Darkness Evolved

Chapters

Chapter 1: Cold Mornings
Chapter 2: The Wheel of Rainbow Dash
Chapter 3: Negotiations
Chapter 4: No Lights at the end of This Tunnel
Chapter 5: Sweet Insanity
Chapter 7: A Horrid History Lesson
Chapter 8: Trivium
Chapter 9: Remnants
Chapter 10: He who Falls...
Chapter 11: Until the End.
Prologue: how it Started
Chapter 6: Unfortunate Beginnings, Unfortunate Endings
Side-Chapter

Chapter 1: Cold Mornings

Rainbow Dash sat across her bed from Flutter Shy, both of them randomly gossiping, and by that, I mean Rainbow Dash would say something and Flutter would reply with an occasional sentence or word, but more often then not, a squeak of some sort. Rainbow was getting tired, she hadn't slept much the night before, and she had just had a glass of wine. Rainbow yawned, then asked, "Could you by some awesome chance re-fill my glass?". Flutter nodded, choosing not to have any wine herself. "You're the best." Rainbow replied, patting Flutter's shoulder as she left the room. Rainbow Dash didn't even realize it, but in a matter of seconds she was laying on her bed, and soon fast asleep. Flutter re-entered, carefully bringing a glass of wine. She muffled an instinctive squeak when she found Rainbow had fallen asleep. She sighed quietly, and set the glass of wine down on an end table in the room's corner. She didn't intend on waking Rainbow, for one, she knew how much Rainbow hated being woken from a nap, and two, she didn't want to seem rude. She figured it was the least she could do to at least bring up a blanket and drape it over Rainbow so she didn't get too cold overnight. As she slowly and gently draped the blanket over Rainbow up to her chin, Rainbow Dash muttered something and rolled over, causing Flutter Shy to jump, and step back, hoping to not have woken her. After a good 30 seconds of steady rise and fall of Rainbow's chest, with the occasional snore, Flutter decided that Rainbow hadn't been disturbed, and at this, she turned to leave, quietly closing the door on her way out,

Rainbow Dash slowly faded into life, lying in the comfort of her bed. 'Shoot, did I really fall asleep while Flutter Shy was over?' she thought, quickly coming to the conclusion that she did. She smiled warmly when she saw her glass of wine sitting awaitingly at her end table, and noticed that Flutter Shy was kind enough to cover her with a blanket, to prevent from getting too cold at this time of winter. Sometimes, it was the small things that mattered more in life. She checked the time, 2:30 AM. Dammit. Rainbow re-adjusted into her bed and tried to fall back asleep, to no avail. She lay half-awake until 3 O' clock in the morning. She figured that her glass of wine could give her that drowseyness she needed. She picked it up and trudged into the fireplace room, and pulled up a chair infront of the fire. She started a small fire in the fireplace, and kicked back to relax, resting her legs crossed on a small table, sipping the wine. She sighed, not being used to the life of relaxation and luxury. She supposed that it was okay enough.

BANG. Rainbow Dash jumped, spilling some of her wine. "Dammit." She hissed, placing the glass of wine down and getting a cloth to clean up the small mess, disreguarding the sudden crash that startled her. After a small amount of trouble, Rainbow Dash was soon back in the chair, relaxing, excusing the loud bang as some drunks in the street, running into a lightpole or something. She sipped the wine, and let out another long breath. She heard a few more bangs, and she ignored them. BANG. Rainbow Dash jumped again, this time skillfully catching the few lost drops of wine in her mouth. This bang sounded like it was hitting right against the side of her house. She groaned and rose, slowly creeping towards the door, not exactly looking decent enough to go outside, her mane a wreck, her eyes reddened, and her steps and voice grogy. She carefully opened the door, poking her head out into the cold, crisp, winter morning air. She intook a deep breathe and exhaled, watching a cloud of steam eminate from her mouth. She chuckled at seeing her breath, but quickly closed the door, remembering that she looked like a zombie Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash rose, bringing her empty glass of wine into the kitchen, and lazilly setting it down at the edge of the sink, ready to go back to bed, more tired then ever. She slowly began to walk to her bedroom, but didn't make it. She collapsed to the floor, and over-dramaticly tried to drag herself the rest of the way, falling back into sleep with her arms extended. She awoke once more, about half an hour later, because she heard her door creak open. She quickly got her senses together and dashed around a corner, awaiting to see who her tresspasser was. After a long silence, never hearing the door close, she thought she might not have closed it entirely when investigating the earlier banging sound. She creeped back to the door, and roughly closed it, locking it extra violently. Then she saw it, a flash in the darker corner of her living room. Being the courageous, (or less then intelligent) pony that she was, she dove into the darkness, and availed a dark-coated pegasus, wearing dark but solid clothing. She lifted the pony up, and slammed him into the floor, holding him down with one hoof, panting with anger. "D'you have any idea who you're messin' with? Huh? D'ya? D'ya?" She said excitedly, putting pressure on the ponies chest. He lifted his hind leg and nailed Rainbow Dash hard in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her. Rainbow grunted and stepped back, reflexingly covering the pained spot with one hoof. She grumbled lowly, now getting extra furious. She dove at the pony, only to be embarrassed with clumsyness. The pony gracefully dove to the side, nailing a sharp kick in the side, knocking Rainbow Dash into the wall. She rose almost instantly, her vision being reddened with blood flowing quickly through her head, with rage, pain, and getting the wind knocked out of her. The pony dove at Rainbow, skillfully flipping in the air, hooking his front hooves around Rainbow Dash's jaw, painfully flipping her over onto her back and smashing her head into the floor. Her vision blurred, but she still arose, determined to fight off her intruder. She shook her head, making a fruitless attempt at clearing her vision. She stumbled, trying to regain her senses, but it wasn't fast enough. The pony quickly ran towards her, grabbing her hind legs and ripping them out from under her, causing her to fall on her jaw, making her bite her tongue painfully. Rainbow Dash groaned in pain, and slowly tried to get back up. The intruder arrogantly walked over to Rainbow Dash and stepped on her back, forcing her back on the ground. "D'ya have any idea who you're messin' with? D'ya?" He said mockingly, stomping down on Rainbow's back.

She yelped with pain, and rolled out from the painful pin-position, gracefully getting back on her hooves, now fusing fear, rage, and embarrassment to make a super-adrenaline. She faked a dive, causing the pony to jump to one side. Before he could react again she lifted into the air and flew into the ponies side, knocking him into a corner. She charged once more, slamming his back into the corner. She slid him upwards, pinning him eye-to-eye with Rainbow Dash. She growled, looking downwards slightly, raising her eyes and leaning close into the trapped intruder. "You should know, you don't fuck with me and live to tell the story." She said, the obscene word not commonly used by her. The pony grinned. "Is that so?" He replied, showing no fear. He quickly moved, doing a backspin, kicking Rainbow Dash twice in the stomach, sending her back, and letting him land on his hooves. He charged to one side of the house, launching off the wall, spinning and landing directly on Rainbow's back, causing her to collapse, losing her breath, her vision reddening again. The pony did not hesitate to lift Rainbow's head, and slam it to the ground again. He began to violently smash Rainbow Dash's head into the ground, while she struggled to breathe and remain awake. She yelped in pain once, and tried to get free, each time resulting in a painful kick in the ribs. Rainbow's vision began to fade into blackness. "No..." She muttered, her voice trailing off, following Rainbow Dash's loss of consciousness.

Chapter 2: The Wheel of Rainbow Dash

Chapter 2: Dark Days

Rainbow Dash's vision slowly returned, along with all her other senses. She felt heavy chains around her neck, legs, and at the base of her wings, meaning that she had very little chance at escaping. She lifted her head, straining her neck muscles with the chain, feeling as if it weighed a whole ton. She groaned in pain, but still looked around. She was in a dark, cold, large room, and she wasn't alone. She fought back screaming in rage when she saw the mass number of other kidnapped ponies. She tried to stand, but the chains limited her movement lots. She let her head drop back to the ground. Rainbow Dash breathed deep and started thinking, hoping for a way to escape this prison.

Hours passed, to no avail. She shook her head and realized that there was another chained pony, about 5 feet away. She didn't move, and seemed to be asleep. She had an orangish coat. Rainbow Dash quietly said, "Hey. Hey, you okay? Hey, you!", bringing no response. "Are you okay?" She said again, much louder this time. The orange pony looked at Rainbow Dash pleadingly, revealing many marks from being beaten heavily. "Please, save yourself. Keep your mouth shut if you don't want to end up like me." She said, her voice cracking. Rainbow Dash flinched and lowered her head, trying to think again, but not being able to. Then she heard steady hoofsteps nearing, and the occasional clink of iron. She raised her eyes and saw an armored stallion strolling past, surveying the captives. He stopped when he noticed Rainbow Dash, and walked up to her. "You. Your name. Speak." He said sternly. Rainbow Dash just looked angrily at him, saying nothing. "You're going to give me your name. Last warning." He said, louder. She stayed silent. "You're going to regret this." He grumbled, walking over to the orange pony. "You. You're going to teach that one," he pointed at Rainbow Dash "What happens when you don't answer demands.", he said in that same, evil tone. She whimpered and tried to back away, the chains rattling. He grabbed the chain around her neck and yanked hard, pulling her forwards. She let out a gasp of pain, and lay still. He pulled out a key and unlocked the binds on her feet, allowing her to stand. He firmly grabbed the neck chain again, and dragged the orange pony over infront of Rainbow Dash.

"Don't. She did nothing!" Rainbow Dash pleaded desperately. He lifted her by her neck, and hit the orange pony hard in the face. Again. Again. He drew back for another swing. "RAINBOW DASH!" Rainbow Dash shouted out before he could strike the pony. The guard chuckled, re-chaining the beaten pony, and then he continued down the line, investigating. "I'm so sorry, please, are you okay?" Rainbow Dash said, tears streaming from her eyes. The beaten pony looked at Rainbow Dash again, "Say nothing." She warned.

"You mean to tell me..." A voice said, "That Rainbow Dash, is in our prison? Right now?"

"Yes, sir"

"Describe what she looks like."

"Sky blue coat."

"Mane?"

"Rainbow colored mane and tail."

"And she said her name was?"

"Rainbow Dash, sir."

The voice laughed, unable to contain the excitement. The ultimate prize, the ultimate weapon, all to himself now.

"Bring her to me."

Rainbow Dash was almost sleeping, when she heard a voice. "Get up, you're coming with us.". She looked up, looking to see who was about to be taken, only to see three guards staring down at her. She lifted her head, curiously, staying silent. One of the guards brought a key, un-locking her feet so she could walk freely. She darted for it, only to feel a crushing force on her neck, as a guard yanked on a chain attacked to the neck brace around her. She felt her legs swept from under her, causing her to land roughly on her back. She gasped for breath as the three guards walked up to her, forcing her up to her hooves. She stared with hatred at the guards, as she firmly planted her hooves, refusing to move. Crack. Rainbow Dash yelped in pain as she felt a whip cracking off her back.

She submit, and slowly began to walk, being led like a dog, out of the prison and out into the out-doors.

It was dark, really dark. Never was it this dark anywhere in Equestria, or anywhere she'd ever been before. The stars were crystal clear, a sight she would have enjoyed if she was able to be free, able to fly, to feel that crisp winter air on her wings, rushing across the sides of her face. She snapped back into reality, and continued to walk. She wondered how the guards could see where they were going, and why they weren't shivering. It was freezing cold! "Wh-where a-a-are you t-t-taking m-me?" Rainbow Dash asked, between jittering teeth. "Don't talk." One guard said. "B-b-but I w-want to kno-w" She replied. Crack. Rainbow Dash flinched, feeling the whip crack painfully again.

After a long walk in the cold, Rainbow Dash saw a large, wooden structure mansion. Something felt, wrong about the normal looking building. As the very large doors creaked open, Rainbow Dash looked around, and it was no ordinary mansion. It was structured similar to a church, minus the religeous symbols and stained glass windows. "We come bearing Rainbow Dash." One of the guards said. "Eeeeexxcelent." A voice boomed, echoing down the long enterance to the building. Rainbow Dash nervously stepped backwards, nervously stamping a hoof on the ground. Crack. Rainbow Dash yelped at the whip ripping across her back painfully. She couldn't take it anymore, she turned quickly, breaking free from the grip of the guard holding the chain. She pounced onto the pony with the whip and tackled him, bashing her hooves into his face, feeling blood splattering against her face, her eyes wild and bloodshot. She beat for a solid 3 seconds, doing as much damage as would normally be done in 3 minutes, before she was knocked onto her side, and stabbed with a sharp painful needle, bringing almost instant fatigue. Rainbow tried to stay awake, but her eyelids felt as if they were being pushed downwards with the force of one billion Wonder Bolts. She was un-conscious within 10 seconds.

Rainbow Dash began to fade back into reality, feeling herself chained to what felt like splintery wood. She tried to move her head, but her neck had a brace on it, that was up to her chin, only letting her look side to side. She tried to figure out what was going on, she was chained and hanging upside-down on what felt like a wooden platform. She noticed that the rest of the room was dark, except for where she was bound. Rainbow Dash sneezed, being that the room was very dusty. At this, she heard a voice. "So.... The amazing Rainbow Dash awakens..." A voice said, coming from an un-seeable spot in the room. "Let me go!" She protested. Laughter. "It's cute, you acting as if you can command me around." The voice replied, causing a shiver to run up and down Rainbow Dash's spine. Reveal yourself, coward!" Rainbow Dash shouted angrily, feeling fearless. "As you wish." The voice said. A light flickered on dimly, at the opposite end of the room, revealing a very large, black wooden-framed chair, with red leather seating and backrest. It spun slowly, revealing a rather large dragon, scaling to around three times Rainbow Dash's size, his scales black. Then he looked up, causing her to flinch at the very appearance.

