Loyalty's Vengeance

Chapters

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins.
Chapter 3: Westward Bound.
Chapter 5: New Friends, Newer Enemies.
Chapter 6: The Darkest Depth.
Chapter 7: Sol et Luna.
Chapter 8: Solace In Despair
Chapter 9: A Bittersweet Symphony
Chapter 11: The Apple Doesn't Fall Far.
Chapter 12: The Sins Make The Mare.
Chapter 13: Crescendo Of Madness.
Chapter 14: Drop The Bass
Chapter 15: Return To Cowardice.
Chapter 16: You're Gonna Go Far.
Chapter 17: The Horror Of Hospitality.
Chapter 18: Sweet Apple Sunset.
Chapter 19: The New Nightmare.
Chapter 20: The Dark Before The Dawn.
Chapter 21: We Walk In The Light.
Chapter 22: For Whom The Belle Tolls.
Chapter 23: To Tip The Scales.
Chapter 24: The Sword And The Flame.
Chapter 1: We Parted Ways.
Chapter 4: Dreams Of A Simpler Time.
Chapter 10: A Future Lost In The Past

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 2: The Journey Begins.

The land of Equestria, the once beautiful home of my friends and I, gone. The dead grass, the putrid rivers, and the smell of death now all that remains. It’s a mockery, a slap in the face, to the peace loving pony’s who once called this land home. This place, this world of evil incarnate, is now my home. I thank Celestia everyday, not for my waking, but for my friends not having to see this. Hmph I must be pathetic, being grateful that my friends are no longer here, but still...the pony’s they once were...the pony I once was...oh Celestia how we’ve fallen. Everyday I wake, I am reminded of my weakness, of my blind rage. The very thing that drives me, my loyalty, completely thrown away...because I rushed in. Would it have made a difference if I would have held back, if I would have stayed on the front, could Luna have beaten Chrysalis?

These thoughts, these regrets...my only companion. Day in, and day out, a war rages within myself. I am nothing more than a helpless bystander, watching my heart, clinging desperately to what was. Is any of this really worth it, I mean I can’t bring my friends back, right? Even so, I can’t let their memories fade, I can’t let the horrors Chrysalis has committed go unpunished.

Oh how I wish I could return to Ponyville, my home, but it is no more. Chrysalis began a propaganda campaign shortly after our defeat at Canterlot, using slander and lies, to try and convert citizens to her cause. Many cities fell, either believing Chrysalis’s lies, or simply wishing to avoid destruction...those poor fools. Celestia ruled through lies, her enemies silenced before their voices could cause decent, how could anypony believe that? Ponyville however, well they stood firm in their faith in our princess, in their ways of harmony.

Chrysalis decided to make an example of Ponyville, so she sent in the one foe we never expected, the one enemy we couldn’t even see...until it was too late...Diamond Dogs. My friends, the pony’s I loved, and those I considered family...fought til the very end...the Apple family being the last to fall. Big Mac, I can still hear your voice calling out to everypony, telling them not to believe in Chrysalis’s lies. How you said that the elements of harmony, how your sister would not abandon the town, and how we’d return. I can even remember how you stood there, in quiet defiance, as the Diamond Dogs tortured you. When they left you there, bleeding to death, from the gashes they carved into your body...I’m sorry big guy.

I watched the horrors unfold in Ponyville, I watched as it’s people suffered, but they all kept smiling...They just kept smiling, even as hunger,sickness, and Diamond Dogs took them one by one.I wanted to help, I wished nothing but to help, but I couldn’t. Call it fear, call it cowardice...call it whatever the hell you want, but I did nothing. The injuries I suffered from Canterlot still plagued me, and I knew trying to fight, would only mean death.

I fled into the Everfree Forest, I took shelter among it’s wild, untamed canopy of trees’. There I rested, I recovered, and slowly felt my old self wither. My mind became enraged with thoughts of death, hate, and a lust for revenge. The days brought me sleep, while the nights, brought me time to prepare myself. I learned to live off the land, learned to hunt...to kill. I know poor Fluttershy wouldn’t approve, but she was no more, and I had to live. There in that forest of darkness, the very place we’d been taught from filly’s to avoid, was now my only place of refuge. I called it home, and in time I learned to love it, and it was there...that I spilled the blood of my enemies first, and found purpose.

The air was surprisingly crisp, full of the scents I’d come to know, then again by that time I’d lived there for about a year. However I noticed something...off that morning as I drifted in and out of sleep, an invader. I peered down from my bed among the branches, and sighted the source of the odor, a pair of mangy Diamond Dogs. I stayed silent as I watched them, those...things, and listened as they bantered on...when I heard them say something I’d feared.

“So what did you do with that little orange Pegasus you caught?”

“You liked last night’s stew didn’t you?”

I couldn’t stop myself, I couldn’t even rationalize what they said, all I knew was they took something precious from me. “I’ll kill you, you dirty bastards!” I jumped from my perch, folding my wings against my back, as I slammed down into one of them. “You ate Scoots!” I was furious...looking back...I still am. I had the advantage of surprise, and speed, as the two gawked at me in disbelief. I didn’t waste anytime, as I bucked the dog I’d knocked to the ground square in the chest, causing all the air in his lungs to escape. The second lunged at me, and I stepped back, as he fell off balance. I leaned in, grabbing the hilt of the sword at his waist, and jerked it back...

The shrill scream that escaped that burly dogs filthy maw startled me, as I gouged his side with the rusted blade, creating a jagged gash. The smell of blood rushed to my nostrils, as I inhaled it deeply, and found myself enjoying his pain. He staggered back, leaning against a tree just behind him, staring at me with fear. I turned quickly, sword still tightly grasped between my teeth, as I heard the mongrel behind me stir. I hadn’t intended to bring the blade across his throat, but as I felt the blade pass through his skin, and slice through the sinew...I felt something.

The strained gurgle that emitted from his wound, shout blood out, spraying my face. The disgusting smell of his blood was enough to turn my stomach, which only angered me further, as I drove the blade into his chest...before kicking his limp body from the instrument of his death.

“Who, who are you?” The injured Diamond Dog asked, his breath ragged. I wouldn’t find out until later, that I had actually punctured his lung.

“Who am I!? Who am I!?" I shouted, through the hilt I still held onto, my temper flaring as I charged forward. I ran him through, pinning him to the tree, and gazed into his eyes. “I am the only family that little Pegasus had.” I said in a calm voice, unnerving even myself, as I watched blood pool at his feet.

“Really then where were you when she screamed? I even heard her scream your name, Rainbow Dash, as I gutted her alive.”

That was it, the very thing that pushed me over the edge, that was all I needed to hear. “You son of a bitch!” His eyes, his cold gaze, even now they haunt me. I jerked the sword from his body, and went crazy, slashing and hacking wildly. Blood splattered from his body, it covered my face and wings, and at first...he screamed...then he stopped. I...I didn’t stop however, I kept hacking, and eventually...there was nothing but a lump of flesh and blood. I stood there in silence, the sword dropping to the ground, as I inhaled deeply.

Looking back now, it was sloppy...but hey you gotta start somewhere. Never the less as I stood there blood dripping from my hair, staining my coat, I broke down into tears. How brutal could they be, they tortured and ate Scoots, and they spoke of it with no remorse...as if they had no soul. I sank down to my haunches, my tears cutting a path through the blood that covered me, as I thought about poor Scootaloo.

Had I caused this, couldn’t I have saved her, couldn’t I have at least been there for her? No I had no room for doubts, no room for second guessing, no room for emotion. I collected my thoughts, and soon I found myself returning to reality, and to the heap of meat and blood that lay before me.

My stomach turned, and wrenched, as I felt the burn of its acidic contents build in my throat. I couldn't hold it in any longer, as I expelled the contents of my breakfast on the forest floor, my eyes burning from tears. I had tasted battle before, I knew the rush of defeating another, but never had I killed with such unadulterated hate. My forelegs shook from my weight, as I strained to hold myself up, all while trying to calm my stomach...and my thoughts. I just sat there, staring at the eviscerated corpse before me, as I finally realized...this was my doing.

My thoughts were incoherent, and riddled with grief, as I accepted I had ended two lives. I didn't feel remorse for their deaths, but instead wept through the night, wondering how disappointed my friends would be. Scootaloo, did their deaths please you, did their pain make amends for the tortures you were subjected to?

As I saw the first small trickle of light flood in through the thick branches above, I had come to terms with my actions, and I came upon my answers. I left the bodies of those things, as maggots crawled across their bloated bodies, and took up the sword tightly between my jaws. I was headed to Ponyville, I would cleanse my home of those abominations called Diamond Dogs, and I would send Chrysalis a message...even if there was nopony left.

The journey was not a long one, as I made it a point not to venture too deeply into Everfree Forest, and by afternoon I stood at the outskirts of Ponyville. Even from the shroud of the treeline I could see those disgusting creatures, even through the dried blood caked around my muzzle, I could smell their filth.

They wandered through the streets, ravaging the corpses of the fallen, using their mutilated and mangled carcasses as nutrition. I was disgusted beyond belief, and nearly to the point of vomiting once again, as I saw the disemboweled remains of Big Mac still tied to a post in the town square.

How dare they disregard decency, and common morals, as they violated the dead. I couldn't take anymore, yet I couldn't rush in, I was outnumbered twenty to one. With a swiftness I'd only further developed within the forest, I made my way along my floral cover, silently moving towards a stray dog near the trees...I took my opportunity to strike as he stretched. In one rapid succession of movements I grabbed him, and ran the sword I carried through his back until I saw it protrude from his stomach, my hoof tightly clamped against his mouth to stifle his screams of pain. He fought at first swinging his arms behind him wildly, tearing a shallow gash across my right flank, and through my cutie mark. Then...silence, his struggling replaced by the random twitches of his nervous system, as I threw his body to the ground.

I took a moment to collect myself, before pulling the blade from his body, and sighing. I wasn't filled with overpowering hate, or soul swallowing remorse...I was calm. The raw emotions that filled me only hours ago, even as I stared down at yet another death I caused...I only felt purpose. That is when I realized I wouldn't simply be satisfied with the death of Chrysalis, or Discord, but with the deaths of all those who sided with her.

I moved from the trees, slinky through the streets, my movements fluid as water itself. I pressed myself against the wall of a hollowed out building, I can still remember the pony’s that lived there, my friends Lyra and Bon Bon. That's when I heard the labored pants of a pair of those mongrels, both of them engorged on the flesh, and muscle of my former friends. I tried to hold back, I tried to maintain my cover...but the fury...it overtook me. I swung out from my cover, sword held firm in my jaws as they clenched, and I'm confronted the bastards.

“Who in the hell are you!?” One of them shouted, as he moved to stand, from a small crate he sat on. “Your executioner.” I said through the hilt in between my teeth. That was all that was said, as my wings flared open, and I dashed forward. One cut, that was all I needed, that was all he needed. I took a step back, as I watched what started as a small cut across his stomach, stretch until it contents of pony fur and flesh spill onto the ground before him and he fell. The second, he was smart...he tried to run. I leapt into the air, catching a small updraft that propelled me forward, as I soared right by him. Dust rose from the dry soil beneath my feet, as I landed, and turned to look at the now motionless Diamond Dog. His face...his expression of fear, it was frozen to his face...even after his head fell from his shoulders to the ground. Blood rained down, as the pressure of his still beating heart pumped it through his veins, and out the gaping wound.

What happened after that, what happened after was simply...blood lust. I threw caution to the wind, completely disregarded all rational thinking, and charged head first. The center of town was the gathering point, they crowded around Big Mac’s carcass as if it were art, and conversed with laughter. I can’t really say what happened next...I blacked out...overwhelmed by rage. I can remember the feeling though, the urge to kill growing, as my thoughts became centered around all I’d lost. My blade passed through Diamond Dog after Diamond Dog, each kill bringing me an almost euphoric feeling, each kill causing me to question...is this vengeance...is this retribution...or is this simply my own twisted desire.

When I was able to think clearly, and regained control of myself, I stood amidst a pool of blood and organs. The mutilated, and disfigured bodies that surrounded me, no longer looked like Diamond Dogs...But like chunks of meat loosely held together by sinew, and patches of skin, and fur. My body, my face, even my mane were dyed crimson as blood dripped from my body. I felt free, liberated even, as I stood in the carnage I created. That’s when I heard the final strained breathes of one still clinging to life, and decided that I had a question for him, and he’d better answer.

I made my way towards the sound of death, sifting through the bodies, until I came upon the sorry sight of that dog clinging to life. “You, tell me, where is Chrysalis?”

“I’ll not tell you a damn thing, you foolish pony, Queen Chrysalis will destroy you soon enough!”

“Fine, then enjoy the last few moments of you deplorable life.” I turned from him, throwing a swift kick to his nose, and I smiled as I heard the bones break and crack.

I left Ponyville that day, after cutting down Big Mac, and burying him...along with the other pony’s I could find. Once I’d finished... the sun had just begun to set, buzzards circling up high, as I carried my sword carefully tucked under a wing. I haven’t been back since, but I hope that final Diamond Dog suffered...until the very end.

Chapter 3: Westward Bound.

Loyalty's Vengeance,

Chapter 3: Westward Bound.

The sun. That damnable glowing orb in the sky, bearing down on the world like a heat lamp. I used to look to that sun and smile, as it’s warmth filled me, and it’s gentle light made Equestria glow like a beautiful gem. Now though, that same sun brought nothing but pain, as it hangs there, reminding us that our princess is gone. There was a time, after the Changeling War, that I thought it meant Celestia was still alive...still raising it proudly...her message of hope. Sadly that wasn’t the case at all, our princess would never let the rays of her gift to ponykind scorch, and decimate the earth as it does now.

That same sun now assaulted my back, with rays that tinged the skin beneath my ragged coat, and my aching wings. Every breath I took was dry as the earth I walked on, as my throat begged for water, and my weary soul begged for rest. How long had I been walking, how long had it been since I left Ponyville a bloodied mess that offered a fine meal to the scavengers of this uncaring world? Had it been days, weeks, months...where was I even going?

Ponyville. It haunted my every thought, my every dream. The sight of seeing so many dead, so many ponys I’d known for most of my life, to know they would never return. I couldn’t shake the vision of so much death, pain, and indescribable torment. The emotions I had felt when I was there were so overwhelming they scared me. I couldn’t fathom carrying so much hate, the burden of so many souls, but they were now my burden.

I thought about many different things, as I walked the land that bordered the great expanse of the San Palomino Desert. The sea of sand that stretched out as far as I could see radiated and reflected the heat of the sun. My body ached and burned, as my muscles contracted with every step. I would need to find water soon, it would surely mean death if I were to go without much longer, and I couldn’t allow myself the sweet reprise of its embrace.

Not yet.

My body grew heavier with each step, the heat of the world beating me down. I stumbled and feel to the ground, now knowing what tripped me. I struggled, my brain screaming for my body to move, while my muscles refused and savored the stillness.

Wait, what was that? Diamond Dogs? I could hear shuffling behind me, feel the eyes of some unseen assailant watching, as it drew closer. How could I have been so stupid not to notice? Had I been too wrapped in thought, too focused on what has already been, that I couldn’t see what was?

Wait it’s not Diamond dogs, those are hooves!

Whispers. I can hear whispers, but where am I? I opened my eyes to darkness, the feel of cold stone under me, and suddenly silence. “Hello, is anypony there?” I called through my dried mouth, my voice straining and cracking as I struggled to speak. No reply, not even a sound...what was this?

I had to find a way out, of wherever this place even was, I had to return to the light. Within this darkness, within this silence, I could feel myself slipping further and further from reach. The pitch black void of my surroundings provided the perfect backdrop that my thoughts played across, as I found myself reliving them in detail.

I rose to stand, and as I tried to move, I felt the pull of cold metal around my fetlocks. Why am I shackled? What....what the hell have I gotten into...where’s my sword? I searched frantically through the darkness, trying to find my weapon, my only means of escape. I was alone, weaponless, and chained within the darkness...was I going to die?

I was overtaken with dizziness suddenly, as I feel back to my haunches, a small trickle of blood trailing from my forehead. How hadn’t I noticed it, how could I not know I was injured? Could my fear have been that great? “Where the hell am I!” I screamed, slamming my fore-hooves on the stone floor I sat on.

Movement. I heard something move from across the room, the rustling of chains. My mind raced, my heart pumped, as I tried to calm myself. “Who’s there?” I asked, shuffling back slowly, until I felt myself press against an unseen wall.

“Rainbow Dash? Rainbow is that you?”

That voice, that weak voice that called to me, I knew the voice...it was a voice I hadn’t heard in years. “Braeburn?” I replied.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re alive.” He called out through the dark, his voice weak, his breaths labored. “Chrysalis told us all the Elements were dead, but I knew it couldn’t be true...so where are the others...are they in here too?”

I swallowed hard, trying to spread what little moisture I could gather from my own saliva down my throat, as I hung my head. “No...they aren’t here, the others are...the others are gone, it’s just me now.” I thought I’d come to terms, I thought I’d moved past this, but still I could feel tears trickle down my face as I spoke. I couldn’t see his face, I couldn’t see the sheer loss of hope in his eyes, but I could feel his spirit break as I spoke.

“So you’re telling me...you’re telling me that even Applejack-” His voice was shaking as he spoke, and I could tell he was to the point of tears. How long had he been in here, how long had he held onto the false hope that...that we would come...that Applejack would save the day.

“I’m sorry Braeburn...I’m so sorry.” Of course I was, I was the sorriest pony to ever live...because I was the one who lived. Applejack, could you have done better had you survived, could you have rallied the cries of countless ponies...could you have been the one to save those who died as I sat by and watched?

I could hear Braeburn prepare to speak, when suddenly a loud clang echoed throughout the room, and light flooded in. I was blinded by the sudden brightness, my eyes clenched shut as tightly as I could stand, as I heard voices call out.

“Well, I see you’ve woken up Rainbow Dash, and I see that our little hold out has been running his mouth again.” I was still trying to adjust to the light, when I heard Braeburn’s cries of pain, and the deadening thud of the strikes that rained down on him.

“Rainbow! Don’t believe them, even though you’re the only one left...you gotta understand!”

“I said shut up worm! Sheriff Silverstar, take Rainbow Dash to my office, I’ll deal with him.”

“Rainbow, you’re the only thing we got left to have faith in!”

My eyes shot open, and I saw Braeburn’s emaciated form hanging from the shackles that held him to the wall of the grey room, and...the wounds that covered his body. His once vibrant green eyes were now white as snow, blinded by the darkness he’d been locked away in for so long. That's also when I saw him, that worthless excuse of a pony, the vile creature that assaulted Braeburn and spread Chrysalis's influence through Appleloosa...Prince Blueblood. “Braeburn!” I shouted, when suddenly...everything went black.

“Well don’t just stand there you buffoon. Wake her, Silverstar.”

That voice, the unsettling disregard for anypony but himself, the sickening air of wasted nobility. “I’m awake, you ass.” I said with a smile, as my eyes slowly opened. “Now where in the name of Celestia have you brought me, and where is Braeburn?”

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner, peasant!” Blueblood shouted, as I felt the back of his hoof strike me across the jaw, turning my head.

“Well, what do you know, ole prissy pants here has a decent right hook.” Sarcasm dripped from my words, as I stared at him, his face showing more and more anger with each passing moment.

“Hold your tongue, before I have it cut from that rainbow maned skull of yours!” He shouted once more, striking the other side of my jaw even harder, causing me to nearly tip over in the chair I was tied to.

“Whoa there big boy, keep this up and I might get a little excited, and you wouldn’t want that.” I smiled, a small trickle of blood streaming from the corner of my lips, as I spoke. I took a moment before he could reply to shift my gaze about, taking in the surroundings I found myself in.

“You trash, you disgust me. To even think that I’d touch you in such a way!” He was furious, his eyes narrowed, as he pulled back for another strike.

“I wouldn’t...” He hit me, square in the mouth, knocking the chair and myself back onto the floor. “You see, I was just going to kill you.” I said, spitting out a dislodged tooth from the back of my jaw, as I spoke. “But after that little stunt, I’m not only going to kill you...I’m gonna make you suffer.”

“Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to kill you first...then again...why dirty my own hooves?” He smiled, as he turned from me, and walked to a large desk. I returned to my inspection of my surroundings, large desk, fancy paintings...expensive looking timber used for the floor and walls...this had to be the mayor’s office. “You see, Ms. Dash, as the acting mayor of Appleloosa, and personal representative of Queen Chrysalis, I can just order somepony to kill you.”

I took a moment to smile, and think about how I’d totally called being in the mayors office, before returning my attention back to Blueblood. “You mean someponies, because it’ll take more than one. I’d start out with at least twenty if I were you.”

“I should have expected such gloating from the ‘great’ Rainbow Dash. You’d think after your friends died because of it, you’d learn a little humility.”

“I will make you beg for death!”

“I’m sure you will. Now Silverstar, remove Ms. Dash from my presence, I grow tired of her. Oh! Also let it be known that I am not to be disturbed, I have an execution to arrange.”

“An execution, sir?” Silverstar asked, as I mulled over in my silent rage, thinking of ways to torture that pompous Unicorn...perhaps impale him with his own horn?

“Yes, that one deplorable earth pony called Braeburn, I think it’s time we finished him off.”

“You just keep giving me ammo don’t you Bluebitch?” I was furious.

“Oh how amazingly creative of you, perhaps I can return the favor...and think of an interesting punishment for your outburst? Silverstar, take her out somewhere and finish her off, I’m sure our queen would love to know we killed the last of the Elements.”

“Yes sir.” Silverstar replied obediently, as he took a lasso from his saddle bag, and lassoed the chair I was still held firm to.

I was dragged out of Blueblood’s office, watching his self centered smile baring down at me, until the door finally was shut. I wouldn’t be stopped, I would make him pay...just like those Diamond Dogs. I wouldn’t rest until I cut that smile off of his royal face, and made him kiss his own ass, although he might like that, the prick. Silverstar did as he was ordered, dragging me through the halls of town hall, and out into the dusty streets of Appleloosa.

I was shocked as I took it all in, not one thing had changed, not one thing looked different. Ponies walked the streets, carried on their lives...it was like war had never touched it’s borders. I couldn’t believe it, I was at a loss, and I think Silverstar noticed.

“You see Ms. Dash, this is what happens when you don’t resist, when you give into change...things end up even better than before.” He said with a smile, a genuine smile that confused me.

“Yeah I’m sure, now can we get this over with, I have an appointment with Blueblood and I don’t wanna be late.”

Silverstar sighed, and shook his head as we came to a stop in a small graveyard, just outside of town. “Well, any last words?” He asked me dropping the rope he’d used to pull me, before turning to dig through his saddlebag and pull out a large hunting knife.

“Actually, I have one final request. Could you set me up? I know you won’t untie me...so if I can’t die standing, I’d at least like to die sitting upright.”

He rolled his eyes, as he held the knife tightly in his jaw, and sat the chair back up. “Anything else?” He asked, foregoing any attempt to hide the mixture of irritation, and sarcasm in his voice.

“Yeah...one last thing...you see, I never got to kiss anypony...and well...I don’t wanna die not ever knowing the feeling.” I tried my best to play the shy, sweet girl, as I looked away in faux embarrassment. Silverstar’s face became flush with blush as I spoke, and I watched in amusement as he dropped the knife to the ground, his mouth agape. I even felt kinda sorry for him as he leaned in towards me, his eyes closing slightly as he prepared for a tender kiss, from a girl standing on deaths door.

“You know what, on second thought...you’re not my type!” I shouted, flinging my head forward, headbutting him in the nose. He let out a gasping breathe for air, as his eyes watered, and he shouted in pain. I quickly tipped the chair over, as I grabbed the knife he’d so carelessly dropped, and cut away at the rope.

“You bitch, I’ll kill you!” He shouted after a few moments. His eyes went wide with fear, as he finally opened them, and I stood there before him free of my bindings.

“Yeah well...I don’t think it would’ve worked between us. I mean you want me dead, and you’re about to be dead...you see what I’m saying?” I didn’t waste anymore time with words, I rushed him, an drove the knife deep into his chest. He looked at me, eyes still wide with fear, as I twisted the blade lodged in his body. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to send Blueblood your way, so you won’t be lonely.” I watched the life slowly drain from Silverstars’ eyes, all the while smiling, as I felt his heart beat through the knife.

I threw his body to the ground, removing the knife from his chest, as blood leaked out and pooled beneath him. I wasn’t finished, no not yet. I still had that idiot Blueblood to go after...and I had to save Braeburn. I wasn’t going to let another friend die, not when I could save them, not when I knew they needed me. I took off running, knife clamped tightly between my teeth, as I opened my wings and soared into the sky.

Within moments I soared over Appleloosa, and saw the crowd of ponies that gathered around a platform in town square, a platform that held Blueblood.

“My dear pony’s of Appleloosa, I stand before you today not as your mayor, but as a fellow citizen of our fair town. It is today that we will put an end to one who seeks to destroy our way of life, one who seeks to besmirch the name of our wise, and gracious Queen Chrysalis. I speak of the traitor Braeburn, who sought to usurp not only her rule as Queen, but my own office of mayor...and send us into war.” Roars of disdain, and hate, echoed from the crowd as Blueblood spoke.

I was sickened by their blind loyalty, their willingness to believe Chrysalis was anything other than a tyrant, and their trust in Blueblood. I felt my heart sink as I saw two large stallions dressed in cloaks bring Braeburn to the platform, throwing him down at Blueboods’ hooves, kicking him as he tried to stand.

“My fellow citizens, here he is, the traitor that wishes to spread chaos!”

I watched from the air as Braeburn raised his head, and spit on Blueblood, inciting a series of gasps from the crowd...and a look of disgust on Bluebloods face.

“You trash!” Blueblood shouted, as he kicked Braeburn, sending his frail form skidding back. “Men, prepare him.” He said, before returning to the crowd. “As your mayor, I see it only fit that this miscreant be punished for such crimes, therefore he will be hanged until death.”

I watched as the two cloaked stallions grabbed Braeburn, and tied a noose around his neck, as they positioned him over a panel in the center of the stage. I watched as Blueblood walked to the lever that sealed Braeburns fate, and that's when I decided I would watch no longer.

I folded my wings against my back, knife still held firm, as I dove down towards the stage. Memories flooded my mind, how I had dove at Chrysalis, but given away my position before I’d struck. I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice, I wouldn’t allow anypony else to die because of my own foolishness. This time however, I didn’t have to, as I was struck from the side as I closed in on the platform. “What the hell!?” I shouted, as I regained control of myself, and steadied out just feet above the crowd of ponies.

I saw who had hit me, a brown Pegasus with a crazed look in his eye, who only stared as we seemed to hang in the air. The gathered ponies gasped, as they turned their attention to the sky, and saw me. That's when I shot a look to Blueblood, who stood there smiling like he’d won, as he pulled the lever. “No!” I shouted as I sped off towards Braeburn, hearing the gears beneath him turn slowly, only to have that Pegasus stop me once more. I watched in horror as Braeburn feel, the rope around his neck tightening, then suddenly cringing at the loud crack that echoed out.

“Braeburn...no...I’m...I’m so sorry.” I could feel my tears swelling inside me, and I could feel the insatiable hatred I’d felt in Ponyville, begin to build once more. “I will end you!” I screamed as I flung the knife at Blueblood, and it embedded itself in the platform, only inches from him. I rushed the brown Pegasus that had caused me to fail in saving Braeburn; I tackled him midair, and slammed down on top of him as we hit the ground. “I’ll kill every last one of you!” I shouted as I struck the Pegasus several times, before reaching down in my frenzied state, snapping one of his wings at the shoulder.

He screamed, as panic spread through the crowd, some ponies ran, while others weren’t so lucky. I could feel the hooves of those who’d stayed grabbing at me, trying to pull me from the screaming Pegasus, which only pissed me off more. I saw that coward Blueblood run into town hall. “I’m coming for you Blueblood!” I cried out, as my wings lashed out, knocking back those who surrounded me. “Stop screaming!” I roared down at the Pegasus I still straddled, as I stomped a fore-hoof down on his throat, silencing him. I stood slowly, staring at the pony’s who gawked at me wide eyed, and frightened. “You should have run.”

My rage knew no bounds at that moment, as it swelled within me, bursting forth like a torrential cascade. I turned, swiftly kicking an approaching Unicorn across his jaw, as a sickening snap echoed out. I swung at him again, grabbing his horn, snapping it off. He quickly let out a shrill scream of pain, as I spun around, and impaled the horn into the base of his skull...effectively ending his life. “Who’s next?”

Those poor fools, rushing me, trying to stop me...they never had a chance. Another Pegasus, I saw him leap into the air, and quickly dive at me. I turned, and lined up my shot, when he’d drew in close enough I unleashed a kick that even AJ would be jealous of. His neck snapped from the force of his speeding body slamming into my back hoofs, and his body feel to the ground limp as it twitched violently. How many more would come to meet their death at my hooves? I could see the fear of death slowly overtaking them, when I was tackled from behind by an Earth Pony mare.

“You stupid bitch!” I bucked, knocking her off of my body, before turning and grabbing her. I headbutted her, once...twice...three times, my face becoming more and more covered by her blood. “Just bucking die!” I shouted, as I wrapped my fore-hooves around her head, and twisted violently....decimating the vertebra. I turned, hearing another approach, and swung with everything I had as I connected with a powerful strike. Teeth flew from the skull of the idiotic stallion, as he began to fall back, I lunged. I grabbed him, wrapping my fore-hooves tightly around his waist, as I took to the air, climbing to heights well above the buildings of the town. In an instant my wings folded against my back, as I dove nose first, the stallion still locked in my grip. Thirty...twenty...ten. I’d never dove so close to the ground before. I’d always been cautious, but caution had not part in the twisted plan I’d devised, as I pulled up at the last possible moment, slamming the stallion down into two others.

I heard a symphony of broken bones, and screams, as he slammed down into the others. I landed with a resounding thud, dust encasing me, as I ran towards the pile of mangled pony’s. I could hear the pained cries of one mare who’d been unfortunate enough to have tried to fight, as she writhed in agony at the bottom of the pile, tears pouring down her face. “I pity you, I pity you for the corruption that has taken hold of you, but I will show you no mercy.” I whispered down to her, before bringing my hoof down swiftly on her skull, with a gut wrenching crunch. Blood splattered onto my face and body, it’s scent so different from that of a Diamond Dogs, but the satisfaction of the kill all the same.

“End it, you bitch!”

I turned my head to see another of my stallion bomb’s victims, his hind legs broken, the bones breaking the skin. He left a trail of blood in the sun drenched dirt of Appleloosa, as he crawled away, trying to cling to his life...but it was now forfeit...forfeit to the victims that had come before him. I walked to him, and I could see the rapid rise and fall of his chest, the sweat that covered his brow...the scent of fear. I pressed my hoof down on one of his legs, inciting a primal scream of ever enduring pain.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’d like to be free of the burdens of life, to know the sweet embrace of death.” I turned my head and scoffed, thinking about those that had fallen, and those that would fall. “You won’t know the release of death, at least not by my hoof. Take your own life if you want, but you’re not worth my vengeance.” I twisted my hoof on his legs, as another scream escaped him, and I left him there.

My full attention was now on the one pony I would never forgive, the one pony that I would follow to Hell itself, if only to end his life.

I could only think of the ways I would make him suffer, condemning ponies to a life under Chrysalis’ corruption, and he would pay for each one. He was a coward, total scum, and I would never forget what he did to Braeburn. I could see the pony’s who’d fled earlier poking their heads out, trying to see the result of the chaos they’d escaped, and smiled as I’d see them duck back in as I passed. Why did I smile? Was I enjoying this madness? Braeburn’s death...could it have been the final straw? Did my inability to save him, my failed attempt, push me to no longer care about the depravity that I killed with?

I sighed deeply as I stood at the door of town hall, only this simple wooden door, the only thing separating me from him. “Blueblood!” I shouted, as I turned and bucked the door open. “Where are you hiding, coward?”

“Coward? I assure you I am no coward.” He smiled, standing there in all his arrogance, a fencing saber clenched in his jaws. “I simply wish for some privacy while I kill you, a chance to enjoy watching your very life drain from you, as you die by my blade.”

