“Why?! Why me?! Why did this have to happen to me?!”
Rainbow Dash. Prodigious flyer from Cloudsdale, illustrious member of the Wonderbolts, bearer of the Element of Loyalty and heroine of Equestria screamed in lament at the sight of the Crusaders Cutie Marks.
It was morning in Ponyville when the three ponies were heading to the house of a young unicorn colt because he still didn’t have a Cutie Mark and asked for help to find his talent. During the trip the Crusaders heard cries near the outskirts of the town, putting aside the meeting they wondered who could be distressed but they didn’t think that it was Rainbow Dash who they would find in those conditions. What’s more, all the ponies know that the pegasus is quite reckless and intrepid, therefore she developed a strong image as well as a very strong personality.
Obviously, this doesn’t mean Rainbow never shed a tear, only when she is in the company of her friends or her parents does allow herself to cry. However, the current situation is far from the optimistic image the mare is known for, almost in the presence of the Ponyvilleans. This was too disconcerting for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, mostly Scootaloo.
“Rainbow, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” The little pegasus asks.
Rainbow Dash didn’t expect to see her protégé, nor did want her or anypony to look at her in that state, but there she was with her friends and Rainbow had to answer the question even if she didn’t willing to.
“Because life isn’t fair. Because nothing I’ve done or was going to do matters. Because it’s all been pointless!”
“Rainbow, ya’ll have to forgive me but we’re not gettin’ it. Care ta specify, please?” Apple Bloom requests.
“Specify?!” The older mare reacts badly. “What do you want me to be specific about? That everything you fought for, your dreams and your efforts are worthless? That I am just another one of the bunch? That I’ll forever be STUCK?!”
This furious exclamation made the Crusaders back off in fear. Thinking back on her behavior, Rainbow Dash laments again.
“I… I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to scare you like that. It wasn’t cool…”
“Don’t worry Rainbow Dash, we know you didn’t do it on purpose.” Sweetie Belle assures her, handing her a cloth from a box of cloths she brought with her so the cyan pegasus can wipe her tears.
“… Thanks Sweetie Belle.” Rainbow Dash blows her nose hard into the cloth.
“It was a pleasure.” Then Rarity’s younger sister resumes the conversation. “So… we don’t know what could have happened to make you upset, although I imagine it must be bad.”
“‘Bad’ is an understatement,” the Element of Harmony replies. “I’d rather say it’s horrible. Terrible. DISASTROUS! No calamity can compare to what’s happening to me! It’s a disgrace!!!”
Rainbow Dash cries again, none of the three Crusaders still understand what she means. They wouldn’t stand by with their hooves crossed either, they have to find a way to help the rainbow-maned mare.
“Rainbow, you can tell us what’s happening to you. We’re not going to judge you or anything like that.”
“Why for Scoots? It wouldn’t help,” Rainbow Dash says sadly. “I’ve already become a lost cause, and I would never forgive myself if I dragged you down with me. You girls have a bright future ahead, don’t ruin it.”
“Well, thank you very much for your gesture, Rainbow Dash. Your comment fills us with- Ow!”
Sweetie Belle gets a couple of nudges on both sides from her friends to get her to think things over. “I mean… On the contrary, Rainbow Dash! We’re here to help you!”
“That’s right! Whatever the cause of yer distress is, we’ll find the solution only if ya allow us ta help.” Apple Bloom assured.
“But-“
“No buts. It’s wrong for us to ignore a pony in trouble, especially if that pony happens to be you! So, spill the beans and tell us what’s the problem because we’re not leaving until you do.” Scootaloo added with quite a bit of determination in her words.
Rainbow didn’t seem sure at first. Deep inside, she fears that the girls might not understand her, or might even make fun of her, yet she chooses to accept the offer of help.
“Okay… I’m going to say it.”
“That’s the spirit! Just breathe, and let it out.” The younger Apple said, attentive to listen to what afflicts the rainbow-haired mare as well as her fellow Crusaders.
Rainbow Dash takes a deep breath following the indication. She puts every fiber of her being to say it while keeping her tears at bay, although it wouldn’t be an easy task given the mood she is in and the reason why she reached such level of sadness. Every time the cause of her emotional misery comes to mind, it makes Rainbow want to hesitate and return to her cries, but she is also aware that she cannot bear up with her issue when Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are offering her a solution.