His face was scarred horribly, with cuts and burns. His eyes stared menacingly, a slow, evil grin curling onto his face, revealing very long canine teeth, reminding her of the appearance a vampire would have. He chuckled, seemingly only parting his teeth less then a centimeter. "You must want my name too, then" He said. Without waiting for an answer he said, "We have no time for names. You know more then enough already. You must want to know why you're on a wheel too then? That, I don't have to explain, you will find out soon enough." adding a small grin at the end of his sentence. He lifted one arm, and made a circulating movement with one finger, and Rainbow Dash felt herself beginning to spin, slowly gaining speed, until her vision was just blurs. She said nothing, working too hard on keeping herself from vomiting. With one movement of his arm, the wheel stopped entirely. Rainbow's neck violently hit the side of the brace, causing a surprisingly large amount of pain, along with dizziness. When Rainbow Dash was able to see again, she saw a large cardboard box, filled to the brim with many sharp knives. She gasped, knowing what he was about to do. "No, please!" she pleaded. He laughed manically and spun his finger, sending Rainbow Dash back into rotation. She screamed as she saw a knife hit the board and stick, the blade pointing through, missing her eye by inches. Thump. Her tail twitched nervously with how close the second knife was. Thump. Thump. Crash. One knife hit the board at the handle and spun off, gently grazing her leg, somehow not cutting it.

"Dammit." The dragon hissed, reaching for another knife. Rainbow Dash screamed as she felt her skin get cut, and felt blood getting all over her. She felt lots of pain rushing from her lower right leg, where the knife had cut through part of her leg while sticking to the board. "Ooooooooh, almost a new record there!" The dragon said, stopping the wheel of Rainbow Dash. She cried quietly, feeling pain, fear, and dizziness all at once. The dragon laughed, and enjoyed the scene, Rainbow Dash trying to hide behind her mane as she cried, bleeding, and chained. "How many knives was that?" He said, counting the number of knives he threw from his chair. "4 out of 6, one handle hit, one cut. Not bad." He said to himself. "And one more, to mark the end of the game." He said, picking up a small, metal, crude looking metal axe, spinning it, waiting for Rainbow Dash to get over herself. After a few minutes, Rainbow Dash raised her eyes, sniffling quietly, realizing that he was holding an axe.

He grinned, examined the blade. "It's a good thing that blood doesn't stain this huh?" He said. "I'd hate for you to see what happened to the last wheel victim."

He threw the axe into the air and caught it gracefully, aiming right at Rainbow's head.

He threw the axe,not bothering to spin the wheel.

Rainbow Dash yelled as the felt the cold metal blade pressing against the top of her head. It had stuck right above.

"Close one! Almost made you a unicorn!" The dragon said, laughing at his own comedy.

Rainbow Dash looked upwards, and saw the handle of the axe, the white cloth stained with a brown-ish red. Stained with old blood.

The feeling of near death repeatedly, and the pain, and the bleeding, and the bloody axe was too much. Rainbow Dash fainted.

Chapter 3: Negotiations

Chapter 3: Words With the Enemy

Rainbow Dash's vision returned seemingly too soon for her liking, being that she hated waking up from naps, maybe the case was the same for fainting? She held a hoof to her head, feeling a heavy headache taking effect. Her leg also ached, being that it had been partially stabbed, it made sense. Rainbow Dash sighed, she felt like she was heavily hungover, de-hydrated, and starving. She looked around, checking out the situation with the others. They were still there, hopefully still alive. She realized that she had been drooling, she wiped the drool quickly off, not even knowing that she was hydrated enough to drool. her stomach growled, and she growled back.

"Any idea when food or water will be here?" Rainbow Dash asked randomly.

"It would only make sense to come today sometime, being that we're probably going to die after one more da-"

"SHADDAP!"

Rainbow Dash's orange "friend" instantly silenced, hoping not to be beaten.

"Whaddareya gonna do? Set me free from this prison?!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

She heard hoofsteps walking towards her from the other side of the large prison. She heard a whip crack, and a random pony cry out.

"D'ya really wanna know then?" the guard threatened.

"What's the worst you could do? Kill me? You're almost there already!" Rainbow Dash shouted in return, feeling rage build.

The guard walked up to another one, and asked, "Should I bring her to the boss?" he said, hinting this threateningly at Rainbow Dash.

Silence.

'Maybe it won't hurt so much to stay quiet' she thought.

"Did," The dark dragon said to one of his soldiers. "You send the message?".

"Yes, sir. They have been informed of our intensions, and how they could "save" Rainbow Dash."

"Eeexcelent."

The dark dragon reached for a large bag, and handed it to the guard. He looked inside out of curiosity, and found it full of brightly colored hair, looking much like the mane of Rainbow Dash.

"Mock hair, just to get their nerves running. Make a path, use those as, "landmarks" for them to follow, lead them into the trap." the dragon ordered.

"Get your unit ready, this task is to be done by sunrise of the next morning. And don't get seen, or I will chain you to a large rock, and roll it down a mountain myself. That goes for all of your squad. They get the message, understand?", The dragon king growled.

"Y-yes, sir." The guard shakily responded. He'd seen this punishment before, it was no threat, it was a promise. The guard turned to leave, the image of the last pony to be punished in such a way stuck in his head.

Soon, there was a trail being layed out, made of very realistic Rainbow Dash mane.

Commotion busied a small, restricted area of Ponyville, where the military ponies discussed business.

"Today, it was brought to our attention, that the missing ponies, are still alive. We got a message from their captor, offering our ability to save one of them. Rainbow Dash, is her name, and we are to carry out this bargain, and we shall save her, followed by the rest of them."

"The note reads," the leader of the discussion started, reading the note. "Greetings. We know who you are, but you know not of us. We are responsible for the dissapearance of many of your ponies recently. I know that you're concerned for their lives, and I can assure you, they're alive. Most of them, that is. With the introductions put aside, I can give you the point of this message. We have captured a surely, very important pony of yours, going by the name of "Rainbow Dash". We've decided that it's mercies day, and we're going to make an offer. You can save your Rainbow Dash, but at a price. This price, will not be named. That, is for you to guess. And, if you come without the correct payment, you lose your lives, and Rainbow Dash's. We've left you a nice path of, "landmarks", and by that, I mean, a path of Rainbow Dash's mane. You will follow this path, for 20 bushels, and there you can find a cave. You are to enter, and the rest is history." the pony concluded.

"We could get much more info, if we carry out this operation correctly." he added.

"Are you sure it's even a good idea to go to save her? It could very well be a trap." one of the ponies said.

"Well, we can't just let a pony die, we have to save her, or at least try." he replied.

A large argument carried out for hours, resulting in one conclusion: they were going to save her.

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes, hearing a metallic clank. She looked up, and saw two, small metal bowls, one filled with an un-recognized mix of colors in a random shape, and another with water. She practically lunged into the bowls, drinking the water dry, and eating the "food", which tasted horribly bitter. She was finished in about 1 minute, being that it wasn't alot of food. She noticed that many other ponies had finished around the same time as she did, causing her to let out a small sigh of relief, feeling less barbaric. After the meal, she lowered her head again, relaxing slightly. She began to start thinking again. What will be the end of this? Death was the first answer to this, but she tried to think of more positive, and possible thoughts, although it was hard, being that she was chained, cold, mildly hungry, and still a bit thirsty.

After an un-tracked amount of time, Rainbow Dash had fallen into what one could call sleep, even though it was very light. She woke after a while to hear chains moving and some voices. She opened her eyes, and looked to the orange pony, still not knowing her name. She was being un-chained at the feet, so she had the ability to stand. She said nothing as she stood, but she gave Rainbow Dash a worried look. "I'm sorry." Rainbow Dash mouthed as the orange pony was lead out of the prison. After the pony had gone, Rainbow Dash still found herself staring at the exit of the room. Unlike her to stare like that, she thought. Then she started thinking, she hadn't been like herself at all lately, crying and trying to hide behind her mane infront of the enemy? She never was like that. Begging for mercy? She was always one to go down to her grave bravely, not begging. She shook her head. She came to the conclusion that the lack of food and water, constant cold, and always wondering what her home was like, must have effected her.

"Sir, we have sighted a small group of pegasi with light armor and lots of things getting ready for flight in Equestria."

The dark dragon laughed, his plans were working well to his benifit.

"Get her ready, and get the ambush troops ready while you're at it. We leave in 10 minutes." He said.

"Alright, we've gotten the all clear from Celestia, we're ready to go." An armed pegasus said as he jogged up to the leader of the rescue mission, a seasoned Wonder Bolt. "Thank you," he said to the mildly out-of-breath pony. "Okay, everyone, the princess has given us the all clear, we're ready to go. Make sure your armor is fit, and get ready, we're taking flight in less then 5 minutes." he said loudly to the other four ponies, who idly chatted. Many "Yes, sir"'s were said, and the quiet chatter died down, and soon, they were in the sky. There was no talking, unless a marker was spotted. Everypony in the group tried to keep their nervousnes out, but all of them were at least a little nervous, as for they were prepared to fight, and ready to see the worst. "Prepare for landing, 20th marker spotted." The leader called out to the others, who flew close behind. The flight seemed too short, but they landed, about 50 feet from the marker. "Okay, before we go in, keep in mind: no matter what you see, we're here to save Rainbow Dash, and do what we can to save the other captives. You are not to break under any circumstances, we could be walking into a torture room, and you are NOT to snap, got it?" the Wonder Bolt said, keeping a stern voice and face. "Yes, sir."

"We've spotted them, they're just over 40 feet out." A pony wearing a grey, rock-colored suit said. The dark boss chuckled lowly, ready to lure them into the end of their lives.

The group slowly approached the cave, nervously watching their surroundings, not seeing any possible ambush units, they felt just a little safer. As they reached the entrance to the cave, the leader called out, "Is anyone there? We come in peace, for negotiations concerning Rainbow Dash, and the other captives."

"Please, do come in. I've been waiting."

Slowly, and nervously, the group entered the cave, finding that it very quickly tunneled deep into the earth. They saw what looked like a fire light splashing against the wall, when a corner appeared. They rounded the corner, and had to hold back gasps.

Rainbow Dash jumped awake, finding that she was tied and chained to a wall, a cold, stone wall. She observed the area, seeing a fire, in a small room, darkness and dim light meeting smoothly at the end of the circular room. She saw that same, large black wood-frame, and red decorative leather. She tried to move her neck, and found that she could. She tried to speak, but found her mouth was gagged, only letting her make random sounds. She expected to be spun, and mocked once more, but only heard the dragon say, "Welcome to reality." without turning. She tried to move her legs, and she managed to, just slightly, then she heard a metal creek, and felt something solid smash into her lower left leg, which she tried to move. She let out a small shout, but it was muffled by the gag. She looked down at her leg, and saw that it was at least not visibly broken, but pain flowed in quick rushes from her knee. She looked up, and saw that there was a very intricate array of gears and wires, and noticed that for each limb she moved, something would smash or cut it. She decided it would be best not to find out.

After about an hour, she heard a voice. "Is anyone there? We come in peace, for negotiations concerning Rainbow Dash, and the other captives."

"Please, do come in. I've been waiting."

Rainbow Dash quickly realized what was happening, she was being used as a lure to bring more ponies into the strangling grip of her captor. She tried to call out, but nothing sounded. She felt her voice get caught in her throat, and she tried to move her right arm to free her mouth. She let out a scream, still muffled, when she felt a sharp pain, and felt blood rushing down her arm. She looked, and instantly wished she didn't. There was a deep cut, revealing small amounts of bone, cut deep at her elbow. She looked back to the area where the cave tunneled on, and saw six ponies with armor, and large packs, staring with horror. She looked at them with a look on her face that said "Help me."

She tried to say something. "MMMMPH MMMMM" she said, trying to get her mouth free so she could talk, with no luck. The armed saviors stayed calm, and looked at the dragon. "We're here t-"

"I know why you're here." The dragon interrupted. "So you've brought the required price." He said.

"You haven't even seen our-"

"You brought yourselves." The dragon said loudly, over the sound of stone rolling, blocking the way out. "You're able to pay now."

The armed rescue team dropped their bags and reached for hidden sheaths, bearing well-fitted swords, good for using as weapons, even when held with their mouths. "Now now, no need for that..." The dragon said, mocking fear. "Just drop the weapons..."

They refused. "We're here for Rainbow Dash, and information on where you have the others."

"Are you telling me you're not going to listen to my command then?"

"We out-number, and out arm you. We're in charge."

"That's funny." the dragon said, spinning in his chair to face Rainbow Dash, flicking one of his fingers. Rainbow Dash couldn't control her right arm, it violently jerked away from the wall. Rainbow Dash screamed as the knife came down onto her arm once again, cutting deeper, causing more blood. He did the same movement, causing her right lower leg to move, causing a surge of electricity to flow through her body. Rainbow Dash screamed through the gag, thrashing violently. Then Rainbow Dash felt her head being pushed upwards, as if someone was holding her chin up, but nobody was touching her. She felt a sharp piece of metal gently rest against her throat.

Many metal clanging sounds rang through the cave, the saviors ponies' swords hitting the ground. Rainbow Dash let out a long breath as her head lowered back to normal and the knife dissapeared.

"How... But... You're a...."