“I will destroy you.” My ears were pinned back, my muscles tightened, and I darted forward. I was hoping to take him by surprise, to use my overwhelming speed against him, but I was the one surprised. He moved so effortlessly, as he turned, grazing my cheek with the tip of his saber...cutting a small gash across my face. I skidded to a stop, and turned to stare at him with an odd mixture of anger, and disbelief. He just stood there, tossing his mane back as he laughed, and stared at me with that condescending gaze of his.

“Ms. Dash, you simply must do better than that. But then again, I wonder if you can...I mean, I am royalty after all. I’m far above those common class ruffians you slew outside, and I’ve only gotten stronger with the Queen’s influence. Why, I don’t even think you can touch me.”

“Yeah, I seriously doubt you’re as good as you think.” I said with a wicked smile, as he stared at me with a puzzled gaze, when he noticed the cut that bleed on his shoulder. His eyes went wide, as I just stood there, my eyes locked on him.

“But...but how, you couldn’t have gotten that close to me, I...I mean I cut you?”

“Yeah you did, but I got you as well Bluebitch, and without you even being able to see it.” I paused and lifted my wing, catching the knife that fell with my hoof, with a smile. “You really should take the time to consider if your enemy has a weapon. I mean, you should always assume they do, even if you don’t see it.” I rushed him, he reacted, we clashed. I held the knife tightly in my jaws, as I pushed against the force of his weight, and tried to push him back. He didn’t give up though, as he bared down on me, trying with all he had to kill me.

I brought my hoof up swiftly, landing a harsh strike against his ribs, buckling his legs as I threw him off balance. I leaned back, making several swift precision cuts across his body, as blood trickled down each of his legs. He fell to the wooden floor with a resounding thud, as he stared at me in wide eyed disbelief, all while I smiled.

“How dare you tou...” I stepped forward, kicking him in the jaw, causing a chunk of his tongue to be severed between his teeth. He screamed incoherent words, blood pooling in his mouth, as he spoke. He coughed and gagged, spurting the blood out between quickened breathes, stray droplets staining my face.

“You don’t get to speak, in fact, you don’t even get to walk.” I gestured to his legs, as his eyes trailed down each of them, finally noticing the deep gashes across his fetlocks. “You can’t run, you can’t speak...you can’t have any hope left.” I walked past him, grabbing a tuft of his hair in my jaws, as I dragged him towards the door...blood marking the path he drug. I pulled him out into the street, hearing faint sobs, or at least I think they were sobs...it was hard to tell with all the gurgling. I pulled him up onto the platform, that Braeburn still hung from, and released him from my grasp. I pulled the knife I’d thrown earlier from the platform, as I moved to cut the rope that held Braeburn, lowering him to the ground gently. “I’m sorry Braeburn, I tried...I really, really tried.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Blueblood’s eyes slowly start to close, and turned from Braeburn.

“Oh no, you aren’t getting off that easy. You’re gonna suffer.” I kicked him in the ribs, causing him to cough violently, sending out another mist of blood. I took what rope was left, and tied it around Blueblood’s hind legs, before pulling him into the air. “You’re gonna die slowly, Blueblood. You’re gonna have time to feel every ounce of pain I inflict on you, every second of which will be your repentance for those you corrupted.”

He stared at me, and even as death surrounded him, he still carried that condescending look. No matter what I would have done to him, I still feel as if it wouldn’t have been enough, no matter what sick things I could have done...he would not change. “You sicken me.” I started, as I tied the rope off, and let him hang freely in the air. “I can’t believe you were considered family of Celestia, I can’t believe you would betray her.”

I sighed as I walked back to Braeburn, and knelt down, closing his eyes. “Tell AJ and the others I said hi, and I’m sorry, but I can’t see them...not just yet.” I picked the knife up, that I’d laid at his side, and turned back to Blueblood. “Can you feel your very life bleed from you?” I asked, as I cut a gash in his side, causing him to shout. I didn’t stop, I cut another, then another, walking around him...cutting him at random. I stopped when I saw tears streaming down his blood soaked face, his chest heaving in a mix of pain, fear, and hopelessness.

“How much of a coward can you be, sire? At least die like a man!” I was angry, no I was pissed, how could he so confidently end lives, yet weep like a child as he saw the end of his draw near? I couldn’t take it, my mind became crowded with whispers, voices of my past calling to me. I could see them all, as I held my head between my forelegs, and screamed. The fury was overwhelming, and suddenly without warning, I found myself embedding the knife I held deeply into Bluebloods chest. I could hear his lungs rattle, as the last few breathes he would ever breathe escaped him, and death finally took him.

I turned from the blood drenched corpse that hung there, and went back to Braeburn’s side, lifting his frail body onto my back. I carried him through the deserted streets of Appleloosa, and out to the graveyard, where I’d left Silverstar’s body. I could smell the disgusting scent of his body as I approached, cringing as I watched the buzzards picking away flesh, from the swollen body of Appleloosa’s deceased sheriff.

I buried Braeburn out there, I didn’t have any kind of marker, so I hung his hat from the stick I’d dug into the ground. I wish that I could have done more, but I still had work to do. I still had evil to destroy. Appleloosa was the first place to truly open my eyes to the dangers of Chrysalis' corruption, the first place where I killed a fellow pony, the first place I found myself able to make a difference. With Blueblood gone, perhaps the pony’s of Appleloosa would be free of the corruption, or maybe not, I only knew if I stayed...many, many more would die.

I stayed long enough to fill a few canteens with water, and find a cloak, to shroud myself from the sun’s rays. I did also manage to find a proper weapon, a short sword with a scabbard, that I tied under my wing to conceal. Once I was set, I waited until the sun began to set, following it’s path to the West. I didn’t know where I was going, I’ve heard Los Pegasus was nice, and I’m sure there were others there in need of somepony like me. Somepony who wasn’t beyond taking life, who didn’t mind standing among death, somepony who was the embodiment of death itself.

I glanced back over my shoulder one final time, staring at Braeburn’s grave, as the sun cast a golden light upon it. Call me crazy, but as I stared, I could almost see the light gold Earth Pony smiling...and waving goodbye. I smiled, as a tear rolled down my cheek, and I turned from Appleloosa. I knew one day I would return, but not until I could kill Chrysalis, and free the ponies that called this place home. “See you later, cowpony...I guess I’m gonna carry this burden.” I whispered, as I walked off into the setting sun, and towards a new day of death.

Chapter 5: New Friends, Newer Enemies.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 5: New Friends, Newer Enemies.

What the hell was I doing? Why was I following Trixie? I couldn’t figure out why I was doing this. Could Twilight’s words, my words, have caused it? I couldn’t explain the strange things that had been happening, but I knew one thing, something was simply driving me on. My lust for vengeance, my insatiable hunger for death, it made me do many things...but trust Trixie?

I weaved through the sea of ponies that crowded the streets, staying close to Trixie. I didn’t know what she was planning, but I wouldn’t let her slip out of my sight, and I didn’t care. My mind raced, playing out scenario after scenario, trying to prepare myself for whatever may happen. Would she turn on me once we confronted Bane Tooth? Would she even lead me to Bane Tooth, or was she drawing me into some sort of trap? I would just have to trust her, place myself in her hooves, for now at least.

She moved with a quickened pace, the expression on her face, imparting a sense of urgency. She hadn’t told me where we were going, in fact, she’d only told me to follow her. I couldn’t really grasp the entire situation. My mind screamed distrust, shouted for me to simply disappear into the crowd, and let her continue on alone. My heart, however, told me to feel nothing but trust, nothing but forgiveness.

Dammit all! Why was I so torn? Why was my entire being a raging battlefield, seemingly caught in the crossfire of what I knew, and what I believed? I knew the others were dead, that I was the only one left, but still I believed in some small sliver of hope. I believed they may still be alive, and that they were speaking to me.

Get a hold of yourself Rainbow Dash! The dead can’t speak, no matter how much I wish to hear them once more, no matter how much I believe. This, this cold desolate place that used to be Equestria, this was my reality...a reality without those I’d cared for most. I couldn’t allow myself to slip into bittersweet thoughts, and lose sight of my goal, which at the moment was a general of Chrysalis.

I stopped suddenly tearing myself from the world of my thoughts, as I collided into Trixie, nearly knocking us both to the ground. I raised my head, rubbing my now sore snout, as I glanced ahead to see why we’d stopped. I was surprised that we now stood amid a large crowd, gathered before a crafted gate, Changeling guards all around.

“Trixie, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low in a whisper.

“Whatever you do Dash, keep your head down, don’t speak.”

“Fine, but where are we?”

I had to admit I was growing frustrated. Maybe it was the fact that I was being ordered around by Trixie, or maybe because I was sandwiched between so many ponies. Whatever it was, all I knew was that it irked me to no end.

“We’re at one of the gates separating the upper and lower districts. Bane Tooth has already passed through the slums, and should be at the trade warehouse just inside this gate by now.”

“So why don’t we just bust in?”

“Sure, Dash. We could do that, fight the guards, and alert every other guard within sight. No, we need tact, we need strategy, a plan.”

“Great idea, and lucky for us I have the perfect one. Uh, sorry about this.”

“About wha-”

Before she could finish I pulled back, and caught her across the jaw with a swift jab. I stared at her for a moment, a questioning expression broad across her face. After a few moments of silence she surprised me, as she fired one back, smacking me right in the snout.

What happened next was simply chaos as Trixie and I began to shove, shout, and fight. The crowd around us began to move, ringing out with shouts of ponies calling attention to our fighting, and soon everypony joined in. Trixie and I no longer found ourselves in a crowd, but at the center of a hurricane, as the ponies rioted.

“This is your plan Rainbow Dash!? Inciting a riot!?”

“Just wait a minute, horn brain.”

“Horn brain!”

Yeah, that one really got her fuming. I could see Trixie’s horn begin to glow, and watched as the light magenta hue of her aura spread out, covering her whole body. Static energies popped, and arched from her, and admittedly...it was kinda scary.

“Take that back!”

She shouted as I stepped to the side, my back to the gate that held us back. I could see the Changeling guards whispering among themselves, no doubt questioning if they should stop the crowd of rioting ponies before them.

“Oh, you’re glowing. I’m so scared.”

My tone was mocking, as I smiled at Trixie, and she became only more enraged. She screamed, as the overwhelming aura surrounding her focused into the tip of her horn, forming a small orb of pure magical energy. I took a step back seeing the pain in her eyes, wait, pain. I couldn’t find any rage nor hate...only pain. Had my comment reminded her of some old wound? I didn’t have long to dwell on this, watching in amazement, as the small magical orb grew.

Silence fell over everypony witness, as Trixie fired the orb at me, it’s size growing with each moment. I waited, staring at it until its size was easily large enough to swallow me whole, before soaring into the air. The orb passed beneath me, colliding with the gate, and the guards that stood watch. The sheer force exuded from the blast decimated the gate and it’s guards, before sending me reeling back through the sky, and others flying back across the cold streets. I quickly regained my composure, leveling myself out from the turbulence created by the blasts shockwave, and scanned the streets for Trixie.

“Take it back, Rainbow Dash!”

I heard Trixie shout, and saw her standing just below me, tears streaming down her face. Had I caused that? Of course I had, I was the idiot that insulted her. I lowered myself to the ground, tucking my wings to my side as I landed, offering a weak smile to Trixie.

“Look, I’m sorry, but look on the brightside, we can get past the gate now.”

She turned to the gate, and I watched in silent amusement as she tilted her head, trying to grasp the situation.

“What happened to the gate? And the guards?”

I chuckled softly as I walked to her side, placing a hoof on her shoulder, smiling even amidst the chaos we’d created.

I laughed as Trixie blushed, finally realising that she’d destroyed the gate, and the guards with her magic. She turned to me, a small smile on her face, yet hidden within her eyes a look of determination. We didn’t need to talk, no words could do justice to what we felt, and what we knew must be done. I couldn’t explain it, and in all honesty...I didn’t want to.

I searched the chaos of the crowd, as the slum ponies rushed the now decimated gate, watching the Changeling guards get overrun. I made my break, with Trixie on my heels, as we ran for the gate. We pushed through, as we slipped past the ruins of the gate, and soon found ourselves running along the lit streets of the upper district.

“Trixie where are we going!?”

“Just follow me Rainbow, we’ll have to hurry, I’m sure Bane Tooth will hear about the gate shortly.”

I ran after Trixie as she weaved through alleyway after alleyway, passing several warehouses, hearing the sounds of anarchy behind me. I didn’t intend to start a riot, I only wanted a distraction, but maybe this is what this city needed. Those ponies deserved equality, especially in this world where we lived, and this may be their only chance to fight for it.

“Rainbow! Are you ready?”

I looked ahead to see Trixie, still sprinting, looking at me over her shoulder. I nodded in reply as I felt my heart race, and suddenly, all my worries of Trixie betraying me flooded back into my mind. I tried desperately to hold back my fears, fought with everything I had in an attempt to hold onto what composure I had, as I followed.

Would she betray me? Why would she? She could have easily killed me back in the temple, and yet she didn’t. Was this all part of some elaborate scheme born out of Chrysalis’ twisted mind? Step one: get Rainbow Dash to trust Trixie. Step two: have Rainbow follow Trixie to Bane Tooth. Step three: side with Bane Tooth to ensure Rainbow’s death. Could I believe such a thing even if it was true?

I didn’t care. Trixie was my only means of finding Bane Tooth, I would let her lead me to him, and if she betrayed me...I’d slaughter her with no mercy. Though the thought of killing her, maybe it was what Twi had said, I couldn’t really bring myself to believe I could.

“Rainbow, we’re here.”

I gazed up at the large warehouse, the dimly lit lanterns around it flickering, as I stood at Trixie’s side. I shifted my gaze to rest upon her, and was taken back, noticing the sincere look in her eyes as she stared back at me.

“Let’s go.”

That was the only response that I could muster, as I watched her sigh and turn to face the warehouse door. Her horn began to glow dimly, shrouding the large door in her magic, before moving it slowly. I crept towards the door, a hoof moving to the sword under my wing, as my heart raced with excitement. I didn’t know what I was getting into, I did know one thing though, I knew there would be blood spilt. I leaned in front of Trixie, peering into the dark warehouse, seeing shadows play on the wall from what little light was inside.

“Alright Trixie, are you ready?”

I waited for her to speak, but I heard nothing, not even her breathes. I turned to look over my shoulder, curse my stupidity, only to find her gone...vanished. Dammit! She left me here! She left me to fight Bane Tooth, and whatever guards escorted him alone. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted her, though I suppose leaving me to fight alone was the least of the things she could have done.

I calmed myself, inhaling deeply, trying to keep what composure I could. I guess once this business with Bane Tooth is over Trixie will be the next pony to die by my blade, though I still couldn’t fully imagine killing her. Maybe a part of me pitied her, whatever it was though, I would burn that bridge once I got there.

I slipped into the warehouse, not bothering to close the door behind me, and quickly hid behind a large stack of crates. I could hear talking, more like hissing, as I held my place.

“General, we’ve just received news that the southern gate was demolished, those filthy ponies are flooding the streets, the slummers are rioting.”

How dare he speak of them in such a way! How much of a bastard was that guard to so willingly downtalk others? To subject them to nothing more than being called slummers? I continued to listen, as I slowly inched towards a small gap in the crates, and peered through. That’s when I saw him, my enemy, the very insect that I’d come to exterminate; Bane Tooth. He was tall, nearly as tall as Chrysalis herself, his body covered in perforations just as every other Changeling. His wings stretched out elegantly, reflecting what little light there was through them, causing the polished ebony armor he wore to shine itself.

“Let them. Between the guards and the private security those rich ponies hired, they’ll take care of the problem for us. Now for more important matters.”

His voice was deep, and it carried a silky smooth tone, unlike any other Changeling I’d heard speak before. What important matters did he speak of, and why is he looking over this way?

“I have a guest to attend to, so remove yourself and your soldiers from here. Isn’t that right Rainbow Dash?”

How!? I was shocked, my chest heaved, and my heart pounded as I heard him call me out. I stepped from my hiding spot, my sword clenched tightly between my teeth, staring down Bane Tooth who only smiled. As instructed the guard that stood at his side passed by me, never even glancing to me as he did, before several others followed.

“Well then, Rainbow Dash, now that we are alone, how about you tell me why you’re here, or even more importantly, why you think you can kill me?”

The look in his eyes, the cold calloused gaze that targeted me; it caused me to shake. I could feel anticipation building in my muscles, fear playing at my heart, and confidence filling my mind. That’s what I felt at first anyways, before I saw the azure coated mare who appeared from shadow at Bane Tooth’s side, shame spread wide across her face.

“What? Did you really think she was your ally, your friend?”

That laugh, the echoing thunderous boom of his laugh, it sickened me. My jaws clenched around the hilt of my sword, the taste of blood slowly overtaking my sense’s, as I unknowingly bit into my lip. How could she do this, how could I’ve been so blind....why won’t he stop laughing!?

I charged, exploding from where I stood with a burst of speed that even surprised me, and soon was within inches of Bane Tooth. I would end this quickly. Kill the bug, torture the magician. Yeah, that sounded like a plan. I was shocked, however, as I felt the steel of my blade clash with anothers, and scowled as I stared into Bane Tooth’s eyes.

“Why so silent, Rainbow Dash? I always pegged you as one of those braggarts. You know, the kind that just won’t shut up?”

This guy...he knew just how to piss me off, and that pissed me off even more, as I put more force behind my blade. What the hell is that? I was suddenly distracted by the now familiar glow of Trixie’s magic, as I heard the warehouse door close, and the echo of the massive lock slamming shut. What in the name of Celestia is she doing? Is she trapping me in here, making sure that I can’t escape.

“Move, Rainbow Dash!”

I didn’t take the time to think I just jumped back, disengaging myself from Bane Tooth, as a large crate soared by my head towards the Changeling General. I turned as I landed and stared at Trixie, her body glowing with her aura, as several more crates floated around her.

“Trixie! You would betray me, betray you teacher and queen!” The general hissed, as he slashed through the crate, showering splinters onto the floor.

“I do not betray you, and I do not betray that false ruler Chrysalis!” Trixie roared back defiantly; shocking even myself. “I can’t betray those I was never loyal to!”

Trixie’s eyes flashed with rage, as she launched the crates that surrounded her at Bane Tooth. I took my chance, spreading my wings, as I jumped into the air and flew behind one of the speeding crates. Trixie must have known I’d do just that, and I watched as she disappeared in a flash, before appearing just behind Bane Tooth; sword held in her magic aura.

Bane Tooth slashed through the crates, his movements swift, and decisive. There was no doubt in my mind that he’d seen battle many times, which only caused my twisted excitement to swell, and I could see the surprise in his eyes as he slashed through the crate I flew behind. I soared by him carving a gash into his right shoulder, as he returned the favor, and matched my attack. I slid to a halt turning to face him again, the warmth of blood trickling down my right foreleg, when I saw Trixie clash blades with him. She shot me a gaze from behind the sword she held, her eyes conveying all I needed to know: attack.

I closed in as quickly as my injury would allow, keeping a vigilant eye on Trixie, before feeling a sharp pain run through my chest. I skidded back, finally stopping as I slammed into a stack of crates, a bruise already showing from the powerful kick I’d received. Dammit! I never would have got sent reeling had I been paying attention. No! I was so focused on Trixie and how she fared, that I’d paid no mind to the movement of Bane Tooth’s hind leg.

“Damn the two of you to Tartarus! I’ll see you there myself!” Bane Tooth spoke, as if his words were fire, as I watched him knock Trixie’s sword away and send her flying into the wall; a gash spilling blood from her chest.

“Trixie!”

She wasn’t moving, was she dead? Did Bane Tooth land a killing blow? I couldn’t help but fear for the worst, as I forced myself to my hooves, trying to fill my lungs with air. I stumbled towards Bane Tooth, as he turned slowly to face me, his once calm expression now one of rage. I took my sword into my hoof, before raising it to my mouth, and taking hold of it between my teeth once more.

“I’ll kill you, Rainbow Dash.” He spoke through clenched jaws, his eyes filled with hate. “I’ll kill you just like your little traitorous friend.”

“Buck you!”

I charged and we clashed blades once more, our movements perfectly countering the others as we danced; a dance of death, and destruction. Sparks showered through the air as our blades rang out with each moment of contact, each passing second bringing only more hatred between us, the scent of blood slowly rising. Brief but intense flashes of pain shot through my body, his blade carving through my skin, as I matched each blow. We lept back, separating ourselves, both of us panting heavily. He was tough. My toughest opponent yet, and I was beginning to doubt I could come away from this alive, or not. My only bit of peace amid this chaos, was the hope, that Bane Tooth was just as bad off as I was.

My body was covered in wounds. My coat, and mane stained with blood, both mine, and his. There I stood before an enemy of great strength, even in this situation I found myself in, I could take pleasure in knowing I’d caused him pain. Pleasure wasn’t enough though, no not this time, this time...I wanted ecstasy. I wouldn’t know that ecstasy, that feeling of pure elation, if I allowed myself to die now; I had to survive. The more I thought of this, the more the scent of our blood mixture filled my breaths, and drove me closer to blood lust.

“You’re a skilled fighter, Rainbow Dash, but you won’t defeat me. To a warrior such as myself, you are nothing more than some wild beast, attacking out of instinct. Don’t think that I can’t see the blood lust grab hold of you, turn you into a monster, and make you forget your goal.”

“I’ll destroy you!”

Once again I was blinded by rage, controlled by my hatred, as his words drove me to the edge of sanity itself. Who was he to say anything? He was a murderer, working for a tyrant, and praying on the weak. He was scum, the lowest form of life I’d ever seen, and I would wipe him from existence. My wings flared open, and with one powerful push, I soared towards him.

The speed with which he moved, how was it even possible...I didn’t even see him. I fell to the ground with a resounding thud, quickly finding myself in an ever growing pool of my own blood. Tears filled my eyes as I cried out in pain, and reached out a hoof, towards my now severed left wing. The pain that ran through my body was unimaginable, and it was only intensified by the mocking laugh of Bane Tooth, as he stood over me.

“You’re just a bird with one wing, never again will you fly. You’re just a bird with one wing, who’ll never know the sky. You’re just a bird with one wing, and today is the day you die.”

Bane Tooth smiled wickedly as he recited his poem, raising his hoof, as he prepared to kill me. Even though I was in pain, even though I lay there staring at my end, I could only feel remorse. I had let them down, I let Chrysalis get away with her crimes, I let everypony down. I closed my eyes slowly, whispering to Celestia for forgiveness, as I waited for my demise.

What was that? What was that thud? I opened my eyes slowly, as I took in the sight of Bane Tooth standing wide eyed in shock. I could see the faint glow of something in the corner of my eye, watching it move closer, before realising that it was Trixie. She was breathing heavily, her chest covered in blood, as her horn glowed.

“She isn’t going to be dying anytime soon. Not if I can help it.”

“Damn you! I thought I’d killed you!” Bane Tooth turned slowly to face Trixie, when I saw her sword lodged in his back, still gripped in her magic.

“You almost did, in fact you would have, had I not cast a shield spell just moments before. Now be a good bug, and get squashed.”

Trixies horn gleamed even more brightly, as her sword pulled from Bane Tooth’s back, and in one fluid movement, severed the generals head. I have to admit, it was pretty satisfying to see his head roll across the warehouse floor, as his body fell limp.

“Rainbow, hold on, I’ll help you.” Trixie was quick to move to my side, as she covered me with her magic, trying to ease my pain. “I’m no healer Rainbow, but I won’t let you die.”

“My wing. He cut off my wing Trixie.” I was in shock. Trixie's magic was enough to numb my pain, but I had lost a part of myself, my spirit on the other hand...it was shattered. I had lost the one thing that made me special. The one thing that made me almost as happy as my friends, I’d lost my ability to fly. That was all I could think about, as my body began to feel heavy. My breath’s slowed, finally I gave into exhaustion, and I embraced sleep.

Chapter 6: The Darkest Depth.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 6: The Darkest Depth

Weightless. I don’t feel anything, not even my own body, as I float in this void. Darkness encasing all that is, stretching on for eternity, as my eyes struggle to focus on some sort of non-existent light; there is none to be found. How did I get here? Why was I here in the first place? I had a war to wage, loved ones to avenge, and...Trixie. Wait, Trixie! Was she alright?

I writhed in pain; it ran through every inch of my being, as images ran wildly through my head. They blurred past, projecting themselves into the dark expanse that surrounded me. Like a movie playing out the very recent details of my life. I saw Trixie, Bane Tooth...myself. The fear coated the excitement I felt as I stared Bane Tooth down. The sheer rage I felt at Trixie’s believed betrayal, and the overwhelming feel of horror when I thought she’d been killed. I watched it all, my only emotions coming from those resonating within the memories I watched in silence.

Am I dead? Is this the end of my journey, and if so, was this my punishment for failing to avenge the fallen? Was my fate to forever exist in this darkness, to watch the trails of my life...my failures? I’m so sorry guys, I’m so very, very sorry. I guess the truth is I’ll never see you guys again. I’ll never get to hear Pinkie laugh, Rarity talk about how she could style my mane for me, or Fluttershy apologize for no apparent reason. I’ll never hear Twilight lecture me on the joys of reading, or have her show me the newest edition of Daring Do...then there’s AJ.

Oh dear Celestia, how I miss AJ. She was...well, she was everything to me. I have to thank Twilight. I mean, if she had never come to Ponyville, then I wouldn’t have become such close friends with the pony I’d one day love. I won’t act like it was easy; no, not by a long shot. But one adventure after another brings ponies together. The distant summer days spent at Sweet Apple Acres, cold winters spent in a blanket by the fire. I miss you so much AJ. I miss the faith you instilled in me, and the love that we shared. I still laugh about the day we confessed our feelings for each other. That awkward silence, as we just stared...I mean neither of us were very good with talking about our feelings.

“Hey Dash. Can Ah have a word with ya?”

Yeah that’s how you said it, just like that, while I was helping you with the apple harvest.

“Sure AJ, what’s up?”

“Well, Dash, there’s something Ah’ve been meaning to tell ya.”

The look on your face, that little hint of nervousness in your usually calm voice...

“Uh, AJ, is something wrong?”

“Oh no! Everythin’ is just fine, Ah just...Ah just...”

I was starting to get nervous, and it didn’t help seeing the blush on your face, or watching you shuffle your hooves in the dirt.

“Aw, horse apples, this isn’t getting me anywhere!”

That’s when it happened. That’s when you rushed me, I didn’t even see it coming, and we had our first kiss. If I think about it hard enough, I can still remember the softness of your lips.

“Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash, wake up! Please!”

No! No, I don’t want to wake up! Maybe this place isn’t so bad after all...not if I can stay in these dreams, these memories.

“This isn’t looking good. She’s lost a lot of blood.”

“I promised her I wouldn’t let her die!”

Trixie...Trixie is that you? What do you mean you promised me? I never heard you make a promise. Fire. Fire burned through my body once more, as the memories of those last few fleeting moments surged back to me. Bane Tooth, I thought he’d killed her. I was blinded by anger, and charged in, giving Bane Tooth the perfect chance to finish me. My memory is so blurred, so full of pain...what in the name of Tartarus happened? I can see Trixie, she’s standing over me, protecting me...the pain...it’s unbearable.

“Dammit, Rainbow Dash! Don’t you dare leave me!”

Leave you? Trixie, what are you saying? It’s not like we’re friends...wait, are we? What is this, this sudden pounding at my chest? Why am I filled with this sadness? Wait, this isn’t my own emotion...is this Trixie’s? There it is again. The pounding, like a dull thud echoing out into the nothingness I’ve become. No, I won’t allow this. I won’t allow Trixie to suffer as I have, to lose the only friend she has in this world, to know the sadness of my death.

“You’re not going to believe this, but her vitals are rising. She’s started fighting!”

“You’re damn right I’m gonna fight.” I said, my dried throat scratching my words.

I was weak, my body heavy, and I could feel the cold chill of metal under me. I strained to lift a hoof, searching through the darkness, as my eyes refused to open. That’s when I felt hooves gently wrap around my own, their touch tender, full of concern.

“You scared me Rainbow. I thought...I thought.”

“Hey, don’t count me out yet. I mean, I am Rainbow Dash after all.” I said with a laugh, before another intense wave of pain shot through me.

“Rainbow Dash, can you open your eyes?” Called a voice that seemed strangely familiar, and yet so far removed from my memories that I couldn’t place a face.

Maybe it was my curiosity, or more likely my stubborness. Whichever it may be, I forced my eyes open. I was blinded by an intense light, my pupils struggling to adjust, as I could barely make out the silhouette of a pony standing at my side. After a few moments I could see her, Trixie, trails of tears running down her face. She smiled weakly, as my attention turned to the bandages around her chest, and then the sterile room I found myself in.

“Trixie, where are we?”

“You’re at my clinic.”

My eyes shifted quickly to the voice that spoke. I found them resting on a white earth pony mare. Her mane was long, and shined with a pink hue, as she stared at me with her blue eyes.

“Nurse Redheart...is that really you?”

She only smiled, before moving to Trixie’s side, and placing a hoof on her shoulder.

“This one, well, she’s been worried sick about you.” Redheart began before taking a short pause, a sigh escaping her. “But her worries were not without cause. You were on the very brink of death when she brought you in, and with that wound she had...she wasn’t far behind.”

“I told you, I promised Rainbow I wouldn’t let her die. I intended to keep that promise, even if it meant my own demise.”

Nurse Redheart began to speak, but I cut her off, as I squeezed Trixie’s hoof in my own.

“Thank you Trixie, but don’t ever let me hear you say something like that again. My life is not worth your own, but still...I owe you.”

I could see tears building in her eyes, as she smiled at me. The look hidden in her violet eyes, it said everything. I could see the happiness, the relief, and yet there was still pain.

“Trixie, go and rest, I’ll take care of Rainbow.”

I watched Trixie nod in reply, before looking back to me. She just stared for at me, her gaze simply taking me in, and it warmed me. Trixie finally broke her stare, before turning, and slipping through the curtain that encircled me. That’s when my gaze shifted back to Nurse Redheart, who sat patiently by the bed, until Trixie had left.

“That pony. She really cares for you, do you know that Rainbow?”

“What makes you say say that? I mean, not too long ago we were enemies.”

My eyes followed Nurse Redheart as she stood, and walked behind me. I could feel her touch, even though it was soft, as it brought a searing pain through my body once more. I flinched, bringing out an apologetic ‘sorry’ from Redheart, before hearing her sigh once more.

“I can see it, in the way she looks at you. I could see the desperation in her eyes, and hear it in her voice when she brought you to me. She was afraid, and it wasn’t for her own life...she feared you’d leave her.”

“She was afraid that I’d leave her?”

“Yes. You see Rainbow, she finds peace in you, you’re the only surviving thing of her past. Even though it may have been a past filled with arrogance, and selfishness. She’s lost everything else that ties her to it. Though I suspect her reasons aren’t for that part of her past. No, I believe you remind her of a time when she had family, and a home to call her own. You remind her of a time when Celestia and Luna ruled this once great kingdom. You remind her of a time when freedom wasn’t fought over, but was given to all those who lived.”

I layed there in silence, stunned by Redheart’s words. She was filled with an almost all-knowing wisdom, a wisdom that far overshadowed her age. I couldn’t completely grasp what she had said, but were her words true? Did Trixie see me in that way, did I hold that big of a role in her life?
I must have. I mean, she wouldn’t have brought me here if she didn’t, right?

“Nurse-”

“Please Dash, there is no reason for formalities. The way I see it, well, oh how do I say this? The way I see it, I’m in the same situation as Trixie, when it comes to you at least.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re a breathe of fresh air, a wind that blows in from the south, warming those you touch. You remind me of Ponyville. I can remember all the times I’d patch you up after one of your ‘little stunts’. Just seeing you has caused me to find hope, and the thing is that many ponies in this cold world could benefit from that hope.”

“If you’re trying to say I’m some kind of hero, well, I’m sorry to disappoint you...but I’m no hero.”

“Dash, you are a hero. The fact that you refuse to see it, the fact that you see yourself as just another pony, that’s what makes it so. Heros do not seek out fame. They do not seek to make a name for themselves. No, they simply wish to help others.”