Not wanting to continue bottling up negative emotions, Rainbow Dash says it at once.
“I’M GOING TO END UP BEING ZEPHYR’S WIFE!”
The cyan pegasus said forcefully, despite her still tearful voice. Everything fell silent, as if time had stopped in an instant; the only sound in Ponyville was the air, which was actually Derpy Hooves blowing a wind whistle to entertain herself.
Back with the group, the Cutie Marks Crusaders stood motionless where they were with shocked looks plastered on their faces, completely mute. This scene was making Dash uncomfortable.
“…What?”
“Rainbow, are you kidding us?”
The comment from her number one fan made Rainbow Dash feel offended.
“Excuse me?!”
“Look Rainbow Dash, if you were looking to play a joke on us, then… umm… we didn’t like it?” Sweetie Belle comments uncertainly.
This made the older mare angry with indignation. “ARE YOU SERIOUS?! DO YOU THINK THIS IS A JOKE?! WHAT’s WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU! Look at my eyes, my face! “DO I LOOK LIKE I’M FAKING IT?!!!”
The young ponies let out a small cry of fright, jumping back a step at Rainbow Dash’s outburst. After having yelled at them, Rainbow Dash returns to her depression.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. I should have known that you wouldn’t take me seriously when you asked me to tell the truth.”
“It’s not that, Rainbow Dash. Forgive us for takin’ ya lightly, it’s just…” Apple Bloom says confused and thinking of a correct word to avoid anger the pegasus again. “…we fail ta understand.”
“What can’t you understand?”
“What ya said! How is that somethin’ bad?”
“Do you even know who I’m talking about?” Rainbow Dash replies in annoyance.
“Isn’t Zephyr supposed to be a stylist? What’s wrong with it?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Zephyr may be anything, but he’s lazy, conformist, and has no aspirations! I’d much rather spend the rest of my life with Discord’s stubborn presence than him!”
“For your information I’m very classy and would be a good match for any lady if I wanted to.” A certain chaotic creature replied in an offended tone.
“Discord? What are you doing here?” Scootaloo asks.
“I went to walk the dog, of course.”
The Crusaders turned to see a huge Pekingese chasing the townsponies around like they were squirrels.
“The poor thing was bored at home and I thought it would do him good to get some fresh air as well as play with the neighbors a bit. Don’t worry, I’ll call him before he gets the urge to eat somepony.
Anyway, what’s wrong with her?”
“Is sensitive because she claims she’s going to marry Zephyr Breeze.” The orange pegasus said.
“Hold on. Zephyr Breeze? Fluttershy’s skinny, scruffy, lazy, green older brother? That guy?”
“Yes Discord, and he’s no lazy pony.”
“He’s a hairstylist.” Sweetie Belle seconds Apple Bloom.
The Spirit of Chaos summons a milkshake which she begins to sip through a straw only to spit it out seconds later.
“HAAAA-HAHAHAHAHAHA! Now you really did it Dashie, that was a good one!”
“DISCORD!!!” The Crusaders reproach the draconequus.
“It’s okey… let him laugh all he wants… it doesn’t matter anymore…” Rainbow Dash says looking down. Scootaloo tries to cheer her up without any success, then gives Discord an angry look.
“Look what you’re doing! You made her feel worse!”
“Excuse me, but I find it impossible to believe that Dashie is going to marry Zephyr and-“ Discord remained silent as he saw Rainbow Dash’s mood out of the corner of his eye as well as the glares of the younger ponies on him.
“No way… did she really mean it?!”
The Crusaders rolled their eyes at the draconequus’ lack of discretion.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t think something like that would affect her so much,” Discord excuses himself with some annoyance. “So tell us, Rainbow Dash, where did you get such nonsense from?”
“It’s not a nonsense, it’s the truth!” Rainbow answers full of humiliation. “It’s an irrefutable fact that I’m going to end up marrying Zephyr without being able to do anything to prevent it.”
“That’s precisely the part that confuses us. Why are you so sure that you’ll be his wife?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Because Twilight told me so.”
