Tormented Dreams

by xRezurrected

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Gore, Dark, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash
Length: 15894

Rainbow Dash has recurring dreams every night she goes to bed, what choices will she make?

Rainbow Dash, the proudest flyer to have ever come out of Cloudsdale, lived an exciting and adventurous life whether it be with her best friends or by herself. But all that changes one fateful night when she is plunged into nightmares each time she falls asleep. Will she be able overcome the gruesome trials each night? Or will her life come to an unfortunate end?

Special thanks to NicholazLikesPoniez for giving me yet another beautiful idea for a story!

Published 2012-12-03 04:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-21 01:52:46 UTC

Chosen

Chapter 1: Chosen

It was a bright and beautiful morning in Ponyville and just like any other normal day in town, ponies were happily conversing and attending to their errands outside. Rainbow Dash, the biggest daredevil in Ponyville, was flying high in sky trying to perfect her signature techniques. After many hours of practicing, she decided to head down to Sugarcube Corner and get a bite to eat with her good, yet annoying, friend Pinkie Pie.

"Hey there Pinkie Pie," Rainbow Dash said, walking inside and noticing that not just Pinkie Pie was there, but all of her friends. "Oh, hi guys, what are you all doing here?"

"Hi Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie said, waving frantically from behind the table. "Great that you could join us!"

"Oh, hi Rainbow Dash." Twilight said. "We were actually just on our way to go and find you."

"Really? What for?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I've been practicing my sick moves all day! I got hungry and thought I might as well have a bit to eat here with Pinkie."

"Actually, I was talking with Pinkie before and she suggested that we invite everypony over for a little get-together," Twilight said. "I guess we don't have to go looking for you now."

Rainbow Dash and everypony else all laughed. She walked over to the table and sat with her friends. Pinkie left and came back with all different types of pies, cakes, and cookies. The six friends conversed and laughed throughout the day, playing games and having fun. When it started to get dark outside, they got out of their seats and retrieved whatever belongings they had and said their goodbyes.

"Well, I'm beat," Applejack said. "Today was a lot fun I'll admit. We should totally do this again tomorrow!"

"I agree, I had a splendid time with you all today," Rarity said.

"Yes, it was actually a lot of fun hanging out with you guys like this," Fluttershy said.

"Yeah, I think we should do this again tomorrow, is that alright with you Pinkie Pie?" Twilight asked.

"Alright with me!? Of course it's alright with me! It's always alright with me! When is not ever alright with me!?" Pinkie said.

"Great!" Twilight said. "Rainbow Dash will you be joining us again tomorrow?"

"Of course I'll come," Rainbow Dash said. "After I finish perfecting my signature moves in the morning, I'll head down there okay?"

"Sounds good," Twilight said. "Well, I'm about ready to go to bed, I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Everypony, except Pinkie, left the building and set out to go back home. Rainbow Dash flew up into the sky and headed to her home in Cloudsdale. When she arrived, she went inside and threw herself on her bed and proceeded to get comfortable.

"Man! What a day," Rainbow Dash said. "Better get some sleep, I got a lot to look forward to tomorrow."

Rainbow Dash yawned and closed her eyes, drifting off into sleep.

________________________________________________

Nightmare - 1st Day
________________________________________________

Rainbow Dash's eye twitched, she drearily woke up and looked around through her blurred vision.

"Ugh...What?...Where am I?..." Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes finally adjusting.

She looked around and noticed that...she was in Ponyville. But something was off. It wasn't the same Ponyville that she knew. The wide patch of ground that she was standing on was floating in mid air, and she could see other pieces floating in the distance, each with a building on it. Rainbow Dash looked up at the sky and noticed that it was red, and the clouds that loomed overhead were completely black and moving at unprecedented speeds.

"W-What is this place?..." Rainbow Dash asked. "I could of sworn I fell asleep in my bed..."

"Well well well...I must say it's so nice to finally meet you!..." a voice said.

"Huh!? Hey! Who's there!? Show yourself!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "I'm not afraid of you!"

Hehehehe!...Looks like I got a feisty one this time!..." the voice said. "Welcome to the World of Nightmares! You may call me...The Adjudicator."

"The Adjudicator? The World of Nightmares? What are you talking about? Who are you!? Where am I-" Rainbow Dash said, interrupted.

"Alright, alright, calm down there, I'm only gonna explain this once so pay attention, okay?" The Adjudicator said. "Now let's start from the beginning...This is the World of Nightmares and I, The Adjudicator, am the one who watches over it."

"The World of Nightmares..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes and as its name implies, it's a nightmare. You are dreaming and your real body is still in bed sleeping," The Adjudicator said. "Every night you go to sleep, you will return here from now on...That is until you complete the trials you must face every night."

"Trials? Well...What happens if I fail to complete one?..." Rainbow Dash asked.

"Then you die. Simple as that," The Adjudicator said.

"Die!?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Yep, if you die here you'll die in your sleep in reality," The Adjudicator said. "So, I suggest being as careful as possible..."

"Well...What happens if I complete all the trials?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Then you win and I lose. You'll be free of this place for the rest of your life!" The Adjudicator said. "But that's never happened before! I've haven't come across anyone yet who could complete them all!"

"Never happened before? You mean...This has happened to others?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Of course! Many others beside yourself have been here before, but as I said before...I haven't met anyone who could complete all the trials!" The Adjudicator said, breaking into laughter.

"Well, why me!? Why was I chosen?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"The player is chosen completely at random. I have no control over who it's going to be...You just got unlucky!" The Adjudicator said.

"W-What's the point of this World of Nightmares!? What good does it do!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"It doesn't do anything! It's just really fun for me to watch!" The Adjudicator said, breaking into laughter again.

Rainbow Dash's body became tense. How could something like this happen to her? Trapped in a recurring nightmare until she completed all the trials!? How does that even make sense!?

"Hey, hey, hey...Don't feel bad. I have the utmost certainty that you'll be the first one to complete these trials..." The Adjudicator said.

"Really? You think I can do it!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"No! Hahahaha!" The Adjudicator said. "Oh, but this should be fun to watch!"

Rainbow Dash frowned and became angry.

"Oh, yeah!? Well, I'll show you that I'm a lot different from anyone else you've encountered so far!" Rainbow Dash said. "I will complete these stupid trials and I will get out of here!"

"I'll hold you to that...But alas, this was only an introduction to what you must look forward to... " The Adjudicator said. "Oh, and one more thing! When you wake up in reality, you won't remember any of this until you come back the next night..."

"What!? Why!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, I can't have you go blabbing this to your friends right? No, no, no that wouldn't work at all...Hahahaha!" The Adjudicator said.

"But wait! You can't ju-" Rainbow Dash said, interrupted.

"Until tomorrow Rainbow Dash..." The Adjudicator said, breaking into laughter.

Rainbow Dash became light headed and fell to the ground...

_____________________________________________

Reality
_____________________________________________

Rainbow Dash sprung out of bed, sweating all over her body. She felt as if though she had a terrible dream...But she just couldn't put her hoof on it.

"Man...My head is killing me...It feels like I didn't get any sleep at all..." Rainbow Dash said. "What the heck happened last night?..."

Rainbow Dash got up and looked out her window, still pretty tired. She decided to head over to Sugarcube Corner instead of practicing her signature techniques.

"I think I'll skip out on my session today...Might as well head over to Sugarcube Corner early today..." Rainbow Dash said. "I wonder if any of my friends slept just as bad as I did..."

The First Trial: Honesty

The First Trial: Honesty

Chapter 2: The First Trial: Honesty

Rainbow Dash drearily walked out of her cloud home, rubbing her eyes and yawning on the way out. She spread her wings and took flight down to Ponyville and made an early appearance at Sugarcube Corner.

"Hello?" Rainbow Dash asked, walking inside.

"Dashie!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "You're here early, aren't you? I thought you said you were going to practice your moves before you came here?"

"Yeah, well, I didn't really sleep well last night and I'm still pretty tired to say the least," Rainbow Dash said. "So, I thought I'd head down here early. Where's everyone else?"

"The others should be here soon and then the fun can really start!" Pinkie Pie said, looking at Rainbow Dash's bloodshot eyes. "You wanna take a nap upstairs until the others get here? You're not looking so good."

"Thanks for the offer Pinkie, but I'll pass," Rainbow Dash said. "I think I just need something to wake me up," Rainbow Dash said.

"Well, when the others get here, I'll lay out so many different sweets it'd be a crime for you not to get a sugar rush!" Pinkie said.

"Heh, this'll sure be a fun day then, right?" Rainbow Dash said.

"You got that right!" Pinkie said. "Oh! Look! They're here!"

Twilight and the rest of the group of friends walked inside.

"Hi girls! Look Rainbow Dash is here early!" Pinkie said.

"Oh, hi Rainbow Dash," Twilight said. "You're here early aren't you?"

"Yeah, I didn't really get enough sleep last night, so I decided to come straight here," Rainbow Dash said. "Did all of you guys sleep well?"

"Why yes, I had a most delightful slumber," Rarity said.

"I did to, I slept wonderfully," Fluttershy said.

"Same here," Applejack said.

"Me too! I slept like a log!" Pinkie said, laughing and snorting.

"Sounds like you're the only one who had it rough last night Rainbow," Twilight said.

"You sure you don't wanna rest upstairs?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah Pinkie, thanks but I'm fine..." Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her eyes.

"Are you okay Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah...I'm fine...It's just that...Well, it's like I had a really terrible dream that I just can't put my hoof on..." Rainbow Dash said. "I woke up sweating and my body was cold..."

"That doesn't sound good at all," Twilight said. "Are you sure you're not getting sick or something?"

"I know I'm not sick...Or, at least, I don't think so..." Rainbow Dash said, closing her eyes and thinking.

"Hahahahaha!...What interesting friends you have..." The Adjudicator said.

"What!? Who's there!?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking around frantically.

"Rainbow Dash! Are you okay!?" Twilight asked, grabbing a hold of Rainbow Dash.

"W-What?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Didn't you hear that? I heard a voice from somewhere. I swear..."

"Rainbow, we're the only ones here. Are you sure you're okay?" Twilight asked.

Applejack and the others looked at each other, worried about Rainbow Dash's health.

"I...I guess I was just hearing things...Being as tired as I am...It would make sense after all," Rainbow Dash said. "Listen, don't worry about me guys...Let's just have a good time now and when it starts to get dark out, I'll head straight to bed."

"Are you sure Rainbow?" Rarity asked. "We could always do this another time."

"No, no, I wouldn't want to be the one to ruin everyone's fun!" Rainbow Dash said. "Come on Pinkie, bring everything out!"

"Alrighty then!" Pinkie said, rushing to the back to get as much sweets as she could carry.