“I’m not here to help anypony, I simply seek revenge. I may not be a genius like Twi was, but even I know heros don’t spend their lives seeking vengeance.”

Redheart smiled down at me, as she stepped back around to my front. Her eyes, those blue eyes, colored by the hue of kindness itself. Those eyes stared at me, almost as if they searched my very soul.

“Dash...you cover your true intentions. You hide the fact that you only wish to help others, fooling yourself into believing it’s impossible, by hiding behind your search for vengeance. I know how you feel, how you wish to make Chrysalis pay, because we all feel the same way. Your quest for revenge isn’t some abomination to be questioned and tried at every convenient moment. Your goal is just, and your will to save everypony you can along the way proves it. You are a hero, the only hero Equestria has left. So please, don’t let doubt hold you back, because the day you give up is the day Equestria, our Equestria is lost forever.”

I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t even begin to form the thoughts of a sentence in my mind, as I absorbed everyone of Redheart’s words. Thoughts of Appleloosa flooded back to me. I could see Breaburn, hear his words, the words he called to me as I was dragged away. He had said I was the only hope left in this world, the very same words Redheart told me. Were their words true? Was I that important? Could I do this all on my own? Had all this started as a journey of vengeance, or had it all been to help others, and I only hid that behind my revenge?

“I know that’s a lot to take in, and I’m sorry if it’s a bit much, but you must come to accept the simple fact Rainbow; you are our only hope.”

I wanted nothing more than to cry, to simply burst into tears, and wash away all that was wrong. No, Rainbow. There would be time for tears later, right now was the time for action. I struggled to lift my body, shouting out, as I felt a severe pain in my left shoulder.

“Rainbow, don’t, you’re not ready to move! You’re not going to accomplish anything but ripping open your wound.”

Redheart was quick to my side, and I could feel her touch just below my left wing...wait...my wing. Another shout rang out as I remembered what had eluded my thoughts earlier. Bane Tooth, he took it from me. He cut off my wing. Tears streamed down my face, the pain numbing slowly, as my emotions blocked it out.

How could he!? How could he take my wing? Because of him, because of that monster, I’d never soar through the air again. I’d never know the crisp feel of the early morning dew that gathered on the clouds, as I flew through them. Never again would I chase the setting sun westward, through golden skies, as I saw the moon kiss the land beneath with its silver rays in the east.

“He took it!”

I shouted, my voice cracking, as my tears fell. Redheart wrapped her forelegs around me, cradling me as a mother does her child. She comforted me, as I felt her practiced touch stroking my mane, and her soft voice cooing softly.

“Shh, Rainbow it’s okay.”

“Okay!? This is not okay! He took my wing, stripped me of the only thing I had left to love. I mean if I can’t fly, who am I? I’m not Rainbow Dash. She was the fastest flyer in all of Equestria, the greatest flyer period. I’m not her, not anymore at least. Now I’m just some one winged pegasus who’s lost everything.”

The hope that had slowly started to build within me, the happiness brought on by Redheart’s words, now seemed to melt away, as I seemed to fade back into the darkness I thought I’d escaped. I wanted to return to that darkness, to bask in the bittersweet glory of my memories, and forget that I was now a shell of who I was.

“Rainbow, I promise things will be alright, just please have faith in my words.”

“I don’t want to live, not without my wings, not without being able to fly. What kind of life is that for a pegasus?”

“It is the life you have been given. The life that you cannot just throw away because you are facing adversity. Rainbow, you must rise from these ashes you find yourself in, and burn bright as Celestia herself. If not for yourself, then for Trixie, for the ponies who need you...for me.”

I hadn’t noticed until just then, but Redheart’s white coat was stained with tears. Her tears. Why was she crying?

“Please, Rainbow, be strong, and if you can’t, then let me help you be strong. If I’m not able to help you, then let Trixie help you, but please, don’t let this be the end. You can’t give up, you just can’t.”

I just sat there, and stared up at Redheart. The way she looked at me, the mix of emotions in her soft blue eyes, they spoke to me in a way that words could never compare to. I saw within those eyes a mare who’d lost everything, a mare who was just as hurt as I was. I saw within her moment of weakness the strength that I would need. She believed in me, she believed with such conviction; I couldn’t even begin to imagine why though.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, just please trust me when I say that I will make this right.”

“You’ll make what right?”

“Your wing, Rainbow. You’ve been unconscious for nearly two days. During that time Trixie and I have been very busy. We’ve managed to locate somepony who can help us, who can return you to how you once were.”

“You mean they can get my wing back...but how?”

Redheart smiled, and just as she was about to speak, I saw Trixie appear.

“We can go over the details later, but we have to get out of the city first, and that’s gonna be a challenge. After our little ‘distraction’ the whole city has become a warzone. We’ve caused a class war. Nearly everypony in the city is out there in the streets fighting. Rich against poor, Celestian Loyalists’ against Chrysilian forces. Everypony who can find a reason to fight is out there right now.”

I couldn’t believe what Trixie was saying. A warzone? We’d turned the entire city into a frenzied storm of violence? I wasn’t really sure what to say, but I could feel guilt creeping through me. But that was quickly dispelled by Redheart, as she tightened her forelegs around me, and offered much appreciated kind words.

“So, what’s the plan Trixie?”

I was sure if anypony had a plan, it would be Trixie, as she seemed to have a firm grasp on our situation.

“We wait. As much as I hate to say it, we’ll wait until the fighting has died down some, then we’ll make a break for the Northern gate. From there we’ll be taking the tram to the Northern station. Then we’ll take the train to Vanhoover. Once we reach Vanhoover, we’ll meet with The Mechanic.”

“The Mechanic?”

“Yes, well, that’s what she likes to be called these days, but I’d rather not say much more about it right now. Rainbow, I want you to know that Redheart is right, about everything. We need you, probably more than you’ll ever know. So if you ever find yourself losing strength, then let us help you be strong.”

I smiled as Redheart released me and helped me into a comfortable resting position. Trixie’s words, and not just her words of encouragement, but her plan. They both put me at ease, and on top of it, I had a small glimmer of hope to cling to. I didn’t know who this Mechanic was, but if she could help me fly again, I just had to trust my friends.

“Thank you both, I mean it. Oh! Wait Trixie, I have a question. What is gonna happen to Redheart?”

“I believe I can answer that for you Dash.” Readheart spoke up, as she searched through the scattered contents of a nearby table. “I’ll be joining you and Ms. Lulamoon. Neither of you have proper medical training, and I can’t exactly let you both go out into this world knowing that. Plus, you two seem to throw caution to the wind when you fight, so you’ll need somepony to patch you up.”

I let out a soft laugh as I listened to Redheart, and as much as I hated to admit it, she was right. I mean, I’d still have both my wings, had I not been so reckless, and willing to charge into battle blinded by rage.

“So, we wait then?” I asked.

“Yes. We wait and we recover.” Trixie answered this time, her gaze resting on me once more. “We won’t be any good if we’re injured out in those streets. Who would protect Redheart?”

“Oh, now don’t worry about me. I may have been taught to heal ponies, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to injure them. I wouldn’t be here right now if I wasn’t able to hold my own in a fight, now would I?” Redheart asked with a smile.

We all basked in the silence that had fallen over us, after Redheart had spoken. The only thing breaking through was the occasional gasp I let out, as Redheart rubbed a healing balm over what was left of my left wing.

“Now rest, Rainbow. We’ll be sure to wake you if anything should come up.”

I nodded in reply to Redheart’s words, slowly feeling the pain in my body subside, as the balm took effect. I yawned, my eyes grew heavy, as I watched my two friends smile before me. I felt like I was at peace. Despite all that was wrong, all that had gone wrong, to simply know that they cared for me so much; it put me at ease. Another yawn, then my eyes began to close, and soon...I was well within sleeps comforting embrace.

-Oh look! A conveniently placed timeskip :D-

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stared out at the burning embers that was once Las Pegasus, as I sat within the safe confines of Redheart’s clinic. It had been another two days since I’d awakened here, and recalled my failure, my embarrassment at Bane Tooth’s hoof. Trixie, Redheart, and myself had spent the time preparing for our escape. The streets, still flooded by waring ponies and Changelings alike, only grew more violent. How much longer would we sit here, hiding in the shadows as chaos ran rampant all around us? Would we even be able to make it out of this?

“Redheart! Rainbow! It’s time. We’re leaving!” Trixie shouted, as she busted in through the door of the clinic.

I stared at her shocked by her sudden and somewhat startling, appearance. That’s when I saw Redheart appear from behind the curtain, that divided the clinic. Her long pink hair, tied back, hanging neatly over her shoulder. While a vest, covered in pockets, was fitted tightly to her chest. The saddle bags that hung across her back, filled to the brim with medical supplies of all kinds.

“I’m ready to go.” She said with a smile, as her gaze shifted between Trixie and myself.

“Buck yeah! Lets get out of this hell hole!” I shouted, as I slung a pair of saddle bags over my back, taking care not to hit what was left of my wing.

Trixie hadn’t thought to bring my sword with us when she brought me to Redheart, and so I found myself without a weapon, at least I thought I did. Redheart had given me a very odd sword, after I’d recovered enough strength to stand and walk. She called it a katana, and I had to admit, I liked it. She had told me that it was a relic, a memory of a time long passed in Equestria. It was from a time of war, and chaos, much like the time we found ourselves in today. Pony warriors of old would train night and day to master it. Learning to use it’s curved edge in rhythmic, almost beautiful displays of brutality.

The sheer length of the blade was a bit daunting at first, as it easily stretched out as long as my body. I had spent the past two days training with the blade, learning to balance it’s weight in my jaws, and had come to respect it not as a weapon of death, but a tool of elegance. The way in which I had to move, the simple, yet timed twists, and turns. They all had to fit, they all had to fall into an almost perfect rhythm, as each move seamlessly fed into the next. I was in no way a master of the weapon, but I felt as if it suited me, as if I was meant to use it. I carried this feeling with a sense of pride, and worth, as I secured it to my side; just under my right wing.

I smiled as I saw Redheart shoot me a sly grin, as if she’d known I’d fall in love with this ‘katana.’ I turned to Trixie who stood there, her eyes closed, as she channeled her thoughts...her every emotion in her being. She was calm, collected, frightening as she held such peace within herself. I had come to respect her, even in the short time we’d been allies, and envied her resilience towards the world around her. Though Redheart had told me several times that her resilience came from being at my side. I didn’t argue with Redheart’s statement, but I still didn’t know if it was true. I wasn’t anything special.

“Girls, let’s go.” Trixie finally said after a long silence, as her magenta aura enveloped her saddlebags, and they moved to her back.

“Come on, you ponies, do you want to live forever?” Redheart asked with a smile, as she moved to the door of the clinic, with a grace I’d yet to see in her.

That look in her eye. The subtle underlying tone in her voice; she was ready for war. I was both excited and scared as I watched her. She carried herself with an air of danger, that opposed her normally sweet nature. The kindness that occupied her eyes, now replaced by an unshaken resolve that showed only the determination she held within.

“Well then girls, we’ve only to cross this hellacious madness to reach our goal; sounds easy enough.” I said with a grin, as I moved to Redheart’s side.

“I couldn’t agree more, Dash.” Trixie added, as she stood to my other side.

We stood there, the three of us, wrapped in silence. We stared out the open door of the clinic, and watched for but a moment, as the flames of war burned the city; licking at the clouded night sky. Could we really do this? Could the three of us just simply head out into this, this horror, and hope to make it out alive? I didn’t know if it was possible, but damn it all, we were gonna try!

I quickly found my sense’s overrun by the smell of burning cinder, as the scent of death flooded every inch of the city. We moved quickly. Trixie took point, as she had spent the last two days studying the layout of the city, and had plotted out our path to the Northern Gate. Redheart, and I ran close at her heels. I found myself disgusted by the sights that surrounded me as we galloped through the city streets. Bodies were strewn everywhere, both Changeling and pony alike.

The images around us quickly blurred, as the piles of bodies grew greater by the second. The streets seemingly ran red with blood as we crossed through a recent battlezone; it’s scars marking the land. Still, we couldn’t stop, we had to press on.

“Come on girls! We’re not that far away now!”

“Trixie, duck!” Redheart shouted suddenly.

I looked ahead, and saw what Redheart was shouting about, as a small group of Changeling guards charged us. Redheart galloped past Trixie, grabbing a scalpel from the vest she wore, and clenched it tightly between her jaws. I pushed my legs to move faster, as I drew my katana, slightly throwing myself off balance as I did. Once I’d regained my balance I saw Redheart slash with a blinding speed, making several precision cuts across one of the guards body, guided by a mind steeped in knowledge of the body. Then, suddenly, a flash of light, a magic bolt fired by Trixie, that flew only mere inches beside Redheart; before sending another guard to death’s embrace.

“Rainbow, now!” I heard Redheart shout, as she spun, and sent the scalpel she’d held flying through the air; finding rest between the eyes of another guard.

“Gotcha! Hey Trixie, how about a hand!” I called out, just as I saw Trixie fire another magical bolt, ending the lives of a pair of guards.

“Coming right up!”

I found myself encased in Trixie’s magic, as it seemed to propel me forward with a blinding speed, and directed me towards the last of the guards. I clenched the hilt of my katana, barrel rolling as I soared past them with Trixie’s aid. Just as I reached the first of the four guards, Trixie’s magic dissipated, and I felt my blade pass effortlessly through his flesh. I hit the ground, skidding on my hooves, as I used my momentum to turn. I arched my back as I shifted my weight forward, before kicking off with my hind legs and flipping into the air.

The feeling was incredible. This sword, this weapon, as some would call it. The way in which it was so perfectly balanced, allowed me to perform such spectacular feats with ease. I twisted to my right, then to my left before landing on the ground, closing the short distance between myself and the final guard. I shifted my weight once more, this time kicking off with my forehooves as I sent myself flipping back through the air. My sword carving a trail from the guard’s chest, all the way up his neck, and across his shocked face. I landed softly on the hard cobblestone streets, and quickly swung my sword down, throwing the blood from it’s blade. The guards still stood, each with a look more horrified than the one before, frozen on their face.

“Show-off.” Trixie said with a smile as she, and Redheart, walked by me, as the guards bodies finally collapsed to the ground.

“Really? You of all ponies are gonna call me a showoff?” I asked with a smile, and a light hearted laugh.

I sheathed my katana, and soon found our little group galloping through the streets once more. We passed through carnage, we passed through the very shadow of death itself, and despite it all, we somehow survived. Soon I could see the Northern Gate, as well as the tram sitting in the station, ready to free us from this hell.

“Come on! We’re nearly there!” I shouted, when I suddenly made out the silhouettes of several more guards surrounding the tram. “Dammit, looks like we got another fight on our hooves. You ready girls!?” I called out to the others.

“Let’s take care of them quickly.” Redheart shouted, as I watched her pull three more scalpels from her vest, and grip them between her teeth. “I’m ready to make my move.”

“”Don’t worry, Rainbow, I got your back.” Trixie called to me.

Redheart let her scalpels sore through the air, as Trixie guided them with her magic, and I ran in just behind them. I swung my katana, drawing it in one fluid motion and cutting down two of the guards with ease. I watched in an almost dumbfounded stupor as I saw Redheart quickly sink another scalpel into the neck of a guard, before turning, and tossing a second scalpel into the air, which she then kicked into the chest of the guard behind her.

“Redheart, get on the tram and start it up!” Trixie shouted before crushing a Changeling in her magical grasp and throwing him into another guard.

Redheart nodded, and with one final twist, sunk another scalpel into a guard behind me. “Watch your back, Rainbow.” She said with her usual kind smile, as she vanished into the tram.

“Trixie, create a forcefield around the tram, and get on.”

“But what about you?”

“I’ll jump on just when it’s about to leave, but until then, protect Redheart!” Trixie nodded, and did as I asked, as soon I saw her magic encase the tram in it’s protection.

“Well...now the party can start.” I said with a smile, turning to stare at the remaining few guards. “So...make a move you bugs. Wait, don’t tell me, you want to live forever?”

They closed in, and I found myself overcome with not hate, or even the blood lust I’d come to know...no, this time it was different; I was calm. The sound of steel meeting steel, the shower of sparks that erupted into the sky. None of it mattered. I was at peace, and I could feel my body move on it’s own, simply following pure instinct. I couldn’t believe how free I felt; it was almost like flying.

I spun, stepped, and turned, easily avoiding my attackers, and effortlessly deflecting the attacks I couldn’t avoid. These Changelings were different, they were common soldiers...not the elite guard, and none compared to Bane Tooth’s strength. With a few quick movements, I found myself standing amid chaos once more, as blood dripped from my katana. I inhaled deeply as I stood among the bodies of the guards who’d foolishly rushed me, and once more swung my katana. The blood from my blade pelted the ground beneath me, before I sheathed my sword. That’s when I saw Trixie standing at the door of the tram, as her shield slowly vanished, with a smile.

“We made it, Dash.” She said, her voice full of spirit, full of happiness.

“No. No, we haven’t made it yet.” I said as I stepped past her, and sat down aboard the tram. “We got a long ways to go before we see Vanhoover, and I’m pretty sure it won’t be a smooth ride.”

“What makes you say that?” Redheart called from the conductor's seat.

“Just call it a feeling...and remember one thing, the both of you. For every life we take, we are not guaranteed victory, nor are we denied defeat. In this war, this path you two have chosen to take with me, there is only one truth. For each life you take...You’re gonna carry that weight.”

Chapter 7: Sol et Luna.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 7: Sol et Luna.

The distant rumble of thunder. The thickening air, condensing with unshed raindrops. This was the setting I found myself in, as the tram barreled along the tracks slowly. I couldn’t help but gaze out the small window by my seat. I took note of the rolling thunder, the torrential ocean of clouds, streaking out across the San Palomino desert. I hadn’t really moved much, considering I had so much room to do so in, actually I’d been staring out the window for a while now. I hadn’t heard much out of Trixie, or Redheart, for that matter. This was way too quiet, and I didn’t like it worth a buck.

I rose slowly from my seat, as I pushed a lock of my mane from my eyes. Silence. Silence was all that I could hear, and then suddenly I heard hoofsteps.

“Trixie? Redheart?” I called out, my breathing quickened, as my heart pounded.

Something wasn’t right. No more could I hear the distant thunder. No more could I hear the soft screech of the tram I stood in. I could only hear my own heart race within my chest, and the ever growing sound of hooves closing in. There I stood in the aisle of the tram, my hoof slowly moving to the hilt of my katana, as I awaited some glimpse of the pony that approached.

“Why darling, why ever would you need that?” Called the marshmallow colored Unicorn mare that stepped before me, her smile innocent, and sweet.

“Rarity! How in Tartarus are you here? I watched you die!?” I couldn’t believe my eyes, but, there she stood. Her mane, and coat, elegant as ever. Her well kept tail almost sparkling, even in the dim light of the tram.

“Yes well, I suppose you did. Then again.” She paused, turning from me, before looking back at me with a smile. “Maybe you didn’t. Now come Rainbow, the others are waiting for you.”

“Others? What others?”

“Why The Elements of course. We’re going to finish off Chrysalis, once and for all.”

I found myself caught in the midst of another internal struggle. My heart, my mind, trying to grab hold of myself. Was this really Rarity? Had she in fact survived? Had they all survived?

“Why haven’t you guys found me before now? Do you know what I’ve went through, and all for you guys?”

“Rainbow my dear, we know, we know more than you may ever truly understand. So come Rainbow, let us join the others, and we will finish this.”

Rarity smiled at me, but something was wrong. I didn’t see the usually calm determination that dwelled within her at moments like this, no I only saw hate. Why would she stare at me with hate filled eyes? Eyes that seemed as if they were cutting through me, or envisioning sinking a blade into my chest.

“You’re not Rarity.” I finally said defiantly. “You, what, who are you?!”
I shouted, my hoof once again moving to the hilt of my blade. “Answer me dammit!”

“I guess there is no fooling you Rainbow Dash, no I suppose not.”

There was a sudden intense flash of light, and I found myself blinded by it. When I could once again focus, I nearly fell back with a mixture of fear, I saw who this being really was.

“Why are you here!?” I shouted, trying to mask my true emotions, as I watched the Draconequus before me stretch.

“Oh my dear Rainbow Dash it’s been years, lets see where was I again? Oh yeah now I remember.” He said before pausing, staring at me with a blank expression. “I was imprisoned in stone, by you, and your little friends. Oh! But where are they now?” He cackled insanely as he spoke. His blank expression turning vicious, cruel, and filled with malice.

“Discord, you, you monster!”

“Now, now Rainbow is that anyway to act?” Discord said with a smile, as he fell back, and seemed to simply lay in the air.

“Why are you here?” I asked once again, gathering my resolve.

“Well I would answer, if I were really here?”

“What?”

“I mean who’s to say you’re really here? Maybe this is all some crazy dream, born from your shattered psyche? Or maybe I’m some figment of your twisted imagination?” He replied lazily, as he relaxed.

I was growing more, and more, furious by the second. I mean I didn’t know if his words were true or not, but I knew I wanted to be rid of him.

“I just wanted to check in on my favorite Element of Harmony, well, the only Element of Harmony left.” He said with a snicker.

“Shouldn’t you be groveling to your queen, instead of lounging there harassing me?” I shot back at him, my words laced with well received hate.

“My queen is busy at the moment.” He replied coldly. “She’s is trying to find out where her prized pupil has gone, as well as, trying to figure out what started the chaos in Las Pegasus.” He yawned, as a pink cloud appeared under his head, using it as a pillow. “But don’t worry your pretty, little, striped head. I won’t tell her you’ve been gallivanting here, and there, laying waste to her army. Oh! I definitely won’t tell her that her, favorite, pupil has sided with the enemy.”

I couldn’t believe what he was saying. I couldn’t believe his words, could I? I didn’t hear any deceit, no arrogance, not even a drip of sarcasm. Was he really telling the truth? I mean even if he was, which I doubted, wouldn’t he just turn on me?

“I can see you’re confused, as you should be. We are enemies you know? I suppose I pity you, or perhaps, it might just be my chaotic nature getting the better of me. No. I don’t see a reason for you to die yet. Not until I can see how far, along in this game, you can get.”

“GAME!?” I was furious! Where only moments before I’d been frozen in fear, my body now boiled with anger. How could he call this all a game? Even something twisted as he was, had to at least know what decency was. “This is not some game I’m playing! This is as real as it gets! I’ve watched friends die, whole towns slaughtered, and taken life! I lost my wing, and for what, to make sure I killed my enemies!”

He just stared. He floated there, staring at me, mocking me with his gaze. I was angry. I was filled with hate. Memories flooded back to me, the pain running through me. I could feel myself on the brink of death, as Chrysalis held me in her magic bonds. I remember it all. The look on her face, the shear soul crushing emptiness that ran through me. I had lost it, my element, to that insect. I couldn’t fight it any longer, and rushed Discord.

“I don’t care if you’re the god of chaos! I’ll destroy you!”

He began to laugh, softly at first, before erupting into a wicked cackle. “Oh my dear, dear, Rainbow. Remember, you’re only swinging at shadows?”

Just as I pulled back my right forehoof, and swung, he vanished into a pink cloud. My eyes shot open. My breaths were sharp, and intense. I was staring ahead, my forehoof planted, into the back of the seat in front of me. I was covered in sweat, and my eyes quickly shifted to the window at my right, as I once again heard the cry of distant thunder.

“Rainbow, are you alright?” Redheart called to me, as she appeared at my side. She just stood there in the isle, gazing at me softly, a hint of worry in her eyes.

“I’m, I’m fine.” I replied, taking a deep breathe, as I relaxed my body. “I just had a bad dream, that’s all.”

“Are you sure Rainbow? I’ll sit, and listen, if you wanna talk about it?”

Celestia bless her. Redheart had to be the kindest pony I knew, or at least she is now...damn, I miss you Flutters.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I promise.” I tried to offer my best smile, to ease her doubt, but that didn’t work all too well.

“Rainbow Dash. You’ll trust me with your life, but you won’t trust me to help you with anything else?” She only smiled after she spoke, before letting out a soft sigh. “I won’t stand here and make you tell me. If you wanted me to know, you would have told me. I will say this though; you can’t always hold everything in.”

“Thanks Redheart.” What else could I say? She knew something was bothering me. She knew something was wrong. Still, she knew I wouldn’t tell her, and how does she respond to that? A smile, kind words, and a moral.

“Remember Rainbow, I’m only one compartment a head, come find me if you change your mind.” She said, before turning from me. “Goodnight Rainbow.”

I sighed as I watched Redheart walk away, before hearing the faint sound of the compartment door opening, then closing. I sighed deeply, feeling an almost serene calmness overtake me, as the moon broke through the clouds; covering me in it’s silvered glow.

“What a beautiful night.” I whispered to myself, staring out the window, gazing out over the desert. You’re only swinging at shadows. Just what in Celestia’s name did that mean? Why am I even thinking about it? Why do I feel like that has some kind of meaning, or relevance? Why do I hear singing?

I stood from my seat, and looked around the compartment, trying to find the source of the music; thats when I realized it was Trixie. She was in the compartment behind mine, and yet somehow I could hear her voice. The melody she sang was somber, almost sad, each word imparting a sense of remorse.

I made my way down the aisle, following the sound of Trixie’s voice, before barely opening the door that separated Trixie, and myself. That’s when I saw her. She was sitting by the window, staring up at the moon, her eyes filled with tears. I could feel a sinking feeling in my chest as I watched her, and could finally make out her words.

“To all those children of the night, the sun has gone away. So let us bask in the silver tides, of Luna’s brilliant beams. For lovers lost, and friends long gone. Let us embrace the night, and be with them once more.”

I just sat there, peering through the door, as I watched her. The way the moonlight danced through her mane, and shined on her azure coat. I couldn’t help but have visions of AJ, sitting in the sun, flash through my head. They were two completely different ponies, as different as night, and day. Still as I watched her, I couldn’t help but think that they shared something, they both had a natural beauty. Wait? Why am I thinking like this? Get your head in the game, there’s no time to be thinking like this, I have to focus.

“Is someone there?” Trixie called out suddenly, startling me, as I bumped into the door.

“Uh yeah, it’s just me, Rainbow.” I replied with a nervous laugh, scratching the back of my head, stepping into the compartment. “I’m sorry if I bothered you. I was just listening to you sing.” I could see Trixie’s face begin to burn with blush, her eyes wide, while she stared at me.

“You, you heard that? I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to bother anypony.” She looked away from me, as tears began to stream down her face.

“You didn’t bother me.” I said quickly, taking a step towards Trixie. “I liked it.” I smiled after I spoke, my gaze never leaving Trixie’s moon bathed form. “Will you sing some more of it? Maybe just a little?”

Trixie sat there, gazing out the window, not even acting like she heard my words. I sighed, and offered another quick apology, before turning back towards the compartment door. That’s when I heard her inhale softly, and she began to sing once more.

“To all those children of the night, the sun has gone away. So let us bask in the silver tides, of Luna’s brilliant rays. For lovers lost, and friends long gone. Let us embrace the night, and be with them once more. Dreams of simpler times, ebb and flow as tides. Now is the time for Celestia’s children to sleep, and Luna’s to rise. From times of labor, til times we cannot perceive. We shall stay the children of Luna, for all eternity.” Silence. Silence overtook us, as Trixie sighed, and turned to me. She smiled. Her magenta eyes, still fresh with tears, shimmering in the moonlight.

“That was beautiful. Where did you learn it?” I asked.

“My mother taught it to me as a child. My family, or at least one of the older members, has always served in Princess Luna’s night court. Because of that, my family swore fealty to Luna. While other ponies were learning about Celestia’s trials, tribulations, and victories; I was learning of Luna’s. That song, well, it’s nothing more than a reminder of that. It’s one of the few things I have left.” She said, trailing off at the end.

I simply continued to stare at her, my eyes locked on her, with an unwavering conviction.

“Is there something wrong Rainbow?” Trixie asked, arching a brow, with a quizzical look.

I suddenly realized that I’d been staring at her for sometime, and shook my head, as I chuckled nervously. “Yeah, everything is fine, why do you ask?”

“Well, I just thought something might be wrong. I mean you do keep staring at me.”

“Yeah sorry about that, you just reminded me of somepony.” Why did I say that? Why in the name of all things pony, did I have to open that can of worms? ‘Who would that be?’, I know it’s coming...3...2...1.

“Really? Who?”

“Oh look! I’m right...dammit.” I sighed, as I moved to the seat beside Trixie, and leaned back. “Applejack. You reminded me of Applejack just now.”

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment. I wish I’d gotten a chance to apologize to Applejack. I heard many good things about her, in fact, Chrysalis was the only person I heard talk bad about her. Then again, Chrysalis talked bad about all of the elements.”

I scoffed after she spoke, tossing my mane back, before looking at her once more. “I can only imagine.” I said. My voice dripped with sarcasm as I spoke, clearly making itself evident, by Trixie’s reaction at least. “Het Trixie, I got a question?”

“What is it Rainbow?”

“Why me? Why do you wanna follow me around, and help me? I mean, I still remember what you said in Las Pegasus, I wanna know exactly why though? Couldn’t you just have easily followed some other pony, or gathered ponies to rally behind you?” Trixie didn’t speak at first, she just simply sat there, responding with nothing more than a kind gaze.

“It had to be you Dash. You are the only one I can follow, the only one who can make a difference, the only one I will follow. I know you’ve heard it over and over again, but you’re something special. You’re the one who survived.”

“So it’s because I got lucky, and lived, that you follow me?”

“Yes, and no. I am able to follow you, because you’re alive. I choose to follow you, because I couldn’t see myself at any others side. Twilight, you, the other elements; you all were what every pony dreamt of being. You all were heroes.”

There was that word again, hero, I couldn’t understand why I kept hearing it. I couldn’t understand why anypony would call a failure, like myself, a hero. Redheart, Trixie, countless others; they all saw me as a hero. Even so, I couldn’t allow myself to be called such a thing. No. Heroes save those they love, they fight the good fight, but I couldn’t save anypony. I couldn’t save Twi, or AJ...or any of them. So why do they keep forcing the title of hero on me?

“Rainbow.” Trixie said suddenly, snapping me out of thought, as I looked to her. “Rainbow, will you make me a promise?” She said softly, as I was captivated by the moonlight in her eyes.

“I’ll try.”

“Will you stay with me? Will you let me stay with you? I know I may be sounding confusing, but I don’t wanna be alone again. I know we have Redheart with us now, but I just...I just feel like I’d be empty if you weren’t around.”

“Whoa there Trixie. Keep talking like that, and I’ll start thinking you got a thing for me. I guess I couldn’t blame you though, if you did, I am pretty awesome.” I smiled after I spoke, and felt sense of peace fall over me, as Trixie let out a small laugh.

“Well, maybe I do.” She said bluntly, once her laughter had died down, nearly causing me to fall from my seat.

“Wait! What?” I couldn’t believe she’d just said that, or was I imagining she’d said it? Either way, I couldn’t find any words to say.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered softly, her eyes locking with mine, as she leaned towards me.

Wait? What is this? Why am I leaning forward? No, I can’t do this. What about AJ? What about the love we shared? I couldn’t throw that all away, not for somepony that I barely knew, could I? I’ve spilt blood with her. Feared the worst, as I thought she’d died. I was even saved by her, but, was that enough for me to...love her?

My mind raced, and my heart pounded wildly in my chest, as our lips met. Soft, they’re so soft, so full of...of life. How was this even possible? Was I so distraught that I wanted comfort, comfort that could only be found in another's embrace? Was this betrayal? Did this mean AJ didn’t really mean that much to me? No! Applejack was my everything! My friend, my lover, the very pony I would have died to protect! But she wasn’t here, I had failed to protect her...I failed them all.

I felt Trixies forehooves wrap around me, embracing me tightly, as I closed my eyes. I became lost to emotion, and not just my own, both Trixie’s and my own. I could feel every shred of doubt. Every speck of remorse, and sadness, flooding into my very being; through her silken lips. I followed suit, wrapping my hooves around Trixie, pulling our bodies closer; until I could feel the beat of her heart. It was like a steady drum, beating in time, with the melody of our bodies as it’s backdrop.

