The Price of Loyalty

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 5

Chapter 1

Okay every-pony, version 2.0 I decided to cram ch.1-3 into one. I would like to thank all those who gave their support and advise.

The Price of Loyalty.

Chapter 1.

As the cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane named Rainbow Dash tossed and turned in her fluffy white cloud bed, she dreamt of flying with her life long heroes The Wonder-bolts. As she finished her usual routine with the Wonderbolts’ captain, Spitfire, she got the strangest sensation that some pony was watching her from afar. She figured it was another adoring fan begging for her autograph. Her curiosity lead her behind the grand stands. Then she saw him, a navy blue pegasus stallion with a white mane and piercing red eyes and a bright white flame surrounding a red lightning bolt as a cutie mark. As she drew closer she realized that the stallion had may scars streaked across his well built body. As the strange stallion glared at her for what seemed like an eternity he finally broke the silence.

“Tell me child, what is your name?” asked the stallion looking her over with a judgmental look in his eye.
“The name is Rainbow dash!” said the mare with a condescending tone. “You’re a very good flyer Miss Dash, you remind me a lot of myself when I was your age.” the stallion said this time with more respect in his voice. “Oh really? How so?” Rainbow asked with a quizzical look. “Well, for starters, I was arrogant, rash and very fast.” he said with a kind smile. “I particularly like the part of your performance with the sonic rain-boom, it’s rare to see such a mare with your talent now a days.” he said with a grin on his face.

“Ya It took me quite a while to learn that trick.” she said with a slight blush from the polite comment. “So... do you want my autograph or something? Because I’m going to be late for the after party, and I don’t want to miss Vinyl’s music.” She said now looking around the room trying to avoid the awkward stare the mysterious stallion was now giving her.

“In a rush are we?” said the blue stallion with a slight chuckle in his voice. “Alright then, I’ll keep this brief I am visiting you this fine evening because I desire one thing from you.” He said smiling to himself.

“OK” rainbow said with a little relief “What is it?”

“I need you to answer a question for me.” He said with a serious tone.

“Alright I’ll try my best to do that.” Rainbow said with nervousness in her voice.

“Alright then, heres my question; What is the price of loyalty?” He said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“What they hey kind of question is that?” Rainbow blurted out in surprise.

“Just answer it!” The stallion bellowed.

“Ok, calm down dude.” The mare said with a calm voice trying to defuse the situation. “heres my answer; I would go to the ends of the universe for my friends! I’m 100% loyal to them, there is nothing in Equestria that will change that.” she exclaimed with a proud look in her eye.

“Even if it meant hurting another friend in the process?” the stranger asked in a strong tone. As Rainbow dash stood there contemplating what this stranger had said only now did she begin to realize that a particular scar stood out from among the rest, a scar in the shape of a lighting bolt burned in the middle of his chest.

“Uhhhhhh, I really don’t know how to answer that, sorry can’t help you there on that one.” She said as she began to turn and walk away. “That’s to bad.” said the stallion with sarcasm in his voice. “I thought that the element of loyalty would know the answer to such a question.”

That last comment made Rainbow stop in her tracks. “How does this guy know about the elements of harmony?” she thought to herself. as she turned around to face the stranger with anger in her eyes, she yelled

“How do you know about the elements?” she asked in a quizzical voice.

“I know enough to tell you that loyalty is an illusion.” He said whit a cold expression on his face.

“WHAT?” she exclaimed at the top of her lungs. “How can any pony say that? I mean what would you know about it anyway?” She said with daggers in her eyes.

“Oh trust me, I know all about loyalty. I was betrayed by the only friends I ever had.” He said as he was about to turn and walk away from the young pegasus. Rainbow dash now completely confused, charged at the stallion not planning on letting him go without answering a few question of her own.

“Hang on a second.” she yelled as she took flight. Before she even knew it the stallion had jumped over her charge and slammed his two front hooves down on her back in mid air. As she laid there trying to regain the wind that had been knocked out of her she noticed a piece of jewelry the stranger wore a shield shaped pendant and a lightning bolt in the center. The stranger then put his front hoof underneath her chin to make eye contact.

“Sorry Miss Dash but I have to go now and I’ll be waiting for when you have a real answer for me.” he said as he slammed her face to the ground and left in calm manor. As he did, Rainbow looked up and saw him vanish as she began to yell. She then woke up screaming in a cold sweat. She then checked the time it was almost nine o’ clock, realizing that she had overslept and was going to be late for her lunch plan with her friends at Canterlot as she got up brushed her teeth, the strangers question still stuck in her mind “What is the price of loyalty?” she thought to herself. As she finished brushing her teeth she looked in the mirror for a full minute lost in thought.

“Ugh snap out of it Rainbow, it was just a dream, that’s it a bad dream.” She said to herself with a little bit of false confidence. She then flew out of her home headed towards Ponyville.

As she flew to the Ponyville train station, questions filled her head, “who the hey was that guy? And how did he know about the elements?and what did he mean by I’ll be waiting for when I have areal answer?” Before she could think of anything else she collided with the Ponyville train station sign, causing her to loose control and fly into the ground. When she got up she saw Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all looking at her with concern.

“Are ya alright there RD?” Applejack asked with concern in he voice.

“Ya, ya I’m fine ladies, just a lot on my mind right now thats all.” she said with a grin

“Are you sure darling?” Rarity asked as she helped her cyan friend to her hooves.

“Ya I’m fine really, I’ve taken WAY worse hits than from some dumb old sign.” Rainbow dash said while regaining her composure.

“Well okay if you’re sure.” Twilight said with a quizzical tone.

“Oh relax she’s fine.” Pinkie pie blurted out. “She’s probably just super duper excited about our lunch date with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Her pink friend said with a reassuring pat on the back.

“Yup thats it, you caught me.” Said rainbow with a fake smile she threw across her face. “Now come on guys our train is about to leave.” Rainbow dash said as she stepped inside the train car. The five ponies stood and glared at each other for a second, sensing that something was wrong with their favorite number one flyer, but dismissed the thought and hurried along inside with their cyan colored friend.

Chapter 2

As Rainbow Dash looked out the window, deep in thought she didn’t notice that her friends were looking at her.

“Hey what’s wrong with Rainbow dash?” asked Fluttershy in her usual timid voice.

“Ah don’t know sugar cube, but it must be something must be bugging her, she hasn’t said a word since we boarded the train.” said Applejack while scratching the back of her mane.

“It is rather odd to see her like this.” Rarity commented with a bit of worry in her voice.

“She’s probably just nervous about seeing the princess’s.” Pinkie pie said with a big grin on her face.

“But she’s met Princess Celestia and Luna before, it doesn’t make sense that she would be nervous about that.” Twilight interjected.

“Well if it isn’t that then what could be bothering her this much?” Pinkie pie asked.

“I don’t know Pinkie, but I think we should find out.” Twilight said. “I’m gonna go over and talk to her for a bit maybe figure out if there’s something wrong.” Twilight said with a smile. Twilight then got up and moved next to Rainbow Dash’s seat.

“Hey Rainbow dash, whats up?” Twilight asked her winged friend. Rainbow not noticing that her friend had moved to sit next to her gave a little jump at the response.

“Gahhh” shouted Rainbow almost flying right out of her seat.

“Rainbow are you okay?” Twilight asked her with concern in her eyes.

“Yeah, of coarse I am Twi.” Rainbow dash said trying to regain her composure.”I mean why wouldn’t I be?”

“It’s just that you seem to be acting a little bit strange.” Twilight said trying to calm her flustered friend. “I mean you’ve barely said a word since we got on the train.”

“Well I’ve just been enjoying the scenery that’s all Twilight.” Rainbow dash said with a reassuring grin on her face. As Twilight looked her cyan friend over she couldn’t help but suspect that Rainbow was hiding something.

“Okay..... If your sure.” Twilight said, returning to the others.

“Well what did she say?” asked Applejack.

“She said that she was enjoying that scenery.” Twilight said while making quotation signs with her front hooves.

“Since when has Rainbow cared about the landscape?” Rarity asked while raising an eyebrow.

“Ah don’t know sugar cube, but maybe we shouldn’t ask her about it again just yet. Looks like she’s taking a nap.” Applejack said while pointing with her hoof to the pegasus asleep in the opposite row.

“Well, okay maybe she’ll be more inclined to talk when we get to Canterlot.” Twilight said in a hopeful voice. As Rainbow dash’s friends talked and gossip’d about recent events, Rainbow was fast asleep, but in an all too familiar dream.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?” Screamed Rainbow dash as she encountered the same stallion that terrorized her dream the night before.

“Still don’t have an answer do we?” The stallion said with an unimpressed look in his eye. This time rainbow wasn’t going to be as nice as she was with her last encounter with the stranger, as she got into position to perform her Buckineer blaze against the stranger, she found that she could no longer move.

“Wha- What’s going on?” Rainbow exclaimed with panic in her eyes.

“You are now unable to move, I figured that this time I take precautions so that we may be able to speak with one another.” The stallion said coldly.

“I told you I don’y have an answer, psycho. NOW LET ME GO!!!!!” Rainbow screamed as she struggled to get free of the invisible force that was holding her hooves planted to the ground.

“Oh no, I am not leaving without an answer this time Miss Dash, you will answer the question whether you want to or not.” The angered pegasus said as he drew a jagged dagger out from under the cloak he wore. As he galloped towards rainbow dash with alarming speed, Rainbow dash just stood there stunned as the stranger rammed the blade right in the middle of her chest. At that moment rainbow’s scream finally left her lips.

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH STOP, PLEASE STOP.” she yelled as the stranger removed the blade from her body.

“I’ll stop when you answer the question!!” he bellowed with anger in his voice. “SOME-PONY, ANY-PONY HELP ME!!!” Rainbow screamed in utter agony.

“Rainbow......ake.........up.” said a faint voice

“Hang on.........ugar cu.......be” said another.

“Dash.....ie please .....wake up” said the third. The voices managed to pierce the horrors of the nightmare.

“Twi? AJ? Pinkie?” Rainbow said as the dream began to collapse. As she awoke from her dream and found herself on the floor of the train car, she saw the faces of her five best friends all sick with worry and tears streaming down their faces.

Chapter 3

“Dashie are you okay?” the pink mare said as she brought her friend in for a hug.

“Yeah, ladies I’m fine.......really.” They didn’t buy it, in her current state Rainbow was a worse lier than Applejack.

“No your not Rainbow.” Twilight exclaimed with worry in her voice.

“It was just a bad dream Twilight, take it easy.”

“NO!! Rainbow that didn’t seem like a normal dream to me.” Twilight said.

“Yes darling you had us really worried.” Rarity said wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Yeah, RD talking in yer sleep is one thing but screaming like your dying just ain’t normal.” Applejack exclaimed while comforting Fluttershy who had retreated to the back corner of the train car.

“Like I said I’m fine!!” Rainbow shouted.

“NO, YOU’RE NOT.” Twilight yelled with tears rolling down her cheek.

