The Spectrum Chronicles: Dashes of Spectra

Chapters

01 - Spectrums of Color
02 - Bright Colors, Dreary Memories
03 - The Other Side of the Rainbow
04 - Works of a New Rainbow
05 - Rainbows Aren't Pink...
06 - Nightmares of Spectrum
07 - Stormy Colors
08 - Books, Hues, and Cider
09 - The Beginning of the Rainbow Isn't So Bright
10 - Secrets of the Spectrum
11 - Rainbows Always Point Home
12 - Darkness Covers The Rainbow
13 - You Can't Chase A Rainbow...
14 - Bright Spectrum, Colorful Rainbows
Epilogue - Dashes of Spectrum

01 - Spectrums of Color

The wind through her spectrum mane. The adrenaline pumping through her veins. This was Spectra's favorite thing to do, flying. She would get out and soar whenever she could. Being one of the few pegasi in Manehattan, her only job option was Manehatten Weather Team. The forest green pegasus didn't mind it though. She absolutely loved her job. She got to do her favorite thing, while helping the ponies of Manehatten.

"Ten seconds flat!" Spectra exclaimed.

She has finished clearing out clouds in Northern Manehatten, but she still had a lot more to do. The rest of the city was covered in a blanket of clouds.

"Phew, quite the workout today," Spectra said, wiping her forehead with her hoof, "I wonder why there are so many clouds today..."

As spectacle as Spectra was, she wasn't too worried about it. She thought to herself while kicking out each cloud one by one.

"Hmm, I wonder," Spectra thought, " I remember hearing of a crazy tornado accident at Wonderbolts Academy during a cloud clearing exercise. I bet I can try that. Those were just rookie flyers. I'm sure I can control the tornado, and it will clear the clouds a lot faster."

Spectra decided to go for it. She started flying at incredible speeds in a clockwise motion. Faster, faster, and faster. Eventually a cone-shaped column of rainbow-colored air began to form around her. The clouds started getting cleared out, that's for sure.

"Yes! Best idea ever!" She shouted over the sound of the tornado, "Should call this my Spectranado. Haha, yeah!"

The pegasus was overjoyed with her new-found trick. Grinning with delight, while still holding her stability on the storm. That didn't last long though. A mach cone was starting to form around Spectra.

"Oh no, not a Sonic Rainboom. Not now, I'll lose control if that happens."

Spectra suddenly slowed down to a stop to prevent the Rainboom. But little did she know, slowing down caused the tornado to go out-of-control.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!"

The tornado started heading down for the streets. On the way, it crashed into a billboard. Spectra boosted herself toward the tornado to try to disrupt it. She starting flying around the tornado in the opposite way of the way it was spinning.

"Come on, come on..." Prayed Spectra.

Finally, the tornado slowed down and disappeared from around the pegasus.

"Phew, thank goodness that's over," sighed Spectra as she reviewed the damage, "Looks like nopony got hurt... That's good."

Although the Spectranado turned out to be a bad idea. At least it finished her job done for her.

**********

That night, while Spectra was eating dinner, there was a knock at the door.

"Who the hay would that be this late at night?" Spectra complained as she trotted over to the door.

On the other side of the door was, her boss. Lightning Flicker stood there in his light-purple coat, lime-green mane, lime eyes, and that same old smug look on his face. This time, he looked mad though. Spectra could tell, and she knew this couldn't be good. Spectra prepared for the inevitable.

"Uh, hello sir," Spectra greeted nervously, "Please, come in."

Lightning Flicker walked into her apartment, nodding to her in acknowledgement.

"How are you on this fine evening, sir?" Spectra started.

"I'm fine Miss Hue. But don't try to sweeten me up, I think you know as much as I do on why I am here." Lightning replied grimly.

"I'm not sure I do sir." She lied, praying that it isn't what she knew.

"Well, I've got reports that you used a tornado today in the cloud clearing?"

"Yes sir, it was a very strategic exercise. It clear the clouds very quickly. Hehe..."

"Well as that may be a strategic exercise, you destroyed property of the city, and even worse, almost hurt somepony."

"Yes sir, but nopony got hurt, and I promise I will help repair the billboard. And no more dare devil stunts from-" Spectra was interrupted by Lightning.

"You say that every time Spectra! And, true you do help with reparation. But these tricks just have to stop," Lightning Flicker was getting furious, "Remember when you tried a 'Sonic Rainboom' to clear the skies last week. Although nothing got destroyed, you sent clouds all the way to Fillydelphia!"

Lightning stopped, and started calming himself down. Spectra was just quiet the entire time as she listened to her boss scold her. After a few minutes, Spectra was first to break the silence.

"So does this mean you're... firing me?" she asked frightened.

Lightning sighed, and then said, "No, not exactly. I'm relocating you."

"Relocating me?"

"Indeed, due to you wanting to be a daredevil, I'm relocating you somewhere where you can't screw up you job as badly."

Spectra was shocked, enjoyed, and worried. She was glad that she wasn't getting fired. But she's not used to living anywhere other than Manehatten, this was her home for the longest time. Besides living in Cloudsdale in her filly years.

"Sir, where exactly am I being relocated to?" questioned Spectra.

"You're being transferred to Ponyville." Lightning replied.

"Ponyville? Where's that?"

"Not sure exactly. Somewhere near Canterlot." Lightning said as he walked toward the door, "There will be a train for you to bring you there tomorrow morning. Be there on time, or else you got quite a flight ahead of you." He finished joking.

"Yes sir.,," Spectra replied, unsure how to feel about the situation.

Lightning chuckled, "Don't worry Spectra, I think you'll like it there. A lot of nice ponies there. Nice Weather Team Leader too. Her name's Rainbow Dash. I think you'll like her, she's a lot like you."

"Okay sir."

"Haha, cheer up. Goodnight!" Lightning called, as he walked out the door.

"Goodnight!" Spectra called back to him.

02 - Bright Colors, Dreary Memories

The next morning, Spectra woke as usual. Except she didn't feel the same. Was she sick? 'No I feel fine..' What was it then? It wasn't anything she felt since... Since I worked THERE...

She went to her bathroom to get ready, trying to push the thoughts from her mind. She took a shower, shook her mane out, and brushed her teeth. Her usual routine. She then reviewed herself in the mirror before leaving the bathroom. Her eyes glanced to the reflection of her cutie mark. The last thing reminding her of her time at that place. Three gears with a rainbow lightning bolt striking through them.

Spectra sighed in sorrow as the memories crept back into her mind. Getting your cutie mark as a Rainbow Factory worker isn't the most wanted way, but she tries her best to keep high hopes that her life isn't truly meant to work at that horrid place.

As guilt kept growing upon her. It had become too much. She turned quickly to vomit into the toilet.

"Ugh..." She groaned as she pulled herself back to the bathroom sink. I gotta get myself together. It's my first day being away from home. New job, new opportunities.

She was able to push the thoughts and the guilt out of her head enough to be able to clean herself up and finished getting ready. She packed a bag, seeing as she had no idea how long she was going to be there. And she looked back from her door and sighed as she said farewell to her home.

**********

She started off for the train station, finally able to get her mind off the guilt. But now she had anger on her mind. She was mad at herself for getting relocated.

"That Spectranado was my worst idea yet," Spectra scolded herself as she flew towards the train station, "and now I'm going to be stuck with a bunch of rookies in some one-hoofed town that I've never heard of!" Spectra finished her rant with a buck to the air.

Spectra just sighed in defeat as she had finally made it to the station. She had fallen into the line of ponies that were waiting to board the train. When she had boarded the train she sat in the only open seat. It was next to another pony. The pony had an orange coat, blonde mane, and a stetson sitting atop her mane. Spectra sat down.

The orange mare was first to greet Spectra, "Howdy!"

"Hi." Spectra replied back to the mare.

The other pony stuck out her hoof for a hoofshake, "The name's Applejack."

Spectra went to shake the pony's hoof, "Spectra."

"Well how ya doin' Spectra?" Applejack asked with much enthusiasm.

"I'm alright..." Spectra said, looking around nervously.

"First time ridin' a train?" the cowpony had asked chuckling.

Spectra snapped back to reality, "Huh? Oh no. Just the first time I've been away from home."

"Ah, so ya'll livin' here in Manehatten?"

"Yeah, I've been here most of my life."

"Alrighty sugar cube."

The train eventually departed from the Manehatten train station. The two mares talked to each other all the way to Ponyville, meanwhile Spectra was slowly becoming more comfortable in leaving her home behind.

"Ya know, Ah hadn't mentioned it earlier, but ya remind me a lot of my marefriend back home. With the rainbow mane an' all. Even down to the cutie mark." Applejack finished looking down to the other mare's cutie mark.

"Really?" Spectra asked covering her flank with her hoof.

"Now don't ya worry sugar cube. Like Ah said, Ah already have me a marefriend." Applejack said with a chuckle, "Ah'm not lookin' for another. My Dashie is enough trouble." She finished with a smile.

"Oh no, it's not that. I'm just a little embarrassed of my cutie mark..."

"How come?" Applejack asked with a concerned look.

"Just how I got it-" Spectra was cut off.

"Hey! Look over here, we're already at Ponyville!" The orange mare said pointing a hoof out the window. "Oh Ah'm sorry sugar cube. Go on."

"No no, don't worry about it. It's not an interesting story."

"Ah'm sure anyponies story of how they got their cutie mark is an interesting one."

"Not mine..."

"Alright sugar cube. Ah'm not gonna pester it outta ya. But it seems to be botherin' you, so if ya need to. Ah'll be here to talk 'bout it."

"Okay. Thanks Applejack." Spectra replied smiling.

Applejack smiled back, "Now let's go sugar cube. I bet Dashie is out there waitin' for me. ah can introduce you two." Applejack said getting up outta the chair as the train came to a stop.

03 - The Other Side of the Rainbow

The two mare walk off the train side by side. Applejack was suddenly met by a friendly nuzzle from a cyan-coated pegasus.

"Howdy!" The cyan pegasus greeted with a chuckle.

"Hiya Dash." Applejack said, returning the nuzzle. "Spectra, this here is my marefriend Rainbow Dash. Didn't Ah tell ya ya'll look alike?"

Turns out Applejack was right. The other pegasus was very alike. Rainbow mane just like hers, and a cutie mark of the same rainbow lightning bolt. Except hers was coming out of a cloud.

"Who's this?" Dash asked Applejack with a jealous look.

"Calm down sugar cube. Spectra is jus' a friend that kept me company on the train ride."

"Alright then, you know I trust you." She replied with another nuzzle to the orange mare, "So how was your visit to your aunt and uncle Orange?"

"It was fine Dash. We can talk of that later." Applejack turned toward Spectra, who was just watching the two mares' affection, "Spectra 'ere jus' moved to Ponyville. Why don't we give her a lil' tour?"

"Sure!" Dash started with enthusiasm. She fluttered toward Spectra, "I know the most awesome areas around Ponyville. And you being a pegasus is even more of a bonus," she stated tapping on the green pegasus' wing, "Some areas are only accessible by pegasi." Rainbow finished with a smile.

"Sounds fun!" Spectra exclaimed, still curious why they looked so alike. Seems like Dash doesn't care. I shouldn't worry about this.

"Alrighty then girls, you two can go on off. Ah'll be headin' to Sweet Apple Acres now." Applejack interrupted.

"Okay, bye." Dash replied with a kiss on Applejack's cheek. She turned back to Spectra as Applejack started trotting away, "Let's go Spectra, I have a ton of awesome sights to show you around Ponyville."

"Awesome! I can't wait!" Spectra exclaimed.

The two mares took off to the skies. But Spectra noticed Dash kept staring at her. She just ignored the other pegasus.