“Girls!” Redheart shouted, as she ran into the compartment. “We’ve got a prob-” She stopped, staring at Trixie, and myself with a sly grin. “Oh I so knew this was gonna happen.” She said with a laugh, clearing her throat, before her expression grew serious.

I sat there, arms still wrapped around Trixie, as she and Istared at Redheart. I was at a loss for words, and had the feeling, Trixie was as well. We turned to stare at each other for a moment, before quickly releasing ourselves, our faces crimson with embarrassment. An awkward silence filled the compartment, for what seemed like an eternity, when Redheart cleared her throat. I turned to look at her, and saw Trixie do the same, from the corner of my eye.

“As I was saying before I interrupted you two love birds; we’ve got a problem.” Redheart had no sooner finished speaking, when the tram began shaking violently. “Damn! I think they’ve boarded the tram!”

“Who’s they?” I asked suddenly, jumping up from my seat, as another wave of tremors passed through the tram.

“Collectors,” Redheart replied.

“This isn’t good, this isn’t good at all.” Trixie suddenly said, rising to stand as well. “Chrysalis must know somethings up if she’s sent Collectors.”

Damn you Discord! Was all I could find myself thinking. Then again, that whole run in with him, hadn’t that all been a dream? What did Chrysalis know exactly? Did she know Trixie had joined me? Did she know I was alive, destroying her troops, and kicking ass? That’s when the most important question of all came to me.

“What the Tartarus is a Collector?” I asked.

“There bad news, I’m talking worst of the worst. In fact, in the world of Changelings, only Bane Tooth’s elite guard and Chrysalis are stronger than the Collectors. If she’s sent them, then we’ve pissed her off royally.” Trixie replied, with a deep sigh.

Suddenly I could hear the sound of metal twisting, and shifting, followed by bodies slamming into the tram. I was about to speak. About to ask Trixie, and Redheart, what we could do to withstand the Collectors attack. When the door connecting Trixie’s compartment, to my own, was ripped away. We jumped back, pressing up against the opposite wall of the door. My right forehoof quickly moved to the hilt of my katana, while Redheart reached for her scalpels, and Trixies horn began to glow.

“How do we always end up in these situations?” I asked. I watched the black mass that stood at the door, as the Collectors, begin to flood in. Soon, there stood before us a trio of black clad Changelings, each one looking more vicious than the one before. The tattered scraps of their, sun drenched, cloaks barely clung to their bodies. They just stood there, each one, easily as tall as Chrysalis.

“Be careful girls. Collectors are the assassins of the Changeling hierarchy, they won’t hesitate to kill you, so don’t hold anything back.” Trixie said calmly, as I watched her stare down the Collectors.

“Hey, all we gotta do is kill em’.” I said, before taking hold of my katana between my jaws.

“You certainly have a way of making the, damn near, impossible...sound possible.” Redheart said, with a grin, as she held a scalpel delicately in one of her hooves. “So Trixie. How do we beat them?” Redheart asked. Her gaze never wavering from our enemies.

“Don’t take your eyes off of them, The moment you do...well...just don’t take your eyes off of them” Trixie said, a small hint of worry in her voice. “Just keep your eyes focused on the one in front of you, and we might just make it through this.”

I was about to speak, but suddenly, we found the enemy upon us. The weapons they wielded, were so unique, I could barely recognize them as swords. The blades twisted, and bent, like a serpent's tail. They seemed to resonate will a dull hue of stained blood, and stunk with a putrid odor.

I locked blades with one of the foul creatures. I was surprised by it’s strength, despite it’s almost skeletal stature, as it was on par with my own. That disgusting stench that flooded my entire being. That sickening odor of decay, it was overwhelming, mixed with the scent of rust.

“What in the hell are these things!” I shouted, through the hilt of my blade, pushing the Collector back. “These aren’t normal Changelings!”

“They’re shadows!” I heard Trixie shout. “The collective consciousness of fallen Changeling soldiers, who’ve been given form, made from dark magic!”

Wait? Shadows? Remember, you’re only swinging at shadows. Damn you Discord, damn you to Tartarus. Did you know these abominations were on their way? I don’t see a reason for you to die yet. Not until I can see how far, along in this game, you can get. That sick, twisted, bastard! This really was all just a game to him!

“How do we fight shadows!?” Redheart called out.

“Easy!” I shouted, before locking blades once more. “Hack, stab, and slash until they stop moving! Then stab them a couple more times, for good measure!”

The Collector I fought hissed sharply, it’s piercing tone clawed at my ears, before it spun away. I stepped back, collecting myself, before having my katana knocked from my grasp. The Collector had abandoned his sword, which Trixie told me later was called a Kris, and had knocked mine away with a powerful kick. It rushed me, closing the small gap between us, with impressive speed. I raised my forehooves, blocking a powerful strike, as the Collector launched a volley of strikes.

My body felt each attack, waves of hatred, resonating throughout my entire being. I wrapped one of my forehooves around it’s, as it struck at me once more, and landed a strike of my own to it’s jaw. The Collector acted as if my attack was nothing more than a playful hit, as it suddenly pulled me towards it, and caught me in the stomach with a powerful upward strike. I coughed, feeling my hind legs weaken, before being sent to the ground by another vicious strike. I rolled barely avoiding the, ground shaking, stomp the Collector had aimed for my chest.

Within seconds I was back on my hooves, all be it still shaken, and ready to fight. I quickly found myself on the receiving end of another flurry of strikes, as I twisted, and dodged with everything I had, feeling it’s hooves grazing my coat with each strike. I had to get on the offensive, and fast, if I was to survive. That’s when I had an idea.

I ducked down, before kicking off the ground, and catching the Collector with an uppercut. I dashed past the Collector, as it reeled from my attack, and dove for my sword. I grabbed it, with my hooves, and rolled across the ground. I brought my blade up, slashing with all I had, as the Collector simply dodge it with a smug grin. I unleashed an unrelenting series of attacks, pushing with everything I had, as I tried desperately to kill my enemy.

“Dammit! Just hurry up, and die already!” I roared, as I spun, putting my entire body behind my attack. I was shocked, as it caught my blade, and left speechless. Suddenly my hooves began to glow with a magenta hue and I could feel Trixie’s energy, her warmth, flood into me.

“Hurry Rainbow! I can’t keep the spell up long, not while I’m fighting at least!” Trixie shouted, as I heard the labored pants of her voice. She was still fighting, fighting with everything she had, yet still, she did all she could to help me.

“I’ll try and be quick.” I replied, in an almost low growl, as I stared into the amber eyes of my enemy. I dropped my blade, hearing it clang against the floor of the tram, and rushed the Collector once more. Something was different this time. I found myself on par with it, a flurry of swings, and strikes erupted between us. I would dodge, block, and counter. It would dodge, block, and counter. We matched the others moves perfectly, but I could see something, desperation slowly inching it’s way into the Collector’s attacks.

What was so different? Was it simply the addition of Trixie’s magic, to my own strength, to my own skill? No. No, it had to be something more. Swinging at shadows... Wait, that’s it! The Collectors were shadows, nothing more than dark beings, created by dark magics. The light of Trixie’s magic, it’s very nature, was a weakness to them; it was the means to defeat them.

“Not so tough anymore are you? You pathetic excuse of a bug!” I roared, stepping into another strike, sending the Collector sliding back across the floor. “I’m through playing games! I mean, who in the hell do you think I am!?” I blocked another strike, returning the favor, and connecting with an uppercut to the Collectors stomach.

The Collector rose to it’s hooves slowly, it’s cold gaze locked on me, while I readied myself. We both charged, otherworldly roars of rage and, hatred escaping us. The Collector drew closer, and I pushed my legs to carry me faster, as my forehooves glowed even brighter. “This game, ends now!” I barely dodged the Collector’s attack, before I shoved my hoof into it’s gaping maw, following through with burning rage. The Collectors body slammed against the wall of the compartment , hanging limp, just inches above the floor. I pulled back my hoof, letting the cursed creature’s body fall to the floor, before watching it burst into a swirl of shadow.

The aura of Trixie’s magic faded from my hooves, as I sighed, and turned to see her. She smiled weakly at me, body covered in fresh wounds, and her coat matted with blood. “I’m glad you’re alright Rainbow.”
She said, before collapsing to the ground.

“Trixie!” I shouted, quickly turning to Redheart for help.

“Damnable filth.” Redheart said, standing over the body of the Collector she’d slain; though it looked more like a pincushion with all those scalpels in it. I was shocked, and slightly impressed as it’s body burst into shadow, and the scalpels fell to the floor. “That was almost easy.” Redheart said, with her usual kind smile.

I was left dumbfounded. I was covered in bruises, Trixie was covered in wounds, and Redheart looked as if she’d barely broken a sweat. Suddenly I was snapped from my thoughts, as I heard Trixie cough, and I called to Redheart.

“Redheart! Trixie’s hurt!” I could see the smile fade from Redheart’s face, as she hurried to Trixie’s side.

“We have to hurry and stop the bleeding. My dear sweet Celestia, how did she get so beat up? Was she not even paying attention to her opponent?”

I hung my head, casting my stare to the floor, as I sighed. “No she wasn’t. She was too worried about me.” I said weakly, shame filling my entire being.

“Rainbow, go and get my saddlebags from my compartment.” Redheart replied. “And Rainbow!” She called, as I turned from her. “Don’t worry, Trixie will be okay...I promise.” She said. Her kind smile returning once more, before she turned her attention back to Trixie.

I ran towards Redheart’s compartment, quickly grabbing her saddlebags, and returned to Redheart. I sat the saddlebags at her side, and watched nervously as she began cleaning Trixie’s wounds. Please Trixie, please be alright...Will you stay with me? Will you let me stay with you? I know I may be sounding confusing, but I don’t wanna be alone again. I know we have Redheart with us now, but I just...I just feel like I’d be empty if you weren’t around. How can you just say something like that, ask that of me, and then leave? Just stay with us Trixie, stay with me...

Chapter 8: Solace In Despair

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 8: Solace In Despair.

“Is she going to be alright?”

“Yes, but we have to be watchful of her. That Collector she fought, it worked her over pretty bad.” Redheart said, before pausing, with a sigh. “And as much as I hate to say it Rainbow, she did overexert herself, maintaining that spell she was using on you didn’t help any.”

“I know, I know, but she’ll be fine right?”

I was nervous, caged by some unseen force, as I stared at Trixie. She just laid there, her breaths slow and even. Why was she even here? Why was she even in this position? Why had I let her push herself so hard, and for what, to make sure I was safe? She’d said back in Las Pegasus, that she’d give her own life for mine. Well, she was pretty damn close to giving it. I thought I was stronger than this! I thought I could protect those that I knew! I thought...I thought I could protect the ponies I cared for! Damn you Rainbow Dash! Damn you for your weakness; you’re pathetic!

“Rainbow, don’t beat yourself up over this. Trixie cares for you, that’s very apparent.” Redheart paused, before offering me a kind smile. “She didn’t want to see you get hurt. She didn’t want to take the chance to lose you.”

“She’s an idiot.” I said suddenly, as small beads of tears rolled down my face. “Why would she die just so I could live, that’s selfish, then I’d be alone again.”

“Dashie.” Redheart cooed softly, as I felt her forehooves wrap around me. “I know what you mean when you say you’ll be alone again but, I want you to remember, I’ll be right here at your side; ready to help you.” She said, squeezing me gently. “Now, I’m going to see what can be done, about the gaping hole in the side of the tram.” Redheart let go of her comforting embrace, and moved to the door of the compartment we’d placed Trixie in, smiling the whole time. “I’ll check on you later Rainbow, but do try to get some rest, until then.” With that Redheart slipped out of the compartment, and from my view.

What should I do? How can I help Trixie, is there anything I can even do? I had only my thoughts to occupy the, empty, silence that hung in the air. “This was all my fault.”

“Well, you are right about that one.” Called an all too familiar voice.

“Why are you back?” I asked the Draconequus that floated just behind me. I turned from Trixie my eyes falling on Discord, as he lounged on a pink cloud.

“Well isn’t it obvious? You’ve fallen asleep.” He replied, pulling a glass of chocolate milk from the cloud. “I mean it’s really the only time I can talk to you, but that’s a story for another time; yes another time indeed. Now! Back to business.” Discord raddled on, between drinks of his milk. “I came to check on you, to make sure those ‘nasty’ Collectors hadn’t bested you, and here you are. Isn’t it wonderful!?”

“Wonderful! Trixie is on the verge of death! Too weak to even be conscious!” I shouted, while anger boiled in my very soul. “This is not wonderful! This is-”

“Enough, enough, stop whining. The fact of the matter is simple; you were too weak to protect her. Seriously, you almost got beaten, if Trixie wouldn’t have helped you, then you’d have been KO’d; game over.” I watched him throw the empty glass over his shoulder, and as it hit the ground it didn’t shatter, but turned into a duckling.

I sat, dumbfounded, for a few minutes. His words had cut me worse than any blade, because they were lined with something, something I had come to deny lately; truth. The duckling hadn’t helped much either, but it was more...odd, than totally disheartening.

“I...I...”

“Hurts doesn’t it? Hurts knowing that you can’t do anything, while those around you fall, but survive.”

“It’s not like I wanted this to happen!” I shouted back, tears streaming down my face. “It’s not like I wanted Trixie to get hurt!”

“But it’s your fault she did! Your weakness caused all of this!” Discord shouted back, before his cloud vanished, and he stepped towards me. “You’re a failure to your friends, to Equestria, and to yourself!” Discord said, his eyes locked on mine.

What did he know? Why would he even care? He was on the winning side, that insects side. Who was he to say such things, such hateful things, but then again...who was I to say they weren’t true?

“Leave.” He said suddenly his face blank, his voice cold. “You don’t want to see Trixie get hurt, nor Redheart, and the only way to make sure they don’t, is for you to leave.”

“Why are you doing this to me?” I asked, falling to the floor in despair.

“You have a destiny, a higher purpose, that you cannot fulfill.” He paused for a moment, glaring down at me sternly. “This world is pure chaos, disorder, anarchy. You think that I’d be absolutely ecstatic about this, but the grim truth of it is this; Chrysalis will burn this world to the ground.” I listened in disbelief as Discord spoke, and watched as he sighed. “She and I are two different sides to chaos, and believe it or not, I’m the lesser of the two evils.”

“Then why don’t you stop her?” I asked suddenly.

“It’s not my place to do so, never was, and it never will be.” He said with a shrug. “You however...you will be Equestria’s emissary of change, as it is your destiny.” He turned from me, and began to chuckle, before bursting out into full on laughter. “I’ve said it before, but I’m still your enemy Rainbow, and you should never see me as anything other than that.” Discord shot me a quick glance over his shoulder, a mischievous gleam in his eyes, as he began to fade away.

“Wait a damn second!” I shouted after him. His laughter still echoing.

“You think you hate me now, wait until you wake up...then you’ll know true hatred.” With that Discord vanished, and I found myself panting, covered in sweat at Trixie’s side.