Pinkie Pie came back with a boatload of deserts to choose from and all six friends sat down at a table, conversing and stuffing their faces like they did the day before. Rainbow Dash had been fading in and out of sleep as the day went on, it's almost as if something was preventing her from falling asleep until nightfall. The day went on and everyone was having a relatively fun time, considering Rainbow Dash's condition, they couldn't feel completely happy.

"Man, it got dark out quick didn't it?" Applejack asked. "I think I'll start heading out now. See you all tomorrow and try to get some sleep alright Rainbow?"

"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash said.

Applejack made her departure, with Rarity and Fluttershy following her out.

"You get some sleep, okay?" Twilight said.

"I will! Geez!" Rainbow Dash said, laughing.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow Rainbow Dash, and thanks again for the food Pinkie," Twilight said, as she departed from the building.

"Bye Twilight!" Pinkie yelled. "Get a good night's sleep okay Dashie? Feel free to come back tomorrow if you're still not feeling alright!"

"Thanks Pinkie, I appreciate it," Rainbow Dash said. "Well, see ya later."

Rainbow Dash walked out of the building and took off into the sky, flying back to her home in Cloudsdale. As she arrived back at her cloud home, she went inside and climbed into bed.

"Ugh...I'm exhausted...I hope tonight will be better..." Rainbow Dash said, closing her eyes and quickly falling asleep.

__________________________________________

Nightmare - 2nd Day
__________________________________________

"Time to get up sleepy head..." The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes, lifting her head as all the memories came flowing back.

"Ugh...What?..." Rainbow Dash said, slowly picking herself up from the ground. "Oh, no...Not this place again...I thought it was just a terrible dream!..."

"It is a terrible dream! Well for you at least...Hahahahaha!" The Adjudicator said. "Now let's go! Stand up! It's time to begin..."

Rainbow Dash got up and looked around at her surroundings, she was in a graveyard and by looking into the distance, it looked almost as if it went on forever.

"This is the first trial, The Graveyard," The Adjudicator said. "I've been looking into your life and I've noticed you have some pretty interesting friends."

"What? You mean...That was you I heard before!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Of course! Who else could it be? It's not like I'm binded to place you know. I can observe your life when you're awake if I want to," The Adjudicator said. "I'm glad I did too. I'm going to make this a bit more interesting for you..."

A bright light started to form in front of Rainbow Dash, it got smaller and smaller until it revealed six floating jewels.

"Those are...The Elements of Harmony!? How did you get those!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Relax egghead. These aren't the real things just merely imitations," The Adjudicator said. "I noticed you and your friends are...Special, so I thought this would be fun to do!"

The six jewels started to spin in a circle in front of Rainbow Dash.

"Each trial will be based on one of the elements of your friends...Well the end at least, this next part will be just hilarious! Oh, but you'll hate it though, Hahahahaha!" The Adjudicator said.

The six jewels spun around until five of them disappeared, leaving only one behind.

"Your first trial...Honesty." The Adjudicator said.

"Honesty? This'll be easy! What do I have to answer some questions or something?" Rainbow Dash said.

"No, nothing like that at all, as I said that's toward the end...Assuming you make it that far! Hahahahaha!" The Adjudicator said. "No this next part will be far for challenging..."

The floating orange apple-shaped jewel was launched into the distance behind Rainbow Dash.

"Hey! What did yo-" Rainbow Dash said, interrupted.

"Find the plot that holds the element... " The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash quickly sprung into action, turning around and digging randomly into plots.

"Find the right plot!? How do you expect me to do this! There's thousands of tombstones and this place looks like it goes on fo-" Rainbow Dash said, pausing mid sentence as she started to hear large footsteps in the distance.

"Before you meet with a terrible fate..." The Adjudicator said. "Have fun...Hahahahaha!"

Into the distance, Rainbow Dash could see a black figure of a colossal size running towards her. Backing up, it got close enough for Rainbow Dash to see it's face...It was a distorted version of Applejack, her body maimed and bloody, covered in wounds and scratches. Her mouth was bleeding and so were her eyes, which were completely void of any color.

"WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!?" Rainbow Dash asked, flying away in the opposite direction at full speed. The distorted Applejack right behind her, screaming and repeating Rainbow Dash's name in demonic-like voice.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Applejack said, sprinting towards Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, man! Oh, man! Oh, man! What do I DO!?" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"Better hurry up and find it..." The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash flew even harder, trying to at least get out of Applejack's line of sight. When she flew far enough, she made a sharp stop and hid behind a tombstone, hoping the demon would pass by. Rainbow Dash peered out from behind the tombstone and looked at the demon, it was furiously looking around for her, but after a few minutes of searching it sprinted away.

"Oh, man...I'll never find the element with all these tombstones around...There's gotta be a trick to all this!" Rainbow Dash said, hitting the ground with her hooves.

She looked up at the tombstone she was sitting in front of and noticed there were words etched on it.

"Here Lies Applejack...An honest and good friend to the very end..."

"What kind of horrible place is this...?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking down into the plot.

She started to brush away the dirt with her hoof until she noticed a glow emitting from the ground. Excited, she dug frantically until the dirt revealed the bright orange jewel.

"Applejack's element...I found it...Heh...I found it! Yes! I knew I could do it! In your face Adjudicator!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"I never said that was all you had to do..." The Adjudicator said.

"H-Huh?..." Rainbow Dash said. "W-What do you mean? I found it! What else is there?"

In the distance, Rainbow Dash could see a red velvet door appear.

"I suggest hurrying up...Looks like your friend is coming back for round two!" The Adjudicator said, breaking into laughter.

Rainbow Dash looked behind her to see Applejack sprinting towards her, the floor collapsing behind the demon as it ran forward.

"Oh, no!" Rainbow Dash said, flying away towards the exit.

Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could towards the door, the floor collapsing all around her. Grabbing the knob, she struggled to push it open, but it just wouldn't budge.

"What the heck! Why won't it open!?" Rainbow Dash asked, pulling on the knob as hard as she could.

With Applejack not far behind, Rainbow Dash stared to panic, looking for some king of clue on the door. Upon closer observation, she noticed that there was an indentation in the center of the door, resembling that of a small apple.

"W-Wait a minute." Rainbow Dash said.

She took the jewel that she had picked up before and shoved it in the indentation, hearing an unlocking sound shortly after. Rainbow Dash turned the knob and pushed the door open. Applejack right behind her now, was about ready to slaughter Rainbow Dash where she stood. But after opening the door, a shining white light shot out and pierced through Applejack, stopping her dead in her tracks and causing her body to crack everywhere. Letting out a blood curdling scream and calling out Rainbow Dash's name as light shone through the cracks, her body fell to the ground and shattered all together.

"Whoah..." Rainbow Dash said, completely forgetting the door was open. "Oh, yeah! I better get out of here while I can!"

Rainbow Dash ran through the door, slamming it shut behind her. She then reappeared where she was in the night before, the floating piece of land with other buildings surrounding it, accompanied by the red sky and black clouds.

"Did...Did I do it?..." Rainbow Dash asked, trying to catch her breath.

"Well done! Well done indeed!" The Adjudicator said. "Congratulations! You've passed the first trial!"

"Heh...You see? No problem!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Of course that was only the beginning, it'll get much harder from here on out...Hahahahaha!" The Adjudicator said. "But! You've survived this night, so I guess that's something to be happy about."

"Awesome! So I can go now right?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"You can...After one last thing," The Adjudicator said. "Could you move to the left a little?"

"What? Why?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Just do it," The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash shrugged and moved slightly to the left. After doing so, what seemed to be a large booth, rose up from the ground. It was brown and it had a red curtain covering the entrance.

"Get in," The Adjudicator said.

"What!? No way! You said that if I won I coul-" Rainbow Dash said, interrupted.

"The sooner you get inside, the sooner you can leave, okay?" The Adjudicator said. "Now hurry up."

Rainbow Dash snorted and carefully moved the curtain out of the way and walked inside. It was kind of cramped, all there was inside was a mirror on the wall to the left, and a small red seat.

"Now sit down. Come on! It isn't rocket science," The Adjudicator said.

"Come on, it isn't rocket science!" Rainbow Dash said, sitting down and mocking the Adjudicator.

"Cute," The Adjudicator said. "Now then, this is what I like to call The Confessional. After every trial you complete, you'll come back here and I'll ask you one question. You can choose to answer truthfully...Or not, that's entirely up to you!"

"What's the point of the question?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Just so I can get to know you better," The Adjudicator said. "Alright, are you ready? Two ropes will appear in front of you, a red one and a blue one, pull the one that you think best describes yourself..."

"Yeah, yeah, let's just get it over with," Rainbow Dash said.

_____________________________________________

Question 1: Which is a better life?

Red Rope: Short and Full Blue Rope: Long and Dull
_____________________________________________

Rainbow Dash looked at the choices and pondered them for a bit.

"Well, I am a real daredevil, and I love being adventurous..." Rainbow Dash said. "And I can't stand being bored all the time..."

Rainbow Dash lifted her hoof and pulled down on the red rope.

"So that's your answer...Interesting," The Adjudicator said. "Well, it looks like we're out of time for today...See you tomorrow Rainbow Dash! Hahahahaha!"

Rainbow Dash's eyes felt heavy and she fell to the ground, blacking out.

______________________________________________

Reality
______________________________________________

Rainbow Dash woke up in her bed, sitting up and noticing she was sweating all over and body cold again.

"Oh, man...Another terrible night...I still didn't get any sleep..." Rainbow Dash said, exhausted. "Why can't I remember anything that happened?...Ugh this is killing me..."

Rainbow Dash rolled around in her bed, thinking about what she should do.

"Maybe I should go and see Twilight...I'm sure she's gotta have something to help me fall asleep easier..." Rainbow Dash said. "Or, maybe I really am getting sick or something...Gah! I don't know...But I might as well head down there."

Rainbow Dash drearily got out of bed and left her cloud homes, flying down towards Ponyville to pay her friend Twilight a visit.

The Second Trial: Laughter

Chapter 3: The Second Trial: Laughter

As Rainbow Dash made her way down to Twilight's house, all she could think about was sleep and why she couldn't do so for the past two nights.

"Twilight? You home?" Rainbow Dash asked, knocking on Twilight's door, which opened shortly after.

"Oh, hi Rainbow Dash," Twilight said, looking at Rainbow Dash's bloodshot eyes. "It looks like you still didn't get any sleep, huh?"

"Yeah...I don't know why though. The worst part is that I don't even remember anything from last night!" Rainbow Dash said. "I was hoping that maybe you would have something that could help me fall asleep easier?..."

"I'm sorry, but I don't really have anything like that around here," Twilight said. "Have you thought about maybe going to see a doctor or something?"

