Chapters And then Fighting Broke Out
I was shaken awake by Rainbow Dash, peering at my over the rim of the bed.
“Good, you finally awake,” she said, smirking, “We thought you had turned to stone or something.” I looked over the edge of the wooden bunk bed to see that everyone was already awake. Rarity was fussing over her hair, Fluttershy was looking at little animal carvings in the woodwork, AppleJack was organizing her things, and Pinkie was drinking some hot sauce.
I shoved myself up, shaking off the heavy lead that had settled in my limbs as I slept. I hopped out of my highest bunk, my legs buckling as I hit the ground. I stood up shakily, wondering if this is what Rainbow Dash felt like when I had woken her up yesterday.
The train soon rolled into the station, and we all filed out. Princess Cadence was waiting for us, and gave us all a quick up-to-date briefing. Then she pointed us in the right direction and was gone faster than a cheetah in a jetpack.
We walked through Canterlot, noticing everyone scrabbling around, worried, panicked expressions on their faces.
“Jeez, this thang must be big, if it makes this big a’ fuss,” AppleJack mumbled under her breath, as a group of young ponies started crying before us. Oh, if only she knew. I had a good description, and even I was scared, having never seen it. It must be massive though.
We started to climb up a steep mountain trail, and our pace slowed down as it became more narrow. We sent up Rainbow Dash to scout the trail, and she told us that other than it being narrow, there was nothing dangerous. So, I decided to make some conversation as we went.
“Girls, we need a game plan,” I waited for some suggestions, but none came. So I continued. “I think we should all stick together, in case the Elements are needed for force. I also want anyone to be in too much danger facing it alone. First we will try to reason with it. Next, bargain, and then, force. If it gets violent, then we go straight to force. Got it?” I got nods and murmurs of agreement from my friends, and we continued up the steep trail.
We were approaching the top when the reality of the situation hit me in the face. This dragon was much, much bigger than anyone’s mind could imagine. If you multiply the size of the dragon by Ponyville by one hundred, you might get about two-thirds of this thing. It took up the whole mountain valley, and Canterlot wouldn’t stand a chance.
Fluttershy burst into tears on sight. Rarity fainted dead away. AppleJack started pacing, Pinkie Pie bounced uncontrollably, and Rainbow floated with her mouth gaping open. I thought I heard her mutter, “I knew I shouldn’t of come.” Maybe that was just my thoughts put into words, though. I couldn’t be sure.
“Girls...” I started, but had to swallow a couple times to get rid of the hard lump in my throat. “Girls, let’s get this over with.”
We fumbled down the mountain, actually rolling into the Fury’s huge head. Its black eyes flew open, and the orange spikes on its spine pricked up. It’s scarlet body lifted onto its feet, making it look a whole lot larger and us look a whole lot smaller.
I took a step forward and said clearly, “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. You are disturbing a city nearby, and we are asking you to kindly leave.” I trembled before him, but kept my face set, trying not to let my fear slip through. I heard a deep, rolling, kind of coughing sound, and it took me moment to realize he was laughing. That’s when he spoke.
“Oh, my dear friend, Twilight Sparkle. Nice to make an acquaintance, it’s my honor. Please, I would just like to know....what would you do if I refused you generous offer?” He lifted a scaly eyebrow thing at me, and I shivered. I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Luckily, AppleJack stepped in for me.
“Then we’ll bargain with ya,” AppleJack said with bravery and determination. She had her feet planted firmly on the ground, not smiling, but not frowning.
“And then we’ll use force,” Rainbow Dash added in. I whirled around in horror and stared at her, terrified. She just looked back at me, obviously confused. What she didn’t understand was that instead of intimidating to the Fury, or at least amusing, all she had done was make him more angry than he already was, unlocking his reserves of hatred.
I started casting a spell for a forcefield, but it was too late. It seemed like it all happened it slow motion. Rainbow’s eyes widening, the Fury’s mouth opening and unleashing an unrelenting wave of fire, Rainbow’s choked screamed leaving her mouth as she struggled to turn in the air. Too soon, the fire was upon her, catching her in the inferno.
“No!” I screamed, tears blurring my eyes as my friend disappeared in the flames. I couldn’t help thinking of the flicker of doubt that had crossed her face on her doorstep. We shouldn’t have come. This was dangerous. We were just normal ponies, we couldn’t handle it all. Isn’t that Celestia’s job?