A dream? Was it all a dream? Discord had said I was asleep, that he could only speak to me while I slept, but still, it all felt so real. I couldn’t help but wonder, as my eyes drifted down to take in Trixie’s blanketed form. She looked so peaceful, so at rest, as she lay there. The way her hair rested gracefully on her pillow, barely covering her face, while her chest moved in rhythm to her breathes. “Wait until you wake up, then you’ll know true hatred.” What did he mean?

~~~~~~The next day~~~~~

The first rain, it’s soothing scent, and it’s melodic rhythm. The rain brings with it a surreal calm, a state of rest, and a longing for peace. That same rain, falls before me, now nothing more than a reminder of my sorrows. Rain. Rain is pouring down on this world. The sun hidden behind a sky of dark clouds, that sings out, with the song of thunder. Why did this happen? Why did it all have to be this way? Are we so powerless, so insignificant, that no matter what, we can’t even dream of standing against the trails of this world?

Equestria, this wasteland it has become, is nothing more than a carcass festering with each passing moment. The sun bleached bones of those dead, and those who will die, will be all that stand the test of time. Time, the one thing we always seem to have too much of, until we realize that time can end. This realization comes to us all, once we see change, when it’s often too late.

Is it too late? Will time drive me away, or will you return from the edge? What can I do to help, what could I possibly do, to repay you? Dammit! Somepony, anypony, give me an answer!? Trixie wake up! Please don’t leave me. Please don’t let me be alone again, don’t let me wander this place in solitude. I-I’m scared. I’m scared to walk through this twisted, dark, world without you. Please Trixie, I’ll stay by your side. So please, don’t leave mine.

“Rainbow, dear, are you alright?” I heard Redheart call from inside the tram door, as I sat just outside.

“I’m fine.” I wiped my eye’s quickly, hoping to brush away any tears she might see, before turning to face her. “I’m fine, just watching the sky.”

“You wish you were up there in that sky, don’t you Dashie?”

“I do. I wish now, more than any other time before, that I could soar through the sky above. I just want to fly away, to leave it all behind, and remember when life was worth living.”

“Do you not think it’s worth living now?” Redheart asked, as she stepped to my side.

“Everything, everypony, is gone.” I said, staring off into the distance, before closing my eyes. “What’s left...I mean, is there anything worth fighting for anymore?” I asked, as I looked to Redheart. She smiled, as she turned from me, and sighed softly.

“Only if you think you’ve found something worth fighting for.” Redheart paused, after she spoke, before moving towards the tram door.

“Wait.” I called, reaching out for her. “I’m sorry. I’m...I-I’m just scared. I’m scared that I’ll lose you, Trixie, and everything I’ve come to care for.” My voice trembled as I spoke, my body fighting back tears, as I closed my eyes. “I lost everything once, we all have, but I feel like I’ve lost so much more.”

“Tell me then Rainbow. What is it that you lost?” Redheart said, with her usual kind smile.

“I’ve lost my love, my home, my friends. I watched as Luna was turned to stone, and heard her last shouts, before her sapphire coat turned to marble.” I could feel my will give in, as tears slowly started streaming down my face, and my memories flooded back. “I’ve lost my hope, my element...and my wing.”

….

“You really are pathetic, aren’t you?” Suddenly called an all too familiar voice.

I opened my eyes to the sight, and sounds, of battle. The scent of blood was thick in the air, and bodies lined the ground beneath me, causing my body to tense. “What’s going on!?” I shouted, as I stared into the eyes of Chrysalis.

“You’ve lost! Your little rebellion has failed, and once again, the bodies of thousands lay at your hooves!” Chrysalis said, her voice full of venom, as she struck me down. “I can’t believe I ever thought of you as a threat. You pathetic, broken, element.” Chrysalis laughed, moving a forehoof to rest on my throat, as she stared down at me. “Don’t worry now you can be with that Earth Pony, and that traitor Trixie!”

….

“I’ll kill you!” I shouted, swinging my forehooves wildly, as I pushed myself up. “I’ll drag you to Tartarus with me!” I felt cold air rush across my face, my eyes darted open, and I was back on the tram. I was alone, and in my cabin. My body was drenched in sweat, I felt nauseous, and my head throbbed in pain. What’s happening to me? Was that all a dream?

“I can assure you it wasn’t real.” Discord called to me suddenly.

“What are you doing to me!?” I shouted.

“I’m doing what must be done.”

“Driving me insane? I’d sooner just let you kill me!”

“Who said anything about driving you crazy?” I turned quickly as I saw Discord take form at my side. “I’m simply trying to help you, although...I’m more so helping myself. Don’t worry yourself about the details.”

“Am I...am I still dreaming?” I asked suddenly.

“Why yes you are, in fact, you’ve been dreaming.”

“What?”

“You’re actually still in the same dream from before, or perhaps, this is the original dream. Who’s to say? Now I’m sure you’re wanting out of here, and I completely understand, but I can’t allow that.” Discord said, as he floated into the air, and vanished.

“Please...please just let me wake up.”

“I can’t, well actually I could, but then you wouldn’t learn anything.” Discord suddenly appeared upside down, above me, his eyes locked with mine. “Remember that whole business I said about destiny? Well this is me giving you a push in the right direction, or maybe the wrong direction, really just depends on how you proceed.”

“What do you want from me?” I asked, my head hung low, as I cursed Discord beneath my breath.

“The question is what do you want from yourself? Usually that’s an impossible question to answer, even more so for myself, but that doesn’t matter.” Discord sighed, before an idiotic grin spread across his face. “I’m giving you the chance to answer that question. This world of dreams I’ve sealed you in, is well, it’s all created from your memories. Here you may see what has happened, and what may happen...based off your own thoughts, and fears of course.”

“So you expect me to find the answer, to a question, that I don’t even know? I hate you.” I said with a drawn out sigh.

“As you should. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have chaos to spread about.”

I watched as Discord vanished once more, and sat there in silence, awaiting him to call back out to me. Minutes passed, and I sighed in frustration, as I finally stood from the bed. What am I going to do? How am I gonna get out of this? What answer am I seeking, and for that matter, what is the bucking question!

A world of dreams, created from my memories, why would Discord seal me in this place? What was the answer he wanted me to find? I couldn’t help but wonder as I paced about the tram.

I stopped, inhaling deeply, and I cleared my mind. I could feel a change, a shift, as my vision drifted in and out of focus. The cold steel of the tram was no more, the low rumble of the engine vanished, and I found myself standing in Ponyville.

“What in Celestia’s name is this?” I asked allowed, as I gazed upon my former home. The streets were bare, devoid of all life, and yet it was still perfect. No chaos. No death. This was Ponyville in it’s prime, in a time of peace, in a time long gone.

“This is what you wanted to see.”

I turned quickly, as I heard a voice call out to me, and was left speechless as I stared at myself.

“W-what kind of madness is this?” I watched as my other self chuckled softly, and took a step towards me, as her form became basked in light.

“Madness? No Rainbow, this isn’t madness, this is fate.”

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. I could only watch in disbelief as her black coat reflected the sunlight. Her mane, my mane, deprived of it’s rainbow hue, replaced by different shades of crimson. The thing that scared me most though were her eyes, that stared at me with murderous intent, full of hatred.

“F-fate?” I asked, as I absentmindedly reached for my katana.

“Are you afraid Rainbow? Afraid of what I am?”

“I’m not afraid!”

“Liar!” She shouted. She rushed me, sweeping my hooves from beneath me, slamming me to the ground. I gasped, stunned by her overwhelming speed. That’s when I noticed...she still had her left wing.

“You lying filth! You can’t even be honest with yourself!” She roared. “You’re afraid Rainbow, you’re terrified, because you can’t understand what’s going on.”

I could feel my heart race, my body trembled, under the weight of this dark incarnation of myself. I couldn’t speak though, I couldn’t do anything, all I could do was stare into her soulless eyes.

“You were supposed to be something! You were supposed to evolve!” She yelled before sighing. “You were supposed to become everything I am, and you almost did it, but you couldn’t let go of the past.”

“Let go. LET GO!” I roared. I pushed myself up, planting my back legs into my other selfs stomach, forcing her off of me. “I was never given a chance to let go! My life was ripped from my hooves!”

“Stop your whining!” She shouted before knocking me back with a powerful strike. “Wasn’t that why you’ve done all this!? Isn’t that why you’ve come so far!? Because you wanted revenge for that life you lost!?”

“I never wanted revenge for my own sick pleasure! I wanted to avenge those I lost!”

“You wanted blood for blood! You’re just too weak to admit it!” She pulled back throwing another swift blow, and stared at me with a sick smile, as I met hers with my own. Our hooves slammed together, resonating energy from their impact, and suddenly Ponyville was gone; replaced by Canterlot during the Changeling siege.

“Just think back you coward, and remember, why do you fight?”

“I fight for those who no longer can! For those who never even had a chance!” I was furious, enraged by my dark counterpart, as I readied myself for a fight.

“They died, they all died, and you’re the one who lived. Why won’t you just admit why you fight? Why you crave battle? It’s not for some kind of justice, or vengeance, you seek death.”

I was caught off guard by her words, and even more so by the kick she threw, as I was sent flying through the gate of Castle Canterlot.

“You had abandoned all that love, and friendship, will save the world bullshit. You had learned to crave the bloodlust that consumed you, found pleasure in the death you left in your wake, and became the monster that Equestria would need to survive.” She moved to stand over me once more, and stared down at me, before throwing several kicks to my ribs.

I yelled out in pain, as I felt my ribs crack, and blood began to drip from my mouth. “Why are you doing this to me?” I asked. My breaths were strained, my chest heaved, and I could feel my body growing heavy.

“Look at you. You’re pathetic.” She said. Her voice full of malice, hatred dripping with every word, as she spat at the ground. “You’ll never leave this place.”

I could feel tears streaming down my face, my chest burning with an intense pain, while I struggled to stand. “I will leave this place. I will return to Redheart, to Trixie, to Equestria.” I said through blood soaked coughs.

“Why bother? You’ll only end up failing them?” She called as she turned from me, and began walking towards the castle courtyard.

“I’ll return to Redheart so she can always remember what life was like, before all of this, when our princesses still ruled.” I called out as I stood. “I’ll return to Trixie so she’ll never have to be alone, so she’ll never know the pain of loss, to face the horrors of the world with her.” I could feel my legs steady with each word and the pain in my chest subside. “I’ll return to Equestria and fight for it, fight for all those who still have hope, because I’m the only one who can!”

My body became covered in light as Canterlot melted away, and I found myself surrounded by the San Palomino Desert, my dark half simply smiling. That’s when I realized that my wing, my left wing, had regrown.

“Things are about to get fun.” I said with a smile.

“Finally, we can agree on something.”

We stood there, surrounded by sand, as we stared the other down. I could feel the familiar anticipation of battle surging through my body, but this time, this time it was different. This time I didn’t fight out of selfishness, or the guise of justice, this time I fought because I knew I must....because I was the only one who could.

We launched, both soaring high into the sky, and I was overwhelmed by the almost now foreign feeling of the wind against my coat. We collided, matching each other blow for blow, as a flurry of strikes rained between us. The very world around us rippled from the force of our strikes, sending shockwaves resonating, as my body tensed with excitement.

My very life was on the line, along with those who still needed me, as was the future of Equestria. Only I could save my home. Only I could restore it to it’s former glory, and make sure that Chrysalis came to justice, but first; I had to beat my own darkness.

“Be careful Rainbow!” She shouted.

She caught me across the jaw with a swift hook, sending me flying back through the air, before I spun around to regain my balance.

“Why do you say that?” I asked, as I hovered in the sky.

“Because if you lose now, then you’ll never leave this place; but I will.” She darted forward, unleashing a devastating combination of attacks, as I fought with everything I had to put her words out of my mind.

“I won’t let that happen!” I shouted. I grabbed her throwing a vicious headbut, sending her reeling, that echoed out with a sickening crack.

“You bitch!” She roared. She shot up higher into the air, disappearing into the glare of the sun, before diving down and grabbing me. “I’ll make sure you never leave this place!”

We slammed into the ground, sand flew into the air, and she rained down strikes on me. I held up my forehooves, desperately trying to protect myself, before planting my hind legs into her stomach, and forcing her off me once more. She skidded back across the sand as I pushed off the ground, a small trail of blood trickling from my mouth, and tackled her.

“Buck you!” I roared as I slammed my hoof into her stomach. “I’ll never let you leave this place! I’ll never let you unleash whatever the hell you are on the world!” I swung again, and again, landing strike after strike. I stratled her, using the weight of my body to hold her down, as I connected with punch after punch. She smiled, she only kept smiling, as I continued to beat her.

“Why! Won’t! You! Stop! Smiling!” I roared. I stood, throwing her over my shoulder, before taking hold of her.

“I guess you aren’t so pathetic after all.” She said, as she continued to smile, before I was sent flying back.

I yelled out in pain, as the world around us transformed once more, I slammed into the remains of Luna’s Temple, and I took in the sights of Las Pegasus during the pony riots.

“You’re stronger than I thought.” Dark Dash said as she slowly moved towards me. “But you still haven’t learned a thing. Just because you realized you’re the only one who can fight, doesn’t mean you’ve found a reason to fight.”

“Yeah you’re right.” I said. I stood slowly, flexing my wings, spitting up a bit of blood. “But it’s a step in the right direction, the first step to finding out what I want from the remains of this bucked up world, and the first step towards kicking your ass.” I said with a smile.

“You know I almost feel bad about having to destroy you.” She burst towards me, the ground beneath her seeming to warp from the sheer force of her speed.

I smiled as she reached me, and we locked, my hind legs dug into the earth beneath as she pushed me back. I pushed back, my wings spreading behind me, causing her to smile even more wickedly. I dropped down, falling back as I pulled her towards me, and sent her flying over me. I sprung back to my hooves, as I watched her turn mid air, catching herself with her wings, and I rushed her.

I tackled her once more, wrapping my forehooves around her, as we slammed through the walls of the temple, and traded a few well placed strikes.

“Let go of me!” She roared. She reached down, grabbing me around the stomach, as she lifted me, and slammed me head first into the ground. She threw a swift kick to my body, sending me rolling across the floor of the temple, before I jumped up. I rushed back at her, as we clashed in the center of the temple, pushing each others strength to it’s limit.

I turned, taking hold of her forehooves, and slammed her to the ground, planting my hoof firmly across her throat. I stared down at her, breathing heavily, while she stared back at me.

“Why do you fight Rainbow Dash?” She asked of me calmly.

“I fight because I must, I fight because I want a world of peace, I fight...because I want to save Equestria.”

“Well, well, it seems like you found your answer Rainbow.” I heard Discord call out, and turned to find him, sitting upon Luna’s altar.

“Why are you back?” I asked calmly, moving my hoof from dark dash’s throat, and turned to him, as she stood.

“I’ll get to that, but first, did you have fun playing with your shadow self?” Discord asked with a wicked smile.

I started to speak, when my dark half stepped between us. “Listen here Discord, goodie goodie over here may not have the guts to do it, but I’ll kill you right here and now if you don’t leave.”

“My, my Dash, your darker side has quite the temper. Lets send her away so we can speak, in private.” Discord raised his scaled hand, and snapped his fingers, as my darker half suddenly vanished. “There, that’s better, now where were we?”

“Wait!” I shouted, as I took a step towards him. “What did you do with her?”

“Are you worried about her? Well don’t worry your little stripped head, she’s still her, she always will be.” He replied with a grin, as he pointed to his black heart. “She’s that rage you feel every time you fight, the bloodlust that consumes you with every battle, and she’s the hatred that burns in your very soul.”

“Is there no way to be rid of her?”

“Nope, I’m afraid not. She’s just as much a part of you as you are her, and theres nothing you can do about it, but anyways back to business.” Discord sprung from the altar, and landed before me, with an impish smile. “So what have we learned?”

I sighed deeply as I leaned back and sat down, before looking to Discord once more, sickened by his smile. “I’ve learned that it has to be me that saves Equestria, that restores balance, and stops the beating of Chrysalis’s black heart.”

“Good, that’s a start, but what else have you learned?”

“I learned that I don’t fight because I have to, but because I want to, because I want to save Equestria.”

Discord smiled, and leaned back, as he stretched his arms out. “Well it seems like you’ve learned all you needed to know, but that’s only a small part of it, now you need to apply what you’ve learned.”

“So you’ll let me return? You’ll let me wake up?” I asked, trying to hide the excitement I felt.

“Yes, once I leave you this time, you will wake up in the real world.” The smile that had been broad across Discords face only moments ago, was now gone, now replaced by a look of sadness. “This will be the last time I visit you Rainbow, so remember what I’ve tried to get you to learn, because you will need it in the coming days.”

I stared at Discord as he spoke, looking at him with more confusion than ever before, wondering what he meant. I was thrilled to be rid of him, as he was my enemy, the very creature that lead those filth that attack Ponyville. Still, his sadness troubled me.

“One day you will know that which I cannot tell you, but until then remember one thing; I am your enemy.”

I watched as the world around me vanished, Discord slowly faded from my view, and I could feel a familiar warmth spread through my body.

….

I could suddenly feel the warmth of the sun against my face, as the soft rumble of the tram returned, and the weight of my body against my bed. I opened my eyes slowly, smiling as I took in the sight of my cabin, before feeling something move at my side. I rolled over, my vision blurred slightly from the light around me, and was met with the sweet scent of Trixie. She was there, at my side, cuddled up to me with a smile. I could only smile myself, burying my face into her mane, while I basked in the warmth of her body.

This was real. I was finally back, my nightmare over, after what felt like an eternity. This is why I fight for this mare at my side, who filled a void that I thought would never close, for Trixie. I denied being a hero so many times, despite so many calling me just that, but I just couldn’t believe it. I have to believe it now, I have to accept that very title, because I have to be the one to save Equestria. I have to be Equestria’s hero, the hero to all those who still have hope, and protect those I love with everything I am.

“Rainbow...you’re awake.” Trixie whispered.

I looked at her with a smile, before leaning forward, kissing her cheek softly. “Yeah, I’m awake, but you still need rest.”

“I love you Dashie.”Trixie smiled, as she nuzzled her face against my neck, and kissed me happily.

“I love you too Trix.”

I’m the hero Equestria needs, and now, I’m finally prepared to be that hero. For now though I think I’ll stay in bed just a little longer.

Author's Note

The long awaited 8th chapter to the Loyalty's Vengeance saga has arrived! I apologize for the horrible...horrible piece of literature you've just been subjected to.

Chapter 9: A Bittersweet Symphony

Loyalty’s Vengeance

Chapter 9: A Bittersweet Symphony

Vanhoover… It seems like it’s taken an eternity to reach here. Trixie, Red Heart, and myself… We finally reached this place. We’ve fought our way here through Changelings, Collectors, and everything else Chrysalis has thrown at us. I can’t believe I’m now standing here, with the only ponies that matter anymore at my side, staring out at the grand city by the bay.

“Rainbow?” Trixie called out suddenly, breaking me away from my thoughts.

I shook my head and turned to her, smiling. “What’s up?”

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well you’ve just been rather quiet since we got here. Do you have something on your mind?”

“Not really. I’m just glad that we’re finally here.” I continued to smile, kicking a pebble into the water of the bay. I stood watching the ripples, recalling something Apple Jack once told me. “No matter what Rainbow, every road will lead you to what you want in life, but the road may not be easy.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah.” I turned to Trixie, smiling as I stared at her. “So, any word from Red Heart?” Red Heart had left Trixie and I here some time ago, as she had set out into the city, scouting for potential threats. She had also mentioned making contact with The Mechanic.

“I haven’t heard anything yet, but we shouldn’t let our guard down. We may be in Vanhoover, far from the chaos of Las Pegasus, but we’re still not safe. Chrysalis has agents everywhere.”

“Yeah, I know. This place just seems so peaceful, so far removed from the chaos Equestria has become.”

“Yes, it is a nice change of pace.” Trixie replied, stepping past me and looking out at the water. “However, this is still a city controlled by Chrysalis. She only allows this peace as a way of keeping the ponies here in check. She could cast this city into turmoil, and scorch it with flame; If that is what she wished.”

“Careful Trix, you’re sounding like a servant of Chrysalis,” I teased, inciting a fit of blush from my azure companion.

“W-what? Don’t be absurd. I don’t speak out of admiration. I speak as one who has seen her strength, and simply speak out of respect for that strength.”

“How can you respect anything about her?”

“I told you, I became her student so I could study, and become stronger. One of the ways I did that was by studying books from the royal library. I came across many books of war, surprisingly. One of them stuck with me. It spoke of honor and duty, of trial and tribulation.”

I sat listening to Trixie intently, smiling as she went onto a Twi-rant.

“One thing that stood out most though, was a passage that said one must acknowledge and respect the strength of your enemy. If you allow yourself to only focus on your strength, and disregard the strength of your foe, then you are a fool. Know your enemies strength, and aim to surpass it.”

I thought about Trixie’s words, watching her as she stood there, herself deep in thought. “I guess I can see where you’re coming from. If we just ignore Chrysalis’ strength, it doesn’t make her any weaker. If anything , it makes us weaker, because we’re seeing our strength as being superior.”

“Exactly.” Trixie smiled. “It’s not about respecting who Chrysalis is, but respecting the strength she has.”

I was about to speak, when I heard the sound of hooves drawing closer. I turned and saw Red Heart smiling as she drew closer to us. “Hello girls.” She called out.

“Glad to see you’re alright. Find out anything interesting?”

“From the looks of things this city has a small number of Changeling forces. Being as this city willingly surrendered, Chrysalis didn’t bother sending an invasion force. In all I would say the number of Changelings here is around two hundred soldiers, along with a handful of elites.”

“That’s far less than I had anticipated.” Trixie mumbled. “Even without sending an invasion force, Chrysalis would have sent plenty of guards to quell any kind of uprising.” She paused, thinking for a moment. “There has to be more.”

“What are you saying, Trixie?” Red Heart asked.

“Chrysalis knows she’s powerful, and knows that any city that would willingly surrender could potentially become a threat. She most likely thought out a scenario in which the city surrendered to save it’s strength. If that were the case then she knows it was an attempt to conserve strength so a force could be gathered to rebel… More than likely the number of guards is somewhere near five hundred strong, with close to a hundred elites.”

“I had no idea you were such a keen strategist, Trixie.” I said, almost dumfounded.

“Know your enemy, Rainbow. The Changelings main strength is the ability to change form, their most deadly art subterfuge. Chrysalis sent so few guards as a sign of good will, and in doing so was able to plant even more soldiers in disguise throughout the city.”

“If that’s the case, then anypony we encounter could very well be an enemy in hiding.” Redheart replied, setting back on her haunches. “Though there is no way of knowing… not unless you can force a Changeling to reveal their true nature.”

“Well we can’t very well go about fighting everypony we come across. We’ll just have to move carefully and keep our heads down.”

Trixie and Red Heart stared at me after I spoke. Both giving me a look of intrigue, before smiling and looking to the other.

“I must say, Rainbow, those are rather wise words, for the situation we find ourselves in.” Redheart said with a smile.

“They are indeed, and we should do just as Rainbow said. We move with caution, but we can’t draw attention to ourselves. So Red Heart, any word on the Mechanic?”

My attention focused on Red Heart, waiting for her to answer the question Trixie had asked her. It was the very question I had wanted to ask her, but I didn’t want to appear excited. I was trying to push away the feeling, trying not to work my hopes up… but if I could really fly again…

“Indeed.” She replied, with a smile. “We should probably make our way to meet with her.”

“Her?” I asked. “Does this mean you actually talked to her?”

“Well, yes and no. I spoke with her representative. It would seem that the Mechanic is a Celestian Loyalist, and operates in shadow, so as to avoid providing assistance to Changeling forces within the city.”

“Well, what are we standing around here for?” I beamed, no longer caring about hiding my excitement.

Red Heart and Trixie stood there. They chuckled as they saw my face light up and heard the excitement in my voice.

“Very well,” Redheat replied. “Follow me, and try not to draw attention to yourself. Rainbow, you may want to pull the hood of your cloak up.”

“Why?”

“Well, how many other rainbow maned ponies do you know of that are trying to usurp Chrysalis and save Equestria?” She smiled.

I could feel my cheeks flare up with blush, and chuckled as I pulled my hood up. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Now lets go.” I looked to Trixie, and she nodded in reply, as we followed Redheart towards the center of the city.

Vanhoover. Such a beautiful city, a jewel that reflects the ebb and flow of the water’s edge. Even though this city had surrendered to Chrysalis, it was a place I found comfort and wonder in. I craned my neck up, looking at the buildings tall enough that they dared to touch the sky, while the glass sides shown brightly in the sunlight.

“Trixie, can I ask you something?”

“What is it Rainbow?” She replied, looking to me.

“Well… is Celestia dead?” I asked bluntly.

She looked taken back, and I could tell she was searching for what to say, before she finally sighed. She stopped, staring at me with the most defeated look I’d ever seen. “Yes, Rainbow. Celestia, our princess, is dead. She died at the hooves of Chrysalis, not many days after the siege of Canterlot. Chrysalis had her imprisoned, and tried to force her to surrender, but she would not falter in her devotion to us all. Finally Chrysalis, tired of her refusal, put her to death.”

I couldn’t believe what Trixie had just said, and I cursed myself for asking such a question. I had hoped, had wished that Celestia was still alive, but now I knew she was gone. I looked to Red Heart, who was on the verge of tears and quickly turned from her.

We continued on in silence, before Trixie cleared her throat. “There’s still hope for Equestria, though.” She said suddenly. “Even though Luna is imprisoned in stone, she is still very much alive.”

“I guess that’s the silver lining, isn’t it? One princess is dead, but we still have one that lives.” I sighed.

“Indeed. Freeing her isn’t difficult, she’s bound by the same spell that she, and Celestia cast on Discord. Which as you may remember was broken… twice. The problem will be getting to Luna.”

“Where is Chrysalis keeping her?” Red Heart asked, suddenly chiming in.

“Chrysalis has her on display in the royal garden, upon the same pedestal that Discord himself once rested upon. Basically, if we wanted to free Luna, we would have to go into the heart of Canterlot, and of Chyrsalis’ forces.”

“We’re gonna need some help,” I mumbled.

“Which is why we’re here,” Trixie replied. “We get help with your wing, then focus on finding help. Despite Chrysalis’ best efforts, there are many resistances scattered about Equestria. We simply need to bring them together.”

“And that’s where I come into play, right?”

“Right you are Dashie,” Trixie smiled at me.

“Okay, well, sounds easy enough. I have another question though? If Celestia is dead, and Luna is still imprisoned, then how does the sun and moon continue to rise and set?”

“Chrysalis.”

“What!? She doesn’t have that kind of power… does she?”

“No, she doesn’t. Well, she didn’t. She needed a catalyst to increase her magical abilities enough to control the sun and moon. Which she found by taking the crown of Celestia.”

“You mean she’s wearing Celestia’s crown?”

“Indeed.” Trixie replied.

“We’re here.” Red Heart suddenly said.

I turned my attention from Trixie and put our conversation in the back of my mind as we stood in front of a large building. It was a simple brick building. There were a few windows that had been covered from the inside, and I could hear a loud thud echoing from inside.

“What the hell is this place?” I asked.

“Just follow me.” Red Heart smiled.

Red Heart opened the door of the building, and we were met with thunderous music and flashing lights. We stepped inside, and I was quickly thrown off guard by the hundreds of ponies gathered in this place. They all danced about, laughing and drinking.

“Red Heart?” Trixie, and I both looked to Red Heart, who only smiled and hummed along with the beat.

“It’s rather catchy, one you get past the ear splitting bass.”

“You’re damn right it’s catchy!” Suddenly a white unicorn mare dropped down between us, causing us to fan out and ready ourselves for a fight. “Whoa there! Maybe you guys aren’t ready for some wubbing.” She laughed.

“Wait a minute… you’re-”

“That’s right!” She shouted. “I’m the most badass pony to ever put a hoof on a record.”

“Redheart, you mean she’s-” Trixie started, looking to Red Heart.

“Vinyl Scratch at your service!” She beamed.

She stood there staring at us, or at least I think she was staring… couldn’t really tell with those glasses.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Rainbow Dash.” She said, turning to me as her cobalt and cyan striped mane, and tail swayed. “I bet you’re here to see the Mechanic, aren’t ya?”

I was taken back, and remained silent for a few moments, before finally shaking my head and speaking. “Nice to meet you, too, and yeah that’s why I’m here.”

“Well, come on then, you three. Let’s go.”

We all nodded and followed after her, weaving our way through the dancing ponies. We came to a door, at the very back of the building, and Vinyl’s horn lit up. The light cobalt hue of her magic enveloped the door, and the sounds of heavy locks opening followed soon after. The large, metal, door swung open and she ushered us in, quickly closing it behind us.

I simply looked around, glancing at Trixie, and Red Heart, before following Vinyl down the corridor we’d been lead to. Right, left, left, right. How many turns are there? I wondered as I followed after her, finally reaching a staircase leading into a lower part of the building.

“The mechanic must like to stay well hidden.” Red Heart smiled, as she walked at Vinyl’s side.

“She does these days. Before the fall she was one of those ponies that loved to go and do things. After the fall ,however, she devoted all her time and energy into learning.”

“What was she learning?” Trixie asked.

“Well, calling herself ‘The Mechanic’ should give it away.” Vinyl laughed. “But she devoted her time to learning about mechanics, for the purpose of building weapons, as well as aesthetic limbs for ponies.”

“Why would she do that?” Trixie continued her questioning.

Vinyl stopped and turned to us, offering us a smile, before her horn began to glow. The fur that covered her right foreleg seemed to rip away, as her magic shrouded it, revealing her leg was actually made of metal. “I was hurt pretty bad during the assault on Trottingham. I actually lost all but my back right leg… she didn’t want to loose me, and she didn’t want me to give up on life. So she devoted everything to learning how to build new legs for me.” She paused and sighed. “She told me that without me around, life wasn’t worth living, so she originally did it for me. Ever since, she’s kept on helping others and developing ways of stopping Chrysalis.”

“Sounds like she really loves you,” Trixie replied, casting me a quick glance.

“She does, and I love her just as much.” She paused as we stood before another large door. “Here we are, ladies.” She smiled, opening the door in the same fashion as the one before.

We stepped through the door, and I was immediately met with the scent of burning metal and sweat. I scanned the room. Mechanical limbs lined the wall to my right, and to the other side weapons. I glanced over the weapons, noting a skilled craftsmanship to each one.

“I take it you approve of the little toys I’ve made.” Called a voice, with a Trottingham accent.

“Tavi! Rainbow Dash and her group are here.” Vinyl said happily.

“I can see that, Vinyl,” she laughed, stepping out from behind a large vehicle. She wore a thick, padded, vest, and gloves that covered the majority of her forelegs. “It’s nice to finally meet you all.” She spoke softly. “I am Octavia Philharmonica, better known these days as the Mechanic.” She smiled, pushing back a few strands of her charcoal mane.

“You’re the Mechanic?” Trixie asked, her jaw agape.

“Well, if it isn’t dear Trixie. How has life at Chrysalis’ side been treating you?”

Trixie huffed and flipped her mane before casting Octavia a cold stare. “It wasn’t something I enjoyed.”

“I bet. When was the last time I saw you? Oh yes! It was shortly after the first of Chrysalis’ forces invaded Trottingham. It really has been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Not long enough.” Trixie replied.

“Well, enough nostalgia for one day.” Octavia smiled. “Now Rainbow, I believe you are in need of my help?” She asked, turning her gaze to me.

I stared at her for a moment, wondering what that little exchange with Trixie was about, before finally nodding. “I lost my left wing in a fight against Bane Tooth. He was Chrysalis’ top General.”

“Was? My dear, he still is. Obviously ,you didn’t fight who you thought you did,” She replied.

“What!? Bane Tooth is alive!?” Trixie and I both shouted.

“Yes, he is very much alive. Last word that came in put him in Appleloosa, cleaning up the mess you made. You can worry about that later though, for now… follow me.”

“Go on, Rainbow.” Red Heart smiled, before moving to Trixie’s side. “Trixie and I will wait here with Vinyl.”

“Tavi will fix you up, no problem.” Vinyl added, offering me a smile.

I offered them all a nod, before Trixie called out to me. “Rainbow… I’ll be right here, waiting for you.”

“I know you will.” I smiled back to her, before turning and following after Octavia.

Author's Note

So first off, this is a short chapter. I just wanted everyone to know I wasn't dead, and that I plan on continuing this story. Now for future news. The next 1-2 chapters will be told from Trixie's point of view. Why? Because I want it to be that way. =D

Chapter 11: The Apple Doesn't Fall Far.

Loyalty’s Vengeance

Chapter 11: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far.

“Well, sugarcube, that doesn’t seem to be the case… now does it?”

“Y-you’re… you’re Applejack.” I strained as I said these words, almost forcing them past my lips. I couldn’t believe it. “All the reports, the soldier statements, word of mouth… everything said the same exact thing.”

“And what was that? Ah bet they all said Ah’d kicked the bucket, died in the Changeling war. Well you can see me, Ah’m right here in front of you. So tell me… do Ah look dead?”

I stumbled over my words, trying desperately to make sense of this all, when the answer came to me. “Kyorl areion kal'ythxal.” I spoke aloud.

She sat there, staring at the bar as she drank from her cider, her body engulfed in emerald flame. “You done?” She asked me, taking another drink.

I couldn’t believe it. I sat there speechless as I watched her. I had been taught that spell by Chrysalis personally, a spell that very few knew.

“So what is this anyway, one of your tricks?” Applejack asked, mocking me, not showing any genuine interest in my spell.

“Obviously it’s a spell, a spell intended to reveal changelings.”

“Now why would you need a spell to reveal changelings, you being their queens lapdog and all?”

I gritted my teeth at her words. I may have been many things, but a lapdog was not one of them. I breathed deeply, collecting myself, before offering her my reply. “I was Chrysalis’ student and she was an unforgiving teacher. She taught me many things, but the way she taught them was nothing short of madness.” I paused for a moment, recalling my time at Chrysalis’ side. “When she first accepted me as a pupil.” I began to explain. “She tested me. She wanted to see if I had the skill and resourcefulness to survive this new world she was creating.”

“Sounds like a load of shit to me.” Applejack replied, not bothering to look at me as she ordered another cider.

Yes, well, be that as it may I was taught the very spell I used on you.”

“A spell to reveal changelings, huh? Now answer me this… why would your great and powerful ass need a spell like that?” She asked with a condescending tone.

“I needed it because, as I said, she tested me.”

“Did you make sure you had a number two pencil?” She chuckled, taking a drink of the cider she’d just received.

“I’m glad you’re having such a good time at my expense.” I scoffed. “She sent assassins after me. Elite changelings, disguised as everyday ponies. I was given thirty days to find them and reveal them… or die trying.”

“Sounds tough.” Applejack replied, before taking another drink. “Reminds me of the time I couldn’t get some apples to drop from a tree, no matter how many times I bucked it.”

“What in the name of Tartarus does that have to do with any of this, you country hick?” I replied, rather insulted by her comments. “Despite my spell not showing your true form, you’re nothing but a pretender. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re nothing more than a shade, a shadow, clinging to this existence.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” She replied. She stared at me with a stern gaze, not allowing her eyes to drift from mine, before smacking me. “Ah’m the real thing, Ah promise.”

I swallowed hard, finding this all rather hard to take in. I turned from her, grabbing the remnants of my cider and downing it quickly. How? This question burned in my mind like a fire, with no sign of going out. How could she have survived and even made her way to this place? “So tell me, Applejack. How did you manage to survive?”

“Cutting straight to the nitty gritty, ain’t ya?” She replied, taking another drink of her cider. “Here Ah thought your first question would be why Ah’m here, or even what Ah want.”

“Those questions are waiting in the wings, but I’d first like to know how you’re here. I mean… none of the elements survived the siege of Canterlot. They all died.”

“How do you think Ah survived?” She asked me as she returned to her drink. She stared at the golden liquid in the glass, watching it intently as if she was watching her past play out on it’s surface. “Ah fought.” She simply replied.

“Well I would assume some fighting was involved.” I deadpanned.

“You’re just wanting to get smacked again, ain’t ya?” She shot me a glance, from the corner of her eyes, before returning her gaze to her drink. “Ah watched Pinkie, Rarity and Flutters all die.” She paused, sighing heavily. “Then Ah had to watch the one pony Ah loved more than every apple in my orchard, Rainbow Dash, fly into a fight against Chrysalis. She went to help Luna. Ah thought she’d be okay and then… Ah saw her getting tossed around like a ragdoll.” She closed her eyes, a hoof moving to her head as she sat there in a somber silence. “Ah watched Luna get turned into stone and Ah watched Rainbow… Ah watched her get tossed from the edge of Canterlot.”

I couldn’t help but stare at her and have my mind fill with thoughts of Dash. The way in which Applejack recalled the battle, the pain she conveyed with every word. This symphony of war with hidden feelings of regret, remorse and complete hopelessness. It was the exact same as Rainbow. These two ponies, so very different and yet so strikingly the same.They shared a bond that I had never before encountered. They held within their hearts a bond forged by friendship and solidified by love. Be that as it may, I couldn’t let Applejack know Rainbow had survived the fall, the wilds of the Everfree, or any of the things she’d encountered. I couldn’t chance her taking Rainbow from me.