“That was more than just a dream, It was a full blown nightmare and nightmares like that just don’t go away they get worse and worse until It completely destroys the dreamers sanity.”

“please ...........stop ......fighting.....”

“Oh ya? Well how would you know Little Ms. Bookworm?” Rainbow yelled in anger.

“Please..... stop....”

“Oh, Typical Rainbow dash to stubborn to see that she needs help.” Twilight said with spite in her voice.

“Just ........stop.....please”

“Oh, so That’s how it is huh? Well if you want to go I’ll take you right here and now Lil miss Magic!!” Rainbow said getting ready to tackle Twilight.

“Bring It on Rainbow Crash.” Twilight yelled as her horn began to glow with magical aura.

“I .........SAID.......... STOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!!!!!” Fluttershy yelled in anger and with tears in her eyes as she stared at both of her best friends. Twilight and Rainbow dash were frozen in shock either the fact that their timid friend had raised her voice at them for the first time since they knew her or the fact that Fluttershy was using “The Stare” on them.

“Now calm down there sugar cube.” Applejack said trying to calm the yellow pegasus down. As she did Fluttershy started to tear up again crying into Applejack’s shoulder.

“Now look at what you two have done, you’ve upset poor Fluttershy.” Rarity said while trotting past Twilight and Rainbow dash to go comfort her friend. At this statement Twilights magic began to recede back within her horn.

“Look Rainbow I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say those things. It’s just that we care about you, we just want to help you.” Rainbow now relaxing her position

“ I’m sorry too Twilight, I just don’t know what got into me. Still friends?” Dash said with a sad look on her face.

“Best friends.” Twilight said taking her cyan colored friend in for a hug. The two now trotted over to where Rarity and Applejack were comforting Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy.” Dash said.

“I’m so sorry girls I.....I.......didn’t mean to use “The Stare” on you I just panicked and it just slipped out.” Fluttershy said while fighting through her tears.

“Fluttershy If any-pony should apologize It’s us Rainbow and I just got carried away.” Twilight said trying to reassure her flustered friend.

“Yeah, what Twilight said. You were just being the smart one and stopped us before one of us got hurt.” Rainbow said bending over to make eye contact with her fellow pegasus. Fluttershy hearing these words began to wipe the tears away and began to hug her two best friends.

As Rainbow backed away from the hug she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Canterlot is only five minutes away.” The conductor announced over the intercom. Rainbow dash looked back at her friends as her stomach growled.

“Look girls, we’er almost there and I’m really starving, how about I’ll tell you about it at lunch Okay?” Rainbow said with a sheepish smile on her face.

“That sounds fair.” Applejack said while looking at the other four ponies with a questioning look.

“Fine by me.....only if you want to ...I mean.” Fluttershy said now back to her old self.

“We’ll have something to talk about at lunch, how grand.” Rarity said regaining her composure.

“Well, story time usually comes after food time and before nap time. Ohhhh and then comes Food/Nap/Story time, that is my favorite time of them all.” Pinkie said with a huge grin on her face. The others didn’t even try to make sense of what their pink friend just said.

“Um never mind her Rainbow, Lunch time would be perfect to tell us about your dream and I’m pretty sure the princess could offer good advice.” Twilight said with a reassuring smile on her face.

“Last Stop Canterlot!” The conductor announced. Soon the six friends departed the train happily and proceeded to the castle. As rainbow dash exited the train she couldn’t shake this feeling of dread.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4.

As the six ponies made their way towards Canterlot Castle Rainbow dash kept thinking on how she would explain her situation to her friends; But that wasn’t the only thing, Fluttershy’s stare seemed familiar somehow. Rainbow had heard the story of how Fluttershy managed to save Apple bloom, Sweetie belle and Scootaloo from a cockatrice attack in the Everfree forest, but had never seen her actually use it.

“Hey Fluttershy, can I ask you something?” Rainbow asked as she trotted up to her fellow winged friend.

“Of course Rainbow dash you can ask me anything.” Fluttershy said with a smile on her face.

“That “Stare” thing you can do, where did you learn it?” Fluttershy took a minute to respond.

“Ummm...... Honestly Rainbow I don’t know remember even learning it. One day when I was trying to get my chickens back in their coop and it just happened, it’s been like that for as long as I can remember; I’ve never really had any control over it. I’m sorry Rainbow.” She said lowering her head.

“No big deal Fluttershy I was just curious.” No pony said another word until they got to the castle gate.

“Were here.” Twilight announced to her friends. The six mares all stood and stared in awe at the massive castle. Twilight approached one of the guards.

“Good day sir, I am Twilight Sparkle. My friend and I have a lunch date scheduled with the princess today.” The guard then drew out a clip board containing a list.

“Hmm Lets see here..... Sparkle........Spark- Oh Here you are, Sparkle party of six?” The guard said looking up at the lavender mare.

“Yes thats us.”

“Splendid, The princess is in the Main Dinning hall. Do you need directions Miss?” The guard asked happily.

“No thank you sir I can mange.” Twilight said as she and her five companions walked inside the massive castle.

“No matter how many times I see this place the beauty completely overwhelms me.” Rarity said with wonderment in her voice.

“I know what ya mean.” said Applejack admiring the decorations strewn about the hallway.

“What do ya think Dash?” She asked her multi colored maned friend.

“Huh. Wha?.Oh, yeah the place looks awesome.” Rainbow said barely paying attention to her friend.

“Okay every pony were here.” Twilight said as she used her magic to open two massive doors that led to the Dinning hall.

“Oh mah stars.”

“WOW.”

“Oh...my.”

“Awesome.”

“All of this is for us?”
The six mares were all dumbstruck at the size of the spread that lay before them. The grand dinning table was filled with delicacies beyond the ponies dreams. Waiters stood at the ready for their orders.

“Twilight Sparkle, my prize pupil; It is so wonderful to see you, and your friends as well.” Said Princess Celestia as she descended from her throne along with her younger sister.

“Yes, we are pleased to see you all again.” Princess Luna said warmly standing beside her sister. At these statements the six ponies bowed their heads.

“Oh come now, you can all drop the formalities, you are among friends.” The sun goddess said with a warm smile.

“Okay princess.” The six friends took their seats at the massive table along with the two royal sisters. Princess celestia started to speak.

“You know, I am not to fond of this big table, It reminds me too much of business.” The princess’s horn began to glow. “Lets get a little bit more relaxed.” The table began to shake, and then flashed with magic. The once grand table that lay before them was now a medium sized circular table. “So much better, now I can see and hear all of you.” Celestia said with a small chuckle. The six friends now readjusting themselves to the table. “Now then, let’s eat.”

As the feast commenced the usually quiet Canterlot grand dinning hall erupted with stories, gossip and laughter. However, not every pony was enjoying themselves. As her friends talked with the princess, Rainbow dash remained silent, barely eating any of the delicious food that laid before her. The princess of the night took noticed and whispered to the earth pony sporting a stetson hat.

“We do not wish to intrude Applejack but, what is the matter with Rainbow dash? She has barely eaten anything.”

“Well, Rainbow has been having nightmares lately and ah think it’s starting to get to her.” Applejack said to the blue princess. By this time the rest of the group had chimed into their conversation.

“AJ!” Rainbow yelled.

“Sorry, RD But the princess was just curious why ya ain’t acting like yer usual self, and for the record so are the rest of us.” Applejack said with a demanding look.

“I apologize Rainbow dash, I did not want to cause you any offense.” “It’s alright princess, but it’s nothing really.” Rainbow said with a grin.

“Have you forgotten what happened on the train sweetie?” Rarity said with a criticizing look.

“What happened on the train?” Princess Celestia asked Twilight.

“Rainbow woke up screaming from a dream on the way over here, and we got into a fight.” Twilight said to her mentor.

“ALMOST got into a fight.” Applejack exclaimed. “Luckily Fluttershy used her “Stare” on them and prevented them from hurting one another.” Hearing this all eyes turned on Rainbow dash.

“Okay, okay I’ll tell you all what happened in my dream.” Rainbow said reluctantly.

She began her story of the nightmare that had plagued her for almost a week. Hearing the details, her friends and even the two princess’s looked shocked.

“And then I woke up lying on the cabin floor looking up at Twilight.” Said rainbow dash finishing her story. As she looked around the table she saw faces of shock, confusion and worry.

“Well Rainbow I’m beginning to see why you didn’t want to tell us, that sounds just sounds horrid.” Rarity said with a surprised look on her face.

“I know, but I can feel that It’s just getting worse; I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a week. Now after what happened on the train today I’m scared to try.” Rainbow said tears starting to appear in her eyes. Fluttershy gave her friend a comforting hug.

“So Rainbow these have been reoccurring nightmares?” The sun goddess said while using her magic to refill her teacup.

“Yeah same dream and same pegasus.” She said regaining her composure.

“Do you know this stallion?” Luna asked.

“No, but his coat is dark blue, white mane and tail, scars all over his body, piercing red eyes and he had a weird pendant.” Hearing this the princess had a quizzical look on her face.

“About this pendant, what did it look like?”

“It was shield shaped and had a lightning bolt in the center.” said Rainbow dash. Celestia’s concentration was broken in shock of hearing this, which caused her teacup to fall to the ground with a smash.

“Rainbow Dash are you absolutely sure he looked like that?” Celestia said with concern in her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m sure. Why do you know him?” Celestia looked in horror as she made the connection in her mind. She then glanced over at Luna who had the same confused look as Rainbow dash.

“I think I know the stranger that haunts your dreams my dear.” Celestia said with a shred of horror in her voice.

Chapter 6

The six friends departed from the castle Rainbow dash can’t help but worry about the princess going into her mind.

“So what should we do first?” Applejack asked the group.

“I don’t know. Maybe browse around the shops a bit?” Twilight said. Hearing this Rarity couldn’t help but squee in excitement.

“Okay, fine but no namby-pamby posh shops.” Applejack exclaimed. This made the fashionista give Applejack a dirty look. As the six friends trotted down the street bustling with ponies, mostly unicorns looking very dapper. The six friends each checked out a shop of their choosing. Twilight went to an antique book store. Rarity spent close to two hours looking in a dress shop. If it weren’t for Applejack and her lasso they would never get out of there. Pinkie stocked up on more party supplies including a new and improved party canon. Fluttershy purchased new food for her animals. Applejack decided to pick up a new set of work duds. Finally came Rainbow’s turn to pick,

“Oh there, there!” she said pointing to a sporting goods store. The six ponies entered the massive store with Rainbow leading them only to be stopped by her idols; The Wonderbolts.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh.” Rainbow said almost forgetting to breath.

“Hey, Soarin, look who it is; our number one fan.” Spitfire said to her co-captain with a slight chuckle.

“Well, I’ll be a pies insides.” Said the blue pegasus.

“We haven’t seen you since the last Grand Galloping Galla. Sorry we didn’t get to hang out then. We were bombarded by sponsors and benefactors.” Spitfire said with a small grin.

“Yeah, we actually heard that you and your friends caused quite the commotion near the end.” Soarin said with a chuckle. The six friends cringed at the memory of that night.