"DO NOT EVER. QUESTION. MY POWER." the dragon shouted, moving his hand in an open palm, forcing the Wonder Bolt against the wall, holding him by the throat through an un-known force. He gripped his neck, trying to pry hands away that weren't there, kicking at a pony that wasn't there. He dropped to the floor, gasping for air after 10 agonizing, terrorizing, and confusing seconds.

"Now," the dragon continued, speaking in his normal, deep, menacing voice. "The offering to set Rainbow Dash free."

"Speak your demands." the Wonder Bolt said, quickly recovering to his hooves.

"I demand nothing, you just have to have the will power."

"What do you mean?"

"Foolish pony minds. Must I dumb it down to your kind's low- mindset?"

The Wonder Bolt grumbled, "Clarify."

"You must kill her. Set her free of this prison, and end her worthless life!" The dragon shouted, laughing manically.

Rainbow Dash gasped, shaking her head.

"We cannot just kill her! You're insane!"

"Well, don't you feel smart? We all know I am insane, but insanity is simply the ability to see farther, where others see nothing. Now, you can kill Rainbow Dash, and free her, put her out of her misery, or you can let her live, but lose your own lives." The dragon said.

"If anybody is losing their life today, it will be you!" The pony at the back of the group said suddenly, charging forwards and lunging onto the dragon. They fought, but it wasn't long until the dragon lifted the pony by his throat, bending through the armor with his deadly grip. The pony kicked at him, trying to get free.

"NO!" The Wonder Bolt said, charging at the dragon from the side, knocking him over. He jumped to his hooves after knocking the dragon over, and flew into him, smashing him into the cave's wall. The dragon laughed, and with one swift movement of his hand, the fire that was lit surged, almost reaching the top of the room, getting much hotter then before. He kicked the Wonder Bolt hard with ease, sending him onto the floor. The dragon stepped on the throat of the Wonder Bolt, and began to make the fire burn towards Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened, watching as the fire grew in size, and began to get closer to her. She could feel extreme heat against her chest. She screamed, and in an instant, the fire had died down to it's normal size, revealing that each pony of the rescue had been pinned down, by ponies that had been wearing rock-like suits and clinging to the walls. She yelled again, trying to demand to let them go.

The dragon walked over to the Wonder Bolt. "Your name." he demanded.

"Sonic Rain." The Wonder Bolt said, not wavering at all.

Rainbow Dash screamed, remembering him, a childhood friend.

"Well, you die here, but know that you died bravely." The dragon said, giving Sonic Rain one last moment of honor. Rainbow Dash screamed again as the dragon picked up the sword that Sonic Rain had drawn, and put it to his throat. "You die, bravely. With honor.".

Slice.

Rainbow Dash screamed again as he slayed the Wonder Bolt. She shut her eyes. She wanted to die, to not exist. She didn't matter, why did they come to rescue her? She let tears begin to flow down her cheeks.

"As for the rest of you." The dragon said, gently closing Sonic Rain's eyes. "I will not capture you. You all, are to retreat to where you came from, but know, next time, I will have no such mercy."

There was a loud rumble, and soon fresh air flowed into the cave.

"We can't leave Sonic Rain here, we must take him." The second-in-command pony said to the dragon.

"Bury him with honor." The dragon said, making a hand movement, and giving the pony a large, black bag.

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, staying silent, not wanting to be here, not wanting any of this to have happened. It was over very quickly. Silence fell among the cave again, the only sounds were the fire crackling and Rainbow Dash's silent weeping.

Chapter 4: No Lights at the end of This Tunnel

The bloodbath was over. It was all over. Silence was the tunnel. Its all over, but death still looms in the air. Rainbow Dash shook her head, and felt the gag that bound her mouth fall, being un-tied by fingers that weren't truely there. trying to fight back the tears. She let her head hang low for a few minutes, while she let the last of her tears fall. She looked up slowly, facing the dragon monster. "YOU'RE A FUCKING MONSTER!" she screamed at him. "HE STOOD FOR NOTHING BUT GOOD, AND YOU MURDERED HIM!". The dragon sat, expressionless, saying nothing. "YOU'LL PAY!" she screamed, after some heavy breaths. The dragon extended his arm, examining it, watching as a red glow eminated from beneath his scales. "He rests in peace now." the dragon said after some silence, watching the glow fade into nothingness once more. "NO. HE IS NOT IN REST, HE CAME TO SAVE ME, AND NOW HE'S DEAD AND I'M STILL CHAINED TO THIS FUCKING MACHINE!" Rainbow Dash screamed. The dragon sighed. "YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE THE GUTS TO REVEAL YOUR IDENTITY!" Rainbow Dash shouted, panting. "Your friend, Sonic Rain, fought bravely, and died with honor." The dragon said slowly after a long silence. "HOW CAN HE REST KNOWING THAT HE FAILED TO SAVE US!?" Rainbow Dash shouted, feeling rage build quickly inside. "Have you ever..... Killed somebody?" The dragon said, making direct eye contact with Rainbow Dash. "THERE'S A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING! I KNOW EXACTLY WHO I WILL BE KILLING!" Rainbow Dash screamed, thrashing against the machine, not caring for the pain about to follow. The dragon calmly extended his arm, and stopped the knives and hammers before they could hit or cut Rainbow Dash. "Killing..... When you kill, you can feel their feeling, for an instant if you're just a pony, but for a dragon like myself, we can absorb that feeling. He felt no rage, only peace." The dragon said, pausing. "Sonic Rain died knowing that he was fighting for you, he knew that he did the best that he could, and he died, knowing that he lived to the end with nothing but good purpose."

Rainbow Dash let her head drop, these words bringing tears to her eyes once more. "He was in peace. And in peace he died, in peace he shall rest." The dragon said. "Some that I've killed, died, knowing that they did nothing but harm to the rest of the world, and they died in shame, self-hatred, and fear." Rainbow Dash's only movements were her chest as it rose and fell with her heavy breaths, breaking down right infront of her captor. She took a deep breath. "YOU LIVE, DOING NOTHING BUT HARM TO THIS WORLD! HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF!" Rainbow Dash screamed, her eyes widening wildly. The dragon sighed. "I know that when I die, I shall be at peace." The dragon said. "YOU WILL DIE IN SHAME, YOU WILL HATE YOURSELF, YOU WILL FEAR THE WORLD!" Rainbow Dash screamed. The dragon sighed, and shook his head. "A low-minded pony such as yourself would never be able to understand my knowledge of life and death." Rainbow Dash struggled against the chains once more. The dragon did the same, restricting the ponies ability to harm herself by spinning his hand, causing a large gear to fall to the ground. Rainbow Dash said nothing, lowering her head once more, the overwhelmingness of the past hours all hitting her at once. "Just..... Just ki-ill me a-a-already." she said lowly. "I have no such plans," the dragon said, standing. "You are worth much more then a torture victim." He said, walking up to Rainbow Dash. "You're un-aware of what somepony such as yourself is able to be made into." he said, tracing one of his fingers along Rainbow Dash's chin. "You can't make me into anything." she said angrily. The dragon took a step back, an enraged look on his face, as he lifted an arm.

Rainbow Dash's scream was but short as she felt her breath get cut off. The dragon pulled his hand towards him, carrying Rainbow Dash by the throat with non-existent hands. Rainbow Dash felt the chains stiffen, then break, she was floating now, as she struggled against the choking force that held her. "YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF!" he screamed, ripping his hand violently across the air, launching Rainbow Dash into a wall. She yelped in pain and fell to the floor, a limp pile of herself. The dragon breathed heavily as he stared at her laying on the ground. Rainbow Dash tried to ignore the pain and distortion that overtook her, and slowly managed to stand, facing the dragon, now with hate on her own face. The dragon took pity on the poor pony, thinking that she could fight. He with ease lifted her once more, and dragged her through the air, and dangled her over the fire. Rainbow Dash managed a scream through the chokehold as she felt her tail singe. The dragon thrashed his arm once more, sending her through the air, into another wall. Rainbow Dash braced for the hit, extending her legs to soften the impact. She hit the wall still rather hard, but felt much less pain and landed on her hooves this time, and began to hover above the floor, her mouth twisted open at the corner as she said something lowly.

She charged at the dragon. He skillfully spun and grabbed Rainbow Dash by the mane, dodging the attack and grabbing ahold of her. Rainbow Dash tried to get free, enduring lots of pain as she kicked uselessly. The dragon kicked her hard in the side, still holding her. Rainbow Dash yelped as she felt the kick, and tried to get free. The dragon kicked her again and then dropped her to the floor. She fell too her side, pain flowing heavily from her mane, legs, and body. The dragon grabbed her once more, this time choking her with his hands. He brought her face to his, only inches apart. "You're foolish to try to fight me." He growled, before hitting her in the gut repeatedly. Rainbow Dash's vision began to darken as her air loss began to get worse, and large waves of pain flowed from everywhere. The dragon dropped her un-conscious body to the floor. "Get her back to the prison." He ordered.

The squad of rescuers landed back at where they had taken off. It was late at night, and they were tired, shamed, and saddened heavily. They had to keep Sonic Rain's body out of the public's sight, and tell the princess that they failed their mission entirely.

Soon, the ponies were sitting silently infront of the princess, their eyes low, voices quiet. "We... We... We failed our goal..." The second in command pegasus said lowly. "Sonic Rain died fighting for us, he saved our lives."

The princess looked sadly at the group. "I'm so sorry," she said softly. "I know how hard it must be." she paused, looking down. "Even if we didn't save Rainbow Dash, or anybody, I'm sure that they are still alive."

The pegasi wanted to tell her that they probably weren't, but they decided that it would be better if they just let her be at somewhat peace. "Their captor, he...." One of the pegasi had started to speak, but his voice trailed off.

"We will honor Sonic Rain's courage at sunrise." The princess said, her voice sad but gentle.

Rainbow Dash slowly awoke, feeling the same heavy chains binding her to the floor. She sighed, feeling defeated. She looked to where the orange pony would have been, but she was no longer there. She gasped, wondering if she had been killed. Surely she would have been back by now, Rainbow Dash thought. Then she saw her, the orange pony. She wore guards armor, and stared with no expression. "Are you okay?" Rainbow Dash asked. The orange pony looked down at her. "Keep your mouth shut." She said, with no emotion. What had happened to her? "What.. What happ-" Rainbow Dash's sentence was cut with a yelp as she felt a heavy kick. She looked up at the pony she once knew, fear overcoming her.

The dragon sat in his throne of evil. "So..." he started. "We've broken her?"

"Yes, sir. She now walks as one of us." A soldier said.

"Perfeeect." The dragon said, thinking of his plans for Rainbow Dash. He sat, his mind wandering on with the potential weapons Rainbow Dash could be turned into.

Rainbow Dash let her head drop to the floor, sadness overcoming her. She now knew what the fate of many of these captives was to be, a mindless slave, to capture more, and make more. The thought of the army that could be led by this terrified her. She shut her eyes, trying to let the bad thoughts out. The only thing that flashed was the sword sliding across Sonic Rain's neck. Rainbow Dash screamed, the thought coming back to her. Tears attacked. Unable to hold back crying, Rainbow Dash covered her face with her hooves and silently cried.

Rainbow Dash's eyes were sore and red, but after about an hour, Rainbow Dash was able to keep from crying more, partially because she heard lots of comotion, and she heard chains, and lots of yelling. She lifted her head in curiosity and looked towards the source of the sound, and she saw a large, dark coated wolf, fighting the guards, trying to get out of the chains. A wolf? What the hay was he doing here? Rainbow Dash thought, watching as the struggling wolf was struck down and chained, into the spot where the orange pony had been. Why a wolf? The thought kept running through Rainbow Dash's mind, trying to decipher the puzzle. After hours of thinking, she saw movement from her side, and looked. The wolf stirred, then jumped to a start, struggling against the chains. "You can't keep me here forever! I will get free and kill you all!" He screamed. Rainbow Dash stared curiously at the wolf, wondering why he was captured.

The wolf dropped to the floor a mess, saying random things under his breath, the occasional tear breaking free. "My family..." She heard him say more then once. The wolf eventually raised his head and looked around, his eyes landing on Rainbow Dash's, striking her with fear. "What are you staring at!? Nothing to see!" He said angrily. Rainbow Dash broke the stare, looking elsewhere. After a long pause the wolf spoke again. "I'm sorry, it's just that-" he began, stammering. "It's okay." Rainbow Dash interrupted, speaking softly. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Okay? How could I be okay?!" He snapped, followed by another apology.

Rainbow Dash looked at the wolf, kindness in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, it's just..." the wolf's voice trailed off, his eyes getting lost elsewhere, tears threatening to break free.

"I understand, we're all going through rough times." Rainbow Dash said reassuringly.

The wolf lowered his head, running on again about random things.

"Clearly you're not okay." Rainbow Dash said, trying to comfort him.

"OF COURSE I'M NOT OKAY! I JUST WATCHED MY WIFE AND KIDS GET MURDERED!" He screamed at her suddenly.

Rainbow Dash gasped, feeling horrible sadness for the un-known wolf. "I'm so sorry...." She said quietly.

The wolf turned his head and tried to muffle his tears.

Rainbow Dash didn't know what to say. Everything was not alright, nor would it ever be. She didn't want to lie, because the wolf was clearly ready to break at anything. She lowered her own head and tried to get lost in thought, leaving the wolf to be alone.

"I'm sorry, I'm just... It's just that...." The wolf said.

Rainbow Dash spoke in a comforting tone, "I understand, I'm sorry for your loss. What you need is to just relax, you need help and you need to accept that help."

The wolf turned his head again. "I don't need any help." he growled.

"Yes, you do."

The wolf said nothing, burying his face again.