Finally she broke the awkward silence, "Yes?" She asked with a chuckle.

"Hmm? What? Oh! Nothing. I am just curious. I thought I was the only mare in Equestria with such an awesome mane." Dash smiled as she spoke, "And according to Lightning Flicker, you like to do tricks. Apparently you created a, as he said, 'tornado of spectrum' and were about to create a Sonic Rainboom as well?"

"Well yeah, but that was a failed trick."

"Just because you got yourself demoted doesn't mean it failed. Lucky for you I like tricks as much as you. So that's allowed on my weather team."

Spectra grinned at the idea, "I like the sound of that!"

The two pegasi went back to paying attention to they're flying. "And plus, I thought I was the only pony able to complete a Sonic Rainboom." Rainbow Dash stated.

"Really?" Spectra asked with a peculiar look, "So did I. I thought I was the only one."

"Nope, that's actually how I got my cutie mark." Rainbow said looking back to her flank. "Hey, is that how you got yours?"

"Oh no. I did my first Sonic Rainboom after I made it out of-" She cut herself off. Was I really about to mention that place? Oh no! Did Rainbow hear me? Maybe she didn't. She looked over to Dash who was staring at her now.

"After you made it out of where Spectra?" She had a concerned look on her face.

"Uh, nothing... Never mind it." She said, trying to change the subject, "Hey where is it we are going anyway?"

Dash suddenly went wide eyed, "Oh yeah! I wanted to show you the best viewpoint in all of Ponyville. You can see the entire town from up there. Oh! Hey look! There it is!" She exclaimed pointing to a steep looking mountain.

**********

The two mares landed within the crest of the mountain. Spectra noticed a cave when they landed, "Hey what's in there Dash?"

Rainbow Dash looked toward where the other pony was pointing, "Oh that used to be a dragon's den. The dragon left after I ruffed him up a bit." She said with a chuckle.

"Really? You fought a dragon?!" Spectra asked in shock.

"No, not really. My pal Fluttershy just came over here and asked him to leave."

The two mares laughed for a bit, then Rainbow Dash started toward the cliff-side of the mountain. Spectra's eyes widened in amazement,

"That's beautiful..." She stated.

She hadn't seen anything like it since she left Cloudsdale. The mountain had a complete view of Ponyville. The two ponies stayed silent for a moment as they embraced the beauty.

"I come here everyday after work..." Dash started, breaking the silence, "It's a mighty fine place. It calms my nerves, you know what I mean Spectra?"

Spectra nodded in response.

Dash continued, "I try to get here whenever I can. Between spending time with my friends and my marefriend, I don't get to come here too much anymore." Spectra looked to Dash who was going teary eyed. Rainbow noticed her looking so she shook out the tears, "So Spectra, tomorrow's a big day huh? First time working in Ponyville and all."

"Yeah, and don't worry boss," she winked, "I'll have those skies cleared in ten seconds flat."

"Hey, that's my catch phrase!" Dash exclaimed, winking back, "We're very much alike. I think it's gonna be great hanging out together." Dash gave a comforting smile to Spectra.

"I think so too." Spectra replied, returning the smile, looking back over the mountain at the beautiful scenery of Ponyville.

04 - Works of a New Rainbow

The morning sun shined bright through the cloud layer of Spectra's room, waking her up almost instantly. Rainbow Dash was kind enough to lend Spectra the guest bedroom in her cloud home. Spectra groaned as she got up and walked toward the mirror in the room.

What a night. Never had that much fun since, Celestia knows when. She shook out her mane as she thought to herself.

The other night, Spectra and Rainbow stayed up at the mountain most of the night talking. They talked about they're tricks, Spectra's old jobs, even about their filly days. It was a nice night for Spectra. She doesn't have those kind of things much in the big city.

Spectra was interrupted in getting ready by a cyan pegasus crashing through her cloud floor. She was startled so bad she almost fell back into her bed, "Dang it Dash! You gave me a scare just there. Don't you know not to sneak up on a mare when she's getting ready?"

"Haha! You should of seen your face!" Rainbow exclaimed, mimicking Spectra's face when she was startled. She wiped her tears from laughing away and continued, "Anyways, loosen up Spec If ya wanna be on my weather team, you gotta be loose and agile."

"I'm sure if anyone knows agility it's me." Spectra stated with a show-off smile on her face.

"You think so, huh? Alright. Well I hope you don't mind but I told the other pegasi to take the day off. I'm gonna teach ya a little something something about that trick you tried in Manehatten.

"Teach me? I had the trick perfectly fine. The mach cone threw me off." she replied in defense.

"Exactly! I'm going to teach you how to control that." Dash said with a wink, "Now let's go! I gotta feed Tank and then we are going out to the skies!" She finished, flying back through the floor.

"That feather-brain is crazy..." Spectra sighed with a chuckle, tending back to her mane and tail.

**********

The pegasi flew with each other over to their first clearing area. It was Sweet Apple Acres. There was quite a cloud layer over it.

Spectra grinned. Haha, I bet Dash just chose here to see Applejack before work.

Rainbow Dash waved to Applejack quickly and then turned back to Spectra, "Alright so you pulled off that 'Spectranado' that you so called it. I'm impressed you made the spectrum appear. That's pretty amazing alone."

Spectra gave a cocky chuckle and said, "Well I am pretty awesome."

"I like that attitude! Alright! Well Let me teach you how to control the mach cone. You must be new to Rainbooms. Because naturals, like me, know exactly how to keep from reaching the mach cone."

"Alright then big shot, teach me." Spectra replied with a wink.

"Okay, let's start off with the tornado. I'll walk you through the rest within the Tornado."

The pegasi began flying around each other in a clockwise motion. Faster, faster, and faster. Eventually a strong velocity of wind began to surround the two. Soon after, the same beautiful spectrum began to follow Spectra's lead. Rainbow Dash's mouth went agape at the sight.

She shook herself back to reality, "Alright! Now keep up the speed, you're doing good!" She shouted over the noise.

**********

Meanwhile on the ground, Applejack was starting to get nervous.

"Now what in Equestria is that feather-brain doing now?" She asked herself.

She was paying so much attention at the tornado, she didn't notice Twilight walk up to her. The purple alicorn just shook her hoof in Applejack's face to get her attention.

"Oh hi Twilight." She greeted, quickly looking back to the Spectranado.

"Hiya Applejack. What's going on up there?"

"Ah think Rainbow is teaching Spectra some trick. Or something."

"Oh yeah. Spectra's the new pony in town right?"

"That's right." She replied, still focused on the tornado.

"What's wrong AJ? Can't you trust your marefriend?" Twilight asked with a small chuckle.

"Well yes. An' no. Spectra was relocated here for messin' up a tornado trick. Ah'm jus' worried they are gonna destroy the acres. That's all."

"Well I wouldn't worry AJ. Rainbow Dash is the best flyer in Equestria after all."

"Ah sure hope so..."

**********

Spectra began to feel the mach cone form around her, "Uh, Rainbow! I don't think I can hold this!"

"Yes you can! I've never failed anypony before! Trust me! Keep going 'til the brink of the mach cone!"

Spectra did as ordered. She began steadying her speed, while pushing to the limit of the mach cone. She could feel it about to break, in response Spectra went wobbly for a second.

"Rainbow!"

"It's okay! You're there! Okay now do like me! Curve your wings at a 45 degree curve!"

Quickly obeying, Spectra did just that. She began to feel the resistance decrease. But her speed was... Staying the same? No. It was increasing even more?

How is this even possible?! She thought to herself. She didn't care though. The new discovery of a speed she could not even reach without a Rainboom. This brought a new kind of adrenaline to her.

Spectra shouted in excitement, "Woohoo!"

Rainbow Dash waved her hoof at Spectra, signalling to slow down. The two ponies began to slow their speed until they came to a gentle stop. The tornado dissipated and the two hoof-bumped in congrats. They flew down two Applejack and Twilight.

"Oh hiya Twi!" Rainbow greeted, "Did you see that awesome trick me an Spec here just did?"

"Yes I did Rainbow. It was beautiful. When did you learn that one?"

"Well Spectra here made up the rainbow part. I just taught her how to control the mach cone." She replied giving a wink to Spectra.

"Ah, so you're Spectra Hue?" Twilight said, turning to Spectra.

"Yup. I got here in Ponyville yesterday. Thankfully Rainbow here gave me a place to stay."

"Well welcome to Ponyville." The alicorn said with a small bow of the head.

"Thanks! I really enjoy it here so far. The ponies here and the scenery are both a lot nicer then back in the city."

That's right you're from Manehatten. Well hey, Pinkie Pie invited us to some party at Sugarcube Corner." She turned back to Applejack, "That's what I came here to tell you. Pinkie invited all of us, including Spectra to the party."

"Well, let's not let her wait then." Applejack replied, adjusting her stetson.

The ponies started walking with each other out of Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash fluttered over to Twilight, "So what's the party for today? Just another Pinkie Pie party?"

Twilight turned to look at Dash and whispered, "Hush, it's not a what. It's a who." She looked over at Spectra and smiled, "It's a welcome party for Spectra Hue."

"Ooooh..." Rainbow whispered back in acknowledgement.

The four mares continued their pace to Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow Dash put a wing around Applejack, along with giving her a nuzzle.

Spectra put a hoof to her mouth, "Eck," she said, pretending to vomit.

"Oh hush." Dash said in defense, slapping Spectra lightly with her other wing.

Spectra just smiled, and the four friends walked their way to Sugarcube Corner.

05 - Rainbows Aren't Pink...

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight, and Spectra walked up to the door of Sugarcube Corner. Spectra suddenly fell back as a pink, hyper pony jumped out of nowhere at her.

"Surprise!" The ecstatic earth pony shouted in joy.

"Whoa?!" Spectra exclaimed in response as she fell back.

"Oh sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just I heard you were coming into town the other day and I was just so happy! I was like," she gasped, "And then that's when it hit me, but not literally 'cause that would hurt. But I decided why not throw her a welcome party?! Isn't it a great idea? I thought you would love it!" The pony finished her ramble, Spectra barely able to keep up.

"What?" Spectra replied.

The pink pony laughed, "This party is a surprise party for you, silly billy."

"Surprise!" The other mares joined in, chuckling at Spectra's surprised reaction.

"By the way, I'm Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie finished giving Spectra a hoofshake.

"Uh, hi Pinkie. I'm Spectra." The confused pegasus replied.

"Hey you look just like Dashie!" The hyper pony gasped, "What if you two were related in some weird way?!"

Spectra took a look at Dash who had the same questioning look.

"Anyways, let's get to the party you silly billies! Fluttershy and Rarity are waiting for us!"

Pinkie Pie led the other mares into the bakery, where they were met by a yellow pegasus with a pink mane and a white unicorn with a purple mane.

The four sat down while Pinkie ran back into the kitchen in a rush.

The yellow pegasus was first to speak, "Hi there. You must be Spectra then?"

"Yeah. I'm still quite surprised to all of this..." She replied, looking around at the bright colored walls around the bakery.

"Well it's nice to meet you dear." The unicorn spoke up, "I'm Rarity, and this is Fluttershy."

"Nice to meet you." Fluttershy said in a hush tone.

"You too." Spectra replied, "It sure is nice here in Ponyville, all the ponies here are so nice." She stated smiling to all her new friends.

Their conversation was interrupted by Pinkie Pie coming back through the doorway with a tray of cupcakes and a small green alligator clung onto her mane.

"Alright everypony! Let's show Spectra how we party, Ponyville style!"

The others cheered in response to Pinkie, Spectra just chuckled at them.

"Whoa!" Spectra exclaimed as she was yanked out of her seat by Pinkie Pie.