“Oh you guys heard about that? I’m sorry if it ruined your night.” Rainbow said as her ears slumped down.

“Don’t be, you guys know how to party, that was the best Grand Galloping Gala I’ve been to yet.” Soarin said giving Rainbow a nudge.

“Hey I’ve got an idea. The team and I were going to go practice at Canterlot Stadium. Do you want to come along?” Spitfire asked the cyan mare. Rainbow’s mind was racing she had met her idols, they complimented her and now offering her the chance to train with them. THUMP. Rainbow had fainted. (in a very Rarity like fashion.)

In her unconscious state Rainbow once again found herself in the same dream.

“Oh no, not again.” Rainbow said as her eyes found the dark pegasus.

“Yes again, you can’t escape me Ms. Dash. No matter how far you run, no matter how strong you are and no matter where you go I will always be there.” Said the stranger.

“Who are you?” Rainbow yelled.

“Isn’t it obvious? I AM YOU!!!” As the words left his lips his form changed into a complete double ganger of rainbow dash except for the eyes that remained blood red. Rainbow was now loosing it, she screamed out in agony just as she felt a shock coarse through her body.

“Clear!” yelled the pony medic as he gave they cyan mare another jolt of magic.

“Clear!” Rainbows’ eyes shot open as she gasped for air she found that her friends all had tears in their eyes along with the Wonder-bolt captain and co-captain.

“Rainbow are you ok?” Applejack asked. Rainbow slowly nodded. “Was it the dream?” Twilight asked her winged friend. Rainbow nodded a second time.

“What happened?” Rainbow asked.

“Well I asked you if you wanted to train with us this afternoon and you fainted, when you didn’t get up we got worried.” Spitfire said helping Rainbow off the floor.

“Luckily our medic was with us and managed to bring you back.” Soarin chimed in. Rainbows’ attention now focused on the red unicorn stallion with a stethoscope for a cutie mark.

“Thanks.” Rainbow said.

“No problem at all, I’m always happy to help a pony in need, do you mind if I examine you to make sure you’re alright?” Asked the unicorn.

“Yeah, sure go ahead.” Rainbow said to the medic.

“Alright then, hold still this will only take a second.” The unicorns horn began to glow and a horizontal line ran it self up and down Rainbow dash twice. “Everything seems to be in order. However has your right eye always been that color?” the medic asked.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow asked the stallion. The unicorn then levitated a mirror in front of Rainbow. Rainbows’ right iris was dark red instead of the usual violet color. At this sight rainbow screamed and jumped back in shock.

“Um Twilight maybe you should.....” “

Way ahead of you Pinkie.” Twilight said as she sent the letter to princess Celestia. Not ten seconds later a letter appeared before Twilight.

Twilight,
Get Rainbow Dash out of there now!! I’ve attached a teleportation spell to this letter, simply grab onto it and you and your friends will be teleported back to the castle.
Celestia.

“Okay every pony, hang on to your mane!” Pinkie bellowed as she grabbed hold of Rainbow dash and her other five companions.

“Here goes!” Twilight yelled as she grabbed the letter and instantly the six friends vanished in a flash of light. Spitfire and Soarin looked at each other, dumb struck at what they just saw.

“Didn’t see that coming.” Soarin said.

“Ditto” Said Spitfire.

Chapter 7

Quick Note: This chapter is a little shorter than the others.

p.s. Season 3!!!!

Chapter 7

The six friends were pulled through a portal of twisting colors until they reached their destination. Twilight and her friends now realized that they had teleported inside Princess Celestia’s bedroom, Celestia and Luna were waiting for them there. Twilight raced to her mentor’s side with dozens of questions. The other five mares were still getting to their feet,

“Twi, warn us the next time yer gonna do something like that.” Applejack said while brushing her hat off.

“I didn’t even know what that letter would do.” Her gaze now fell upon the two princess’s.

“I apologize for the sudden summoning, but after I read your letter I had to act fast.” Celestia said.

“We have the spell prepared. Maybe now we can get some answers.” Luna said glaring at her older sister.

“Are you ready to begin Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked the cyan pegasus. “

Yeah.” Rainbow said weakly.

“Dashie what’s wrong with your eye? Why did you freak out like that?” Pinkie asked.

“Because this is HIS EYE!” Rainbow shouted tears streaming down her face. “The stallion in my nightmare has this color eye. I don’t know whats happening, I think I really am going crazy.” Rainbow said holding her hooves over her head. Celestia put a wing on Rainbows shoulder.

“Rainbow, look at me. I know you’re scared and upset, but the only way for us to find out what’s going on is for me to go into your mind and see what’s going on up there.” Celestia said. “Okay princess, let’s do it.” Rainbow said while wiping the tears from her eyes.

Rainbow laid her head down on the massive pillow in the princess’s bed. Celestia laid right next to her.

“Ready?” The princess asked Rainbow Dash.

“Ready.” Rainbow replied. Celestia’s horn began to glow and rainbow dash fell asleep. Celestia now felt herself in a body like that of when she was a filly. She observed her surroundings and realized the spell had worked, she was in Rainbow dash’s dream.

“Back again I see.” Celestia/Dash turned around to see the dark stallion that had plagued her friends dreams. The stranger stepped forward but stopped suddenly. “Wait, there’s some one else here too isn’ there?” The stranger now glared at Celestia/Dash, studying them. “YOU!!!! CELESTIA!!” He bellowed. Celestia/Dash now frozen with fear as the stranger charged, blade drawn. Before he could react Celestia and Rainbow dash separated. The sun goddess looking at the stranger in horror.

“No, It can’t be.” she said in fear.

“It can and IT IS!!!” The stranger now had his sights set on the princess. As he was about to charge Celestia shouted a single word.

“LUNA!!!!” The next second Rainbow and Celestia disappeared from the dream and woke up on the be both of them dripping in a cold sweat.

“What happened in there?” Luna asked her sister. Celestia sat on the bed shaking in terror. “Sis? Tia? What’s wrong?” Twilight and the rest of Rainbows friends galloped over to comfort their friend.

“I’m so sorry Rainbow Dash, I’ve failed you.” Celestia said fighting through the tears.

“The stallion, It sounded like you knew him or something.” Rainbow said trying to regain her composure.

“Indeed I did.” Celestia said getting to her hooves.

“Well who is he?” Rainbow demanded. The princess then stood up and ordered the guard to fetch some tea for her and her guests. When the guard returned with the tea Celestia calmed herself down and began.

“That stallions name is Night Scorcher and he was the first pony ever to wield the element of loyalty.”

Chapter 8

Silence fell over the room. No one could believe what they had just heard.

“Um Princess I think that teleportation is messing with my hearing, because I think I just heard you say that the creep thats haunting Dashie’s dreams used to be an element user.” Pinkie said breaking the silence.

“No, you heard correct Pinkie.”Celestia said with a flat tone.

“Ugh” Rarity said just before she fainted onto a pillow. Applejack just stood there looking more confused than Twilight. Fluttershy started to sob and curl up into a tiny yellow ball on the floor.

“What? How could some one like THAT be a element user?” Rainbow asked the sun goddess.

“He was not always like that, there was a time when he was caring, loyal and selfless. He was a lot like you Rainbow Dash.” Celestia said with a sympathetic tone.

A now anger filled Rainbow dash jumped off the bed and turned to face the princess “HOW IN EQUESTRIA CAN YOU COMPARE ME TO HIM? YOU SAW WHAT HE TRIED TO DO TO US!” She bellowed.

“Rainbow please allow me to explain.”

“NO! I CAME HERE FOR HELP AND ALL YOU’VE MANAGE TO DO IS MAKE THINGS WORSE.” Rainbow now shaking with anger getting ready to tackle the goddess.

“RAINBOW DASH STOP THIS NOW!!!!” Exclaimed the princess of the night using her royal canterlot voice. All of the rage rainbow had just felt seemed to be replaced by fear. “MY SISTER DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED IN SUCHA AWAY WHEN SHE IS ONLY TRYING TO HELP YOU!!!” Rainbow now shrinking back into a corner.

“You’re right princess I’m sorry, I just....I don’t know what to think anymore.” Her face now turned to princess Celestia. The sun goddess walked over to the cyan pegasus with a reassuring smile.

“It is alright Rainbow, you have every right to be mad at me, I promised to help but instead I have only brought you harm.” She said with guilty look on her face.

“You seem to be acting more aggressively since having these nightmares.” Twilight said trying to help her friend.

“That is a side effect of what this stallion is doing to Rainbow dash.” Celestia said to her student.

“Side effect? What do you mean side effect, who is this guy and what the hey is he doing to me?” Rainbow said to the princess tears forming in her eyes.

Celestia took a deep breath and started to speak.

“Around 1,000 years ago before the rise of Nightmare moon, I realized that should I need to defend Equestria from a greater threat that is far more powerful than myself, I would need to have an “Ace in the hole.” as you would put it.” Celestia then took a moment to gather her thoughts. “I realized I had to experiment with new magic. In order for this to happen, I needed volunteers. One such individual was Night Scorcher, he was a guard fresh out of the academy.” Celestia said shifter her gaze to Rainbow dash. “He was eager to serve his country in any way he could. I remember the first day I met him.” As the princess told the story, the six ponies mind started to fabricate the tale in their minds.

Chapter 9

Note: The next few chapters will feature flash backs of Night Scorcher's life that will tie into the main story line.

Chapter 9

“Buck yeah! Finally graduated from the academy.” said Night Scorcher standing next to a white pegasus with a red mane and a red flame for a cutie mark.

“I know what you mean Scorch. No more SGT. Buzz-wing breathing down our necks every minute of the day.” said the white pegasus stallion.

“Yeah, Hey what unit did you get assigned to?” Scorch asked his friend.

“Umm. Unit seventeen.”

“Oh man, no way me too.” Scorch said.

“Night Scorcher and Blazing Flash, How will this kingdom survive?” Blazing Flash joked. Scorch couldn’t help but laugh at this statement. The two decided to go to the local pub and celebrate their graduation. They headed to “Rusty’s bar” a typical run of the mill, average pony pub. The two friends planted themselves in front of the bartender and ordered two drinks.

“Why do you always drag me here?” Scorch asked his friend.

“Because, the drinks are cheep, the mares are cute and we’er the best looking stallions in the joint.” Flash said picking up his drink.

“Right, now I remember.” Scorch replied picking his own mug up.

“Cheers.” The two friends clanged glasses and began to drink.

“It’s a good life we live, Scorch.” Flash said with a grin.

“The best.” Scorch said as he ordered another round.

Two guards in menacing looking armor walked into the tiny bar. Scorch and Flash eyed the two guards. One stallion and one mare, both pegasi, both outfitted with some strange looking armor. The stallion’s coat was jet black, his mane was dark green and his cutie mark was a lance and shield. The mare was shorter, her coat was light brown, her mane was styled in a ponytail which looked like a shade of orange, her cutie mark was a cloud with a single rain drop in the center.