The Wonderbolts member’s revelation left the Crusaders and Discord speechless, their eyes widening as well as their mouths letting out gasps of horror. They also heard a couple of gasps behind Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo spots the intruders.
“Do you mind? “This is a delicate matter, now get out of here!”
“Sorry!” Roseluck said as she and Daisy walked away in fear. Back with the group, Apple Bloom spoke up.
“Ah can’t believe Princess Twilight was capable of tellin’ ya such barbarity. Don’t ya think she was just playin’ with ya?”
“It’s not a game, how many times do I have to repeat it?!” Rainbow retorts in frustration. “Ever since I’ve known Twilight, I’ve learned that I should never take her words lightly; besides, she’s not the kind of pony who likes to joke about something as serious as this.”
“Fair enough, Ah’ll take it,” the pink-ribboned mare continued. “Still, if what Twilight told ya is true, what did she base her conclusion on?”
“She consulted the horoscope, used some old-fashioned arithmetic calculation, or learned a spell to see the future… But that doesn’t matter! The point is that I’m going to be HIS wife!”
Once again the rainbow-maned mare bursts into tears. “I had so many plans in mind to accomplish, you know? Winning for Ponyville at the next Equestria Games, becoming Captain of the Wonderbolts, going to space and walking on the moon, treating the pony I like to a drink of apple cider…”
“Do you have a crush?”
“…Is a stallion who plays for a volleyball team whose name I can never remember. I’ve always wanted to tell him how cute he looks and… I don’t know… ask him out. Now I can see it won’t be possible anymore… it’s all over for me!
MY LIFE IS RUINED!!!”
Rainbow Dash screams through tears and wails, resigning herself to her fate. Any hope of continuing to progress ended in the instant she received the horrible news from Twilight. She was even beginning to imagine herself physically exhausted, doing household chores while Zephyr sat there on the couch doing nothing except scratching his belly with a hoof.
Just as she is about to accept defeat, two words snap her out of her gloomy state.
“So what?”
Rainbow Dash’s red eyes land on none other than Scootaloo. The young acrobat looks at her with a seriousness that would rival Spitfire’s.
“I don’t know if you’ve been listening this whole time, squirt. If you haven’t caught on-“
“I HEARD YOU! We’ve heard you from start to finish, and I know perfectly well that you’re hurt! SO WHAT?!” Scootaloo exclaims in a wake-up call that silences the older pegasus momentarily. It even managed to make Rainbow feel intimidated by the outburst.
“Before you go misinterpreting, Rainbow Dash, what Scoots is trying to tell you is that you didn’t have to make a fuss.” Discord intervenes.
“Actually, he’s right.” Sweetie Belle comments. “Rainbow, you must be upset now and don’t want to listen to reasons, but I dare to say there was no reason to cry for.”
“What do you mean? It’s the end of the road for me. What makes you think I still have hope?”
“Cuz’ it’s true.” Now it was Apple Bloom’s turn to give her opinion. “Nopony has the right to dictate how ya’ll live, not even Twilight herself.
Look at mah family, for example. For years there was enmity between the Apples and the Pears, constantly fought to prove who was the best, but Ma and Pa weren’t like them; the love they both had for each other was sincere, and prevailed despite family prejudices.”
“How about this? You know how much Rarity dreamed of becoming a famous designer,” said the white unicorn. “She wasn’t satisfied with her creations, so she was always looking for inspiration in order to perfect her technique, surpass her works and herself in the process. Obviously she encountered several obstacles, including devastating criticism that would have ended her career, but it wasn’t an impediment for her to continue doing what she is passionate about.”
“And if that weren’t enough, what can you tell about me?” Scootaloo points at her entire body. “Needless to say, I was born with a disadvantage, which is why I often became the object of ridicule. Despite giving my best effort, I was unable to make my wings lift me up even for a few minutes; however, I knew how to compensate for my weakness with another attribute where I stand out highly. I didn’t figure it out overnight, I had to achieve it with effort and additional help.”
“If you are still not convinced…” Discord snaps his eagle claw causing a luxurious mirror to appear which he places in front of Rainbow Dash.