"A doctor? No way! I'm not spending another second of my life sitting in a hospital bed!" Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm just trying to help you Rainbow. You look terrible and I just want what's best for you," Twilight said.

"Thanks Twilight. I appreciate it," Rainbow Dash said. "...Think we could do that thing at Pinkie's place again? I'd like to be with you guys for now."

"Of course Rainbow," Twilight said. "Why don't you head down to Sugarcube Corner and I'll get everyone else. There's no need for you to exert any unnecessary energy."

"Alright. I'll see you there Twilight," Rainbow Dash said, turning around and walking towards Pinkie's.

A few moments later, Rainbow Dash arrived and walked inside and not surprisingly, is greeted by the ecstatic pink pony.

"Dashie! You're back again!" Pinkie said, running up to Rainbow Dash and hugging her tightly.

"Nice to see you too Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie released her grip and looked at Rainbow Dash's face as she backed up.

"Still no sleep?" Pinkie asked.

"No...I don't know why but I just haven't been able to lately..." Rainbow Dash said. "Anyway, Twilight is getting the others and we're gonna hang out like we did yesterday. That alright with you?"

"Of course, silly-head!" Pinkie said. "But are you sure you're alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine Pinkie...I just really hope tonight will be better..." Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight and the others walked inside shortly after Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash's conversation.

"Hi Pinkie Pie," Twilight said.

"Hi Twilight!" Pinkie said. "Hi everyone else!"

Rainbow Dash turned around to greet her friends, but instead she screamed and backed up towards the wall.

"Rainbow Dash! What's wrong!?" Twilight asked.

"H-Her! Get her away from me!" Rainbow Dash said, pointing at Applejack.

"Me? What in tarnation did I do!? I just got here!" Applejack said.

"Rainbow Dash, why are you afraid of Applejack?" Pinkie asked.

"I...I don't know...I just...I just feel terrified of her all of a sudden..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Hahahahaha! Oh! Oh, this is just too rich!" The Adjudicator said, laughing hysterically.

"There's that voice again! W-Where is it coming from!? I do-" Rainbow Dash said, interrupted.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said. "What's gotten into you? I'm really worried about you now."

Rainbow Dash calmed herself down and took a deep breath.

"I'm going crazy from the lack of sleep I suppose..." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm just so tired..."

"Rainbow Dash please, listen to me and go upstairs and rest, you can sleep in my bed!" Pinkie said. "I'll even keep you company until you fall asleep."

Rainbow Dash rubbed her eyes again and sighed.

"I guess you're right Pinkie...I'll go upstairs and try to fall asleep," Rainbow Dash said. "Actually, I kind of would appreciate it if you were there with me."

"No problem Dashie! Come on let's go," Pinkie said. "You guys have a swell time down here without me. I'll look after Rainbow Dash."

"Are you sure Pinkie? We can help too if you want," Fluttershy said.

"Nah, it's fine! You guys have fun!" Pinkie said, walking Rainbow Dash upstairs.

Rainbow Dash went inside Pinkie Pie's room, which had a very sweet and tasty aroma to it. She looked over at Pinkie Pie's plush bed and immediately climbed into it.

"Wow...Pinkie Pie your bed is so comfortable!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Thanks Dashie! It shouldn't be a problem for you to fall asleep then, right?" Pinkie asked.

"I hope not." Rainbow Dash said, yawning and turning on her side attempting to fall asleep.

Pinkie Pie sat by Rainbow Dash's side to make sure that she would fall asleep nicely. Unfortunately, even Pinkie's soft and sweet smelling bed failed in the end. Rainbow Dash was constantly tossing and turning, irritated to why she just couldn't sleep peacefully. Pinkie Pie tried her best to help Rainbow Dash fall asleep for many hours, but to no avail. Twilight and others came upstairs to check on them once it started to get dark out.

"Hi Pinkie. Has Rainbow Dash gotten any sleep?" Twilight asked.

"No! I don't understand why, but she just can't fall asleep!" Pinkie said, stroking Rainbow Dash's mane. "It's almost like... Something is keeping her from sleeping."

"Do you want us to stay for the night? It'll be no trouble at all," Rarity said.

"No, no, it's fine. I'm sure I'll think of something for Dashie," Pinkie said. "You girls head on home."

"Well, if you say so Pinkie," Twilight said. "If she isn't better by tomorrow, then we have to do something else for her."

"Yeah, I hear you," Pinkie said.

"Well, see you two tomorrow," Twilight said, walking out of the room with the others and departing.

"Pinkie..." Rainbow Dash said. "Would it be alright if I stayed here for the night? I haven't been feeling so hot lately..."

"Of course Rainbow Dash. I'll do my best to help you fall asleep!" Pinkie said.

"Heh, thanks Pinkie I don't know what I'd do with..." Rainbow Dash said, cutting herself off.

Rainbow Dash's eyes became heavy and her head fell to the pillow as she fell into a deep sleep.

"Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie asked. "Well I didn't expect that. She sure fell asleep quickly this time..."

_________________________________________

Nightmare - 3rd Day
_________________________________________

"Wakey, wakey sleepy head..." The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and stood up.

"This place again..." Rainbow Dash said. "Alright...What do you have planned for me this time?..."

"Nice to see you to," The Adjudicator said. "Shall we get started right away then?"

"Yeah, let's just get this over with!" Rainbow Dash said.

The environment around Rainbow Dash completely changed, taking another look at her surroundings she saw blood covering the walls and floor. Pillars in different sizes were placed everywhere and chains were dangling from the ceiling all around. Massive blades were everywhere, swinging overhead while spikes jolted up from many places on the ground.

"Welcome to the Torture Chamber!" The Adjudicator said.

"T-Torture Chamber, huh? No problem!" Rainbow Dash said, trembling a little.

"Feeling a bit nervous, are we?" The Adjudicator asked. "Well, don't worry. I thought of something to make this a lot more interesting!"

Rainbow Dash's wings suddenly vanished from her body.

"My wings! Hey that's not fair!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Whoever said I was fair?" The Adjudicator asked, laughing hysterically.

Rainbow Dash's heart rate increased, without her wings she would have to rely on her climbing skills to get around the place, while avoiding the dangers. Five elements then appeared in front of her, spinning in a circle.

"Well then, are you ready?" The Adjudicator asked.

"F-Fine..." Rainbow Dash said.

The five elements stopped spinning and disappeared, leaving only one behind.

"Your second trial... Laughter." The Adjudicator said, launching the element away in the distance. "Have fun... Hahahaha!"

Rainbow Dash toughened up and sprinted forward, jumping up on the pillars and climbing upwards avoiding the blades and spikes as best she could.

"Aughh...Where in the world would this element be...?" Rainbow Dash asked, suddenly hearing something off in the distance. "Wait...What's that sound?"

In the distance behind her, she turned around and heard what seemed to be laughing. As the sound got closer, she noticed another colossal figure emerging from the darkness, bearing the same physical attributes as Applejack from the night before. This time, however, the demon resembled that of Pinkie Pie and it was walking on it's hind legs while holding a large bloody butchers knife in her hoof. It made it's way towards Rainbow Dash, laughing demonically and uttering phrases as it came closer.

"AH! I GOTTA HURRY AND CLIMB OUTTA HERE!" Rainbow Dash yelled, trembling with fear now.

"Come on Rainbow Dash! Life's a party after all!..." Pinkie said, slashing her knife down at Rainbow, just barely missing her.

"OH, MAN! THAT WAS WAY TOO CLOSE!" Rainbow Dash said, climbing up the pillars as fast as she could and sprinting away from the demon.

Rainbow Dash dodged most of the blades that she came across with Pinkie only shoving them out of way as she chased Rainbow. While running frantically, Rainbow Dash stumbled and fell to the floor with Pinkie Pie right behind her. She swung her knife up and brought it crashing down towards Rainbow Dash. Luckily though, Rainbow Dash was able to get up quick enough and avoid the attack, making a sharp turn as she tried to escape from Pinkie. Rainbow Dash climbed faster and faster, looking around frantically for the pink balloon-shaped element.

"I've...I've been climbing for so long now...I've got cuts and bruises everywhere from those damned traps..." Rainbow Dash said. "That crazy thing that's chasing me...This is...This is just too much!"

Rainbow Dash panicked, looking around desperately for any signs of the element. When she looked upwards though, she noticed a bunch of chains all gathering in one spot.

"That...That could be where it is! It's just gotta be!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash started to climb the pillars as fast as she could, despite how tired she was. Not far down below her, the demonic Pinkie's bloody face was seen climbing upwards as well, holding her knife in her mouth.

"Don't run away Rainbow Dash...Come down here and play with me!" Pinkie said.

Rainbow Dash was sweating and her heart was pounding, but she continued to climb regardless. When she made it to the top she looked straight ahead and saw the chains all wrapped around the element. There were also many iron maidens surrounding the area, but Rainbow Dash sprinted towards the chains and tried her best to untangle them.

"Come on! Come on!" Rainbow Dash said, pulling the chains off the element as she could hear the demon making its' way up top.

After yanking on the chains multiple times, it finally snapped and the element fell to the ground.

"Oh, thank goodness..." Rainbow Dash said, picking up the element.

Upon picking it up, the red velvet door had appeared on a higher pillar on the opposite side she was on.

"Okay! All I gotta do is make it to that door and I'm safe!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash sprinted towards the direction in which the door was in. But as she was about to leap to the other side, a large bloody hoof emerged from below and grabbed the edge.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Rainbow Dash said, backing up away from the demonic Pinkie.

The colossal Pinkie rose up from below while laughing hysterically.

"I gotta find some way to get around her!..." Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash turned around and looked at her surroundings, which gave her a risky idea. The demonic Pinkie got down on all fours and charged at Rainbow Dash with the knife in her mouth.

"Come on Rainbow Dash!...Don't run away!" Pinkie screamed.

Rainbow Dash jumped out of the way at the last minute. The demonic Pinkie tried to turn around but instead stumbled and fell back into one of the iron maidens, closing it on herself as she fell in.

"N-Now's my chance!" Rainbow Dash said, sprinting to the edge and jumping onto the pillar that held the door on top. After climbing higher and higher, the Torture Chamber started to collapse down below and the demonic Pinkie was screaming as it struggled to break out of the iron maiden.

"Come on Rainbow Dash! Y-You can do this!" Rainbow Dash said, almost at the top.

The iron maiden in the back shattered, and Pinkie came bursting out, her body drenched in blood, and leaping at the pillar that Rainbow Dash was climbing. The impact almost caused Rainbow Dash to lose her grip, but she held on kept climbing. When she finally reached the top, she shoved the element in the indentation and unlocked the door. The demonic Pinkie reached the top and took the knife out of her mouth.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Pinkie said, swinging her bloody knife downwards.

"OH, NO YOU DON'T!" Rainbow Dash said, pushing the door open, releasing the white piercing light that came with it.