“Hey bartender, two drinks over here, now!” Exclaimed the stallion raising his hoof.

“Hey, you see those two pegasi over there, across the bar?” Flash asked Scorch.

“Yeah, they look pretty intense. I saw them when we were coming out of the locker room. I heard that they’re some type of new guards the princess is hiring.”

“I’ve never seen armor like that before.” Flash said as he eyed the mare.

“You sure its the armor that caught your interest?” Scorch said as he pointed to his friends now erect wings.

“Oh, crap.” Flash said as he know tried to flatten his wings back to his side. Scorch was fighting to hold back his laughter at his friends situation. The two peculiar guards looked over to the bar where Scorch and Flash were sitting. The two friends instantly turned their heads back to the bar hoping to avoid being seen by the two.

“Do you think they saw us?” Flash asked his friend.

“I don’t know, lets just keep out heads down and keep...”

“HEY YOU TWO!! AT THE BAR STAND UP.” Shouted the mare. As the two friends got up Flash muttered “busted” under his breath. The two turned around to face the two guards.

“Listen guys we don’t want any troub...” WHACK! before Flash could finish the statement the mare had knocked him against the bar and began to beat him into submission. Scorch tried to rush to his friends side, but was held back by the stallion.

“Get out of my way!” Scorch barked at the stranger. The stallion then smirked,

“You can bark little dog, but can you bite?” The stallion then swing his right front hoof at Scorch. Scorch managed to avoid the stallions’ attack and countered it with an uppercut and a barrage of kicks, the stallion fell to the floor bleeding from his nose. His attention then focused on the mare that had stopped pummeling his friend and was charging at him. Scorch managed to dodge the charge as soon as she over shot him he grabbed the back of her wings and slammed her to the ground.

Scorch then raced over to Flash’s side, helping his battered friend to his hooves.

“Hey, are you okay?” Scorch asked his friend.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” Flash said getting off the floor. As Scorch turned around the large stallion that he knocked out and mare he had knocked the wind out of had gotten up and both charged at him. Scorch had no time to react. The two pegasi rammed Scorch out the door and into the alley way. The large stallion held Scorch to the ground and began to beat him to a pulp. The mare then came out dragging Flash by his mane. Scorch barely conscious watched as the mare was beating his best friend like a drum. Suddenly he felt something deep inside of him. Scorch found an opening and managed to kick the large stallion off of him and into a wall. He then turned his attention to the mare.

“HEY YOU, DO YOU TREAT ALL THE STALLIONS LIKE THIS, OR IS IT JUST MARE EXCLUSIVE?” Scorch bellowed. Hearing this the mare turned around to pummel him, but found herself frozen in place.

“What the..” Before she could finish her sentence Scorch had charged and slammed the mare into the wall and he was sure he heard bones break. He then turned his attention back to the stallion. The stallion began to rush towards him, but found himself unable to move. Scorch started to walk towards his defenseless target.

“WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU?” The stallion cried out in fear.

“A stallion that you should never have bucked with!” Scorch said before taking the stallions head and slamming it against the wall knocking him out. Scorch now racing over to his battered friends side.

“Flash! Speak to me. Speak to me Celestia damn it!”

“I heard my name.” said an angelic voice coming from the end of the alley. As Scorch turned his head his eyes fell upon the Princess of Equestria herself. Celestia now looking at the two stallions beaten, bloodied and barely conscious. “What happened here?” She asked in a demanding voice.

“Princess I know this looks bad but....” Scorch’s legs then felt numb and collapsed at the princess’s hooves.

Chapter 10

Scorch woke up in a comfortable bed and to the smell of sterile air. He observed his surroundings and realized that Flash was in the hospital bed next to him. His attention then turned to the mare and stallion that laid in beds opposite him and his friend. They were the two that jumped and beat the living hay out of them.

“Oh good your awake.” His attention now turned to the nurse who had just entered the room. She was a unicorn, pink coat, red mane and a band aid for a cutie mark.

“What happened?” Scorch asked rubbing his head with his front right hoof.

“You two were brought into emergency care around 10:00 PM two nights ago, and these two were brought in around ten minutes after you.” She said pointing to the other two ponies in beds. She then walked over and examined Flash’s chart.

“Wait We’ve been in the hospital for two days straight?” Scorch said as he sat up in shock.

“That’s correct.” She said starting to look at Scorch’s chart.

“So whats the damage doctor?” Scorch asked as he lied back onto his bed.

“Nurse if you don’t mind. You have a cracked rib, a fractured wing and some minor swelling in your brain.” She said.

“And Flash?”

“Your friend has the worst of it I’m afraid, both wings broken, cheek bone cracked, is currently concussed and is unconscious.” She said with regret in her voice. Scorch looked down at his hooves in sadness. The nurse then came over and put a hoof on his shoulder. “I know things look bad but you both will make a full recovery, in time.”

“Wait, you said “brought in.” who brought us in here? This doesn’t look like the barrack’s med bay.” He said perking up.

“You’re in Canterlot General, and to who admitted you, you’ll meet her in a few moments.” The mare said as she exited the room. As she left Princess Celestia entered the room with a warm smile.

“Thank goodness you’re awake.” She said with a smile on her face.
“Princess Celestia I cannot thank you enough for saving my friend and I.” Scorch said.

“Ugh.. my head.” Scorch and Celestia both looked over to see Flash rising from his laid back position. “ What happened?” He said with a groggy voice. The princess began to explain.

“Well I was walking the streets of Canterlot, when I heard a rather strange commotion in the alley way when I found...” Celestia was cut off by Scorch.

“Pardon me princess but he’s not going to get all that in his current state.” Scorch then turned his head back to his friend. “Basically we got in a bar fight and ended up in the hospital.” He said.

“So, a typical Friday night for us?” Flash said rubbing his head.

“Yeah, for the most part.” Scorch said with a grin. The princess couldn’t help but giggle at the statement.

“That wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t caught us off guard.” All heads now turned to the awake and bandaged mare and stallion, now both awake laying across from Scorch and Flash.

“Bullshit, if anything you caught us off guard.” Flash said laying back in his bed.

“Thats enough out of both of you.” Celestia said with a commanding tone.

“Sorry your highness.” Flash said with a sigh.

“Oh you’re not nearly as sorry as you’re gonna be when I get done with you.” The stallion exclaimed as he rose from his laid back position.

“SOLDIER! THATS ENOUGH!” Celestia bellowed without a shred of sympathy in her voice. “That is hardly the attitude I expect from a Royal guard, sergeant.” Celestia said as her gaze bore into the damaged pony.

“Sorry your highness, we’re just anxious to get out of here and start our mission with our new recruits.” The stallion said with a heavy breath. Scorch’s ears perked up.

“Wait a second you two are getting new recruits?”

“Yes, we are a part of a “special” unit, my partner and I are part of a squad that is made up of only four ponies.” The mare said with condescending look.

“What’s the unit number?” Flash asked.

“Unit seventeen. Why?” Scorch and flash looked at one another in disbelief, either that they managed to beat up their future mentors or that they were in for the worst time of their lives. Scorch finally broke the seemingly never ending silence.

“You’ve got to be BUCKING KIDDING ME!!”

The stallion and mare put the pieces together in their heads.

“YOU TWO? You’re who 's joining our squad?” The stallion blurted out.

“Yeah, we just got out of the academy two days ago.” Flash snarled.

“Who in the name of Equestria selected you two for our squad?” The mare said raising her front hooves in the air.

“I did.” all eyes turned to the sun goddess.

“These two stallions scored at top of their class and achieved the highest scores in combat exercises, although I think you can make that assessment for yourself.” Celestia said giving the two guards a cold stare. The stallion was about to protest until Celestia shot a hoof in front of him. “I believe that that is enough arguing for one day. I suggest that you all get acquainted with one another, seeing that you will be spending a lot more time together.” The sun goddess then left the room. As soon as the princess left, the four then gave each other a look that would make a dragon shutter in fear.

The four spent the next two hours eyeing each other, looking for an excuse to pummel one another. Finally the mare broke the silence.

“Okay listen, maybe we got off on the wrong hoof. I’ll be the adult here and suggest that we at least introduce ourselves. My name is Misty Breeze, you can call me Breeze if you want to, and my partner here is Shattered Lance or Lance for short.” She said pointing over to the angered pegasus laying in the bed adjacent to her.

“Nice to meet you.” Flash said with sarcasm in his voice.

“I’m Night Scorcher or just “Scorch” for short. My friend over there is Blazing Flash.” Scorch said trying to help the conversation along.

“I suppose you can call me Flash, if you want to.” He said letting out a big sigh.

“Charmed.” Breeze said adding a little sarcasm to her voice.

“Look like it or not we’re all in the same boat. We have to work together, I’m willing to burry the hatchet if you guys are. Deal?” Scorch said eyeing the two guards that had nearly beat him half to death.

Lance and Breeze looked at each other as though they were having a telepathic conversation.

“Fine,on one condition.” Lance said in a harsh tone.

“What is it?” Flash asked sounding annoyed. Lance turned his gaze towards Scorch.

“When we were fighting in the alley way you used some type of magic on us. How did you do that?” Scorch was shocked at this statement.

“What are you talking about? I’m not a unicorn, I can’t do magic.”

“Any yet you managed to stop our movement without raising an eyebrow.” Breeze interjected.

“Hey listen I don’t know anything about...” Scorch was cut off by a nurse entering the room.

“Alright every pony. That’s enough chit chat for one night you all need your rest.” The nurse said giving a final check of their charts.

“Hey nurse, when are we gonna get out of here?” Lance asked.

“You all are scheduled to leave in four weeks.”

“Thank you nurse.” Breeze said as the nurse exited the room. The four ponies decided that the nurse was right, they all needed their sleep and decided turn in for the night.

The next two weeks seemed to go by fairly quickly, the four pegasi began to talk more often in a more relaxed tone. They managed to find common interests in sports, food and travel.

“Yeah, they wanted me to be a carpenter.” Flash said as he laughed in his bed. The other three pegasi chuckled at the thought of him using a hammer and nail. Their conversation was interrupted by a visit from Princess Celestia.

“Well, I’m glad to see you all are getting along.” She said with a warm smile.

“We’re starting to tolerate one another.” Flash said with a smirk.

“Excellent.” Celestia said as she turned towards the door.

“Wait princess.” Scorch said raising a hoof.

“What is it?” she asked raising an eyebrow.

“Out of all the recruits at the academy why did you choose us? I mean did we just get picked out of a raffle or something?” Scorch asked as he motioned his hoof between Flash and himself.

“I’ve been wondering that myself.” Lance interjected.

“Like I said before, you two scored top...”

“Um your majesty, no offense but Scorch and I were mediocre at best in the academy. We were surprised that we even graduated.” Flash interjected. Misty Breeze and Shattered Lance both looked surprised at this statement.

“Okay, I suppose if you must know I chose you two because Scorch has a gift.” Celestia said taking a few steps away from the door.

“What gift are you talking about?” Scorch with a dumbfounded look on his face.