"Come on Scratch! Let's play beat so these ponies can shake their groove thang!" Pinkie shouted to the white unicorn behind record table.

Scratch just gave Pinkie a head nod and threw a record on the turntable. The music started to play and Scratch just bobbed her head to the beat.

The ponies partied, for what felt like all night. Pinkie danced like the hyper pony she was, Rarity and Twilight mostly socialized, Dash and Applejack were bobbing for apples, and Spectra was mostly going with the flow. She was more than enjoying the fun at her surprise party.

Spectra walked over to Dash and Applejack, along with Pinkie bouncing beside her.

"Hey guys, having fun?" Spectra asked the two.

"Yessiree!" Applejack replied, "But Ah should be askin' ya'll that. This is yer surprise party after all."

"Well this is a blast!" Spectra stated.

Dash cut in, "Yeah this is better than Gummy's birthday party from last year!"

"I know right?! I just hope Gummy doesn't get to jealous." Pinkie Pie said giving a nudge to Spectra.

"Ha Ah doubt it. Look at the lil' fella, he's havin' the time of his life." Applejack replied pointing to the little gator dancing with his tail.

"Well I'm just glad we are only bobbing for apples this time rather than for Gummy's" Rainbow said with a chuckle.

Pinkie burst out laughing, "Oh yeah! Haha, sorry about that! Gummy just loves apples." Pinkie finished with a wide smile.

The others giggled at Pinkie's randomness, "Ah bet he does sugar cube." Applejack replied.

"Well I think I like 'apples' just as much as Gummy." Dash winked at Applejack then nudged Applejack with her hoof, "Hey I bet I can fish more apples than you!" She exclaimed.

"Oh yeah? That's some mighty big talkin' from a pegasus like you." Applejack replied, returning the wink.

"I bet I can beat a cowpony like you."

"What are we bettin' here anyways?" Applejack asked Rainbow.

"Uh, how about... Oh I know. If you win, I'll take you out for dinner tomorrow night." She nuzzled Applejack as she stated her bet.

"Aww." Spectra and Pinkie said in unison.

Applejack just looked at them and smiled, "Alright, and if you win, I'll give mah sugar cube some sugar tonight." She stated nuzzling Rainbow back. Rainbow Dash's wings fluttered in response.

Spectra and Pinkie said in unison, "Oooohh."

"Alright, me and Pinkie will leave you love ponies alone for your little competition." Spectra said.

Dash snapped out of her daze, "Oh alright Spec see ya! I gotta beat a certain cowpony at an apple bobbing contest!"

"Don't you get too excited now sugar cube." Applejack replied.

Spectra and Pinkie walked away from the two mares as they bobbed their heads into the barrel.

The ponies all partied most of their night away. All had fun, especially Spectra. The first two nights in her new home have been the best in her entire life. After the party was over, all the friends parted ways and went home. Rainbow Dash and Spectra Hue both flew home together to Dash's cloud home.

"And then I bobbed my head back up and I had caught two apples at once!" Rainbow exclaimed as she explained her competition to Spectra, "You shoulda seen the look on AJ's face!"

"Wow, so did you win the bet?" Spectra asked with a wink.

"Haha! Heck yeah! I owned my cowpony at an apple bobbing contest! That was awesome!" She almost lost her balance in flight, she was laughing so hard, "But we decided to save my 'winnings' for tomorrow. Since it's only your second night here and all. I thought you could use some company." Dash finished with a smile to Spectra.

"Thanks Dash. But you didn't need to stay away from your marefriend for me."

"Eh, it was nothing. That's what friends are for anyways." Rainbow replied playfully punching Spectra's side.

The two flew more when something else crept into Spectra's mind, "Hey Dash?"

"Yeah Spec, what's up?"

"Remember what Pinkie Pie said when we arrived at the party?"

"Huh? What part of it? Pinkie is so random."

"Well the part of us looking alike and all?"

"Oh yeah! I was curious back there. Why?"

"Well I was wondering if you were thinking the same I was when she brought it up?"

"Yeah I kinda was Spec," Rainbow replied, "What if we were related?"

"I don't know... It could be very possible. I never knew my family too well as a filly."

"Neither did I. It be so awesome if we were related!" The cyan pony exclaimed, ecstatically.

"Yeah. It would be cool. Maybe be should look into it sometime. It be cool to know."

"But hey, since were home now Spec," Dash stated pointing to the house. Spectra didn't even notice they were even close, "Let's get some rest. Another great day of cloud control tomorrow!"

"Yeah!" Spectra exclaimed in agreement.

The two friends hoof-bumped and flew inside, for a night of rest and relief. Ready to fly again tomorrow. Or so Spectra thought...

06 - Nightmares of Spectrum

It was dark. Spectra couldn't see a thing. She trotted around a little, looking for a light switch. She felt something. It wasn't a light switch though. It was cogs? Yeah definitely.

Where in Equestria am I? She thought to herself. Spectra felt around on the cog feeling where it led. Eventually she found a switch. Still wasn't a light switch though. It was a heavy machinery switch. She remembered these from... Well THAT place...

She was afraid to pull it, having a bad feeling that she knew what it was. The inevitable occurred. She slipped on a small slick of oil, right into the lever.

The switch tilted over into the 'ON' position. The room around her began to glow. And her worse fear presented itself to her.

Machines whirred up, heavy pistons began pumping up and down. A claw began to hover over her.

Oh Celestia, please oh please get me out of here! She tried to scream, but she couldn't. She felt like her muzzle was clamped tight.

The claw hovering over her began to lower. She recognized this machine. The Spectrum Extractor. She tried to run, but alas, her hooves wouldn't budge.

The claw latched itself around her waist and flank. The machine it was attached to came to life. It lifted Spectra up and slammed her against a flat wall. Spectra felt the breath get knocked out of her.

Against the wall, all four of her hooves were latched down. She couldn't move now, even if her hooves let her. Now she knows how all those poor ponies felt. Locked down, unable to run and flee. And now she was getting what she rightfully deserves.

A long syringe lowered down in front of her. It began to spin like a drill. Oh no. This is it. Thoughts and memories began to fog her eyes.

Her first Sonic Rainboom, memories of her parents, and the most recent of her friends. She didn't even know how she got here. Last she remembered, she was going to bed after the party.

It's like this is all some horrid nightmare. She caught sight of a figure, just a shadow though. Looked like an alicorn. An alicorn she knew...

A nightmare. she began to piece it together, This must be just a bad nightmare! But it felt so real. She couldn't believe it.

The drilling syringe came toward her slowly. She prayed for her life that it was just a dream. But what if it wasn't...

The syringe pierced her forehead, she felt restraint from her skull. Then she heard a crack.

"Waaaahhhhh!" She yelled, nearly jumping out of her bed.

She was in Rainbow Dash's cloud house. It WAS a dream. She sighed in relief. That's when Dash came through the roof of her room instantly.

"What is it?! Who's there?!" Dash yelled out, holding her fists in fighting stance.

"It's alright Dash... I had a bad dream. That's all." Spectra said to Dash sitting herself up in the bed.

"Oh..." Rainbow's eyes focused in on Spectra forehead, "You might wanna clean yourself up, I think you fell outta bed."

"I didn't fall out of my bed." Spectra replied in a questioning tone.

"Take a look at your forehead." She said pointing a hoof at the bedroom mirror.

Spectra got up from her bed and walked over to the mirror. She examined her forehead. Dash was right. She was bleeding from a small cut on her forehead. But she didn't remember falling out of bed.

Wait... Wasn't that all a dream though? She thought, "Uhh... I'll head down to the pond to clean this..."

"Alright, you need any help Spec?"

"No. I'll be fine."

"Okay. I'll be heading back to bed. Be careful next time." She said with a wink and a chuckle. She darted back through the cloud toward her room.

Spectra flew out of the cloud home, holding her hoof to her head to prevent more blood spill. She still couldn't wrap her mind around what the heck just happened. Her dream, caused her to be hurt...

"Weird..." Spectra said to herself as she landed beside a pond, close by to Dash's house.

She dipped her hoof in the water to rinse it off. Then when the blood was gone from her hoof, she dunked her whole head into the water. She watched as red swirls filled the water. There was minor stinging from the wound. But it didn't bother her too much.

When that syringe pierced my head, it felt so real... She pondered as she pulled her head out of the water, And I wake up, with this on my forehead?

Once she finished washing the blood away completely she felt her wound. It seemed to scab up mostly. At least it wasn't bleeding anymore. Feeling satisfied, and dreadfully tired after the events that occurred, she flew her way back to her room. And laid down on her soft cloud bed.

As tired as Spectra actually was, she just couldn't get herself to sleep. She kept wondering. Wondering how and why what just happened, happened.

"It just doesn't make sense!" She exclaimed, immediately putting her hoof to her mouth, I gotta be quiet. Rainbow might be sleeping.

The images of her dream kept running though her thoughts. The worse thing about it was the pain. The pain she felt was so real. She shivered at the thoughts of it. That's when Rainbow came into the room.

"Hey there Spec. You alright?" Dash asked.

"Yeah I'm fine just can't sleep..." Spectra replied.

"You too huh?" Rainbow trotted over and sat on the bed next to Spectra, "I've been thinking about just... Us I guess... Being related and all."

"Yeah..."

"But hey. I came in to talk to you. Are you okay? I mean, you said you had a bad dream. And you wake up with a wound in your forehead? That's not normal Spectra!"

"I know. I can't wrap my mind around it either."

"What was your nightmare about?"

"Well it-" She stopped herself. She can't tell Dash yet. No. "Eh, I don't wanna talk about it..."

"Oh. Alright then," Rainbow replied, "Well if you need to talk about it, I'm here. I've been through some things in my life. I can help you the best I can." She stated with a friendly, caring smile.

"Thanks Dash." Spectra said, returning the smile, "Well I'm going to try to get some rest. I'm exhausted."

"Same here," Rainbow replied, "Goodnight Spectra."

"Goodnight." Spectra replied, watching Rainbow fly out of the room.

07 - Stormy Colors

Vivid light burned Spectra's retinas as she awoke the next morning. She felt a wet sensation at her back hooves. Tank, Rainbow's pet turtle was licking her hoof.

She giggled, "Stop it Tank." She laughed some more, "Haha, that tickles!"

The turtle stopped and gave Spectra a very slow smile. Spectra smiled back and chuckled.

"Good morning buddy." She greeted with a pat on the reptile's head.

The turtle made a small purr in response.

Spectra got out of bed and trotted to her mirror. She examined herself to see if she was okay to go out. Her eyes drifted over the wound over her forehead. She sighed. Then trying to hide the mark, Spectra shifted her bangs over the cut to hide it.

When she was ready she flew out to the main hub of Rainbow Dash's house where Dash was also getting ready for their work for the day.

"Oh hey Spec!" Dash greeted, "How are ya?"

"I'm good. Ready for another work day?"

"Of course! But hey, today we are scheduled for a big storm. So while the earth ponies and unicorns get things ready on the ground, us pegasi gotta get the clouds together." Rainbow stated what they had to do in much detail.

Spectra stopped her, "I got it Dash." She chuckled, "I was on the Weather Team in Manehatten, remember?"

"Oh yeah. Okay then. You should be fine."

The mares flew out together off to downtown Ponyville, where everypony else was getting things ready for the storm.

"Oh hi guys!" The two mares were greeted by Twilight

"Hey Twi! How's the storm preparations going?" Dash asked.

"Me and some of the pegasi are working on the clouds at the moment. Could you lend a hoof?"

"Of course. Does anypony else need any of our pegassistance?" Rainbow asked with a chuckled.