“Dashie!” Pinkie’s terrified cry cut through my thoughts as she ran over to the diminishing wall of fire, leaving a small, blue pony lying all too still in the ashes. Pinkie listened for a heartbeat, and screamed out relief when she heard one. Faint, but there. She slipped her hooves under Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy now at her side, and lifted her up.
A pained, tortured cry split the air as Rainbow’s eyes flew open, small and bloodshot. She screamed with such force, the yellow and pink ponies cradling her in their arms nearly dropped her. They set her back on the grass, and Rainbow passed out again. I galloped over and stared in dismay at my friend.
He light blue fur was criss-crossed with singeing, blistering burn marks. If she even survived, those would scare her for life. Some of the feathers on her wings were missing, but surprisingly most weren’t burnt. Her body lay limp against the valley grass, her breathing ragged, shallow, and raspy.
I whirled around to face the dragon, who had been idly twiddling his thumbs as if nothing had happened. There was no way I was bargaining with this thing now.
“Elements of Harmony, attack-”
“Twilight! Rainbow Dash can’t fight!” Rarity cut into my sentence, having cleared her mind from when she fainted. She stared at me, with a scared look that made her look very young, not that she didn’t look young already. But she looked like if she could, she would just go crying to her mom.
“Well then, we’ll have to fight ourselves!” I ran over to a trembling AppleJack, and we stared up at the beast for a moment. He knew what we were doing. And he was glad, too. Then, I teleported us both up onto his head.
“AppleJack, I need you to keep kicking his eyes,” I said quickly, “And don’t stop, no matter what.” I got my nod of submission and went off to Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy, I need you to watch Rainbow Dash. And I know his sounds bad, but if you get in serious trouble leave her. She might not survive anyway.” Fluttershy gave a hardened nod and trotted back to Dash. I told Rarity to protect Fluttershy, and left them to deal with my poor burned friend.
“Pinkie! You’re my distraction. You run around, making the most noise you can. Just don’t get caught, got it?” She swallowed hard and lowered her head, then looked up with determination. Then she shot off to do her job.
“Time to work some magic,” I grunted. The dragon was already watching Pinkie through half closed eyes, thanks to AppleJack’s kicking. I dug my hooves in the ground and concentrated. I started to weave ropes out of magic, unbreakable chains. I loop them over his arms and brought his hands, trapped, together. He struggles a bit, then realizes they can’t be broken. So he wriggles them around until his hands are free.
His eyes flick up to the orange pony on his head. He gives a tiny smirk, and starts shaking his head. He starts slowly, then gets faster, making a show out of it. By the time AppleJack is thrown from his head, and plummets towards the earth, I have made a little magic barrier before she hits the ground. Unfortunately, the magic can’t stand that much force, and slows her fall only slightly. She hits the ground and lays winded, her mind dazed.
“She’ll be fine. I hope,” I think to myself. No time to think now, though. They dragon is catching up to Pinkie, whipping his tail in front of her, forcing her to abruptly turn the opposite direction, only to have the tail slam down before her again. He gets menacingly closer each time, and I know soon he will crush her.
I’m sprinting over to her, running as fast as my legs will carry me, when it happens. I feel some tears start to come up again as the tail comes crashing down, Pinkie turning slightly too late, and her back leg getting crushed under the tail. She lets out a gasp of shock which is immediately succeeded by her groan of pain.
The tail slowly lifts up, leaving Pinkie gasping in pain and terror. I run over and meet her eyes, wild and tinged with fear. I teleport her over to Fluttershy and Rarity, flashing myself over as well.
I was on defense now, protecting my friends rather than getting rid of the monster. I was tiring out quickly, though. Using this much magic takes up energy, too. I was exhausted, hardly able to stand on my feet. Fluttershy starts panicking, and I wobble over, leaving Rarity to distract him. Pinkie is asleep, snoring softly. So, what was wrong?
“Twilight, Rainbow isn’t breathing,” she said, in a very worried and scared tone. I know a healing spell. Did I have enough energy to save her? I had to try. I drowsily set my horn on Rainbow’s heart. It was so hard, just squeezing that little bit of magic out that I thought it didn’t save her when I cast the spell. I was instantly relieved when I saw her take a breath, wake up for half second, then slip into unconsciousness again, just like me.
When I awoke, though not much later, Rarity was hardly able to stay on her feet. Blood trickled out of some scratches all over her body. Fluttershy was flying around, distracting the Fury, who looked somewhat bored now. He lifted his hand and flicked her out of the air, sending her crashing onto her side on the ground. AppleJack was awake, but she had broken a leg in the fall.