“I saw this the night I found you in the alley, I witnessed your loyalty to your friend here and that ability you used to stop those two in their tracks.” she said using her hoof to point towards Lance and Breeze.

The three mangled ponies then looked at their dark blue companion.

“I told you something was up with him.” Lance said looking back to Breeze.

“The gift you possess is unlike anything I have ever seen before, to be able to freeze an enemy simply by looking at them.” Celestia said in amazement. Flash shifted his gaze from the princess to his friend.

“You can do that?” Flash said in amazement.

“I didn’t even know I could. It just happened.” Scorch said.

“Regardless. It is why I selected you to take part in a special position at the castle.” Celestia said looking back at Scorch.

“What do you mean by “special position”?” Scorch asked making quotation gestures with his front hooves. “You will see when you report for duty. In the mean time I suggest you all get some rest, you are all going to need it.” Celestia said as she exited the hospital room. A still silence fell over the four companions at hearing this news.

“I knew it.. I bucking knew that there was something odd about you.” Lance said as he glared at Scorch.

“Oh pipe down Lancey, the kid obviously has no idea how to work this magic he supposedly has.” Breeze said. Both friends burst into laughter hearing the stallions name.

“BWAHAHAHAHAH, LANCEY?” Flash hollered at the top of his lungs. Scorch was almost as hysterical as his friend. Lance, flustered at the comment glared at his colleague.

“I told you NEVER to call me that Breeze-mire.” Lance said with a smirk. Now it was Breeze’s turn to blush. This statement made Flash fall off his bed.

“OH PLEASE MAKE IT STOP! YOU TWO ARE KILLING ME!” Flash said now rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter. The ponies settled down they decided to go to bed. Scorch stayed awake the longest thinking about his new “power” wondering if it is a gift or a curse.

Chapter 11

The princess’s eyes now ran across each of her guest’s faces, most of them had the look of curiosity, a few interest but one had the look of pure fear; Rainbow Dash.

“That was the first time I met Night Scorcher.” The princess concluded.

“So you mean to tell me that this guy was a royal guard, wielder of the element of loyalty and had the “stare ability.” Talk about triple threat.” Apple jack said looking at the princess, with worried eyes.

“Yes, he was the first pony on record to show this ability.” Celestia said using her magic to pour herself more tea. The five friends now all looked at Fluttershy.

“Oh...my” She said her typical shy voice.

“Well, what have you learned since then?” Twilight asked her mentor.

“We are still researching it, and we still have no idea how it originated. All we know is that It is extremely rare and it is not passed down from generation to generation, so Fluttershy you can rest easy knowing that you are not related to this pegasus.” The princess said with a warm smile.

“Oh thank you princess Celestia, I feel so much better.” Fluttershy said breathing a heavy sigh of relief.

“Okay princess I know this is interesting and all but how does that help me deal with him?” Rainbow dash said sounding impatient.

“Valid point Rainbow Dash, sister from your story so far this stallion sounds like a stand up citizen. What made him become such a threat?” Luna interjected.

“Okay, Night scorcher had been serving under me for ten years, little to my knowledge and to theirs, a great threat lurked in the darkness, Nightmare moon.”

Scorch, Flash, Breeze and Lance stood at attention in Princess Celestia’s private study. The four bowed their heads and awaited their orders. Scorch’s body now riddled with many scars, Flash’s mane was now cut short almost to his coat, Breeze had a similar look along with a scar running down her back almost to her cutie mark and Lance was now sporting an eye patch over his right eye.

“Greetings my friends it is wonderful to see you again although I would have hoped it would have been under happier circumstances.” Celestia said with a flat tone.

“We heard that there was a break in at the castle last night, your highness we came as soon as we were able.” Breeze said taking a step forward.

“You are half right, Lt. Breeze, someone didn’t break in, SOMETHING broke out.” Celestia said.

“What?” The group of pegasi said simultaneously.

“What I am about to say is top secret, we can never talk about it again, nor can you discuss it amongst yourselves once you leave this room. Do I have your word?” She said in a very serious tone.

“Of course your majesty.” Scorch said.

“Very well, my sister Princess Luna has turned against me.” she said with sadness in her voice. The four pegasi looked at each other shocked at what the princess had just told them, The co-ruler of Equestria had betrayed her country, her subjects and her own sister.

“I can’t believe Princess Luna would do such a thing.” Flash said trying to calm down the now sobbing ruler of equestria.

“I know, I believe that there are darker powers at work here. Which is why You, Misty Breeze and Shattered Lance will go under cover and find out the truth. Breeze your in charge of this mission.” Celestia said as she turned her gaze to the three pegasi with looks of surprise on their faces.

“You three will join her ranks and report anything and everything back to me.” Celestia said, her eyes staring on the three pegasi.

“But princess, we don’t even know where princess Luna is.” Breeze said raising a hoof.

“We have determined her location. She is residing some where in the Everfree Forest.” The four pegasi cringed at the name. They had been in there many times before and know all to well of the horrors that reside within.

“I am sorry for asking you all for this. But I fear that If nothing is done it could lead to open war.” Celestia said with sorrow in her voice. The four pegasi exchanged glances.

“Just leave if to us princess. We’ll get it done.” Lance said with a decisive tone.

“I know you will. You three had best prepare for the mission.” she said eyeing Flash, Breeze and Lance.

“Well, what about me princess? Am I back up?” Scorch interjected.

“No, you will remain here. I have a special assignment for you. Meet in my chambers after your team has departed.” She said looking at Scorch. “You are all dismissed.” Celestia said as she got up from her desk.

Scorch and his team bowed as they left the room. They all made their way to the armory to get provisions for their mission. As Lance and Flash were discussing navigation plans, Scorch had pulled Breeze aside.

“I don’t like you being on a mission on your own.” Scorch said helping Breeze get her things together. Breeze paused to look up at him

“I won’t be alone, Flash and Lance will be with me.” She said with a grin.

“You know what I mean Bree.” Scorch said as he filled her canteen.

“Look I know your worried, but we’ll be fine. I’m more concerned about you. Do you have any idea what Celestia wants with you?”

“No idea. But that still doesn’t change the fact that I’m worried.” He said as he trotted after her.

“Scorchy, you need to relax I can handle myself.” She said as she ruffled his mane.

“I know that better than any pony here.” He said with a smug smirk. Breeze then gave him a quick jab in his back. “Ouch! See I know you can handle yourself.” Scorch said as he rubbed his back.

“Then why are you so worried?” Breeze asked raising her fore hooves.

“You really want me to spell it out? I care about you.” Scorch said trying to calm his friend down.

“Keep your voice down! You know the rules, guards cannot be together.” She said putting a hoof over Scorch’s mouth.

“I don’t care about that. I care about you, we’ve been together for five years now.” Scorch said taker her hooves in his. Breeze then withdrew her hooves and backed away from her colt-friend.

“We knew it would be like this. We have to keep this under warps for now.” She said trying to calm Scorch down.

“I know. It’s just that I’m getting tired of the deception, the excuses and the sneaking around.” Scorch said as he was pacing the space between the locker and his mare-friend. Scorch started to scratch his mane in frustration, until he forged an idea.

“This mission is really, really important to the princess right?”

“Yeah, what’s your point?” Breeze said with a quizzical look.

“Maybe after this is over the Princess can make an exception.” he said with a small grin. Breeze’s eyes lit up hearing this plan, she then shot up and hugged him tightly.

“Okay we’ll wait until after this mission. Then we’ll talk to the princess about it okay?” Scorch said as he hugged Breeze. She returned the hug, and whispered in his ear

“Promise?”

“Promise.” He said backing out of the hug, Breeze then grabbed the back of his mane and locked him in a passionate kiss. The two broke apart and continued to pack.

Scorch, Breeze, Flash and Lance stood at the castle gate along with princess Celestia.

“Good luck you three, the fate of Equestria rests on your shoulders.” Celestia said bowing before the three guards.

“Thank you princess. We won’t let you down.” Flash said as he returned the bow. Scorch now stood next to Celestia.

“Princess, can I have a moment to speak with them?” Scorch asked as he looked up at the sun goddess.

“Of coarse. Just keep it brief.” Celestia then left the four guards to talk amongst themselves.

“Alright guys, remember check your corners watch each other’s backs and be sure to change Lance’s diapers at least once a day.” He said with a chuckle.

“Buck you.” Lance retorted with a grin.

“Breeze, watch after these two and don’t let Flash near anything sharp.” He said giving her a pat on the back.

“Yeah, yeah laugh it up.” Flash said with a smug look.

“I’m gonna get a head start.” Lance said as he turned to take off.

“Hey Lance in all seriousness, good luck.” Lance turned back around and saluted Scorch.

“Sir! It’s been an honor.”

“Like wise.” Scorch said returning the salute. Lance then took off into the sunset.

“I’d better go after him before he hurts himself.” Breeze said.

“Hey Bree, come back in one piece.” Scorch said as he gave her a hug.

“I will sir, thanks.” Breeze then went to fly after her colleague. Scorch then turned towards his oldest friend.

“Good luck Flash, hope you make it back in one piece and..” Scorch was cut off by Flash bringing a punch on his arm.

“Scorch, you talk way too much, and don’t worry I’ll bring Bree, back to you.” He said giving him nudge on the shoulder.

“How did you..?” Scorch asked in shock.

“I’m your best friend. I’ve known for about a year now. I mean It’s not like you two didn’t try and hide it. It took quite a bit of work on my part.” Flash said putting a hoof on his friends back.

“Thanks.” He said as he outstretched his front right hoof to bro-hoof him. Flash smacked the gesture away and brought him into a hug. Scorch returned the hug.

“Good luck man.” The two friends separated and parted ways.

“Hey, if I don’t see you....” Flash was cut off by Scorch saying.

“Flash, tell me when you see me.” Scorch said as Flash turned and began to take off. Scorch could have sworn he saw a tear roll out of Flash’s eye as he left. Once he saw his best friend leave his sight, he felt Celestia’s wing on his shoulder.

“Come Scorch we have much to discuss.” Celestia said turning back towards the castle. Scorch began to walk, but took one last glance towards the sunset and said with tears in his eyes

“Goodbye.”

Chapter 12

As Flash, Breeze and Lance passed the halfway point they decided to make camp for the night in a cave.

“Okay every pony lets break for the night.” Breeze said out of breath.

“You okay Breeze?” Flash asked his squad mate.

“Yeah, I’m just tired from the flight.” Breeze said chugging water down the water from her canteen.

“Alright, I’m gonna get the fire started.” Lance said as he started to collect sticks and twigs.

The three pegasi set up a perimeter and decided to sleep in shifts to keep watch at the cave entrance. Breeze took the first watch while Flash and Lance tried to get some sleep. Flash tossed and turned in his makeshift “bed” made out of leaves and twigs. His mind was filled with worry about Breeze and Scorch. He finally had enough and decided to go and talk to Breeze. Meanwhile Breeze was sitting by the fire deep in thought about the promise Scorch made to her.

“Hey.” Flash said as he sat down next to her.