He'll accept help when he's ready, Rainbow Dash thought, leaving the wolf alone.

"A wolf? We got a wolf?" The dragon questioned excitedly.

"Yes, sir. Ready to be tested. If we can break a wolf, we can break any pony." The news bearer said.

The dragon grinned, getting lost in thought again.

Chapter 5: Sweet Insanity

Rainbow Dash lay silently on the ground, it was a cold winter morning and she was fighting off a headache. She tried not to see the negatives, and focus on the positives, but the number of positives in this situation were equal to her chances to break free from these chains on demand. 0%. She heard hoofsteps coming, and looked to see what to expect. She saw the orange friend of hers, non-chalantly walking towards her, keeping her head low. "Don't let them see this." She hissed, dropping a small piece of food infront of her, then acting like she was taunting her. "Your wings were never good for much anyway." she said, laughing convincingly, winking at Rainbow Dash before walking off. Rainbow Dash quickly gulped down the small amount of food, wondering what was going on. She saw the wolf staring at her beggingly. "Sorry.." she said sheepishly. "Sorry for asking, but what's your name?" She added.

"Zero." The wolf said after a long pause.

"Oh, it's nice to meet you, even if we met like this. I'm Ra-"

"Rainbow Dash." Zero cut off. "I've heard about you before."

"Oh... I didn't know I was known that well." Rainbow Dash said, blushing.

"When you fly over our packs land all the time, you get easy to know." Zero said.

"You're from nearby Equestria?" Rainbow Dash asked, getting worried about the fact that others nearby had been taken.

"We're a little over 20 miles out, we never bother you guys, we keep to our own business, like creatures should." Zero said flatly.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be nosey, it's just that with the kind of place this is, I get very lonely." Rainbow Dash said.

Zero didn't reply, he just rested his head on his paws, staring into space infront of him.

The dragon sat, staring at the orange pony from his raised throne.

"I heard that you were seen giving the prisoners food." He growled.

"No, sir! Why would I ever do that?!" She questioned.

"You were seen giving food to Rainbow Dash, more specifically." He said.

"I see no reason for me to do that, sir." She said.

"You may not see a reason, but you did it."

"Sir, I did not give any food to the prisoners."

"Well," the dragon said. "Are you doubting my power?"

"No, sir. I'm doubting your judgement, I did not give any food to any prisoner."

"You gave a small amount of food to Rainbow Dash, then pretended to make fun of her. You may not be aware, but I can see anything that happens in that room at any time! You said her wings were never good for much anyway, after giving her food." The dragon said, standing.

"That..." The orange pony started. "I'm sorry, sir.", she lowered her head.

"You're very lucky. I let new drones get off easy, and I am in a good mood today. Next time I catch you doing something like this, it will be the end of your life, rat." The dragon spat.

"Thank you, sir. Many apolagies."

"You are to bring me the wolf, now." The dragon commanded.

"Right away, sir."

Zero inhaled deeply, slowly exhaling.

"I'm sorry for being so rude earlier. I'm having lots of problems right now." Zero said slowly.

"You need to chill out a bit, we're all in this together." Rainbow Dash replied.

After a long silence of no conversing between the two, Rainbow Dash heard guards coming. She looked to the source of the sound and saw the orange pony leading 2 others, marching towards Zero.

"Zero," she started.

Chains rattling. Zero looked around confused, standing slowly.

"Please, be careful."

"You're going to pay for what you've done!" Zero screamed, thrashing against the chain around his neck, getting free. Rainbow Dash gasped in shock and terror. "FEEL WHAT MY FAMILY FELT YOU FUCKING BEASTS!" He screamed, attacking the orange pony, knocking her down. He raised a paw to strike downwards, going to a finishing stab. Another one of the guards kicked at Zero, and screamed, jumping back. Zero clung tightly onto his leg, thrashing his neck. Rainbow Dash flinched as she heard flesh ripping, and lots of cracks. The orange pony quickly rose, and jumped onto Zero's back, pinning him down. The injured pony scooted backwards, grunting in agony, looking at his damaged leg in horror. Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped.

His leg was covered in blood, skin hanging limply off, thin twigs of bone sticking out like a log that was half-cut with a dull chainsaw blade. Zero made no sound, not willingly surrendering to the darkness that followed his head being hit repeatedly. The pony let out a scream as his leg dropped to the floor, his muscles no longer responding in that leg. He screamed once more, then passed out. Rainbow Dash watched as the orange pony dragged Zero out of the room, one of the ponies gently trying to lift the broken guard.

The dragon jumped to a start as the still un-named orange pony burst through the giant doors, swinging them open. "We need a medical unit at the prison, ASAP." She yelled, out of breath.

"Why is the wolf un conscious? Was it too hard to bring him back awake and alive?" The dragon said, ignoring her shouts.

"That's a long story, we have an injured soldier in the prison!" She said, calming down.

"And you're telling me? You're in charge of the unit for now, so you should get your unit's medics right?" The dragon said.

The orange pony stammered, then said, "Yes, sir."

"Leave the wolf. I shall deal with him." The dragon said as the orange pony rushed out the door.

Darkness slowly gave to light as Zero slowly opened his eyes, coming back to attention. He jumped to his paws, finding that he was not in chains. He looked around the room, seeing nothing but darkness around.

"The strong wolf awakens."

Zero jumped towards where he thought the voice was coming from, only to hit what seemed like an invisible wall. "Where are ya?!" He yelled, pawing the invisible force.

"You can walk. It's only darkness, unless you're afraid of that."

Zero jumped against the wall again, to no avail. He tried all around, but he only had about 7 feet of space before he hit an invisible wall.

"What are you waiting for? Come kill me. For Jade."

Zero screamed, pounding his body into the wall at the sound of his dead wife's name.

"You're not going to avenge her? You're going to show mercy to that who ended your families life?"

"WHERE ARE YOU?!" Zero screamed, back up for another charge at the un-seen wall.

"You're going to let your family die in vain?"

Zero said nothing, maddeningly looking around the area, seeing nothing but darkness around him.

"Jade... Vexon.... Serenity... Your children, and your wife? You're going to let them die with no rest?"

"Reveal.... Yourself!" Zero said, running out of breath from his fruitless charges.

"I can almost hear them crying..."

Zero tried to fight back tears, still struggling against the now seemingly shrinking space.

"Their screams...."

Zero collapsed, tears quickly taking over. He felt his space closing in, but he didn't care. Death was just a release at this point. "Just... Kill me...." He said.

"Zero! Zero!" He heard the voice of his wife calling out.

"Where are you!?!" Zero screamed, looking around.

"Dad!!" His sons voice cried out.

"VEXON! WHERE ARE YOU!?"

"Dad! Help!" His daughters voice.

Zero looked around silently, his vision nothing but blurs from the heavy tearfall.

Then he saw him. A large dark dragon appearing out of seemingly nowhere, his eyes glowing red.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Zero screamed, jumping to his paws and charging at the large dragon. He fell to the floor, diving into black mist. He looked around and saw the dragon again, staring with an evil grin, a few feet away, standing behind him. Zero quickly jumped to his paws again and lunged, with the same result. Dark mist. He didn't care, he still would try. Then he saw the dragon standing even farther away, holding the limp body of his son, his large claws against his throat. "NOOOO!" Zero screamed, diving into the dragon. Dark mist clouded his vision, this time lingering.

"Zero!" The voice called out again.

Zero ran forwards, and looked around, but the mist lingered around him, thickening by the second. "No...." He said, coughing heavily as the mist slowly turned into a heavy smoke. "I'll.... Kill.... I'll kill..." Zero struggled to speak through the smoke. "I'll...".

Darkness.

The dragon emerged from the darkness, walking up to Zero.

"Broken...." He said, grinning evilly.

Chapter 7: A Horrid History Lesson

Darkness faded into light. Rainbow Dash lifted her head, waking to find that she wasn't bound. She quickly stood and stretched her wings, then the memory of the past night hit her. She fell to her knees, the horrible memory of Zero jumping to his own death, and the horrible feeling of sending Bliss' life down the mountain with a boulder. She fought tears, but they soon dissapeared on their own when she heard an evil voice.

"I'd recommend fixing yourself up when talking to your owner."

Rainbow Dash growled, looking up to see the dragon standing arrogantly. "You do not own anybody." She said angrily, rising to her hooves. Rainbow Dash felt a chair suddenly appear behind her and slide forward, forcing her to sit. The dragon sat on his own chair, and stepped on a small pressure plate. The stone floor rose slowly, forming a table.

"Let's talk." The dragon said, leaning forwards, resting his forearms on the table, hunched over the table slightly.

Rainbow Dash sat still, saying nothing.

"I'll start." The dragon said, leaning back casually. "I'm sure you know by now that I keep my name to a secret, yeah?" Without pause, he continued. "There is quite the reason for this, long story. Get comfy." The dragon said, forcing Rainbow Dash back against her chair with one movement of his hand. "You also may notice what happens to those who question my powers, and I think that explaining that is a good way to start."

"When I was but a kid, my parents were always, always, saying that I was weak, powerless, un-capable of doing anything. One day I told them, I told them, "I have power, I can do things!". They merely laughed and told me to prove my case. Walk my talk, so I did. With a few quick swipes, they were on the ground, unconscious. Now, I knew that they would never believe me unless I could really prove myself. I'm sure you remember the wheel, right? Of course you do. I'm sure you remember this aswell?" The dragon said, lifting his axe. "You must have noticed the blood on it aswell? Well, it's time for a little history lesson. I don't remember his name well, but I think the first head split by this axe, I think he went by the name "Dad"."

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened, backing up in the chair slightly hearing about what this evil dragon did.

"I'm not too sure about the second victim, but I think she preferred to be called "Mom"."

"You sick fucking beast." Rainbow Dash said through gritted teeth.

"If I'm a monster, then do something about it. The greatest flyer in Equstria, sitting right here, too coward to kill her enemy." The dragon said, laughing. Rainbow Dash yelled and jumped out of her chair, charging towards the dragon.

Stab.

Rainbow Dash collapsed onto the table, her side bleeding badly, the horrid axe stuck in her. She tried to get up, to move, but she found that she was no longer in control of her arms or legs.

"Right. I forgot to tell you, on this axe, is a strong paralysis poison. Good luck moving now." He said, gripping the axe by the handle.

"Don't...." Rainbow Dash said, staring angrily at the dragon.

The dragon pulled, ripping the axe out of the wound.

Rainbow Dash screamed, pain flowing through her body. She began to feel more blood rushing from the wound, being that it was fully opened now. She let her head hit the table, getting dizzy from the quick loss of blood.

Rainbow Dash felt her eyelids get forced open. "What are you doing? I'm not done with my story!" Rainbow Dash groaned un-responsively, her eyes rolling upwards.

Stab.

Rainbow Dash's eyes shot back to normal, her blood rushing now. She felt un-natural energy flowing through her body, like adrenaline was kicking in.

"You're not sleeping yet princess." The dragon said, dropping a syringe onto the floor. Rainbow Dash still couldn't move, but she wasn't passing out due to the shot of energy. "After this, I felt a new force of power running in my blood, and I soon learned my true power. The only thing standing in my way of having an un-stoppable army of slaves, was Sombra, so I slayed him, and over-took his army as my own. Now, I will take Equstria. Nothing stands in my way. The only thing that kept me from having them already, was you." The dragon said, tracing his claws along Rainbow Dash's jawline. "You are just the one I needed. You are easy to break, easy to destroy, easy to make... My own..." The dragon said, his voice trailing off. "You can become a slave of mine, with power beyond belief. And, with many broken ponies, and a wolf....."

Rainbow Dash cried out in rage at the mention of Zero.

"We are sure that such a mere pony like yourself is breakable." The dragon sat down, leaning back in his throne of wood and leather. "Now, in order for me to make you my slave, you must not die." The dragon said. He rose his arm, and swung down. Rainbow Dash fell unconscious at the heavy blow.

"Uhhhhhhhg...." Rainbow Dash groaned as she awoke, hearing the steady beeping of a heart monitor. She opened her eyes and looked around, realizing that she was in no hospital that she was familiar with. "Where....." Rainbow Dash started.

"You're safe, honey." She heard a soft female voice. "We picked you up out of the wilderness, quite badly beaten."

Rainbow Dash sighed in relief, too tired to be excited.

"You were starved, dehydrated, cut, and beaten. What happened to you, Rainbow Dash?" The pony asked. "I.... He..... They...." Rainbow Dash stammered, not knowing where to start. "Gone...... Zero...... Bliss....."

"I'm sorry, who?" The pony asked, more concerned now.

"He... Jumped..... His family..... Bliss...... Chained to..... Boulder..... The mountain......" Rainbow Dash let a few tears loose.

"Oh my, dear. Don't you worry about that now, we'll get it sorted out and get you situated later, you're in too bad of shape to worry yourself much right now." The pony said softly.

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes, relieved to be in safety now.

Chapter 8: Trivium

It was early the morning after Rainbow Dash had found herself taken into a hospital, after somehow escaping the evil grip of the dragon captor. She slowly opened her eyes, finding the nurse quietly working on something. "M-Miss?" Rainbow Dash asked lowly. "You're awake! What do you need?" She responded. "I would like to know where I am." Rainbow Dash said. "Well, I can't tell you where you are, but I can tell you how to get to Equestria from here. We're a self-supportive hospital, we set up camp out in the wilderness, hoping to save lost ponies and other un-fortunate creatures. As you can see, we've managed to scrape up quite a few over the past, and saved them. You're appearence was quite strange though, any idea how you got all the way out here?"

