The Brightest of Rainbows

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 5

Chapter 1

"Woohoo!" Fluttershy exclaimed in a barely heard voice as Rainbow Dash executed a very daring aerial trick.

Rainbow Dash had been practicing that particular trick for weeks. All of her previous attempts had been utter failures. Fluttershy had been there for every one, even from the beginning of her stunts back in Flight School. Rainbow never knew of course, because Fluttershy had made sure to never let a sound escape her lips. That's one of the reasons she could hardly cheer loud for her. Fluttershy had always had a small affection for Rainbow Dash, and only more so after she stood up for her at Flight School. Only now, after seeing Rainbow Dash flying in the fading light of Celestia's setting sun did Fluttershy realize it.

'I'm in love with Rainbow Dash!' her mind seemingly screamed at her. She took a moment to admire her, her cyan blue coat glistening with sweat, her rainbow mane, and her bold, daring nature. 'I love Rainbow Dash,' she told herself again.

When the pegusi pair were walking home, Rainbow Dash noticed something odd in the way Fluttershy looked at her when they were talking.

'It's nothing,' Dash reassured herself. When they arrived at Fluttershy's cottage, they said their goodbye's and just as Rainbow Dash was about to leave she thought of asking what was up earlier. She stopped and instead said, "Thanks Fluttershy, for cheering me on today."

Fluttershy's heart practically melted on the spot.

As soon as Rainbow Dash was away from earshot, Fluttershy immediately started telling everything to Angel.

"Oh it was wonderful! She was doing flips and tricks and spins and oh it was great!" Angel could read her like a book, and he knew when she wasn't telling everything, so he cleared his throat as loud as a bunny could, crossed his arms, and started tapping his foot on the wood flooring. Fluttershy caught his meaning and reluctantly told the rest of what transpired.

"I don't know how I'm going to tell her though. She probably doesn't like me at all like that," Fluttershy said and drooped her head to look at the floor. "She's just so cool, and brave, and..." A carrot to the face snapped her back to reality.

"Oh sorry Angel bunny. But, what do you think I should do? Should I tell her how I'm in love with her and possibly lose her as my dear friend? Or should I continue to admire from afar? Oh I just don't know what to do..."

Thud! Another carrot. "I think it's time for bed Angel bunny." And with that, they both retreated to their seperate chambers. Fluttershy knew it would do no good to try and sleep, Rainbow Dash was the only thing on her mind. Eventually, the need for sleep eventually overtook her. Fluttershy fell asleep thinking of that sweet cyan blue and those indoctrinating rose eyes.

During her blissful sleep, Fluttershy had a wonderful dream. She was back in Flight School, watching Rainbow Dash do her daring tricks. Moments later, Dash landed, and was heading towards Fluttershy.

"It's so cute, you I mean, watching me and thinking you were hidden. I like the audience though, even if it is just you, I couldn't ask for anypony more." It was then that Dash leaned in and kissed Fluttershy.

Fluttershy awoke with a start. She recalled every beautiful moment of her dream. She started turning rosy around the cheeks when she realized that her wings were outstretched due to her dream. From then till sunrise she thought of a way to tell Rainbow Dash those three words, 'I love you.'

When Rainbow Dash arrived home to her cloud castle, she was immediately greeted by her stomach's growl.

"Better fix myself something, I won't get a wink of sleep if I'm this hungry!" After making her snack, Dash retreated to her cloud bed. She sighed, "What was up with Fluttershy today?" she thought aloud. Pondering it for a moment, she dismissed it as nothing serious. Soon after, she felt her eyelids get heavier and heavier. Finally giving in, sleep smothered her and wrapped her mind in a dream filled with Fluttershy.

She was there, in the rolling green grass outside Ponyville. Rainbow Dash quickly flew to the quiet mare laying in the lush growth. When she arrived there, Fluttershy turned to Dash, gave her a loving look, and ever so softly said, "It's lovely, isn't it? Luna's moon I mean, I've always loved the night. The peace it brings, the soft glow of all the thousands of stars. Night is also when the most romantic things happen." At that, Fluttershy gave Dash a look that could soften the hardest of hearts. Before Rainbow Dash could reply, Fluttershy stole a kiss from her. Every space of Dash's mind filled with nothing but a passionate love for Fluttershy, she embraced the soft yellow mare, and they watched the stars together, in each others hold.

"Whoa! That was...odd." Rainbow Dash said aloud as she recalled the dream. Pushing the thoughts out of her mind, she decided to get an early start on her day. The moment she stepped out of her home, the cold and bitter morning greeted her in it's freezing embrace.

'Beautiful day today' she thought sarcastically. Sighing, she launched herself up into the air to go about her normal duties. Last night's dream was returning to her, distracting her from her concentration. Rainbow tried to focus, but the thoughts came coming back.

'Stupid brain, won't let me focus.' Dash decided to just let the thoughts come. While mulling over the dream's events, other voices started talking. The voices belonged to her Flight School peers.

"Filly-fooler! Filly-fooler! Keep your eyes on the course not the plots!" they used to say. Rainbow Dash would always storm away, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. Always plagued by these thoughts she could never properly love somepony. Whenever she would take affection to somepony she ended up getting stabbed in the back. Rainbow tried desperately to push these thoughts out of her mind, but to no avail. Just then she realized that she was crying.

'Stop crying! Just stop!' Dash hardly ever cried, but when she did she cried hard. She would cry so hard it wouldn't stop for hours upon hours. Taking refuge on a storm cloud, she started crying her eyes out. She cried until sundown, hating her life. Rainbow Dash just wanted the memories to go away.

Author's Note

First fanfic I've written! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, any suggestions or comments are encouraged! Toss it a like or fav if you enjoyed it

Chapter 2

"Oh no, that won't work," Fluttershy said in a frustrated manner.

She had been thinking of a way to tell Rainbow Dash those three little words that had a huge meaning, 'I love you'. Time had escaped Fluttershy, and she realized that Dash's training session would begin soon.

"I had better get going, bye Angel bunny. I've left you plenty of carrots. If I'm not back before ten, I want you in bed ok? Well I'm off." And with that she set off to the normal spot where Rainbow Dash would practice her stunning moves in hopes of being a Wonderbolt one day.

As Fluttershy arrived at the designated field, she noticed Dash wasn't there. At first she thought nothing of it, but after waiting for an hour and Rainbow still hadn't shown up she started to worry. Her worry's were eased when she spotted Dash on a cloud, seemingly asleep. 'I guess I'll go wake her up.' With that thought she flew up to the low hanging cloud that Rainbow Dash resided.

When she reached the cloud, she heard sobs and moans coming from it. Thinking it was just her imagination, she proceeded to wake up Rainbow Dash.

"Um..excuse me Rainbow, but...it's time for your training session...." Fluttershy had barely got that out of her mouth before Dash turned around and looked into her eyes. Now Fluttershy realized what the sobbing was earlier. Rainbow Dash had been crying. Hard.

"Rainbow Dash! What's wrong? Are you okay?" Her voice was full of concern.

"J-Just....go....please...*snivel*...I want to be alone f-for a while ok?" Rainbow Dash had to fight through tears to even say one thing. Fluttershy could see that Dash didn't just want to be alone, she needed to be alone. And with that, Fluttershy flew away. She had a pony she needed to see.

Twilight Sparkle was having a normal day. Relaxing in her home while reading a book having a nice drink. But this was all disturbed when she heard the thunderous sound of Fluttershy crashing into her door.

"Oh my goodness are you ok Fluttershy?! Be more careful next time! So anyway, what brings you here? Need a book? Or just here to chat?" Twilight had her usual bright and cheery attitude.

"Well um..it's...Rainbow Dash...she was crying....she looked so sad...she said she just wanted to be alone." Saying this almost made Fluttershy cry. She could hardly bare the thought of her love in despair.