“Anyways, Ah fought on. During the chaos Ah found myself cornered on the edge of a cliff. Ah kept fighting though, but eventually those changelings overran me. Ah was knocked from the cliff, when Ah came to Ah was still alive… Ah had fallen into the river that ran between Canterlot and Foal Mountain. Once Ah’d figured that much out Ah made my way to Fillydelphia and the rest is history.” Once she’d finished she downed the rest of her cider, tired of the images it reflected into her green eyes.

“Well sounds like you’ve been through quite an ordeal.” I replied, a smirk playing at the corner of my lips. How was it even possible that two of the elements got tossed off of opposites sides of Canterlot and both survive? Apparently gravity isn’t as effective a killer as some would believe.

“Yeah, Ah’ve been through a lot. Ah’ve also seen and heard a lot.” She paused, turning back to me. “You wanna know one of the more interesting things Ah’ve heard?” She asked, her face serious, her eyes focused.

“Even if I were to say no, I’m sure you’d just force the information on me anyways. So please, do tell?”

“Ah heard that a certain rainbow maned pegasus had been seen… alive. Ah also heard she has a certain trickster traveling with her. Know anything about that, Sugarcube?” She asked, arching her brow in question.

I froze, my mind instantly going blank at her words. “That’s absurd,” I replied. “All of the elements were confirmed dead, you included.”

“You’re starting to sound like a broken record there, but this isn’t about that.” She snapped back at me. “This is about six years, six years!” She shouted. “Six years of unwavering sadness because everypony, everything Ah knew was taken. Six years of wishing the pony Ah loved was at my side. Years filled with a deep, dark, regret because Ah couldn’t save her.” She slammed her hoof onto the bar, drawing closer to me as she spoke. “So if you know something, you better tell me!”

I stared back at her and could feel a slight tremble spread through my body, a nervous tension I could not subside. “I-I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Alright.” She sighed in reply.

She turned from me, ordering another cider. I could feel the tension that had gripped me moments ago, slowly fading as I let out my own sigh. I returned to my drink. “I’m sorry to tell you this, Applejack, but Rainbow Dash is de-” My sentence was cut short as she kicked my stool from beneath me. A loud sickening thud rang out as my jaw slammed down onto the bar, leaving me staring at the ceiling wondering if they ever clean that chanda… chanda... light fixture thingy.

“Ah don’t wanna hear your lies. She’s alive, Ah know she is.” She brought her hoof down onto my chest, pinning me to the ground. “Now Ah’ll ask you one more time and if you tell me the truth, this time. You might be able to walk again… at some point.”

“I told you she’s dead! They’re all dead! How you managed to survive was nothing more than a sheer fluke, because every other member of the precious ‘elements’ fell during the siege. Those rumors, the ponies you talked to… they lied!” I shouted back to her as the taste of blood spread through my mouth.

My eyes widened as the glimmer of metal whizzed passed my head, only managing to dodge her leg by sheer instinct. Her leg crashed through the wooden floor of the bar, others in the bar gasped, directing their attention towards us. “Y’all go back to what y’all were doing,” Applejack said aloud. “Ah’m just having a word with my friend here.”

As if nothing had happened the others did as she said, going back to their drinks and conversations. How they managed to ignore us while we were basically having an all out brawl, well… I guess looking the other way is second nature to most by now. My musings were cut short, however, as I quickly found my legs buckling under the weight of a table. A table Applejack had conveniently grabbed and decided to use as a weapon.

The table splintered with a sickening crack before I found myself once more back on the ground. Applejack closed in quickly lifting the remnants of the table, preparing to finish me off. “All Ah wanted was the damned truth, but Ah guess that was too much to ask for… from somepony like you.”

“What the hell do you think you’re doing to MY BAR!” A large stallion shouted, as he grabbed Applejack’s shoulder. She froze, looking rather sheepish as she dropped the broken table and turned to the stallion. “Ah’m real so-” She was cut off by a sudden hoof to the muzzle, sending her back a few steps. Her eyes gave off a sense of bewilderment as she stared at the stallion, but soon rage became evident.

“I hope you realize you’ll be paying for this.” The stallion smirked. A flash of light overtook the bar and there I stood, my illusion dispelled, revealing the ‘bar owner’ to be myself. It’s amazing how easy it is to fool a dimwitted farmer, like yourself.” I laughed, mocking the brutish farm pony. The illusionary version of myself that had taken my place on the bar floor vanished, leaving Applejack to simply stare at me with a newfound hatred.

“Now listen here ya two bit las pegasus reject!” Applejack shouted, enraged by my little display of illusionary perfection. Ah know all about what happened in Appleloosa! Ah even went there after Ah heard the rumors that Rainbow had passed through. Ah found a dead Blueblood hanging upside down from a gallow. The grave of my cousin Braeburn and at least a dozen bodies! Everypony left alive said it was Dash that did it!”

“I have no idea what you’re bucking talking about, you country buffon.” I smiled. “All of them are dead! How many times must I tell you this, before your apple sized brain understands?” I could feel myself slipping back into old habits, habits I had abandoned long ago.

“So Ah’m guessing you don’t know nothing about Las Pegasus then? The riots that got started by a rainbow maned pegasus. Ah heard you were there too. In fact… Ah’m certain you two started that whole mess.”

“You really shouldn’t think so much, Applejack. You might hurt yourself.” I grinned, wickedly, as I spoke.

“You better come clean, or I’m gonna buck ya into next week.” She rolled her neck, eliciting several loud pops, as she walked towards me. “Where. Is. My. Dashie?”

“Your Dashie is dead, as are all of the others you cared for. Now, tell me, Applejack. What part of that simple little mind of yours decided it was a good idea to attack a unicorn? Especially me?” I asked, my horn becoming engulfed in the aura of my magic as I readied a blast of energy.

“Ah’ll tell you what part.” She replied. “The part that’s screaming for me to ring that scrawny neck of yours.”

“Well… that’s the part that’s going to get you killed.” I replied coldly. I fired the energy I had been storing. A light magenta ball of energy formed, erupting towards the earth pony farmer. She stared at the attack, digging her hooves into the floor of the bar. Just as the blast reached her, she threw up her metal foreleg and knocked the blast away, taking out one of the walls. I stood there in shock, disbelief evident as my jaw hung open. “How on earth did you do such a thing!?” I shouted.

“How do you think Ah’ve survived all this time? A pony has to have a couple tricks… up her sleeve.” She smiled as the dust from the explosion settled, revealing her metal leg had transformed into a shield.

“What!?But, and you, that’s not, WHAT?” I stepped towards her, slamming my hoof down as I demanded an answer.

“It ain’t magic.” She smiled. “It’s a little thing called technology!” Applejack roared as her leg transformed once more, taking on the shape of a large spike. “I’m gonna end this!” She shouted, rushing me.

“Be my guest!” I shouted back as I charged ahead.

“ENOUGH!” A voice suddenly rang out, stopping both of us in our tracks. The point of Applejack’s weaponized leg was pressed against my throat, as I held a broken bottle to hers with my magic.

“The two of you should be ashamed!” Redheart shouted as she walked towards us. “Here I am trying to hunt you down, Trixie. Trying to find you and give you news about Rainbow Dash and I find you fighting with Applejack.” She said, stopping just short of us. “It’s nice to see you’re alive, Applejack.” She offered, cutting off Applejack’s reply as she continued to berate us. “Now look at this mess you’ve made, the both of you.”

“Sorry.” We both replied, lowering our weapons.

“If you two are really sorry you’ll forget about this senseless nonsense and hurry back to Vinyl’s club. Rainbow Dash has just come out of surgery and before you ask… it was a success. Rainbow is perfectly fine.”

“So you mean… Dashie is alive!?” Applejack shouted, beaming as she stared at Redheart.

“Yes… did Trixie not tell you?” Redheart asked.

I simply wished to slink away and hide. I did not fear Applejack, changelings, or anything else I could have had thrown my way. Redheart, however. Now she was somepony I didn’t want to have angry at me.

“She told me Dash was dead, that’s why we were fighting. Ah knew she was alive, Ah just knew it.”

“Is that so?” Redheart replied, turning to me with an arched brow. “Well then, I suppose Trixie has a bit of explaining to do.”

I swallowed hard, letting out a nervous chuckle as I desperately tried to avoid her gaze. “I may have omitted a few things from what I told Applejack.”

“Well then, we’ll have to clear this all up… later. For now, however, Rainbow is waiting. Lets go to her, it’ll do her good to see you both there, when she wakes up.” Redheart turned from us as she spoke. “Now gather your things and let us be off. Oh and Trixie.”

I froze as she called my name, causing me to hang my head and slowly move to her side. “Y-yes?”

“I’m disappointed in you. If you truly love Rainbow, as you say, then you wouldn’t have wanted to keep Applejack away from her. That is not Love, my dear. That is selfishness and it is a cruel, cruel thing.”

As Redheart spoke to me I caught site of Applejack moving to the bar. She grabbed her stetson, placing it back on her head, before moving to Redheart’s other side.

“And Applejack.”

“Yes ma’am.” She replied in an apologetic tone.

“I don’t know how you found out about Dash, or what lead you to come here, but if it was rumors… you should have known Trixie is not your enemy.” As she finished Applejack and I looked to each other and sighed. “Now I want you two to think about how your actions could affect Dash. She has love for you both and she will undoubtedly do all she can for both of you, but she can only be with one of you. It is a choice she will have to make, so no more fighting. If either of you decided you’d like to fight it out, or want to start acting like a complete ass and end up upsetting Dash.” She paused. “Then you will quickly find out just how sharp my scalpels are.” She smiled after she spoke, patting us both on the shoulder. “Shall we?”

Applejack and I followed after her, both our heads hung in shame. Redheart’s words hit us both fairly hard, causing us to drift off into thought. We knew she was right, or at least I did. I knew Rainbow would pick one of us and I was sure it wouldn’t be me. I couldn’t blame her though. Luna knows if Twilight were here, then I would undoubtedly chose her. Still I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of dread take hold of my heart, as the very real possibility of losing Dash sank in.

Chapter 12: The Sins Make The Mare.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 12: The Sins Make The Mare.

The vastness of the ever changing, dark, expanse of my mind played out before me. Shadows seemed to move before my mind’s eye, twisting into horrific shapes of my past. Ponyville was shown to me, dark, dead and cold. Bodies lined the streets and bathed it in a thick viscous culmination of blood and bone. Decayed remains of it’s homes, stores and citizens seemed to create a dreadful Ponycasso. I cringed, my very body writhing in disgust, not at that which I saw, but at my failure for preventing it.

My thoughts, darkened by my self-loathing, caused the bodies of those dead to move. They stood, bones bare of muscle and sinew, shambling through my past home. Their breaths, moving effortlessly as wisps haunting the night, escaped their non existent lungs. I screamed out, wishing this frightful image to leave my thoughts. They turned, looking at me, eyes black as Luna’s darkest night pierced my very soul. ”You did this, you caused us this pain. They called out to me, whispering, through never moving and non existent lips. ”You were the tool of our damnation… the herald of our undoing.”

’NO!” I screamed. My mind burned, catching the wreckage of Ponyville ablaze. The skeletal creatures whispering dark thoughts of failure and betrayal hissed out. Their bodies aflame they cursed me only more, their whispers darkening my very soul as I thought of those I’d lost. ”You will deliver us all into the very cradle of Tartarus!” Their collective voices screamed at me.

”Stop! Leave me alone! There wasn’t anything I could do! I was weak and on the verge of death, I couldn’t have saved any of you!” I screamed back. ”Keep telling yourself that, Rainbow.” A familiar voice called to me. Suddenly Ponyville was gone, the darkness had returned and no light existed in the world my mind had created. I could see nothing, I felt nothing. Eyes, eyes, suddenly appeared, their crimson hue piercing through the darkness. Those eyes… those damnable eyes that burned with unmitigated hatred and disgust. They stared at me, unwavering with their gaze. “What do you want?” I called out into the darkness. ”I just want to play.”

My entire body burned and my vision blurred, overpowered by a blinding light. I found myself laying upon sand and stone. I rubbed my eyes and gasped, once my sight had adjusted, as I saw that I stood among the ruins of Canterlot. ”Truly terrifying, isn’t it?” My dark self asked, as she appeared at my side. ”I bet your very soul, our soul, is absolutely writhing with pain. Then again, I feel nothing. I feel no pain, no remorse, only hatred.” She smiled and stepped before me, her black coat absorbing the light. ”Why have you brought me here!?” I shouted, rising to stand.

She stepped towards me, bringing her right hoof up to strike my jaw. I staggered back, caught off guard by her sudden assault. ”Like I said… I just want to play.” I steadied myself, my wings spreading as I readied to charge her. She simply continued to smile, bouncing on her hoofs. ”Come on champ, round two, lets go.”

I rushed her, our hooves smashing into each others, as she met my attack head on. We struggled for power, trying to push the other back, trying to assert an edge on the other. ”I’ve been watching you, Dashie.” She whispered, seamlessly transitioning from our power struggle to stand behind me.

”Damn!” I managed to shout before she brought her hoof up to slam into my chest, sending me flying into one of the buildings that surrounded us. The decayed building crumbled from the sudden impact, of my body and shifted, sending it crashing down on top of me.

”This seems familiar, Rainbow. This time, however, there will not be a Draconequus to save you. Now climb out of that mess you’ve created and stand to face me.”

”I seem to remember me kicking your flank around, last time. Now tell me, why have you been watching me?” I asked, shifting a large slab of stone from atop me. ”Or are you just trying to get inside my head!” I shouted back to her. I stood among the rubble, staring at her, feeling a small trickle of blood make its way down my forehead.

”In your head?” She laughed, kicking up a bit of dust in amusement. ”I’m always in that little, striped, head of yours.” She simply replied.

”So you’re not going to answer my question then?”

”What was the question again?” She smiled.

”Fine! I’ll just beat the answer out of you!” I roared, leaping into the air. I sped towards her, my right hoof pulled tightly against me, ready to attack.

She stood, never moving, as I drew closer. ”Poor, poor, Dashie. You’re far too busy fighting with yourself to notice the truth.” She spoke, tilting her head as her smile became more twisted. ”Or maybe you’d rather just ignore the truth.”

I struck out at her with all my strength, only to have her knock my attack away. I spun, grabbing her with my left hoof, as I used the momentum of my body to toss her over my hip. ”Damn you.” She hissed, quickly climbing back to her hooves. ”I’ll make you pay for that.”

”I bet you will.” I grinned. I readied myself to attack her once more, digging my back hooves into the ground, my wings flaring open. ”So tell me, do you remember the question yet?”

”Nope, can’t say that I do.” She replied flatly. Within a moment she was upon me, we fought viciously, trading blow for blow, with no desire to bend to the others will. Each attack seemed to bend the world around us as our fight went on, each strike sending a burning sensation throughout my body. I suddenly feigned to my right, quickly switching my stance as I fired a shot into her ribs with my left hoof. She stumbled back, wheezing, as she tried to replenish the air my attack had forced from her lungs.

”How dare you!” I screamed. ”How dare you pull me back into this twisted world, this pit of hatred! You say you’ve been watching me, then offer me no answer as to why! Within that moment I could feel all the disgust, all the disdain, I had felt upon our first meeting return. I was not fighting to find an answer, nor was I fighting for a cause. No. I had been thrust into this petty fight because of her desire, her lust for bloodshed. I could feel the sensation of battle wash over me, filling me with the familiar desire to destroy the one that stood before me as an enemy.

”You!” I shouted once more as I moved towards her. ”For all your strength you are still nothing more than a bad thought, a nightmare, that I wish to be rid of!” I stopped, standing before her as I glared at her with an overwhelming desire to strike her down. ”You think that you can take my place!? You think that you can snuff out my light, with your darkness! I will destro-”

”Well that’s enough of that.” She grinned.

I gasped, staggering back as I reeled from the sudden impact of her hoof against my throat. ”What was that, I can’t hear you, speak up?” She hummed as she stepped towards me. I struggled to speak, my eyes full of tears as pain surged through my throat. ”Well now you’re just being rude.” She spun, throwing a swift kick to my stomach that sent me flying back. My body soared through the air, slamming hard against the ground, before rolling to a stop.

She taunted me, whistling as she slowly approached me. She lifted me up, standing me on my hooves, before throwing another swift kick to my stomach. I could feel my legs begin to buckle from the force of her attack, another kick saw that my legs would hold me no longer. As my body began to fall back to the earth she put her forehooves together and brought them down between my shoulders, causing my body to slam into the ground, bouncing from the force.

”You actually thought you could beat me.” She grabbed my throat, raising me into the air, firing off several more attacks. A loud crack echoed out and I writhed in pain, as her hoof slammed into my ribs.

She chuckled as she brought her hoof back and buried it into my stomach, sending me flying through the air, quickly bringing it to a halt as she grabbed me once more and slammed my beaten body back to the ground. ”Look at it, Rainbow! Look at this world you bind me to!” She roared, lifting me once more and turning me to stare at Canterlot. ”This is more than some silly world created by your mind! This is a world created from your very soul! A world that reflects the world that you will create! This is the future that you will bring to Equestria! This is what your silly ideals will create, a wasteland! This is the truth that you ignore!”

I spit out the blood that had pooled in my mouth and scoffed, barely able to find the strength to do so. ”What are you even talking about?” I managed, my throat still gripped with pain.

”You wish to save everypony… you wish to restore this world, but the simple fact is: You never will.” She began to chuckle, after she spoke, eventually erupting into a fit of insane laughter. ”You hold onto ideals of the world as it was, but you fail to realize that the world has changed. Ponies, even if Chrysalis is defeated, will never go back to how things were. This war has changed them all. Even if it were to end, they would forever carry the paranoia and fear that they’ve come to see as normal. Harmony no longer exists and never will again, only darkness will live on.”

”Ponies will go back to how things were.” I replied. ”They will not cast away the ways of harmony, simply because of the things that bug has done.”

”No. You’re wrong, Rainbow.” My body stiffened as she threw me back to the ground. I tried to scream, but my voice failed me as she put a hoof to the back of my head and held me down. ”You’re simply a broken element, a pretender, holding on to the past.” I tried to crawl away as she spoke, feeling her grab a hold of my left wing. ”Many have already forgotten and many more shall. Those lucky enough and strong enough, will adopt the darkness. They will grow stronger from it and use it, like I’d hoped you would.” She whispered into my ear, before pushing my face into the earth and ripping my wing from my body.

I screamed, my body convulsing in pain, having experienced losing my wing once more. ”I usually try not to disappoint, but in your case I think I’ll make an exception.” I managed through bloodied coughs, my entire body engulfed by pain.

”Aw, Dashie… that hurts. I was hoping that we could be friends, since you seem to love making friends.” Her mocking tone was evident as she spoke, tossing my now ripped wing to the ground. You know I’ve been wondering something, as you’ve leisurely strolled through the carnage Equestria has become.” She paused, turning from me to gaze at the ruins Canterlot had become. ”Why waste your time collecting ‘friends’ and ‘comrades’ when they’re just gonna die?”

”Shut up! I’ll give my life to protect them!” I shouted, causing my body to tense and stifle my voice.

”You only have one life, Rainbow, and I’m pretty sure you’ve got more than one companion. In fact theres that Trickster, the nurse and who knows how many others. Do you intend to die for each of them? Have you somehow figured out a way to bring yourself back to life, just so you can die for each one?”

”If that’s what it takes to keep them safe… then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

”Such conviction, such strength.” She paused, staring down at my with empty eyes. ”I’m so very looking forward to the day when I can see you break… or perhaps I’m looking forward to the day that I will break you.”

”Why have you shown up? Why would you show yourself to me now?”

She turned back to me, a smile playing at the corner of her lips and chuckled. ”Show up? Why, Dashie, I’m always with you. I’m everything you can and should be. You are nothing but a vessel, mindlessly navigating this world. You are a shell, broken and cracked, simply waiting to fall away. What is within that shell? Well, that should be evident… me.”

”I am Rainbow Dash and you are nothing more than a twisted shadow!” I shouted. I pushed my body, focused my will and forced myself to stand. My legs trembled under my weight, as pain throbbed throughout my entire body.

”To save this world from the monsters… you’ll have to become a monster.” She replied calmly. ”You’ll realize this, eventually, and then you’ll beg for my help. I’ll be waiting, watching, with anticipation for that day. The day that you and I become one, once more, so that we can save Equestria.”

”You and I will never become one! I will never ask for your help! I will save Equestria with my own strength and with the help of my friends!” I shouted, coughing up more blood.

”One day, you will need me. One day, you will beg for my strength, but perhaps it’s foolish to look to the future.” She paused closing her crimson eyes. ”No, it is too soon to look to the future.” She turned from me once more and began to walk. ”Seek out the start of all things.” She called to me as she vanished before my very eyes.

The very earth beneath my hooves seemed to tremble as a well of darkness erupted from Canterlot. The blackness of my own hatred splashed across the canvas of this artificial world, swallowing it and returning it to darkness. I turned and ran, trying to stay ahead of it. I didn’t want to return to the darkness, to have my light extinguished by it once more.

“NO! Not again!” I screamed. I sat up, my eyes darting open before quickly covering them with my hooves. I had been blinded by the lights surrounding me, by the sterile room I found myself in.

“Rainbow, are you alright!?” I heard Octavia call out and could feel her hooves take hold of me, as I suddenly writhed in pain. I screamed, my entire back ablaze with pain worse than that which a thousand blades could inflict. “Rainbow be careful!”

“My back!” I continued to scream, thrashing within Octavia’s grasp.

“Calm down!” Octavia shouted, pushing me back onto the table I had woke up on. “You’ll rip open the stitching!”

My body continued to convulse, nausea quickly taking hold of me. I rolled to my side, expelling the contents of my stomach onto the floor. “My back, my back is on fire!” I managed to shout through gasps for air, as I continued to be sick. Then suddenly, almost as quickly as the pain had started, it subsided. My body became heavy and I couldn’t move.

“This is my fault, I’m sorry.” Octavia spoke, as she rolled me onto my back. I watched her, through heavy eyes, tighten straps around my legs and chest. She sighed, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow, before looking to me and smiling. “I should have warned you this would happen.”

“You… you knew this would happen?”

“Yes, I did.” She replied. “The prosthetic I used, for your new wing, is created from an ancient form of magic.”

“Earth ponies can’t use magic.” I managed to reply.

“All ponies can use magic, it’s just that unicorns are the only ponies able to do so without a catalyst. In the case of your new wing, well, it acts as it’s own catalyst. The metal used is infused with magic that allows it to become a ‘living metal’. Because of this magic, Rainbow, your new wing will feel just as light and flexible as your original.”

“So you’re saying that it’ll be like I never lost my wing?”

“Exactly.” Octavia replied. “The wing will feel as natural as the one you were born with.”

“So I take it everything went fine?”

“Yes, it did indeed. Luckily your fight with that ‘Bane Tooth’ pretender didn’t do as much damage as I’d previously speculated. It was a clean cut, one slice, no tearing or ripping. That meant the muscle mass was still there, which aside from the bone is crucial to having the prosthetic take hold to the host.”

I thought over what Octavia was saying, relieved that everything had went well. I was still hesitant to ask the one question that burned at the back of my mind, though. Gripped by some sort of unfamiliar fear, a sense of unease that would not pass, I finally spoke. “So tell me, Octavia, when will I be able to fly once again?”

She looked at me, smiling, leaning towards me to place her hoof on mine. “Don’t worry, you’ll be able to fly again, soon. You’re gonna have to let your wing heal and get fully adjusted to your body, but after that you’ll be soaring once more.”

I sighed and smiled, my body still heavy, but at least I was at ease. I turned my head slowly, examining the room Octavia had placed me in, when a random thought came to me. “Where is everypony?”

“Vinyl is upstairs, seeing to the ponies in the club. As for Redheart and Trixie, well I believe they are out scouting the city.”

“Oh.” I replied. “I had hoped they’d have been here, when I woke up.” I turned my head to stare at the ceiling, sighing as I let my eyes slip shut. “I hope they’re alright.”

“I’m sure they’re fine. I mean Trixie has always been one of those ponies who seems to attract trouble, but Redheart can get her out of anything she stumbles upon.” Octavia replied.

Her words brought me a mixture of unease and relief, as I thought them over. “Thanks.” I said suddenly. “Now I keep picturing Trixie getting into a bar fight and having Redheart bail her out.” I laughed.

“Well you wouldn’t be too far off with that assumption.” Redheart suddenly called out.

My eyes shot open and I quickly moved to set up, but found myself still bound to the table. “You’re here.” I managed, suddenly overcome by a surge of emotion. “You’re safe.”

“Now, now, Dashie. There isn’t an reason to get emotional, we’re just fine,” Redheart smiled. “In fact we even found a friend.” As she spoke she stepped to the side, revealing Trixie. “Go on, Trixie, introduce our new friend to Dashie.” I noticed Redheart shoot Trixie a stern glare, as the azure mare simply sighed in defeat.

“Yes… well…” Trixie began, averting the gaze of Redheart. “Dashie, I’m glad that you’re alright.” She said suddenly. She smiled as she stood there, looking me over. “Well… I suppose you should speak to her.” Trixie sighed, turning from me and moving from my sight.

I closed my eyes and sighed. “Whats wrong with Trixie?” I asked suddenly.

“Aw she’ll be okay.” I heard a pony call out.

My mind suddenly flooded with images of the past. I recalled the most mundane of things, the simple things that once brought me joy. Then suddenly a scent, a scent that I had always seemed to know, filled me with nostalgia and caused my heart to swell. I could suddenly recall every single blonde hair that made up a beautiful mane, as it fell freely across my face. I could feel the warmth of a sunset that bathed two bodies in soft glowing light. A name, the one name that I had carried with me everyday… everyday since I had lost everything.

“Damnit.” I mumbled softly, feeling a tear fall across my cheek. I cursed my mind, cursed it for playing such an awful trick on me. That scent, her scent, was no more. That beautiful blonde mane, was no more. That pony, she was no more… Applejack… was no more.

“Something wrong, Dashie?” The pony called to me once again.

“Stop it!” I shouted. Tears fell as I clenched my eyes shut and tried to think of anything but her. “Stop it, please.”

“Ah’ll do no such thing, not until Ah known what's wrong.”

I froze, my body stiffened, and swallowed hard. I racked my mind, thinking of an answer to this newcomer. I wanted to open my eyes, to look at this pony… but I was afraid. “You’re not her.” I spoke. “Theres no way you’re her.”

“Ah thought you might react like this.”

I could hear hooves drawing closer and soon felt the presence of another at my side. The scent, her scent, grew stronger. I couldn’t help myself any longer. I opened my eyes, turning my head to the side, and gasped. Suddenly lips, her lips, met mine and my heart felt as if would erupt from my very chest. She took a step back, the warmth from her kiss quickly fading as I longed for it to return. I could do nothing but stare at her, taking in every inch of her form. It was her… it was Applejack… my Applejack.

Chapter 13: Crescendo Of Madness.

Chapter 13: Crescendo of Madness.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 13: Crescendo of Madness.

“I can’t believe it’s really you.” I said, my voice shaking as I spoke. “After all this time… after everything that’s happened… here you are.” I stared into AJ’s eyes, feeling them travel across my body as she took in my every curve and edge. There was a silence, a deep, resounding silence that seemed to take my very breath as I waited for her to speak. I could see Trixie standing just out of the corner of my sight, with Red Heart, Vinyl and Octavia quietly watching. I struggled to rise up from the table I laid on, my mind screaming to stand and wrap my hooves around AJ. But no matter how I tried, I could do nothing more than entertain the idea of such a thing.

“Sugarcube… Ah’ve missed you.” AJ finally spoke. A soft smile graced her lips as she moved to my side and nuzzled my face with hers. The long, golden, hair of her mane feel across my face and I inhaled deeply its scent. I was reminded of days long past, days that were simple… days that are no more than a memory now.

"I knew you were alive... I just knew it." I whispered. I wrapped my forehooves around her neck and squeezed her, finally living out the dream I had carried for years. The longing to once again touch her, to see her, and hear her voice. I had carried that for six years. What i had come to see as nothing more than a fruitless desire, a idealistic day dream, was finally mine.

"Ah never stopped searching for you, sugarcube. Ah never let go of you and our love." I could feel AJ's weight against me as she leaned down into my embrace. "Ah always believed that Ah would see you again." I could feel AJ's body shiver and laid there in silence as I felt her tears fall against my cheek. I could feel my own emotion well up and my grip on her tightened. I was happy, yet afraid. I could remember how I had felt when I lost her, that day of the siege. I never wanted to experience such emptiness again and I knew she didn't either.

“So what now?” I asked, . “Now that you’ve found me and I’ve found you, what’s next?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Red Heart asked suddenly, stepping forward. AJ and I, along with the others, looked to her as she stood there with her usual smile. “We keep watch over you, let you heal and get used to your new wing… then we squash a bug.”

We all shuddered at Red Heart’s words, not because of what she said, but of the way she always spoke of such things with a smile. Even so, we knew that she was right. Even if AJ and I could somehow reunite with all of The Elements, Celestia rest their souls… and hers, still it wouldn’t be enough. No reunion, victory, or achievement, would amount to anything until Chrysalis was dead. That was the truth that we all knew. The one thought that always clawed at the backs of our minds and yet made its home in the forefront of our hearts. It was the sole reason I had set out on this twisted path of death, revenge and pain. Chrysalis had to die. Her blood had to spill and stain the ground beneath her hooves, before anypony could know rest. Her wicked heart had to be ripped from her chest and burned, before anypony could move on and create something new.

“Ah think the most important thing now is letting you rest, Rainbow.” Aj said, nuzzling my cheek.

“Applejack is right, you should rest. Trixie, and myself, will fill her in on what has happened during our travels together. Then once you’ve regained your strength ,we can decide on what our next course of action should be.” Red Heart smiled as she spoke, and turned from me. “Come now Applejack, we have much to discuss.

I watched as Red Heart headed towards the door back to the club, Trixie falling in line after her with a weak smile and soon after Aj followed suit. I didn’t know how to feel, I didn’t know what to say, so I laid there in silence as they left. I rested my head on the table and sighed deeply, wondering why I felt as I did. Aj had returned, she was alive and well… I had touched her, held her… still there was so much confusion within my very soul.

“Something wrong, Dash?” Octavia asked. She moved to the table side, checking over my wing, her hooves delicately pressing around the base of my new wing.

“Yeah… I don’t know… maybe.” I sighed once more, wincing a bit as she found a tender area.

“Is it because you now have Trixie and Applejack here?” Vinyl suddenly asked, stepping to the table side as well.

I just stared at her, I just stared in some mixture of disbelief and confusion. Is that how I feel? I thought. It sure as hell makes sense to me. My head erupted with pain, the voice of my darker half ringing clear in my consciousness. What’s the matter, can’t handle a little company? I thought the dark recesses of your soul was a bucked up place, but your head is pretty damn twisted. The mocking tone of her voice made my very core writhe, as I cried out in agony. “Get out of my head!” I shouted.

“Rainbow!?” Octavia and Vinyl shouted. I could feel them grab hold of my body, trying to hold me still as I thrashed about violently.

Shit, you’re a real head case you know? All these sick and perverted thoughts… how is that even possible, ponies can’t bend that way. I tried as hard as I could to block her out, to silence her voice and send her back into the darkness she came from. Aww well isn’t that a sweet thought, to bad everypony you know is gonna die… eventually. I slammed my hooves onto the table, my wing flaring in pain and I could see blood pooling beneath me.

“Vinyl! She’s ripped her stitching, quick hand me something to stop the bleeding!”

“Stop! You’re killing me!” I pleaded. Oh no, not yet, that comes later. My body thrashed against the force of Vinyl and Octavia, the pain I felt ever growing. “PLEASE! STOP!” I shouted once more. Oh no, you said please, whatever will I do. You’ve used my one weakness, manners, against me. Yeah, like pleasantries are gonna make anything better. My influence over you is growing, Dashie, and soon you’ll be just a memory.

“Vinyl grab that syringe beside you, we’re going to have to put her to sleep, before she hurts herself even more.”

I could hear Vinyl do as she was told, feeling her hooves release me. I quickly brought my free hoof up and struck myself, in the head, as hard as I could. An even more intense pain wracked my skull, and I could hear my darker side laughing at my futile attempts to quiet her. Trying to knock some sense into yourself! I’m the most sensical thing in here! I readied another strike, when I could feel Vinyl wrap herself around my foreleg. “Stop! I can’t take it anymore!” Suddenly I was drowsy, my pain was slowly subsiding and the voice within my head grew quiet. I’ll be waiting for you. I’ll be waiting for you to wake up again, my sweet Dashie. Her haunting voice called out, before slipping into silence.

Who we are and who we were, matter not. That which we must become, that which will allow us to rise, is all that matters. Those words… whose words are they? They sound so familiar, as if I’ve always heard these words. These words now called to me as I once more floated within the darkness of my mind. The emptiness, cold and devoid of all things. Through this darkness I cannot see, but I can hear these words. The body and mind must be as one, together they must unite and fall to the command of the one who controls them. There was a strange warmth to these words, a warmth that I could not quite recall. Who did these words belong to and why did I hear them now? I was suddenly unnerved, despite being within the confines of my own mind, as I did not see my darker half. “Where are you!?” Nothing… the void surrounding me offered no reply.

Rainbow! You’re the only thing we got left to have faith in! Braeburn… that was Braeburn’s voice! I turned my head, frantically searching the darkness, hoping I would see him. I had faith in you, Rainbow. But you let me die. The emaciated form of Braeburn appeared before me, a faint light piercing the dark. I caught my breath, unable to reply to him. He looked at me, eyes filled with sorrow like I’d never known. If Applejack would have been there, she would have saved me. My breath quickened and I swallowed hard, fighting back a surge of emotions. She would have saved us all. She wouldn’t have had to kill so many town ponies to do so… not like you. You failed to save me and slaughtered innocent ponies.

“I… I did what needed to be done.” I replied. “They were corrupted, twisted by the magic of Chrysalis.” The vision, ghost, spirit, whatever was before me only shook it’s head. They were simply ponies trying to survive, trying to continue on with their lives… the lives you ultimately stole. I could feel anger building with every word spoke. “I didn’t steal anyponies life! I fought for what was right! I fought to save you and to bring myself one step closer to saving all of Equestria!” The spirit erupted into light, revealing the scene we spoke of. I watched myself being attacked by the ponies, I watched as I frantically tried to save Braeburn’s life. “I see nothing wrong with what I’ve done! They attacked me, when all I was doing was trying to save you!” Suddenly I saw something truly horrifying. I saw myself smile, blood flying into the air, staining my coat with every movement.

That is not the smile of a savior. That is the twisted grin of one who longed for battle, the smell of blood and the taste of death. I grabbed my head, my body trembling. “No! No, you’re wrong! I was trying to do good, I was trying to help.” The spirit looked to the carnage before us and slowly chuckled. Why do you continue to shout your innocence as if on trial? Perhaps you do not believe in your own words. Perhaps you wish not to carry the weight of their deaths… their dreams and wishes? Every word only made my anger grow and I couldn’t do anything but sit there, slowly being consumed by rage. “I will not feel guilt for what I’ve done, what is right! I was attacked, I was trying to save you, I was trying to save everypony!” The scene before us shattered, falling into the nothingness, returning this world to darkness.

“They weren’t innocent, they were no better than Blueblood! They all fell in line and followed that pretentious prince and the bug queen. They kept me from getting to you! They’re the reason you’re dead!” I cried out, my emotions boiling over, my chest heaving with a mix of pain and fury. “Those ponies killed you! I will never feel sorry for them, for taking their lives!” I continued to shout. Then you are a monster. Feeling no remorse for taking the lives of those ponies, ponies whose only crime was trying to preserve what little life they still had left. Is it fear that keeps you from such emotion? Is your ego so twisted and inflated that you cannot see the dark, twisted, horrible things you’ve done?”

Another intense flash and then… I could see Ponyville. The houses, streets, every inch of the town covered in blood and gore. Mangled, eviscerated, bodies lay strewn about into a horrific image of pure carnage. Then I could see myself. But unlike the memory of Appleloosa, I did not see myself smiling within a mist of blood. No. This time I saw myself, and knew that I stared at a monster, covered in blood. Diamond Dogs, dead, all around me. My mane and coat completely drenched, small droplets of red falling to the ground at my hooves. “I… This…” I could not find the words to say, no words to describe the fear I suddenly felt. You slayed every last one, and left their bodies to the scavengers. The spirit called out.

I looked to the spirit, it’s form still that of Braeburn, swallowing hard against the dryness of my throat. “They ate Scoots…” I replied in an almost whimper, still reeling from the visage that played against the darkness of my mind. “They killed everypony I ever knew, loved, or cared about.” The spirit nodded at my words and sighed. They were guilty and their sins great. But do you not think there was another way? Did you not think that, despite them being as they were, you would carry a weight for them as well? They had souls, just as all things do. When you ended their lives, you took that soul from them and burdened yourself with it’s weight.