The cyan pegasus only saw her own broken image at first. After a few seconds of thinking, processing the information received from the girls and the draconequus, she looked beyond the reflection, slowly losing the emotional pain she was suffering. In her mind, Rainbow Dash glimpsed every moment that marked her throughout her adventures making her what she is today from turning a legend into reality, battling against the most terrible villains in Equestria and being part of the greatest friends she has ever known, which includes Scootaloo.
Did all those achievements mean something to her? Was she really going to throw away such feats for an meaningless implication?
Is that what she really wanted?
Soon that saddened face she carried was replaced by one of strong conviction. Rainbow Dash flies in search of the pool of water in Ponyville’s square and repeatedly submerges her head with force. With the box of cloths that Sweetie gave her, she removed all traces of tears or dirt from her face until she was clean.
“I think I’ve had enough of feeling sorry for myself. I don’t know about you, but this pony hasn’t given up on her goals yet, and doesn’t plan on doing so!” The wielder of the Element of Loyalty returns to the group with a proud smile and a renewed sense of self-esteem.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaim in joy and go to Rainbow Dash to wrap her in a hug. She returns their hug of her own and seconds later Discord joins them.
“You three are the best girls, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Thank you so much for opening my eyes.”
“And what about me?”
“Hehe… yeah Discord, I thank you too. Although you are annoying sometimes.”
“I accept the compliment.” The Spirit of Chaos answers. Breaking the group hug, Rainbow feels calmer to say a few words.
“I’m sorry for making you go through an embarrassing moment. You know I’m not good at showing my emotions when I face bad news, nor should I break down over something insignificant. I should have accepted it and kept calm.
I’m also sorry for having spoken negatively about Zephyr. I mean, he drives me crazy several times, and has his many flaws, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad pony. Wich reminds me.”
Rainbow Dash takes a few steps forward in the opposite direction.
“Where are ya goin’?” Apple Bloom asks her.
“Looking for Zephyr. I think it’s time to reciprocate his feelings.”
“So soon you want to take the big step? Respect.” Discord comments with some humor.
“It’s not exactly that,” replied the pegasus. “I’m pretty aware Zephyr has been trying to get my attention for as long as I can remember, and I have already decided to start by taking steps with him to get to know each other a little more until the day he takes me to the altar.”
Rainbow shuddered slightly upon hearing herself say that word. Maybe she’s getting ahead of herself.
“Anyways. From today on, things aregoing to be difficult for me, and nothing will ever be the same again, tough I’ll continue to fight to keep my dreams coming true no matter what.”
“That’s the way to say it, Dash! And rest assured, you have me for whatever you need. We may not share blood, but we are sisters. You’ll always have my conditional support as well as the girls’.” Scootaloo said, followed by a nod of approval from Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.
Rainbow responded with a look of relief before turning her head back on the road. Spreading her wings, she prepares to take off from the ground and soar through the skies with her characteristic speed. On the ground, the Crusaders and Discord raise their limbs in farewell as they watch a rainbow trail moving away in the distance.
The draconequus allows himself to breathe deeply in satisfaction. “Doesn’t feel it good when you manage to solve problems with a healthy conversation?”
“You said it. And I’m glad to know that Rainbow Dash was able to assimilate it, with it she’ll find a way for her to move on.” Scootaloo replied.
“It’s comforting and all, although there’s still one detail I still don’t understand,” Sweetie Belle mentions. “Why would Twilight say something so crazy to Rainbow?”
“There are mysteries in this universe that will remain a mystery. I guess we’ll never find the answer.” The draconequus concludes.
“How about we go find her and talk ta her instead?” Apple Bloom suggests.
“Always seeking extremes meassures, aren’t we AB?”
“Just get a move on, Discord!”
However, a strong flash appears in front of the group taking them by surprise. After a few seconds, three figures emerge.
“Let’s hope she’s still around. I don’t want to imagine what could happen!”
“Calm down Twilight, I highly doubt she’s gone far from Ponyville. Oh! Hi girls, hi Discord.”
“Hello Spike, Twilight, and Applejack.” Rarity’s younger sister answers the greeting.
“AJ, what are ya doin’?” Apple Bloom asks her older sister. By her expression, she seems dismayed.
“We’re lookin’ fer Rainbow Dash ta talk her ‘bout somethin’. By any chance ya haven’t seen her around here, have ya?”