"This is bad. Rainbow never cries. Do you have any slightest clue as to why?"

"Not a clue Twilight, I didn't want to ask her because she seemed sad enough without me interfering. I hope she's okay..." Twilight could detect the pure sadness and concern in Fluttershy's voice. "Well maybe you should ask her what's wrong. You are closer to her than any of us. One because you're a Pegasus and two because you were in Flight School together." As usual Twilight had spot on advice.

"Thanks Twi, but....should I ask her now? Yeah, I think I will. Wish me luck" After that was said, she took to the sky in search of Rainbow Dash.

'No...no...stop...go away....' These thoughts seemed distant to Rainbow Dash. She was reliving a memory from Flight School. The moment she decided to seal away most of her emotion. Rainbow was walking back from the last course of the day, when an especially attractive mare walked up to her. The mare had a powder blue coat, with a shimmering gold mane that matched the sun.

"Hey, you're Rainbow Dash right?" the mare asked.

"The one and only!" the filly Dash said.

"I'm Skies Cadence. I just wanted to say that you did awesome today."

"Well thanks. I try not to be too awesome." Rainbow chuckled.

"Very funny, I also came to settle a rumor. Is it true that you're into mares?

"Of course not! Who said that? I ought to throw them a good beating." Rainbow Dash knew she had been caught. She had always harbored an affection for mares. It was a weakness. Something to pick at her psyche.

"Oh, so you wouldn't feel anything if I did this?" And Sky proceeded to nibble Dash's ear. Rainbow knew that she was done for. Her wings unfolded from their resting position and snapped to attention. "Oh ho, getting a little excited are we? I guess somebody is a liar." Sky then winked at Dash, which caused her to clumsily lean forward and kiss Skies Cadence.

"Easiest bits I've ever made."

"What was that?" Rainbow asked, still slightly indoctrinated by what transpired not 5 minutes ago. "Oh it's nothing, see you tomorrow Rainbow Cra-Dash!

They were everywhere. Every space of the Flight Academy was covered with pictures of Rainbow and Sky. Some had her kissing Sky, while others had her wing outstretched. There wasn't a place where she wouldn't get laughed at. The laughter continued for days. Always being called names, always being made fun of. She couldn't take it, Rainbow Dash was broken. One day when she came home, she collapsed onto the floor. She had given up. Given up on flying, on trying, and on life. She made a choice that day though. Either end it all, or she could lock away every emotion. She chose the second option, and not a single emotion shown through her rough exterior. Gradually over time she softened herself to let certain things through, but she never showed a sign of weakness.

Back in present time, a fresh batch of tears erupted from Rainbow Dash. She felt like she did all those years ago, she felt....done.

Chapter 3

All seemed calm. Everything was still. Rainbow Dash felt like she had achieved her goal. Death. In it's cold embrace she could find peace. Only when she saw the rising moon did she realize it was all a dream. Depression filled Rainbow Dash, she only wanted freedom from the memories she harbored. Cruelty flooded her senses as she ripped apart the cloud she rested on. Nothing but malice and hatred, she wanted to see the deep crimson of her school bullies. These thoughts seemingly vanished when she saw Fluttershy approach in the distance.

"Rainbow Dash! There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere! You look awful. Let's go back to my cottage, I want to talk to you." Fluttershy had planned on being the day she told Dash of her affections, but as we all know, nothing goes according to plan.

As soon as the pair got inside Fluttershy's cottage, Fluttershy bombarded Rainbow with questions filled with concern. The first of the questions was the one Rainbow Dash hoped to avoid.

"Rainbow Dash....what's wrong?"

"I....do I have to tell?"

"It's only best if you do, bottling up emotions isn't good for a pony. You can tell me anything Rainbow Dash, I'll always listen."

"Thanks 'Shy, okay, here goes....I was crying because...well because...." tears were forming in those beautiful rose eyes, "Because....I had a dream last night, it was about you....and the dream brought up old memories. The memories were painful to say the very least. I tried to suppress them, but I just broke down." Dash was crying hard again, "I didn't want to tell anypony because I didn't want to sound soft." Rainbow Dash continued to tell the story of Flight School. All the names she was called and all the horrid things done to her. Every memory was told to Fluttershy.

"That's terrible! I wish I would've been there for you more. I never even knew.....I'm glad you are with us here today....I don't know what I'd do if you were gone. Stay with me tonight Dash." Having that been said, Fluttershy draped her wing over Rainbow Dash and brought her to a couch. She then sang a lullaby to Rainbow.

" You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. So please don't take my sunshine away." Hearing the angelic singing voice that belonged to Fluttershy gently lulled Rainbow Dash to sleep.

A soul piercing scream was heard in Dash's mind. In this subconscious reality, the scream belonged to her. As black tendrils ripped at her wings, tore at her skin and mane, a voice uttered a phrase meant to instill fear in all who heard it.

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Your way is shut. Embrace eternity."

Rainbow Dash woke up in a cold sweat. She wanted Fluttershy to come and drape her wing around her again, to lull her to sleep, and cradle her all through the night.

'I'll tell her about it in the morning, she'll understand. She always understands.' Dash thought this as she was succumbing to sleep once more.

Rainbow Dash awoke to the smell of Blueberry Grass Pancakes. As she clumsily got out of the couch and drifted into the kitchen, she pondered her nightmare last night. She decided it would be best to tell Fluttershy.

"So how did you sleep?" Fluttershy asked in her usual selfless tone.

"Not so good, I had a wicked nightmare....it was....chilling to say the least. I was in a void, and these black tentacle thingies were tearing at my wings and my coat and my mane. I was screaming at the top of my lungs. Also there was a voice, a really creepy voice. It kept repeating a phrase. 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Your way is shut. Embrace eternity.'

"Maybe you should ask Twilight about that. That sounds much to vivid to be just a common nightmare."

"I'll think about it, and hey 'Shy, thanks for...well everything. I don't know what I'd do without you. Regular training time today?" Rainbow Dash had gotten back her usual joy and mirth.

"Of course." And with that, Fluttershy started cleaning the dishes from breakfast and going about her normal routines.

"A void you say? Much too coincidental to be a regular nightmare, I'm sure I have a book about this creature and this place." Twilight searched a bit and eventually found what she was looking for. "Aha! The Abyssal Kings, creepy book. It says here that four kings reside in a place called the Abyss. It also goes on to say that the Kings hold a power to drain the vitality of ponies through nightmares. In these nightmares, black tendrils grip their victim while they chant an ancient incantation 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Your way is shut. Embrace Eternity.' Huh, that's odd, that's exactly what happened in your nightmare.

"What does it say about how these nightmares are caused?" Rainbow sounded scared.

"It says that these nightmares only inflict those with an inner conflict. Such as a painful past that the pony never came to terms with, or a battle of emotions. The most common emotion they feed off of is love, more specifically, confusion about who a pony loves."

"How does one get rid of these nightmares?" Rainbow Dash was quaking with fear inside

"Well, the only known ways are to cure the above mentioned ailments. So I suggest you do whatever is necessary to quell these troublesome problems." Twilight as usual knew exactly what to do.

"Thanks Twilight!" Rainbow Dash now had a renewed fervor and purpose. She had a mission to accomplish. Only......one thing stood in the way of it all. Or one mare to be precise.

Author's Note

Whew! Lot of writing being done during Hearths Warming! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 4

'I can't believe I'm doing this.' Rainbow Dash thought as she was walking towards Fluttershy's cottage. 'This is so stupid, she doesn't like me like that......I think' Dash had been in emotional turmoil ever since her visit to Twilight's. Rainbow Dash had finally come to terms with herself as far as love goes. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she was always in love with Fluttershy. She wouldn't ever let herself believe it though. Admitting that to herself would bring back the memories of her fillyhood. 'Stop!' Rainbow Dash almost screamed at herself. She knew that if she thought too much about it, an episode like yesterday would take place.