“That’s insane. I do not carry a weight, a part of their soul, with me. Just as I did in Appleloosa, I did what was right. I did what needed to be done.” The spirit’s expression changed, it’s demeanor more angry, as it readied itself to speak. Then show me how just you were, how right and honorable your actions were. Look upon yourself, red as the blood that covers you. Look into the eyes of a killer and know their name, because it is you. You are no better than those who you fight, those who you kill and send away from this world. There is a monster within you, eating away at your corrupted soul like a cancer, that you cannot defeat. Not unless you look upon yourself and see the err in your ways!

“Why do you even care so much?!” I finally shouted back. “You are nothing more than a shade, a memory, taunting me for my weakness!” All light left the world of my mind, casting me into a pitch black void. Will you cast your world into the same darkness I once hungered for!? The spirit had no form, but still its voice rang out. I will not allow you to fall upon the path that I have already travelled! Not when everypony, everything, within our world depends on you! I turned about, trying to find the source of the voice, my eyes straining to find a glimpse of anything. The day you slaughtered those Diamond Dogs you created the very thing that will undoubtedly destroy the pony you are. I began to speak when I could suddenly feel myself begin to lose consciousness. My eyes grew heavy, as did my body, and I struggled to stand. Within a moment I could feel myself falling and then… nothing.

“Damnit! This can’t be happening now!”

Why is Octavia shouting?

“We have to move Rainbow! We can’t allow her to be captured!”

Trixie… is something wrong?

“They’re about to take out the main door!”

“What the hell is going on?” I rose, slowly, opening my eyes to the sight of worried faces.

“Rainbow, you’re awake.” Trixie called out, soon moving to my side and hugging my neck. I returned her hug and sighed, putting a hoof to my head as I leaned away from her. “I know you’re wondering what’s going on, and that you just woke up, so I’ll make this quick. You woke up from your wing surgery, had some kind of freak out, had to be sedated, ended up sleeping for two days and now we’re being attacked by chrysalian forces.”

I stared at Trixie for a few moments, taking in everything she had said, before clearing my throat. “Why is it every time I get knocked out, or put under, I wake up in the middle of some catastrophe?” Vinyl, Trixie and Octavia only stared at me blankly, before looking off and pondering my question. “I… that wasn’t a serious question.” I sighed and slid off of the small bed, they had moved me to, looking around for my sword. “Where’s my sword?”

“Oh no, you’re not going up there.” Octavia said suddenly, stepping towards me. “You haven’t even fully healed, there’s no way I can allow you to fight in your condition.”

“Well that’s not your call to make.” I replied to her, much to her displeasure.

“You should really listen to Octi. I mean what if something happened to you?” Vinyl asked, standing at Octavia’s side.

“Then I got somepony, conveniently located downstairs, who can patch me up.” I smiled as I spoke, finally catching sight of my blade. “So tell me… where are AJ and Redheart?” Nopony jumped to reply, they knew why I was asking. After a moment or two had passed Trixie finally spoke, albeit hesitantly.

“They’re upstairs… guarding the other ponies… in case the Changelings break through the front door.”

“That’s what I thought.” I turned from the three, my sword neatly tucked under my right wing, making my way towards the door to the club.

“Don’t make us have to carry you back down here and put you back on my table. I’ll have to start charging you for my services.” Octavia called out, as I turned to her and saw her smiling.

“Hey, Trixie.” I called to her, watching her tense up. “When this mess gets sorted out…” I stopped and smiled, closing my eyes as I chuckled. “You know what Trix,” I continued to smile as I looked to her. “How about You, AJ and me go get a drink after this?” I laughed to myself as I saw her blush and stammer to reply. “Just think about it.” With that I stood at the door, gazing at it, when the hue of Vinyl’s magic covered it.

“You break anything in my club and I’ll have to charge you for it.” Vinyl grinned as I looked to her.

“Sure, just put it on my tab.” I threw up a hoof, waving off Vinyl’s comment. The door opened slowly as I looked back and gave one last nod to the three. I stepped through, the door closing quickly behind me. But not before I heard Trixie whisper she loved me. Keep telling yourself that Trixie, keep telling me that. Because now, more than ever, I need the strength those words can offer… because I’m not just fighting Changelings anymore. I’m fighting myself.

Author's Note

Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well. I bring you the next chapter of LV. Admittedly it was a bit longer, but I decided to split it into two chapters. That being said, the next chapter should be out soon. I know this isn't the best chapter I've written, but I just wanted to get something out there to show I hadn't given up on the story. Honestly it feels good to post after so long, so I'm glad to present you all with this... in a way. As always thank you for sticking with the story, putting up with my lethargic writing habits, and enjoy the chapter. n.n

~Time to Dash, Dash out~

Chapter 14: Drop The Bass

Chapter 14: Drop the Bass

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 14: Drop the bass.

My heart pounded in my chest, my muscles tensed, as I made my way down the corridor. I stopped and stared up at the door to the club, the music barely more than a soft thump from this side. Can I do this? I thought as I tried to stretch my left wing, only to have a dull pain flare up my shoulder. It’s too late to turn back now… especially after the ‘Cool Hero’ exit I made. My eyes drifted to the floor, staring at the metal I walked on, as I began to feel doubt wash over me. No! I can do this. I looked to the door once more, steadying my resolve, and slowly began climbing the steps.

With each step I could begin to see the visions of my recent past. The same visions Braeburn, or the spirit that had taken his form, had shown me. The visions of a killer, a monster, mercilessly slaughtering anypony, anything, that stood in her way. Yet I still couldn’t bring myself to believe such a thing. Even though I had seen it, I still could not believe I wasn’t doing what was right. These thoughts haunted me, with each moment a new scene played before me, trying to cloud the view of reality. What was that reality, maybe that is the true question? When I sleep I see my mistakes, and shades of the past. When I’m awake I bear witness to the dead. It seems with each passing day that I find myself more out of touch with reality, more distant from the world I’m so desperate to protect.

I suddenly stopped my ascent, eyes wide, as I stared up at the door. Could… Could this be the weight, the burden, Braeburn spoke of? Could these things I see be the echoes of souls? The remainder of a life that I ended? I shook my head, as if trying to forcibly throw these thoughts from my mind. No!That’s not it. They’re reminders, moments frozen in time, to make sure that I never forget what has been done... Or what I must do. I sighed and continued my climb, shortly reaching the door to the club. The music had grown steadily louder, as I had made my way up, and now I could hear it more easily. I waited a moment, trying to clear my mind of the few straggling thoughts I had, before slamming my hoof against the door. There was a pause, then the mechanism of the door turned causing a loud thud, before the door swung open.

I smiled as I saw AJ standing there and she returned my smile, before stepping aside as I walked through the door. The lights and music of the club continued, despite the lack of ponies dancing. The aforementioned ponies now pressed against the backwall of the club, trying to stay away from anything that could, and undoubtedly would, happen.

“Glad to see you’re awake, Sugarcube.” I heard AJ say as she moved to my side and nuzzled my neck.

“I’m glad to be awake,” I chuckled. I looked to Redheart, who stood on the dance floor, and nodded. She smiled in return only allowing her attention to leave the club entrance for a moment. “She seems really focused.”

“Yeah, she is.” Aj sighed and leaned more of her weight against me, using me as a prop to hold her up. “She was the first one to get the information about the attack. Apparently something about that information got her worried, which makes me think this ain’t your run of the mill attack.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Ah’m saying that something big is on its way here, ain’t too sure Ah wanna know what it is.” She stood up straight and stretched, moving past me as she headed towards Redheart.

“How did anypony first receive word of the attack?” I asked. I walked at AJ’s side, falling into step with her, as we made our way to the dance floor and Redheart.

“We’ve, well I should say Trixie and I, had scouts combing the city since our initial arrival. We knew we couldn’t head into the city blind, so we quickly established a connection with the underground resistance.” Redheart answered, her attention now resting on me. “Vinyl and Octavia just so happened to be the leaders of said resistance, which made everything a bit more convenient. We found ‘The Mechanic’, the resistance and everything else we’d need all in this club.”

“That’s all well and good,” I began, standing before Redheart. “But that still doesn’t answer how we received word of this attack. I can only assume the scouts you mentioned?”

“Indeed.” Redheart smiled her usual smile as she spoke, offering me a small nod in confirmation. “The scouts were the first to catch wind of the Changeling movements.”

“Alright, I get that part. Now how about you tell us why this attack has you so on edge?”

Redheart wasn’t quick to answer, in fact, she seemed quite distressed by my question. She turned away from AJ and I, before letting a deep sigh escape her. “The attack itself isn’t what’s worrying me. It’s who’s leading the attack.”

“Well it can’t be anypony to scary. Ah mean, hell… We’ve all seen our fair share of fearsome opponents.” AJ added, pushing the brim of her stetson up.

“AJ’s right. I’m sure whoever heads this attack is no different than any opponent we’ve faced so far.”

“That’s just it.” She replied. She began pacing the dance floor, her head hung low in thought. Finally she came to a stop and looked to me once more. “Tell me, Rainbow, have you learned anything since Las Pegasus?”

I was confused by what she said to me. I simply stared at her, her soft gaze focused solely on me, and thought about her words. “What do you mean?” I asked finally after a moment of silence. “Was there something I was supposed to learn?”

Redheart sighed deeply, her eyes taking on a hint of disappointment. “Do you remember your battle with Bane Tooth?”

My body tensed at the mere mention of that name, thoughts of our battle flooded my mind, and I could feel the all too familiar sensation of rage fill my soul. “I didn’t fight Bane Tooth,” I replied, my very blood boiling with anger. “I fought a fake, a pretender, not the real thing.”

Redheart nodded and stepped towards me. She stopped just before me and placed a hoof on my shoulder, just above my left wing. “Do you remember the rage that burns in you? I can see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice, I can practically feel it…”

“Bane Tooth was the one who cut off your wing, right?” AJ asked, remaining at my side.

My gaze shifted to her and I nodded. “What does any of this have to do with the attack?” Just think about it. A dull pain ran through me as I heard the voice of my dark self, causing me to grit my teeth in a mix of annoyance and frustration.

“There it is again. There is your rage getting the better of you… Clouding your judgement. I had hoped you would have learned from that battle how to control your rage.” Redheart turned from me and shook her head, before glancing at me over her shoulder. “I cannot allow you to take part in this battle Rainbow.”

“Like hell you can’t! This place is about to be under attack! There are ponies huddled against a wall scared for their lives! I-” Suddenly I could feel the cold metal of Redheart’s scalpel against my throat, and a quick glance towards AJ confirmed she was in the same predicament. “What do you think you’re doing?” I asked calmly, as AJ stood silent. Ha! She’s gonna put you under the knife! I closed my eyes as I heard the darkness within slowly grow louder.

“What would you do?” Redheart spoke. “What would you do if you ever faced the real Bane Tooth?”

“I would kill him.” The scalpel pressed harder against my throat at my answer.

“What would you do?” She asked again.

I went silent, my eyes opened and focused on Redheart. “I… I wouldn’t be able to control myself.” You’re right, you should just give me control. Another smartass remark, another pain, and another moment of suffering my dark half. “I wouldn’t be able to focus. I’d be so caught up in what has happened, that I would forget what is happening. I would go after him with all of my anger and fury. I wouldn’t stop until…” I suddenly stopped, my mind filled with the images of Ponyville, Appleloosa and Las Pegasus. The image of my coat soaked in blood as I smiled. “I wouldn’t stop until his blood covered me and I crushed his head beneath my hoof.”

The scalpel pulled back quickly and Redheart smiled. “That pause, that small hesitation… Did you see it? Did you see what your anger has brought you? Did you see how it clouds your judgement and makes you careless?”

I opened my mouth to answer, when my darker half spoke. Why don’t you tell her what you really saw? I grimaced and turned from Redheart and AJ both, slamming my hoof down. “Maybe… But that anger, rage and fury have brought me this far. Even if they make me careless and reckless, my body can make up the difference.”

“They are killing you, Sugarcube.” AJ suddenly spoke up. She moved to my side and nuzzled her face against mine, kissing my cheek softly. “Ah used to fight with anger and hatred. That’s how Ah made it through each and every day. Ah held onto it and used its strength, but it’s not true strength. Those feelings are just a crutch, that help us get by. They don’t make us any better… They only hold us back. Make us clumsy and irresponsible.”

Yeah, yeah. Bleeding heart this and bleeding heart that. But hey, you should probably just smile and nod. Don’t wanna piss her off or you might not get any of that apple pie later, If you know what I mean and I’m winking… just incase you couldn’t tell. I let out a low growl of frustration and stepped away from AJ. “What does any of this have to do with anything? Shouldn’t we be more worried about the attack?”

“We’re worried about you, Rainbow. Because the pony leading the attack… Well the Changeling leading the attack… Is Bane Tooth.”

“WHAT!?” My eyes went wide and I whipped around, closing the distance between Redheart and myself. “Bane Tooth is coming here!?” Oh… Oh shit… Hold on, I need to get some popcorn. This is gonna be good. “Shut up dammit!”

“I didn’t say anything.” Redheart replied, her face showing confusion from my sudden outburst. She cleared her throat, collecting herself, before smiling. “Bane Tooth, the real Bane Tooth, is leading this attack. Apparently he was sent here and given his orders directly from Chrysalis. I had wished you’d stayed asleep for this battle and avoided all this, but it seems that isn’t happening. At the least I had hoped you would be able to fight him with a level head… But that isn’t going to happen either, I see.”

I think she just insulted you with a smile, I like her. Why haven’t you been playing nurse with her?

“Enough of this!” I roared. My wings flared open, my left side burning with pain as they did. “I don’t know why the bug queen decided to send her top general and honestly I don’t give a flying buck! I don’t care that you,” I said as I pointed a hoof to Redheart, “don’t want me to fight! I’m gonna rip that monster's head off and wear it like a damn hat!” Hell yeah! You could even put some beads or… You know… Something decorative on it. I mean, why stop there? You could make a nice coat or some boots. I hear Changeling skin boots are all the rage this year.

Redheart only sighed and returned to where she had stood when I first came up. “Fine. I cannot choose the path you take. But know this, Rainbow. No matter what you can’t allow yourself to die. You cannot allow your anger to make you careless.” She paused and looked to me. “You lost a wing against a fake… You’ll lose your life against the real thing.”

“What the hell ever. That bug wants to come get squashed then bring him the buck on!”

“You know… Ah’ve only ever seen you this mad once before.” AJ said, stepping past me. “It was at Canterlot and we both know how that turned out.”

Hey I remember that! Blood everywhere, chaos gently floating through the air and a whole lot of your friends died. Good times, good times. My body trembled and I started to chuckle, as if I’d finally lost my sanity. “Fine! The two of you want me to keep calm? Then I’ll keep calm and keep on killing every bug that walks through that door, until there isn’t a single one left!” I had no sooner finished, before we heard a loud thud against the door and an explosion rocked the club.

My body felt heavy as I rose to my hooves, the shock of the blast having caused me to fall, and coughed as I tried to see through the dirt and debris. Finally the dust settled as light poured in through the breach in the wall, casting elongated shadows of the creatures that began pouring into the club. The clicking of hooves and wings, the scent of the changeling filth. My mind immediately returned to Canterlot, flashbacks of that battle now on full display within myself.

“Dammit Rainbow, snap out of it!” Redheart shouted. I could feel the back of her hoof smack me across the cheek, knocking me from my luled state. “Rainbow they’re coming!” I turned from Redheart to see the door of the club completely blown apart, and a sea of black pouring in through opening. Foot Soldiers, Elites, and every scaly thing else in between… But I didn’t see Bane Tooth. I looked to my other side and saw AJ ready to get this shit storm kicking. I couldn’t help but chuckle, causing her to shoot a ‘quit it or Ah’ll kill ya’ glance my way.

“Alright you dirty bugs!” I shouted, stepping towards the writhing mass before me, “you came all this way for a fight? Well we’re gonna give you one!” The moment those words left my mouth all hell broke lose and the fight kicked into drive. Redheart unleashed a volley of scalpels, dropping a couple dozen from the start, while AJ and I rushed in. It was chaos in the club and everypony who hid behind the three of us finally got to see what the war really was… It was horror, pure and true.

AJ and I pushed through the center of the Changeling force, carving a path to the center of their mass, back to back taking on every challenger. My sword swung with rapid, deadly, precise attacks that cleaved many of the Changelings in two. While AJ put on a splendid show of strength, tossing and bucking anything that stepped near her.

“I’ll send every single one of you to hell!” I roared. Even though it was chaos… Even though it was the purest form of brutality… I was in love with this. The pain of my wing, that had plagued the greater part of my left side, just melted away as my body began to move on its own. That’s right, just let go. “SHUT THE BUCK UP!” I demanded of the increasingly growing voice, the darkness within, that wracked my mind. I spun and rolled across AJ’s back, slicing through several more changelings as I landed.

“Where’d you learn to fight all fancy?” AJ called out.

“I didn’t! I just go with the flow!” I yelled back, impaling a changeling on my blade, as I heard the sickening crunch of another’s face meeting my hoof. Seeing you like this makes me so proud, but let me show you how a pro does it! A sharp pain spread through my skull, as my body seemed to will itself to move. Suddenly I was rushing towards AJ, my sword tightly grasped between my teeth. “Give me a lift!” I shouted, through the hilt of my blade, without even thinking. AJ nodded quickly and steadied herself in response, clearing back a few changelings. I leapt into the air, my back hooves landing on AJ’s front, as she catapulted me into the air. LIFT OFF!

I spun in the air, a flurry of scalpels being unleashed beneath me, and watched in awe as they all missed AJ, finding themselves embedded in a number of changeling skulls. Hey, you ready? I heard the darkness call, causing me to worry. My wings flared open and stretched, quickly folding back against me as I dove back towards the dance floor. I slammed down onto a changeling, the sound of his body breaking beneath me rang out like a symphony of the damned, bringing me nothing short of pure ecstasy. That moment of twisted joy was soon over though, as my gaze came to fall upon the object of my hate and rage... Bane Tooth. The Changeling General now stood at the destroyed club entrance, a cocky smile displayed just below his condescending gaze.

I could see Redheart turn her attention to me, quickly putting down the enemies that separated the two of us, so she could stop what she knew was about to happen. The world… No… The entire universe seemed to standstill when I looked back to Bane Tooth, and our eyes meet. Would you like me to take care of this? “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I could feel my body lighten and the pressure that had been exerting itself over me lessen, after I spoke. I’d like for you not to get us killed, not before I can kill you and take this body for myself. I scoffed at the words the darkness spoke, giving them no concern. “You can try to kill me, but I’ve told you once already. I’M THE REAL RAINBOW DASH!” Just like somepony had flipped a switch or removed some kind of spell, the universe was suddenly back to full motion.

“Rainbow, don’t!” Redheart shouted. “You can’t just rush in!”

“Oh… But I can, or have you forgotten? I’m Rainbow Dash.” I’m Rainbow Dash. I crouched down and in an instant I was headed for Bane Tooth, slicing through any changeling that stood in my way. Bane Tooth’s sword became covered by his magic and was drawn within a mere moment. Sparks erupted into the battle filled air, the sound of steel ringing out above all, as our blades meet and skimmed off each other. My hooves slammed against the club wall, while Bane Tooth simply turned, our eyes meeting for just an instant, before I kicked off the wall. This time we meet, our strength being tested by the other, trying to force a quick finish.

“You’re the Pegasus filth that killed my second!” The Changeling General roared, planting his hoof into my stomach with great force.

I was sent flying back, slamming into a group of changelings that quickly became fodder for my blood lust, before laughing. “Yeah that’s right! That bug got squashed, just like you’re about to be!” I rushed in once more, staying low, attacking the general’s legs. His defense was astounding, easily blocking every attack I threw at him, until I swung my back hoof up and connected with a kick to his jaw.

Bane Tooth turned his head and spit out a tooth, licking the small trickle of blood from his lip with a sadistic grin. “I’m going to carve you into tiny pieces and feed you to the Diamond Dogs, but only after I use that fur of yours to line my armor.”

“You’re doing a lot of talking for a changeling that’s about to die.” I didn’t have time to say much more before the general was upon me, bearing his weight down against mine. The force of his body made his blade seem like it weighed nothing short of a large stallion, his killing intent all too clear. His eyes burned with an intense rage, yet there was no lack of control, no lack of composure… only serenity. “You are still far too inexperienced to face me. Because of that, this will be your last battle, Rainbow Dash.” A sudden shift, a quick blur, he moved so fast that I could barely believe it as I was sent soaring back again.

I slammed into the wall of the club, every speck of air rushing out of my lungs, before falling to the floor. I dropped my blade, gasping desperately for air, my hooves moving to my ribs. Wow, he just knocked the shit out of you. I think he even cracked a rib or two with that last kick. “How in the hell is he this fast!? I didn’t even see him throw a kick!” Are you sure you don’t want me to handle him? “Buck off! I’ll be damned if I’ll cower behind your power!” I grabbed my head, squeezing it tightly, as I fought against the voice within. Oh… Poor Dashie. You’re already damned, but you’re about to be dead… if you don’t move.

My eyes suddenly shot open and I saw Bane Tooth standing above me, his sword held high. “Poor creature, it seems as if you can’t accept your own weakness. Killing you now will be more of a kindness than I had originally thought.” He brought his blade down swiftly, with the same speed that he’d been able to use against me only moments before. This is the part where you get out of the way~. “I told you to be quiet!” I roared. I barely avoided Bane Tooth’s blade as it sliced through my mane, allowing my body to fall to the ground. I had no time to rest though and spun, sweeping Bane Tooth’s legs with my hind legs.

The Changeling general toppled to the ground, a shocked expression clear on his face, as I leapt up. “Poor Dashie! Poor creature! I don’t want anyponies, any creatures, pity! I am Rainbow Dash, Celestia dammit, and all I want is your life!” My right wing flipped my sword into the air as I caught it between my hooves, bringing it down with all my strength. Once more sparks erupted and the sound of steel meeting steel rang out, but this time I was the one with the advantage. “I will destroy you, your queen and myself if I must!”

“You are nothing but a foolish mare who refuses to accept that her kind has lost everything, and it will never be reclaimed!” Bane Tooth roared in reply. He reared back one of his hind legs and planted it into my stomach, the force sending a shockwave throughout my body. I screamed in pain, blood erupting from my mouth, as I stood there refusing to give into his strength. “Die damn you!” Another, then another, kick after kick, Bane Tooth continued his assault.

I could feel my hind legs strain, they screamed to give in, as I stood my ground. “I… Will not… DIE HERE!” I screamed. Blood flew from my mouth as he landed another kick, but this one would be his last. I grabbed a hold of his leg, and smiled sadisticly, the scent of my own blood fueling an already intense desire to kill.

“You fool! You just sealed your death!” Bane Tooth pushed me back, as I kept my hold of his leg, and brought his sword back fully prepared to cut me down. “For my queen,” he smiled.

Let go dumbass! “Kiss my ass… Both of you.” I dove forward as Bane Tooth swung, my head barely ducking the blade, exposing my back. Well, congrats, you’ve done bucked up. Now we’re both gonna die. I only laughed at my darker self and brought my sword down, severing Bane Tooth’s right leg, before rolling safely to the ground. Wait a damn second! Why aren’t we dead!? “It’s because I knew they wouldn’t let me die,” I replied as I turned and gazed at RedHeart and AJ. “Thanks for the help girls.”

AJ just scoffed at me and rolled her eyes, her metal foreleg held up against Bane Tooth’s blade.

“You’re quite welcome, Rainbow. But please be more careful going forward,” RedHeart replied with a smile, holding a pair of scalpels against Bane Tooth’s blade, alongside AJ.

“M-my… My soldier's,” Bane Tooth managed, gritting his teeth in pain.

“We killed a whole mess of em’,” AJ started, knocking away Bane Tooth’s sword. “Then the rest of em’ got smart and ran. Guess they don’t believe in their queen, at least not as much as you do. Can’t blame em’ though, Ah think she ain’t nothing special myself.”

“You damn ponies! You pathetic filth! How dare you speak about my queen in such a way!”

“My, my, such language,” RedHeart said suddenly. She threw one of the scalpels she held at Bane Tooth’s injured leg, embedding it just above where my blade had sliced through it.

Bane Tooth roared in pain and swung his left leg at RedHeart, only to have it go soaring through the air and land several feet away. The Changeling general gritted his teeth, several cracks ringing out, as they cracked from the pressure. “I will not yield,” he said slowly, fighting through the pain. His horn began to glow and his magic enveloped his blade once more, as he brought it closer.

“I’ve taken both of your hind legs, you can’t even stand,” I chuckled, stepping closer towards him. “You might as well give up and die with a bit more energy… Insect.”

“A true warrior will never surrender! Even if I am made lame, blind, or deaf… I will continue to fight on, until I die, because that is how I’ve chosen to show loyalty to my queen!” Bane Tooth swung his blade at me and I simply knocked it aside with my own, following through and slicing off his horn. “You bitch!”

“Yeah, that’s it, call me a bitch. Get it all out of your system now, because you’ll be dead soon,” I grinned. “Don’t worry though. I’ll be sending your queen to meet you, very soon.” Bane Tooth looked at me with a gaze of sheer hatred and disgust, spitting in my face. Oh shit! Did he… He did… Oh shit! I growled in annoyance as I wiped my face and suddenly brought my sword up, before bringing it down across Bane Tooth’s neck. I felt a divine satisfaction as I watched Bane Tooth’s head fall to the ground, that look hatred forever frozen on his face.

“Dashie… Ya alright?” AJ asked suddenly, a nervous tension in her voice.

“Me? Oh I feel amazing,” I smirked, turning to AJ. “Bane Tooth is dead, the Changelings routed and the ponies in the club are now safe. Why wouldn’t I be alright?”

“Rainbow, sweetie, you’re covered in blood and grinning from ear to ear.” RedHeart stepped to AJ’s side as she spoke, and I could see that they both looked worried. I turned from them and looked to the ponies against the back wall, each one looking more and more terrified.

I dropped my sword and took a few steps back, my eyes darting between my companions to the club ponies. “I… I need to go,” I said suddenly, turning and running from the club.

“Dashie!” I heard AJ yell and looked over my shoulder at her, pausing for only a moment. She started to run after me, when RedHeart grabbed her and shook her head. “Let Rainbow go…” I could feel tears cascade down my face, as I gazed at AJ and heard RedHearts words, and broke out into a full gallop.

Why are you running, you just saved the day? “Just shut up! Just leave me alone!” Where the hell are you even gonna go? I skidded to a stop and kicked at the stone beneath my hooves, biting my lip in frustrating until it bleed. Are you absolutely losing your shit? “I have to get rid of you! I have to get you out of my head!” I shouted as I took off running again. Know where you’re going now, or are you hoping you can run me out of here? I let out a frustrated growl as I kept running, trying to quiet my darker side. “I’m going back to where I first found you.”

I was surprised at the sudden silence, the wonderful reprieve I found, from my darkness. Well, this should be... interesting. I heard my darker side chuckle, causing a chill to shoot up my spine. But what about your injuries? Think you’ll make it back there with those? “I’ll deal with them when I can, right now I just need to put space between myself and the others.” Awww don’t want your friends to know you’re crazy? “Piss off… I just don’t want them to try and stop me.” You’ll come to regret that decision. “It won’t be the first one.”

Chapter 15: Return To Cowardice.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 15: Return to Cowardice.

I ran for the better part of two days, not stopping for rest, as my mind replayed the image of AJ and RedHeart. It was when I finally reached the edge of the Unicorn Range, that I allowed my body, drenched in sweat and pain, to finally collapse. I could do nothing but stare at the stars as my body, refusing to move another inch, just seemed to shut down. I don’t know why I ran so far . . . why I ignored this pain . . . Then again, I know exactly why I did it.

Are you sure a random hay field is the best place to take a nap?

“Would you just shut up.” I mumbled, to drained to think of anything else to say.

Well I was quiet for the entire run up to this point, so I think I deserve to talk.

“You deserve a hoof to the head, now shut your mouth.” Suddenly there was silence, my darker half not responding. “What, no smartass remark? Well that suits me just fine . . . maybe I can pretend my mind is still my own, for a little while.”

Your mind is nothing but trash, trash that doesn’t deserve an element, a body, or even a life. My darkness hissed suddenly, causing the pain I already felt to surge. My body, that may as well be dead, suddenly thrashed about violently. I cried out in pain trying, with all I could, to regain control of my body. I am getting sick and tired of your mouth! I could kill you in an instant, and take this body, but I still have hope for you.

“I thought I already told you,” I said suddenly, “I will never become one with you!”

You remember, I’m touched. My body suddenly feel limp, my chest heaving, as I desperately gasped for air. But you realize what you’re doing, don’t you? Well I suppose you do, or you wouldn’t be doing it, but things won’t go according to plan. I couldn’t work up the energy to reply, my eyes fixated on the night above me. You think that you can just go back to that hole, you crawled out of, and simply get rid of me? I’m sorry to break it to you, but that’s not going to work.

“N-no . . . that’s not . . . my plan.” A sharp, twisting, pain ran up my throat as I forced out those few words.

Oh, well, then I suppose you have everything figured out? Of course not, you’re just mindlessly grasping at straws. My darkness chuckled. But I can see that you’re determined to die, which makes things easy on me, so go right ahead. Rush off and put into action your, idiotic, plan.

My idiotic plan? What was my idiotic plan? I had an idea, a hunch, that I was going off of . . . but I couldn’t be honest with the darkness. I couldn’t admit that everything I was doing was just a lie. I couldn’t admit that I’d only ran away to get ‘it’ away from my friends. There was nothing more that I wanted than to rid myself of this darkness, this twisted soul that had taken root within my own. Moments like this make me miss Twilight even more . . . I bet she’d know what to do, or at least figure out something.

How are your injuries, Dashie? I heard the darkness whisper.

The wonderful reprieve I’d found from the physical world slowly melted away, feeling returning to my battered body. Pain flared through my ribs and left side, laboring every breath I took. The taste of blood was fresh in my mouth, as I turned my head and coughed up a bit. “Damn, guess I over did it a little bit.”

I think that’s an understatement. You should really take better care of our body or, at the least, have that nurse pony patch you up before you do something like this.

“Hmph, her name is RedHeart.”

Oh, I know. Believe me . . . I know. The thing is, Dashie, that I don’t give enough of a shit to use her name.

“You just love to piss me off, don’t you?”

It’s one of the few, simple, joys that I’m allowed. Besides, somepony has to keep you on edge.

“Just be quiet, please. I probably won’t be able to, but I’d like to try and get some sleep.”

Oh, by all means rest. I won’t keep you from your sleep, in fact I wish you sweet dreams, my dear Dashie.

Sweet dreams? That’s not possible, not after the things I’ve seen. But that was of my own doing . . . horrors created by my own hooves. I wish that I could still be at ease when I sleep, free of this malicious darkness that has become intertwined with my soul. I long for a day when I can sleep like I once did, when all I needed was a comfy cloud, and the silver glow of the moon. But that was in the old Equestria, a world that no longer exists.

My body seemed to melt away as my consciousness floated through the darkness that sleep brought. Somewhere within that world devoid of color, the world of my mind, I awaited my darkness. I knew all too well that she would appear. I knew with every moment that passed that she would suddenly reveal herself, smiling in her own depravity. She just loved to build up the tension, to see my face when she appeared from the nothingness.

“You’re there, aren’t you?” I called out into the void. I was silent, waiting for her to respond, but there was no reply. “I know you’re there, so just reveal yourself already!” I shouted.

You’re supposed to be having sweet dreams, Dashie dear. She whispered.

“There’s no way I can have anything close to a dream with you in my head! You’d probably try to take control of my body, or something along those lines!” I replied, infuriated by her very voice.

Light slowly filtered into the world, pushing back the darkness, to reveal her. I stood still in a mix of anger and fear, my dark side standing before me, her muzzle nearly pressed to mine. She stood just as still, her wicked smile broad across her face. Now why would you ruin such a good chance to escape reality, just to accuse me of such underhanded actions? If I wanted to take control while you slept, I would have already done it. No, I want you to fight. I want the satisfaction of watching your very soul, your entire being, become nothing more than a broken mess, my dearest Dashie. She spoke softly and raised a hoof to stroke my cheek.

“I always thought you were psychotic. Now I know, without a doubt, that you are. But you’ll find breaking my spirit to be a challenge, one that you won’t overcome.”

She tilted her head and sighed, moving her hoof up to my mane. I can’t believe that Bane Tooth sliced off a chunk of your mane, such a pity. On the brightside, Dashie, you look good with a shorter mane. Why, you almost look like Scoots.

“Don’t you bucking say her name, don’t you ever say her name again!” I shouted, knocking away her hoof.

Is that still a soft spot? She asked. She brought her hoof to her mouth and licked the spot I’d struck, her ever present smile beaming. I think I’m starting to like it when you hit me, it’s always so . . . pleasing. She began to chuckle, before erupting into full blown laughter. She rared back and stood on her hind legs, head turned towards the sky in laughter. I feel sorry for that little creature, Scootaloo. She worshiped the ground you walked upon, and in the end you let her die.

My mind went blank, and a white hot searing pain engulfed my entire being. I could only see her, Scootaloo. I could see every moment I’d ever spent with her, splayed out before me. Tears began to stream down my face, and my vision blurred, as I started to laugh.

Is something funny, Dashie? The darkness asked.

“Yeah . . .” I simply replied, wiping the tears from my eyes. “I just thought of how I’m going to destroy you.”

Oh? Well that is quite funny. Do tell me how you plan to do it, Dashie. She smiled.

“I’m gonna beat the shit out of you, then slice you into a thousand pieces. One for each memory you showed me of Scoots . . . the one pony above all that I regret I couldn’t save.” I replied as I looked to her.

You know that won't work, and here I thought you'd finally used that brain of yours. she sighed as she flipped her mane.

“I'll figure out a way to make it work . . . because I'll be damned if I'll let your existence continue anymore. I'm the one who created you, the one who gave your entire being form.”

Actually I think you owe that to Discord.

“I don't give a flying buck!” I roared as I rushed her. I slammed her to the ground, pinning her beneath my weight as I stared down at her. Just as she always had she simply smiled, amused by my outburst, as if to show me the futility of my actions. That damnable smile was becoming the bane of my existence, as each time I saw it I could only think of my failures. “Why do you always have to smile!” I shouted suddenly. “Is it not enough that you’ve twisted my entire being into a shell of who I once was? Does my suffering bring you so much joy that you have to constantly show your amusement? Answer me, Celestia damnit! Answer me!”

I think you should calm down, my sweet Dashie, or you might end up getting yourself hurt . . . well more hurt than you already are. Let’s not forget that while you waste your time questioning me, instead of trying to have a peaceful respite, our body is in fairly poor shape.

“That’s not a bucking answer!” I shouted in return as I drew my hoof back and slammed it down next to her head.

You’re nothing more than a coward Rainbow Dash, or whoever you are now. We both know that I’m the true Dash, or what’s left of her, while you’re nothing more than weakness ponysonified. I allowed myself to be held here, I’ve not even attempted to move, giving you the perfect chance to try and ‘end me’, and yet you still strike the earth next to my head. For somepony of such conviction you show me nothing but cowardice . . . Is it because you finally understand the futility of all this.

I shook my head as a torrent of emotions raged within my mind. Her words, my words, whoevers words they truly were resonated within. I clutched my chest as I fell back on my haunches and gasped for air, my throat feeling as if it were closing up. I was suffocating . . . the pressure of all that happened, the realizations of everything, all that I had done. I couldn’t take it any longer and now it was manifesting into physical pain, becoming a wave that was undoubtedly crashing against me.

As much as I enjoy your suffering I believe that I should spare you this, for now. I can’t allow you to die just yet . . . no not yet, not until I feel you’ve suffered truly and completely. I can’t allow you to die until I’ve destroyed every last bit of what you are, and shown you the true meaning of despair. She drew closer to me and grabbed my throat, lifting me into the air effortlessly. This has been fun, but I think it’s time you woke up. Before I could reply she slammed my body into the ground, causing it to crack and shatter. I fell and looked up to see her gazing down at me with that smile, that damn smile.

I seemed to fall forever as I found myself enveloped by darkness once more and then suddenly I felt my body slam into something. I sat up and coughed violently as I covered my eyes, then there was nothing but pain as I let out a shrill scream. My eyes were blinded by the sun, my body broken by battle and my soul crushed by darkness. I was in the midst of a completely hopeless trifecta that seemed like it would never end, as the harshness of reality returned to me once more. “Celestia dammit!” I shouted as I fumbled around until my eyes finally adjusted to the sunlight that covered me. Though I could see my other senses were still a mess, leaving me feeling like a newborn foal.