The light shone through Pinkie, causing her to stagger and drop her knife down into the abyss. Pinkie screamed as her body started to break apart, reaching out towards Rainbow Dash with her hoof, her body shattered all together. Rainbow Dash sighed with relief and continued on through the door, which brought her back to the Distorted Ponyville.

"Very good! I didn't expect you to survive that in the least!" The Adjudicator said. "Looks like you proved me wrong though."

"Yeah...Of course. I told you it was no problem!..." Rainbow Dash said, still a bit scared.

"Well congratulations, you've passed the second trial." The Adjudicator said, returning Rainbow Dash's wings. "Guess I'll have to find a way to make things more interesting next time..."

As Rainbow Dash stood there, The Confessional rose up from the ground next to her.

"Alright, get inside," The Adjudicator said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know what to do," Rainbow Dash said, walking inside and sitting down on the chair.

"Are you ready for the next question?" The Adjudicator asked.

"Yeah, let's hear it," Rainbow Dash said.

______________________________________________

Question 2: How do you make your decisions?

Red Rope: My Gut Blue Rope: My Mind
______________________________________________

"Okay, I'll admit...I don't usually think about things before I do them," Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash pulled down on the red rope.

"Hmm...I thought as much..." The Adjudicator said. "Well, I guess we'll see each other again tomorrow night!"

"Hold on for a second there!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes?" The Adjudicator asked.

"You call yourself the Adjudicator...But that can't possibly be your name? What is it, and why are you here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Let's see how long you'll last first..." The Adjudicator said. "Then, maybe I'll consider telling you...But for now, I'll see you later...Hahahahaha!

Rainbow Dash's eyes became heavy and she fell to the floor, blacking out again.

_____________________________________________

Reality
_____________________________________________

Rainbow Dash's eyes quickly opened and she jumped up, sweaty and cold just like the last time.

"Ugh...Dashie?...Good morning! Did you have a good sleep?" Pinkie asked, stretching her body. "I fell asleep here next to you. I wanted to make sure you actually fell aslee-"

Rainbow Dash jumped out of bed and back away from Pinkie, trembling before her.

"Huh? Rainbow Dash? What's wrong? Why are you afraid of me?" Pinkie asked, walking closer to Rainbow Dash.

"N-No! Stay away from me!" Rainbow Dash said, cowering up against the wall.

"What's going on with her?...First Applejack and now me? It sounds to me like something else is going on here...And it has to do with why she can't sleep properly..." Pinkie said. "I better tell Twilight to come over here, something else has to be done!"

Pinkie looked at Rainbow Dash cowering in the corner.

"Oh, but I can't leave her here by herself..." Pinkie said. "Oh, I got it!"

Pinkie rushed downstairs and talked to Mr. and Mrs. Cake. She then returned upstairs shortly after.

"Don't worry Dashie...Mr. and Mrs. Cake will go get Twilight and the others while I'll stay her with you," Pinkie said, moving closer to Rainbow Dash and sitting next to her.

"N-No...D-Don't come near..." Rainbow Dash said.

"It's alright Rainbow Dash...We'll find out what's wrong with you, just you wait," Pinkie said, hugging Rainbow Dash and consoling her.

"Pinkie...I don't know what's going on..." Rainbow Dash said, holding onto Pinkie. "I just want my life to go back to normal..."

"I know Dashie...I know," Pinkie said, holding Rainbow Dash until their friends arrived.

The Third Trial: Magic

Chapter 4: The Third Trial: Magic

After about half an hour, Twilight and her friends rushed upstairs into Pinkie's room after receiving the urgent news from the Cakes.

"Pinkie! We're here! Is Rainbow Dash alright?" Twilight asked.

"Twilight! Thank goodness you're here! I don't know what to do anymore!" Pinkie said, holding Rainbow Dash closely. "She just woke up completely terrified of me...I'm really worried about her now y'know?"

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash. She noticed Rainbow was cowering in Pinkie's arms, shaking uncontrollably.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked. "Are you alright?"

"...Twilight? I-Is that you?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes Rainbow, it's me," Twilight said.

"I...I don't know what's happening...I can't remember anything from last night..." Rainbow Dash said. "It's just so..."

"It's alright Rainbow Dash," Twilight said, looking worriedly at Rainbow Dash. "Listen, since you refuse to go to a doctor, I want you to spend the night at my house tonight."

"Y-Your house?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes, I'm really worried about you. This continuous cycle of no sleep is very bad," Twilight said. "So, I'm going to see if I can find out what's going on through your head."

"Alright, Twilight..." Rainbow Dash said. "At this point...I'm willing to try anything..."

Twilight picked Rainbow Dash up and helped her downstairs. They slowly walked back to Twilight's house and Rainbow Dash went upstairs to lie down in her bed.

"Alright Rainbow Dash, you just lie down here and I'll be right back," Twilight said, going downstairs and coming back up moments later, carrying a bunch of different contraptions.

"W-What are those things for?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I'm going to monitor your brain waves while you sleep," Twilight said. "I'm going to see if there's anything unusual going through your mind."

Twilight started to hook up the devices to Rainbow Dash's head and body.

"Twilight...I'm not so sure about this..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Just relax Rainbow Dash. I promise I'm only doing this to help you," Twilight said. "Now just lie down and get comfortable. Hooking all this up will take some time."

Rainbow Dash lied there on the bed, moving around nervously as Twilight carefully hooked up the components. It took Twilight a few tries to get it all correct since Rainbow Dash constantly kept moving around out of fear.

"Well...It might have taken all day, but everything's finally hooked up correctly," Twilight said. "Now, all you need to do is fall asleep."

"I...I can't! I don't know why but I literally can't fall asleep until nightfall!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Really?" Twilight asked. "Hmm...But that doesn't make any sense...Guess we'll have to wait till nightfall then."

Twilight and Rainbow Dash waited all day until nightfall, talking about the possibilities of what could be afflicting her sleep.

"Okay...It's finally nightfall...Now try to fall asleep Rainbow Dash..." Twilight said. "I'll switch on the machine...And then I'll see what's..."

Twilight's words started to become distant, and her head fell down on the bed, falling asleep from exhaustion.

"Twilight...Wake up...You're supposed to be monitoring my..." Rainbow Dash said, falling back into her pillow and going to sleep.

_________________________________________

Nightmare - 4th Day
_________________________________________

"Hey! Nice to see you again!" The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash stood up and rubbed her eyes.

"Oh...Hey there," Rainbow Dash said. "Alright, what do you have planned for me this time!"

"Getting a bit confident, are we?" The Adjudicator asked. "Well, we'll see how long that'll last."

The environment around Rainbow Dash changed once again. Rainbow Dash looked around at her surroundings and noticed that she was in a hallway. The white walls were covered in blood and scratch marks, mechanical whirring could be heard in the distance and some lights on the ceiling continuously flickered on and off.

"Welcome to the Hospital!" The Adjudicator said, laughing hysterically.

"A Hospital, huh? Creepy...But nothing I can't handle!" Rainbow Dash said.

Four floating elements appeared in front of her and started to spin in a circle.

"Alright, which one am I going for this time?" Rainbow Dash asked.

All the elements disappeared, leaving only one behind, as usual.

"Your third trial...Magic," The Adjudicator said.

The star-shaped element floated into the air and vanished completely.

"Letting me keep my wings this time?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, it won't make a difference either way so, you can keep them this time," The Adjudicator said. "Well, have fun..."

Rainbow Dash was about to turn around and start searching, when she heard screaming coming from the direction she was facing.

"What the hay was that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

She looked off into the distance to see what was coming, when a swarm of screaming ponies started to run towards her direction. They were all covered in blood and were wearing blue gowns.

"What the hay? There are others here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

The swarm ran closer and closer towards Rainbow Dash. She was about to move out of the way, but she didn't notice that one was much closer and it passed right through her body.

"What the...It went right through me," Rainbow Dash said. "What in the world is go-"

Rainbow Dash stopped mid-sentence, the floor started to shake violently and following the screaming ponies was another colossal figure in the distance. As it got closer, it's body became completely visible.

"Oh, no...You gotta be kidding me!" Rainbow Dash said.

The colossal figure was Twilight. She bared the same wounds as the other two demons and she was wearing a bloody doctor's coat and a surgical mask was covering her mouth. She was also holding a bloody surgical knife in her left hoof.

"Come here Rainbow Dash! Let me heal you!" Twilight said, charging towards Rainbow Dash.

"TIME TO GO!" Rainbow Dash said, turning around and quickly flying away.

Twilight was hot on her trail and she was much faster than the past two demons. If Rainbow Dash had her wings taken away, she would have been caught in no time. Rainbow Dash tried to lose the demonic Twilight by making sharp turns around corners, but she just couldn't shake her off.

"Don't run Rainbow Dash! I only want to help you!" Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash flied even faster, the sounds of other ponies screaming throughout the building terrified her deeply.

"This is crazy! I can't lose her!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash didn't realize how close Twilight was and Twilight bit Rainbow's tail, throwing her to the ground. Rainbow Dash slid across the floor and struggled to stand back up, but ended up tumbling down on herself. Twilight took her surgical knife and brought it down on Rainbow Dash's tail, pinning her to the ground.

"N-No! H-How could I get caught!? I can't die here!" Rainbow Dash said, breathing frantically. "I've come too far to die now!"

Twilight took out a syringe from her coat and held it over Rainbow Dash's body, getting ready to pierce her with it.

"No! I won't die here! I WON'T!" Rainbow Dash said, pulling her tail out from the knife and causing it to rip in half. "No time for tears Rainbow...I have to find that element now!"

Rainbow Dash flew away as fast she could and Twilight picked up her knife and chased after her. Rainbow Dash looked around frantically for something that could give her a clue as to where the element could be, but she couldn't think straight with Twilight right behind her. Rainbow Dash made another sharp turn and then quickly entered the room to her left. She became as quiet as possible and started to look for any clues.

"Where could it be?" Rainbow Dash whispered. "This place is huge...I'll never find it running around like this."

She looked around the room but immediately noticed that there were monitors placed on the wall, each screen depicting an x-ray of a pony.

"That's weird...Why would there be just x-rays of ponies? It's like they're trying to tell me that something is inside of the-" Rainbow Dash said, pausing and facehoofing. "Ugh...Of course! It's gotta be inside one of the patients here! Boy, that doesn't sound good..."

Rainbow Dash looked at each monitor carefully, looking for the pony that possessed the element. While she was looking, a large knife jolted from the wall and nearly cut Rainbow Dash.

"Woah! Looks like I better get going!" Rainbow Dash said, pushing open the door and flying away.