"Well Rarity, Applejack, and a few other ponies are working on the loose tree branches-" Twilight was cut off when Rainbow Dash immediately started toward Applejack and Rarity.

Twilight grabbed Dash's tail with her magic. "Hey what's that for?" Rainbow asked, kind of annoyed.

"They're fine. We need your guys' 'Pegassistance' with the clouds."

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Fine..."

"Alright good," Twilight said, realizing she had the situation under control, "Okay. Rainbow Dash and Spectra, you two cover Sweet Apple Acres. Me and the other pegasi will finish up downtown."

"Yes ma'am!" Spectra replied with a salute, and grabbed the annoyed Rainbow Dash by her hoof.

**********

At Sweet Apple Acres, the clouds were still cleared from the day before. Spectra surveyed the skies.

"Ah. There!" She said darting toward a group a clouds. She gathered them up and arranged them over an area above the acres. "You gonna help or just sit there and pout?" Spectra asked Rainbow with a friendly wink.

"Yeah yeah." Dash replied, flying lazily over to another group of clouds.

The pegasi arranged clouds for the next few hours. They covered the north and south fields. Rainbow Dash eventually lost her attitude and cheered up. Spectra grouped some clouds here and Dash covered the sky there. It was an extensive process. But they were having fun. Spectra rolled a cloud up densely and bucked it toward Rainbow Dash.

"Hey! Careful!" Rainbow exclaimed in defense.

"Cheer up you joy kill!" Spectra replied, laughing. "Just having a little fun-"

Spectra was cut off when a soft, white cloud struck her in the muzzle. She had a cloud beard after it hit her. Spectra shook off the cloud.

"So that's how it'll be huh?" Spectra asked with a sly smile.

"Ahh, I don't know. Is it?" Dash replied, returning the smile.

Spectra dove behind a cloud for shelter and bundled up another cloud. She bucked it toward Dash, who quickly dodged it. The cloud flew past Rainbow and crashed into a group of the cloud layer. The clouds dissipated and a hole was left in the cloud cover.

"Oopsie..." Spectra said quietly.

"No biggie Spec. We'll just fix that hole. Let's wait for our battle until later." Rainbow Dash said reassuringly, "For now, let's finish our job."

The two colorful pegasi continued covering the large apple acres. Eventually getting to the East and West fields. When they finished covering Sweet Apple Acres, they hoof-bumped and flew back toward Ponyville.

**********

When the two mares got back to Ponyville, the other ponies were nearly done preparing. The two flew toward Twilight, who was directing another group of pegasi.

"Hiya Twi! We're done at Sweet Apple Acres." Spectra stated immediately.

"Alright good. We are practically done. I think the earth ponies are just finishing up the ground work."

"Alright!" Dash replied right away, flying off to Applejack and Rarity.

"That feather brain..." Twilight muttered.

Spectra laughed in response.

"Well? She is. But she's still my friend." Twilight said smiling at Spectra, "Hey you might wanna get inside soon. It's about to downfall. Wanna stay at the library with me? Rainbow Dash seems busy with AJ." Twilight finished rolling her eyes.

Spectra chuckled, "Sure. Sounds fun. But isn't it a lil' dangerous being inside a tree during a storm?"

"No not at all. The tree is enchanted with a spell to protect us inside."

"Ah... Alrighty." Spectra replied, "Let's go then!"

"Sure what are we waiting for? Lemme just tell the girls so they know."

Twilight flew toward the others, revealed her plans, and the princess and spectrum pegasus flew off to the Ponyville library.

08 - Books, Hues, and Cider

Spectra and Twilight arrived at the library. The rain was just beginning to fall. The two rushed in. Spectra shook her mane out and looked around the library. Twilight noticed her shocked look.

Twilight laughed, "What's wrong? Never been in a library before?"

"No just not in here yet. Dang there are a lot of books."

"Well it is a library." Twilight replied with a chuckle.

"Well I know that." Spectra said rolling her eyes, "Just libraries in Manehatten aren't nearly as big."

"Eh... It's not that many books. I've read them all." Twilight said giving a proud grin.

"You read ALL of these?!"

"Yup!"

"Dang Twi. You're an egghead." She said with a friendly wink.

"Yup just like Rainbow." Twilight replied pointing a hoof at Spectra.

"Hey I read! And I think reading is awesome! Just reading ALL of these?! That's crazy." She said in defense.

Twilight laughed, "I know, I know. Calm down I was joking." She winked at the defensive pegasus, "Take a seat, make yourself comfortable." Twilight said, trotting down into the basement.

Spectra did just that. She went over to a couch against the wall of the library and laid down. As she made herself comfortable, Twilight was just coming back upstairs with two small cups hovering in front of her. One of the magic-engulfed cups floated in front of Spectra. Twilight jumped on the the couch next to Spectra.

Spectra took a sip from the cup, "Ack!" She exclaimed as she spit the contents of the cup back in.

Twilight chuckled, "Too hot?" She asked, laughing.

"Just a little." She replied holding her tongue out.

Twilight laughed again, "Well just give it some time to cool off."

"Huh. You tell me now." Spectra replied, desperately trying to cool off her tongue from the burn.

"Hold on." Twilight said as she trotted back downstairs. She came back up a few seconds after with an ice cube hovering in front of her. She placed the ice cube on the pegasus' tongue.

Spectra pulled the ice cube into her mouth and began to suck on it, "Thanks." She said through her mouthful of ice.

Twilight chuckled and sat back down, "No problem. Be careful this time." She stated with a wink.

"Will do."

When Spectra's tongue and cup was cooled off she took another sip of the drink. She shivered at the richness and sweetness of it. It was like nothing she has ever drank before.

"Is it good?" Twilight asked.

Spectra kept sipping from her glass and mumbled, "Mhmm." She took her lips from the cup after a few more sips, "What is this? This is magnificent!"

"It's just cider." Twilight replied with a chuckle.

"It's delicious!"

"Have you never had cider before?" Twilight asked jokingly.

"Nope. Never." Spectra replied, taking another sip of the cider.

"Really?!" Twilight was quite surprised.

"Yeah. I've never tasted anything like it."

"Oh. I'm surprised. I've never met anypony who hasn't had cider before."

"Where would I get some?"

"Well the Apple family sells it every cider season. You gotta be there early though if you want to get some."

"How come?"

"Well all of Ponyville gather to get some cider."

"Wow! I know what I'll be waiting for when this year's cider season come by."

"Oh, your planning to stay her in Ponyville that long?"

"Uh..." She took another sip of cider, "I dunno. I mean I like it here. But I really haven't moved here... Yet..."

"It would be cool if you stayed." Twilight gave her a friendly smile.

"Yeah..." Spectra took another sip as she contemplated the subject. She shook her bangs out of her way, revealing her wound.

"Oh my Celestia! What happened?" Twilight exclaimed as she saw the cut.

"Oh, it's nothing... Got a cut in the middle of the night."

"How'd you cut yourself?" Twilight asked in a caring tone.

Spectra thought for a second. She really still didn't know how she got it. She had dreamed of it and when she woke, she was wounded.

"Uhh..." Spectra started, "I really don't know. I was dreaming and I got cut in my dream. When I woke from the dream, there it was."

"That's sorta odd..."

"I'm just as confused as you." Spectra stated.

"I think I read something about this..." The alicorn started, getting off the couch and trotting around the room, "Spike!"

That's when a little purple dragon, only a baby, came from the upstairs of the library.

"Yes Twilight?" Spike asked.

"Remember that book I was reading, about Lucid dreams coming to life? I can't seem to remember the name."

"Hmm..." The dragon thought while tapping his chin with his claw, "No Twi. I can't seem to remember." He looked over to the content green pegasus, "Who's this?"

"Manners Spike. This is Spectra Hue. She's from Manehatten. Just arrived the other day."

Spectra waved a hoof at the baby dragon, "Hello."

"My apologies. Welcome to Ponyville Spectra. I'm Spike. Twilight's faithful assistant." Spike gave a proud bow.

"Nice to meet you." Spectra replied smiling at Spike.

"Aaargh!" Twilight exclaimed in frustration.

"You okay Twi?" Spectra asked.

Twilight sighed, "Yes. I just can't seem to find it. I'll be sure to let you know when I do."

That's when the front door of the library opened. Rainbow Dash, followed by Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and the bouncy Pinkie Pie came inside. Applejack was first to say something.

"Howdy ya'll!"

Rainbow Dash cut it, "Hey there you guys are! We were looking all over for you!"

"What do you mean? I told Pinkie we were going to the library." Twilight replied.

"Oops! My bad! I guess I forgot." Pinkie exclaimed.

"Either way... Hey Spec! Let's go!" Rainbow Dash said excitedly.

"Where?" Spectra questioned.

"It's a secret." Rainbow said with a wink.

"Uh... Okay." Spectra said and got up from her seat, "Hey Twi. No need to worry about that book of yours. It's fine. Don't trouble yourself."

"Well I'm still gonna look for it. But you guys have fun." Twilight replied.

"Okay let's go!" Rainbow said ecstatically.

She then flew over to Applejack, gave her a nuzzle and flew out the library, dragging Spectra with her.

"Whoa!" Spectra exclaimed as she was pulled out of the library.

The two pegasi flew away through the storm, leaving their friends back at the library.

09 - The Beginning of the Rainbow Isn't So Bright

"Where are you kidnapping me to anyway?" Spectra asked Rainbow jokingly as they flew away from the library.

"I'm not kidnapping you." Dash replied with a chuckle, "We heading off to the mountain."

"Why couldn't the other girls know where we were going then?"

"Because. I don't want them to follow us. Don't get me wrong, they're my friends. But I want to just hang out with you." Rainbow gave a friendly smile to Spectra.

Spectra smiled back, but soon went back to her questioning look, "I thought you told me that only pegasi can get up there?"

"Well not exactly. Like I said, there used to be a dragon up in that cave. Me and the girls went off to try to get rid of him. So technically earth ponies can get up there." Rainbow paused for a second, "Besides, Twi could probably just fly up there now that she has wings and all."

"Okay, I get it. Why are you so anxious to get there anyways?"

"Well... I'll explain when we get there."

"Okay then..."

**********

The two spectrum-maned pegasi made it to their little hideout. They both landed on the summit with ease. The mountain was so high, they were above the rain clouds.

"Alright now tell me." Spectra said to Dash as they trotted over to the cliffside and sat down.

Spectra looked over across Ponyville. She was unable to see the town, due to cloud cover.

"Well I talked to a couple of pegasi during the preparations, after you and Twi went to the library." Rainbow began.

"Go on..." Spectra replied.

"One if the pegasi in Ponyville are good friends with my Aunt Sapphire." Rainbow continued.

Sapphire... That name sounds familiar... Spectra thought to herself as Dash spoke, "Okay, so you think we should go to talk to your Aunt Sapphire, to see if we have any connection?"

"Exactly!" Dash exclaimed, "It's gonna be so awesome Spec!" She did a small loop in the air out of excitement.

Spectra chuckled at the other ponies excitement, "Calm down Dash. Why are you so excited about this anyways?"

Rainbow Dash obeyed and fluttered down next to Spectra, "Well..." Dash looked unsure, "I dunno. I guess it's just if you are my relative, I will be very happy. I never really had a family..."

"Oh?" Spectra asked concerned.

"Well, my parents passed when I was only a filly. And I pretty much grew up alone." Rainbow started to tear up, "Besides Fluttershy, I had nopony..."

"Oh..." Spectra replied, not sure what to say.

"Not to mention getting made fun of in flight school..."

"About what?"

"...Being a fillyfooler... I didn't even know I was into mares then. They just did it because of the colors of my mane."

"Well Dash. I wouldn't know myself. I didn't really get to go to fillygarten or anything like that. But-"

"You didn't?" Rainbow Dash asked, cutting off Spectra.