“What are you doing out here? Lance is next for watch duty.” Breeze said in surprise.

“Couldn’t sleep, just thinking.” Flash said as he offered her a sip from his canteen.

“About what?” Breeze asked as she took a sip.

“Oh you know the mission, life, you and Scorch as a couple.” He said with a smirk on his face.

“WHAT??” Breeze said as she spat out the water she had just drank. “That’s absurd, Scorch and me? Hah... Thats a laugh.” she said with a guilty grin on her face.

“Bree don’t insult my intelligence, I’ve known for over a year.” Flash said with a deadpan look on his face.

“How? Did Scorch tell you?” she asked in an accusing tone.

“No, I figured it out. I’m smarter than I look.” he said with a light chuckle.

“Does, Lance know?”

“No, just you, me and Scorch.”

“Well thats a relief. He can’t keep a secret to save his life.” Breeze said as she breathed a sigh of relief. “I was concerned that he might tell the princess.”

“You think, he would do that?”

“I don’t know, Lance and Scorch are able to tolerate one another but they’ve never really been best friends.” Breeze said.

“Yeah, plus that role is taken by yours truly. No offense.” he said with a smug smile.

“None taken. I was actually surprised that he saluted Scorch like that.” Breeze said letting out a sigh.

“Yeah, didn’t see that coming. So back on topic, are you and Scorch serious or is this a strictly “physical” relationship?” Flash asked making quotation movements with his hooves.

“Pretty serious, after this mission is done we’re going to ask the princess permission to marry us.”

“Really? Congratulations. Hey can I be the best stallion?” Flash said giving his friend a hug.

“Sure. I guess Lance can be my mare of honor.” she said with a chuckle.

“Hah. I can totally picture him with flowers.”

“You can picture who with flowers?” Lance interjected.

“GAH!” Breeze and Flash said nearly jumping out of their sitting position in surprise.

“What are you doing out here?” Flash asked accusingly.

“I can ask you the same thing! I’m out here for my shift, and what about flowers?”

“We were just reviewing the herb field manual. You know, reciting what flowers are not safe to eat like Poison Joke, Honey Barb and Black Briar Vine.” Breeze said praying to Celestia that he bought it.

“Whatever, get some shut eye we have to get moving before dawn.”

“Okay, thanks Lance good night.” Breeze said as she went inside the cave.

“Alright, see you in the morning Lance.” Flash said as he turned around.

“Good night, and remember you relieve me in three hours.”

As Flash made his way into the cave and laid down in is makeshift bed his mind felt more at ease then when he tried to fall asleep earlier but, he couldn’t help but feel like he was being watched.

Quick note: Sorry for the short chapter every-pony. Don't worry the next one is a doosy.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13.

Princess Celestia and Scorch walked into the princess’s private study. Celestia sat behind her hoof crafted wooden desk that was given to her by the king of Gryphonia. Scorch took the seat on the other side. Scorch’s mind raced with anticipation of what his special assignment would be.

“I suppose your head is filled with questions on your assignment Night Scorcher.” Celestia said pouring herself some tea.

“Yes, your majesty. I’m very anxious to get started.” Scorch said as he shifted his position in the chair. “Am I going to coordinate troops at the castle?”

“No. Before I tell you, can you answer a question for me?” Celestia said to Scorch while she sipped her tea.

“What is it?”

“What is the price of loyalty?”

Scorch was shocked at this question. He pondered for several minutes rubbing his chin with his front hoof.

“Well princess I...”

“PRINCESS CELESTIA!!! WE’VE GOT A SITUATION!!” said a guard as he came bursting into the study, out of breath and sweat dripping from his body. “THERES........A..........PROBLEM...........AT.....” the guard tried to say while catching his breath .

“Soldier, take time to collect yourself, then tell me whats wrong.” Celestia said in an aggravated tone.

Scorch sat the guard down and gave him his cup of tea. The guard swiftly drank down the tea scalding his tongue in the process, but he would deal with that later.

“Now, what is the situation soldier?” the sun goddess asked the now mellow guard.

“At the front gate there are two guards they claim to have a message for you.”

“Who sent them?” Scorch asked.

“They said they worked for some pony named Nightmare Moon.”

Celestia froze as she heard the name, she quickly got to her hoofs and started for the door.

“Thank you soldier for this report, tell them that we will meet with them shortly in the grand hall.”

“We ma’am?”

“Yes, Scorch will accompany me.” The guard exited the room as fast as his hooves could carry him. Scorch and Celestia both made their way to the grand hall. Scorch had walked the halls of Canterlot castle many times at night, but tonight felt different, it felt like a great shadow had spread across the royal city and that these messengers were only the least of their problems. It began to storm as the two companions made their way to the main hall. They made it to the grand hall, as Celestia sat on her throne she looked at Scorch with a worried face.

“Night Scorcher, I want to at all costs avoid a diplomatic incident, if these messengers pose any type of threat to us use your “Stare” to incapacitate them. Do you understand?”

“Yes, your highness.” Scorch said as he prepared for the meeting.

The two messengers made their way into the hall. Both of them were pegasus stallions and wearing long black robes that covered their faces and stretched all the way down to their hooves. They made their way to the foot of the throne where Celestia and Scorch were waiting for them.

“Good evening your highness.” One of the messengers said with a smug grin on his face.

“I am in no mood for games, what is Nightmare Moon’s message?” Celestia asked with an angered look on her face.

“How rude, very well then let us get to the point shall we?”

“Make it quick.” Scorch said with daggers for eyes.

“We are here to negotiate your surrender to the one true princess of Equestria, Nightmare Moon.” the second messenger said in a flat tone.

Princess Celestia was shaking in rage at the statement that these two strangers had just said. She was not going to give up so easily.

“What if I refuse?” The princess said calmly, struggling to hold back her burning rage.

“Then Lady Nightmare Moon will have no choice. She will go to war with you.”

Scorch was struck with horror at the idea of the two sisters waging a war against one another.

“And we will have no choice but to execute the spies we’ve captured.”

“Spies? What spies?” Scorch said fearing the worst.

One of the messengers turned his attention to Scorch.

“We captured three pegasi that had a camp not one mile away from our castle. One mare and two stallions.”

Scorch’s mind lurched at the realization that his team, his friends were now at the mercy of the enemy. He could only imagine what horrors they were being subjected too.
Scorch charged until he was in front of the two.

“WHERE ARE THEY? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM?” Scorch bellowed.

“So this must be their leader, the stubborn one spoke highly of you.” the messenger in front of Scorch said with an evil grin.

“That reminds me, we were supposed to give you this.” he said as the messenger reached into his cloak and withdrew a piece of damaged armor and threw it on the marble floor. It only took a second for Scorch to recognize the item, it was Flash’s combat helmet.

Scorch was about to beat the two messengers until they couldn’t breath, but he then saw two bright beams strike both pegasi in the chest propelling them backwards, through the door and out into the hall. Scorch turned around and saw something that would make an Ursa Major shake in fear. Princess Celestia’s once flowing rainbow mane had turned into a burning inferno, her eyes glowed white hot with rage and magic. Scorch had heard of unicorns using unimaginable power when enraged, the locals called it a “Rage Shift”. In this state the unicorns’ powers are at least doubled in strength. Scorch couldn’t even begin imagine the power Celestia had now. The enraged princess now hovered in front of the two pegasi who were staggering to their hooves, however they were hit by a second beam shot from the royal horn. This time they were cast out of the castle gate and into the cold stormy night.

“How dare you strike a messenger!” one of the pegasi said recovering from the second attack.

“SILENCE!!!” Celestia said in her royal Canterlot Voice.“HOW DARE YOU COME TO MY HOME AND DEMAND THAT I PRINCESS CELESTIA, RULER OF EQUESTRIA SURRENDER MY KINGDOM, MY SUBJECTS AND MY FRIENDS TO SOME PONY WHO HAS CLEARLY GROWN OVERCONFIDENT!!”

“If you don’t surrender then war will fall upon Equestria. Lady Nightmare Moon will hear of this.” one of them bellowed.

“AND YOU CAN TELL THIS “NIGHTMARE MOON” THAT IF SHE WANT’S MY KINGDOM, THEN SHE CAN HAVE IT WHEN SHE PRY’S IT FROM MY COLD DEAD HOOVES!! BUT FIRST ALLOW ME TO GIVE YOU A RIDE HOME!!” Celestia said as she turned around and bucked the two messengers so hard that the force caused the two pegasi to punch two massive holes in the clouds.

Scorch stood there stunned at what he just witnessed, Princess Celestia had just started a war with her younger sister. The sun goddess’s mane turned back to it’s normal color, unlike it’s wavy texture before if fell over her face straight and flat. Scorch galloped over and saw tears running down her face, he could tell even in the rain.

“Princess are you okay?” Scorch asked as he put a hoof on the sun goddess’s shoulder. Celestia then grabbed the pegasus and pulled him into a hug.

“WHAT HAVE I DONE?” she screamed out into the storm, knowing full well that she has just unleashed upon her country and subjects.

Chapter 14

The two messengers were sent flying through the air at an unimaginable rate, the force from the princess’s hooves shot them so fast they felt like they were close to breaking the sound barrier, until they made contact with Nightmare Moon’s palace hidden deep within the Everfree forest. The messengers had crash landed into Nightmare Moon’s throne room. The dark alicorn herself waiting patiently on her throne. She stepped down from her relaxed position and walked over to her badly wounded subjects.

“I’m surprised that it took you two that long to return here.” she said with a cold tone.

“She....she refused your offer, your highness. She means to go to war with us.” said one messenger trying to regain his balance.

“Perfect. You two have played your part. Now, BEGONE!!” as she bellowed, her horn flared and her two messengers had disintegrated into a pile of smoldering ash.

“Hmmm. Looks like I’ll need more guards. Luckily I have plenty of “volunteers.” she laughed at the statement as she left the throne room and headed towards the dungeon to examine her prisoners.

Back at Canterlot Castle Celestia is now meeting with her advisors to prepare for the upcoming war. Scorch stood guard outside the study, The silence in the hall way was relaxing, but he couldn’t help but worry about his team that were at the mercy of a deranged Alicorn. Scorch started to pace the space in front of the door, when suddenly they opened the advisors left leaving only the sun goddess inside with her head lowered in sadness.

“How did it go your highness?”

“The proclamation of war has been approved and we will begin to train our troops for the war.”

“Should I begin to prepare your highness?” Scorch asked with concern in his voice.

“No, instead I need you to meet me in my study in three hours, there are things there we need to discuss.” she said as she began to exit the room.

“As you wish.” Scorch replied as he went back to his room.

The room was average size It held one bed, a desk and a bookshelf stacked with a wide variety of books. Scorch made his way over to his bed, lifted up the mattress and withdrew a picture of Breeze, Flash, Lance and himself at the Grand Galloping Gala from five years ago. He remembered that night.

Flash had lost his, and Scorches invitations so they had to sneak in through a window,in their suits and had to avoid the other guards. They both managed to make it to Breeze’s room and asked her for help.