"I... I can't explain, but I must get back to Equestria as soon as I can." Rainbow Dash said, her voice sounding more serious then before.

"Well, I can assure you that you won't be fit to fly any time soon, dear."

"No, you don't understand, I need to get back there, it's an emergency!" Rainbow Dash said, sitting up. "Now now," the nurse started, gently putting her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder, slowly lowering her back to laying down. "You're not aware of the condition you're in, you have many infected wounds and many fractured bones in your wings. If you tried to fly, you would only fall out of the sky." The nurse explained. Rainbow Dash sighed, trying to think of a way to get out of this hospital. The answer was clear, she had to sneak out, but how was she supposed to find the directions back to Equestria?

"Miss," Rainbow Dash said again after a long pause. "May I please have directions back to Equestria?" she said innocently. "I... I guess I could give you them..." The nurse said, seemingly in a trance. "20 miles out north, then take a sharp turn for the east, and fly that direction and you will find yourself at Equestria."

"Thank you, nurse." Rainbow Dash said, resting her head, pretending to go to sleep.

Rainbow Dash began to think.

'I must have sub-consciously escaped somehow, which means that by likelyhood, the dragon and his army could be alive. This can be dangerous to Equestria, I need to get back there as soon as possible.'

A few hours passed, and Rainbow Dash found herself ready to escape. She waited for the nurse to turn her back, and she ripped the medical equipment off of her. She kicked hard at the window, and dove out, hearing the nurse shouting from behind. "Thank you for all the help!" She called out, before kicking into over-fly. She flew at almost max speed, keeping her head low. Her mane blew in every direction behind her as she began to feel a small draft picking up. She soon realized the mass amount of pain coming from her wings. In the adrenaline rush of escape, she could ignore the pain, but now, it began to hit her like 850,000,000,000,000,000,000 tons of bricks. She cried out in pain, slowing her pace. She turned eastward, causing even more pain. She knew that she had to endure the pain until she made it back home.

She was loosing altitude as she slowed, soon dropping down to the floor. She gasped in pain as she let her wings relax. The nurse was right, but she had no time to wait, she had to get back to Equestria and warn everypony. She began to run along the ground, quickly getting tired. She jumped and stretched her wings, flapping them violently to get into the air. She cried out again, but she was now flying lowly, going faster then on the ground. Soon her pained wings began to feel more like a dull throb, meaning that they were numbing over from all the pain and abuse. She shook her head and sped up, using most her energy to get higher into the air. She soon began to feel a storm coming on, lots of rain and wind setting off her flying.

Crash. Rainbow Dash flinched as she saw a large bolt of lightning strike the ground nearby where she was flying. She bit her lip and carried on, running quickly out of energy. She tried to gain altitude, but began to lose ability to use her wings, her muscles basically shutting off slowly. She dove, flattening her wings against her back to save energy. Before hitting the ground, she gracefully spread her wings, slowing her down, enough for a controlled roll to the ground. Graceful, being a less-then-descriptive word. She fell to the ground, rolling on her side across the ground. After a few seconds, she came to a stop, dizzy, distorted, and pained. She slowly stood, and tried to walk, before she realized, where the hell was westward? She was lost, the roll had set off her sense of direction. "No.... Nononononononononononononooonooooono." She said desperately, looking around for signs of familiarity. She heard a voice call out, coming from an unknown place.

"Miss! Miss are you alright!" The voice called, getting closer by the second. Rainbow Dash fell to her flank, her head spinning. "Miss, are you...." The voice said as a small, but fully grown looking pegasus ran up to Rainbow Dash. He had a dark coat, his feathers of his wings each slowly dissolving into red from black at the ends. His mane and tail followed the pattern of his wings. He looked at Rainbow Dash in the eyes, studying her. "Rainbow.... Dash?" He asked, putting a hoof on her shoulder to steady her. "Wha... What? Oh, right. Yeah, that's me... Rainbow Dash's the name..... Flying's... The....."

"You're alive!" He cried out, hugging her. "Oh.... Right... Sorry...." He said, backing away, his cheeks getting invaded with red. "You were taken from us, but you're back! You're alive!"

"Where is..... Equest..."

"Equestria! I know where that is! I can get us there, but not in this storm..." The pegasus said, examining the sky.

"That's... Okay, we can just....." Rainbow Dash collapsed, landing in the pegasus's arms.

"We're staying here for tonight, and that is that." He said, laying Rainbow Dash down by a tree, before sitting down next to her.

"Yeah.... That's... That's what.... I said...." Rainbow Dash stuttered. The pegasus didn't respond, instead he slipped one of his hind legs under Rainbow Dash's head, making some form of a pillow for her. "You're not doing so good, just rest for now.".

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, the sunlight shining through wet leaves. She heard silent snoring in the backround. She sat up, rubbing her head, before looking back at the dark pegasus. He slept lightly, leaning against a tree. She walked up to him, and shook him.

"Wake up, we gotta go!" She said loudly.

"Wai... Wha!" The pegasus said, jumping awake, loosing his balance and falling to his back. "Get up!" Rainbow Dash said, standing the stallion up. "Which way to Equestria?!" She shouted.

"Umm.... Uh...."

"Come on! You said you could get us back there!"

"Uhh... This way!" The pegasus said, pointing in a random direction.

"You sure?"

"No... I mean yes! Yes I am!" The dark pegasus said, stretching his wings to take off. Rainbow Dash was already in the air, flying in the direction he had pointed.

"Must you really jump to a start like that!?!" The dark pegasus said as he caught up to Rainbow Dash.

"Want me to go faster? I like faster!" Rainbow Dash said, increasing her pace.

"Nonono, wait!" The peagsus said, trying to keep up.

Soon, Equestria was in view.

Rainbow Dash let out a joyful cry and kicked into full speed, forgetting about the pegasus.

"Rainbow Dash!" A voice cried as she roughly landed. "Somepony get a doctor!" Rainbow Dash heard a scream, followed by many screams, sounding of shock and terror.

"Wait, what?" She asked, looking around. Then she saw her wings. Folded, crumpled looked, bruised, and one of them had a bone poking though, bleeding heavily. She tried to move her wings, and she was now aware of the pain. She screamed and collapsed. Darkness began to over-take again. She felt a dull feeling of two hooves on her shoulders. She heard a voice, sounding broken and sad. "Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash! DASH!" The pegasus yelled, trying to bring her back to reality. "No!" He cried out as he was pushed back by a doctor. "Give me some space! She's going to be fine!"

Darkness faded into light. Rainbow Dash covered her eyes from the blinding light that was the ceiling of the hospital room. She heard troubled breathing coming from somewhere. She raised her head to look around, and saw the dark pegasus that had helped her earlier, sitting in a chair, his head in his hooves. "Are.... Are you okay?" Rainbow Dash asked him.

"You're alive!"

"Of course I am, wha-"

Rainbow Dash's sentence was cut off by the dark pegasus kissing Rainbow Dash on the lips.

"I'm..... I'm so sorry.... It's just that.... Well...." The pegasus stammered randomly.

"It's okay, I understand." Rainbow Dash said, trying to re-assure the pegasus.

He breathed deeply, his face reddining heavily once again.

"By some chance, could I have your name?" Rainbow Dash asked, trying to change the awkward feeling in the room.

"T-T-T-Trivium.." He said.

"Well, Trivium, thank you for all the help you've offered in the past day." Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh.. Uh, it's n-no problem..." Trivium said.

Chapter 9: Remnants

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes, wishing that she didn't. After she opened her eyes, she tried to stretch. That's right, destroyed wings. She stifled a cry and closed her eyes again for a moment, before realizing that Trivium had gone. Strange, she assumed that he was forced out. She saw a small note on the side of her bed. Of course. "Staff members are forcing me to leave, be back when visiting hours start. -Triv." It read. Triv. Ain't that quite the nickname there? Rainbow Dash looked for a clock, and saw that there was only about 15 minutes until visiting hours start. She did a recap of the past day and a half that she had been in the hospital. First day, (half-day), she was in shock and pain, but she got familiarized with Trivium. The next day, as she expected, she was questioned by many officials, and she gladly gave them the info she had. Trivium came back and sat in a chair next to the bed, while they talked about random things, until Rainbow Dash was assaulted by sleep.

Now she lay in a hospital bed, trying to ignore the pain from her wings combined with all the needles that were stuck in her arms. These painkillers could mildly do their job, but they weren't even close to numbing her entirely. It was seemingly just a few seconds before Rainbow Dash heard a door open, and saw Trivium walk in, smiling warmly.

"Good morning." He said.

"Yeah, only if it was..." She replied sarcastically.

"Welcome to the club, we can all pretend." He said jokingly.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash said. "Umm... Quick question?"

"Go ahead."

"What were you doing out there?"

Trivium's face reddened.

"Looking for a place to sleep....." He said shamefully.

"You don't have a home?!" Rainbow Dash asked, alarmed. "Do you need a place to stay? Yes, yes you do. You can stay at my house for a little while if you want." She said quickly.

"Uhh, sure..." Trivium said, trying to hide the excitement that he would finally have a place to stay, with the love of his life. Even better!

After about a week, Rainbow Dash was let out of the hospital, with orders to not take flight for more then a minute at a time, and keep the speeds low, and only fly 3 times a day at max. Lame. Glad to be out of the hospital at last, Rainbow Dash took flight as soon as she was out of the hospital, and began towards her house. Soon, Rainbow Dash creaked open the door to her house. "I'm home!" She called, with no response. She walked in and loudly closed the door, waiting to see if Trivium was even home. She got still, no response. She looked around, and saw nopony. She slowly walked into her room and saw Trivium sleeping on her bed, but not under the covers, just on top.

"Rough day huh?" She asked loudly, trying to wake him up.

"What? Oh, right. Welcome home!" Trivium said slowly.

"Just making sure that you're home." Rainbow Dash said, before leaving the room. She poked her head back in, and said, "You can use the blankets and actually sleep, instead of just laying on the bed." She said.

"Thanks." Triv replied.

Rainbow Dash shut the door and walked back out to the living room area. "Trivium," She started loudly. "Can you come here real quick?"

She heard the door open and close.

"What'dya need?" He asked, tiredly walking into the room.

"Come here." She said.

Trivium sat infront of Rainbow Dash. "Did'ya need somethin'?"

Rainbow Dash's smile faded into an evil stare.

"Uh.. Dash? You alright?" He asked, standing up slowly.

Rainbow Dash said nothing, but raised a hoof, and swung heavily at Trivium. Trivium ducked under the hit and started backing up. "Dash? Dash I don't want to hurt you! Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash charged at Trivium, catching him in mid-dive, smashing him into the wall and holding him against it by the throat. "Rain- Rainbow Dash!" He choked out, kicking at her to get free. "I'm sorry!" He yelled, kicking Dash hard in the face, making her stumble backwards. "I'm sorry! I don't want to hurt you!" Trivium said again. Rainbow Dash walked up to Triv, backing him into a corner. She grabbed him with two hooves and slammed him backwards into the ground, holding him down. "Rainbow! Please!" He said, panicking. "There's no use fighting back, Triv...." She said evilly. "Wha- What?!"

Trivium's vision blurred, he didn't want to hurt Rainbow Dash but it seemed like he had no choice. He kicked at Rainbow Dash again, his shortness being a large disadvantage at this point. "Rainbow! Let me go!" He said, his voice wavering. She raised a hoof, and struck downwards heavily, drawing blood from Trivium's face. "Ow! Rainbow stop, please!" He yelled, flinching as she rose to hit again. Trivium cried out in pain as she stomped on his stomach, then hit him hard in the side of the face again. He coughed blood, getting lots on Rainbow Dash's face. She grinned and stomped on him again. Trivium's vision darkened and brightened every time he got hit. "Please...." He said, his voice fading now.

Rainbow Dash grinned as she slammed Triv's head into the ground, causing him to go limp, falling un-conscious.

The large dragon sat in his "royal" throne, contemplating other-worldly things. He grinned as his evil plan came back to his head. Create a super-weapon out of Rainbow Dash, then let her be taken into Equestria once more, then, she would break out, attacking anypony she saw. He cheered for himself silently in his head, proclaiming himself a genius, and soon, world-dominator.

Chapter 10: He who Falls...

Slowly, Trivium's vision faded from darkness into.... Less dark, darkness. Heavy chains bound him to the floor of a room that he could not see. Confusion and questions took over his mind. What was wrong with Dash? Where was he? Just.. What?!

"The strong, brave, noble pegaus awakens....."

Trivium's ears lifted, as Rainbow Dash's voice rang though the dark, cold air.

"Rainbow.... Dash...?" He called out, looking around for any sign of where she could be.

"Look who can tell my name." her voice sounded, mildy deeper, and it had a..... A sort of evil tone to it.

"Dash, are you.... All.... Right.......?" Trivium's voice faded off as he saw Rainbow Dash fade into visibilty. "Dash?!"

Her face was twisted into a horrible grin, specks of blood splattered across her chest and face, along with soaked hooves.

"Why, I'm fine." She said, her teeth significantly longer and sharper now.

"What happened to you?!" Trivium cried out, struggling against the chains.

"I was freed, from...." Rainbow Dash's grin curled sharper. "You."

Trivium's heart sank. His ears flattened. "W-what?" He asked, his voice sounding crushed.

"From you."

"B-but... I helped you........ I...." Trivium's voice died off. His crush had just said that by being enslaved, she had been freed from him.

"It's too bad that you'll never see Equestria again, isn't it?"

Trivium opened his mouth for a second, but said nothing. Slowly, Rainbow Dash faded into the darkness again.