"Well no. I guess I lost my chance to..."

"Why didn't you?" Dash asked in a caring tone, still teary-eyed.

Spectra thought a moment before answering her friend, "I don't really wanna talk about it. But I don't remember my parents very well. I really don't know if they passed or not... I guess you can say, I was taken away as a young filly..."

"Oh?" Dash said, confused slightly.

"Don't worry about it..." Spectra paused a moment to catch her breath. She felt herself getting teary-eyed as well, "But I also would love to be your family. And be there for you. And even if we aren't related biologically, I'll still be there for you. You have been the nicest to me since I came here to Ponyville." Spectra said, trying to comfort the sorrow Rainbow.

Rainbow sniffled and wiped away her tears, "Thanks Spectra. You're the best."

"I thought you were the best?" Spectra asked jokingly, giving a wink.

"Okay, maybe second best." Rainbow Dash said, winking back.

Spectra laughed, and so did Rainbow Dash. When the laughter subsided, the mares were silent. Nothing awkward, they were just enjoying the peacefulness.

Spectra looked at Rainbow, Come on. Tell her! You can trust her. Do it. Stop being a scaredy pony! Spectra soon found herself arguing with her own thoughts. "Stop." She said as she tapped her head with her hoof.

"What's that Spectra?" Rainbow asked, who was lounging on the ground.

"Oh, nothing." Spectra replied, "Umm, Rainbow?"

"Mhmm?"

No. I can't. "Nothing..."

Rainbow laughed, "You're so random."

Spectra just chuckled in response.

The mares just laid silently for several moment before Spectra spoke up again.

"Hey Rainbow?"

"Yes?"

"Have you ever had anything, like a secret or anything? That you wanted to tell somepony? But just couldn't?"

"May have... Why? Is something bothering you Spec?"

"Maybe..."

Rainbow chuckled, "Well I'm not into the whole secrets thing, but if you got something you wanna get off you chest then I'm here for you to tell."

"Alright. Thanks Dash. You're the best." Spectra said, as she lounged back and smiled.

"I know." Rainbow replied, giving a cocky chuckle.

"Feather-brain..." Spectra muttered.

"Hey!" Rainbow stated in defense.

Spectra laughed and looked at Rainbow. She just gave Dash a wink and chuckled again.

The two pegasi lounged atop their hideout, and enjoyed the peaceful, serene feel of the cool mountain air. The calming sound of the rain falling from the clouds below them. Spectra eventually dozed off into a sweet, silent nap.

10 - Secrets of the Spectrum

Spectra woke to somepony jumping on her stomach.

"Wake up lazy feathers!" Dash exclaimed with a grin.

"Huh? Dash stop... I'm... Up." Spectra managed to get out with the cyan pegasus bouncing on her.

Dash laughed mischievously, "Good morning."

Spectra looked around. She wasn't in her room back at Rainbow Dash's house. Both her and Dash were still on the mountain.

"You look confused." Dash started, "You fell asleep last night. So instead of waking ya, I decided we can stay up here for the night."

"Oh." Spectra replied, now understanding why she wasn't in her soft cloud bed.

"Well hey we got the day off today. Mainly 'cause I say so." Rainbow chuckled again, "So how about we go to my aunt's house?"

"Okay, where does she live?"

"Well, that's the thing. She lives in Manehatten. And there aren't any trains there for a few days."

"Wait. Manehatten?"

"Yup, why?"

"Oh nothing. It be nice to visit home again though."

"Well yeah. But we will have to fly there."

"No biggie Dash. But hey, how about we head into town and get some grub?"

"Sounds good. We need our energy to fly." Rainbow replied as she stretched her wings out.

"We can invite the girls as well."

"Yeah, but as far as I know, they're pretty much busy. AJ is apple-bucking, Rarity has some dress order. And Fluttershy is working on a new habitat for this family of chipmunks." Dash thought for a moment, "But I believe Twilight and Pinkie are free!"

"Okay. Sounds awesome! Let's go." Spectra said as she began to fly toward Ponyville with Rainbow by her side.

**********

The two pegasi made their way to Ponyville. When they arrived, Dash was first to say something.

"Alright Spec. I'll go to Sugarcube Corner and see if Pinkie's up to a little brunch party." Rainbow paused, "Knowing Pinkie Pie, anything to do with the word 'party' she'd be up for it."

"Yes ma'am!" Spectra saluted with a chuckle, "And what would you like me to do ma'am?" She asked, holding the salute.

Dash chuckled, "You go get Twi. See if she's busy with her egghead stuff. If not, tell her to come to Sugarcube Corner with us."

"Alrighty! Meet you there." Spectra replied, quickly dashing off to Twilight's library.

**********

Spectra sped towards the library at high speeds. She didn't know why. Something just urged her to see Twilight. She flew right toward the door when sompony walked out from the library.

WHAM

Spectra crashed right into the pony. The pony she crashed into was Twilight.

"Ouch..." Twilight moaned.

"Oh I'm sorry Twi. I wasn't looking where I was going." Spectra quickly replied, getting off of Twilight.

Twilight got up and brushed the dust off her wings, "Wow Spectra. What's the rush for?"

"Well I was coming to ask you if you wanted to come with me and Rainbow to brunch."

"Ah. That sounds nice. I'm up for it. Let's go." Twilight said as she began to walk away.

Spectra thought for a moment. Why don't you tell Twi? She's very tolerable. And you can trust her. Go! Do it. Tell her! "Hey, uh Twi?"

"Yes Spectra?" Twilight said, pointing her attention to the nervous mare.

"Can we go inside quick? I wanna talk to you about something." Spectra replied. Oh gosh. What am I doing?

"Sure Spectra. Is something the matter?" Twilight asked carefully, walking back inside the library with Spectra.

Go on... Tell her... "Yeah... Um... Twilight, have you ever had a secret that you just couldn't really tell anypony?"

"Hmm... Didn't you ask me this before? When I invited you over for some cider? Is this thing bothering you Spectra?"

"Well... Kinda..." Spectra gulped. She felt like she had a huge lump in her throat. She was barely able to speak, "Well, it's about me..."

"Go on..." Twilight said, sitting down on the couch and offered Spectra a seat.

Spectra gladly sat and continued, "Well when I was a filly. I was... Uh... Taken away..."

"Taken away? Oh gosh. Who had taken you?" Twilight asked, now very intent on listening to the troubled pegasus' story.

"Well... I don't know who... Besides that they were Cloudsdale Weather Facility workers..."

"Wait... Cloudsdale employees?" Twilight was now confused.

"Yes... It sound unbelievable... But it's true..."

"I believe you Spectra. But why would they take you? Of all ponies?"

"Well they forced... they forced me..." Spectra was beginning to tear up. She was having even more trouble speaking now.

"Go on Spec. I won't judge. You can tell me anything." Twilight said, giving the crying mare a comforting, friendly smile.

Spectra gulped and tried her best to continue, "They forced me to work..."

"Work? Where?"

"The... Rainbow Factory." Spectra broke into sobs at this point.

"The Rainbow Factory? I remember reading about that." Twilight began, as she got up and started trotting around the library, clearly looking for something. "But I always thought it was an old mare's tale. Ah!" She exclaimed as she found the book she was looking for.

Twilight opened the book and flipped through it rather quickly. Spectra was trying to stop her sobs. To be strong for around her friend.

Twilight began to read what was written in the book, "It says here:" She cleared her thoat, "The Rainbow Factory was the facility in the up most area of the Cloudsdale Weather Facility. Being in the Weather Facility, the Rainbow Facility was only accessible by ponies who worked there. Most ponies who worked there, were forced to stay there." Twilight paused in her reading, "Is this true?"

"Yes..." Spectra replied quietly.

Twilight nodded and continued reading, "It is said that in the Rainbow Factory is where pure Spectrum is created. Spectrum was originally made when the unicorns of Canterlot and the pegasi of Cloudsdale would combine their 'magic abilities'. The princess of the celestial body, Princess Celestia, was a big part of this process. With the banishment of Nightmare Moon, and Celestia having to raise both the sun and the moon, the Spectrum was not able to be created. Therefore, to create Spectrum, the pegasi of Cloudsdale discovered a new way to make Spectrum. There are many rumors of how this new process. The major rumor was the extraction of Spectrum from the bodies of ponies?" Twilight's reading became a curious question for Spectra.

"Mhmm..." Spectra replied nervously.

"Ehem, The extraction of Spectrum was a extensive, brutal, but beautiful process. All ponies that were sent to the Rainbow Facility, not sent for work, were put up on a platinum plate, and were latched down. From here, the extractor would dissect into the ponies' skulls and suck the Spectrum out of them?!" Twilight was now shocked at her readings, "Is this true?!"

"Yes... And this is what I was afraid of..." Spectra began to get up to walk out the door, "I understand if you don't want to associate with an ex-employee of that place..."

A lavender coat covered the door as Spectra went over to it.

"No, Spectra. That's not it. You were forced, weren't you?"

"Yes. Honest I was. I didn't want to be there. That place was dark and horrifying."

"I believe you. Now sit." Twilight commanded.

Spectra obeyed and sat back down, "It's just. I've been hiding this secret ever since I made it out of that place."

"Why didn't you tell anypony?"

"Because, I thought if anypony found out... They wouldn't want to even associate with me. You don't understand how many poor, defenseless, ponies I was forced to murder at that cruel place." Spectra was on the verge of tears again, "When I made it out of that place, I was getting chased by the facility's security. I flew away so fast, I did a Sonic Rainboom. I managed to lose them after that. And that's when I got this." Spectra finished, referring to her cutie mark.

"Your cutie mark makes more sense now. So what's your special talent then?" Twilight asked.

"That's the point, I don't know!" Spectra blubbered.

"Well, whatever you do, don't believe it's to work at that place. Noponies' special talent is to work at someplace as brutally cruel as there." Twilight said, putting her hoof on Spectra's to try and calm her down.

"I know Twilight. And thank you." Spectra got out between her sobs.

"For what Spectra?"

"For being there for me... I couldn't tell anypony else. You were the only one I can trust with something like this."

"That's what I'm here for Spec." Twlight stated, giving Spectra the same friendly smile, "Hey, if you can get yourself cleaned up upstairs, we can head off to Sugarcube Corner to meet Rainbow. I'm sure she's getting impatient."

"True." Spectra wiped her eyes and trotted up the stairs to wash up.

**********

Twilight and Spectra trotted beside each other all the way to Sugarcube Corner. When the two reached the doorway, Twilight stopped.

"Something wrong Twi?" Spectra asked.

"No, nothing's wrong. Just I think you should tell Rainbow." Twilight stated.

"Tell Rainbow what?" Spectra knew what Twilight was referring to, but she wasn't sure why.

"Tell her about what you told me. She should know more than anypony." Twilight noticed Spectra's unsure look, "Don't worry. I'm sure Rainbow will understand. She loves you, as a friend and even as a sibling. Also, she is the element of loyalty." Twilight finished in a joking tone.

"Alright... If you think so Twi." Spectra replied.

Twilight nodded at Spectra and the two mares trotted into Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were sitting in a booth and talking with each other. Rainbow noticed Twilight and Spectra walk in.

"There you slow-ponies are! Where have you been?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, obviously annoyed.

"We were talking Rainbow. Be more patient next time." Twilight responded.

"Fine... What were you talking about though? I sent Spectra to go get you like thirty minutes ago!"

"It's private Rainbow. If Spectra wanted to tell you, she can."

"Fine." Rainbow replied, "Let's eat now. I'm starving." Dash stated as Pinkie ran back into the kitchen.