“You know you two could have just said you were guard ponies on duty.” she said with an annoyed voice.

“Yeah, but wheres the fun in that? Plus I always wanted to break into the castle.” Flash said right before Scorch slugged him in the arm.

“Don’t you have a date to get too?” Scorch reminded Flash.

“Oh Crap! Lily’s gonna kill me! See you two down there.” Flash said as he raced out the door to go meet is date.

“Will he ever learn?” Breeze said as she was brushing her mane.

“Doubtful, he’s always been like that.” Scorch now turned his gaze towards Breeze, she looked extremely different without her armor on and her hair down. She looked up in the mirror and saw that he was staring at her.

“Enjoying the view?” she asked with a playful tone.

“Oh, just waiting for when your done.” he said adverting his eyes from the mare.

“Almost, I just need to put on some make up.” she said as she pulled open a drawer.

“Ok, I’m going to use the gentle colts rom then.” scorch said as he trotted into the bathroom.

Once she was sure the door was locked she looked herself over in the mirror, making sure that she looked perfect. It had taken her hours to get her mane to stay straight, she wanted to look her best fro the princess and for Scor..

“Ugh, shut up brain he’s only a teammate. Nothing more.” she said to her reflection as she held her head with her front hooves.

“You ready to go?” Scorch said as he emerged from the restroom. As Breeze turned around she finally got a good look at his ensemble. He was sporting a jet black suit with a white tie. It fit him like a glove made for his own hoof. Scorch was now looking at Breeze’s dress, it was white with long black stripes going down in a spiraling formation reaching down to her flank and her mane was now straight resting on her shoulders. An eternity seemed to pass between the two as they locked eyes.

“Well....we best be off, don’t want to keep Lance and Flash waiting.” Scorch said trying to break the awkward silence.

“Yes, Good idea.” Breeze sad as she left her room with Scorch.

They both made their way to the Galla it did not take long to find Flash he was at the center of the dance floor with some mare that Scorch assumed was Lily.

“Typical Flash, always the center of attention.” Scorch said as he face hoofed.

“Wonder where Lance is?”

“He’s probably off sulking somewhere.” Scorch said as breeze hit him in the arm.

“Be nice, he’s not a bad guy once you get to know him.”

“Yeah, your probably right.” Scorch said as he left Breeze and found a table to sit down.

Hours passed, ponies came and went, the Gala was almost over and Scorch continued to watch the high class ponies of Canterlot mingle and discuss business. He had a brief chat with Flash when he took a break from dancing. Lance stopped by to try and talk but socializing was never his strong suit. More than once had his gaze fallen across Breeze, who had been dancing with a posh higher up, which she was not enjoying. Scorch decided to rescue his comrade from her predicament. He trotted up to the dancing pair.

“Mind If I cut in Miss?” Scorch asked Breeze trying to sound like a total stranger.

“Oh not at all kind sir.” Breeze said as she picked up on the charade. “Nice meeting you Mr. Rich.” Breeze said as she followed Scorch away from the stallion. “Thank you so much, I owe you one. If he used another one of those cheesy pick up lines again, I swear I was going to beat the living hay out of him.”

“I’ll take a drink as payment.” Scorch said as he chuckled.

“Deal.” she said as Scorch and herself took a seat at the table.

The two talked for what seemed like hours, they joked, gossiped and shared stories about their friends and family.

“So then, Flash went right up to the drill sergeant and said “You can have a hard case on me as much as you want, as long as you buy me dinner first. Sir!” That landed him latrine duty for a month.” Scorch said fighting through the laughter. Breeze was hysterical.

“I can totally see him doing that.” she said as she took another drink. “Looks like the Gala’s almost over.” she said as she looked around the room and saw ponies leaving. “Hey, do you want to....never mind.”

“What? Say it.” Scorch asked as he raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“I was wondering if you maybe wanted to...I don’t know...dance?” Breeze said as she bit her lower lip in embarrassment.

“Um....Okay.” Scorch said as he took her by the hoof and led her on the dance floor trying his hardest to hide his blush.

As the two started to dance thousands of thoughts raced through Scorches mind. The most prominent one was the shock that he was dancing with his teammate, his very attractive teammate. Both ponies faces were now as red as apples.

“Breeze I...” Scorch began but never managed to get to finish his statement. Suddenly Breeze had kissed him. Scorch’s mind was going crazy, when she broke the kiss he stood there frozen in place. Breeze now realizing what she had just done started to cry and galloped off the dance floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. Scorch had just snapped back to reality and chased after her.

“Breeze wait. I just want to talk.” Scorch said as he caught up with her as she reached the nearby balcony.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that my emotions are going crazy, then you show up in a suit and rescue me from some posh plot hole. I....I just don’t know what to do.” Breeze said hanging her head in shame and tears still gushing out.

“I do.” Scorch said as he walked over to the sobbing mare. He put his right hoof under her chin and raised her head so they were now eye to eye. Scorch looked at her, Breeze gazed into his red eyes and felt as though the world had stopped. Scorch then closed his eyes and planted a kiss on Breeze’s quivering lips. Breeze then returned the kiss and closed her eyes tears still streaming down her face. The two were so caught up in the moment that they didn’t notice that it had started to rain. They decided to retreat back into the castle only to be greeted by Flash with an annoyed look on his face.

“There you two are! I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Flash said as he held the irritated look.

“What is it?” Scorch asked.

“This pony has some weird contraption with him its called a “camera” it says that it can make a picture. I wanted to get a group shot of us!” Flash said, he now saw make up stains running from Breeze’s eyes. “Hey are you okay?”

“Yeah, the rain just messed up my make up that’s all.” she said while regaining her composure. “I just need a minute to fix it.”

“Alright, when you’re done meet us over by the stair case.” Flash said as he rejoined Lance. Scorch then turned to Breeze trying to start up a conversation, but Breeze put a hoof to his mouth.

“We can talk later, right now we just need to act like nothing happened.” she said as she moved her hoof into her bag and fixed her eyeliner.

“Alright, shall we?” Scorch said as held the door open for her.

The two joined Flash and Lance near the grand stair case.

“Okay, they’re here.” Flash said to a dark a green unicorn with a picture frame for a cutie mark. He had a box with a lens in the center standing on a tripod. The four friends huddled together Flash was on the far left, Lance was on the Right and Scorch and Breeze were in the center together.

“Hold still......three......two.....one. Every-pony say, Galla!” the unicorn said.

“Galla!” The four ponies said as the unicorn said as he activated the machine.
Scorch and his friends were temporarily blinded by the flash from the box. The unicorn then ignited his magic and the box began to glow. He then took out four pieces of paper that held the image of the four friends. Lance was making a slight grin in the photo. Flash had his typical cocky expression on his face. In the center, Scorch and Breeze both smiled. The four friends soon departed Lance decided to go to the local bar and get a “real drink”. Flash left with his now heavily intoxicated date. Scorch and Breeze both went to their rooms, before they got to their rooms Scorch finally spoke up.

“Hey Breeze I was wondering if....” for the second time that night he was interrupted by his co-worker.

“Look, You probably have a ton of mares chasing after you, so I won’t get in your or their way.” she said as she lowered her head in sadness.

“I was going to ask if you would like to go out for drinks next weekend.” Scorch said as he approached the now surprised mare having a nervous grin on his face.

“ Um...yes I’d love to.”she said with a nervous voice. “Well goodnight.” she said as she opened the door to her room.

“Goodnight.” Scorch said as Breeze closed her bed room door.

Scorch then made his way into his room, sat down on his bed and withdrew the picture that he had just received.

Scorch then began to cry at the memory, worried for his friends, he held the picture close to his heart and tried to fight back the tears but he knew the tears would win, they always win.

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Hang on a second.” he said as he quickly stashed the photo back underneath his mattress and wiped the tears away. Scorch got up and glanced at the clock he had been in there for almost three hours lost in the memory. Scorch opened the door and saw Princess Celestia standing in the hall way.

“It’s time.”

Chapter 15

Back at Nightmare Moons palace the three companions laid in the dungeons unconscious. Lance was the first to awaken and observe his surroundings There was a bench and one bed, not much else. He got up and he noticed three things, One, they were in some type of cell. Two, they were for the most part, unharmed. Three, there were no guards outside their cell. “Buck me.” he said as he took in the gravity of the situation.

“Ugh....” Flash said as he rose from his state. “Where in Equestria are we?”

“I don’t know. Looks like we’er in some sort of dungeon.”

“Really? No shit Sherlock Hooves.” Flash said in and aggravated tone.

“Why you little....”

“Hey, can it both of you!” both stallions turned their head and saw that Breeze had regained consciousness. She was having difficulty getting to her hooves, both pegasi rushed over to help their friend up.

“Thanks.” she said as she placed a hoof over each of their shoulders. “What’s the situation?” She asked as they set her down on the bench.
“Your situation is quite the predicament.” said a cold voice coming from the door of the cell. The three pegasi turned their heads to find themselves face to face with the dark alicorn, Nightmare Moon.

“Who they hay are you?” Flash asked the dark figure.

“I am Nightmare Moon, the true leader of Equestria and your interrogator for this evening.” she said as she stepped inside the cell. As she did Lance charged at her with all his strength. Nightmare Moon’s horn glowed and Lance was trapped in a dark blue magical aura and was sent flying into the wall. “Perfect, this one has volunteered to go first.” Nightmare moon said as she dragged Lance out of the cell by his tail. As Flash tried to rescue his friend from their captor the door had slammed in his face. Flash then shook his head and began pounding on the door in frustration.

“Flash, Calm down!” Breeze said as she rushed to her friends side. “Lance can handle what ever they dish out. What’s important right now is that we keep a level head and try and find a way out of here.” Breeze said as she managed to calm down her enraged companion. Flash stopped bombarding the door and slumped to the floor. Breeze put a hoof on her friends shoulder trying to reassure him. “We’ll make it out, we always do.” she said as Flash pulled her into hug, which was soon broken by an ear splitting scream coming from the end of the hall.

The screams went on for hours. Flash and Breeze both tried to remain calm, but they couldn’t muffle out the agonizing cries of their friend. Suddenly the screaming stopped, and the dark alicorn returned holding Lance by his mane and threw him into the cell with great force. Flash managed to intercept his friend before he hit the wall.

“I will return tomorrow, you two had better answer my questions unless you want to end up like your friend here.” she gave an evil laugh and exited the dungeons to return to her quarters.

Flash laid Lance on the bed trying to comfort his friend.

“Lance? Lance, Speak to me!!” Breeze cried as she lightly slapped his face. Flash was looking him over, he had several bruises, cuts and burn marks all over his body. His left eye was swollen shut,his hooves looked like they were pierced with a cattle prod and were bleeding profusely.. As he went around to inspect his back he gasped loud enough for Breeze to hear.

“What is it?” she asked as she walked over to Flash.

“Bree, don’t look.” Flash said as he tried to cover her eyes.