Trivium blinked in confusion when he saw a small area of the room a bit far away from him light up. No one was in the lit up area, it was just... There? The light flickered, then was gone. It lit once more, now closer, revealing a large, dark, dragon sitting in a large black and red chair. He lifted one arm, and snapped his fingers.

Rainbow Dash walked up infront of the chair and bowed.

"At your service, sir." She said, her voice sounding like a drone's.

"Rainbow Dash! Wake up! You're better then this!" Trivium yelled, struggling against the chains once more.

The dark dragon chuckled softly. "Bring me... Trivium..." He said, his red eyes meeting Trivium's intimidatingly.

Trivium tried to back away as Rainbow Dash marched up to him, that same, horrible grin on her face.

"Dash... Please...." He said, his eyes filled with fear as he stared into Rainbow Dash's evil eyes. He stood quickly when he realized that his hooves were no longer bound. He tried to get free, but Rainbow Dash held the chain around his neck firmly in her mouth. He stiffly planted his legs, but got dragged along still.

"Give me the chain." The dragon said, grabbing the end of the chain from Rainbow Dash.

"Anything else, sir?" She asked, in that monotone drone voice.

"What should I use to.... Break, this one?" The dragon asked.

Rainbow Drone circled around Trivium, grinning evilly.

"You can't break me." Trivium growled.

"Actually, I think I know what I will do." The dragon said, shooing Rainbow Dash. "Now scram, go.... Do... Something."

"Yessir." She said, nodding and stiffly walking away.

"Do your worst." Trivium said, staring fearlessly into the evil captor's eyes.

The dragon yanked on the chain, pulling Trivium closer. He raised an arm, and struck down on Trivium's head.

***

Slowly, Trivium's vision faded back to life. "Wha..." He muttered, looking around. He found himself sitting in a chair. Large, black wooden frame, red leather. Rather decoratively threaded, but comfy to sit in. Why he was thinking this deeply about a chair? No pony knows.

"Welcome to life..."

Trivium's eyes snapped open. His ears flattened, his teeth gritted.

"Relax you fool. I mean no harm to you."

Trivium narrowed his eyes at the evil dragon sitting across a table matching these chairs. The dragon stared back.

"I think it't time we get to know eachother better." He said, looking rather relaxed.

"Knowing you would make me a monster." Trivium grumbled, looking rather defensive.

"Well good, you're already halfway there." The dragon said. "You must trust me, sitting in an un-bound chair, able to attack, yet you still sit there. Maybe it's out of fear?"

"I fear no such evil."

"Then you trust me?"

Trivium said nothing, defeat in his eyes.

"Anyway... Introduction! You're Trivium, hopeless, sad, alone, Trivium. Recently crushed by his crush. That's you." The dragon said, an evil grin splitting his lips. "Rather pathetic history. Abandoned by his parents, forced to live alone."

Trivium felt his heart wrench at the memories.

"Dropped out of school. 17 years old, already alone, out of school, out of work, and out of home."

Trivium growled, tensing up, preparing to charge at the dragon across from him.

"His friend, abandoned him for an old marefriend, leaving him on the streets alone. Being the foolish young'n that he was, he tried to murder his friend later on."

"I didn't try to murder him." Trivium growled.

"Now here, still alone. Captive. Weak. Helpless."

Trivium lunged across the table at the dragon.

"Trying for no reason." The dragon said, extending his arm, pushing Trivium back into the chair and pinning him to it.

"Just give up." The dragon growled, his eyes glowing dimly.

Trivium struggled against the invisible powers pinning him. "Never!" He cried.

"For..... No..... Reason....."

Trivium felt terror overcome him as the force moved from his chest to his throat, cutting off his breathing.

"As for myself..." The dragon started, releasing Trivium's throat enough for him to breathe. "Well, you know enough. Just call me as Rainbow Dash does. Master.".

Trivium screamed and kicked, trying to get free. "You don't own her or anypony else!" He yelled. Trivium's breathing was cut off. He saw black spots invading his vision.

"I own you. I own Rainbow Dash. I own every. Single. Soul. Here." The dragon growled. "It's an Axiom. Just like me."

Trivium tried to choke something out, but fainted.

Chapter 11: Until the End.

Trivium lay silently on the chair, a heap of limbs. His breathing remained steady. The large dragon sat for a few seconds, soaking in this easy victory over Trivium.

"Rainbow Dash!" He called, snapping his fingers.

"Yessir?"

"Take Trivium to the..... Beating room.... I want him broken by the time the sun rises." He said, lazilly waving his hand, speaking in an arrogant tone.

"Yes, sir."

***

Trivium slowly opened his eyes. He didn't move for a long time, he just lay there paralyzed with fear. He took a deep breath and raised his head, examining where he was. He found himself in a medium-sized room, with no visible doors or windows, but there was a puny lightbulb keeping the room dim. He shivered in fear/coldness. He looked for anyone else in the room with him, but he found himself to be alone.

"Finally awake."

Trivium winced slightly at the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice, it sounding in a cruel tone more then anything else. He felt as if her very voice could kill him.

"You claim that you cannot be broken."

"Dash.... Please listen to me, you're not being yourself, you're a mental slave!" Trivium pleaded, hoping Dash would snap into reality.

"You will be broken."

"Dash...."

Trivium jumped up when he saw Rainbow Dash appear out of seemingly nowhere. She stared evilly, her body splashed with blood. She grinned and slowly approached him. Trivium backed up until his back was pressed into the corner of the room. He skidded his hooves, desperately trying to find a way out. He yelped in pain as Dash yanked one of his hooves out form under him, causing him to fall, making him hit his head into the corner roughly. He stared up at Rainbow Dash, fear in his eyes. She stood over him, her eyes and grin getting wilder by the second. She lifted a hoof and pressed down on Trivium's throat.

Trivium didn't fight back much, he was too weakened already. He tried to pry her hooves from his neck, but with no success. He kicked weakly, his kicks having almost no effect. Rainbow Dash cackled evilly, pressing down harder. Trivium grunted in pain, still trying to fight back.

Dash let up enough for Trivium to breathe after what felt like an eternity.

"Please....." Trivium gasped, staring into Rainbow Dash's eyes.

Rainbow Dash lifted Triv from the floor and pinned him against he wall by the shoulders.

"Why don't you fight back? Why can't you stand up for the ones you love? Why do you sit here weakly and be beaten?" She taunted, pressing hard.

"I will not hurt you Rainbow Dash. I know in there somewhere is the real you. I can feel it."

Rainbow frowned and let go, letting Trivium fall to the floor. He lay up against the wall, keeping his head low.

"The real me? The REAL me?" She chuckled, lifting Trivium's head to stare into his eyes. "She's gone. She doesn't exist. You won't either, soon enough." She swung hard at Triv's face. knocking him onto his side. Trivium lay silently, not wanting to fight back in fear of hurting Rainbow Dash. Trivium felt himself being lifted from the floor and pushed against the wall again, but he was slipping into darkness. His current mindstate was breaking down. He just wanted everything to be over.

***

"He's ready...." Rainbow Dash said, dragging Trivium's limp body by the scruff of his neck.

"I want him chained to the darkest place there is in that prison. I want him to see no hope anywhere around him." The dragon said.

"Yes, sir. He will awake to see nothing but loneliness around him."

***

Trivium hung upside-down limply, his hooves tied around a large stick which was layed along the backs of two large guards. They marched through the cold air, the wind blowing heavily. The two guards followed close behind Rainbow Dash, who was strangely enough not seeming cold whatsoever.

It wasn't very long before Trivium had been bound in chains, in the darkest part of the whole prison. The prisoner next to him watched silently as he was brought in, chained, and abandoned. Now she stared at him, with a strange feeling. The need to save him. The need to get him free, into safety. He just seemed.... Different. Trivium slowly woke after a while. He lifted his head slowly, looking around. He lifted a hoof, inspecting the chains. He said nothing, dropping his head to the floor.

After a long silence, the pony spoke.

"Are you okay...?"

Trivium didn't respond, not even acknowledging her existence.

"If you want to get out of here, you're going to need to know those around you."

"We're not getting out of here. We're all going to die here and he shall take over the world." Trivium's voice sounded depressed. "They've taken her... And they've taken many more.... They will take all of us..."

Unsure of who "She/her" was, the prisoner responded, "Every empire falls, and with everything that falls there must be the force to knock it down. We must be that force. We can get all them back. We can end this all."

"There's no stopping them. They're powerful in numbers and skill. They will make us their slaves as they will the rest of the world." Trivium rested one of his arms over his muzzle, closing his eyes.

"They say there's no stopping alot of things. Those certain things ended up getting stopped. Everything is stoppable only if there are those willing to stop it."

Trivium said nothing.

***

Trivium woke from sleep after an un-defined period of time to the sound of chains and steps. He looked around, his eyes adjusting to the now brighter room. He saw two guards un-chaining a prisoner, the prisoner limp and un-responsive. He closed his eyes for a second, not wanting to see the truth. The prisoner was carelessly dragged out of the room by the guards.

That's when it hit him.

***

"Rainbow Dash!"

"Yes, sir?"

"There's a few prisoners who've.... Decided to leave us."

"Dead, sir?"

"Yes."

"And you want me to remove the bodies?"

"Go with those two guards over there." The dragon pointed. "Burn the bodies."

***

Rainbow Dash directed the two guards towards where the prisoners were reported dead, while she went to get one herself. She strolled down the lines of prisoners chained to the floor, mocking them with her freedom. She sighed when she reached the reported dead prisoner she'd chosen to get. Trivium lay, motionless, not breathing. She checked his neck for any pulse. None. He was really dead. She un-chained him and bit down on the scruff of his neck again, dragging him away.

She met with the other two guards, and they carried their prisoners to a large fire pit, already burning. She lay down Trivium next to the other two dead prisoners, and watched as one of the guards lifted the first and tossed them into the fire. They say in silence, watching the fire. After a long pause, the second was lifted and tossed in. The same silence. The guard sighed and lifted Trivium, but paused.

"Wasn't this one supposed to become another torture slave?" He asked.

"Like he always was, he clearly was a failure here." Rainbow Dash said, showing no emotion.

"So you knew him, then?"

"More or less he just had a crush on me."

"I think it'd be right if you.... Ya know..."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and stood, walking up to the guard.

"You're really concerned about that much? He's dead." She said as she took Trivium from the guards arms. "He doesn't even deserve to be burned, I'd say we just let him rot out here."

"That's hardly sensible."

"Burning him is?"

"It gives him some form of dignity when he dies."

"Dignity?" Rainbow Dash lazilly dropped Trivium onto the cold rocks. "He never had any, nor does he deserve any."

The guard straightened his back, towering over Rainbow Dash. "Give him the dignity he deserves." He growled.

"Fine. Have it your way." Rainbow Dash sighed, picking Trivium up again. She paused before throwing him and looked down at him for once.

Rainbow Dash collapsed to the floor, hugging Trivium's limp body, crying.

"Trivium please.... Come back...." She said softly, clinging onto him. "Please... I'm sorry..."

"What's the matter with you?" The guard said, pushing Rainbow Dash back. "You said yourself you didn't know him. You just sat here arguing that he deserved to rot." He held her to the ground.

"He can't be dead! It's not true!" Rainbow Dash cried out, fighting against the large guards pin. "Please! Trivium!"

The other guard slowly lifted Trivium and threw him into the flames.

***

"NO!" Trivium cried out, jumping to life. He spread his wings and flapped violently backwards against the flames. The fire swayed, burning away from him. He took one more puff of his wings, and the fire burned out.

"Trivium!" Rainbow Dash cried out.

"What the!" The guard that had thrown him cried out at the same time. "Get him!"

Trivium landed on the other side of the large fire pit, his back towards a large cliff.

The guard lunged over the pit, making a massive jump. Trivium stumbled to the side, startled that the pony could make a jump that size. The guard easily swooped his hoof, knocking Trivium to the ground. The guard pounced on top of him. pinning him. "I will throw you off this mountain myself, so I can see you die." He growled, lifting Trivium. He grabbed one of Trivium's wings and yanked on it, causing a loud pop. Trivium cried out in pain, struggling to get free. The guard didn't bother with the second wing, he just walked up to the ledge, dangling Trivium over the cliff by his broken wing. Trivium cried out again, pain and fear overwhelming him. The guard let go.

Trivium screamed as he fell, trying to grab onto something, only swinging his hooves through the air uselessly. He heard a loud shout and saw Rainbow Dash dive off the cliff.

"Rainbow Dash!" He yelled, extending one of his hooves, hoping that she would save him. Rainbow Dash was quick to grab onto his hoof, flapping her wings to slow the decent. Trivium fell to the ground softly. Rainbow Dash landed next to him, looking for something stable to steady his wing.

"Rainbow Dash.. You're.... Back!" Trivium said, his voice being half-split in pain and surprise.

"Shhh Trivium, shhh...." She hushed him, putting her hoof over his mouth. The two guards peered over the edge, searching for them. "I'm going to find something for your wing, but we have to go back. We have to free the others."

"How are we-"

"Shush." Rainbow Dash covered his mouth again.

The guard's heads disappeared back over the ledge.

"They're gonna raise an alarm." Trivium said.

"I know....." Rainbow Dash looked around worridly. "How are we going to pull this off..."

Sure enough, a loud siren rang out.

"You're going to have to hide, Triv." She stood him up and helped him walk, leading him towards a small dark cave just around a corner.

"Stay here, you'll be okay, I promise." She somewhat pushed him over against the wall. "No matter what happens, promise me you'll stay safe." She said, staring into his eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I can't promise anything..." Trivium said. "I will try, though."