Twilight noticed and immediately took off in Rainbow Dash's direction. Rainbow Dash flew around the endless amount of hallways until she came across an unusual pair of iron double doors. She rushed in and they shut tightly behind her, leaving Twilight outside attempting to break it down.

"Where am I?" Rainbow Dash asked.

She was in a very large room. It was completely empty except for the table in the middle of the room. Rainbow Dash walked towards it and noticed that a white blanket was covering whatever was on it. She placed her hoof on the blanket and took it off.

"What the...No this isn't..." Rainbow Dash said, looking down at the body that was restrained to the table.

_________________________________________

Twilight's Perspective
_________________________________________

Twilight woke up in the middle of the night and became angry at herself.

"Oh, no! How could I fall asleep at a time like this?" Twilight asked.

She looked at Rainbow Dash's body and noticed it was slightly convulsing. She was sweating immensely, yet her body itself was icy to the touch.

"My goodness...Rainbow Dash, what is wrong with you?..." Twilight asked.

Twilight looked at the monitor she had to observe Rainbow Dash's brainwaves and she was terrified at it's results.

"What? This doesn't make any sense!" Twilight said.

The monitor displayed a flat line as if there was no brain activity going on whatsoever, which would only happen if the pony was dead, but Twilight could clearly see Rainbow Dash moving around violently as she slept.

"Hahahaha! Well, now isn't this interesting?" The Adjudicator asked. "How will you approach this I wonder?"

"Who was that?" Twilight asked. "Is there someone...Inside Rainbow's mind?"

"You...You're sick you know that!" Rainbow Dash said. "How could you make me do something like this!?"

"Well, because I get a huge laugh out of it that's why!" The Adjudicator said, laughing hysterically.

"Rainbow Dash! Let me help you, please!" Demonic Twilight said.

"What the hay? That sounded like me..." Twilight said. "What on earth is happening inside her head..."

________________________________________

Rainbow Dash's Perspective
________________________________________

"Rainbow Dash..." Princess Celestia said.

A surgical knife appeared in front of Rainbow Dash's face after unveiling the body from the blanket.

"Make your decision..." The Adjudicator said.

Rainbow Dash looked down at Princess Celestia's body. She saw a pulsing light emitting from her chest...She knew it had to be the element.

"I...I could never do something like this to the Princess! I just..." Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash could hear the door weakening, it wouldn't be long until Twilight broke it down. Rainbow Dash looked back at Celestia's body...And frowned.

"I'm sorry Princess..." Rainbow Dash said, picking up the surgical knife.

"Rainbow Dash...Don't do this to me..." Celestia said.

Rainbow Dash held the knife in her hoof and then slowly brought it down. She started to cut open Celestia's chest, blood spewing out everywhere and on her face. Rainbow Dash started to cut faster to get it over with as Celestia screamed with every incision Rainbow Dash made until the element was finally visible.

"Well...There it is," Rainbow Dash said, looking down at the element inside Celestia's torso.

Rainbow Dash grabbed the element with both hooves and pulled as hard as she could. The element was attached to many veins, but they snapped all together and she successfully pulled it out. Celestia gagged as the element was yanked from her torso and her head fell back, closing her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Princess..." Rainbow Dash cried. "I'm so sorry..."

Rainbow Dash wept the tears from her eyes. The red velvet door appeared on the opposite side from where she entered.

"Come on Rainbow...Pull yourself together!" Rainbow Dash said, making a break for the door as fast as she could.

Twilight broke down the doors and sprinted towards Rainbow Dash at full speed. Rainbow Dash shoved the element inside the door and pushed it open. The piercing lights shone through Twilight's body, cracking it and causing her to fall over. Twilight screamed as her body was being destroyed, but before she shattered she lifted her hoof up.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Twilight said, throwing her knife at Rainbow Dash in a last ditch attempt to kill her.

Rainbow Dash screamed and bolted through the door. It closed it behind her and left the knife impaled through it.

"Wow...You actually did it, huh?" The Adjudicator asked. "I gotta say, I thought this would be where you would finally die."

"Heh...You can't get rid of that easily Adjudicator," Rainbow Dash said, confidently.

"Hmph...Guess I underestimated you," The Adjudicator said. "Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake twice..."

The Confessional rose up from the ground as it always does.

"Alright, you know the drill," The Adjudicator said.

"Yeah, yeah I got it," Rainbow Dash said, walking inside and sitting down.

___________________________________________

Question 3: Is it okay to lie if you'll never be caught?

Blue Rope: I still can't lie Red Rope: No problem there
___________________________________________

"Hey! If you don't get caught then it's no problem, right?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Rainbow Dash lifted her hoof and pulled down on the red rope.

"Interesting choice," The Adjudicator said.

"Now, hold on there Adjudicator!" Rainbow Dash said. "I've survived three of your trials already, I want you to tell me your real name right now and why you're here!"

"Since you've exceeded my expectations...Fine, I'll tell you my name," The Adjudicator said. "My name...Is Astaroth."

"Astaroth?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Why are you here in this place and why do you do this to random ponies!?"

"I said I'd tell you my name and that's all I'm saying to you at the moment," Astaroth said. "Survive another night and then maybe I'll tell you more..."

"Heh, I'll hold you to that!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Well, see ya tomorrow..." Astaroth said.

Rainbow Dash's eyes became heavy and she blacked out once again.

_______________________________________

Reality
_______________________________________

Rainbow Dash's eyes opened wide, and she jumped up from bed completely terrified.

"Princess Celestia is dead..." Rainbow Dash said. "She's dead..."

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash screamed and tried to pull all the wires off her body.

"Rainbow Dash, calm down!" Twilight said. "Princess Celestia is not dead!"

"Yes, she is! She's dead! I don't know how I know but she's dead!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"Rainbow Dash! While you were sleeping, I picked up something that I found very unusual," Twilight said.

"Y-You did?" Rainbow Dash asked. "W-What was it?"

"Come on! Let's go get everyone else and head to Canterlot to see the Princess! I want her to see this to," Twilight said, using her magic to transfer the data into her horn.

Twilight helped Rainbow Dash out of bed and carefully guided her outside. After getting everyone together, they immediately headed for Canterlot to show Princess Celestia what Twilight had uncovered.

The Fourth Trial: Kindness

Chapter 5: The Fourth Trial: Kindness

Twilight and her friends wasted no time in heading towards Canterlot as they arrived there at around 4:00 p.m. due to the train ride. They made their way towards the castle, with Rainbow Dash following drearily behind, still shaky and scared about everything. Twilight raced on up ahead inside to the Throne Room to see Princess Celestia.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight yelled.

"Oh, why hello Twilight!" Celestia said, surprised at Twilight's visit. "Is there something that you need?"

"Yes, Princess! One of my best friends, Rainbow Dash to be specific, has not been able to sleep for the past few days," Twilight said. "This might sound a bit weird, but I think there's something in her mind that's keeping her from sleeping."

"Something is keeping her from sleeping correctly?" Celestia asked. "Twilight, I know you are a very intelligent mare and that you are doing all you can to help your friend, but don't you think that sounds a bit far-fetched?"

Rainbow Dash finally entered the room with her friends helping her stand up correctly.

"Look at her Princess! What other explanation could there be!?" Twilight asked.

Princess Celestia looked at Rainbow Dash's bloodshot eyes and her deprived state.

"Hmm..." Celestia said.

"I actually hooked her up to one of my machines last night so I could document her mind..." Twilight said. "Princess Celestia...you need to hear this."

Princess Celestia walked down to join the group and Twilight created a screen. (Like what Trixie did in "Magic Duel") Only static was on the screen, but it was the audio that mattered.

After listening to the recording, Celestia and the others were at a loss for words.

"What in tarnation was that?" Applejack asked. "Sounded like there was...Someone else inside Rainbow Dash's head."

"Yes indeed! I don't know what to make of it exactly," Rarity said.

"Now, do you understand the severity of this Princess?" Twilight asked. "I know for a fact that something is going on with Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash started to cringe and move around frantically.

"Rainbow Dash? What's wrong?" Pinkie asked.

"I...I don't know! My head...Feels like it's going to explode!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy went over to console Rainbow Dash as she panicked.

"I believe you are right Twilight; however, there is one more thing I'd like to do to confirm this," Celestia said, looking towards the doors. "Please come inside Luna."

"Thank you sister," Luna said.

"Princess Luna! What are you doing here?" Twilight asked.

"My sister called me here today on account of other matters we have to attend to later on in the day," Luna said. "But it looks like something else has come up."

"Yes Luna, I want you to tell me if their friend, Rainbow Dash, has been sleeping soundly lately," Celestia said, pointing at the rainbow mare.

Luna's eyes widened. "Oh...That one," Luna said. "Forgive me sister...But I have not told you this yet."

"What is it?" Celestia asked.

"Well, as you know I can enter the dreams of ponies while they sleep," Luna said. "However...I have not been able to access that one's mind at all recently...It's as if something else has taken over at the time."

"AHHHHHHHH!" Rainbow Dash screamed. "MY HEAD! IT HURTS SO MUCH!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight yelled, rushing over to help her friend.

Rainbow Dash's head started to throb with a searing pain. After hearing the recording of herself and Princess Luna's statement, all the memories that were once locked were now flowing back. After holding her head tightly and cringing on the ground, Rainbow Dash got up.

"Rainbow Dash! Are you alright!?" Pinkie asked.

"I'm fine Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said. "I...Remember everything now..."

"Remember everything?" Twilight asked.

"Yes...I'm not afraid anymore...I know what's happening," Rainbow Dash said.

"What is it?" Celestia asked. "What is the cause of this?"

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, now calm and completely in control of herself.

"Every time I go to sleep I'm thrown into another realm where I have to complete a trial every night," Rainbow Dash said. "If I fail a trial though...I'll die in my sleep."

"Die in your sleep!?" Rarity asked.

"Yes I'll die...That's not all though. There's this guy who calls himself The Adjudicator...From what he told me, he's the one who oversee's everything and is also the one who creates the trials," Rainbow Dash said. "He recently told me though that his real name is Astaroth."

"This is absolutely insane!" Twilight said. "Is there anyway you can be free of this!?"

"Actually, he said that's once I complete all the trials, he'll let me go and I'll be free," Rainbow Dash said.

Everyone was in complete and utter shock.

"You really shouldn't have said anything..." Astaroth said. "You were NEVER supposed to get your memory back!"

"Ha! You snooze you lose Astaroth! You shoulda stopped me from talking earlier or something," Rainbow Dash said.

Everyone watched, as it looked like Rainbow Dash was arguing with someone.

"Who is she talking to?" Applejack asked.

"It must be Astaroth," Twilight said. "She's the only one who can hear him since he's in her head after all."

"You know...I wasn't going to make your next trial incredibly difficult! But now you've just gone and pissed me off," Astaroth said.