I knew I had to face him alone. I was so weak though, I didn’t know if I could handle it. I needed to though. For my friends. For Equestria. I planted my feet, digging them in the hard soil. I charged my horn as the dragon started squinting at me, hatred burning like wildfire in his eyes. He smiled, then stepped forward to overcome me.
I let the white beam of magic burst forth from my horn, catching him on the shoulder. He roared with pain, obviously this being the first time he was hurt in his life. He turned and charged at me. I teleported behind him and gave another full blast right into his spine. He doubled over for a moment, then straightened up quickly.
A burning desire to save my friends kept me going for awhile. But soon, my renewed burst of energy was running out, along with my hope. It was only a matter of time before he would end my life with the flick of a tail. I sent a beam toward his eye. He roared furiously, then stopped to move a hand up to it. He seemed to tire greatly, after shooting him in his red eyes, surrounded by green, with purple waves trailing off.
Wait, red eyes? Green surrounding it? Purple waves? That’s how he was staying alive! I had thought that even that many impacts of my magic should have killed him, despite the size. I had to take out his eyes! He could try to use magic, but the change in his eyes was the only way to release the pressure of the magic inside. If I hit those...it plugs up the whole!
I leaped to the side as a ferocious claw sliced the air where I had just been standing. Stick to the plan, but don’t think about it so much that you forget where you are! C’mon, Twilight, get it together!
I saw Rarity trying to make her way over AppleJack. Fluttershy had landed near her, and it was obvious she was in shock. Pinkie Pie had started hobbling back to Canterlot for help, keeping her shattered leg off the ground.
Then I noticed Rainbow Dash, struggling feebly for air and consciousness. She let out a gasp and a sharp cry of pain, and lay heaving, awake on the ground. She was sweating, make her pain worse by putting salt into her burns. Her small pupils flicked around, and I met eyes with her. But this was not Rainbow Dash.
I was staring into the eyes of a wild, injured animal, one that was confused completely on where it was, and knew they needed to get out of there. Anybody that approached them was an enemy. I thought she didn’t recognize me at first. Then her eyes softened a little and gave what I thought was an attempt of a smile. Then she fell over and kept panting.
“I’m sorry, Rainbow,” I whispered, “I am so sorry.” I felt horrible for all my friends, of course, but it was obvious she was much worse off. The fact that she had woken up was a miracle, but then again, she was a tough pony.
I ran towards the angry giant, passing right between his legs. He started twisting around, trying to get his raging claws on me. I teleported up onto his head during the confusion. Then I mustered up the rest of my strength - and shot my magic straight into his eye.
The tremors and the roar was so powerful, it flung me like a ragdoll from my perch on his head. I crashed into the ground, my head spinning. I was in so much pain, my vision flashed red and yellow, and the world spun around me. I tried to breath but found it impossible. I hadn’t gotten the wind knocked out of me- no, I had gotten my ribs smashed further into my body.
I struggle for breath, let alone stand. I could just faintly hear the defeated roars of the dying Fury. But he wasn’t all done yet. With his last breath, he sent forth his avenging claws toward me. There was nothing I could do but watch his horrible hand stretch towards me. I was helpless. I was going to die.
And then the slow-motion started. The claws were ten feet away. They would reach me in a span of seconds. Then I saw a flash, a blue, winged pony crisscrossed with burning scars come into my vision. She turned to face the razor-sharp claws, and let them reach her instead of me. I could not see the damage. Then she crashed into the bushes, right as I slipped into slumber.
Haahh! I woke up with a huge breath and felt my ribs snap back into place, for the time being. Silent tears were leaving my eyes. Where was I? My side was pressed into the dirt, making my bruised ribs sore. I shakily tried to stand, fell, then finally pushed myself to my feet. I gazed around. There was Celestia in the distance, speeding over the mountains with ambulances. Rarity was drowsy and on the ground from blood loss, sitting next to a hyperventilating Fluttershy and a jacked-up AppleJack. Pinkie was no where to be seen. Then my eyes laid upon the cold, unmoving corpse of the Fury, with blood staining the claws on his hand. Reality came rushing back.
“Rainbow!” I called, hobbling around, trying to remember where she went down. I must have not been out for long, maybe thirty seconds a the most. I scrabbled over to where some branches some bushes had been crushed or torn off. I pushed through the vines franticly until I came upon a small clearing, cramped with a very small looking blue pony and a pool of spreading blood.