Rainbow Dash sighed, and shot out of the cave, and was gone.

***

The alarm shut off. Was that good? Trivium sat, wondering what the alarm shutting off could have meant. He decided that he couldn't just sit here, Rainbow Dash could be dying right at this moment. He stood and climbed out of the cave, and tried to fly, but his broken wing forbade him. He grunted in frustration and ran as fast as he could, climbing the steep incline soon, jumping from rock-ledge to rock-ledge. He panted heavily, staring at a jump that he had to make. It was a huge gap. He took a deep breath, lowered, and jumped, extending his two front hooves. He landed surprisingly well, not expecting to make the jump entirely.

The land underneath his hind hooves gave in. Part of the ledge broke off and slid away. Trivium silenced a cry, barely managing to keep himself on the ledge. He grunted, swinging his two hind hooves upwards, managing to get back up onto the now half-sized ledge.

After what felt like ages, Trivium slowly climbed up to flat-land. His legs were weak, but he was fueled with the need to end this madness. He very soon realized that this would be the last of this he would see, weather he died or not, this must be the end of it all. Finally, he will see peace. He will feel safety, he will be able to breathe again. He trudged onwards, deciding to make his way towards the prison, where he could attempt to free the prisoners, and start an uprising. He shivered in the cold, the sky now considerably darker then before. The prison building came into view, much sooner then expected. Slowly, he crept in, his eyes darting from side to side. He watched for any guards, but there were none. He assumed this was because of the recent alarm raising. The keys! He had to find them!

Trivium searched all around, looking in corners, testing for hollow points in the walls and floors. He sighed, the warden must've taken them with him, as expected. He leaned against the wall, sinking downwards to the ground. "Why..." He repeated silently, burying his face in his hooves. It was all ending, but now, there was no happy ending. The warden would be with others, too many for Trivium to take down. He would be killed, and the empire would not fall. He slowly stood after a few minutes, deciding to take an attempt at picking the locks on his own. He sighed, shut his eyes tight, opened his mouth, and rammed his teeth into the wall. He grunted in pain, feeling a tooth shatter. He quickly gathered the pieces, blood rushing from the missing tooth's spot. He found a piece that was long and thin, ideal for the task at hand.

He tried his luck, walking up to a prisoner. The pony lay silently, seemingly sleeping. Trivium silently lifted one of the locks, putting the tooth shard in his mouth, trying to twist and turn the lock open. He heard a click, and shut his eyes tight. He tried the lock. It loosely opened.

"Get up, come on." Trivium said to the prisoner, shaking him, while un-raveling the chains. "You're freed, help me get the others."

"Wha...." The Earth pony lifted his head, blinking slowly. "Free....?"

"Free, we're uprising and taking this empire down. We must free the others. Free them, tell them." Trivium commanded, already moving to the next prisoner. The Earth pony stood, shaking his limbs and stretching.

Trivium grunted in anger and bit down on the metal lock, with no success. "Can you break this?" He asked the Earth pony. He stiffly walked over, looking at the lock, turning it over. He lifted a hoof and struck down, causing the lock to snap loosely open.

"Good job, keep it up." Trivium said, un-raveling the chains of the newly-freed prisoner.

With more and more prisoners being freed, the locks were being opened easier as new talents were discovered.

Trivium walked among the ranks, telling the militia his plan.

"We burn the main building, this will help by possibly destroying the- AGHH!" Trivium collapsed, an arrow stuck into his side.

At the doorway of the prison, stood a single guard, the leader of the ranks. His armor was thick and royal looking. He was already stuffing another arrow into his blow-dart shooter.

"Fight.... Strong...." Trivium pulled himself up against a wall, breathing heavily. "Kill.... Them all......"

The first-freed prisoner let out a loud cry, charging for the one responsible. The rest followed suit. As the charge moved, one pegasus limply fell to the floor, her life already taken as an arrow stuck from her throat.

Trivium watched, his vision quickly darkening. He tried to speak, but he was too tired. Peace at last.

The cries soon twisted, sounding like pleas for mercy. Trivium's vision brightened, his strength returning. He slowly stood, his eyes focused on the crowd of ponies. He saw many on the ground, some crying out in pain, some laying silently, breathing heavily, others dead already.

"M.... Master.... Please...." Trivium slowly fell into a bow. The large dragon stood at the entry, both his arms extended, his head slightly lowered, his eyes closed. The militia all lay on the ground, un-able to move. Trivium shut his eyes.

"Master... Please have mercy on me...." He spoke quietly. Darkness quickly inked into Trivium's vision, soon causing him to fall limp.

***

Trivium's vision slowly returned. His senses distorted. He found himself strapped to a chair. He was faced towards Rainbow Dash, who was unconscious, tied to the wall.

"Dash!" Trivium cried out. "Rainbow, wake up!"

Trivium began to tremble. He heard a ringing overtaking his ears. His vision blurred.

"Master Axiom," Trivium spoke lowly. "Please spare me....."

The large dragon stood on his hind legs, leaning against the wall, a few meters from Rainbow Dash. He held a wicked knife, it's blade changing the size of it's serrades and sharpness throughout the entire blade. The blade itself was curved smoothly at points, and at other points a sharp, jagged pattern. He grinned, gently stroking the blade of the knife with one finger.

"M... Master...... Please....."

"You're going to have to do better then that."

"Master Axiom..... Spare my life... I beg of you....."

A tear ran down Trivium's face. He inside his mind was screaming horrible things.

Axiom chuckled softly, watching as Rainbow Dash stirred lightly, then slowly awoke.

"Triv...." She said quietly, seemingly un-fazed by the presence of Axiom.

Trivium didn't respond.

"Triv.... Please, don't be....."

Trivium tried to respond, but to no success.

"You sick monster!" Rainbow Dash screamed, struggling against the ropes that bound her. "He only ever wanted to do good, and you do.... This to him!"

Axiom said nothing, but walked up to Trivium.

"This... Good... He's done has lead to the fall of my kingdom... They are outside, but they cannot yet get in. They will get in, but I will be long gone from here by that time. My army has befallen, the less noble ones now fighting for them." Axiom lifted his blade, light from a single fire shining off it brightly. "Now.... His punishment."

Trivium cried out in pain as the blade was brought down into his arm. He let out repeated stifled cries as Axiom dragged it back and fourth, mutilating the deep cut in his arm. Axiom turned the blade sideways and ripped it out, causing another cry of pain. He trembled as the blade was pressed against his jaw. One movement of the blade, and the cut was down to the bone. Trivium grunted in pain, breathing heavily.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Rainbow Dash screamed, ripping herself free from the ropes, jumping onto Axiom's back, causing him to fall to the ground, caught off-guard.

Rainbow Dash quickly un-did the straps on the chair, pulling Trivium up, and dragging him though an un-seen doorway. They rushed out into the main room of the main building. It was barren, no guards, no Axiom. Yet.

Axiom burst into the main room, yelling in rage. He jumped onto Rainbow Dash, easily knocking her to the ground. Trivium weakly charged into Axiom, his injured leg making his attacks almost un-effective. Axiom swung at Trivium with the bottom of the handle of the knife, catching him right in the temple.

Trivium spun, falling to the ground, his senses recovering from the few seconds of unconsciousness.

Rainbow Dash rolled swiftly back up to her hooves, jumping into the air, flying slightly higher then Axiom's head. She dodged swiftly around Axioms attacks, almost taunting him. She kicked at the blade Axiom wielded, knocking it from his grip.

"Trivium!" She called, trying to get his attention.

Trivium turned his head, seeing the knife on the ground. He quickly began to crawl for it, reaching out as he got closer. Axiom's hand wrapped around the handle of the knife, Trivium's hoof falling on his hand less then a second after. Trivium lunged forward, clamping his teeth around Axiom's arm. The dragon cried out in surprise, swinging his arm, trying to shake Trivium off. Rainbow Dash tried to get the blade out of Axiom's grip, carefully kicking at it as Axiom's arm shook around. Axiom smashed his arm into a wall, causing Trivium to let go, sliding down to the floor. Rainbow Dash charged at him.

Axiom shoved Rainbow Dash sideways, swinging his knife afterwards, slicing a large cut into Rainbow Dash's side. He grabbed Rainbow Dash out of the air while she was in a mild daze. He clenched around her throat, his eyes filled with fury. She kicked at him, flapping her wings and hitting him, struggling to break free. She soon fell limp. Axiom dropped her to the floor, turning back to Trivium who lay against a wall, clearly too distorted to fight. He lifted him and pinned him against the wall, pressing the knife against his chest. Trivium stared into the dragon's eyes, showing little fear.

Axiom grinned as his sliced another cut, deep into Trivium's stomach. He yelled in pain, un-able to fight back. Axiom let Trivium fall back to the floor, pressing the knife against his throat, ready to kill him. He began to press the knife, harder, and harder, slowly increasing the pressure against his neck.

Rainbow Dash pulled Axiom's arm backwards from behind, biting the knife blade, yanking it from his hands. She kicked him hard in the face, tossing the knife into the air and catching it by the handle.

Axiom yelled in anger, swatting at Rainbow Dash, managing to hit her, causing her to fall out of the air. Rainbow Dash slowly backed away, as Axiom charged at her.

Time seemed to slow.

Rainbow Dash extended a single hoof in an effort to shield the giant dragon from tackling her. Axiom's eyes met with Rainbow Dash's, only inches away. He chuckled softly, falling to the side, the knife stuck through his chest. He gasped for air, staring up at the ceiling of the building.Rainbow Dash stood, standing over him.

"You are...... A strong one....." He said slowly. "You've torn me.... I've been shredded..... I will finally.... Rest..... But.... You will go.... To the grave... With me..."

Axiom pulled the knife from his chest, and stabbed it into Rainbow Dash's stomach.

Rainbow Dash cried out, stumbling backwards a few steps, before falling onto her side.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Trivium cried out, running over to her, tears in his eyes. "Dash.. Please... Please don't leave me...."

The large doors of the building opened, the uprising prisoners standing in the doorway.

"GET HELP! PLEASE!" Trivium screamed into the crowd.

"You're gonna make it, Rainbow. You killed him. You saved us all, you made it this far, we're almost at the end, you can make it!" His voice trembled as he spoke, tears streaming down his face.

"Trivium..." Rainbow Dash spoke softly, a half-hearted smile on her face. "I love you...."

"I love you, too Rainbow Dash, you can't go... Please...."

"I know it's hard.... Memories will always be with you......"

"No...." Trivium said. "Please don't go...."

"Don't change the way you think of me.... We're in the same story...."

"We're going to make it out. We'll make it to the end!"

"You will.... Trivium.... You're strong... You did all this.... I'm so proud..." A tear ran down Rainbow Dash's face.

"You're strong, too, Dash! You can make it! Just hang on!"

"Life moves on.... Trivium... It can't stay... The same...."

"Rainbow Dash...."

"Trivium..... I'll always be with you... I'll never forget you.... I'll...... Miss you...."

"Rainbow Dash... Please don't leave me!"

"I'll be here... With you....... Until the End....."

Rainbow Dash's eyes closed.

"Love you..........."

She exhaled heavily. No inhale followed.

***

Trivium lay on the floor, hugging Rainbow Dash, sobbing. "Please..... Come back....." He repeated, trembling.

"She died a hero, Trivium." One of the old guards of Axiom said. "She saved us."

"Rainbow Dash......"

"I'm sorry..." The guard said, putting a hoof on his shoulder.

Trivium felt a needle pierce his back. It didn't take long for him to slip into darkness.

***

The pegasus guards had enough equipment to fly home, bringing all those who couldn't along with them. Trivium woke soon after take off, but slept most the way home, crying as he slept, begging for Rainbow Dash's return. The kingdom was burned to the ground, Axiom's body going with it. Not very many were lost throughout their prison stays. More died in the uprising. They got home safely, welcomed by surprised residents. There was a very bittersweet arrival. Some found their loved ones alive and well, others.... Others did not....

***

My name is Trivium. I survived the evil attacks of the twisted dragon, Axiom. I led the uprising that took over the entire kingdom. The world has changed, sense those times, three years ago. I lost the one I loved the most in that horrible expirience. Rainbow Dash. She is the only reason we got out alive. We are all stained by Axiom's evil abilities. I've been seeing professionals for help, and I still have trouble sleeping, and have random mental breakdowns. I won't ever forget Rainbow Dash. I won't ever forget her life, as it was thriving, and as it ended in my very arms. I have gone into medical and phsycological studies. What Axiom had done to us, was weaken our mindstate, to where any form of heroism was needed, and he "saved" us, easily causing us to develop "Stockholm Syndrome", an effect where a captive will show loyalty, or love to their captor. He made many slaves with that evil trick.

I'll never be the same. I will always have those nightmares of Axiom. I will always collapse in tears, begging for Rainbow Dash's life back, at random times. She was amazing, and it's almost impossible to believe she is gone. I have a stable job in a hospital. I chose this job, because after what Rainbow Dash had done, I knew I had to live her life on, and I wanted to save as many lives as I could. Being a doctor is great, most of the time. I have a nice house, nothing too fancy. I managed to get ahold of a picture of Rainbow Dash... It hangs in my bedroom, framed in a fancy way. She looks so happy in it... I love it, sometimes I can hear her voice speaking, late at night, alone. It's probably just my mental state that causes me to hear things, but... It sounds so... Real....

She was with me from the moment we met. She stayed with me, and I know she will never leave me. She will be with me,

Until the End.

Prologue: how it Started

Chapter .1: Prologue: how it Started.

(Please excuse any typos/punctuation/grammar/spelling errors, I am hooked up on a very slow, old Windows XP laptop, and I am not used to it yet, and I have Star Trek playing in the backround, so I might wind up distracted.)