'Okay Dash, you got this, just act casual. Yeah casual. Just talk about boring things and then ask if she wants to go on a picnic or something. Perfect.' Rainbow felt much better now that she actually had a plan. She saw the pale yellow mare in the distance. She stopped in her tracks and took a moment just to take in her beauty. At least...she tried to put worded thoughts to Fluttershy. She couldn't though, because the sure beauty of the scene in front of her practically melted her thoughts. When she did finally recover, she thought of a word to describe the scene. The only word powerful enough to describe it was....Fluttershy.

After Dash wiped the drool off her face, she trotted onward. After a few steps, she took to the air and flew behind Fluttershy as to surprise her.

She covered Fluttershy's eyes and said in a light voice, "Guess who" To which Fluttershy screeched and flung Rainbow over her shoulder into the soft grass.

"Oh my goodness Rainbow Dash are you okay? I'm so sorry." Fluttershy felt guilty.

"I'm okay, at least I think. My back hurts a little now, but it's all good." Rainbow Dash's plan had already fallen apart. "So uh..how was your day today?" Rainbow asked sheepishly.

"Uneventful to say the least, but you didn't come down here just to see how I was. I'm flattered by your concern but what's the real reason you're here?" It never ceased to amaze Rainbow Dash just how perceptive Fluttershy was.

"W-well I..I uh....oh would you look at the time! I gotta go...uhhh...sleep! Yeah that's it, sleep!" Rainbow Dash then sped off towards her cloud castle. 'Stupid! Stupid! Why can't you just say it? You're a wuss Dash! Get it together!' The only thing Dash had on her mind was escape. Escape from everything. From her fears, her life, her love.

Smack! Rainbow Dash crashed into the ground. She was so deep in thought she forgot to maintain altitude.

"Wake up, Rainbow Dash, wake up. It's me, Fluttershy. You took a nasty fall and you hurt your wing pretty bad. You won't be flying for a few days, unless you want your wing to be even worse and risk never flying again." Fluttershy had taken adequate care of Rainbow for the past few hours and now that she was finally waking up she could take a small break just to chat with her. "So Dash, why'd you run off like that? I-I'm not that bad am I?"

"It wasn't you Fluttershy. I suppose I should tell you why I came down here shouldn't I? Well, first, do you wanna go on a picnic or a walk together sometime?" Rainbow Dash was surprised at herself, she hadn't expected to be that direct.

"That sounds lovely, and it's morning so we could do it now if you'd like." Fluttershy was struggling to contain the pure joy she had at the moment. "I'll go get some things ready, you just relax okay?

"Okay Fluttershy." 'Well this is going better than I thought, although....it could all end in disaster.' Dash's thoughts tended to get the better of her. Her mind started to wander. 'I wonder what her mane smells like....No! Stop it Dash!' Her traitorous mind didn't cease to think, 'I bet it's like lilacs and jasmine.....Pull yourself together! This isn't the time for this!'

Rainbow's thoughts were interrupted by Fluttershy pushing her out the door. "We can't sit here and daydream Rainbow, I know a better spot" Dash recovered and trotted alongside Fluttershy.

After the semi-long trek through the grass fields, the pair came to a beautiful meadow. Fluttershy proceeded to lay out the picnic items in the middle of the meadow.

Fluttershy whispered in Dash's ear, "Absolutely gorgeous isn't it? I always come here when I need to relax."

"I've never seen anything like this place!" Rainbow Dash's stomach wanted in on the conversation and emit a very loud rumble. Rainbow merely chuckled and said, "I guess it's time to have that picnic. Boy am I starving!" She then gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of her neck.

As they ate, they talked about the little things in life that make a huge difference. Fluttershy then, after much contemplation, brought up the topic of love.

"So....do you have any affections for a certain somepony?" Fluttershy had worked up the courage to ask that over a number of days. Seeing the opportunity, Rainbow Dash got up and sat down right next to Fluttershy. She leaned in close and whispered in Fluttershy's ear, "Affection doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about you. I love you Fluttershy. Nopony could ever dream to make me as happy as you do. I don't care at this point if you return the feelings, I just wanted you to know how I felt." Dash then lightly kissed her on the cheek, backed away, and stared into those teal eyes that seemed to look directly into her heart.

Time seemed to freeze as Rainbow Dash waited for Fluttershy's reply. Finally, Fluttershy started to move. The direction surprised Dash. It was towards her. Then as if she was attacking something, Fluttershy tackled Rainbow Dash and kissed her deeply. "I love you too Rainbow Dash. You are everything that makes my life worthwhile. If you were to leave, I don't know what I'd do." Fluttershy then began a familiar tune. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take, my sunshine away."

Rainbow Dash started to cry. This time they were tears of happiness. She hugged Fluttershy and kissed her. A feeling of pure bliss washed over her. It ended all to soon when Fluttershy broke the kiss to ask a small question with a huge meaning. "Rainbow Dash, will you be my filly-friend?"

Rainbow giggled, "Yes, yes I will!" Time had seemingly escaped them when they noticed that Celestia's charge was beginning it's decent. They had the perfect ending to a perfect day as they watched the sun set in each other's loving embrace. As Luna's moon dominated the sky, they soundly drifted into sleep.

Author's Note

I loved writing this chapter, leave a like and a fav if you enjoyed. Leave any thoughts or suggestions below. I love you all!

Chapter 6

"What...what are you?" Rainbow Dash stammered as she looked into the King's face.

"We are everything, and we are nothing. We have no beginning, and we have no end. We are eternity." An otherworldly voice replied. Then from behind Rainbow another spoke. "You have trespassed on our plane. Mortal, you shall know terror like you have never felt before." A third voice chimed in right next to Dash's ear. "The time has come, let your soul be torn asunder."

A much deeper and more commanding voice thundered out. "You shall do no such thing until I have spoken! Ai tioh la gi seun tek so mas!" And as that strange phrase was uttered, the three Kings dissipated into thin air. "Hello, I am Manus. I am lord over this realm called The Abyss. Why are you here?"

"I..I don't know...I'm scared." Dash spoke in as strong a voice she could muster. "Why am I here?"

Manus looked deep into Rainbow Dash's eyes, into her soul. "You know the answer to that. You hide the truth from yourself often it seems. We only wish to help you. Do you wish to be true to your partner?"

'How could he possibly know about that?' Dash nodded her head cautiously. "Of course I do, how could I leave Fluttershy for anypony else?"

"How do you plan to do that when you haven't come to terms with your past? We have observed the way it eats you from the inside out." The King called Manus waved his hand and a portal opened. He beckoned for Dash to look into it. "This is what an unsettled past does, it destroys ponies." The portal showed a mare who looked much like an older version of Rainbow Dash. She was sitting on a cloud, crying. Upon closer inspection, it looked as though she was covered in blood. Her own blood. "This is your future if you never accept your past and move on. We cannot tell you how to change this, but we can show you what will be if it isn't."

Dash looked dumfounded. "The more I try to move on, the more I feel alone." She swallowed. "Why are you doing this? Why do you torture me with my past?"

"Sometimes the only way to get to a pony, is through pure agony. Our time runs short, for my sons grow impatient. I beseech you this, correct your past. Ti sico la mie dav ei sund!" A thunderous crack filled Dash's ears as she fell into nothing. A bright light split the darkness and with a gasp and scream, Rainbow Dash woke up.

