just thought that he would be smart enough to cover everything.

"I'm..."

'Son of a bitch!' he thought, 'Don't just stand there like an idiot, say something!' Saber tried to think of something to say. He looked for a name, any name that would be believable. For a whole day only one thing had stayed clear in his mind, so he used that. "Thunder Flames...my name's Thunder Flames. I'm sorry, I guess I'm just a bit nervous to finally meet you."

"Oh, that's alright," he said. Lightning Strike was a pegasus, tall and lean muscled, even at his age. His mane was white and his coat a green that was on the darker side but no too dark. He was one of the most famous Wonderbolts of all time, beloved by everypony who knew him or knew of him. Post retirement he was successful at starting up several of his own businesses. So successful, in fact, that he was even able to buy the Wonderbolts several years ago, and he has become the team's most involved and most popular owner ever. This was the stallion who could help Saber.

"I know, it's just an honor sir."

"Thunder Flames, that doesn't seem like a very earth pony name. More like pegasus to me."

"Well, my parents weren't expecting an earth pony." The two laughed. "Oh, Mr. Lightning, I actually wanted your help with something."

"Anything for a fan."

"You see, there's this friend of mine from out of town who loves the Wonderbolts, I mean loves them, even more than I do. He knew they would be in Canterlot so he asked me to get the autograph of a particular favorite of his."

"Is that so...and what exactly do you need me for?"

"That's the funny part. I can't seem to remember his name. I know my friend must of told me his name a dozen times, but it's just like me to forget. On top of that, none of my letters to him seem to be getting through to him. I do know that his name probably starts with an R. I saw you and thought, who better to help jog my memory than you."

"Well, I'm flattered that you would turn to me for help, but I'm afraid I can't help you. I don't know of any Wonderbolts whose names start with an R."

"None? Not even one on the team?"

"No, I'm afraid there's not even one currently on the team."

"Then what about former Wonderbolts?" a voice said. The two ponies looked to see that the voice belonged to Rainbow Dash, who was standing with Soarin and Spitfire and had overheard the tail end of the conversation. 'Oh shit,' Saber thought. "There aren't many I can think of," she continued, "In fact, only two come to mind really. Running Cloud was a pretty famous member, but he died decades ago. Then there's Rapidfire."

"My brother's probably the one you're looking for. He actually lives here in Canterlot ever since he retired," Spitfire said. "Oh, I almost forgot. Lightning, this is Rainbow Dash."

"Ah, the young flyer everypony has been talking about, and with good reason I presume."

"Hell yeah, you should have seen her at the academy."

"I've heard about her flying but what I'm really interested in is her attitude. The way she stood her ground against Spitfire here just screams Wonderbolt. If only more young mares had that..." Lightning trailed off.

"So, how exactly can I find your brother?" Saber asked.

"Oh yeah, he has his own place, umm... 134 Alchemy Lane... I think."

"Well, do you think or do you know?" Saber snapped.

"Yeah that's it, jeez, calm down buddy."

"It's just this friend is very dear to me, and I don't want to disappoint him. It's been an honor and a pleasure meeting you sir but..." Saber locked eyes with Rainbow, "I must be going now." Saber exited the room very swiftly. He got his information and didn't want to stay any longer. Added is the fact that guards will most likely be all over him very soon. Rainbow Dash, the  mare that Saber had met a few days earlier and had surprised him by punching him in the face, now knew he was there and that he was looking for Rapidfire. 'Well shit,' he thought. Well shit indeed, as it seems time was running out. Although, Saber was so close, so close that he couldn't bring himself to seriously care about these facts. He didn't see a noose tightening around his neck. He saw his goal, and only his goal. He just realized that he had less time to reach it.

"What a strange pony," Soarin said as Saber ran off.

"Hang on," Rainbow Dash said, "I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?" Lightning asked.

"Don't worry, I'll only be a little while."

"But we just got over here," Spitfire said.

"I'll be right back, don't worry." Rainbow Dash quickly left the room.

"She's a bit stubborn," Spitfire said.

Lightning smiled. "She does what she wants. I like that."