“She was actually with us just a few moments ago. And since you’re here, Twilight…” The orange pegasus extends her hoof towards the princess’s face in an accusatory manner. “SHAME ON YOU!”
“E… excuse me?” Twilight reacts in surprise at Scootaloo’s unexpected change.
“Rainbow Dash told us what you told her about becoming Zephyr’s wife. How could you do this to your own friend?!” Sweetie Belle exclaims.
“So she already told you?”
“Exactly! The three of us, and Discord, gave Dash the encouragement she needed after you humiliated her so badly.”
“That’s not true, Scootaloo! You’re getting the wrong idea.” The young alicorn tries to explain herself. “The thing is-“
“Is ya acted vilely towards Rainbow Dash. What you did ta her is unspeakable!” Apple Bloom interrupts her.
“Apple Bloom, don’t talk ta Twi like that! Haven’t we taught ya values? Yer drawing the wrong conclusions.”
“Don’t try ta defend her, Applejack! Ah would’ve expected such meanness from Mrs. Rich, the Flim Flam Brothers, or even Discord…”
“Hey, I’m still here.” The draconequus protests.
“…more than ever would Ah have expected it from anypony like you.”
“We are so disappointed in you, Twilight. You practically have gone evil!” Scootaloo lashes out again. This comment makes Spike grumpy, who steps forward facing the mares.
“Enough! It’s you three who should feel ashamed of yourself for slandering Twilight!”
“How can you say that, Spike? She was the one who hurt Rainbow’s feelings in the first place.”
“That’s not true! Why do you refuse to listen her?”
“And why would we?” Scootaloo demands to know.
“Because none of what she said was true! “IT WAS ALL A PRANK!!!” The baby dragon exclaimed loudly so that the Crusaders would stop their verbal aggression and understand once and for all. The unexpected response left the group consisting of the three young mares and the draconequus stupefied, the latter having a mental explosion; for the third time the sound of the wind was heard in the environment, only this time it was Derpy teaching Dinky Doo how to blow the whistle.
“…Come again?”
Twilight Sparkle lets out a sigh. “Look, I did tell Rainbow Dash that she would become Zephyr Breeze’s wife in the future, but I did it as a joke because she had resumed her old habit of playing heavy pranks on everypony and it was getting out of control.
I thought by using that idea would dissuade her, but when I noticed a lack of activity on her part I feared something awful was happening to her.”
“That’s why Applejack and I are helping her find Rainbow Dash everywhere to tell her the truth,” Spike concludes.
After hearing the explanation, the Cutie Marks Crusaders look at each other in shame.
“So it was all a bad joke all along!” Sweetie Belle exclaims.
“We should have stuck to our instincts. Forgive us, Twilight, we were unfair to you.”
“No, girls. You weren’t aware of the situation,” the alicorn assures Scootaloo and her friends. “The only one responsible is me for not looking another alternative to reason with Rainbow Dash.”
“Don’t despair, sugarcube. It’s just a matter of findin’ Dash and talk with her calmly,” Applejack says comfortingly to Twilight. “Sure, it doesn’t hurt ta give her a lecture fer resorting ta her pranks again, but that’s yet ta be determined. Our priority is find her as soon as possible.”
“Ah sorry to say it’s a little late,” the younger Apple says, “Rainbow Dash left minutes ago in that direction ta meet Zephyr and start a relationship with him.”
“Oh tarnation, that means she’s ahead of us! We need ta find her soon and stop her from doin’ somethin’ crazy!”
“Umm… and why exactly, if it’s not harmful to know?” The white unicorn asks unsure.
“Because it turns out Zephyr already has a girlfriend,” Spike answers. “And I’m not kidding. Her name is Pixie Cut, she’s a stylist like him and they both met at a convention months ago. They’ve been hanging out ever since; I thought Discord told you that.”
Three pairs of annoyed eyes fall on the Spirit of Chaos demanding an immediate answer.
“Don’t look at me like that! It’s not my fault Fluttershy doesn’t tell me everything about herself or her family!”
“Enough, we’re wastin’ valuable time!” The cowgirl mare interrupts. “We must catch up with Rainbow now!”
“Say no more!”