"Rainbow Dash! Don't you ever scare me like that again! I...I was afraid you weren't going to wake up." Tears flooded Fluttershy's eyes as she said this. She hugged Dash before continuing through sobs. "You've been asleep for two days! I'm never letting you sleep again. I love you too much to lose you." Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a kiss and brought her up off the couch she was on. "I have dinner ready, I'm sure your starving!" Sure enough, a booming growl came from Rainbow's stomach as they entered the kitchen of Fluttershy's cottage. The sweet aroma of jasmine filled Rainbow's nostrils. The intoxicating scent came from a single candle in the center of the table. The couple barely exchanged a word because Rainbow Dash was too busy filling her empty stomach with whatever she could get her hoofs on. An idea came to Rainbow Dash.

"Wow that was great Fluttershy, thanks! I have something I need to do, I'll be back later okay?" With that, Rainbow Dash sped out the door of the cottage. She was going to do something special for Fluttershy. 'I hope she like cello and saxophone.'

The sweet sound of jazz filled the air as Saxy Tone played the music he put his soul into. As the end of his song approached, he opened his eyes to see a cyan mare approaching him. "What can I do you for?" he asked as he put his saxophone away.

Another voice piped up, "Who are you talking to?"

"An old friend Cotton. Come out here." As Saxy said that, a mare trotted up beside him. "Cotton, this is Rainbow Dash. I met her a few years ago in Ponyville. She was one of my first fans. Rainbow Dash, this is Cotton. Cotton is a very close friend." When Cotton heard that, she winked at Saxy. "So what brings you here Dash?"

Rainbow Dash pawed at the grass before answering. "I was hoping you could do me a favor. Would you wanna play a little saxophone with a cellist at a dinner I'm planning?"

"Who's the cellist?" Saxy Tone asked.

"Octavia, have you met her?" Rainbow Dash looked almost worried when Saxy looked at Cotton with a weird look on his face.

"We've had our share of encounters. To answer your question, I'd be happy to. May I ask who the dinner is for?"

Just then words echoed in Dash's mind, 'This is your future....correct your past....' Rainbow took a deep breath and started telling who the dinner was for and why. He looked genuinely surprised. So did Cotton.

"You know I never pegged you for a pony who liked mares, but it's none of my business. As long as you're happy, I'm happy for you. Right Cotton?"

"Right! It sounds like you two have quite a past. No wonder you were drawn to each other. Well we better get going! Have a nice night!" And with that, Cotton and Saxy Tone trotted down the path towards town square.

'That went better than I thought.' thought Dash as she walked through Ponyville in search of Octavia's house. Finally reaching her destination, she knocked on the door lightly. After no response, she knocked a little harder eliciting a faint "coming".

The door opened to reveal an ashen gray earth pony with a charcoal black mane. "Why hello Rainbow Dash! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Octavia asked in an enthusiastic yet refined voice.

"I have a favor to ask. Would you want to play cello with a saxophonist at a dinner I have planned?" Rainbow Dash looked directly into Octavia's violet eyes. She got the same response she did with Saxy.

"Who would the saxophonist be? Do I know them?"

"I believe so, his name is Saxy Tone. He said you two have had your fair share of run ins?"

"Oh yes I remember him, charming fellow. Yes, I'll play, but may I ask who this is for?" Octavia asked innocently.

Rainbow again heard voices echo in her head, 'This is your future......correct your past.....' Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and told her story as to why she wanted her to play and who it was for.

"Awww, that's so sweet! Well, I'll see you then. Bye Rainbow Dash." With that, Octavia closed her door and went about her preparations for bed.

'This is going to be perfect.' Rainbow Dash thought as she made he way back to Fluttershy's cottage. A familiar voice rang out in her head, 'You have set straight your past, and you have let love fill your heart. I commend you, we will torment you no longer. Farewell.'

All was well in Rainbow Dash's world. 'This is going to be perfect.'

Author's Note

Hey everyone! I used a couple of characters from this fanfiction http://www.fimfiction.net/story/72244/music-of-my-soul#comment/1865300

Be sure to check it out A.S.A.P! Hope you enjoy the chapter, tell me if you spot any mistakes.

Chapter 7

Fluttershy had gotten a refreshing nap waiting for Dash to return. A few thoughts of worry crossed her mind because Rainbow had taken an awful long time. When Rainbow Dash finally came crashing in, Fluttershy almost had a heart attack.

"Rainbow Dash! Where have you been?!?! Did you realize what time it was?! You had me worried sick! Something terrib...mmfgh..." Rainbow Dash cut Fluttershy off with a kiss. It wasn't a short kiss, but it wasn't overly long either. This was a kiss to reassure her partner, to confirm that she was perfectly alright.

"You worry too much babe. I wouldn't let anything happen to me. Especially now that I have you." As soon as that was said, Rainbow Dash ever so gently picked up Fluttershy and carried her outside. The moonlight bathed both pegasi as they reveled in each others embrace. Rainbow Dash found a semi-low hanging cloud and set Fluttershy down upon it. It was the perfect cloud for watching the stars.

"I-It's so pretty Rainbow Dash. I don't know what it is about the night that is so calming. I love it's peace and serenity. I used to always come and sit on a cloud or a soft patch of grass to watch Luna's night tick by. Now I have you to share it with. Promise me you'll never leave?" Saying those words made Fluttershy tear up. Not with sadness, but with pure joy that she finally had the mare of her dreams. She thought back to her espionage in Flight School. How she had watched the sweet cyan filly do her tricks. Something tugged at her thoughts.

"FLUTTERSHY!!!!!" Rainbow Dash had to shout to grab the yellow pegasus' attention.

"Wh-what? You scared me Rainbow..." Fluttershy replied with a squeak.

"I said, I'm never going to leave you, 'cause you're the sky that I fell through. I remember the view, whenever I'm holding you. The sun hung from a string, looking down on the world as it runs over everything. Chills run down my spine, when our hooves entwine, and your sighs harmonize with mine. I love you Fluttershy, nopony else could change that. You are my everything." Rainbow Dash then looked straight into Fluttershy's eyes and kissed her with passion. They fell backwards onto the cloud in the process. Rainbow Dash started rubbing at the base of Fluttershy's wings, eliciting soft moans from her. Fluttershy returned the gesture and worked her magic. Eventually they parted, gasping for air.

"Look! A shooting star! Make a wish!" Rainbow almost squealed with excitement.

Fluttershy closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded to herself. She then opened her eyes, and stared into Rainbow's.

"So what'd you wish for?" Rainbow asked inquisitively.

"Nothing..." Fluttershy lied. She looked convincing enough because Dash just shrugged and nuzzled her lover. They shared a close embrace as they just stared at the moon, admiring its beauty. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night. Rainbow Dash had only one troublesome thing on her mind.....Manus.

Rainbow Dash was standing in the now familiar nothing that was The Abyss. The three minor kings she stood before had the same malicious look in their eyes. There was one thing that kept them from tearing her apart. Manus, the father of The Abyss and these three kings, had forbade them from harming her.

Rainbow Dash was puzzled in her being there. She remembered distinctly being told in her subconscious that they would leave her be. She called out, "Manus! I must speak with you!" Instantaneously, the greatest of the Four Kings appeared in front of her. He met her gaze with a much more friendly look than his three sons.

"What do you wish to speak of?" Asked Manus in an unusually kind manner.

"Why am I here? You said you wouldn't torment me any longer." Rainbow wasn't nearly as frightened as she was their first meeting.