Spectra and Twilight sat down next to Rainbow Dash as Pinkie Pie came back out with a small tray. On the tray were a variety of food items. Spectra observed the plate and saw; a slice of warm apple pie, a small thing of hay fries, a couple plain muffins, and a small bowl of salad greens.

"Looks delicious!" Dash exclaimed, diving into the tray for the apple pie.

Pinkie laughed, "Dashie, don't eat it all! It's for everypony to share."

"Hey. Me and Spec need our energy for out flight." Rainbow Dash replied to Pinkie with a mouthful of apple pie.

"That's right. Where are you girls going anyways?" Twilight turned to ask Spectra.

"Well we are going to Manehatten." Spectra replied.

"Manehatten?" Pinkie asked, "Why would you wanna go there again? Didn't you just come from there? I mean I'm not one to judge, I'm sure if I got to go back home to my family, I would too. Although probably not seeing as my family lives on a boring old rock farm. Not very fun over there. But I'm sure your family's fun!" Pinkie rambled on in her randomness.

"Yeah... Pinkie... Spectra doesn't know here family. She's kind of like me." Rainbow said to the pink pony.

"Kind of?! You two have the same mane, practically the same cutie mark, can do a Sonic Rainboom, you two are more then kind of alike!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Yeah. But anyways, we're going to meet my Aunt Sapphire." Dash continued.

"Your aunt? I thought you didn't know your family Rainbow?" Twilight questioned.

"Well I really never talked to my aunt before. So it would be the first time we'd meet."

"Well I guess that's good. And it's worth it to find out if you to crazy pegasi are related. It's pretty obvious though. Like Pinkie said." Twilight paused to take a hay fry into her mouth with her magic, "Besides, you both have the same stubborn attitude as well." She finished, giving a wink to Spectra.

"Whatever. But we are gonna head out after brunch." Dash continued as she continued to munch on her breakfast.

"Slow down Dashie." Pinkie warned, "You don't wanna get a cramp while flying."

"True Pinkie." Dash replied, slowing down her eating pace, "It's just I'm so excited!"

"Same here." Spectra joined in.

Rainbow Dash pushed away her plate and flew over the others, "Well I'm ready when you are Spec! I'll meet you back at my house when your ready. I'll have your saddlebag ready as well."

"Alright Dash. Meet ya there." Spectra replied.

With that, Rainbow sped out of the store and flew away. Twilight laughed at the pegasus' enthusiasm, "That feather brain... I wonder about her sometimes." The other two laughed at Twilight's statement.

"Well you probably have enough time Spectra. I'm sure Dashie wants to say bye to AJ first before leaving." Pinkie stated.

"Yeah. Probably." Spectra agreed, taking a bite of a muffin.

"So, Spectra. Do you plan on telling her?" Twilight asked.

"Probably. I would tell her when we arrive at Manehatten though."

"Tell who what?!" The now curious Pinkie Pie questioned.

"Spectra has something she wants to tell Rainbow Dash. It's private though Pinkie." Twilight stated.

"Oh. Okay!" Pinkie responded, diving her face into a cupcake, she seemed to pull out of thin air.

Spectra got off her seat and stretched her legs out.

"You heading out now Spectra?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. I'm gonna go meet Dash at home now."

"Alright. Bye Spec. Have a nice trip." Twilight said farewell.

"Bye!" Pinkie exclaimed loudly.

Spectra chuckled, "Bye everypony. See you in a few days."

**********

Spectra flew towards Rainbow Dash's Cloudominium. She noticed Rainbow Dash darting back and forth in a hurry. She flew inside. Rainbow Dash flew back and forth, making sure she had everything she needed.

"Dash?" Spectra tried to get the hurried pony's attention, "Rainbow Dash?" Still no response. Spectra reached out her hoof and caught Rainbow's tail as she flew by.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" Rainbow questioned in defense.

"Calm your feathers down. We're fine. Did you get our saddlebags packed?"

"Yes. But I just want to make sure we are ready before we leave."

"We're good. Let's go. We don't need anything else." Spectra replied, as-matter-of-fact.

"Okay, if your sure. Then fine. What are we waiting for, let's go!"

Rainbow Dash flew out the front of the house in a rush. Spectra laughed at the pegasus, "She is a feather brain huh?" she muttered to herself. Spectra followed the eager, cyan pegasus out the Cloudominium.

11 - Rainbows Always Point Home

Spectra looked into the sky for a quick glance before blindness. The sun was nearly high noon. Her and Rainbow Dash have been flying since morning.

They were flying a gentle pace, a few small races here and there. Spectra lost most of them. She's not a bad racer. She's just nervous and eager to get to Manehatten.

Rainbow broke off her thoughts, "We should get there soon. I think I can just make out the Manehatten skyscrapers from here."

Spectra looked to verify Rainbow's statement. She could also make out the buildings. Spectra just kept silent as they flew.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was noticeably getting bored, "Hey, you said you can do a Sonic Rainboom right?"

Spectra gave her a half-questioning stare, "Uh... Yeah. But I haven't done one in a few years. Why are you asking?" Spectra knew the answer to her question.

"One more race?"

"What?" Spectra responded with a slight voice crack. She just cleared her throat and continued, "Dash, we've had like six races. I'm too tired for another."

"Fine," Dash replied dejected. She quickly perked back up, "If you're too chicken, I understand."

This got Spectra fired up, "Excuse me?"

"Oh. You heard me." Rainbow gave a mischievous grin.

"Alright feather-brain." Spectra returned the grin, "Whatcha have in mind then?"

"One final race before we get there, a Sonic Rainboom race."

"A what?"

"First one to make a Rainboom and get to Manehatten wins."

"Okay big shot. I'm up for it." Spectra replied with a wink.

"Okay, ready? Set. Go!" Rainbow announced.

The two mares quickly angled toward the sky. Picking up speed faster and faster, Spectra began to feel the force of gravity pushing her back. She bomb dived straight down. Rainbow was right along side of her.

A sphere of air began to form around her, as well as Rainbow. Spectra pushed herself faster to get ahead of the determined pegasus. The mach cones quickly sharpened.

Come on. A little closer. I know you gals haven't done this in a while, but do it for me. She thought to herself, pleading to her rusty pegasus wings.

The mach cones around the two began to glow of bright colors and lightning shocked around them. Suddenly, everything around Spectra seemed to slow as she began to pass the barrier.

BOOM!

Two bursts as loud as thunder rocketed the pegasi forward. Two beautiful spectrums following them. They had created a Sonic Rainboom. No. A Double Rainboom.

Spectra and Dash were side by side. Rainbow quickly pulled up leaving Spectra rocketing downward. Spectra was having a hard time controlling her path.

She came close to the ground and pulled up just in time, Whew. That was close- Oh no. Her next obstacle confronted her. There was a wood in between her and the Manehatten borders.

She strafed side to side, avoiding the trees to the best of her ability. Spectra sped by a small flock of deer, leaving them spinning, "Sorry!" She called back to them.

She emerged out of the woods, and was gliding over a lake. Spectra noticed her reflection. She never looked at herself this way before. She saw her rainbow mane blowing around, her forest-green coat ruffled by the wind, and a wonderful line of color trailing behind her.

Spectra snapped out of her daze when she noticed something else, she saw Rainbow flying above her. Quickly realizing that she hadn't trailed off too far, Spectra flew upwards to meet with Rainbow. The both gave each other determined glares of victory and focused back on their flying.

The buildings of Manehatten approached the pegsasi as they flew toward them. Spectra knew they were still flying at, at the least, mach speeds. She was unable to shake Rainbow though. She knew the cyan pegasus was fast. But didn't think she was this fast.

The speedy ponies flew to the closest roof on the edge of the city. They landed quickly, but with ease, skidding across the roof slightly.

"Woohoo!" Dash exclaimed, "I win!" She was panting heavily of exhaustion.

Spectra wasn't in any better shape, "No... You didn't... Dash..."

"Yeah, I did. I landed on the roof first." Rainbow quickly responded, defending her title.

"... If anything... We tied..." Spectra said between pants.

"Eh. At least I didn't lose." Rainbow noticed the other mare's exhaustion, "Hey, you alright?"

Spectra gulped a lump in her throat before replying, "Yeah.. I just haven't flown like that in years." She took one more inhale before bursting into a light chuckle, "That was awesome."

Rainbow nodded in agreement then turned to her saddle bag. She began shuffling through it with her muzzle. Rainbow Dash pulled out a small piece of paper. Spectra got close to peek at the paper, it was a map. A map of Manehatten to be specific.

"What's that for?" Spectra asked the cyan pony.

Rainbow just examined the map, confused out of her mind. She looked away to answer Spectra, "Well. Like i said, I never knew my family." Rainbow Dash looked back at her map, "I'm trying to find my aunt's home. I think she lives somewhere here." Rainbow finished, pointing to a small building on the map.

Spectra recognized the building and it's surrounding areas, "Hey. That's where my apartment is!"

Rainbow looked at Spectra with a puzzled look, "Really?"

Spectra nodded.

"Okay then," Rainbow Dash began as she put away the map, "Lead the way."

Spectra lifted off the building and began flying in the direction of her apartment building. It has only been a few days, but she was excited and missed being home.

They weren't far from Spectra's building. They arrived shortly. Spectra landed in front of the building and walked inside, Rainbow following closely.

Spectra trotted up to the front desk.

"Oh, hey there Miss Hue." The lobby manager greeted her, "That was a quick vacation." He joked.

Spectra just chuckled in response, "Yeah I'm not back permanently. Me and my friend, Rainbow Dash, came to visit with her aunt." She turned to Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash stepped forward, "Is there a Sapphire Flare here as a tenant?"

The manager pondered with a hoof on his chin for a second, "Hmm... Lemme check. The name sounds familiar." He turned to his log book and flipped through it quickly with his unicorn magic, "Ah yes! Sapphire Flare. She lives on the fourth floor. Room 415."

"Okay thank you." Spectra replied, dashing for the stairwell, Rainbow Dash followed her up.

The mares made it to the fourth floor. They trotted beside each other to the room. Spectra scanned the room numbers as they walked.

409, 410, 411... "Ah! Here." She flew down past a few doors and stopped in front of it.

Rainbow just stared at her, "What?"

"It's your aunt. You should knock."

Rainbow sighed and stepped up to the door. She knocked.

A few seconds later, they heard clinking of the lock being unhinged. The door then opened, a chocolate-brown coated mare on the other side.

She looked at Rainbow and Spectra, mouth slightly agape.

"Uh, Aunt Sapphire?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Sapphire looked at Dash and smiled, "Rainbow Dash? Is that my Dashie?"

Rainbow half-smiled back, "Yeah it is. It's nice to meet you."

Sapphire walked up to Dash and embraced the cyan pegasus in her hooves, "It's so great to see you again, I haven't seen you since you were a newborn filly."

The half-smiling, half-crying aunt opened her eyes over Rainbow Dash's should to see Spectra.

Her mouth fell agape... Again.

"Sp- Spectra?" She asked as if she was in shock.

"... Hi?" Spectra replied unsurely.

Sapphire let go of Rainbow Dash and stepped toward Spectra, "Is that really my Spectra?"

Spectra's mouth was now the one agape, as well as Rainbow.

"Yo- Your Spectra?" Rainbow Dash questioned.

Sapphire ran her hoof through Spectra's rainbow mane, "Oh... Oh my Celestia..." She began to get teary eyed, "It is you!" The teary mare grabbed onto The confused pegasus and embraced her in a deep hug.

Spectra returned the hug, completely unsure what was going on, "Uh..."

Sapphire pulled away from Spectra and looked into her deep red eyes. She smiled and chuckled softly, "You don't remember me, huh?"

Spectra just shook her head.