*    *    *    *    *

Rainbow exited Fancy Pants' house and looked around the street for the pony she believed to be Thunder Flames. Rainbow was definitely going to tell the guards or Shining Armor or somepony about what she just learned, it's just that at that moment curiosity had gotten the better of her. The last time she encountered anypony like him was her run in with the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well, or Mare-Do-Wells as it turned out. She is still surprised to this day that her friends would be capable of such a cruel joke.

Anyway, Dash hadn't known many ponies who would be crazy enough to do something like that. He seems like a character out of a storybook, but not the kind she read. Rainbow preferred books like Daring Do, explosive adventures full of action, a likeable hero, and one where everypony got out okay. Dash didn't like other stories with revenge or wars. She didn't mind violence, she just didn't like death. It makes everything seem so bleak and sad, like real life. It didn't matter if the stories had happy endings, all stories have happy endings. She just doesn't like stories that are too dark.

Rainbow spotted an orange pony walking down the sidewalk, and she took off and landed behind him. She knew what she wanted to ask. "So, is Thunder Flames your real name?"

"Nope." He didn't stop walking.

"Than what is it?"

"Not telling you."

"Why not?"

"I have to generate at least a little bit of mystery for you."

"You know, if I don't find out from you I'll just find out from the Royal Guard after I tell them your cutie mark, which I've clearly seen now." The pony stopped, and turned around to face Dash. She smiled at him, enjoying the moment thoroughly.

"Fine, I guess there's no real point to keeping it a secret, my name is Splitting Saber."

"Hmmm, never heard of you."

"Well, that's not really a surprise."

"I guess your cutie mark makes sense now." Saber looked at his own flank, which had an image of two rapiers crossed in front of a pony on it's hind legs imprinted upon it.

"Oh that, that's just my family's crest, so I don't really pay much mind to it."

"Family's crest huh? How'd you get it?"

"By being an asshole. So that must mean that my special talent is being an asshole and that my destiny is to continue my family line. You can probably tell why I don't pay much mind to it. I'd prefer to make my own destiny, which is actually what I'm going to do now, so please go away." Saber started walking again and Dash followed closely behind.

"Are you going to look for Rapidfire?" Saber stopped.

"You know, you ask a LOT of questions, and it's starting to annoy me. I've got to admit, I kind of liked you better when you were just trying to beat me up."

"You didn't answer my question." Saber experienced a flash of anger, then just gave up and sighed.

"No. I'm going to my house first to get some things, then I'm going to sleep, then I'm going to look for Rapidfire."

"Why are you looking for him? In fact, why are you doing any of this? Why are you going out at night and fighting crime?"

"Because my whole family was murdered in front of me and a spell my sister cast gave me super powers so I trained for a few months then started going after the killers," Saber said very bluntly. Dash was actually surprised that he'd admit to that, assuming he was telling the truth.

"Wow, I expected you to be a bit more... I don't know, defensive about that."

"Well, at this point, I don't really care if you know. Hell, I don't care if everypony in Equestria knew. All I care about is that I've almost got these ponies. Then I'm done. I can just go after that." 'Although,' he thought, 'it may take longer than I originally thought.' Saber had been wondering about who could have "ordered" Thunder Flames and the other two to do such a thing.

"When you find these ponies, are you going to kill them?"

Saber paused. "Yes," he said.

"Is it really worth it?"

"Won't find that out until it's all over." Saber once again began to walk away.

"Hold up, I still have so much I want to know."

"Really? I'm pretty sure I told you everything."

"I doubt that."

"Okay, well, I'm sorry, you seem like a very nice young mare and if things were different I'd definitely talk more but I'm a very busy stallion and also I haven't slept for a few days so I'll be going now." Saber set out for home, leaving behind a very disappointed Rainbow Dash. She knew more about him now, but it actually felt like she knew him even less than before. It was all very strange for her.

She turned around and took to the air on her way to rejoin the party.

*    *    *    *    *

Saber arrived at the manor, the exhaustion of the past few days just beginning to creep up on him. Pretty soon he would be in his bed, unable to move at all for a while. He knew what he had to do when he woke up. His mind had become focused in the past few days, but Rainbow Dash hasn't helped. Right at that moment all he wanted to do was sleep.

"So, nice place you've got here," Rainbow said as she landed right behind him.

'Damn it.'