"Well, there's a complexity of your psyche that you aren't aware of. An intricate emotion, very sneaky. Pride. It restrains you. In privacy, you love Fluttershy whole heartedly. With your friends, you'd rather stay away from her. This feeling also intertwines with self-doubt. You feel as though if your friends know the truth, they'll either bash you for not being good enough for Fluttershy, or they'll just stop being your friends all together. You are one of the more interesting ponies that I've dealt with Rainbow Dash, and the most willing. You let yourself get torn by these emotions. They get the better of you always. You know this, deep down you do. You lock the memories and feelings away in the deepest reaches of your heart and mind, hoping that they won't return. This only entices them further to break free. I am here to help as well as destroy. I beseech you again, come to terms with your past. I will make an exception to your case and tell you how to rid yourself of these psychological shackles. You must tell your friends, tell your family, tell Celestia and Luna. You must not hide the feelings. Let the whole world know. One or two other people is not enough. Especially not people who aren't close to you. Take the first steps and tell the most understanding of your friends. Twilight Sparkle. If anyone will accept this, she will. Now go, next time I won't be so forgiving. Pray there isn't a next time." After saying his peace, Manus transformed into his true and horrifying form. There wasn't an abundance of things to it, but the sheer terror it inspired was plenty.

Everything started to fade away as Rainbow Dash shifted back into consciousness. She awoke with a remarkably soft mare in her hoofs. She sighed a sigh of relief when she saw that Fluttershy was asleep. Rainbow Dash planted a soft kiss on her forehead as she looked out at the horizon. Everything was still, as though the universe held its breath. Then with a big exhale, Celestia's charge peeked over the point where land met sky. The dawn rays radiated out towards Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

'Today will be perfect.' Thought Rainbow as she roused Fluttershy from her sleep. "Good morning beautiful, I have to go grab some things. I'll be at this spot at seven tonight okay? You be there too. Don't be late!' With that, Rainbow Dash sped away towards Ponyville. Tonight was the night of the planned dinner.

'Today will be perfect.' Dash thought again as the wind rushed through her mane. Thoughts went racing through her head of what happened in her dream. 'I'll tell them tomorrow.....she'd be okay with that.....wouldn't she?'

The sky was cloudless, the moon was bright, and the notes were smooth as Saxy Tone and Octavia worked their musical magic. The tones were soft and mixed perfectly, saxophone with cello. A single candle was the only light provided save for the moon. A serene peace flowed through the air as Rainbow Dash dined with her love, Fluttershy. Not much was said in regards to the food, for that wasn't the meaning of the dinner. The meaning was to show how much Rainbow cared for Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash asked a simple question that had so much meaning to it. The answer she got brought tears flowing to her eyes.

"Why do you love me?"

"I....I don't know where to begin....I love you because...you're you. The way you know exactly what to say to me. How you can put a smile on anypony's face. You make me feel safe when nopony can. And you love me wholeheartedly. I could go on forever as to why I love you. You make everything right in my world." Fluttershy then walked over to Dash and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Rainbow Dash lunged at Fluttershy and hugged her, tears streaming down her face. Tears of happiness. Fluttershy then softly cooed into Rainbow's ear, "Do you want to know what I wished for last night? I wished for you to never leave my side, for you to always be there for me. It was a silly wish, because I know that you'll never leave me. You are my dreams come true. I love you Rainbow Dash, no other but you."

Rainbow Dash only hugged the pink-maned mare tighter. She about told Fluttershy of her intentions tomorrow, but thought better of it. She didn't want to spoil the mood. As the night flowed with the sweet tones flowing from saxophone and cello alike, Rainbow Dash started to get tired. When the dinner came to a close, she calmly thanked to two musicians and gave them each fifty bits for their help in a perfect evening.

A voice nagged at her sub-conscious, 'Tell them.....tell them.....' She slept soundly that night, and with renewed fervor decided she wouldn't hold the truth any longer. Tomorrow, they would know.

Author's Note

Whew! Felt good to write that chapter! Notice any mistakes just comment them below. Also tell me your thoughts on it so far! I love you all, adieu.

Chapter 8

Rainbow Dash woke up in the morning to a very gloomy sky. Not a single patch of blue shown. Only the grey clouds and the cool breeze were there to greet her. She went about getting ready for the day and then woke up Fluttershy.

"Good morning beautiful. How did you sleep?" Rainbow asked sweetly.

"Oh I slept very well. What are you all spruced up for?" Fluttershy was blushing while she said this due to the earlier comment from Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash took her time replying to her love's question. She scraped the wood of the cottage floor with her hoof. "Well...I thought...uh..that we would...." Rainbow Dash was acting like Fluttershy now. "that we would....tell the other girls about us." The words came out rather rushed.

"Are you sure? I...how will they react? What if they don't want to be our friends anymore? What if they make us split up? What if...mmffh" Dash cut Fluttershy off with a kiss.

"Stop worrying. They're our friends. Why wouldn't they be happy for us? We'll tell Twilight first. She'll definitely understand." That being said, they had breakfast and then went to tell their friends about their blossoming relationship. They were both walking as slow as possible, marveling at every minuscule thing on the dirt path. They would sometimes stop and remember moments they had shared together. Watching the sunsets in each other's hold. The breakfast in the meadow. The amount of tears Rainbow shed.

Then as if on cue, the clouds opened up and let the rain pour. The pair didn't increase their pace, for the last few thoughts they had started weighing heavily on their minds. Especially Rainbow Dash. She couldn't get her mind off of her bullies in Flight School. She thought these thoughts were gone, but grey has a way of bringing back the horrible past we try to hide. Rainbow was crying again, though she wasn't sure why. She felt happy and sad at the same time. Nobody would ever see she was crying though, the torrential rain solved that problem. It beat down on the two mare's heads, soaking them to the bone. They had just gotten to Ponyville's town square when Rainbow collapsed into a heap on the stone pavement. Luckily, a certain lavender unicorn crossed their path.

"What are you two doing out here?! Come with me! We need to get you two inside!" Allowing no objection, Twilight lifted Rainbow Dash up with her magic and hurried back to her tree home with Fluttershy in tow. Flinging the door open, the unicorn of the group set the rainbow-maned pegasus onto her bed. She then wrapped Rainbow in three blankets and started bombarding Fluttershy with questions.

"What were you two doing out there?" Was the first question Twilight asked.

Fluttershy merely rubbed her right foreleg against the left and tried to hide behind her mane. After what seemed like hours, Fluttershy spoke. "Well...um..we were coming to see you actually. I...we....have something to tell you.....but I think we should wait until Rainbow wakes up....if that's okay with you..."

Sighing, Twilight nodded and cautiously began reading a book with two mares on the front of it. Beings as there wasn't anything for Fluttershy to do till Rainbow Dash woke up, she thought she would try some small talk with Twilight.

"So Twilight...what are you reading?" Fluttershy flushed red with embarrassment.

"Oh...it's..it's nothing." Twilight was now matching Fluttershy.

Fluttershy noticed this and began to inquire further. "Well obviously it's not. You seem very timid about telling me what it is." She then leaped at Twilight grabbing for the book. She stopped mid-flight due to Twilight's magic.

"Fine. I'll tell you, just don't jump at me like that." She took a breath and started to blush. "It's called Life's Fruit. It's a book about love and the things that can come with it." Twilight was really blushing now. "It says that love needs to be nurtured like a fruit seed. With proper care, it will blossom into something amazing. It also goes on to say that love is something that can be found in anypony and that gender and age shouldn't be factors in a healthy relationship." Twilight was as red as one of Applejack's finest apples.

Fluttershy looked dumbfounded. She never thought Twilight a pony who wanted love. She wanted more answers. "So do you have certain feelings for another pony?" Fluttershy's voice was one of pure curiosity.

Twilight drooped her head. She thought back to her life in Canterlot. There was a certain pony who always grabbed her attention. She was nicer than most and occasionally talked to Twilight. She even gave her a gift once, although Twilight ruined it as soon as she got it. Finally looking up, she said, "There was one. Her name was Moondancer. She was really pretty. Her voice had an angelic quality like no other. She was also talented with magic." Twilight went on to reminisce about her time in Canterlot. Only when the crash heard upstairs did she stop her thoughts.