"Go ahead! Make your little trial as hard as you want! I'll still pass it no matter what!" Rainbow Dash said. "See you tonight Astaroth! I'll show you what I'm really made of!"

"Likewise..." Astaroth said.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked. "What should we do now?"

"Hmm..." Rainbow Dash said. "Heh, wait until nightfall...I can't keep Astaroth waiting y'know?"

"What!? You mean you're actually going back there?" Twilight asked. "We could probably do something more now that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna know about this!"

"She's right Rainbow Dash, let us help you!" Celestia and Luna said.

"Thank you...I appreciate you guys looking out for me...But now this has become something personal!" Rainbow Dash said. "I'm going to show Astaroth that I'm not some ordinary mare and I will complete the rest of his stupid trials!"

"But Rainbow I-" Twilight said, interrupted.

"I'm sorry Twilight, but my mind is made up," Rainbow Dash said.

"If that really is your decision..." Celestia said. "Then the least I ask of you is to stay here in the castle for the night, all of you."

"Princess Celestia! You agree with Rainbow Dash!?" Twilight said.

"She clearly has made up her mind, and we have no right to say otherwise," Celestia said. "Please use one of the bedchambers on the upper floor...And please be careful Rainbow Dash."

"No problem Princess! I'll show Astaroth that he messed with the wrong pegasus!" Rainbow Dash said, flying away to the upper floors.

Twilight and her friends followed and made their way to the bedchamber that Princess Celestia spoke of.

"Oh yeah, there's something else I forgot to mention," Rainbow Dash said, sitting on the bed.

"What is it?" Twilight asked, shutting the door behind her.

"In every trial so far, Astaroth makes me go up against a twisted version of...One of you guys," Rainbow Dash said.

"I guess that explains why it sounded like I heard myself in that recording," Twilight said. "This is just sick..."

"Are you sure you don't want us to do anything sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Yes Applejack, I'm sorry but this something that I have to do!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Well...I guess all we can do now is wait till nightfall," Twilight said.

Time passed. Now that Rainbow Dash remembered everything, she wasn't scared, but instead anxious and filled with adrenaline. As night started to arrive, she became sleepier and sleepier.

"Get ready Astaroth...You're about to witness my awesomeness..." Rainbow Dash said, fading into sleep.

_____________________________________

Nightmare - 5th Day
_____________________________________

"Get up!" Astaroth said.

Rainbow Dash shook her head and jumped up.

"Hey buddy! How's it going?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"You're just so funny," Astaroth said. "Let's get started."

The environment changed to a surprisingly relaxing scenario. Rainbow Dash was in a field and the sun was shining, flowers were blooming and animals were seen frolicking about and there were trees everywhere.

"Umm..." Rainbow Dash said. "Astaroth? Is this some kind of a joke?"

Three floating jewels appeared in front of Rainbow Dash and spun in a circle.

"Welcome to The Forest," Astaroth said.

Two jewels disappeared, leaving only one behind as usual.

"Your fourth trial...Kindness," Astaroth said, dropping the element to the ground.

"Huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, picking the element up off the ground. "You're just giving it to me!?"

Astaroth was silent.

"What's the matter? Giving up already? Am I just that amazing!?" Rainbow Dash said, laughing.

The shining sky turned to pitch black and the forest became much more dense. Rainbow Dash's wings also vanished from her body.

"Figures," Rainbow Dash said. "I knew it was too good to be true."

Rainbow Dash was in complete darkness, her only source of illumination was the moon.

"Well, I already have the element...Which means all I gotta do is find the door!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash started to sprint cautiously through the woods, since she knew she would not be alone. She searched around frantically until she started hear what sounded like crying in the distance.

"What the-?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Who is that?"

The sobbing got closer and closer until a yellow mare with a pink mane was revealed.

"Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked, confused since it's usually a colossal demon chasing after her, but Fluttershy was nearly about the same height as her.

"Why Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy said, her head looking down at the ground. "Why did you leave us...I thought you said you'd never abandon us..."

"Abandon you? Fluttershy what are you talking about?" Rainbow Dash said. "I'd never aban-"

Rainbow Dash backed up away from the crying pegasus.

"Woah...Can't forget this is only a nightmare! She isn't real..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Rainbow Dash...Please! Don't leave me!" Fluttershy said, lifting her head and moving into the moonlight.

Fluttershy's body resembled that of the past demons, only her's was more beaten up and bloody with huge gashes across her body. Chains were wrapped around two of her hooves and she had a spiked ring around her neck.

"Stay with me Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy said, leaping towards Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash jumped out of the way and started to sprint away in the other direction.

"Please! Wait! Come back!" The sobbing Fluttershy cried.

"I-It's not real! Come on Rainbow you're stronger than this!" Rainbow Dash said. "Just find the door and get out of here!"

Rainbow Dash sprinted through the woods, avoiding trees and bushes as best she could.

"Gah! Where is this stupid exit!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash looked into the distance and noticed that there was a lake not too far ahead.

"Maybe that's where it is! I don't think I have a choice at the momen-" Rainbow Dash said, interrupted as she was tackled to the ground by Fluttershy.

"Is that you? Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy cried, while pinning Rainbow Dash down.

"Get off of me! Lemme go dang it!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

Fluttershy looked down, and with her razor sharp teeth, bit down on Rainbow Dash's right hoof and started to rip her skin off.

Rainbow Dash screamed in agony, she struggled harder and harder until she was able to shove Fluttershy off.

"GET OFF OF ME!" Rainbow Dash yelled, throwing Fluttershy off her against a tree.

Not knowing, Rainbow Dash impaled Fluttershy through a tree branch that was concealed in the shadows. Fluttershy cried even louder as she sat there with a branch piercing her chest.

"Rainbow Dash...Why are you doing this...I thought you were our friend!" Fluttershy cried, struggling to break free.

Rainbow Dash was bleeding profusely from her wound and blood was running down her body.

"I...I just..." Rainbow Dash said. "N-No! I have to get to that lake before it's too late!"

Rainbow Dash limped towards the lake as quickly as she could.

"Rainbow Dash! Please! Come back!" Fluttershy cried.

Upon reaching the lake, the moon's reflection was cast on the surface...But the reflection was a blood red.

"This is it?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Could it...Could it be at the bottom of the lake?"

Looking behind her, she heard the branch snap and hoofsteps coming much quicker then before.

"Guess I don't have a choice!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and jumped into the lake and started to swim downwards. Swimming as fast as she could, she swam deeper and deeper. She heard another splash behind her and noticed that Fluttershy was swimming downwards as well at breakneck speed.

"Why do you always leave us!" Fluttershy cried.

Rainbow swam faster and faster until she saw the red velvet door at the bottom of the lake. She swam down to it and shoved the jewel in the indentation, releasing the lock. Swinging the door open, the white light shone out and pierced right through Fluttershy's body. Fluttershy was crying and screaming at the same time as her body started to crack.

"Why Rainbow Dash! Why are you doing this to us!" Fluttershy said, her body shattering with that last comment.

Rainbow Dash turned around and swam on through the door, returning her to the Distorted Ponyville.

"So you survived that one too..." Astaroth said. "I thought giving you a false sense of victory would be your downfall...Clearly I was wrong..."

"Y-Yeah! No problem! You see I told you I could do it!" Rainbow Dash said.

The Confessional rose up from the ground next to her.

"Yes I guess you did..." Astaroth said. "Now get inside so we can wrap this up..."

Rainbow Dash went inside and sat down on the seat.

_______________________________________________

Question 4: Which is harder: Lying or being lied to?

Blue Rope: Lying Red Rope: Being lied to
_______________________________________________

"I suppose being lied to, since sometimes you're not sure if that pony is lying or not," Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash lifted her hoof and pulled down on the red rope.

"I expected as much from you," Astaroth said.

"Alright Astaroth, I survived another night now answer another one of my questions!" Rainbow Dash said. "What is the real purpose of this place?"

"The World of Nightmares has existed since the beginning of time. There is no history behind it because no one has ever lived to tell about it," Astaroth said. "Unlike what I said before...It chooses those who it thinks has taken life for granted and doesn't deserve the benefits it contains."

"What? I don't...Take life for granted..." Rainbow Dash said. "Well...Why are you here?"

"Until next time..." Astaroth said. "Rainbow Dash..."

Rainbow Dash's eyes became heavy as she blacked out once more.

___________________________________________

Reality
___________________________________________

Rainbow Dash's eyes opened widely and she sprung up from bed.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight and the others yelled, hugging their friend.

"Heh...You see guys, I told you I'd be alright," Rainbow Dash said.

The Fifth Trial: Generosity

The Fifth Trial: Generosity

Chapter 6: The Fifth Trial: Generosity

"What happened exactly Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked, as her and the others released their grip.

Rainbow Dash veered in Fluttershy's direction for a few seconds and shivered.

"You guys really want to know?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes!" They all said simultaneously.

"Well alright then." Rainbow Dash said. "It was weird at first, I started out in a sunny forest and Astaroth pretty much gave me what I needed right at the start of it."

"That doesn't make any sense." Twilight said.

"That's what I thought to, but after I picked it up...that's where everything took a turn for the worse." Rainbow Dash said. "It became completely dark and I had to find my way out before...you caught me."

"Huh? Me!?" Fluttershy said. "W-Why me?"

"It's like I said before, he makes me go up against you guys...but in a twisted and insane form." Rainbow Dash said. "You were...different from the others though Fluttershy."

"Really?" Fluttershy said. "H-How so?"

"Well for starters you were normal sized and weren't as crazy as the others." Rainbow Dash said. "But...you kept on crying the whole time...and repeating the same phrases over and over again."

"What was I saying?" Fluttershy said.

"Please! Don't leave me! or Why would you do this to us!" Rainbow Dash said, not mentioning the other phrases. "It was just weird y'know?"

"Well..." Twilight said. "What are you going to do now?"

"I'm going to go back in of course." Rainbow Dash said.

"Seriously Rainbow?" Twilight said. "Why won't you let us help you get of this!? We can go research this! Ask Princess Celestia to try something!"

"Twilight, I'm only one night away from putting Astaroth in his place! Of course I'm going to go back in." Rainbow Dash said. "Besides, what could you research? There's nothing documented on this place because no ones ever survived it!"

"Rainbow..." Twilight said.

"I'm sorry Twilight, but my mind is made up." Rainbow Dash said. "I really appreciate what you're trying to do for me, I really do...but this is something that I want to finish on my own!"

Well it looks like there's no way I can change your mind." Twilight said. "So I guess the only thing I can do at this point...is wish you the best of luck!"

"Thanks Twilight." Rainbow Dash said. "I mean there's only one more trial right? The only one he hasn't done out of all you guys is Rarity, and let's face it...it shouldn't be hard at all."