Discord snaps his lion’s paw, receiving the impact of a lightning strike, covering himself in smoke. Once the smoke screen cleared, it revealed a Discord who had gained muscle mass in his arms, chest, and abdomen as well as wearing a steel black suit with a worn-out lightning bolt symbol in gold as well as a pair of bracelets and a sash around his waist in the same color.
“Discord, stop fooling around. Can’t you see this is serious?” Spike scolds him.
“Of course I’m taking it seriously! Now…” The draconequus lifts the two older mares and the young dragon up, holding them tightly against his well-defined pecs. “… hold on tight because we’re going to take off!”
“NONONONO! DON’T DO IT!”
Twilight Sparkle’s pleas fell on deaf ears the instant Discord takes off like a rocket, leaving a crater behind in the ground. The Cutie Mark Crusaders hear the screams of their friends – and sister - as they watch them go away until they disappear.
“Ah speak for everyone that this has been the most absurd friendship problem we’ve ever had to deal with. And all fer of a misunderstanding.” Apple Bloom sentenced.
“I totally agree with you. Now I wonder how Rainbow Dash will take it.” Sweetie Belle says extremely dismayed.
“Well, knowing her, she’ll surely explode angrily and express her discontent with screams.” Scootaloo answers, although she notices the discouraging looks of her fellow Crusaders. “Buuuut I bet that later she’ll calm down, think a little about her behavior as well as why Twilight said that to her, apologize each other and be friends as always. Case closed.”
“Speaking of cases, don’t ya feel we’re forgettin’ somethin’ that should be taken care of?”
After thinking, the Crusaders open their eyes wide in alarm.
“It’s true! We had to meet up with-“
Turning her gaze, Sweetie Belle finds the unicorn pony gently rubbing the giant Pekingese’s belly with his hoof. A bright light forms on his flank, giving rise to a Cutie Mark wich fills him with happiness. Hugging the dog, the colt decides to adopt him and takes it home with him.
“Nevermind. He already figured it out.”
“Then I guess our work is done for today, even if we haven’t done anything.”
“Ah wouldn’t exactly say that, Scoots.” Apple Bloom mentions. “Have ya already forgotten Rainbow Dash? While it all turned out to be a terrible misunderstanding, it was gratifying to have helped her out.”
The orange pegasus thinks for a moment, realizing that her friend is right. “Good point.”
“And rest assured that the next time Rainbow feels like she has nothing to fight for, she’ll remember our words to get back up again.” Sweetie Belle added. The Crusaders nodded in unison, then stood still where they were.
“So? What do we do now?”
“I vote we go to Sugarcube Corner. I’m craving a nice chocolate shake.” Scootaloo says.
“Oh! We can also order some cinnamon rolls and cupcakes to go with it.” Sweetie suggests, excited with the idea of having a snack.
“So be it then. Let’s go, girls!”
Thus, the Cutie Mark Crusaders move towards the bakery. During the journey, a thought invades Scootaloo’s mind; the young acrobat wonders if something like what happened today could happen again later, but chooses to dismiss it.
She highly doubted that such a situation would happen again, because it would be too silly for somepony to torn apart over a little prank, right?
~ Meanwhile ~
“Why?! Why me?! Why did this have to happen to me?!”
Rainbow Dash. Illustrious student of Canterlot High School, captain of all the Wondercolts sport teams, founder and member of the Rainbooms, bearer of the Element of Loyalty and local heroine screamed in lamentation at the sight of the Canterlot Movie Club.
Author's Note
Greetings to all!
After a couple of weeks I managed to finish this fic, although I had to make several modifications. The idea came up while checking Derpibooru’s site months ago where I found a comic that caught my attention, hence I took inspiration to start writing the story.
Some of you may not agree with how I portrayed Rainbow Dash in this storyline since she is a strong character in many ways – except for certain events that affected her as seen in the series – but I had to tone down her self-esteem a bit so that it could fit both in my writing and in the comic. Even so, I enjoyed writing it.
For those of you wondering, Pixie Cut is an earth pony who first appears in the IDW My Little Pony comic #74 and interacts with Zephyr Breeze at a hairstylist event. In another note, I heavily considered to make it a three chapter fic due the lenght, yet in the end I choose to leave it as a one-shot story.
Before I forget, you can search the fan comic here.