My chest heaved and my body strained as I forced myself to my hooves, quickly becoming reacquainted with the ground as I slammed back to it. Damn this infernal body of mine! Damn this whole world and everything about it to Tartarus! My mind still raced and thoughts of my darkness lingered, as I made another push to stand. It took several attempts, each one ending with a reintroduction to the ground, before I was finally able to stand and hold my weight. I was covered in dried blood, it’s scent causing my stomach to turn and wrench. I tried to put the feeling far from my mind as I pushed forward and willed my body to move, staggering around like a drunkard. I was still intent on putting as much distance between myself and Van Hoover as possible, but I had no clear goal on where to go. I mean . . . I did, but would returning there turn out to be waste?

I decided that before I could even hope to do anything, I needed to wash this blood from my body. Thoughts of the San Palomino desert returned to me, as the sun turned it's eye to me and glared unblinking. My body burned and ached, though the green fields I found myself in were far removed from the deserts harshness. Still I needed to be careful and not allow myself to stop, lest I become some scavengers meal. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at that thought, and suddenly found myself recalling all those I've left to that very fate. Diamond Dogs, Ponies, it didn't matter. I killed them and left them to be nothing more than food. Now that I found myself staring at the possibility of being reduced to a meal . . . I can't help but wonder if what I did was right.

My thoughts were quickly shoved aside though as I heard the faint sound of running water, and frantically began to look around. After a moment I caught sight of a small stream and hurried to it, falling to the ground at its side. Without another thought I shoved my muzzle into the water and drank all that I could, until my thirst was sated. I leaned back and gasped for air, rolling onto my back as I covered my eyes with a foreleg. This . . . all of this feels like some sick dream, like I'm starting over from scratch. Bruised, bloody and nearly dead. I felt like I was reliving the day of Canterlot’s fall . . . the day I crawled into the Everfree and went into hiding. Except this time I hadn't been thrown from a mountain, or had my element ripped from me. No. . . this time I was in this mess because of my own choice, my own fear.

I finally picked myself up once more and slowly waded into the stream, sitting in its cool water. I washed the blood from my coat and mane, taking a moment to curse at my darkness once I realized she was right about my mane. I bet Scoots would have loved to seen it like this . . . her big sis having a mane like hers. I really do miss her, I miss all those I've lost. I just wish that I could have done something, anything, to save them. My body began to tremble as I thought about them all and tears began to stream down my muzzle, while sobs escaped me. I stared into my reflection on the water and only wept harder as I did. I was a failure . . . I was worthless as a protector.

I sat there and cried, feeling sorry for myself, until the chill of the water became to much and made my way back onto the bank of the stream. I didn't even take time to dry myself off as I began walking once more, following the stream. Occasionally I would catch glimmers of light play at the water's surface and look to see my sorry reflection, only to sink further into sadness. I didn't even look like my former self anymore with my mane cut, and the cutie mark on my right flank scarred by Diamond Dogs. It was fitting though as I was no longer the mare I once was. I wasn't even the mare that, not to long ago, I believed I had become . . . as things stood I was simply a ghost of an Equestria that would never return.

Chapter 16: You're Gonna Go Far.

Loyalty’s Vengeance,

Chapter 16: You’re Gonna Go Far.

I stared into the embers of a fire I'd started, lost in thought, as I passed the time. I had spent three and a half days walking, following that stream I'd stumbled across. Two days ago I caught sight of Cloudsdale and for a second considered heading there, but eventually decided against it. I gotta admit that it didn't look any different from the last time I saw it, then again it was probably crawling with Changelings. Even I would think Chrysalis a fool if she didn't secure such a city, though I consider her a fool no matter what. Despite all that I now found myself sitting here, at the foot of Canterlot, wishing that I was stronger. When that once grand beacon of ponykind first came into sight . . . well I broke down. I couldn't help but fall deeper into this sadness I surrounded myself with, and lament my pathetic being. Even now my eyes burn with the stinging sensation of freshly shed tears. All I've been able to do these last few days is cry and wallow in self-pity, like the failure I am. The only respite I've found during this time was the silence my darker self offered, which honestly scarred me worse with each passing hour. I know she's there, waiting in the corner of my mind, watching my suffering with that smile of hers.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” I suddenly found myself asking. I've been reduced to this . . . this whimpering excuse of a pony, not from loss or pain. No, this time it was because I finally realized that I was a monster . . . I was a killer. That ghost, Braeburn, had warned me of this and yet I was too foolish to listen. Did I deserve this misery, this building self-hatred that was threatening to devour me whole? Would I lose everything because of my own actions, and my own twisted sense of loyalty? The dead have no need for loyalty or anything of the like, because they're gone. Was my dark self right, did I simply wish to repay blood with blood? Could I really be so indulgent of my own desires, and could those desires really be so grim? I couldn't help but sigh as I tossed another piece of wood onto the fire, and closed my eyes as I listened to it crackle in the flames. In a way I was like the very wood I burned for warmth, just a piece of scrap that served no purpose but to burn and be reduced to ash.

Now that I think about it . . . the spot that I landed, when I was tossed from Canterlot isn't too far away from here. Neither is Ponyville . . . maybe I should go back and check in, though I know it's probably just a ghost town. Suddenly my head began to ache as visions of Ponyville flooded my mind, along with all the bodies I left there in my wake. “Dammit . . .” I mumbled under my breath as the thoughts slowly subsided, leaving me with nothing but the silence around me. There in that silence, in the still of the night, I found myself without a single thought other than returning to Ponyville. Could I really return though? Could I willingly go back to . . . to the beginning? I stood and kicked at the ground, finally realizing that it wasn't a question of if I should, or could, go back. I had to return to Ponyville, without a doubt. That place, once filled with happiness, was the place where I first took a life and found enjoyment in it. Ponyville was the key, the place where my darkness was born, or at the least conceived. The only question was how returning could help rid me of that same darkness, the Dark Dash within me. Still I now had my answer, at least on where to go and it was better than nothing. Though I would never admit it to the darkness within, I had intended to return to the spot where I had fallen, in hopes of being rid of her . . . in hopes of reclaiming myself.

I sighed and sat back down, prodding the fire with a twig, as I mulled over my revelation. To be honest I knew, somewhere inside of me, that I would have to go back. Though when I told my darkness I was returning to the beginning, I didn't expect it to be Ponyville . . . or maybe I did and just didn't even realize it. More likely I just didn't wanna think about that place again, let alone see it. I seem to do that a lot though, act without thinking and try to handle things as they happen . . . all while trying to ignore what I actually fear. That way of thinking and acting, well it hasn't really worked out well. I wouldn't be sitting here, alone and wallowing in pity, if it actually worked. My rashness was the constant thorn in my side, and on more than one occasion my downfall. I wish I was able to do away with it and be more like AJ, Trixie, or Redheart. Actually . . . I just wish they were with me. No matter how much I wished though I knew I couldn't return to them, not until I was free of this darkness within. Then again . . . if I couldn't rid myself of it I may never see them again.

My chest began to burn as I moved a hoof over my heart, tears once more starting to form at the corners of my eye's. I had just gotten AJ back, after so many years of living without her. I was finally able to reunite with her, and now we're apart once more. I even left Redheart and Trixie behind, without so much as a word. I'm almost certain they're freaking out, worried sick about me, after I ran away covered in blood. I tried to wipe away my tears as I thought about everypony, but it was useless as each thought brought on more and more heartache. How could I be so selfish as to run and make them worry, then try to comfort myself with thoughts of protecting them from . . . myself. “Buck me, I'm an idiot,” I sighed as I held my head in my hooves.

Is something wrong, Dashie Dearest?

My skin crawled as I heard her call out to me and I slammed my hooves down in frustration. “What!? What do you want from me now? Why do you choose to call out to me now, are you no longer entertained by this sorrow that has filled me? No longer amused by your plot to break me?” I called out in reply.

I was . . . But after that little display I may have to reconsider. I could hear her laughing. I could almost see that smile of hers, twisted in its depravity, as she enjoyed my pain. But I still feel like you can suffer even more, and I intend to make you suffer in every way imaginable. Because as I've told you, my dearest of Dashies, I plan to shatter you into a thousand tiny pieces.

“Leave me be you sadistic bitch!” I shouted as I jumped to my hooves and cursed at the sky.

You know I'm not up there, right? Though I do belong in the heavens, but that's a given. Sadly for you, and I both, I'm stuck inside your pretty little head . . . for now.

“Don't worry I'll be rid of you soon enough.” All the sorrow and remorse I had been drowning in seemed to drain away as I spoke, now replaced by hatred. This hatred that burned inside me, the hatred I had for my darkness, was beginning to rival that which I felt for Chrysalis.

You know, Dashie, all this pain and suffering could come to a quick end. All you'd have to do is accept me and return to our former glory.

“I'll never accept you or your lies, and I'm growing tired of reminding you of that.”

And each time you deny me I only want you more.

She went silent after that, once again leaving me to my thoughts. I tried to calm myself as I felt tension spread throughout my entire body, and sat back down by the fire. I stared deep into the flames and found that it's once comforting glow now just reminded me further of my misery . . . of my darkness. How much more of this could I really take? How much longer could I torment myself with all these emotions, all these memories, and the weight of my sins. Have I fallen too far into the maw of darkness? Could returning to Ponyville even resolve anything, or would it be the final piece to my darkness' ascension? I pushed these thoughts aside and rose to stand again, before kicking dirt onto the fire. Once the fire was out the world returned to its dimly lit self, giving me nothing but faint moonlight to navigate it. With one final moment to collect my thoughts I pushed forward, and headed for Ponyville.

All was silent as I made my way towards my former home, with only the sound of my hoofsteps breaking the silence. Even though I was removed from the carnage, and battle that I'd come to know, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. Usually I would find solace in a silence such as this, use it to clear my thoughts and emotions. This silence, however, was different. Within the quiet world I now found myself in I could feel nothing but a creeping fear, as if I were being watched. I stopped and looked around, thinking I heard something move, taking a moment to try an rationalize this feeling. That's when I caught sight of something unmistakable, row upon row of apple trees as far as I could see. Even though their branches were broken and twisted, I knew exactly what this place was . . . it was Sweet Apple Acres. The once glorious jewel of the Apple family was now nothing more than dying land, blotted with decaying trees, that stunk of death and rot. An unbearable pain surged through my body as I fell to the ground, my mind filling to burst with images of this place's former glory. I recalled memories forged in this place with AJ, Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith. Each and everyone causing my chest to heave with sobs that I fought to restrain.

You know the saddest part of all this is you're doing this to yourself. Didn't I tell you to let go of your past? I mean it's done, lost to the echoes of time, and every time you recall those 'happy memories’ this happens.

“Just be quiet . . . my memories are the only things that keep me sane.”

Keep telling yourself that and maybe one day you'll realize it's a lie. I mean, as I see things, you're always fine until you dredge the waters for a memory or two. Then it's nothing but pain and agony, opposed to the relief that you believe them to bring you.

“I don't remember asking for your opinion. So why not do me a favor and keep it to yourself. My memories are treasures that I will never let go of. But I don't expect some perverted creature like you to understand.”

You're right, I don't understand. I don't understand why you hold onto weakness so willingly . . . but that just makes your inevitable defeat all the more real.

“My defeat? I'm not going to be defeated, not by you or anypony,” I replied as I stood and steadied myself. “No matter how much pain, or weakness, or whatever else my memories bring me . . . I'll never let them go.”

You know . . . you keep saying that and I thought by now it'd be getting old, but it's just as funny as ever.

“I don't give a damn how funny you think it is, you're just covering your fear with condescending nonsense, you overgrown shadow.”

I'm afraid, really? You're the one who abandoned her friends because she feared what would happen to them if you stuck around. I believe that's the pot calling the kettle black, or something like that. So why don't you take a bit more time to think, next time, before you speak.

I growled in frustration and kicked a small stone, sending it flying into the darkness of the orchard. I was on the verge of responding to my darkness’ idiotic comments, when I heard something move among the trees. The snap of twigs and dead leaves, accompanied by a menacing growl and then suddenly a silhouette. Two piercing eyes gazed at me, unwavering in their stare, as the creature moved towards me. “Who the hell are you and why are you kicking rocks into my woods?” A low gruff voice called out, before the creature finally stepped into the silver light of the moon and revealed itself to be a massive diamond dog. “Wait a minute . . . You look familiar.” He smiled and revealed a mouth full of jagged teeth, flexing his clawed hands. “You're that pony that killed my pack. I was hoping I'd run into you someday, and it seems this is my lucky day,” the diamond dog said as he began to walk towards me. “I'm gonna make a meal of you and use you bones as a toothpick.”

I bet you regret dropping your sword back in Van Hoover now, don't you?

“You're not helping,” I muttered under my breath as I suddenly took off deeper into the orchard, trying to escape that monstrous diamond dog.

“Where are you trying to run off to!?” I heard him roar when the ground beneath me seemed to lift up. I leapt back just as his body erupted from the earth, and barely avoided a powerful swipe. I ducked under another attack and took off again, only to have one of my hind legs grabbed hold of. The dog lifted me into the air and swung me around, before slinging me into a nearby tree. My body crashed against it, I heard the trunk crack and strain from the force, before suddenly toppling over. I gasped for air and felt blood beginning to pool in my mouth, as I forced myself back to my hooves. I didn't have much time before he was on me again, a claw held high above him intent on crushing me beneath it. I wasn't able to run away this time, but I'd be damned if I was gonna die, so I did the only thing I could do . . . I fought. He brought his claw crashing down just as I dashed forward, barely missing me as I lowered my head and rammed into his stomach. He staggered back and clutched his stomach, before letting out a frustrated growl.

I couldn't give him any time to gather himself, not if I intended to survive . . . especially without my weapon. I closed the distance between us and stood up on my hind legs, before firing off several shots with my forehooves to his muzzle. He let out a shrill whine and sent me flying with a backhand. I finally slammed onto the ground and shakily stood back up, coughing up a fine mist of blood. The ground seemed to shake as he stomped towards me, pushing over a tree that stood between us, before letting out a rage filled roar. He rushed me suddenly and without a second thought I did the same, sliding between his legs as he tried to land a killing blow. I jumped up, my body aching from old and fresh wounds, and leapt onto his back. I brought my forehooves together and smashed them down on his head, only to have him howl in pain and grab me. He tossed me from his back, slamming me to the ground once more as he began to rain down attacks. I frantically rolled across the ground and finally found enough of a window to stand, only to have him slam his fist down on my back and put me back on the ground.

“I'm gonna enjoy tearing you apart, limb from limb, and hearing you scream.” He said as he picked me up and slammed me against the ground several times.

This wasn't good . . . I was losing consciousness. I could feel all my strength draining away, my very life was flashing before my eyes. Was this really how I was destined die, at the hands of some diamond dog? Was this some sort of cosmic Irony, a fitting punishment for slaughtering those diamond dogs in Ponyville? Wait . . . he said it was his pack. I fought against the blood filled coughs that escaped me, and through the blistering pain managed to squeak out a few words. “You . . . you said I killed . . . your pack.”

The diamond dog let out an unsettling laugh as he lifted me, by one of my hind legs, and stared at me. “That's right, filthy pony. Those diamond dogs were my pack and I was their alpha. You just happened to attack them when I was away on my queen's orders. Had I been there . . . well things would have ended differently.” He squeezed my leg and I let out an agonizing cry as I felt it start to break, then suddenly he let up. “You're the most entertaining thing I've had to play with in a while. Not like that foolish pony that wanders around here, acting like her life isn't completely destroyed. She just runs when she sees me and it's become rather annoying.”

What the hell was he talking about . . . a foolish pony? There isn't anypony left in Ponyville. “I think you're imagining things,” I said as my chest strained to keep breath in my lungs. “All the ponies of Ponyville are dead.”

He was silent at first but then began to chuckle, and eventually bursted out into full on laughter. Once he regained his composure he smiled and brought me closer to his face. “She's what's left of the ponies that used to run this place, or at least that's what I was told. But I wouldn't worry myself with that, if I were you, you'll be dead soon and none of this will matter.”

There was somepony still alive here! It has to be one of the Apple’s, it just has to be. I can't let myself die now, not after learning about this . . . there has to be a way out of this. I couldn't think of anything, I couldn't even begin to think of anything and then I noticed his smug grin. He knew I was wracking my brain with what he just told me, that sick bastard! He wants me to try and put up a fight, just so I'll die kicking and screaming . . . well buck him. I was gonna survive and I was gonna find whoever it was that still lived here. Aside from that I still had to destroy my darkness and return to everypony. I couldn't just die and let them live not knowing what became of me . . . no . . . I have to survive.

“I think it's time I ended this, Rainbow Dash. My queen will reward me handsomely for bringing her your head.” He readied his free hand to land the finishing blow, his claws glistening in the glow of dawn's first light.

“She probably would . . . but you'll never get to find out.” Suddenly I threw my head forward and grabbed his head between my forehooves, as I bit down on his throat with all my strength. He began to let out a surprised yelp, but was quickly silenced as he let go of my leg and I twisted in the air. Between my quickly shifting weight and the force of my jaws I could taste blood, his blood, start to trickle into my mouth. I planted my hind legs into his stomach and pushed off with all I had. I could hear skin, muscle, and sinew begin to tear, when finally I managed to rip his throat out. I landed on the ground with a hard thud and struggled to stand, as I spat the blood and chunk of flesh from my mouth. I watched him squeeze his throat in vain as blood cascaded down him, and eventually he fell. I limped to his side and stared down at him, the last lingering bit of life quickly fading from him. “Buck you and your bucking queen,” I said as I watched him die.

Holy shit . . . that was bucking savage, even by my standards. But weren't you freaking out about killing things?

“Yeah . . . and I'll end up feeling awful about this, eventually. But right now I only need to worry about surviving.”

I think you might have some mental issues, Dashie.

“I don't give a shit . . .” Suddenly my body was stiff and heavy, as the trees around me began to spin. “Dammit, I should have . . . just . . . ran,” I managed before falling to the ground, my body too weak to move anymore. Then the all too familiar feeling of sleep began to creep over me, but I was too weakened to resist as I allowed myself to drift off into its embrace.

Chapter 17: The Horror Of Hospitality.

Loyalty's Vengeance,

Chapter 17: The Horror Of Hospitality.

Warmth . . . I could feel warmth surrounding my entire being, as it seemed to cradle me. I could feel the warm rays of the sun shining down on me as I tried to rouse myself, but found that I couldn't move. My eyes opened slowly and I stared up blankly at . . . a ceiling. What the hell was a ceiling doing above me? I remember collapsing in the orchard after the fight . . . so why am I here? I looked around the room I found myself in, noticing that it somehow seemed familiar. I tried to rise up once more, my plan to get a better idea of my situation, however I was still unable to move. I looked down at my body and froze, a mix of shock and confusion taking hold of me, as I saw several straps in place to hold me still. Why the hell was I here? Why was I strapped to this bed? How in the name of Celestia did I even get here? My mind raced, thoughts of the worst possibilities filling my head, and my heart pounded within my chest. I didn't like this . . . this restraint. I had to get free, I had to somehow slip free of these bonds. I struggled and tried to wriggle out from beneath them, only to have them feel as if they tightened with each movement. Please . . . please somepony get me out of these things.

I was on the verge of tears when my heart stopped, and my eyes turned their focus to the door of the room. I could hear hoofsteps drawing near, along with a soft hum that steadily grew louder. I could feel my heart start to pound once more, and swallowed hard as I anticipated who, or what, would soon be in this room with me. Until this unknown being arrived, however, I would try to get a better idea of where I was . . . but first I had to calm down. As I looked around I was filled with a sense of nostalgia, almost like I had been here before. Despite that I still couldn't shake the unease I felt, the foreboding sense of dread that slowly spread throughout my body. The hoofsteps continued to draw nearer and just as I was about to put forth another attempt to free myself, I caught sight of a small picture frame. My eyes focused on the frame and the photograph within, and I finally realized why this place felt so familiar. I was inside the Apple family home . . . but that still didn't answer why I was restrained, or any of my other questions.

The hoofsteps I had heard earlier came to a stop just outside of the room. I stared at the door as my body tensed, and tried my best to push back the unease that gripped me. The door opened slowly and I held my breath in anticipation, waiting to see who was responsible for my current situation. A slender earth pony mare stepped through the door, her red mane, and pale olive coat ragged . . . unkempt with a bow. “Apple Bloom! You're alive!” I shouted as soon as I saw her. There was no mistaking it, despite everything I believed to be true, there stood Apple Bloom. The bit of happiness I felt was quickly replaced with guilt, as I found myself thinking about all that Apple Bloom must have been through. She lost her entire family, her home, her very way of life . . . all of that she had to face alone.

“Of course I'm alive, silly. Why wouldn't I be?” She continued to smile as she spoke, making her way to the bedside. “Now what in tarnation made you think I'd be dead?”

“I . . . I Thought everypony in Ponyville was dead. I mean . . . I watched those Diamond Dogs kill so many ponies, I never would have imagined you survived.” I couldn't find any other words than those, retreating back into my thoughts after I spoke. Had she been here this whole time, waiting out some never ending storm? She had undoubtedly believed, just as Braeburn had, that AJ would return . . . that the elements would be victorious. So she sat here, hiding, waiting for a reality that would never exist. Suddenly I pulled myself away from those thoughts, forcing my mind back to the present. “Why do you have me tied down?” Applebloom just sat at the bedside, her smile ever present, as she listened to me intently. She finally moved, standing and turning from me, as I asked her about the straps holding me down.

She walked to the far corner of the room, stopping as she stared at the photo I'd noticed earlier. That's when I swore I heard her whisper faintly under her breath, just quiet enough for her words to elude me. It was then that I looked her over more carefully, taking note to how she'd grown over the years. I bet AJ would have been happy to see her sister alive, to see how she's grown. Last time they met she was barely half our size and now, as I looked at her, it was easy to see she was just as tall. Despite that she looked thin and frail, as if she hadn't had a decent meal in ages. I was so caught up in my thoughts of AJ and Apple Bloom, that I didn't even notice the later had now turned to face me again.

“Rainbow Dash I found you in the orchard, nearly dead, and brought you back here. I'm guessing that big ol’ diamond dog was what did it to ya, but he looked a lot worse for wear.” She moved back to the bedside and sat back on her haunches, moving a forehoof to one of the straps. “When I got you here we tried to figure out what to do with you, and finally we decided to put you in here. Now you were pretty messed up, keep that in mind, so we reckoned it was best to restrain you. That way you couldn't move around and hurt yourself.”

“Apple Bloom . . . who is 'we’?” I asked after she spoke, trying to fully grasp everything.

"You sure are acting strange,” she said with a chuckle. “I mean who else could we be? I'm talking bout the rest of my family. AJ was worried sick about you, I could tell. She kept coming in and checking on you every few minutes.”

I stared at Apple Bloom, completely silent, as I thought over her words carefully. She said her family was here . . . the family that I knew were dead, hell I had buried them. The only survivor was AJ and she was in Van Hoover, no where near us. Apple Bloom believed she was here, that her entire family was here and alive. I suddenly felt the need to be free of my restraints grow, as more and more questions emerged from the depths of my consciousness. “Apple Bloom can you take these things off me? I'd like to go and thank the others.”

Apple Bloom’s smile quickly faded as she took a tight hold of the strap across my chest, tightening it until I felt my chest heave against its bind. “You haven't healed up yet Dash, so I can't let you out of bed,” She moved to the next strap and tightened it as well, as she spoke, causing a small pain to shoot up my injured hind leg. “Granny will give me a whooping if I don't take proper care of you.”

“Apple Bloom stop!” I shouted as I tried get her to listen. “I don't know what Granny told you, but it'll be alright to set me free. You'll even be taking better care of me if you do.” My words fell on deaf ears as she continued tightening the straps, until they were all satisfactory to her.

“Sorry Rainbow, but I ain't going against Granny. She really knows how to be a mean one when I don't listen, and I'd rather avoid getting yelled at.”

“The hell do you mean? Granny would never yell at you. I'm sure you're just over exaggerating . . . “ I trailed off when I noticed the look she gave me, and the vacancy in her eyes. Those eyes of hers, once filled with youth and passion, now we're like voids of darkness. They didn’t shine or sparkle, but instead reflected my very soul back at me. This young mare was gazing into my very being, judging my every word, and weighing its merit . . . it's worth. Why did she look at me in such a way? It was as if I was suddenly no more than a stranger, who said something she didn't wanna hear. I was almost frightened by her gaze as I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“Are you saying you know what Granny Smith wants? You claiming to know what she told me herself, Rainbow? Or maybe you're trying to say I'm crazy, is that it?” She suddenly slammed her hoof down on my injured leg, a cry of pain escaping me after. “You can't know what Granny wants . . . only I can. She doesn't even tell Big Mac, or Applejack, what she wants. That's because I'm the only one she trusts.” Her hoof twisted against my leg, as my body began to ache and I felt pain filled tears begin to form.

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me. I wasn't trying to speak for Granny Smith.”

Her smile slowly returned as I frantically apologized and she was suddenly back to her old self. “I'm gonna take real good care of you, Rainbow Dash, so don't worry. You'll be right as rain in no time.” She stood up and stepped back before giggling, covering her mouth with a forehoof as she did. “Just remember to be a good house guest and we won't have any problems, understand?”

I nodded my head and swallowed before replying, my mind racing in thought. “Y-yes . . . I understand.”

“Good!” She replied with an overbearance of excitement. “Then I'm gonna go get supper ready. Everypony else is starving and I’m sure you are as well. Now don't be going off no where, cause I'd hate to have to come looking for ya.” With that she turned and quickly made her way out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

After I heard the door shut and Apple Bloom head down the hall, my first thought was freedom. I had to get out of this mess, to get away and forget what just happened. She's nothing like that little pony you have in your memories. I'm not even sure that is the pony you remember. I heard the darkness call out suddenly and gritted my teeth in frustration. In fact I think she's more like you, in a sense. She's broken and clinging to memories, lost within a self burdened weakness, as she slowly loses touch with reality.

“Shut up, shut up, shut up,” I mumbled as I continued to struggle, in vain, against my restraints. “The last thing I need is you chiming in with your idiocy.”

My idiocy? Well if that's how you choose to take my council, then so be it. I suppose I'll just stay quiet and let you face this trial alone. Wonder how long it'll take you to break.

“Your council? I don't know if you actually pay attention to the shit you say, but it's most certainly not any council.” There was no reply after I spoke, just silence that slowly regained its hold over the room I was in. No hoofsteps, no darkness, only the beating of my heart and worried breaths.

I couldn't control the thoughts that ran through my mind, as I tried to make sense of all this. Apple Bloom had saved me, in a sense, but now she had me tied down at the request of a dead pony. None of this made any sense to me, and I had this foreboding sense of dread still swallowing my entirety. I tried to calm myself, pushing aside all the chaos within my head, and think of a way out. I was beginning to feel panic take hold as I continued my pointless struggle for freedom, finally deciding the straps wouldn't budge. I wonder what AJ, or Trixie, or Redheart would do in this situation? I wonder if any of them would have even gotten themselves into this mess? It's pointless to try and think about things like that, when the truth is . . . I'm stuck in this mess by myself. I sighed as I had these thoughts cross my mind and soon found that those three, the three I had abandoned, were all that I could think about. Why had I run away? Did I really fear my own darkness so much, or did I fear becoming close to them? It took all that I had not to break down into tears, thinking about the precious moments I'd spent with them. I was quickly ripped from those thoughts when I heard the door open once more, and soon after Apple Bloom appeared carrying a tray on her back. The smile she had earlier still graced her face, though it seemed a bit twisted, as she walked to the bedside.

“I hope you're hungry, Rainbow Dash, I worked really hard on fixing up this stew,” she said through her smile as she sat the tray on the bedside table. “Granny and the others thought it was great, so I hope you'll think the same.”

I was about to reply and try to reason with Apple Bloom to release me again, but then I was overcome by the scent of her stew. It was putrid and fetid, causing my stomach to turn as I fought the urge to gag. “The hell is in that?” I asked as I turned my head from it, trying to find even a small breath of fresh air.

Apple Bloom’s smile slowly faded and I turned back to see her pick up the spoon she'd brought, dipping it into the viscous bowl of broth. “Now, now, Rainbow . . . there's no need to be rude. My family thought this was good enough for them, so it's plenty good enough for you.”

I didn't have a chance to reply, to protest, or voice any thought I may have had about Apple Bloom’s words. Suddenly she slammed a hoof down on my injured leg, causing a loud shout to escape me, and I felt the spoon she held jam into my mouth. The pungent aroma of the stew overtook my senses as she force fed me, and then her hooves clamped down on my muzzle until I swallowed. I could feel the vile substance make its way down my throat, causing my body to convulse, as I desperately tried to break free of Apple Bloom’s hooves to spit it back up.

“Don't even think of getting sick, you shouldn't waste the kindness of others . . . and if you do I'll just have to shove it back down your throat by force.” She said in a crazed whisper as she released my muzzle and began stroking my mane. “Why do you keep making me hurt you, Dash, I just want to help you. I mean you think everypony is dead, so something has to be wrong with you.”

“They are dead!” I shouted back in reply, my patience running thin. “They're all dead, every pony in Ponyville is dead! I know because I buried them!” Apple Bloom fell deathly silent, her eyes turned down to gaze at the floor, as I shouted at her. I even felt bad afterwards . . . until she raised her head back up and glared at me, a sinister grin on her face. I was shocked by the sight, finding myself suddenly envisioning my dark half and that damn smile of hers.

“I'm gonna hurt you, Rainbow Dash.” She said after a moment. “I'm gonna hurt you, until you're free of these thoughts. I'll cure you with the only truth that exists . . . pain.”

“What the bu- “ I started to shout in protest, only to have Apple Bloom quickly grab the bowl of stew and slam it down onto my muzzle. My entire being was assaulted by the stench and foul odor of the stew, while I choked on it.

“Make sure you eat it all, Dashie,” she said as she laughed, watching me struggle with some kind of joy.

I continued to fight for air, finally turning my head enough to shake the bowl from my muzzle. This whole situation was more than I could handle, as I laid there at the mercy of a pony who was once Apple bloom. What bothered me the most though was what she called me . . . Dashie. Of course it wasn't anything I hadn't been called before, but it was usually my darkness that reserved that name for me. The longer this all went on the more I was convinced Apple Bloom had lost all her sanity, and I was almost certain she held a darkness in her, just as I did. She must have surrendered to her darkness, to the voice that Clawed at her mind . . . would I suffer the same fate? Between my thoughts and coughing up that abomination called stew, I didn't even notice the twisted sense of joy displayed in Apple Bloom's smile. Not until I found her hooves wrapped around my throat.

“Why are you even here!?” She shouted as she bared all her weight down on me, her hooves trying to squeeze the very life from my lungs, as she straddled my body. “You're not real! Applejack told me you're not real, you bucking changeling!”

I tried to say something, anything, but I couldn't even manage a single word. I tried all that I could, struggling with everything in me, as I felt my lungs burn for air. Was this how I was gonna die, at the hooves of Apple Bloom? No . . . I can't allow this to happen. I can't let her end my journey, not after all I've done, after all I've seen and slaughtered. Would I have to add Apple Bloom to that list, could I add her to that list? I was close to blacking out, when I realized my forehooves were slipping free of their binding. I strained to cast my gaze down, seeing my forehooves drenched in the stew I'd been forcibly fed and covered in. With what strength I could muster I pulled one of my forehooves free and quickly used it to bash Apple Bloom in the side of the head, sending her toppling from atop me. I made quick work of the straps, first freeing my other forehoof and then the rest of my body. I rolled off the bed and winced as my injured leg made contact with the floor, forcing me to shift my weight.

“I was, I mean AJ was, right about you! The real Rainbow Dash would never have hit me!” Apple Bloom shouted as she climbed back to her hooves. “I've gotta get rid of you before you can hurt the others!” Apple Bloom rushed me and I quickly sent her rolling back across the floor, causing her to slam into the dresser in the rooms corner. The photo from earlier fell from the dresser and slammed onto the ground, the sound of shattering glass ringing out. She went silent as we stared at each other, before turning and retrieving the photo. She examined it as she held it and offered me a quick glance, when she suddenly left the room without another word.

“What in the actual buck just happened? I mean for the love of Celestia, am I in some kind of nightmare? Surely Apple Bloom isn't this messed up.” I said aloud as I stared at the door of the room, the soft echo of hoofsteps moving farther away with each moment.

I think you wish you were in a nightmare, because you realize that this reality . . . is the most nightmarish thing you've come across.

“I thought you were gonna keep your mouth shut.” I replied curtly as I moved towards the door.

Oh I don't plan to say much more than that, well other than this. Somepony has to remind you that this is real, otherwise you'll convince yourself differently.

“Right now I'd rather convince myself of anything other than this, if we're being honest.” I pressed a forehoof against the door and pushed it open, peeking out into the hallway. I was immediately met with the overbearing scent of decay and rotten flesh, as I held back the urge to be sick. The stew had been bad enough and even though it covered me, it was nothing compared to the odor that now attacked my senses. “What . . . dear Celestia what is causing that?” I asked as I stepped out into the hall and slowly creeped towards the stairs. The closer I got to the stairs the stronger the odor grew, making my eyes water as I coughed. Suddenly I could hear Apple Bloom's voice, as she carried on a conversation with some unseen partner. After the way things have gone so far, I was more than a bit cautious as I started my descent down the stairs. I wasn't prepared for what I saw once I got to the bottom step, and turned to look into the living room of the Apple house. There Apple Bloom sat on a molded couch, her brother's corpse next to her and Granny’s sitting opposite them in her rocking chair.

Both of their bodies were severely decayed with bone showing through eviscerated, disfigured, coats and scraps of flesh. The smell that permeated from them was horrendous, as festering remnants of organs clung to their rotten bodies or laid at their hooves. Apple Bloom just sat there talking to them, as if they were alive and well, moving Big Mac’s jaw with a hoof as she mimicked his voice. I watched in horror as Mac’s jaw suddenly fell away and landed on the floor, only to have Apple Bloom pick it up. There was a sudden crunch as she forced the jaw back into place, and she smiled as she took away her hoof to make sure it stayed in place.

I backed away slowly, accidentally backing into a small table, causing the various items on it to shake and topple over. I froze and swallowed hard, my eyes focused on Apple Bloom. She was silently facing Granny Smith, still as death, before a small chuckle escaped her. Her head turned slowly, tilting to the side, and soon I was staring at her. There was a large, twisted, horrifying smile that stretched unsettlingly across her face and I could feel fear well inside me. Without a word I suddenly found myself slammed against the wall, Apple Bloom’s muzzle just inches from mine and a knife at my throat.

“I was talking with Granny and Big Mac,” she said before pausing and looking over her shoulder at their bodies. “We all agree that you need,” she paused again and turned back to me, her bottom lip bleeding as she bit down on it with a sick excitement. “Some old fashion Apple family hospitality.”

Well now . . . I wonder what that could mean?

Chapter 18: Sweet Apple Sunset.