"Excuse me?" Rarity said.

"Come on Rarity, let's face it...you're not scary in the least." Rainbow Dash, snickering.

"Well then!" Rarity said, a little hurt as she walked out of the room.

"Let her go." Twilight said. "Guess the only thing to do now is wait till nightfall once more."

"Got that right." Rainbow Dash said.

____________________________________________________

Later that evening...
____________________________________________________

"Alright Rainbow Dash." Twilight said. "Are you ready for this?"

"Definitely!" Rainbow Dash said. "This should be over in no time!"

"Come back to us in one piece alright sugarcube?" Applejack said.

"Please be safe." Fluttershy said.

"Show that Astaroth who's boss!" Pinkie said.

"I have the utmost faith in you." Rarity said.

"Thanks guys...I really...appreciate it..." Rainbow Dash said, her eyes becoming very heavy all of a sudden.

"Good luck Rainbow! You can do it!" Twilight said.

Twilight's words echoed as Rainbow Dash fell asleep once more.

_______________________________________________

Nightmare - 6th Day
_______________________________________________

"Rise and shine!" Astaroth said.

Rainbow Dash shook her head and stood up.

"You're awfully cheery today aren't you?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes actually, after seeing your performance in The Forest Nightmare, I know exactly what to do to for you in the future..." Astaroth said, laughing hysterically.

"I'm so scared!" Rainbow Dash said. "Just bring out the next trial already why don't you!?"

"Yes of course!" Astaroth said.

The environment changed once again, but what it was struck Rainbow Dash as unsettling. It was simply an enclosed circular area, with the surroundings made of solid rock.

"What is this?" Rainbow Dash said.

Two elements floated in front of Rainbow Dash in a circular motion.

"Welcome to The Arena!" Astaroth said. "This will probably be the most challenging of all the trials you've faced so far!"

Both elements vanished and Rainbow Dash started to hear rumbling from beneath the ground.

"Wait a second! Isn't Rarity the last trial? She's the last of my friends after all!" Rainbow Dash said. "Who else is there?"

"Seriously?" Astaroth said. "You've been here for like what? Six nights? And you haven't figured that out yet? Guess this'll be interesting when the time comes!"

Rainbow Dash turned around and noticed bloody white hooves emerging from the ground.

"But right now let's focus on the task at hand shall we?" Astaroth said. "Your Fifth Trial... Generosity."

Rarity pulled herself up from the ground and stared at Rainbow Dash. She was normal sized and bared the same features as Fluttershy, except for the neck brace.

"So I actually have to fight?" Rainbow Dash said. "But, where's the element?"

Rainbow Dash looked closely at Rarity and noticed that she was wearing the element on her neck.

"Figures, she would be the only one out of all of us to flaunt it like that." Rainbow Dash said.

"Rainbow DASH!" Rarity yelled, charging towards Rainbow Dash.

"Guess I have no choice." Rainbow Dash, getting into position. "Come on Rarity! Show me what you can do!"

Rarity surprised Rainbow Dash by side stepping to her right as she got close enough, turning around quickly and kicking Rainbow Dash with her back hooves, sending her sliding back. Not giving Rainbow Dash a chance to recover, she followed up by quickly running towards her and picking her up by her neck and throwing her against the wall.

"Ugh...come on Rainbow...pull yourself together!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash flew up into the air, already bruised and bleeding in some spots. She looked down at Rarity and dove down at her, biting her tail and flying back up with her. Rainbow Dash spun Rarity around and threw her down to the ground, causing Rarity to cough up blood on impact and leaving her vulnerable.

"Now's my chance!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash flew towards Rarity and tried to rip the amulet of her neck, but it wouldn't budge.

"What the?" Rainbow Dash said.

Rarity recovered and grabbed Rainbow Dash, landing a solid punch in her gut. Rainbow Dash fell over in pain and Rarity walked over to her body. She placed her hoof on Rainbow Dash's back and grabbed both of her wings. Rainbow Dash knew what she was going to do, and she struggled as much as she possibly could, but she couldn't escape Rarity's grasp. Rarity pulled back on her wings, bones popping and blood spewing out as her wings were being ripped from her body. Rainbow Dash screamed and cried in agony as Rarity ripped them out. She then tossed them aside and picked Rainbow Dash up again by her neck, blood rushing down her back.

"How does it feel Rainbow Dash?" Rarity said.

"W-What are you talking about?" Rainbow Dash said.

"This is because you left her, because you left us!" Rarity said, tightening her grip.

"Rarity what are you talking about!?" Rainbow Dash cried.

"YOU ABANDONED YOUR FRIENDS AND LEFT THEM FOR DEAD!" Rarity screamed. "...why did you do it Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash looked at Rarity and noticed blood rushing down from her eyes, most likely...she was crying.

"Rarity! You know I would never abandon you guys...I care about all of you too much!" Rainbow Dash said. "I'd never do such a thing! What ever I did I'm sorry!"

"It's too late for apologies now Rainbow Dash...we're already dead thanks to you..." Rarity said. "Now you pay the price."

Rarity tightened her grip to the point where Rainbow couldn't breathe. She struggled as she was being suffocated to death by her friend.

"No...no no NO!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

Rainbow Dash lifted her back hooves and kicked Rarity away from her, falling to ground and gasping for air.

"I don't know what you're talking about Rarity...but I would never leave my friends behind in a life or death situation." Rainbow Dash said. "But if there's anyone here who needs to be put out of their misery! It's you Rarity!"

Rarity became infuriated and she sprinted towards Rainbow Dash, blinded by anger.

"I'm sorry Rarity..." Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash sprinted towards Rarity and avoided her punch, She lifted her hoof and drove it through Rarity's chest. The combined amount of pressure from both mares running towards each other made piercing her chest easy. Rainbow Dash removed her hoof from Rarity's body and she fell to the ground, the amulet sliding off her neck. Rainbow Dash walked over to Rarity's body and looked at her for a bit before picking up the element.

"Rarity..." Rainbow Dash said.

The red velvet door appeared shortly after Rarity's defeat and Rainbow Dash slowly walked towards it. She set the element in the indentation to unlock it and proceeded to open it. But before she did, she heard moaning behind her.

"I thought she might still be alive..." Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash turned around, expecting her to be completely healed and ready for round two. Instead...she saw Rarity lying there in a pool of her own blood.

"Rainbow Dash..." Rarity said, tears running down her face as she crawled towards Rainbow Dash. "Don't leave us again..."

Rainbow Dash started to tear up as Rarity slowly crawled towards her, leaving a trail of blood behind her.

"Sometimes...I forget this is all fake..." Rainbow Dash said, sniffling. "It just feels so real though sometimes..."

Rainbow Dash turned around and pushed open the door, revealing the white rays of light. They pierced Rarity's contorted body and she cried out to Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash! Please help me!" Rarity said. "Don't let me die again!"

Rainbow Dash continued to walk through the door, tears running down her face as Rarity's cries for help faded.

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity cried, as the door closed.

Rainbow Dash has returned to the Distorted Ponyville and started to wipe her face.

"How do you feel?' Astaroth said.

"I'm...I'm fine." Rainbow Dash said. "Just get your stupid Confessional out here so we can wrap this up..."

"Fine fine." Astaroth said.

The Confessional rose up from the ground and Rainbow Dash took a seat inside of it.

"Are you ready?" Astaroth said. "This is the last question you have to answer."

"Yes let's just get this over with..." Rainbow Dash said.

_____________________________________________

Final Question: Is it easier to love, or be loved?

Blue Rope: To be loved Red Rope: To love
_____________________________________________

Rainbow Dash pulled down on the red rope, providing no explanation as to why this time.

"Interesting..." Astaroth said. "Well Rainbow Dash, you certainly are different from those I've encountered before."

"I've answered your dumb questions so now answer my last one Astaroth." Rainbow Dash said. 'Why are you here?"

"I guess I do owe you an explanation after making it this far...I was the very first victim to succumb to the World of Nightmares." Astaroth said.

"You were...the first?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes, and because of that my soul has been bounded to this place for all eternity. I can do nothing to escape this place...so over the course of the years I've been here, I've just grown...used to it I should say." Astaroth said. "I've...changed from who I was and now I oversee the victims who have been chosen."

Rainbow Dash was quiet and she started to feel a little sorry for Astaroth.

"Hey now, you're not actually feeling sorry for me are you?" Astaroth said. "I've grown accustomed to everything and this is simply my fate."

Rainbow Dash remained silent.

"Yep...you definitely are an odd one." Astaroth said, snickering. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow Rainbow Dash...for your final trial."

Rainbow Dash's eyes became heavy and she blacked out once again.

______________________________________

Reality
______________________________________

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and slowly sat up.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight and the others yelled. "You did it! You won right!?"

Rainbow Dash looked up at her friends.

"Heh...sorry guys." Rainbow Dash said. "But it looks like I'm not done yet."

The Final Trial: Loyalty

The Final Trial: Loyalty

Twilight and her friends looked at Rainbow Dash, surprised by her choice of words.

"Not done yet?" Twilight asked. "But I thought you said this was the last trial you had to go through."

"I thought it was too, but it turns out there's one more trial I have to face before Astaroth will release me," Rainbow Dash said.

"I'm not entirely sure what it could be though...I already faced all you guys, what else could it be?"

"I don't know Rainbow," Twilight said. "But regardless, this is the absolute last trial...No doubt Astaroth will pour everything he has into this one."

"I know Twilight, I understand what Astaroth is like..." Rainbow Dash said. "But I'll definitely pull through in the end! There's nothing to worry about!"

After Rainbow's comment, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna entered the bedroom.

"Hello everyone." Celestia said. "Is everything alright? Has Rainbow Dash recovered from the nightmares?"

"Hello Princess," Twilight said. "I'm afraid to say that she still has one more night to go, and then Astaroth will finally release her."

"I see," Celestia said.

"Are you sure you don't require any assistance, Rainbow Dash?" Luna said. "I could probably enter thine dream at the moment thou falls asleep."

"Thanks for the offer Princess...But this is something I have to do by myself, as I've said before," Rainbow Dash said. "I mean no disrespect, but I'm sure you understand, right?"

"Yes...tis something you must settle personally with Astaroth," Luna said. "I am in no position to change thine mind, so I wish thee the best of luck the next time thou slumbers."

"Thank you Princess," Rainbow Dash said.

Princess Luna signaled Celestia, and together they both left the room.

"Well..." Twilight said. "I guess all we can do now is wait till nightfall right?"

Rainbow Dash nodded her head in agreement.
____________________________________

Later that night....
____________________________________

"Are you ready, Rainbow?" Twilight asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Rainbow Dash said, lying down on the bed.

"Better come back to us in one piece partner," Applejack said.

"Heh, course I will," Rainbow Dash said. "I'll be in and out before you..."