"Spectra-" She began, realizing they were all still in the hall, "Why don't you all come inside? I can make us some tea." Sapphire said, leading the pegasi inside.

Sapphire trotted to the kitchen area, "You girls can take a seat, make yourselves at home."

Rainbow examined the house then looked to her aunt, "So Aunt Sapphire, what were you saying to Spectra? How do you know her?" Her ears perked up, "Is there a chance we are related? Is she from part of the Dash family?!"

Sapphire poured tea into two cups and carried them over with her one hoof. Spectra was surprised at the mare's talent at walking on three hooves.

"Indeed she is." Sapphire replied, handing one cup to Dash.

"Really?! How?!" Rainbow Dash was surprisingly overjoyed.

Sapphire trotted to Spectra and handed her the other cup of tea, "She's your cousin..." She said, looking at Spectra calmly.

Spectra, on the other hoof, was rather shocked. Is this what she thought it was, if she was Rainbow Dash's cousin. And Sapphire was Rainbow's aunt. Then...

Spectra took the cup, "How have you been sweet heart?" Sapphire began to ask, "You've been gone quite a while." She noticed Spectra's mouth agape. "What? You can't talk to your own mother?"

Sapphire was beginning to tear again, but was smiling a Pinkie Pie smile.

"M- Mom...?" Spectra asked, a lump began to choke down her words.

Sapphire just nodded in response and hugged her daughter, "I missed you, honey."

Spectra returned the hug, beginning to cry herself. Sapphire let go of Spectra.

Spectra looked toward Dash, who was also teary. She chuckled at the stubborn pegasus.

Dash shook out the tears, "Oh! Now you're making me all sappy!"

The mother and daughter laughed.

Sapphire sniffled, "Are you girls staying in Manehatten overnight? You're more than welcome to stay for dinner."

Spectra looked to Dash. Then back to her mother, "Uh... Yeah. We'd love to mom."

Sapphire smiled, nodded, and returned to her kitchen.

**********

Spectra sat quietly and contently as she watched her mother cook. Meanwhile, Rainbow was becoming antsy.

She tapped her hoof on the hardwood floor, "Hey, Aunt Sapphire?"

"Yes Dash?" Sapphire replied, still focused on her dinner preparations.

"How long until dinner is done?"

Sapphire chuckled at her niece's impatience, "It will be done soon." She began stirring in a rustic kitchen pot, "So will you girls need a place to stay? You're more than welcome to stay here."

"No mom, thanks though. My apartment is on the fourteenth floor. We will stay there overnight." Spectra replied.

"Oh yes. I forgot you live here in the apartments. You know, I've known you have lived here. When I saw you come on the lift the day you got here, I was overjoyed."

Spectra was rather confused now, "Ma, if you knew I was here, why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to scare you but confronting you saying, Oh hi sweetheart, remember me? I'm your mother that you haven't seen in like sixteen years! I mean, how else would you react if I did that?"

"True..." Spectra said agreeing.

Rainbow suddenly perked up from her boredom, "Oh yeah! What happened to you anyways Spec?"

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"You told me you were 'taken away.'" Rainbow said with air quotes, "Where'd you get taken away to?"

Spectra dropped her head as the memories returned to her while Sapphire spoke up, "Well if Spectra doesn't mind..."

Spectra shook her head to her mother's statement.

Rainbow soon became irritated, "Why can't you tell me Spec? I told you everything about my life. Can't you tell me one measly fact?!"

Sapphire tried to calm the situation, "Now Dash. Stop. If she doesn't want to talk about it the. Leave her be."

"Well I don't understand! She can trust me! Heck, I AM the Element of Loyalty! Just 'cause I'm hard-headed, does NOT mean nopony can trust me!"

Spectra teared up before her fuse shorted out, "You know why I can't tell you, DASH?! Because you won't understand if I did! Even though you're 'Miss Element of Loyalty,' doesn't mean there aren't thing that can ruin your friendship with other ponies, OKAY?!"

Dash fell back defeated, "I-"

Spectra didn't give her time to speak, she flew out the door and sped off toward the stairwell.

12 - Darkness Covers The Rainbow

Spectra sobbed in the darkness of Luna's night. She didn't know how she got there, but she was on the roof of her apartment building.

Spectra looked over the edge of the building, she could make out figures of ponies trotting the streets. She used to often come to the roof to clear her mind.

She looked over the edge again, Why do I deal with this...? Spectra thought to herself, I'm a mess-up, a failure... A murderer...

She glanced away as that thought caused her to shiver.

I could jump... Looking over the edge once more, she shook her head out of that though, No... Suicide is no way to go. It would be the cowards way out, compared to all those ponies I hurt...

Spectra heard the door to the stairwell open behind her. She turned around quickly to see Rainbow Dash standing there.

"... Hey..." Rainbow greeted awkwardly.

"What do you want?" Spectra snapped back, sniffling and wiping her tears.

"Are you alright? I'm sorry for getting irritated back there."

Spectra stayed silent.

"Look, it's fine if you don't tell me. It's just that I love you Spectra-... Uh you know, in a sisterly way. But it's just that meeting you and everything we just found out, makes me so happy."

Rainbow sat next to Spectra on the ledge, "Look, I don't care about what happened, we can completely forget it. It probably would be best if it hurts you this much."

"No." Spectra objected, "I'm done bottling up my feelings."

"Hm?"

Spectra looked into Dash's eyes and all she saw was pure concern within those rose-colored eyes, "I-..." The lump in her throat returned.

"Take your time." Rainbow said, putting a reassuring hoof on Spectra's shoulder.

"I... When I was taken from my mother... I was young, just a filly. So I don't remember much... But they took me to bring me to the..."

"The what, Spec?"

Spectra looked away and winced as she spoke her next words, "The Rainbow Factory..."

"Wh- What?" Rainbow asked, unable to believe her cousin. She just looked away.

Spectra waited for Dash to respond. She assumed the worse, "I understand if you don't want to be acquainted with a ponycidal pegasus..."

Spectra began to walk away when Rainbow Dash spoke up, "Don't do that."

Spectra stopped in her tracks, "Huh?"

"Don't drop a bomb like that and then use ridiculous words I don't understand." She said half-joking.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything before I just didn't know how you would react... Do you hate-"

"No." Rainbow cut her off and began to hover above where she was sitting. She said one last thing before flying off, "Just... Don't come to work tomorrow..."

"But Dash... Wait." Spectra intervened, flying in Rainbow Dash's way.

"What do you want?"

"What's wrong? I thought I could tell you? What happened to the Element of Loyalty?"

"I guess I'm not as loyal to everypony..."

"Wha-"

"DON'T YOU GET IT?!" Spectra backed down at the pegasus's explosion, "Do you know what those damn pegasi did to me there?!"

"They got you too-?"

"YES!" Rainbow cut her off again, "They took me in there and brainwashed me to lead the operations!"

"I-"

"I almost killed my own sister due to it!! I'm just glad Scoots doesn't remember any of it!"

"... How doesn't she remember it?"

Because Zecora gave her a potion!" Rainbow replied, still in an explosion, "The only reason I didn't drink it was so they could trick me again!"

Rainbow Dash slowed down and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry Dash... I didn't know. I- I was forced to work there. I didn't want to-"

"NO! No. Just stop! You weren't brainwashed! You coulda done something!"

"I- I couldn't..."

"You could've! Just stop. I don't want an ex-Rainbow Facility worker on my weather team. Find a different place to work. You might not want to come back to Ponyville either if I were you..."

With that, Rainbow Dash darted away, leaving Spectra on the roof alone.

Spectra whacked her head against her hoof, Stupid! Why'd you tell her?! She began crying as she looked over the edge of her apartment building.

**********

Spectra went to say farewell to her mom before she flew away to go back to Ponyville. Sapphire asked her where she was going so quickly, Spectra hadn't replied.

She was not about a quarter of the way back to Ponyville. Her trip seemed to be longer this time. That's when she realized she didn't have Dash with her to keep her company.

Spectra began to weep lightly as she glided. She began to whisper lyrics to a song she had heard on Equestria Radio, "Don't leave me, I'm sorry. I'll fix this if it costed my life..."

At that moment, that song fit her situation perfectly. She hummed the song as she flew... As she wept...

Spectra spotted a tree close to the ground and glided down to it. She landed on a branch with ease and decided to sleep the night out. She was too tired and too upset to fly this late at night.

Spectra dozed off with tears in her eyes. Even though she knew they couldn't hear her she whispered, "Goodnight Dash... Sweet dreams..."

13 - You Can't Chase A Rainbow...

Spectra awoke to Celestia's sun glistening in her mane. She was well rested and ready to continue her journey back to Ponyville. She left as soon as she could.

**********

A few hours later, Spectra was able to see the small houses of Ponyville in the distance. Without thinking she began speeding toward town. That's when it hit her...

Who would I go to? Rainbow Dash doesn't want to see me again... And she may have convinced her friends already...

Spectra fluttered down and sat on the ground, defeated. Wasn't long before she shot back up again, I can go see Twilight! I've already told her and she doesn't have a problem with me.

With that Spectra sped toward the Ponyville Library. She dodge left and right, avoiding anypony in her way. Without stopping, Spectra flew right through the door. She had lost her balance and barreled right into a bookshelf. Books became mortars, falling atop her.

"What in Equestria is going on down there?! Spike, is that you?" Spectra heard a familiar, friendly voice call from upstairs.

"Uh..." Spectra called back.

"Oh Spectra! There you are! What happened?" Twilight said coming down the stairs.

"Oh, I kinda crashed. I'll clean it-"

"No, not that. I'll have Spike clean that. I mean, Rainbow Dash came home last night and you weren't with her. She wouldn't talk to any of us. Is she okay?"

"Well... I took your advice and told here."

"Okay. Good-"

"No, not good." Spectra interjected, "She hates me now because of being an ex-employee of the Rainbow Factory..."

"Oh my. Here, sit down. I'll go get Rainbow and we'll talk about it. Be right back." The princess said as she flew out the door.

**********

A little while later, the baby dragon came downstairs tiredly.

"Oh. Hey Spectra." Spike greeted with a wave as he wiped his tired eyes, "Where's Twi?"

"She went to get Rainbow Dash."

"Oh, alright. Is everything alright?" Spike looked to the mess of books, "What happened there?"

"Oh. I sorta crashed... Twilight wanted you to clean it. But I got it seeing as I made the mess-"

"No can do Miss Spectra Hue!" Spike interjected with a smile, "I got it! And it's Twi's orders anyways. So I better do it."

"You sure Spike?"

"Of course!" He finished, picking a few books up and arranging them on a shelf.

Spectra noticed the dragon having trouble reaching a higher shelf. She trotted over to him and boosted Spike up on her back.

"Thanks Spectra!" Spike thanked, placing the books on the top shelf.

"No prob-"

With that, Twilight came bursting through the front door of the library. Spike fell off of Spectra out of being startled.

"Twi, what's wrong?" Spike asked quickly.

"I can't find Rainbow Dash!" Twilight replied in a harried rush.

"What?" Spectra asked, confused.

Twilight spoke shakily. She began to tear up, "I went to her Cloudominium, and she wasn't there! All I found was this note and I looked all over Ponyville. I couldn't find her anywhere!"

Spectra took the note from Twilight. The note was clearly Rainbow's mouth-writing. The note read, I went for a fly. Please don't come looking for me. I don't want to be found. I just want to be alone right now.

Spectra pondered as she read the note over and over again. Then it hit her, "The mountain..." Spectra mumbled.

"What?" Twilight questioned.

Spectra looked up from the note, "I know where she is. You guys stay here. I'll be right back."