"Rainbow Dash! You're finally awake!" Fluttershy dashed upstairs and gave Rainbow a tight hug. She proceeded to whisper something in her ear.

"Well there's the mare of the hour. I was wondering when you'd come to. Fluttershy told me earlier you two have something to tell me?" Twilight raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy and nodded. She took a deep breath. "Well the reason we came here, was to tell you that me and Fluttershy are in love. This started a few days ago. We were scared to tell the others because of what it might set off. We thought you would understand out of any of them." Rainbow walked beside Fluttershy and then looked her in the eyes. After a few moments, she draped her wing around the timid pegasus.

Twilight didn't flinch when she heard what Dash had said. She smiled and said, "I knew it, ever since that story you gave when you were gone for a whole day I was suspicious. But why would you hide this from us? We're your friends, why wouldn't we support you two? I don't know how the others are going to react though. We'll have to see once this storm lets up. For now you two can stay here. Make yourselves at home." Twilight then began getting preparations made for her two guests.

Author's Note

Let me know if you notice any mistakes. Leave a like or a fav if you enjoy the story.

Chapter 9

The rain continued to beat down on Twilight's house. It didn't seem at all like it was going to let up. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash all sat in a circle discussing the details of how they were going to go about telling the others.

"We should have Pinkie give invitations to a party. Then we can break the news there to them. That should work....right?" Rainbow Dash said. Her voice was dripping with uncertainty.

Twilight replied, "It could work. Maybe. I think we should go to a completely different place all together. Then the girls wouldn't know what to expect. They could prepare themselves for something absurd. What do you think we should do Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy looked down and mumbled something to herself. She then gave her suggestion. "I think we should go to Sweet Apple Acres....I mean....if that's okay with you.....I mean Applejack is the one who needs to hear this most...." The last part of what Fluttershy went unheard. This was due to the frantic dashing around of the rainbow maned pegasus. The rain had finally let up.

"Well girls, I guess we'd better get going. Just stay calm and collected and you'll be fine. There's no way that the girls won't accept you two. I mean look at how cute you two look! Anyway, let's go." Twilight was optimistic as always.

The ground of Sweet Apple Acres was a total wreck. Big Macintosh and Applejack were trying their best to repair the soil. While her body was focused on the task at hand, her mind was elsewhere. Thoughts of a certain rainbow maned pegasus filled the spaces of her mind. 'Why do ah keep holdin' this from her? Ah should just tell her...but what will she say? What if she doesn't feel that away about me? Ah guess there's only one way to find out. I'll tell her today.' With that, she decided to invite all her friends over to the barn to have a picnic. That way it wouldn't arouse suspicion.

'An invitation to a picnic from Applejack? Heeeeeeey, she's stealing my job. It's my job to throw parties! Oh well. I'll make some delicious cupcakes and bring party games and...um....CAKE! Of course we have to have cake I mean why wouldn't we have a party without cake? I must be losing my mind! I haven't been this crazy since...ever! Or have I? Am I a spy without even knowing it?! I mean...this could be a serious problem! It's like this one time when......

'Oh how delightful! This will be splendid. Unless I were to get my dress dirty. That would be the Worst. Possible. Thing.
Either way, I should bring something. How about some raincoats due to the dreadful rain? Yes that would be fabulous.

As Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy exited the Library, they saw the mailmare deliver a letter. 'I wonder who that could be from?' When Twilight opened the letter up, it read: URGENT! DO NOT THROW AWAY! Hey Twilight, I was wondering if you wanted to drop by and have a picnic with me and the rest of the girls? It'd be fun, after all this rain has kept us from talking to each other for a while. Anyway, I'd really appreciate it if you came.

Always your friend,

P.S. Please make sure Rainbow comes too. Don't tell the girls about this but, I have a "thing" for Rainbow Dash. I wanted to tell ya'll this but I was scared. I'll fill you in more when you're here.

P.S.S Don't tell Rainbow. Please.

"Hey Twi, what's the letter say?" asked Rainbow, she saw Twilight's face screw up while reading the letter

"Huh? Oh it says Applejack wants us to go to Sweet Apple Acres for a picnic. How convenient." Twilight tried her best lying voice. "Yup, that's all it says, nothing else!"

"Ooookay, well let's go then." Rainbow was starting to feel nauseous. The thought of confessing about her relationship made her head spin. All Fluttershy could think about was how bad this would go. She saw the letter and read it over her shoulder.

'Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. This is going to be bad. Very bad.'

As everpony started to arrive at Applejack's, Rainbow Dash was feeling more and more like throwing up. The uncertainty was welling up inside her and she thought she was going to explode.

"Alright everypony! Before we begin, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash have something to say. The floor's all yours girls." And with that, Twilight stepped back and sat down.

Fluttershy urged Rainbow up and towards the front of the table. All eyes fell on the pair. Time seemed frozen as Rainbow Dash searched for the words she had been planning to say at this moment. To her surprise, Fluttershy started to speak. "Hello girls, I'm sure you're all wondering why we are up here. Well.....Rainbow and I are up here.....because....well....it'd be easier if I showed you." At that moment, Fluttershy walked over to Rainbow Dash, lifted her head in her hoof and kissed her deeply. She then stood by her and draped her wing over Rainbow. "Rainbow Dash and I love each other. We've been in a relationship for about 2 weeks. I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier, but we were scared. We were scared that you wouldn't approve of us. I feel silly for thinking such a thing. I just hope you girls can accept this and it won't cause any problems in our friendship." Fluttershy then walked Rainbow to her seat and sat in her own.

Rarity and Pinkie Pie sat, digesting the words that were just said. It was completely silent. After several minutes of silence, Applejack stood up slowly and walked out of the barn. Nobody stopped her. Nobody said anything. They just let her walk. Only until Rainbow Dash went after Applejack did the others even stir.

'Oh dear. I knew this wouldn't be good.'

Applejack was crying. For the first time since her parents death she was crying. She made it as far as five miles away from Ponyville before Rainbow Dash caught up with her.

"Applejack! Wait up! Hey! Slow down!" Rainbow Dash shouted but it seemed like Applejack didn't hear her. She finally decided to just fly and tackle her to get her attention. In a matter of seconds, Rainbow Dash collided with AJ and sent them summer-salting over the grass. Rainbow looked into Applejack's eyes and saw all the pain and tears that were there.

"Applejack.....what's wrong?"

Author's Note

If you see any mistakes let me know. Also any suggestions are welcome! Sorry for the long wait. I plan on updating more regularly now. But as we know, plans tend to go wrong. Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 10

What's wrong.....what's wrong.....what's wrong..... The words rang out in Applejack's mind. Those were the words she needed to hear. Those were the words she had been dying to have somepony ask her. Yet, the words were like a dagger. A dagger that cut through every emotional block she had set for herself. The sadness started to envelop her body. Slowly at first. but sobs soon started to wrack her entire being.

Rainbow Dash tried soothing words to calm Applejack down, but they were to no avail. Rainbow simply repeated herself. "Applejack...what's wrong? I want to....no I need to know so I can help you. Is it....is it what Fluttershy told you back there?"

Applejack could only nod. She was starting to calm down a little bit. "I...I....I...*hic*" Applejack spit it out as almost one word. "Iloveyourainbowdash."

Rainbow Dash was dumbfounded for a moment. She thought she just heard Applejack say she loved her. 'That's so...whoah...'

"Rainbow...Ah know yer goin' out with Fluttershy and all but...Ah wanna know....do you love me?" Applejack fought back the sobs enough to say this.