Rainbow Dash's words became incomprehensible as she passed out once more.
__________________________________

Nightmare: Final Day
__________________________________

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and sprang up.

"Alright Astaroth! I'm here for the final trial!" Rainbow Dash said. "Let's hurry up and get this over with!"

There was no response for a few minutes, but then Astaroth spoke.

"It's been a long time since I've met someone like you," Astaroth said. "You're also the first pony to make it this far, I'm really quite impressed with you."

Rainbow Dash was surprised by Astaroth's praise.

"Thanks, but you really shouldn't expect anything less from the best!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Heh, I suppose I shouldn't have..." Astaroth said. "Well then! Enough chit-chat! Let's get this finale on the way, shall we?"

"You bet!" Rainbow Dash said.

The environment around her changed for the last time, and she soon found herself in a very familiar place.

"This is...Cloudsdale?" Rainbow Dash said. "This is where my final trial will take place?"

As Rainbow Dash was observing the area, she noticed a floating element appear in front of her.

"Wait a second...Isn't that..." Rainbow Dash said. "My element?"

"Your final trial...Loyalty," Astaroth said.

The element floated back slowly and then started to take the shape of what seemed to be a pony.

"What the hay is going on?" Rainbow Dash asked.

The figure kept morphing until the transformation was complete, and the pony resembled that of Rainbow Dash herself.

"You...You look like me..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Look like you?" The Dark Figure said. "Oh, I'm a bit more than that my friend...I am you."

Rainbow Dash cringed, this pony claiming to be her. It didn't look like her past encounters with her friends, there was no blood or scratches or anything of the sort. She was colorless, except for her pupils, which were a bright red.

"You're me?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"That's right, I'm you. I'm not some demon created by Astaroth like in the previous trials," Anti-Dash said. "I'm a manifestation of your mind--of who you really are."

"You can't be me! I'm me! You're nothing but a fake is what you are!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"If anyone here is a fake, it's you," Anti-Dash said, showing no emotion in her voice.

Rainbow Dash backed up a bit, starting to get irritated.

"Yeah? Well, this fake is going to beat you down!" Rainbow Dash said, about to charge Anti-Dash.

"Anger and violence, is that all you resort to when you don't understand something?" Anti-Dash asked.

"Shut your face!" Rainbow Dash said, tackling Anti-Dash to the cloud floor.

"Heh, not so tough now are you?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Anti-Dash laid on the ground and stared at Rainbow's face.

"Well, if you're not going to answer me then I'll just have to beat one out of you!" Rainbow Dash said, landing a few blows to Anti-Dash's face.

Anti-Dash remained silent.

"Why won't you answer me!" Rainbow Dash said, continuing to beat Anti-Dash. "You think you're better than me? Is that it!?"

Silence.

"SAY SOMETHING OR I'LL KILL YOU!" Rainbow Dash said yelled, delivering one final blow to her face, breathing heavily.

Anti-Dash moved her head a little and looked at Rainbow Dash's face and responded.

"...Are you afraid?" Anti-Dash asked.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened.

"W-What?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Are you afraid? Do you not want to accept the truth?" Anti-Dash asked. "You fear me, don't you?"

Rainbow Dash got up and backed away from Anti-Dash.

"I...I don't understand...You're not..." Rainbow Dash said. "I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON!"

"Exactly, you don't understand why, so you answer with anger and recklessness," Anti-Dash said. "You fear me and you don't know why."

"Shut up..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Ponies fear because they imagine. Imagination is the power of all the emotions combined. Ponies imagine things because they do not understand them," Anti-Dash said.

"I said shut up..." Rainbow Dash said.

"It's more terrifying imagining a future that provides more pain," Anti-Dash said.

"I SAID SHUT UP!" Rainbow Dash said, rushing at Anti-Dash and bringing her hoof crashing down, hitting Anti-Dash through the cloud floor and having her smash down on the floating land in the Distorted Ponyville.

"It's not that ponies are not afraid to die, but that they are scared to imagine...Death," Anti-Dash said. getting up from the crater.

Rainbow Dash flew down and met with Anti-Dash.

"I don't care if you're me! All that matters is beating you so I can get out of here!" Rainbow Dash said.

Rainbow Dash flew towards Anti-Dash and punched her right across the face, but she didn't flinch whatsoever.

"I don't mind pain, pain doesn't bother me," Anti-Dash said, grabbing Rainbow Dash by the neck. "You, however, feel it much differently than I do."

Anti-Dash brought Rainbow crashing down towards the floor, leaving her vulnerable. Anti-Dash crushed both of Rainbow's wings and started to rip off pieces of her coat, enjoying the sounds Rainbow Dash's screams.

"Surely you understand now, correct?" Anti-Dash said, picking Rainbow up again by her neck and holding her up. "You are an illusion, concealing your true self from your friends."

Anti-Dash threw Rainbow's body on the ground, and shortly after, the red velvet door appeared.

"W-What? But I never got the element..." Rainbow Dash said, writhing on the ground.

Anti-Dash walked towards the red velvet door and opened it.

"H-How did you open it!? You can't do that! Only I can!" Rainbow Dash said.

"What makes you think that only you could have emerged victorious from this fight?" Anti-Dash said.

"But...The light! Shouldn't you be..." Rainbow Dash said.

"I'm not a demon, I'm you...The light has no reason to kill me..." Anti-Dash said. "With that being said, I wonder how your friends will react when I take your place and show them who you truly are."

Rainbow Dash was horrified, she had no idea what to do. Her heart was racing and she was in complete agony.

"I...You're not me...I know who I am..." Rainbow Dash said.

"You just don't get it, do you? It doesn't matter how much you try to cover me up," Anti-Dash said. "Regardless of what you do, you'll never seem to understand your true self."

Rainbow Dash was about to break down from everything that was happening, but then it finally hit her.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll make my departure," Anti-Dash said, about to walk through the door.

"You're right..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Huh?" Anti-Dash asked, turning around. "What do you mean, 'I'm right?'"

"You're right, you are me," Rainbow Dash said. "It was hard to accept at first, but I guess you could really be me."

Anti-Dash closed the door behind her.

"W-What are you talking about? How can you just come to accept it so easily?" Anti-Dash asked. "All this sorrow, all this negativity, and you'll just...Accept it!?"

"Yeah...Pretty much," Rainbow Dash said. "Maybe you're right, maybe I am the fake one...But, you know what? I'm perfectly happy with that."

"H-Happy? How can you be HAPPY!? YOU'RE NOT REAL! FAKE! A FACADE! NOTHING IS WHAT YOU ARE! HOW CAN YOU JUST ACCEPT THAT AND BE HAPPY!?" Anti-Dash asked. "IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!"

"Tell me something..." Rainbow Dash said.

"Huh!?" Anti-Dash asked.

"...Are you afraid?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"M-Me? Afraid? W-What could possibly give you a STUPID IDEA LIKE THAT!?" Anti-Dash asked.

"...Because you don't understand," Rainbow Dash said.

Anti-Dash was confused, breaking down at this...Fake.

"I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S AFRAID!" Anti-Dash said, flying towards Rainbow Dash and punching her across the face, but she didn't flinch at all.

"Yeah...It hurts...But that isn't going to stop me from getting out of here!" Rainbow Dash said, confidence filling up her voice.

"I don't understand...Where is all her bravery coming from...It doesn't make any sense...I can't make heads or tails of it...What the heck is going on..." Anti-Dash said. "YOU DON'T MAKE SENSE!"

"GET READY BECAUSE I'M GETTING OUT OF HERE!" Rainbow Dash said, flying towards Anti-Dash.

"NO STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Anti-Dash said, trying to back away from Rainbow Dash.

"TAKE THIS!" Rainbow Dash, punching Anti-Dash dead in the face as hard as she could.

Anti-Dash jumped back after receiving the blow.

"HA! YOU THINK YOU CAN HURT ME? YOUR MEASLY LITTLE PUNCH DID NOTHING! YOU'RE WEA-" Anti-Dash said, cutting herself off.

Bright cracks started to appear all over Anti-Dash's face and body.

"Hey...What's going on? All you did was punch me! It wasn't anything special!" Anti-Dash said, placing her hoof over her right eye.

"You're right, it wasn't anything special," Rainbow Dash said. "But I've come to accept who I am...And although I may not ever show it...I know my true self, and that's something I understand now!"

"Is that so?" Anti-Dash asked, with a smile. "I guess I've underestimated you..."

Anti-Dash's body exploded into pure light with her final comment and the red velvet door creaked open.

"Well...It looks like...You've won," Astaroth said. "I...Never thought a day like this would come..."

"Yeah...I guess I did." Rainbow Dash said.

"Well go on, the door's open...What are you waiting for?" Astaroth asked.

Rainbow Dash turned to the door and started to walk towards it.

"Well Astaroth..." Rainbow Dash said. "I know this'll sound weird but..."

"Huh?" Astaroth asked.

"Well, I'll sorta miss you in a way," Rainbow Dash said.

"You'll... Miss me?" Astaroth said. "But...All I've been doing is trying to kill you, why would you miss me?"

"I...Don't know exactly..." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Thank you, Rainbow Dash," Astaroth said. "It was a pleasure having you here..."

"Thanks..." Rainbow Dash said. "Well, I guess this is goodbye."

"Yeah, see ya'," Astaroth said.

Rainbow Dash walked through the door, looked back one final time, and continued on through to reality.

___________________________________

Reality
___________________________________

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, and sat up in her bed.

"Rainbow Dash!" Her friends said simultaneously, as they all hugged her with joy.

"Hey! Come on guys! Not so tight!" Rainbow Dash said.

"We knew you could do it Rainbow Dash!" Twilight said. "It's over now...Right?"

"Yeah...Astaroth congratulated me and we said our goodbyes," Rainbow Dash said. "Heh... You know it's funny... If he wasn't out to kill me the whole time, I think we could have gotten along real well."

"Well at least everything is finally back to normal," Twilight said. "Come on Rainbow, let's go downstairs and tell Princess Celestia of your success."

"Alright," Rainbow Dash said, getting up from bed and walking downstairs with her friends to Princess Celesita's Throne Room.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight said. "Rainbow Dash succeeded in conquering the nightmares! All by herself!"

"I always had the utmost faith in your success Rainbow Dash," Celestia said. "I'm just relieved that you emerged from the whole situation unscathed."

"Thank you Princess," Rainbow Dash said. "But it'll take more than a few nightmares to stop someone like me!"

"I would assume so," Celestia said.

"Now the only thing I want is to finally have a good night's sleep..." Rainbow Dash said, laughing with her friends as she celebrated her victory.

THE END...?

"Oh, Rainbow Dash...I'm not sure I can release you just yet... Hehehehehehe."