Before Twilight could say anything, Spectra darted out the door and flew off toward the tallest mountain outside of Ponyville.

**********

Spectra glided slowly as she approached the peak. There she found who she was looking for. A cyan, spectrum-maned pegasus. Crouched over the edge of the mountain.

Spectra landed with ease, silently behind Rainbow Dash. She heard the drooping pegasus sniffle. Rainbow Dash was crying...

"D- Dash...?" Spectra greeted calmly, trying not to startle her cousin.

Rainbow turned around quickly and looked at Spectra, "Didn't I tell you to stay in Manehatten?!" She asked in a slight yell. Dash began to flutter above where she was sitting and was getting defensive, "Leave now!!"

"No. Dash. I'm not going anywhere."

"Leave now or I-"

"You'll what Dash? Hit me? Buck me in the muzzle? Go ahead. It won't hurt anything like what I've been through before."

"I- I'll-" Rainbow Dash looked over the edge, "... I'll jump..."

Spectra practically ignored that statement, "You know. Everypony always told me, suicide's just the cowards way out. And I know you Dash. You wouldn't jump. Even if you did. You would just pull up before hitting the bottom."

"I- You-" Rainbow was defeated, "Please... Just leave... Me alone..." She had full on tears in her eyes, and Spectra noticed her mane all ruffed up.

"No. I need you to come back to the library with me. We need to talk... You need to tell Twilight what you told me..."

"I can't! The other ponies won't like me if they knew!"

"So you know how I feel then..."

"Wha-" Spectra knew Rainbow understood now, "I'm sorry..."

"You have no right to be. I understand why you got mad."

"No. 'Cause I do. I freaked out because I didn't want to revisit those memories... I guess I took it out on you Spec... Can you forgive me?"

With that, Spectra took Rainbow Dash into her embrace and gave her teary cousin the biggest hug ever. Rainbow gave in to her sappiness and returned the hug.

"Now, let's get to the library. You should tell somepony else. Twilight will understand. She was the first I told."

As Spectra was straitening her wings and got ready to lift off, Rainbow spoke up, "I love ya Spectra..."

Spectra chuckled, "Getting a little sappy there on me Dash?" She winked at her sniffling, yet happy cousin.

"Heheh..." Rainbow returned the chuckle, "Just don't tell anypony."

"I won't as long as you don't." She replied, sticking a tongue out at the cyan pegasus.

Rainbow Dash playfully punched Spectra in the side and the two reunited friends flew away and made their way toward Ponyville.

14 - Bright Spectrum, Colorful Rainbows

Rainbow and Spectra trotted through the front door laughing at a joke Spectra had told.

"You two seem better now." The purple alicorn greeted with a smile from her couch. She had a book within her magical aura.

"Yeah. We worked everything out." Spectra replied. She looked to Rainbow, "But Dash has something to tell you." She gave Dash a nudge.

"Um..." Rainbow Dash began, "Well..."

Rainbow explained to Twilight everything she had told Spectra. From the brainwashing, to the ponycides she was forced to commit, even about Scootaloo.

"Oh my..." Twilight said in a gasp, "So both of you had to deal with this?"

The two pegasi just returned a nod.

"Oh. This is horrible... This can't happen again. To nopony." Twilight stated as she grabbed a scroll and began writing.

"What are you writing Twi?" Rainbow asked.

"A note to Princess Celestia. She needs to know about this."

"She already knows..." Spectra broke in.

"Wait... What?"

"She ordered the pegasi to start the Rainbow Operations." Spectra sighed, "You read that in the book of yours, didn't you?"

"I... I haven't finished it... But really? Celestia ordered for that all to happen?"

Spectra nodded softly.

"Well then... I've got to stop it! I've got to tell Celestia that she cannot do this."

"It's over." Rainbow cut in.

"Huh?" Twilight was very confused.

Rainbow Dash continued, "The Rainbow Factory was discontinued, due to the horrid actions..."

"Oh... Then that's good. Isn't it?" Twilight asked.

Spectra perked up, "Of course it is! Nopony should EVER go through what me and Rainbow went through!"

"Okay... Well... Now that that's all settled." Twilight replied calmly, "How about we head off to Sugarcube Corner? We can invite the girls."

"Sounds good to me!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

**********

When the three mares arrived at Sugarcube Corner, they were immediately greeted my their hyper pink friend, "Hi! How's it going?" She gasped, "Did you guys go to Manehatten?! Did you find Rainbow's aunt? Are you guys related like I thought?! Oh my gosh! Are you?! It would be GREAT if you are!"

Spectra chuckled as Pinkie rambled, "Yes Pinkie. Turns out Rainbow's Aunt Sapphire, is my mother. And Rainbow Dash is my cousin." She smiled at Dash, who was now anxiously waiting for Applejack to arrive.

Pinkie gasped again, "You know what this calls for?!"

"Oh no... Pinkie. Please-"

"FAMILY REUNION PARTY!!!"

With that the bouncy pony flew to the back room and came running back out with some sort of cotton candy colored cannon.

"Come on everypony! Let's give Dashie and Spectra a super duper party!" She pulled a string and the cannon fired out confetti all over Spectra.

Spectra chuckled as she swept the confetti off of her. Her chuckles became full laughter.

The front door to Sugarcube Corner opened and Applejack, followed by Rarity and Fluttershy, trotted in.

"Howdy everypony!" Applejack greeted.

Rarity joined in, "You guys didn't start the party without us, did you?" She asked with a wink.

"Not at all!" Pinkie exclaimed, "We're just starting!" Pinkie Pie trotted to a nearby radio and flicked it on. Party music began playing.

Rainbow Dash joined Applejack and they began to chat. Fluttershy and Rarity were talking about some outfit for Fluttershy's bunny, Angel. And Twilight was laughing with Pinkie, over a joke Pinkie had told.

Spectra was in the the middle of the room. If the others weren't distracted, she was sure all of them would've seen the biggest goofy smile on her face.

Spectra was the happiest mare in the world right at that moment. She had six great friends, was reunited with her family, and best of all, she didn't have to suffer from her horrid memories alone.

As she was in mid-thought, Spectra felt gnawing on her hoof. She looked down to find Pinkie's pet alligator, Gummy.

"Hey there, Gummy was it?"

Gummy gave a blank look to her.

Spectra picked Gummy up and put him on her back. She trotted over to Rainbow, who was playing a game with Applejack.

"Whatcha doing?" Spectra asked the blindfolded pegasus.

Rainbow Dash lifted the blindfold over her eyes, "AJ bet me that I can't pin the tail on the pony first try. I'm gonna prove her wrong!" She gave a mischievous smile to Applejack.

"Ya'll pin that tail right here an' Ah'll pay off yer bet. If ya don't. Well, let's jus' say, ya'll owe me." Applejack replied with a wink.

"Whatever AJ." Rainbow said, replacing the blindfold.

Spectra chuckled and left the two lovebirds alone. She trotted to Rarity and Fluttershy, who were discussing designs.

"And what may you girls be doing?" Spectra greeted.

"Oh... Rarity is just showing me some designs for a outfit I requested for Angel Bunny..." Fluttershy replied in her soft voice.

"This one is just perfect for his coat Fluttershy." Rarity stated, pointing to a outfit design in her book.

"Oh, I think he'll love that one Rarity." Flutteshy replied.

Spectra smiled and moved on to Twilight and Pinkie Pie.

"How are you doing Spectra? Enjoying your party?" Twilight greeted.

"I'm good. The party is great. Thanks a bunch Pinkie."

Pinkie laughed, "No need to thank me! It's what I do silly billy!" She dunked her muzzle into her punch.

Spectra giggled a the hyper mare's actions.

She was right. This was her happiest moment she had ever been, ever. Being right there, right at that moment. She finally felt like herself. She didn't feel scared, or out-of-place. This was the first time in years, Spectra finally felt like she was... Home. She was accepted. And the content, green pegasus couldn't ask for any more...

A tear of happiness fell from her eye.

**********

Later that night, everypony was still partying. Spectra, however, went upstairs to the balcony of the bakery. Nothing was wrong. She just wanted to relax.

Spectra stared into Luna's abyss. Stars twinkling here, and there. Absolutely beautiful.

"Well. I guess I did it." Spectra began to speak to herself, "No longer will I put up with my own fears of my past."

Spectra knew she was talking to herself. Or so she thought...

"And that's wonderful. I am proud of you Spectra Hue."

Spectra got up in a jolt and looked to the voice. It was a dark blue-ish purple alicorn. She had a moon as her cutie mark.

"P- Princess Luna?" Spectra questioned, confused at the princess's appearance.

"Surprised to see me?" Luna joked.

"A little bit..." Spectra said, trying to return the sarcasm, "Why are you here?"

"I've come to congratulate you Miss Hue. You've endured what may have been your biggest challenge in life so far."

"I have...?"

"Indeed. And you have made it out. Just as you have every time before. You are very special Spectra. Make sure you remember that."

"Thanks you princess." Spectra replied, bowing to the princess of the night.

"You are very welcome. Now, I shall let you get back to your party. Be proud for your newfound friendship with these ponies."

"I will princess. Thank you. Goodnight." Spectra said farewell.

Princess Luna opened her wings gracefully and flew off into her nighttime. Spectra just smiled and laid back on the balcony floor.

A few minutes later, she heard another familiar voice behind her, "How's it going?"

It was Rainbow Dash, "Oh. Hi. Why'd you leave the party?" Spectra replied.

"I should ask you the same thing." Rainbow said jokingly.

Spectra chuckled, "Well, I'm just resting out here. I guess I tend to stargaze when I need to think."

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"Eh... Just me, you, and the girls inside."

"Wanna share?"

"Well... There's not much to share." Spectra began, "I'm just really happy. That's all."

"Ah. Okay." Rainbow trotted over and laid down next to Spectra.

The two pegasi just laid silent most of the night. Several instances, Dash would point out a constellation here or Spectra would point out a shooting star there. They were happy and content.

They were quite surprised when Pinkie came outside, "Hey girls! What are you ponies doing out here? Come inside! We aren't finished with your party yet!"

Spectra gave a look to Pinkie, and then to Rainbow, "Sure. Let's go Dash. It is our party in there."

Rainbow chuckled as Spectra helped her up. Spectra, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie went inside with the others for a long night of partying.

The End...

Or is it...?

Epilogue - Dashes of Spectrum

It's been about three months. Spectra decided to stay in Ponyville for the time being. She still visits her mother in Manehatten every once in a while. But for the most part, she stays in Ponyville with her new friends. Each day she either wakes up to a peaceful morning, or to her cousin, Rainbow Dash, jumping on her to get her up. Some ponies would say Spectra had a crazy life. But for Spectra, she couldn't be anymore happier with her life than how it was now.

This day, Spectra had her normal routine. She woke, went to work with Rainbow Dash. They fooled around here and there while getting the cloud busting done. After work, Spectra and Dash would head to Sugarcube Corner to meet with their friends.

Twilight would talk about some new book she was reading, and Spectra would oddly listen in intently. Pinkie Pie would be her normal, hyper earth pony self. Applejack and Rainbow would flirt with each other or make ridiculous bets on which was better. And for Spectra, she would just go with the flow.

I'm done having something like a suppressed memory control my life, She would think to herself.

Each night Spectra would go to sleep and dream of cloud busting, her mother in Manehatten, or just her and Rainbow Dash, flying freely. Spectra was, for once, carefree in her own happy state.

Until one, inevitable night...

Darkness surrounded Spectra as she looked around. She tried to run, but she was chained to the floor. Spectra called out, "Hello? Is anypony there?" Suddenly, machines whirred. The sound of crashing pistons began to fire. And then, a flash of light. The room around her revealed itself...

The nightmares have returned...