"Oh Applejack...I...I do love you...you are one of my best friends..but..I can't love you like that. I mean...you said it yourself...I'm with Fluttershy...I guess she just got to me first...I'm sorry...if it means anything, this is really painful for me to say...I just can't...I'm sorry..." Rainbow Dash was fighting back tears herself.

"O-Oh....Ah understand...but you give me too much credit...'got to me first'...Ah never had a shot in the first place..." Applejack was close to bursting with tears.

"Applejack...no...it's not like that...I-"

Rainbow was cut off by Applejack. "Go....leave...please...you've done enough already...go be with your mare...you deserve her..."

"But Applejack.."

"Go.."

"What?"

"Leave!"

Rainbow Dash swallowed hard and then solemnly got up and started to fly back to the barn.

When Dash returned to the barn, she heard a very heated argument between Twilight and Rarity. Pinky Pie was cowering in the corner, shaking and crying. Fluttershy was trying to comfort Pinkie and didn't even notice Dash when she walked in. Nopony did.

"How could you think that!? You're supposed to be their friend! Why can't you just accept them!? Element of Generosity my flank!" Twilight shouted at Rarity. This was totally unlike her, the calm, level-headed unicorn screaming at one of her friends like that.

Rarity looked offended. "How dare you!? Just because I don't agree with their lifestyle, does not mean I'm not their friend! And you would have the gall to accuse me of not wanting their friendship because of that!? I cannot believe a smart unicorn like yourself could act so irrational and stupid!"

Rainbow Dash had never seen Twilight so angry. She looked like she could tear a feral manticore to shreds with her bare hooves! She wanted to intervene but she didn't know how to not make it worse. She let the argument continue.

"I'm the one acting stupid and irrational!? They came to me first to tell me because I was the rational one and could actually accept them! This is exactly the type of reaction they wanted to avoid! But no, you couldn't just keep your mouth shut could you!? You should be ashamed of yourself!" Twilight turned to Fluttershy. "I'm sorry that I yelled Fluttershy." She then addressed Pinkie. "I'm sorry I yelled Pinkie." She then turned back to Rarity. "You however, I will not say sorry to! You completely disregarded their feelings and you had the nerve to say it in front of Fluttershy! I think you should leave Rarity. I think you should leave now." To Rainbow Dash, it looked like Twilight was actually steaming.

Dash cleared her throat. "Umm...hey girls..."

Rarity was already on her way out, and as she passed the cyan mare, she gave a disgusted look and a shake of her head. Pinkie Pie had broken down to sobs now. Twilight was trying to clean up the party mess. Fluttershy was still trying to console Pinkie. She beckoned for Dash to come over.

Fluttershy said to Rainbow. "How's Applejack?"

Rainbow shuddered at remembering the pain on Applejack's face. "...not good.."

"I suspected as much. We'll talk about it later. Right now, we need to help Pinkie. She started crying when Rarity and Twilight started fighting. She trying to stop them but they kept shouting at each other. Eventually, she resigned herself to a corner and started shaking. Then you saw the rest."

"What exactly happened while I was gone?"

"Well...nobody said anything for a long while. Then Rarity said she didn't want any part of this. She said that she could never look at us the same again. Twilight exploded on her at that, but you heard all of that. I just...I never knew that we could cause so much trouble and pain..." Fluttershy looked down, ashamed.

Rainbow Dash gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "This will all sort itself out in the end. At least I hope it will." Dash looked at Pinkie. "Pinkie Pie, how do you feel about all this? I'm sorry you had to see all that..."

Pinkie Pie gave the only answer either of them were looking for. "I'm happy for you two." She said that and then got up and left the barn.

Moments later, Rarity came bursting back into the room.

Twilight said sternly, "I thought I told you to leave."

"It's Applejack! Something is terribly wrong...oh I just don't know what to do....come quickly!"

As the group ran to where Applejack last was, thanks to directions given by Rainbow, they heard a pain filled scream. The voice belonged to Pinkamina Diane Pie. They hurried even faster to the scene, and when they arrived, all they could say was, "Oh no..."

Rainbow Dash was struck deep. Sobs started to creep up as she saw her friend's limp body on the ground.

Author's Note

Ta-Da! Took me long enough but hey! I'm updating! sorry for the long wait. If you see any errors just let me know. Any thoughts or suggestions leave in the comment section below.

Chapter 11

The group stood there in horrified silence. The blood covered body laying in front of them belonged to Applejack. The five other Element Bearers couldn't believe what they saw. Applejack, she attempted suicide. Rarity was the first to say anything.

"Is....is she gone?" Rarity had to hold back a flood of tears.

Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's brightest student and talented unicorn, stood with mouth agape. When she regained composure, she replied to Rarity's earlier question.

"I...don't know....someone grab her and take her to the hospital. That's all we can do." Her voice was a monotonous stream of air. She was in total shock. All of her friends felt the same. Minus Rarity. They didn't feel anything. They didn't feel sad. They didn't feel happy. They didn't feel remorse. They didn't...feel.

"I said someone take her to the hospital!!!" Twilight yelled. She didn't know how to handle this...she felt...empty...

The group arrived at the hospital and Applejack was rushed to the ER. A three hour waiting period of doubt, fear, and sorrow is what was given to the rest of the girls. Twilight was pacing back and forth. Rarity was sobbing to herself. Rainbow Dash was staring blankly at the wall. Pinkie Pie was sitting in a corner facing the wall. Fluttershy was trying to find out about Applejack and how she was doing....if she was gone or not...

"Well...what did they say?" Rainbow inquired.

"They said that Applejack is stable, but she's in a coma. We can't see her until they say. They said they'll notify us as soon as they can....which'll be never." Fluttershy looked to be on the verge of tears.

Twilight spoke up out of her trance-pacing. "I'm sure they're doing their best....I know you want to see her now but...you can't..."

Rainbow Dash spoke up, with more than a bit of fire in her voice. "Oh really! And what do they know? 'Applejack is stable.' Stable! STABLE!? WHAT THE BUCK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!?!? Applejack, our friend, is dying, and they won't even let her best friends see her!? This is BULLSHIT!"

Twilight was taken aback by Rainbow's sudden outburst. "Rainbow! Watch your mouth! We're in a hospital for Celestia's sake! As for Applejack...we'll see her as soon as she's able...just be patient..."

Guilt was eating away at Rainbow Dash. She felt like she caused this. What she didn't know, was that everybody was wrong...

Applejack grabbed her head. "Owww. What in the hay just happened? Where am ah?" She shook her and noticed she was in the meadows just outside Ponyville. "What..the...hay?" She saw what she thought was Angel off in the distance. Something inside her told her to follow the white rabbit. Applejack proceeded to chase after the rabbit.

"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY" She called to the rabbit. "Wait up! Ah...just...wanna....ask....ya....somethin'..." Applejack said between breaths. She was running to catch up, but it seemed like the distance stayed the same. All she could see was the blur of trees and grass beside her, and the white rabbit in front of her. Faster and faster she ran, but to no avail. Everything seemed so surreal, she snapped back to the situation at hand when she saw that she was in a clearing. It was a beautiful meadow, with a waterfall and a crystalline-like stream. Butterflies flitted back and forth and foxes lapped at the stream. It was the perfect setting for romance. Then the white rabbit came across her vision once more, only this time, it beckoned to her. Applejack walked towards the rabbit, and right as she was about to grab it, she fell. There was no hole, no chasm, no trench, she just...fell. When she hit the bottom of wherever she was falling to, she spotted the same white rabbit. Applejack approached it once more, but this time the rabbit started glowing white. It started to morph and change into a more human-like appearance. She was wearing a blue dress with white and black checkered hems, long white socks, black buckled shoes, and a black bow. The woman had dirty blonde hair with blue eyes and a teenage look. When she saw Applejack there she simply smiled.