Breeze ignored him and saw that Lances wings were ripped off, all that remained were two still bleeding stubs. At this sight Flash couldn’t hold back any more, he vomited on the cell floor in disgust. Breeze looked away in horror and collapsed on the ground.

Lance had finally regained consciousness, when he did he saw Flash sitting over in a corner along with Breeze. As he started to move Flash rushed to his side helping his friend up.

“How do you feel?” Flash said with a weak voice.

“Lousy.” Lance said as he got to his hooves. As he took a step he felt his body cry out in pain. Lance then remembered what Nightmare Moon did to him, he looked at Flash with a horrifying look.

“Flash, are my wings gone?”

“I really don’t think that you-”

“ARE THEY GONE?”

“yes.” he said weakly. Lance took a deep breath and trotted over to Breeze who was still sitting in the corner sobbing. “We managed to stop the bleeding, but we couldn’t do much else.”

“That’s okay. I know you did everything you could.” he said as he began to cry. Breeze brought him into a hug soon joined by Flash, in the darkness of the enemies castle the three friends knew that they would not be leaving alive. After hours and hours of sitting in the dark Nightmare Moon returned.

“Well my little captives, I’ve decided that I’m going to be generous and send Celestia a little ‘gift’ a small example of things to come.” she said ash her eyes fell upon Shattered Lance. Her horn glowed and dragged Lance out of the cell. Flash and Breeze tried to fight but were held back by the alicorn’s magic.

Chapter 16

Back in Canterlot Princess Celestia entered her study with Night Scorcher at her side, when the two entered the small room Scorch noticed that the room was filled with four other ponies. Princess Celestia took a seat at her desk and the other ponies soon crowded around her.

“My Little Ponies, Equestria is threatened by a new foe, Nightmare Moon. I have brought you all here today so you can be briefed on my plan to stop her.”

“But Princess how are we going to stop this..Nightmare Moon? We’er just ordinary ponies.” said a dark green unicorn mare.

“No, you six are not ordinary. Each one of you holds an Element of Harmony.”

“An element of what?” said a pink pegasus mare.

“The Elements of Harmony is a new magic I have developed, hopefully it will stop Nightmare Moon.” Celestia said as she glanced at the group of ponies.

“So how do we come into play?” Scorch asked.

“You five are going to help me wield this new power and defeat Nightmare Moon.” The four other ponies looked at one another with a concerned look. Scorch stepped forward.

“I humbly accept, your majesty.” Scorch said as he bowed. The other ponies soon followed his example and accepted the responsibility.

“I am happy to hear that, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. The fate of Equestria lies on your shoulders. Now we must prepare, take these.” the sun goddess then withdrew a wooden box containing the five necklaces and a tiara. The princess then called the ponies up one by one to receive each element. “Night Scorcher, you will bear the Element of Loyalty. A true friend and loyal subject to the kingdom, I can think of no-pony better than to wield this element.”

“Thank you princess. I’m honored to assist you.” Scorch said as he bowed.

“I think that it is time to go to bed. You all will find your rooms in the east wing.” Celestia said as the ponies began to exit the study. Night Scorcher stayed behind he needed to get something off his mind.

“My lady, may I have a word?”

“Of corse, what’s troubling you?”

“I’m worried about my team, when are we planning a rescue mission?”

“After Nightmare Moon is defeated.” Celestia said in a flat tone.

“WHAT!? But that could be days, weeks even months from now!”

“Now listen Night Scorcher I-” The princess was cut off by something crashing through her window. Scorch jumped in front of the princess to fend off what ever landed in the study. Soon a battalion of guards came to the study spears drawn on the object. Scorch was the first to approach the oddly shaped shadow, as he did he realized it was a pony.

“Lance? Lance is that you?” he said as he brought his friend into the light. Scorch looked in horror at what Nightmare Moon had done to him. Scorch was close to vomiting, a few of the guards had already turned their heads, even the princess winced at the sight. Lance then fell to the ground.

“Lance! Speak to me!”Scorch said as he laid his friend on the table.

“Everfree......forest.........castle.........in.........darkness....Breeze......Flash......not much time.” Lance said as he gasped for air.

“Lance you stay with me soldier! That’s an order!” Scorch said as tears started to stream down his face.

“Save.....them.......you’re .....the only one who.....” with his final breath he looked up at his friend and gave a final salute as he laid upon the table lifeless. Scorch began to wail in agony as his friend died in his hooves. Princess Celestia turned away to hide her tears as did some of the guards. Celestia then approached Scorch and put a hoof on his shoulder. Scorch pulled away and took off into the dark cold night with rage and vengeance driving him. Celestia then turned to the group of guards.

“Guards! Wake the Elements!” Celestia bellowed as the guards dispersed. Celestia then took flight after Scorch.

Scorch was flying faster than he ever had before, racing towards the dark forest when he was suddenly stopped by a glowing yellow aura that had formed around him he suddenly felt a tingle and the world seemed to warp around him and found himself back in Canterlot Castle in the grand hall. Scorch looked around and saw the other four ponies and Celestia glaring at him.

“WHY? WHY WON’T YOU LET ME RESCUE THEM?” Scorch screamed at the princess.

“I’ll help you rescue them, but we need to formulate a plan first.” Celestia said as she released her magical hold on the pegasus. “Now calm down!” she bellowed. Scorch set his anger aside and did as she asked. “We will infiltrate Nightmare Moons’ strong hold, defeat her and free any-pony she has taken prisoner.”

“But princess, how are we going to get in? The place is crawling with guards.” said one of the four ponies.

“An army will keep Nightmare moon distracted, while we slip through undetected.” she said as she pointed outside revealing at least 200 guards in armor. “Once inside we will need to act quickly. I suggest we all get some sleep, We attack at dawn.” Celestia said as she looked over at Night Scorcher. The other ponies left and went to bed Scorch just stood there frozen in place with his head down.

“Princess Celestia, I am sorry for my behavior earlier.”

“No, Night Scorcher I am sorry for sending your team on such a dangerous mission and as a result one member has already perished. Up until now all I’ve seen is facing my little sister, but now I realize that what I now face is a monster and must be treated like one, I see that now and I’ll never forgive myself for letting this happen.”

“Princess do not blame yourself you couldn’t have known what would happen to them. Princess may I ask you of something?”

“Considering what you will do for me and what your team has already done you may ask me anything.”

“Misty Breeze and I, we....”

“You wish to be married correct?” Celestia said with a warm smile.

“How did you...”

“Nothing happens inside this castle that I don’t know about. Go get some rest, you’ll want to look good for Misty Breeze when you ask her for her hoof in marriage.” Scorch couldn’t believe his ears. “On one condition.”

“Name it!”

“That I will oversee the ceremony.”

“Of corse milady, wouldn’t have had it any other way, and thank you.” Scorch then trotted off to his room. Celestia sat in the room with tears running down her face.

“I only hope we make it in time.”

Chapter 5

The room became quiet, until Rainbow broke the seemingly never ending silence

“You know who it is? Who? Tell me!” Rainbow dash said with astonishment.

“I can’t be sure, but I have an idea on how to confirm it.”

“How?”

“You will fall asleep and I will enter your dream and see this stranger for myself.” Celestia said with a flat tone. Rainbow sat there dumbfounded at what the princess had just said.

“You WANT me to have that nightmare again?” She said with a hint of anger.

“Rainbow dash I understand you being uncomfortable with this idea but it is the only way to see if it is a great of threat as I fear.” The sun goddess said with pleading look in her eye.

“Don’t worry when I exit the dream I will bring you with me. We will be in and out before you know it.”

Hearing these new facts Rainbow, struggling to make a decision. Either A.) Keep having these nightmares or B.) Let Princess Celestia go inside her head, literally.

“Okay princess lets do it.” She said with a concerned look.

“Don’t worry Dashie, we’ll be right next to you the whole time.” Pinkie said with a reassuring grin.

“You mean it?” Rainbow looked up at her friends.

“Of course Rainbow, what are friends for?” Twilight said smiling at her friend.

“And we shall be there as well.” Princess Luna said. “While my sister inhabits your dream I will remain in the physical world if things get out of hoof.” Rainbow now looking confused,

“Wait How is Luna supposed to help if she’s out here?” Rainbow asked the sun goddess.

“My sister will act as an anchor to this world, so when the spell wears off we will have a way out back into the real world.”

Applejack now spoke up.

“Wait, how is this spell supposed to work anyhow?” Celestia now turning her gaze to the orange mare.

“It allows the caster’s conscious to enter another pony’s dreams. However I can only be present in your mind for a short amount of time.” She said turning back to rainbow dash.

“So will I be able to see you in the dream?” Rainbow said nervously.

“Not the entire time, you will only see me when we decide to leave the dream.” Celestia said.

“Like if you two were reading the same book, at the same time.” Twilight explained.

“Oh, I get it now.” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Good analogy Twilight Sparkle” The blue princess said.

“Very well then should we get started?” Asked the white princess. “Rainbow took a deep breath.

“Yeah, lets do this.” Rainbow yelled hyping herself up for what will probably be a very weird experience. As the six friends high-hoofed they each let out a different chant.

“YEEHAW”

“Woo-hoo”

“Okie-Dokie Loki.”

“Hooray”

“Ok girls lets do this.”

“HUZZAH!!!!” Exclaimed Luna using her traditional canterlot voice. The force from the shout sent the six ponied flying back against the wall. “Oops, my apologies every pony I am still getting used to modern equestrian.” The night princess said while making a sheepish grin.

“Its fine princess I need all the encouragement I can get.” Rainbow said regaining her balance. The sun goddess stepped forward helping Twilight to her hooves.

“It will take some time for me to prepare the spell, I suggest you try and relax until it is ready, maybe take a stroll around Canterlot.” She suggested with a warm smile.

“Thank you for helping me princess.” Rainbow said giving the two sisters a bow.

“Anything we can do to help our subjects is no burden to us.” Luna said.

“Then it’s settled, I will send Twilight a message when Luna and I have prepared the spell.” Celestia said with a smile.

“But princess, how will that work. You usually send your letters through Spike and he’s back in Ponyville.” Twilight said with a quizzical look on her face.

“Oh, my faithful student I can send you messages through magic, I just send them to Spike because it is a little bit easier to lock onto a dragon rather than a unicorn; being that there are not that many dragons in Ponyville.” Celestia said with a grin.

“Oh, I guess that makes sense. Okay princess we will wait for your message and return to the castle.” Twilight said as she and her five friends left the dinning hall.

As soon as Celestia made sure that her student and company were out of earshot, her grin had changed into a face of despair as she slumped to the floor.

“Sister what troubles you?” asked Luna trying to comfort her.

“Oh, Luna I fear the worst for Rainbow dash. If I am not able to help her than there will be nothing any pony can to save her.” Luna now backing away with confusion.

“Save her? Tia, it only sounds like a bad dream and we are the princess’s of Equestria there isn’t anything we can’t do when we work together.” Luna said with a reassuring look in her eye.

“I wish I shared your optimism little sister, because if we can’t, then there is only one other thing I can think of to save our friend.” Celestia said as a single tear rolled down her cheek.