She was laying awkwardly on her side, her legs splayed out before her. There were two gashes where the claws had caught her- one stretching from under her right forearm down her stomach, and the other tracing down her neck to the top of her hind leg. They were both extremely wide and deep, and they were pumping pints of blood by the minute.
There were no words for what I felt. “Rainbow,” I whispered, “Why?” I stalked over to her head, and bowed mine, letting my eyes slide closed. A tear rolled down my face, landing in front of the doomed pony. She was breathing, so she was still alive, but I knew there was no saving her. That’s when I heard a feeble, raspy voice say, “What’s up, Twilight?”
My eyes flew open. She was awake! Now at least I could try and save her. I must of looked shocked, because her lips twitched into smile, and she half-coughed half-laughed. Even that small action left her winded, struggling to stay conscious.
I sat down and picked up her head, then the rest of her upper body, and placed them in my arms. Normally this would have been too sappy and gross for Rainbow, but she didn’t have the energy to resist.
“Rainbow, just....just stay with me,” I wanted to keep her awake, afraid that the next time she slipped into slumber would leave her there, in the darkness of death.
“Twilight, did....did we....do it?” Her words came in between deep, heaving breaths. Her eyes were trained on me, but were just slightly unfocused. She didn’t have long.
“Yes, we defeated him, and you helped a lot, but I need you to sty awake,” I locked my eyes with her, willing her to fight the urge to give in. “Celestia is here, and she’ll heal you up real quick, okay? But you just have to promise me to stay awake,” I grimaced at the thought of her dying, and what her life would be if she survived. Both were bad ideas.
She chuckled again, sending a little more blood trickling out. “No....I don’t think...that’s gonna happen....Twi..Twilight,” She was panting hard now, and her breaths had become short and shallow. She started sweating again, and the signs just kept getting worse.
“I...knew I...should’ve....stayed home..today..” She couldn’t manage the laugh this time, but I giggled in tears at how even so close from leaving us behind, she was still herself. I wish I could be that try to herself.
“Rainbow, you are the best friend anyone could ask for,” I cried, “And you have been so great, and....I just wish I could save you now like you saved me.” The last part choked out, and I’m surprised she could even hear it, since it was almost inaudible to me.
“Twilight...don’t.......it’s..all....right....thanks..for...every....everythi....” Her words grew quiet and trailed off completely. Her eyes started to glaze over and unfocused, and rolled back into her head. Her sticky blood pooled everywhere, mixing in with my fur.
“Rainbow, don’t leave! Please! We need you..” I was wailing at the top of my lungs now, and I heard some ponies in the valley start looking for me. I lowered my voice to a whisper, and repeated what she had tried to say.
“Thanks for everything, Rainbow,” I sniffled, then moved up my hand and slid her eyes closed. Then I sat there, cradling her oh so fragile body, made to look tiny by death’s unforgiving ways.
There was a rustling, and Pinkie appeared, a cast on her leg. She must have gotten it in Canterlot and come back to the valley. I gave her one, sorrowful look, and she knew. She flung herself at me, crying “Dashie! Dashie!” Rarity then managed to push herself into the bushes, and joined Pinkie in crying. Then all three of us lifted her body out of the bushes and into the clearing.
Silence. First from shock, then from ponies giving their respects. AppleJack and Fluttershy made their way over, and began to cry with the rest of us. Then I slowly got up, turned, and walked to the dead hulking body of the Fury. And I couldn’t help feeling, that right now, I would have let him destroy all of Equestria if I could just have my tough, spunky, and loyal Rainbow Dash back.
The letter made a crisp snap as it flung back into a roll. I placed Celestia’s letter on the table, and turned and walked quickly away. I had to find my girls, the Elements of Harmony, for the newest job.
Celestia normally would have invited us to her magnificent castle, but she was too busy keeping up with Canterlot’s fortifications to keep the capitol city safe. There had been a few reports of some smoke poking out behind a mountain, and a couple low grumbles. When a scout was sent to check - he never came back.
Celestia and Luna themselves went to see the problem, obviously a new threat to Equestria. They were horrified about what they saw. A massive dragon, larger than most dragons, a size they had only heard about from their parents, lay down on a pile of riches before them. It slowly lifted its sleepy eyelid and stared at them with sharp, intelligent eyes. Then it opened its gaping jaw and unleashed a bone-chilling roar of fury and pain, which sent even the Royal Sisters cowering in the palace.