After a long silence, Sombra returned, more powerful then ever, with an army beyond belief. He attacked by surprise, but he was soon fought back, forcing retreat, backing his army out of the ponies land. Very few of his soldiers had any expirience, and they stood very little chance in battle, they lacked courage, moral, skill, and trustworthy instincts. They stormed many cities, but were forced out by the princess' soldiers, by the end of the night. Outraged, Sombra decided that their best move was to attempt a siege, surrounding the ponies' land, limiting their outer movements. Some ponies couldn't stand being trapped, and tried to escape, only to result with a less-then-fortunate ending, weather they managed to escape to home or not. After long amounts of time, it was decided that the ponies had to fight back, they were running low on supplies for every-day living. This resulted in a war, known as the "Battle of Manehatten", even though it was very little involved with the city. It wasn't known why it developed that name, but it stuck to the streets, and soon the name stuck officially. This move, to attack and gain freedom, was a very well-planned and preformed move, and it resulted in the even farther retreat of Sombra's army, forcing them out of any nearby land. Sombra and his troops fell back, with no plans on another attack any time soon. Never did another come. One day, there was a pony, armed in the armor that was commonly worn among Sombra's army, running fast and far, un-wittingly into the princess' land. A few guards were deployed to investigate. He was later brought into their land, and soon was imprisoned for further questioning. The news he brought with as he ran, was that of rather good news. Sombra's army, was no more, along with Sombra himself.

The pony sat, tied to a chair, in a small room. He breathed heavily, as if he was running again. "They were everywhere." he said. "They were almost invisible in the dark, moving at seemingly impossible speeds among the shadows. I was on patrol that night, and for that I was fortunate. They first struck from the inside, killing those that fought with us, from their own land! I saw a dark flash, and I heard a scream, but short though. I knew something was wrong, so I followed the sound, and was lead into a scene of total chaos." He paused, shook his head, and slowly continued. "I knew that I had no chance, but I still fought for what I could. I remember my head suddenly pulsing with large waves of pain, blurs, distorted screams. I was no longer able to use my legs, and I felt the cold ground on my side. Then I remember hearing a shout, wait. No. Not one, but many. A battle cry. This shout woke me from my half-dead state, and gave me the wits to run." He sniffed, remembering the terror that over-whelmed him on that night. "I knew before very soon that the courageous soldiers that un-intentionally saved my life, did not last. I heard their great shouts of strength and courage, turn into terrified, twisted, screams of pain as I ran.".

Rainbow Dash sat silently at the edge of her bed, in a half-asleep state of mind, losing focus on everything. It returned to her memory, the day that she almost lost her life, the day that she learned what terror was, and how it felt to just act, not thinking. It was a relatively normal day, and she was fairly bored. Her friends all were occupying themselves with their own activities, and she had nothing, at all to do. She decided that a good ol' fly, maybe some stunts, could entertain her. She knew that it wasn't wise to go too far out, for Sombra's army was camping. Being the less-then logical one she was, she figured that she could fly higher then they could see, so she could practice some new moves, or dust up on old ones.

She felt the crisp air against her wings as she took off, quickly gaining altitude so she could get straight to stunts. She did some rather routine (for her) warm ups, doing corkscrews at rather un-safe speeds,careless of anything. She soon got bored of the same old tricks, and decided it was time for something new. She had heard recently of a move, named the "Time-Split", which was a rather risky move, involving many flips and spins, and if done improperly, it can lead to the flyer to lose control, or pass out in mid-air "I don't see why not!" She said to herself, and began to rise higher, so she could get the required speed. She took a deep breath and dived, corkscrewing. She leaned back, starting to backflip and spin at the same time. She narrowed her wings backwards, struggling to keep steady, then she hit that critical moment. The top of the spin, where she had to keep her senses accute and ready. She looked upwards, so she could see the ground. Blood began to rush into her head, causing her to jerk her head back up. Too fast. The started turning forwards, spinning, while moving in the same backwards direction. She tried to catch herself, to regain control, but she was getting dizzy. She felt vomit coming up her throat, and she puked, and then her vision began to darken. "No, no no no no no no....." Her voice trailed off she passed out, falling out of the sky at neck-break speeds limply.

She awoke on the ground, somehow still alive, then she realized the landing she had. She caught on branches as she fell, spinning her, but slowing her down as she fell. She slowly stood, shaking, and yelping in pain. Pain shot up her back from her right wing. She swore under her breath, and checked herself for any further injuries. She had lots of lacerations on her sides from the trees, but it seemed only one of her wings was badly affected. Then it hit her, she had been flying above territory that was under siege, meaning that she could be killed at any moment by a soldier of Sombra. She began to panick at this realization, and her first initial thought was to get in the sky. She tried to lift off, but only to find herself on the ground a few seconds later, in agonizing pain. Her wing refused to work right. "Just think, you've flown these lands a million times over, you can find your way into safety." she said to herself. Then she heard steps, lots of them, rushing in her direction. "HALT!" a voice shouted, she turned and saw many large ponies in armor rushing at her. She turned to run, and ran straight into a tree, she fell onto her flank, head spinning. She tried to get up again but was kicked over and pinned by a hoof. She flinched at her wing, but she soon realized that she was done for, pinned by the enemy. "What d'you think you're doing?" He said in a deep, intimidating voice. Rainbow Dash struggled, trying to get free. She felt another wave of pain as another stepped on her wings, preventing her from using them to get away. She yelped and kicked wildly at her captors. "LET ME GO!" she screamed, kicking the one that held her down in the chest, knocking him backwards, off of her. She ignored the pain and rolled, slipping her wings free, and began to run.

They chased fast, keeping up with her, and soon gaining. She noticed and began to try to fly. She managed a few feet before roughly landing again, rolling to her hooves to keep moving. She tried again, and got a little higher. She landed stiff-legged, causing her to stumble and slow, then she felt a pulling force on her tail, she turned to see that one of the persuers had bitten her tail to stop her. She screamed and kicked him in the face with her hind legs, ignoring the pain, and broke free. She then stopped thinking, and jumped, flapping her wings. Very clumsily, she managed to get into the air, and slowly rise. The patrol ponies stared in disbelief. One smacked the other across the face, and yelled something unintelligable. After what felt like hours, Rainbow Dash rolled to a stop somewhere in Ponyville. She heard concerned voices and lots of hooves, then darkness.

She awoke in a hospitable bed, with lots of needles poking her. She knew that they must have been painkillers, but they weren't working very well. She sighed in relief, and rested her head. "Might I ask what you were doing out there?" a concerned voice of a doctor said. She sighed, and wearily told her story. "Please, don't be mad." She added at the end. He sighed, and shook his head. "D'you not understand the warnings to stay close to land? You're lucky to have gotten out alive, even more with just some cuts and a broken wing.". Rainbow Dash's life flashed back into reality, she was sweating heavily, sitting in a corner of her room, staring into a wall. She shook her head. "You're safe now, Dash." she said to herself to comfort herself. She stood and walked to her bed, and lay down. 'It's over, Sombra is no more.' She thought just before slipping into the realm of sleep.

Chapter 6: Unfortunate Beginnings, Unfortunate Endings

Chapter 6: Unfortunate Beginnings, Unfortunate Endings.

Rainbow Dash worriedly sat, the scent of blood still hanging heavily in the air, even after the broken pony had been taken away. She worried heavily about the poor wolf, Zero. He had been taken away by the guards, and that never was good. The last time that happened the pony came back as a torturous mentally insane guard, but with enough heart to slip her some food. She remembered her horrible trip out of the prison, and just thinking about it made her mildly dizzy and jumpy. She could smell a mildly fortunately recognizable smell. Food and water. The small amount of slop and water was quickly gone from the steel bowls, as Rainbow Dash swallowed, licking her lips after finishing the, "meal".

She lay her head down after the meal, and got lost in thought, something she did daily. She could only think about how routine her life was in these chains. Soon, she was laying with her eyes closed, but a worried expression on her face as she dreamed about Zero, and what could have happened to him. She felt sorry for him, having to be locked up and un-able to do anything right after his families' death. It was a long enough sum of time until Rainbow Dash heard hooves, just like she did whenever somebody was being taken or returned. She awoke, and looked up to see the sight of the day. The orange pony walked, without armor, her head hanging low, a chain around her neck. Following her was Zero, staring straight ahead, walking with horrible stillness, showing no sign of emotion. "Zero!" Rainbow Dash called out. He didn't respond. She gritted her teeth, feeling rage and horror. They had taken Zero. She stayed silent, expecting for Zero to be chained, but that was not the case.

She stood slowly, unsure about what was happening after her own chains were removed. She followed obediently behind the guards, walking in between the orange pony and Zero. She looked over to the orange pony, and nudged her. "Hey, you okay?" She whispered. The orange pony kept walking, not responding, staring at the ground. "Whats going on?!" Rainbow Dash demanded as they walked, going up-hill, this time in a different direction then before. "Shut your mouth and you will see." A guard snapped. Rainbow Dash didn't respond, not knowing what to say, or why.

After a long walk, Rainbow Dash was lead to the edge of a flat area, at the top of a very tall mountain. She stood still, looking around nervously.

"Welcome..." A voice rang out.

Rainbow Dash shuttered as she heard the dragon's evil, menacing voice.

The orange pony looked up, tears in her eyes. She whimpered, looking around.

"We're going to be okay." Rainbow Dash said to the orange pony.

"Rainbow Dash, I am sure you're aware of the act of, "Kindness", we can call it, that your friend here acted out early this cold morning." The dragon said, remaining hidden wherever.

Rainbow Dash stayed silent.

"I know you're aware, as am I, and your friend herself. You'd best thank your friend. It was the last nice thing she will have ever done."

"What?!" Rainbow Dash shouted, the cool wind building. "She gave me a small amount of food? What difference should it make?!"

"She defied orders."

"She doesn't deserve punishment! She's done nothing wrong!" Rainbow Dash shouted louder now, the wind howling loudly.

The orange pony looked around, tears flowing from her eyes rapidly now.

"Zero here will be doing the honors."

Zero stood, looking forwards still.

"Zero! Zero speak to me!" Rainbow Dash shouted frantically.

No response.

"Prepare her for death."

Two guards walked up to the orange pony and grabbed her, pulling her towards a large boulder.

"NO!" Rainbow Dash shouted after her.

The orange pony stood bravely, showing no fear, the tears drying rapidly on her face. She shivered slightly as she heard a loud bang, and a sound of a lock. She looked behind her, and saw that the chain around her neck had been locked into a small notch in the boulder.

"Zero."

Zero walked over to the boulder, staring plainly.

"Do it. Send this worthless soul off on her journey."

"I'd rather die." Zero said.

"You are not to defy orders. Send this mere pony off. Kill her."

"I've seen enough death." Zero said, a single tear running down his face as he walked towards the large cliff that the boulder was to go down.

"Zero. Kill this damned soul!" The dragon shouted, appearing now.

"Jade.... Serenity.... Vexon.... I'm on my way." Zero said. He stepped up to the very edge of the cliff, and turned to face Rainbow Dash.

"Thank you." He said, before jumping.

"NO!" Rainbow Dash screamed, lunging forwards to the edge, looking down. She saw Zero falling gracefully, his right front paw bent in a salute. Tears ran down Rainbow Dash's face as she closed her eyes, not wanting to see Zero die. She stepped back, slowly. "He's.... He's with his family now. He's at peace...." She whispered, her mane blowing every direction in the wind. The orange pony stared at the ground.

"I've... I'm a..... Monster...." She said.

"You're no monster! You're a hero!" Rainbow Dash shouted over the wind.

"Rainbow Dash. You know your orange friend quite well. I'm sure that she'd love to spend her last moment with a friend." The dragon said, grabbing the air with his fist. Rainbow Dash felt the chain around her neck get yanked violently under the power of the dragon. She slowly walked over to the border, finding herself unable to move after she reached it.

"Please.... I'm broken.... Save me... I've seen horrible things, I've done horrible things...." The orange pony said gravely, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes. "Release me from this prison... Don't feel bad..."

Rainbow Dash said nothing, tears steadily falling.

"I must give you my name before I go, I want you to remember who I was, for me. I cannot remember the pony I used to be... They've... They've broken me...." She said. "Please...."

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly.

"Bliss." She said.

"I will remember you forever. The world will know what a hero you are. I will defeat these horrible monsters in your name." Rainbow Dash said.

"I'll never forget you, Rainbow Dash. You truely are a hero, even if you don't feel you are." Bliss said. "Please, send me on my way, send me to peace."

Rainbow Dash let out a whimper, hugging her friend. She slowly put her hoof on the rock, feeling it almost rolling down the mountain already. She closed her eyes, and looked down. "Tell Sonic Rain I said hello."

She gave the boulder a shove, and felt it slip away. Rainbow Dash let out a scream, realizing what she had done.

"Thank you Rainbow Dash...." a small voice said, sounding like Bliss' voice.

Rainbow Dash fainted.

Side-Chapter

Harro everyone! This IS NOT a real chapter, so don't get noodles and tea and sit down to read this for a while.

I've started writing a second story about Trivium and Rainbow Dash, so I'll probably be taking a short break from this story for a little while, and also, I need some ideas people! If you have something you'd like to see happen in the story, throw it out there! I've got no problem with adding some reader's ideas into the story, because I'm starting to not have a place for "Darkness Evolved" to really go.

For anypony interested in the second story I'm writing: http://www.fimfiction.net/story/85892/a-new-life

Thanks for all the support!

-Killakrafter13