"Welcome, to my domain. I am Alice." Alice made a courteous bow.

"Uhhh...well howdy. Mah name is Applejack. So...uhh...where in the heck am ah?"

Alice chuckled and looked down upon Applejack. "I already told you. You are in my domain. The Abyss. The Darkness. Whatever you wish to call it."

"Abyss? Ah heard Twilight talking about something like that. Except, the only inhabitants of the so called Abyss were Manus and his four sons...are they here somewhere?" Applejack was puzzled, but yet she was somehow remaining calm.

"Oh I see what the problem is here. What you do know, is of the Abyss, but you do not know about the Abyss. You see, Darkness is a part of everyone...excuse me...everypony's mind. It's just a matter of if you let it in. You could let it in without knowing, such as in the event of a tragedy or self agony. The most common case of this happening is a broken heart. You have a broken heart. That's how you let It in. As to why you don't see this Manus character, everypony has their own Abyss. It is created with us, and we die with it. To clear up so matters as to why you are here, in the real world, you're in a coma. Your friends think you committed suicide after your friend...what was her name...Rainbow Dash...told you that she was with that pink maned pony...Fluttershy. Even you don't know what happened."

Applejack took a moment to absorb what was just said. "So...what did happen then?"

Alice had to hold back a maniacal cackle. "Well, just as the Rainbow Dash character flew away, a creature from the Abyss lashed out at you. One clean sweep across the neck. The only reason you survived is because you hadn't completely given in to the Darkness. This is only the first of the attacks. Very soon, the Abyss will grow tired of the friendship and love that your world has. It will strike out with blade, tooth, and claw. This will be the end of all things as you know them. When this takes place, you will know it is the Beginning of the End. Look for the signs, first, there will be noticeably less joviality in the world. Ponies will become more irritable and fights will occur. More ponies will have there emotions wounded and let the Darkness inside. Once a majority of the ponies have let the Darkness in, we will strike. The Abyss will claim many, and those slain will march for the Army of the Abyss. Once the Army has been amassed, it will destroy your Goddesses, thus ending the world you live in. The world will crumble and the Abyss will spread to the other planets and galaxies in the universe, and the Abyss will claim all!"

Alice let out a sinister laugh as everything began to fade a way from Applejack. Everything got dark, and then excruciatingly bright. She was waking up from her coma.

"Doctor....DOCTOR!!!! She's waking up! Get the doctor in here ASAP!!! She's not ready yet! Give her the sedative!"

Author's Note

Sorry for the long update hiatus. I've been under a lot of stress lately. I hope you like it. I've decided to switch directions a little bit. Instead of having ONLY romance, I'm going to have adventure mixed it. Keep up with the story if you want to know how it all ends. Will the Abyss conquer all? Will friendship prevail?

Chapter 5

Fluttershy awoke early in the morning, when the moon still had reign over the sky. She shifted very carefully as to avoid waking Rainbow Dash up. She remembered last night's bliss, her dream come true. Rainbow Dash was finally her's, and nopony could change that.

'She's probably going to be hungry when she wakes up.' Fluttershy thought as she busied herself with making breakfast in the meadow that surrounded them. 'Ahh, I always knew this place was special.' And now it had a reason to be. This was the spot where her fantasy became reality, the place where that the sweet cyan mare that was Rainbow Dash became her filly-friend.

About fifteen minutes later, Dash woke up.

"Good morning beautiful. What's for breakfast?" Rainbow had shared Fluttershy's bliss as last night's events crept back into her mind.

Fluttershy blushed, "Grass Pancakes, with a juniper berries and fresh maple syrup. I made it all myself, I hope you like it." She brought Dash her plate and gave her a quick peck on the forehead. "I love you Rainbow."

"I love you too 'Shy." They shared a quick hug and then ate their breakfast. "But I have one question, how are we gonna tell the other girls?" The question lingered in the air for a moment before Fluttershy gave her reply.

"I...I hadn't thought of that....but that shouldn't matter.....should it? I mean, they're our friends....why would they not approve?" Fluttershy's angelic voice quavered. She really had no idea how her other friends would react. 'What if they don't want to be our friends because of that? What if Dash stops liking me because they won't accept us? Oh...I just don't know what to do...'

"Well, how about we cross that bridge when we get there? For now, I have my focus on you." Dash then winked at Fluttershy, who proceeded to tackle her much like yesterday. They then shared another passionate kiss. They broke it only for a breath of air, and once they had some of the sweet meadow air they went right back to kissing. The sweet feeling of pure passion filled both mares as they indulged in each other. A crunch of leaves startled the two ponies. They then heard a booming voice that belonged to somepony familiar.

"Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy! Where are ya'll?" The voice belonged to the Element of Honesty, Applejack. "Oh there ya'll are! Ah've been lookin' all ove....uhhh, Fluttershy? Why exactly are you on top of Rainbow Dash?"

Fluttershy was blushing fiercely. "Oh...umm....w-well...I umm...." Rainbow Dash cut her off, "I was trying to teach her how to tackle something, so she tackled me and you happened by right as she did it. Right Fluttershy?" Fluttershy merely nodded in agreement, thankful that her filly-friend had saved her from one embarrassing explanation.

"Whatever it was, move your behinds! The rest of the gang are worried sick!" And with that, the trio of friends proceeded into Ponyville. They went directly to the library. Immediately they were greeted by three sighs of relief.

"Thank goodness your safe! You two gave us quite the scare." The first statement was made by the stunning fashionista Rarity.

"Yeah! But now that you're back, I know exactly what this calls for.......A PARTY!" Pinkie Pie hadn't lost a single bit of her unusual amount of vigor.

"I'm glad you two are okay, but what could you possibly have been doing for an entire day?" Always an astute student, Twilight Sparkle asked the question everypony was wanting to hear the answer to.

Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy, and Fluttershy looked at Rainbow. They nodded and began to tell the fake story they had thought of on the way there. Rainbow Dash began, "Well, I was doing my normal flight practice when I flew too low and smacked right into Fluttershy. She ended up unscathed. My wing is a little busted up."

Fluttershy picked up with a little less steadiness in her voice, "Y-yeah, I took Rainbow to a meadow and bandaged her up. We both liked the spot, so we decided to stay a while longer. Minutes turned to hours as we just admired the scene around us. Before we even knew it, morning came."

Rainbow Dash stammered before continuing, "W-we woke up and made breakfast." She paused to think to herself what really transpired there. "Then...um...I thought about what would happen if a manticore attacked us now, so I taught Fluttershy how to tackle. And that, is the story behind what we did all day yesterday and this morning."

Seemingly satisfied, the ponies started to disperse, each saying their goodbyes. Fluttershy gently flew right next to Rainbow Dash once they were an adequate distance from the others.

"That was close....we almost told them...." Fluttershy whispered into Dash's ear.

"Yeah, but man all that conversation made me tired." Rainbow Dash let out a big yawn. "You think I could crash at your place for a nap?"

"Of course dear." Fluttershy nuzzled her filly-friend. "Stay with me another night, I want to hold you in my hooves again." A quick nibble on the ear sealed the deal.

"For sure 'Shy, I wouldn't skip that opportunity in a million years."

They arrived at Fluttershy's cottage shortly after. As soon as Rainbow Dash flopped onto the couch, she was asleep. Fluttershy brought her blankets and a pillow, and tucked her in. "Sleep tight my little angel. Sweet dreams." Fluttershy softly kissed her on one of her cyan blue cheeks and set off to her own bed.

A horrifying scream was heard. The scream belonged to Rainbow Dash as she was being dragged down by black tendrils. "No! Stop!"

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Your way is shut. Embrace Eternity."

With a final scream, Rainbow Dash succumbed to the blackness. When she opened her eyes, she saw a face. The face, of a king.