All of it was explained in the letter. That this was no dragon- this was a Fury. Greatly outmatching all dragons in size, strength, weight, speed, and agility, this dragon was also highly intelligent. It was fueled by an undying rage, only subdued by its woeful slumber. Unfortunately, that scout had woken it up, and it was preparing to rampage.
I clopped over to the library door, swinging it open softly. I did not want to wake Spike, because he both needed his sleep and probably wouldn’t want to come get rid of a dragon, anyway. I gave a small smile and wished him sweet dreams, the slowly let the door close. I soon set off a brisk pace toward Fluttershy.
Last time we faced a dragon, she was too scared to climb the mountain. But she had stood up to the dragon once the time called. But would she crack upon seeing that this dragon is so much larger? And what if the time for her didn’t call? I would have to think of that later. Even if she couldn’t reason with the beast, which I sincerely doubt she could, Fluttershy was still an Element of Harmony. We would get that dragon out by force, if need be.
I almost walked past her wooded cottage, as I was tangled in my own thoughts. I caught myself and started up the small dirt path leading to her doorstep. Once there, I knocked. She called out a quick, “I’m coming!” and there were some muffled noises until the door swung open and I saw the shy pony’s face.
“Oh, uh, hi, Twilight, um....do you need anything?” Fluttershy stumbled with her words, but still gave a sweet, caring smile afterwards. It made me giggle a bit under my breath. She was still smiling when I composed myself and began.
“Fluttershy, Princess Celestia has sent a letter. We are needed urgently at Canterlot for a mission.” I recounted the most basic points of the letter, postponing the mentioning of the dragon.
“Oh my goodness, what for?” Fluttershy stared at me sheepishly, awaiting an answer. My brain scrambled for a good excuse not to tell her, just in case she did freak out. Classified? No, then Celestia wouldn’t have told me. Uhhh...
“I’m not sure myself, Fluttershy, but I’m sure the Princess will tell us when we get there.” Of course she won’t, we’re expecting to go straight to the Fury, since Celestia and Luna were both to busy preparing and fortifying. I just bit my lip, gave a small smile, and hoped Fluttershy would buy it.
“Oh, ok. I’ll get ready right away.” She turned to the interior of her house, about to shut the door when I interrupted her.
“Meet me at my house in two hours!” Then I let go of the door, shutting it. I breathed a sigh of relief. One down, four to go. Next, AppleJack.
I quickly made it to her house, and it didn’t take long for her to agree to come. Next was was Pinkie, and she just thought it was a party, like she did everything. Rarity took a little convincing, but I finally got her to give in. Since Rainbow’s house was the hardest to reach, I went to hers last.
I soon cast a spell allowing me the ability to walk on clouds. Then I teleported myself up onto the clouds. I held my breath for a moment, making sure the cloud-walking spell worked. It had, and I proceeded to knock on her door.
No answer. I knock again, and again, no answer. Right as I’m about to knock again, I hear some muttering and the door creaks as it swings inward. I am met with the face of a tired pony with ruffled hair. She just stared at me expectantly, not bothering with a greeting. It was obvious I had awoken her from her afternoon nap.
“Uh, hi Rainbow. Celestia has called us to Canterlot for a crucial mission.” Her head cocked to the die, her ears perking slightly. I took this as a signal to give her more information.
“A dragon Fury has been spotted, and w need to remove it from Canterlot.” This was too easy. Rainbow loved adventures like this. But I grew confused when I saw the undecided look on her face. It was a couple seconds before she broke the silence.
“I..I dunno, Twilight, doesn’t it seem kinda...dangerous?” I stared, bewildered, at my friend. Did I just hear her say that? She lives for danger! How could she say that?
“Rainbow, I’m surprised. What makes you say that?” I stared at her inquiringly. I watched as she stood up, eyes sparkling, mind ready.
“Just the sleep, Twilight. I just woke up. I’m awake now. I’ll get ready!” She turned to go inside, but just before the clouds concealed her face, I noticed a flicker of doubt cross her face. It vanished just as quickly as it appeared. Oh well, no time to notice that now. I still had to pack, and it was a fifteen minute walk to my house. That left me a half an hour.
After I packed, and my friends had showed up, we bought some tickets for the train to Canterlot. We got our own little sleeping cabin, because it was the afternoon and it took at least twenty-four hours to get there. After some fun an games, we all settled down to sleep. It was too bad my sleep was disturbed, dreaming about the massive foe that lied before us.
